Wisdom of Friends with Kal Aras

When life doesn’t hand you opportunities, you create them. Think Bigger Lina has never stepped away from a challenge and inspires others to face the impossible and experience unprecedented success. At just age 14, growing up in communist Bulgaria, she realized that her future lay in earning a scholarship to an American university. Undeterred by the overwhelming political and social challenges, Lina pioneered a way for countless other student athletes to achieve the same dream. After graduating as an Academic All-American with a degree in Biology, Lina turned to beach volleyball in pursuit of her Olympic dream. In mere months, Lina climbed from the bottom of the ranking to represent her home country at the Olympics. Lina and her sister played at both Sydney in 2000 and Athens in 2004. Since then, Lina has pursued her post sport career with equal passion and determination. This resulted in her launching an international company, guiding student athletes to achieve their goals by learning crucial skills for success at the next level. She also works with former elite athletes and Olympians, helping them find success in the business arena

Lauren Gibbs is a bobsled brakewoman who has been on the U.S. national team since the 2014-15 season. In her Olympic debut at the Olympic Winter Games PyeongChang 2018, Gibbs earned silver with pilot Elana Meyers Taylor. Gibbs has also earned 2016 world championships bronze and 14 world cup medals. Follow her journey to the 2022 Winter Games on Instagram and Twitter.  

Born from a cumulation of my skills as an Olympic Athlete, my love of fitness, coaching, Shamanic training and teaching while working with clients worldwide in helping them to step into their highest and best selves and lastly as a student of life. I have a holistic view on fitness, health and overall wellbeing (healing). While my coaching style works with the conscious mind, much of the healing work I offer works patterns, new life skill while working with the subconscious mind to identify and easily release out grown patterns, beliefs, and imbalances that ripples throughout our lives. In turn, real change happens which is that of standing in our truth, our power and our passions. – Jillian Vogtli Show Notes: Website, Linked In, Social Media  

Pearl Milind Colvalcar was recently honored with the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar 2020 (President’s Medal - National Award Winner for Children 2020) by President of India Ram Nath Kovind, for her excellence in sports. The 13-year-old student is a champion at sailing – skiff and windsurfing – and aims to represent India at the Asian level in near future. “Skiff sailing is not known to many. It is heart-warming to see Pearl Milind Colvalcar excel in this unique area. Interacting with her, I got to know that she has also won the “Youngest Sailor” Award at a sailing event in Hyderabad”. ~ Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India congratulating Pearl Colvalcar

Breeja Larson is an American competition swimmer who specializes in the breaststroke, and is an Olympic gold medalist. She earned a gold medal in the 4×100-meter medley relay at the 2012 Summer Olympics. Larson was born in Mesa, Arizona, one of seven sisters. She later moved to Boise, Idaho where she attended Centennial High School in Boise, Idaho for three years and graduated from Mountain View High School in Mesa in 2010. She swam for the Centennial Patriot and Mountain View Toros high school swim teams. As a senior, she was the state runner-up in the 100-yard breaststroke. She also lettered in softball and track and field. She attended Texas A&M University, where she swam for the Texas A&M Aggies swimming and diving team in National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) competition from 2011 to 2014. As a freshman, she finished second in both the 100-yard and 200-yard breaststroke at the 2011 NCAA Women's Swimming and Diving Championships; as a sophomore in 2012, she was the NCAA national champion in the 100-yard breaststroke, and finished third in the 200-yard event. She was a senior during the 2013–14 school year. She also graduated from Titans of Investing, A&M Class 19 Show Notes: Breeja Larson Linked In, Instagram

Michelle Dalbec, E-RYT 500, is a passionate professional level teacher and educator.  Michelle hosts educational and experiential yoga programs, delivers dynamic and motivational workshops, and directs professional teacher trainings all over the country.  She teaches with the intention to inspire authentic alignment, expression, and movement.  Whether she’s teaching restorative yoga or vigorous vinyasa, meditation or conscious communication, she leads with an inquiry based approach that empowers students to realize their full potential and individuality.  Michelle believes that yoga is for everyone, a life-long journey of self-discovery and growth both on and off the mat. Michelle feels it’s her passion and purpose to educate people about everything yoga so they can use the tools of yoga to create a wholehearted life. Show Notes: Website, Blog, Resources

Holly Duckworth, CAE, CMP, LSP is a trailblazing keynote speaker and applied mindful leadership advisor. As a contributor to the New York Times, Producer/Host of the Everyday Mindfulness Show, and columnist to countless industry publications she works with stressed-out leaders to create, peace, presence, and profits. Holly’s career began in the world of non-profits and volunteer leadership teaching thousands of association staff and volunteers how to “reboot” for success. Today she takes the best of her strategic vision expertise, blends it with mindful leadership practices and her event background to curate experiential events that change hearts, minds and companies. Our world has become mind less. Thru mindfulness training Holly works with you to know what mindfulness is, what it is not. Then apply your mindfulness techniques to produce more productive and profitable organizations. Holly’s was named Meetings Today 2018 Trend Setter for her applied mindfulness work and 2016 Smart Meetings Woman of the Year. Holly’s current book Mindful Leadership: The Stress-Free Guide to leadership is a best seller and her award-winning book Ctrl+Alt+Believe: Reboot Your Association For Success has won two national awards. Holly believes mindfulness builds leaders and organizations that work for everyone. Show Notes: Website, Blog, Resources

Melanie earned her Executive MBA at the University of Washington, Foster School of Business. As a powerful national speaker speaking on topics about brand building, customer experience, generational marketing, and social media. She is the founder and president of Omicle LLC, a brand experience firm and Brand or Culture, a publishing company. She lives in the Pacific Northwest with her two children, a four-legged cat and a two legged son. She loves to hike, experiment in the kitchen, and dance.  Show Notes: Website, Blog, LinkedIn

David George Brooke – That Gratitude Guy, has been a speaker, coach, and bestselling author for over 25 years. His published works include “The Brooker’s Daily Gratitude Journal”, “Six Word Lessons to Embrace Gratitude”, and a number of other books on gratitude. Show Notes: Website, Books, Coaching

Anna Liotta, creator of Generationally Savvy™ Communication Solutions, is an award-winning speaker, business consultant, and author. She engages audiences with her practical strategies for attracting, growing, and retaining top talent and loyal clients from every generation. Anna integrates communications, sociology, business psychology, and demography to unify workplaces and dramatically improve company performance. Her expertise and insight have helped such companies as Pike Place Market, Intel, Wells Fargo, Microsoft, Amazon, the PGA, NBA, and United Way. Show Notes: Website, Book , Blog

