You Are Not Your Scars

Get inspired as host Ellie Shefi chats with global thought leader and impact entrepreneur Fiona McIntyre about her journey towards forming impact and forging sustainable partnerships aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Discover how you too can break the rules and make a positive impact in the world.

In this episode of You Are Not Your Scars, host Ellie Shefi interviews Dr. Brandy Gillmore about her inspiring journey of recovery from a devastating injury that left her using a wheelchair, walker, and cane for over six years. Dr. Gillmore shares how she overcame the limits of pain and harnessed the power of her mind to fully heal herself and dedicate her life to helping others do the same.

In this episode, Dr. Teri Rouse discusses how asking better questions can lead to better outcomes. She shares a strategy of asking for the pit and peak, which allows individuals to express their emotions and process what happened. This technique can help families support each other and problem-solve together.

 Today, we welcome the inspiring Dame Natalie Ledwell, who has dedicated her life to empowering the next generation. She will share her story of launching a revolutionary social and emotional learning curriculum now recognized internationally. Join us as we learn how she is making a positive impact on the lives of children and inspiring them to live their best lives.

Are you tired of living life in the shadows? Are you ashamed or embarrassed by your past? Do you long to share your story, but don't because you're afraid? Then don't miss this episode! Listen as host Ellie Shefi chats with renowned author, speaker, and coach, Raul Lopez, Jr., as Raul shares powerful strategies for sharing your story to heal yourself and others. If you're looking to harness the power of transparency and authenticity in your stories to inspire growth, tune in now!

Are you over letting your environments and circumstances dictate how you think, act, and feel? Are you ready to hit the mute button on your fears, doubts, and negative self-talk? If you're ready to claim your X-factor and step into who you were born to be, don't miss this episode! Listen as host Ellie Shefi chats with visionary entrepreneur, transformational teacher, high-performance coach, consultant, sought-after international speaker, and #1 international best-selling author, Maya Comerota, as she shares ways you can step into your true essence and live a life you love. If you're looking to supercharge your dreams and your life, this episode is for you!

Do you feel lost, overwhelmed, or burnt out? Are you ready to stop living to satisfy the demands and expectations of others? Do you long to truly feel the vibrancy of life again? If this is you, then this episode is a must! Listen as host Ellie Shefi chats with Sean Smith, master neuro-transformational results coach, best-selling author, multiple TEDx speaker, and founder of Elite Success Systems, as Sean shares actionable tools and strategies you can use to slow down and be present so you can tap into your thoughts, feelings, dreams, and desires and live life on your own terms. If you're ready to access presence and embrace your sacred song, don't miss this episode!

Is your life driven by others? Do you succumb to the pressures of how society says your life "should" be? Do you long to break free and make decisions driven by your wants, needs, dreams, desires, and values? Then today's episode is for you! Watch as international powerhouse Vera Futorjanski chats with host Ellie Shefi about getting still, listening to the voice within, and designing an aligned, authentic life you love. Vera is the Founder and CEO of Veritas Ventures, a strategic advisory firm for innovation, technology, and digital transformation. Committed to impact and innovation, she is a member of the Expert Group on Digital Platforms and Ecosystems for the World Economic Forum, an Innovation Expert at the United Nations, and a Responsible Leader at the BMW Foundation. She is also a Venture Partner with the Founder Institute and serves as their GCC Advisor. A dedicated philanthropist and mentor, Vera sits on the advisory board of the IBM Village Capital accelerator and is a mentor with Techstars, Respond, e7, and many other global accelerators and incubators. An impassioned advocate for women empowerment and specifically for women in venture capital and technology, she is a Global Ambassador at Vital Voices and part of VV100, the Vital Voices network of 100 top influential women. If you're ready to hear your inner voice, trust your gut, and step into your power, then listen to this episode!