Bill Stainton is a multiple Emmy Award-winning TV producer, writer, and performer; an author; a business humorist; and an internationally-recognized Beatles expert. He blends the business smarts he learned from twenty years in corporate management with the show biz sparks he garnered from working with people like Jerry Seinfeld, Ellen DeGeneres, and Bill Nye the Science guy to create entertaining and enlightening presentations enjoyed by audiences around the world! As the executive producer of Seattle’s legendary comedy TV show Almost Live!, Bill led a talented and highly creative team to unparalleled success: a #1 rating for ten straight years, and over 100 Emmy Awards (29 of which went to Bill). At the same time, he also owned his own corporate training company, authoring nine training programs in subjects ranging from Office Politics to Customer Service to Team Motivation. He’s been quoted in The Wall Street Journal and Forbes, and is a regular columnist for Seattle Business magazine. From Maine to Malaysia, Bill is committed to helping his audiences achieve their highest potential— while maintaining a sense of fun along the way! Show Notes: Website, LinkedIn Producing Results Blog

Elevia DeNobelia  Elevia is like an Alice in Wonderland; a perpetual explorer. Her curiosity informs and instigates her journey.     Elevia’s origins lie in simple but sublime beginnings. In the midst of what others would describe as trying circumstances, she made the most of her wonderful family life, developing a solid foundation of sturdy character. A focus she has spent her life extending and refining. From unusual relationships, living in a desert without electricity and running water and no close neighbours, having restaurants, one on top of a mountain, close interactions with a tribe of Bushmen, owning and running retail stores, to leaving it all behind to start over on a new continent with many attendant adventures too numerous to mention, Elevia’s perpetual focus on learning and growth has served her well. Always everything to her was all under the umbrella focus of Self-Discovery and the Application of her continual learning. Each circumstance and situation adding volumes to her personal story and internal growth. Ever the lover of knowledge and personal development, Elevia set about engaging the world with the totality of her being. Everything she does, has done, has that component of developing and furthering her Awareness, Discernment and Understanding.  Syl Sebastian A Philosopher-Writer focusing on the Application of a comprehensive Practical-Personal-Philosophy. Creator of: The Philosophy of Appropriateness From age 10, on the day he literally exploded a light-bulb, Syl Sabastian’s acute life-long love affair with Understanding began. Since then his focus on, and love of Awareness, or more accurately his struggle with non-awareness, has never let-up. An intense reader in his youth, Syl absorbed over a book a day, including the classics read in chronological order, culminating in extensive science-fiction/fantasy/speculative reading. After transitioning to Applying and Living his philosophies, Appropriately, with Attunement the ever-present motivation and catalyst, it all morphed in time to an earnest propensity to write and communicate. Syl and His Heart have owned restaurants, stores, online businesses, and travelled the world, while implementing and enjoying their life-perspectives of which he writes so deeply. As Biella is so fond of saying, "and there's More..." Often offering multiple sides of an argument, he provokes self-introspection. His aim is to uncover Appropriateness, Awareness, Attention, Application, Attunement, and more, with a unique, high-level understanding of the profound intricacies that interlace these concepts Show Notes: Website Programs, Courses Workshops Facebook Group: 

Cathy Fyock is is Your Possibility Partner, providing you with the intensive support you need to get your book DONE.  She is the author of eight published books and several forthcoming books, six workbooks, four e-learning modules, chapters in four books, website tool kits, as well as hundreds of articles, blog posts, white papers, and newsletters, and has mastered the art of getting a book on paper quickly, and then using her speaking and writing to generate revenue streams and create new business opportunities.  She leads her own consulting/coaching/speaking practice and has been a member of the National Speakers Association for more than 20 years.  Cathy has been a Certified Speaking Professional (CSP) since 1993. Prior to this new direction, Cathy has been an Employment Strategist, combining her knowledge of work force issues and her talents as a speaker, consultant and author to inspire business leaders to attract and engage top talent and improve productivity in an aging and changing workplace.  She has worked as the leader of her own firm—Innovative Management Concepts—for more than 20 years, and has been a consultant with several national/regional consulting practices. She has consistently used her writing skills to promote her business, build credibility, create powerful revenue streams, and establish herself as a thought-leader.  While never picked for the high school newspaper or seen as a “writer” by any of her teachers, she consistently uses writing to build her business, and to help other speakers, consultants, and small business owners use writing to meet their business objectives. Cathy helps aspiring consultants through her webinars and coaching programs, and supports small business owners, consultants and speakers in leveraging speaking and writing to build their businesses through a variety of services, including her books, webinar programs, one-on-one and group coaching programs, and consulting. Show Notes - Cathy Fyock - Website Book Recommendations - Here Cathy’s Credo and Writer’s Pledge - Here  

Prema Lee Gurreri is committed to creating a world where everyone is empowered to live according to their soul blueprint: on purpose, in a way that is aligned with their high-value gifts and their birthright of true wealth. Prema guides and teaches entrepreneurs, visionaries, and change agents to lead with their unique, divine gifts and talents, and fully align with their purpose and passion to create wealth for themselves and the world simply by being who they are and doing what they love to do. Our souls already know what we are supposed to do to create wealth and make our impact. Prema reveals your Soul Success Map™ and helps you unlock your Sacred Wealth Code® to discover your unique, divine gifts and talents. With these, you can find and engage in a conscious business where you will thrive. Prema believes that our core purpose is to be true to ourselves so we can claim our power and wholeness and manifest wealth in our own unique and meaningful ways. When we do what we are uniquely great at―rather than what we are merely good at―we invoke the power of our soul blueprint and our divine birthright. She created her Soulutionary® programs and services to empower clients to lead lives poised at the intersection of prosperity and purpose, and live from the hearts of their Sacred Wealth Codes. Show Notes - Prema’s Website - Here Books - Here LinkedIn Profile - Here  

Herb Pearce, M.Ed., is one of the most knowledgeable and skilled teachers of the Enneagram today. He has taught well over 2000 Enneagram workshops, trainings and presentations to the public and to hundreds of organizations. Having vast experience working as a psychotherapist using this system, Herb Pearce has worked with hundreds of individuals and couples to understand and communicate well to all types of people. He leads team building trainings in companies, is a public speaker, workshop presenter and personal life coach and author of 6 books. The Enneagram explains 9 different personality types or styles and how each type experiences the world in a very unique way. Having this knowledge is a lifesaver in terms of understanding yourself, understanding the major filter in which others see the world, and learning how to relate to others in ways that are much more effective. You’ll learn the 9 types, discover your type, and gain the knowledge to relate effectively to each of the 9 types. Herb’s teaching style is entertaining, informative and crystal clear. Show Notes - Herb Pearce Books and Website - Here Contact and Sign up for Herb’s Email Newsletter that includes positive tips - Here Herb’s Media Page - Here Herbs Workshops and Events - Here  

When your message must be memorable, your presentation powerful, and your sale successful, call Patricia Fripp. One of the few professional speakers who can transform the presentation skills of others, she is an executive speech coach and sales presentation skills trainer. Kiplinger's Personal Finance wrote that one of the best investments you can make in your career is Patricia Fripp’s presentation skills training. Patricia simplifies and demystifies the process of preparing and presenting powerful, persuasive presentations. She delivers her message through keynote speeches, breakout sessions, and in-depth customized training and coaching. Patricia is now virtually everywhere with FrippVT, her interactive, learn-at-your-own-pace, virtual presentation skills training. Named “One of the 10 most electrifying speakers in North America” by Meetings and Conventions magazine, Patricia delivers high-content, entertaining, dramatically memorable presentations. She has won and been awarded these designations by the National Speakers Association: Certified Speaking Professional (CSP), CPAE, Hall of Fame keynote speaker, and the Cavett Award (considered the Oscar of speaking). Patricia is a past president, and the first female president, of the over 3,500-member National Speakers Association. She is a member of the highly prestigious Speakers Roundtable, an invitation-only group of highly regarded professional speakers, authors, and consultants. Patricia teams up with her brother, legendary guitarist of King Crimson, Robert Fripp, for Fripp and Fripp presentations on “How to Be a Hero for More Than One Day” and “Beginner to Master.” She is the author of Make It So You Don't Have to Fake It! and Get What You Want! and co-author of Speaker's Edge, Speaking Secrets of the Masters and Insights Into Excellence. Fripp Virtual Training’s Powerful, Persuasive Presentations is a multimillion-dollar, state-of-the-art, web-based training platform that emulates live training and coaching. It is almost as if Patricia Fripp were sitting right there with you. Join FrippVT.  

Andrew Prokopis is a licensed and practicing clinical psychologist in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and California. He also provides professional and life coaching to clients. He has a wide-range of formal education and professional trainings. In addition, he has many years of practicing meditation and studying various mindfulness approaches. He has offices in Massachusetts and New Hampshire and provides services in-person, on the telephone, and through video-conferencing.  

Workforce thought leader Cara Silletto, MBA, works with organizations of all sizes to reduce unnecessary employee turnover by bridging generational gaps and making managers more effective in their roles. As a Millennial herself, she knows first-hand what it is like to have a heightened sense of entitlement, very little employee loyalty and a dependency upon her smart phone. However, unlike many Millennials, Cara has figured out exactly how these attributes were cultivated during her formative years, and she now shares that story with leaders across the country, including teams at Toyota, UPS, Cintas and Humana. Cara learned early in her career, from her Baby Boomer and GenX mentors, what “professionalism” meant to them, and absorbed critical information about management expectations during her first decade in the business world. She then went on to earn her Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) from the top-ranked University of Louisville Entrepreneurship program, lived overseas teaching German executives about business practices in the U.S., and then started her consulting firm, Crescendo Strategies, in 2012.  Today, at age 37, she’s a highly-sought-after national speaker conducting 50 to 100 engagements annually. Louisville Business First recently named her one of their 2018 Forty Under 40 young professionals. Workforce Magazine in Chicago named Cara a “Game Changer” for her innovative approach to solving generational issues in the workplace and Recruiter.com listed her in their “Top 10 Company Culture Experts to Watch,” list. She is also the author of the 2018 book, Staying Power: Why Your Employees Leave & How to Keep Them Longer. Show Notes: Website: Crescendo Strategies, Staying Power: Why Your Employees Leave & How to Keep Them Longer Social Media Links: LinkedIn | YouTube | Twitter 

John O’Learyis the only management consultant who has studied New Testament Greek at the Yale Divinity School, lived with the Grateful Dead, and hosted a cable TV talk show. He has also been a band leader/musician who opened shows for two dozen Rock & Roll Hall of Fame acts and shared dressing rooms with the likes of Eric Clapton, Joni Mitchell, Michael Bolton, Frank Zappa, and Muddy Waters.  But for over three decades John has been primarily immersed in organizational consulting, team training, and executive coaching. He has conducted more than 500 seminars on leadership, public speaking, and coaching—and has trained trainers to lead similar seminars for over 50,000 participants. He has worked with over a thousand leaders and hundreds of teams in diverse industries of all sizes.  John has also had the good fortune to work with renowned thought leaders in business including Peter Senge (The 5thDiscipline), Fernando Flores (On Computers and Cognition), Werner Erhard (founder of the est Training), and Tom Peters (In Search of Excellence).  For years he was a featured blogger on www.TomPeters.com, an internationally popular business website, and maintains his own blog at www.BusinessLessonsFromRock.com which draws teambuilding lessons from rock & roll bands. HR Worldhas dubbed it “one of the top 100 management and leadership blogs.”  Recent clients include: Anglo-American, Anthem/Wellpoint, Atrium Innovations, Cisco Systems, Commerce Bank, Deloitte & Touche, DHL, Johnson & Johnson, Lockheed Martin, Nestlé Health Science, Pfizer, Schindler, Teck Resources, and the US Army. John currently resides in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts.   Show Notes - Websites: John O’Leary, Books/Courses: Business Lessons from Rock, In Search of Excellence

Jeff Renner is a Professional Speaker, Moderator and Guide for Personal/Team Growth. He was a meteorologist and broadcast professional who forecasted the weather for KING 5 News, and NBC affiliate, in Seattle for more than 35 years. He holds the prestigious Certified Broadcast Meteorologist (CBM) designation from the American Meteorological Society, of which he is a member.  Accomplishments • Nine-time Emmy award winner • 40+ years in television news • 30+ years Chief Meteorologist • NASA Journalist in Space candidate • Author of six books • Commercial pilot, scuba diver, sailor, climber and skier Notable Field Assignments • The White House, Vatican • Severe Storms,Volcanic Eruptions Show Notes: Websites: Jeff Renner Books: Amazon Link