Do you have trouble speaking up and asking for what you need? Are you longing for a "seat at the table" but don't know how to make that happen? Do you feel held back by people you encounter or situations you find yourself in? If this is you, then don't miss this episode! Tune in as host Ellie Shefi chats with guest expert José Piñero as he shares his tips and strategies to help you ask for what you want, access the opportunities you need, serve at your highest level, and succeed. José is a highly decorated tech entrepreneur, former fortune 100 corporate executive, sought-after international speaker, trainer, strategist, ICF certified coach, and mentor committed to creating opportunities in the start-up and corporate worlds for diverse and underrepresented groups. He is the Co-Founder and Executive Chairman of Tech Pass, a career pathway platform that helps college students connect with corporate recruiters and land their first job in tech. In addition to almost three decades of service at some of the world's largest and most prestigious companies, he is a dedicated philanthropist who currently serves on the Board of Directors of the International Coach Federation Foundation and the Institute for Sustainable Diversity and Inclusion. José has been named one of Latin Business Magazine's “Top 100 U.S. Hispanics to Watch” and one of the “Top 100 Prominent Latinos in the Business World”, and he has received the prestigious National Urban League's Donald H. McGannon Service Award. If you are looking for actionable tools to set you on a path to success, this episode is for you!

Are you aimlessly wandering through life, unfulfilled, and distracted? Do you long for a joyful, vibrant life you love? Today's guest followed the path set out for her by others and appeared to have it all - a successful corporate job, a handsome husband, a gorgeous home, and a beautiful family! However, she realized that she was operating on auto-pilot, not living her dreams or fulfilling her true purpose. Tune in as Kate Butler chats with host Ellie Shefi about how she took control of her life, chartered her own course, and began to live a joyful, vibrant life filled with miracles. Today, Kate is a multiple #1 international best-selling author and publisher, and the host of the "Where All Things Are Possible" television show and the "On Air with Kate Butler" podcast. She is the creator of the Inspired Impact book series and the President and CEO of Kate Butler Books, which has published over 300 #1 international best-selling authors. Kate is also the creator of The Soulful Celebrity, a one-stop media shop dedicated to enhancing your credibility, increasing your visibility, and leveraging your message to scale your impact and income. If you're ready to embrace miracles and create a life you love, then this episode is for you!

Are you tired of letting fear of rejection, failure, and success rule your everyday? Are you ready to break through old limitations and step into the “champiam” you are? In this episode, today's guest shares powerful ways you can let go of your fears and release yourself from your life's chains. Listen as host Ellie Shefi speaks with Christopher Hampton, a dedicated philanthropist and civil servant, who serves as a City Commissioner for Arts, Heritage, and Culture, and is the Director of the nonprofit Renaissance Leaders. Chris is a creator of Good Vibes Open Mic Night and the Founder of the Champ I Am organization, and he is also a best-selling author of the books Everyday Leadership for Everyday People and You Are Enough. If you're looking for practical tools to smash through what's holding you back so you can skyrocket, don't miss this episode!

Are you tired of letting fear, anxiety, stress, and trauma dictate your life? Are you even more tired of letting other people tell you what to say, how to act, and what to feel? Are you ready to break free of your past and reclaim your power? If you're ready to harness the power of your brain and become the architect of a joyful life you love, then don't miss this episode! Tune in as Host Ellie Shefi talks with world-renowned neuroscientist and clinical psychologist, Dr. Kate Truitt, about effective ways to navigate fear, anxiety, stress, and trauma. Dr. Truitt is the Global Director of Research and Curriculum Development for Havening Techniques and CEO of Dr. Kate Truitt and Associates, The Trauma Counseling Center, and the Amy Research Foundation, a nonprofit focusing on advancing brain science in psychotherapy. In 2014, Dr. Truitt founded Viva Excellence, an organization that provides cutting-edge training and seminars that bring together the newest advancements in neuroscience, resiliency, stress, and trauma treatments. A renowned researcher, Dr. Truitt is an expert on brain health during the recovery process, treatment outcomes, and psychophysiology. Dr. Truitt is also the author of the upcoming books "Breathe" and "Healing in Your Hands - Harnessing Neuroplasticity to Heal the Past, Create the Present, and Build the Future." She learned how to free herself, and today, she shares with you the tools to do the same! Fear, anxiety, stress, and trauma are not meant to rule your life! If you're ready to harness your power, silence your inner critic, and heal yourself with your own hands so you're free to live a life you love, this episode is a must-see!