Pat Johnson started her professional career responsible for various aspects of learning programs within the Ministries of Health;   Community, Aboriginal, and Women Issues; Forests; and Advanced Education Training and Technology.  Pat was Director of Business Education and also Assistant Director of Learning & Development at BC Pension Corporation; and went to CRD as Manager, Workforce Development and Strategies. She has also trained with her own company internationally and within segments of the private sector.  Her credentials include certifications in change management and transitions; Fierce Conversations; MBTI; Emotional Intelligence; World Class Speaker Coach; as well as extensive experience with the fields of coaching, communication and leadership.  She is currently an ontological trained life coach in her own company, Pat Johnson & Associates, where she coaches individuals from various walks of life who aspire to achieve more in their life.  She also works for Accomplishment Coaching out of San Diego as a Mentor Coach, working with coaches who are currently enrolled in the training program.                    In 2010/11, she served Toastmasters International, the fastest growing not-for-profit educational organization in the world, as their International President and Chairman of the Board – the only Canadian woman President in the organization’s 93 year history.  As President, Pat oversaw some 300,000 active members from 116 countries and earned her reputation for inclusive, fair and honest leadership at the global level.  She has a unique understanding of global leadership and experience standing on the world stage unafraid. A truly International leader and speaker, Pat has spoken in Australia, Caribbean, Germany, India, Ireland, Japan, Mainland China, Malaysia, Portugal, Singapore, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, United Kingdom, and across the United States and Canada as both a keynote speaker and an educator. She continues to mentor a number of leaders worldwide. She has recently completed a 3.5 year term as Manager of 250 international consultants who advised on the development of new curriculum for an international educational organization; served on a number of advisory committees and chaired an international convention held in Vancouver during August 2017 where the global community came together.  She co-chaired the inaugural post-convention Alaska Cruise from Vancouver to Hubbard Glacier.   Pat recently published her first book entitled, “A Handbook for Building and Sustaining Vibrant Toastmasters Programs in Corporations” and was a keynote presenter at the International Convention in Chicago in August 2018. Within her local community, Pat has served as a Board Member with the Victoria Women’s Transition House Society and as a mentor for Leadership Victoria for five years.  She served on an Advisory Board at UVic for Adult Education programs for several years and coached the Commonwealth Games Speakers’ Bureau. She is a past member of the Saanich Rotary Club where she was awarded the Paul Harris Fellow, is a current member of Toastmasters International and also curls out of the Victoria Curling Club. Show Notes: Websites: Pat Johnson, LinkedIn, Accomplishment Coaching, Toastmasters International Book Recommendations:

For the first thirty years of her life, Carla was a performing and teaching musician. She earned a B. A. in piano performance (high honors, Phi Beta Kappa), and a masters’ degree in arts, major in music theory. For several years, Carla taught flute and piano in colleges and gave private lessons. Moving to Seattle, Washington while pregnant with her son Chris (yes, it’s Chris Cross, and he owns a real estate company now….), Carla started selling real estate as a fluke when Chris was 14 months old. (Her training was really ‘in the field’!) With no training and little guidance, Carla still found she loved selling real estate, because it was a challenge and a contrast to music. She attained recognition in the top 1% of her 400 agent company in her third year in the business. While setting sales records, she kept playing music and teaching for several years. (Her Professional Portfolio is the result of the insights she got transferring her musical background to real estate excellence). Now, Carla runs her coaching and training company, while attempting to get her body in shape by letting a personal trainer torture her three times a week. She thoroughly enjoys working with her professional real estate coaches as a cohesive team and seeing awesome clients achieve their goals quickly. Always creating new programs, Carla is now working on an inspirational book and a ‘inner coaching’ guide. More About Carla: •Creator of the best-known, most used new agent start-up plan in the world, Up and Running in 30 Days. •She’s been a presenter at the last 16 National Association of Realtor Conventions. •She has been the choice of CRB for their featured speaker at the last 4 NAR conventions. •She’s appeared on CNN and CNBC, as well as dozens of radio programs. •She’s been published over 300 times in major real estate magazines and newsletters. •Carla is a National Association of Realtors National Realtor Educator of the Year. •She’s a Washington State Realtor Educator of the Year. •She attained status as a master level CRB instructor, instructor of the Certified Real Estate Broker designation (CRB); author of several CRB Managers’ Courses, including the business planning course. SHOW NOTES: Website - Carla Cross Resources and Recommendations: Games People Play: The Basic Book of Transactional Analysis  Eric Berne A great book on how to understand human behavior and how to interact with various behavioral types Frogs Into Princes  John Grinder and Richard Bandler     Neuro-Linguistic Programming Another method to understand how people think and how best to communicate with them Sacred Cows Make the Best Burgers - Developing Change-Driving People and Organization Robert Kriegel and David Brandt       Great examples of change resistance and the steps companies must take to initiate change successfully Piano Lessons: Music, Love & True Adventures, Noah Adams Not just a book about an adult learning to play piano, this book traces Adams’s odyssey to learn to play the piano as an adult, and his exceptional interviews with famous pianists from his time on All Things Considered Conative Connection: Acting on Instinct, Kathy Kolbe Analyzes how we get into action (not just how we learn); so important for anyone wanting to take action with more assurance, and great for coaches Built to Last: Successful Habits of Visionary Companies, James C. Collins and Jerry I. Porras Gives examples of vision and how some companies really stand out, while others are good but not exceptional; the best business book on earth! Drive: the Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us Daniel H. Pink All of Pink’s books are illuminating; for those of us who coach, understanding contemporary motivation and to successfully motivate now is a must!    Note: Unfortunately, the quality of this audio recording was compromised due to technical issues, and we were able to restore some of it with some audio engineering brilliance. We appreciate your patience and understanding while listening to it.    

Kent Bicknell grew up in central New Hampshire and resides there still. In 1973 Kent became founding head of Sant Bani School and stayed as a teaching head for 44 years, retiring in 2017. He was a Scholar of the House at Yale University, and holds a master’s degree from Goddard College and a doctorate in curriculum from Boston University. Kent has been involved in education for five decades, including over forty years on the Advisory Council of the New Hampshire Commissioner of Education and six years as a commissioner with the New England Association of Schools and Colleges. He has served as a consultant to schools across the U.S. as well as in Bhutan, Canada, Colombia, Guatemala, India and Venezuela. In 2018 Kent published Stepping Stones: The First Five Years of Sant Bani School (1973-1978). This history of the founding and formative years of a unique school has received strong endorsement from educators across the country.   An independent scholar whose work has been published in a variety of journals, Kent’s main interests are the New England Transcendentalists – Henry David Thoreau, Ralph Waldo Emerson, and the Alcott Family: their educational pedagogy and how they were inspired by the spiritual wisdom of Asia. In 1995, he acquired, edited and published the manuscript of A Long Fatal Love Chase, a gothic thriller by Louisa May Alcott that became a New York Times best seller.      Kent’s spiritual quest in the ‘60s culminated in receiving initiation in 1968 from Master Kirpal Singh (1894-1974) of New Delhi, India. In 1976 he came close to Sant Ajaib Singh (1926-1997) of Rajasthan, India. After more than twenty-five visits to India as well as traveling extensively in Central and South America with Sant Ji, he published Rainbow On My Heart: A Memoir of the Early Years of the Mission of Sant Ajaib Singh (2002).     Show Notes: Little Green Light: www.littlegreenlight.com  