Do you let fear and uncertainty hold you back? Tired of getting knocked out of the game when things don't go as planned? Let's face it -- life happens! Today's guest is a master of playfully and curiously embracing fear, uncertainty, and failure. A firm believer that "falling is part of the game," he empowers clients worldwide with the strategies they need to "face the fear and do it anyway,'' all the while knowing that they have the tools to get back up and succeed. If you're ready to pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and charge toward success, tune in as host Ellie Shefi chats with multi-award-winning and best-selling author, international speaker, strategic advisor to 9 figure entrepreneurs and Fortune 500 corporations, consultant, and Founder of Industry Rockstar, Kane Minkus. Renowned as one of the world's most impactful business mentors, Kane is regularly interviewed by major media outlets, has been featured in over 300 publications, and is a consultant to companies including Sony, Universal Pictures, Warner Brothers, DreamWorks, Microsoft, and Apple. He has taught nearly 4 million business owners award-winning sales, leadership, marketing, and business strategies. Together with his Industry Rockstar Senior Advisory Dream Team, he has started more than 60 companies and generated over $2 BILLION in revenue. Committed to helping entrepreneurs align their passions and visions, he's on a mission to help conscious business owners grow and scale their companies. Generously sharing his actionable tools and strategies, this is one episode you do not want to miss!!

Tired of being talked over? Sick of having your ideas dismissed? Looking for ways to speak up and ask for the opportunities you desire? Today's guest has mastered these skills and is on a mission to reduce unconcious bias and help facilitate increased diversity, equity, and inclusivity in and out of the workplace. Join host Ellie Shefi as she sits down with Emmy® award-winning TV news anchor, best-selling author, keynote speaker, strategist, consultant, entrepreneur, and mentor, Michele Ruiz, to discuss ways you can establish and enforce healthy boundaries at work, mitigate any bias you may be experiencing, eliminate your own unconscious bias, and create opportunities for yourself. Full of practical tips, tools, and strategies you can use right away, this is definitely one episode you do not want to miss!

Tired of feeling unseen, unloved, and unvalued? Over feeling out of control, lost, and overwhelmed? Are you ready to regain control, step into your power and purpose, and shine your light brightly into the world? Today's guest, Sammy “Shoebox Moses" Taggett, was discovered in a shoebox in a dumpster as an infant and then grew up in an orphanage in the Philippines. After hitting rock bottom, he set out on a journey of discovery and went from working as a bathroom attendant to becoming an international superstar! Along the way, he discovered his purpose and learned to love himself, shed the scars of his past, navigate difficult issues with joy, and define his future. Tune in as Host Ellie Shefi chats with “Shoebox Moses” as he shares his hard-learned tips for getting back up when life knocks you down and navigating life with joy, passion, and purpose. If you're ready to face life's journey head-on and blaze a joyful and purposeful path, do not miss this episode!

Are you looking to incorporate more fun into your life? Have you followed the traditional path and achieved success, but find yourself unfulfilled and burnt out? Today's guest has lived that life. Tired of being successful, yet unhappy, he set out to find a way to have the income, impact, and fulfillment he desired. Persevering through a roller-coaster of highs and lows, he uncovered the secret to aligning purposeful play with profit and scalable, sustainable impact. Now he brings together the world's top entrepreneurs and visionaries and facilitates significant global change. Tune in as Yanik Silver chats with Ellie Shefi about how he incorporated more fun into his life and embraced his roles as a 'Cosmic Catalyst,' 'Maverick Mischief-Maker,' and 'Prolific Doodler.' If you're ready to play more while sharing your gifts with the world, listen to this episode today!

Have you ever wanted to share your life experiences and the lessons you learned from them to help people? Do you desire to tell your story or the story of others? You're in the right place! Today's guest is a master of facilitating authentic conversations. After listening to stories from her cousin, Rosa Parks, today's guest felt called to share those stories with the world. Join Host Ellie Shefi as she chats with #1 international best-selling author, Emmy nominated filmmaker, and multiple Telly award winner, Dr. Angela Williamson, about the importance of sharing your story, using your life to impact others, and building a legacy.

Are you tired of being unseen and unheard? Sick of waiting for an invitation that doesn't come? Ready to give yourself permission to do more, have more, and be more? Today's guest spent years in the shadows waiting for others to invite her to the proverbial table. After a deathbed request moved her into action, she embarked on a path of giving herself the permission to dream, do, have, and be all that her soul desires. Tune in as multiple New York Times Best-Selling Author and the woman behind the acclaimed Chicken Soup for the Soul series, Patty Aubery, chats with Ellie Shefi about finding your voice, cultivating the courage to use it, embracing your authentic power, and showing up fully in the world as you. If you're ready to give yourself permission to step out of the shadows and into your best life, then do not miss this episode!

Are you ready to level up your life? Looking for tools and strategies to become the person you have always wanted to be? Today's guest spent many years trying to do the same. In the process, he assumed role after role, identity after identity. He faced the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. Exhausted by constantly needing to reinvent himself and his life, he set out to learn the secrets of "making shift happen." In today's episode of You Are Not Your Scars best-selling author, sought-after speaker, and transformational identity shift coach, Anthony Trucks, chats with host Ellie Shefi about turning negativity and fear into fuel for your greatness! If you're ready to "make shift happen" and greatness is what you desire, do not miss this episode!

Have you experienced trauma? Do you find yourself wondering why your life is the way it is? Why people treat you the way they do? Why you do the things you do? Today's guest was once a victim of abuse and trauma who wondered all of these things, but who finally found her healing by understanding the "why" behind her "what." Once clear on the "why" behind her "what," she embarked on a career in law enforcement so she could protect and serve other victims. Fueled by that "why," she blazed her way through the male-dominated police academy and spent a collective 25 years in law enforcement. Looking for a way to continue her service post law-enforcement, she earned her doctoral degree, became a university professor, and worked her way up to becoming the Dean of Criminology and Criminal Justice at a university. She continues to serve others within her community as a consultant and CEO of the Hecht Trauma Institute, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing education, information, and services to people affected by trauma. In this episode, Dr. Kathryn Hamel chats with Ellie Shefi about healing through finding the "why" behind her "what." If you're searching for your "why," then this is an episode you cannot miss!

Are you longing to claim your sovereignty, tap into your infinite potential, and live a liberated life? Do you desire to be fully present, conscious, and intentional with your thoughts, choices, and actions? If so, then this is one episode you won't want to miss!In today's episode, media host, visionary, and transformational trainer Michelle Sorro chats with Ellie Shefi about stepping into your sovereignty and living a conscious, aligned, liberated life. Michelle shares actionable strategies you can use to awaken to your infinite potential. If you're ready to elevate your life and live life on your own terms, tune in today!

Has your life become a virtual ground-hog day since the start of the pandemic? In this episode, former software developer, turned principal designer for an award-winning interior design firm, turned event designer and producer Sabrina Teekah chats with Ellie Shefi about bringing your vision to life and creating unexpected magical moments that matter. A lifelong learner with insatiable curiosity, Sabrina shares her innovative process for activating memory points by creating spaces and experiences that inspire, empower, and engage. If you're sick of zoomzilla and want to take control of your digital venue, this is one episode you don't want to miss!

Looking to increase your income, impact, and influence? Today's guest is recognized as a master connector who helps you do just that! Embracing a "do good, have fun" philosophy, Brooke Emery chats with Ellie Shefi about the magic that unfolds when you create aligned and strategic heart-centered "high vibe" collaborations. Sharing her inside-out approach to aligned collaboration, Brooke discusses her secrets for living in curiosity and flow so that you can consciously build the business and the life you desire.

Has life given you lemons? Are you struggling to make sense of what's happened to you? In 2003, today's guest was diagnosed with ALS and given just 6 months to live. Determined to survive, he went in search of a miracle. Along the way, he uncovered the secrets of living a fantastic life. In this episode, leading cosmetic dermatologist, renowned podcast and radio host, sought after speaker, and best-selling and award-winning author, Dr. Allen Lycka sits down with Ellie Shefi to discuss the lessons he learned along his journey to defy his death deadline. Dr. Lycka shares 13 golden pearls of wisdom that he believes exist within each of us, and he provides actionable strategies for turning life's lemons into lemonade. Tune in to discover the secrets of living a fantastic life!