She’s back! .... At age 52 Carol Gardner was divorced, depressed and in debt for over a million dollars. Her divorce attorney laughingly suggested that Gardner needed a new chapter in her life and that she now had a choice: get a therapist or get a dog. Gardner chose ‘DOG.’ And that dog turned her life around. Zelda, a short, stout English bulldog became an instant success, appearing on Hallmark greeting cards, books, calendars, cookie jars and just about every other imaginable product.  Now at age 72, Carol Gardner is back... this time touting Zelda’s boyfriend, a rescued dog named MaxDaddy. When Carol rescued MaxDaddy, he came to her with a lot of issues such as arthritis and joint pain. In her research to find help for MaxDaddy, Carol was introduced to CBD, the non- psychoactive oil from Hemp.There were small companies producing dog treats and oils containing CBD, but they weren’t up to Gardner’s standards. Fast forward to NOW. Carol and her business partners pulled together a ‘Top Dog’ team of Ph.D. scientists, a marketing verbal/visual master, and two business pros. The results? Gardner’s new company, MaxDaddy Inc., was created to help dogs with anxiety, seizures, arthritis, joint pain, mobility and itching issues. The company now offers MaxDaddy Bark Nuggets and MaxDaddy Bark Dust. Not only are these CBD products helping MaxDaddy with his joint pain and arthritis, but also CBD is helping his girlfriend, the famous Zelda #3. Zelda is anxious… to say the least. She’s a super star with stage fright and anxiety related issues. MaxDaddy’s CBD Bark Dust has come to the rescue. Zelda was rescued by her own rescue dog boyfriend, MaxDaddy. The future for Gardner’s new company?  Zelda thinks the future for both MaxDaddy and Gardner is looking grrrrreat! Show Notes:  Carol Gardner websites: MaxDaddy,   Zeldawisdom

Brad Yates is known internationally for his creative and often humorous use of Tapping, also known as EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques). Brad is the author of the best-selling children's book "The Wizard's Wish," the co-author of the best-seller "Freedom at Your Fingertips," and a featured expert in the film “The Tapping Solution,” He has also been a presenter at a number of events, including Jack Canfield's Breakthrough to Success, has done teleseminars with “The Secret” stars Bob Doyle and Dr. Joe Vitale, and has been heard internationally on a number of internet radio talk shows.  Brad also has well over 750 videos on YouTube, that have been viewed over 21 million times.    Show Notes: Brad Yates - YouTube Videos,  Website Book Recommendation: illusions by Richard Bach

Gary Schmidt is the Director of Public and Government Affairs for Clackamas County, Oregon.  He previously worked for Oregon United States Senators Mark Hatfield and Gordon Smith, as a Field Representative, speechwriter and constituent services coordinator.  Gary has been a Toastmaster for 23 years and served as the International President of Toastmasters International in 2009-2010. Show Notes: Toastmasters International Gary Schmidt - LinkedIn Profile

For over 30 years Rose has coached and mentored business and professional change makers so that they can do well financially while making a difference in the world. As past director of an international non-profit, she understands the challenges that large organizations face, and has a wide angle perspective of what it takes personally as well as professionally to run a business or organization.  Her early education included the diverse interests of brain re-wiring, therapeutic massage, a degree in music composition, and a minor in social welfare. Her love for people and her intuitive ability to zero in on core issues, make her equally at home chairing a meeting or coaching one to one, and seeing innovative solutions “outside the box.”  As her “give back” she has coordinated national educational networks in the U.S. and Latin America. -------------- The common thread through all of her life is that she believes that any mindful career can be a powerful spiritual path. If you desire to “change the world,” the process will call forth from you a level of growth and transformation that is deep and soul satisfying.  You will feel more like yourself than ever before.   This journey requires special “real world” skills and systems in addition to passion, persistence and vision.  Show Notes: Website, LinkedIn Profile, 

Terry Beard is an entrepreneur with many years of experience building and leading successful ventures in retail, manufacturing, brick and mortar, and internet enterprises. Synopsis of his new Book: Squelched: Succeeding in Business and Life by Finding Your Voice Too many of us live with our inner voices reinforcing the feeling that we are "not good enough." Squelched is living testimony that we need not succumb to the negative messages life may serve up to thwart our aspirations and best efforts. We can be more than the expectations of others, with conviction, effort and hard work we can overcome and move towards personal strength and happiness. Show Notes:  Squelched Book LinkedIn Profile Toastmasters International, Dale Carnegie  

Lenora Edwards is a business development consultant for entrepreneurs & executives. Her clients hire her to help them design, develop, and build their businesses--on their own terms. Her value-add is acceleration of the revenue-generating process. She is known for helping those of us with especially unique value propositions and many regard her as their “ad hoc business partner who never tries to take equity.” Her expertise spans retail, manufacturing, and professional services in both domestic and international markets. Since launching her practice in 2001, her community of satisfied clients keeps growing -- nearly all by referral. It’s her dream job – and it shows.

Maureen’s exceptionalism first came to international attention as a world class cyclist.  She had no preconceived limits on what she could accomplish as a member of the US Cycling Team.  She won a National Championship, set a national record, earned a silver and bronze medals at the national level.  She won a silver medal in the World Championships and had her eye on the 1992 Olympics.   At the height of her cycling career, her dreams came to an abrupt halt with the sudden onset of a colossal health challenge.  The headlines read, “Manley’s Olympic dream is dashed.”  The journey down one road ended.  Another began.  A journey filled with compelling life lessons that strengthened her understanding and belief in the power of the human spirit. The courage, determination and resourcefulness that had fueled her amazing athleticism became instrumental in her healing process.  She did not let her physical setback stop her from living the life she desired. In addition to her Exercise Science Degree she obtained a Master’s degree in Whole Systems Design.  She began to understand and develop effective ways to deepen and broaden her knowledge and application of holistic high-performance strategies that would help produce the outcomes she desired.  Her journey led her to become a creative force – a gifted corporate professional speaker and peak-performance wellness and business coach.  Maureen’s passion for excellence and her authentic presence have led her to inspire audiences from coast to coast.  In her program, The Cycle of Success, Maureen shows her audiences how to gain the winning edge by harnessing the power of both grit and grace. 

“People Packaging is what I do" says Sylvie di Giusto who helps individuals and organizations to explore how people make up their minds very quickly about them, their leadership potential, or their company, and either open the door or slam it shut. Twenty years of corporate experience and her ability to empower people to influence the success of own career has led to her launching Executive Image Consulting, based in New York City. It’s where she uses her extensive corporate expertise as a keynote speaker, corporate trainer and image consultant for professionals, politicians, and companies who place great importance on themselves. Sylvie speaks to audiences around the world about the importance of “First Impressions… and everything beyond”. She is the Author of “The Image of Leadership,” the Co-Owner of the “Studio for Image Professionals” and the Creator of “How You Impress.”

Nick McArthur is a dude with a wife, five kids, and an online business. He also happens to have spent much of his life living as a woman...even though deep down he always knew he was a man. When he embraced his identity and came out as transgender, he realized just how much gender affects the way we think, talk, and function. He now speaks from his experience on both sides of the gender coin, empowering both men and women to live authentically and powerfully no matter what their gender might be. Nick helps creative entrepreneurs find their own voice at epicdanger.com and his blog about transitioning is at theverybestman.com. You can also find him on Instagram as @epicdanger posting many pictures of his many kids.

Paul Sokolski, founder of Redesign Your Inner Space, is a visionary leader, and has a passion to truly help change the way the world sees what's possible.   Paul speaks worldwide and focuses on helping people live with total abundance. Paul brings a unique approach to his performance catalyst company, and how he coaches individuals from a background of over 25 years in business and a personal journey that fuses authenticity, love and forgiveness, to create a space of peace for the individual that has the passion to grow, Live and love, in a way that serves themselves first and then others, as Paul has also mastered in his life. Show Notes: PauL Sokolski - Website

Galina Lipina, is a coach at "Turning Point"and she specializes in supporting successful professionals who want more in life, who are ready to uplevel. She has been though a few transitions in life (moved to US all by herself at the age of 24 , transitioned from a job to being a consultant to then retiring at the age of 33)  She supports her clients with: Clarity. Defining the next goal. Fulfillment. I will help you get clarity on your fulfillment and make sure it is integrated into your next goal. Freedom. Eliminating have to's and should's, and design your life around your wants and meant to be's. Unique lifestyle and goal design that peels away all conditioning of what you are supposed to be and do and connects you to what's your unique way of living your life. Getting unstuck to live the bigger version of you. Strategy. Developing the most effective strategy to get there.  Action. Defining the action steps to start and then do it! Show Notes:  Galina Lipina's Retirement Story - Website, Facebook Galina's Speech at Digital Footprint - Atlanta - here Recommended Resources: Workshops, Seminars, The Science of getting Rich

Ryel is the lead designer of ART's curriculum, and runs operations. Prior to co-founding ART International, Ryel oversaw all training operations at the Integral Center in Boulder, a world-renowned leader in transformational workshops. He has been a course leader, course supervisor, facilitator and coach since his own transformation several years ago. Ryel is also the co-founder and visionary behind Virtuance, one of the largest providers of real estate photography in the world, and the co-founder and visionary behind Pink Mammoth, one of the Bay Area's largest and most successful creative arts collectives. Show Notes: Art International Book Recommendations: The Untethered Soul, The Eden Project, Nonviolent Communication

Greg Voisen, creator and host of Inside Personal Growth, is an author, creative consultant and thought leader in the human potential movement. Inside Personal Growth was born out of Greg’s passion for personal growth and mastery. He continually strives to improve his own life – spiritually, emotionally and physically – as he learns from the hundreds of authors interviewed on this website. Greg’s professional journey began with a career in insurance sales and financial planning, during which he found himself coaching clients to feel emotionally secure making major life investments. For the past 30 years, Greg has been honing his skills in business consulting, finance and psychology. In 2003, he sold his successful financial consulting company to attend the University of Santa Monica and earn his M.S. in Spiritual Psychology. Since, he has created multiple businesses with philanthropic arms, including Digital Seed and Compassionate Communications, to merge these disciplines. Inside Personal Growth is one of many ways Greg connects people for the greater good. It is his professional mission to inspire insight and innovation that facilitates breakthroughs in the individual and collective consciousness to evolve the way we see people in business.  Show Notes: Check out Greg's new book: Hacking the Gap Greg Voisen Websites: Learn more about Greg by visiting voisen.com and eluminate.net.

“You do not need to leave your room. Remain sitting at your table and listen. Do not even listen, simply wait, be quiet, still and solitary. The world will freely offer itself to you to be unmasked, it has no choice, it will roll in ecstasy at your feet.” - Franz Kafka Dear Friends,  I am Kal Aras and I want to welcome you to the Season 6 of Wisdom of Friends Some of you may wonder - What is Wisdom of Friends? Well - Wisdom of Friends- is a talk show distributed as a podcast where I interview inspiring leaders, fascinating and eclectic people in our community who are living extraordinary lives; capture and share their wisdom and celebrate their life. We dig deeper into their life's journey;  their goals, their struggles, and their aspirations. We discover how they came to identify their purpose, their values, and their philosophy on life, success, and contribution. We celebrate folks who have mastered ways to balance the science of success with the art of fulfillment.  As the Zen practitioners would say - having a beginner's mind helps see possibilities and my goal with these interviews is to extract the wisdom from these conversations, apply it and share it. Why did I start this show? The reason I started this show was to bring together people I have known in my life - my social circle, my professional network and my community. Over the years, I have soaked in their wisdom; these individuals with their stand for making a difference in their circle of influence and beyond; have in turn made a difference in my life through their inspiring vision and message, their pursuit of excellence, and comebacks when life had dished out challenges in the form of curve balls - be it a debilitating disease, abuse, bankruptcy, divorce or a death of a loved one. They found a way - the grit to not succumb to these setbacks but instead figured out a way to bounce back with success, build character and alter their destiny with powerful choices. They have shown us to how to keep on living a life fully, powerfully and joyfully. And this is my humble attempt to capture their stories and wisdom as an acknowledgement to these amazingly wonderful people. Folks - these are the stories of men and women who like you and me are just ordinary people but continue to embark on an extraordinary journey and inspire people in their lives and their community to do the same. Once again, I welcome you to the Season 6 of Wisdom of Friends show. And, if you like what you hear, please share, don't be shy. I'd also appreciate if you can give us a five star rating so that we can share this podcast with a bigger audience. Thank You!