Have you built your life and career based on what you were "supposed" to do? Do you look around and think, "Is this all there is?" Is the color draining out of your life and you seek more joy, more fun, more fulfillment? Today's guest walked away from a lucrative and prestigious career shaping business models across international markets to follow his heart, live according to his values, and dedicate himself to living a life of service and impact.In this episode, serial entrepreneur, keynote speaker, coach, social business consultant, and impact strategist Danny den Hartog chats with Ellie Shefi about the moment he knew he had to take the road less traveled, and the lessons he's learned along the way. Danny shares powerful tools you can use to be fully present in each moment and make decisions that align with your values, your mission, and your purpose. If you're looking to embrace life's adventures and take your own road less traveled, don't miss this conversation!

Are you tired of living life on autopilot? Disconnected from your true self? Today's guest describes herself as an "obsessed female warrior" on a mission to help you master your emotions, learn to trust yourself, and develop your intuition, so you can confidently step fully into your greatness. In this episode, international best-selling author, speaker, collaborator, coach, and facilitator Debbie Prediger chats with Ellie Shefi about the secrets to creating a life you love. Debbie shares her process for cultivating inner awareness and trust, and she provides actionable tips for making aligned, empowered decisions that move you into action. If you are looking to be the creator of your life, not the endurer of your life, don't miss this conversation!

Do you feel alone? Like no one understands what you've gone through? Today's guest has often shared those sentiments. Despite being a lifelong stage and screen performer, and an award-winning radio and television host for over 20 years, up until recently, she rarely shared her traumatic experiences and struggles with the public.In this episode, Krista Hatcher Uelmen chats with Ellie Shefi about the healing, freedom, and empowerment she's experienced by sharing her story. She shares valuable insights and actionable tools and strategies that you can use to be who you truly are, do what truly brings you joy, find your voice, and share your story. And she discusses the genesis of her drive and commitment to using her voice and her platforms as a force for good.Don't miss this conversation! As the host of “Wisconsin Women” and “Krista & The Morning Rush,” Krista Hatcher Uelmen is a force for good not only in her own community, but in the world. A champion of and for women, Krista is an impassioned advocate for a variety of women's issues. Having witnessed close friends and family members battle mental health issues and addiction, Krista is dedicated to ridding the stigma surrounding mental health and improving access to addiction support services. And having lost several loved ones to cancer, Krista lends her voice and support to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, and is proud to have been honored as the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Woman of the Year.

Tired of looking in the mirror and picking yourself apart? Sick of laying in bed running through the failures of the day? Exhausted from running on the hamster wheel trying to keep up with the Jones'? You're not alone! Today's guest spent 20 years in the entertainment industry, interviewing the biggest stars in the world, and he found they all had one thing in common: despite their fame and their riches, they were unhappy. Understanding that success did not equal happiness, Self-Love Revolution creator Jonathan Troen made it his mission to uncover the secret to creating a joyful, happy, and fulfilling life, and he has dedicated the last 15 years to teaching people how to create joy in all areas of their lives. In this episode, Jonathan chats with Ellie Shefi about the magic that unfolds when you speak kindly to yourself; support, accept, and encourage yourself; show yourself grace, practice forgiveness, and treat yourself as you would your best friend. Join us as Jonathan shares an easy-to-implement four step practice that you can use to create a life filled with joy, happiness, and self-love.

Tired of feeling unheard? Sick of being silenced? Longing to speak up and share your story with the world but don't know how? Today's guest was once a silent, shy introvert, whose dyslexia made her feel worthless and hide in the shadows. Through a series of tragedies culminating in her losing everything, she found her voice and discovered the power of her story. Now, with almost 3 decades of experience as an actress, television host, storytelling coach, and entrepreneur, she has helped hundreds of experts, coaches, and speakers find their voice, tell their story, and share their inspiring and impactful messages with the world. In this episode, Natalia Nutting chats with Ellie Shefi about the power of your voice and the impact of your story. (Yes, your voice matters, and your story matters!) Natalia shares practical, easy-to-implement story practices that you can use to show up, stand up, and speak up! Don't miss this episode!

Life's too short to live a life that doesn't light you up! Today's guest has made it her mission to empower women to live a life they love. Jaclynn Brennan is the powerhouse Founder and CEO of Creative Duality Consulting and the Co-founder of Fyli. Fyli is a female mastermind membership community that provides resources, community, and support for early-stage female founders. In this episode, Jaclynn chats with Ellie Shefi about helping women find their purpose path and creating a space for women to grow and thrive. She also shares powerful practices that you can implement to truly become the architect of your life.