Lisa, founder of Lisa Copeland Communications, is a communication specialist with 25+ years of corporate speaking experience. While maintaining her corporate position, she also leads business teams with radically different perspectives to synergy via customized communication and enhanced understanding of the workplace dynamics. As a business consultant, workshop facilitator, corporate coach / educator and highly skilled dental hygienist, Lisa’s dynamic presentation style motivates her audience to take action. Her diverse career path focuses on:  Lisa Copeland Communications consulting, clinical hygiene and corporate education. Lisa is an international speaker who has presented a wide range of topics to audiences throughout the world. She is a committed member of the National Speakers Association, which promotes the highest standards of professional speaking partnered with lifelong learning. After working in Singapore for five years, Lisa and her husband relocated to the Northwest.  Her passions in life include triathlons, cycling, swimming, snowboarding, and travel. Show Notes: Lisa Copeland -  Website, LinkedIn  

Jan M. McLaughlin, CSP works with professionals who want to positively influence the responses they receive.  Jan had been a teacher, retail manager and actress in television commercials when she established the image consulting firm, J'Ambry.  Referred to in the Seattle Times as a "pioneer in the image industry" and "the most frequently-quoted image professional in the Northwest," she was a popular guest on television and radio and in demand as a speaker.  At the urging of clients, she expanded her focus and established Your Communication Connection.  As a highly-respected speaker and trainer—who is considered an expert in communication—she offers programs on impression management, communication, customer service, leadership and presentation skills. Jan has earned the Certified Speaking Professional (CSP) designation—the speaking profession’s international measure of speaking experience and skill. Fewer than 12 % of the 5,000+ speakers worldwide, who belong to the 14 member associations of the Global Speakers Federation (GSF), currently hold this professional designation.  

Part "idea whisperer," part message strategist, and part presentation coach, Tamsen Webster helps people and organizations like Verizon, State Street Bank, Ericsson, Johnson & Johnson, and Disney find and communicate the power of their ideas. For four years, she was the Executive Producer of TEDxCambridge, one of the oldest and largest locally organized “TED talk” events in the world. In former lives, she worked in both agencies and at nonprofits heading up brand, marketing, and fundraising communication strategy, along with a brief but enduring turn as a change management consultant. She was a reluctant marathoner...twice; is a winning ballroom dancer (in her mind); and everything she knows about people, speaking, and change, she learned at Weight Watchers. True story. Show Notes:  Tamsen Webster Keynote Speaking and Coaching Tamsen's LinkedIn Profile

Peter Thomson is now regarded as the UK’s most prolific information product creator. Starting in business in 1972 he built 3 successful companies – selling the last to a public company, after only 5 years trading, for £4.2M enabling him to retire at age 42. Since that time Peter has concentrated on sharing his proven methods for business and personal success via audio and video programmes, books, seminars, conference speeches and mentoring programmes. Peter now specializes in helping coaches, consultants, speakers, trainers and business owners to grow their organisations – so each can create a business and a life of choice. He shares the precise steps on how to share more of their authentic messages with more people than they could ever reach on a 1-2-1- basis by showing them how to write and create and market their own informational products. With over 100 audio and 100 video programs written and recorded he is Nightingale Conant’s leading UK author. Show Notes:  Peter Thomson Website,  LinkedIn Profile Book Recommendations: Decisive Turn Your Knowledge, Experience and Expertise into Ongoing Streams of Cash by Joining Peter Thomson's highly rated  The Achievers Club

Would you like extraordinary leadership at every level in your organization? Then you need to hear Elisa Hays’s astonishing story. After an 18-wheeler truck going 65 miles-per-hour hit her body, she was propelled 90 feet through the air and ultimately into the position she is in now as a speaker, consultant and executive coach empowering organizations, individuals and audiences internationally. With honesty, humor, and heart-wrenching stories Elisa reveals the simple but powerful truths she uncovered through her miraculous survival. She shares the character and choices it took to save lives and rebuild her own after the near-fatal collision that cost her a successful 20-year career as a performer and CEO of a one-of-a-kind entertainment company. By applying her hard-won leadership lessons in leveraging adversity you will grow star performer communities and achieve extraordinary impact with your team – all without the messy bother of actually getting hit by a truck. Show Notes:  Elisa Hays: Keynote Speaking, LinkedIn Profile

Ron Rael, the CEO and founder of the High Road® Institute works with the everyday leader to become a person who leads with intention and impact. Ron is a vanguard on leadership topics. His 40+ years of business experience comes from working in two Fortune 500 companies, as well as from leading employee teams in closely held businesses. Ron’s has worked with Cabela’s, Costco, Starbucks, Microsoft, Bright Horizons, Moss Adams, Radio Shack, the U.S. Navy, and several northwest Universities. Ron’s extensive wisdom and practical solutions, contained in his 19 books and diverse leadership solutions, provide both strategies and tactics for organizational success. He has trained and coached more than 14,000 leaders and business professionals throughout the United States and Canada. He is the author of The Reluctant Leader™:  Own Your Responsibility with Courage, which is now available at Amazon. The Reluctant Leader™ is a person who feels uncomfortable with the challenges of leading, yet is looked upon by others to be their leader. Ron has been speaking professionally since 1988. And, he is only 29 years old! This is amazing and because he has a rare disorder known as DCS. Show Notes:  Ron Rael - LinkedIn Profile, High Road Institute Book Recommendations: Illusions by Richard Bach

Eric Ellefsen is a learning & development leader focused on delivering evidence-based training solutions that build skills to meet business needs. Currently, he is a global learning design leader at EY (Ernst & Young), a “big 4” professional services firm, where he develops learning design processes and standards to ensure a high quality learner experience. Over the past 20 years, he has served in a variety of learning roles at Kaplan Education (higher education), ITT Corporation (manufacturing and military contracts), Healthways (healthcare), Terabeam and AT&T (telecomm). Prior to that, he served as an officer in the U.S. Navy. He earned his PhD in Educational Technology from the University of Northern Colorado, MA from the University of Colorado and BA from the University of California, Berkeley.  Show Notes: Eric Ellefsen: LinkedIn Profile Toastmasters International Website

Katina Hunter has spoken all over to audiences spanning the generation spectrum & in front of people all over the world as one of the Top 10 Speakers in the World Championship of Public Speaking in both 2016 & again in 2017. Her theatrical background comes through in her boisterous presentations & motivational speeches.  Described as "Maverick!" with speeches that are "... for the history books," Katina is a masterful storyteller with a knack of revealing the special from within the simple. When she first joined Toastmasters 4 years ago, her goal was to just become more comfortable speaking. She wanted to move past the racing heart & dry mouth that suffocated her when in front of audiences. Katina didn't even know that there were speaking competitions. Now, such a short time later, Katina has not only overcome her fear, but she's a world-wide speaking competitor & coach. In 2016, Katina beat out over 32,000 other competitors to reach the Finals Stage in Washington, DC - as one of the top 10 speakers of the world. Last year in Vancouver, she did it again & is a two-time world champion finalist.  Show Notes:  Katina Hunter Speeches Katina Hunter Website

Hello Folks; Welcome to Season 5 of the Wisdom of Friends Show. I am your host Kal Aras. The theme for this season is an extension of Season 4 : Compelling Speakers – The Art of Public Speaking In this season, we are going to learn the tricks and trades of Public Speaking and Presence from some of the top notch speakers in the world.  I have tried to focus on an eclectic mix of speakers from the realm of business, arts, and spirituality. Each of these speakers has established their mark as professionals within their industry, and they share some of the universal principles and best practices of being a world class speaker. Having gotten to know these inspiring and fascinating people who I consider to be dear friends, a pattern began to emerge - they seem to share some common traits like Charisma and Presence; a Passion for outstanding contribution, and a commitment to mastery. As these powerful leaders share their personal journey and stories, we get to learn and model their mindset, their skills set and their heart set. You will learn and discover a blueprint for your own success with concepts like: 1.       How to become appealing and effective by telling compelling stories that inspire and motivate? 2.       The path to influence through Presence - a balance of strength and warmth 3.       How we can learn to win the admiration, respect, and affection we desire and 4.       The nuts and bolts of public speaking Regardless of whether your goal is to educate, fundraise, inspire teams, build an award-winning culture, or to deliver memorable presentations, these interviews will help you gain a competitive advantage. That's it for this episode. We hope you enjoy this season about becoming a compelling speaker and the art of public speaking. Don't forget to subscribe to Wisdom of Friends on iTunes. While you're at it, give us a five star rating and review. This will help us reach more people and would be appreciated. Thank you for listening. If you like what you heard, please share and don’t be shy.

Earl Bell is an author, consultant and success coach/trainer for business owners and leaders.  His expertise comes from the world of business, where Earl was CFO for a $17 billion Registered Investment Advisory firm AND the world of youth sports where he coached 22 baseball and softball teams over 10 years.  Earl is the author of Winning in Baseball and Business, Transforming Little League Principles into Major League Profits for Your Company.  Show Notes:  Earl Bell - Linked In Profile Earl Bell - Website

Balraj Arunasalam, DTM, of Colombo, Western Province, Sri Lanka, is chairman/managing director of Gemtrans Engineering Company, a maker of industrial belts. Active in his community, he serves as President of the Iyyappan Temple management board, as Vice President of the Aarunadu Velalar Society of Sri Lanka, and is a member of both the local Chamber of Commerce and Rotary Club. In 2011, Arunasalam helped establish an English course for Rural Voices Unlimited, a project designed to educate youth in rural Sri Lanka. The U.S. Embassy in Colombo recognized him for this ongoing work with youth. Arunasalam holds an advanced level General Certificate of Education from Trinity College in Kandy, Sri Lanka, and is earning a master’s degree through the Australian Institute of Business Administration. A dedicated Toastmaster for 27 years, Arunasalam is a member of two clubs, including his home club Colombo Toastmasters. A distinguished leader, Arunasalam has held numerous offices from club through international level: He served as International Director 2011 to 2013 and Second Vice President 2014-2015 and First Vice-President 2015-2016, Toastmasters International. He holds the Distinguished Toastmaster designation—the highest level of educational achievement in Toastmasters International. “Toastmasters is a way of life,” Arunasalam says. “It helped me understand the philosophy of leadership, to give and receive respect, and to be humble.” As International President, Arunasalam is a “working ambassador” for the organization. He works with the Board to develop and support the policies and procedures that guide Toastmasters International in fulfilling its mission.

Dr Ali Binazir is an author, speaker and clinical hypnotherapist and Happiness Engineer. He is the author of 4 books, including "The Tao of Dating: The Smart Woman's Guide to Being Absolutely Irresistible", the highest-rated dating book on Amazon for 4 years, and most recently, "Should I Go to Medical School: An Irreverent Guide to Pro and Cons of a Career in Medicine." He holds an honors degree from Harvard College, an M.D. from UC San Diego School of Medicine, and an M.Phil. from Cambridge University. Formerly a consultant at McKinsey & Co., he writes a popular column for Huffington Post and is based in San Francisco. He trains executive speakers with KNP Communications, and has given three TEDx talks by invitation: "Awaken Inner Creative Genius", "Love & the Empowered Woman", and "Happiness Engineering: A New Paradigm for Success." Show Notes: Dr. Ali Binazir - Profile and Website, Blogs Book Recommendations:  Why we sleep: unlocking the power of sleep and dreams" by matthew walker, ph.d. The tao of dating: the thinking man's enlightened guide to success with women Compelling People: The Hidden Qualities That Make Us Influential, by Matthew Kohut and John Neffinger Steal the Show by Michael Port

Dr. C. Ronald S. Williams II is founder and senior pastor of Mount Zion Fellowship in Highland Hills, Ohio. Dr. Williams founded Mount Zion on January 2, 1983 with 15 persons in attendance.  Today, Mount Zion has approximately 1,500 members. Dr. Williams has directed the development of numerous ministries that minister to those inside and outside the church. Dr. Williams is an accomplished gospel music composer, arranger, musician, and musical director. From 1977 to the present, he has recorded with The Messengers of Peace (1977–1982) and the Voices of Koinonia (1984–present). “My Soul Sings Hallelujah” is a piano concert by Dr. Williams, accompanied by members of the Cleveland Orchestra and the Voices of Koinonia. In addition, Dr. Williams has performed in concerts with such gospel artists as Donnie McClurkin and Kirk Franklin. He has performed at Cleveland’s Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Playhouse Square, and has appeared with Barry Manilow at Blossom Music Center. Dr. Williams has authored four books as well. Dr. Williams holds two doctoral degrees: Doctor of Ministry and Doctor of Divinity. He has studied in the United States (Livingstone College, Ashland Theological Institute, Trinity Theological Seminary) and abroad at the institute of Holy Land Studies in Israel. Pastor Ron (as he is affectionately known) is a devoted, loving father to his two sons, Clifton and Christian. Show Notes: Dr. Williams Website Recommendations: Gospel Music, YouTube Channel of Mt Zion Fellowship