Podcasts about inspiration with val

Valerie Groth currently runs a life coaching practice working with individuals who come to her from around the world. Valerie loves working with her clients on overcoming fear, gaining self-confidence, and making massive positive transformations in their life. She believes that everyone is capable of living an energized and impassioned life, and she loves to make the impossible POSSIBLE. Valerie is also a motivational speaker and workshop facilitator, as well as the host of the Inspiration With Val podcast.

Valerie Groth currently runs a life coaching practice working with individuals who come to her from around the world. Valerie loves working with her clients on overcoming fear, gaining self-confidence, and making massive positive transformations in their life. She believes that everyone is capable of living an energized and impassioned life, and she loves to make the impossible POSSIBLE. Valerie is also a motivational speaker and workshop facilitator, as well as the host of the Inspiration With Val podcast.

Making the Impossible POSSIBLE with Valerie Groth Valerie Groth currently runs a life coaching practice working with individuals who come to her from around the world. Valerie loves working with her clients on overcoming fear, gaining self-confidence, and making massive positive transformations in their life. She believes that everyone is capable of living an energized and impassioned life, and she loves to make the impossible POSSIBLE. Valerie is also a motivational speaker and workshop facilitator, as well as the host of the Inspiration With Val podcast. You may connect with Valerie through her website or you may email her – val@valeriegroth.com. She will also be speaking at the New Media Europe Conference this June. Giving in to the itch to […] The post Making the Impossible Possible With Valerie Groth appeared first on New Media Europe.

Before starting her business, Val worked for many years as a school social worker in the inner city schools of Chicago.  She worked with students in crisis, providing individual and group counseling services to students dealing with abuse, neglect, violence, hunger, mental illness, and she also worked to provide immediate psychiatric hospitalization for students who were suicidal or homicidal. She is now coaching individuals who come to her from around the world. She believes that everyone is capable of living an energized and impassioned life, and she loves to make the impossible POSSIBLE.  Valerie is also a motivational speaker, the host of the Inspiration With Val podcast, and is the founder of Ryan Banks Academy, a nonprofit seeking to build the first boarding school for inner city youth in Chicago. http://womentakingthelead.com/valerie-groth/

In episode #90 of You Leading You, Valerie Groth, A business and personal coach, speaker and host of the Inspiration With Val podcast talks about her days as a counselor, to becoming an inspiration to her clients as a life coach, and beyond. I caught up with Val after we last spoke at Podcast Movement 2014 and she […] The post YLY 090: Bringing Out The Best Version Of You With Valerie Groth appeared first on You Leading You .

www.InspirationWithVal.com Sign up for the Carpe Diem Daily 12 Month Challenge by texting VAL to 38470.   In this episode, Val dives deep into the importance of focusing on VIBRANCY and how it has a dramatic connection on your relationships, career, finances, and all other areas of your life..  Stay tuned for specific action steps on how you can make your own morning power routine!

Hear more podcasts and read inspirational blog posts at www.InspirationWithVal.com.  And you can easily sign up for the Inspiration With Val email newsletter by texting VAL to 38470. Summary: Warren Cassell is an award-winning entrepreneur and a published author. He started his first company at the age of eight, and at fifteen he is now the founder of Zap Social, the chairman of a personal hedge fund company, The Abella Group; and the author of two books: The Farm of Wisdom: 25 Unforgettable Tales That Will Ignite a Wiser You! and Swim or Drown: Business and Life Lessons I've Learned from the Ocean.  He hosts his own show on YouTube titled “Teen Tycoon: Video Series on Success” and he is a frequent blogger whose work can be found in Entrepreneur magazine and other places. His work is highly focused on the connection between business and nature. About Warren Cassell, Jr. 4:00 Warren Cassell, Jr. is a fifteen year old investor, author and entrepreneur living in the Caribbean. From a very early age, Warren knew that he wanted to own a business. At the age of eight, with a capital investment from his parents, he launched his own greeting card and graphic design company. After this, Warren embarked on a number of other ventures including an app development firm and a web hosting service provider. By the time he was thirteen years old, he had been making investments in companies and doing business with firms and clients all over the world. Now his business and investment portfolio is ranging from financial services and media to Internet and food manufacturing   Warren Cassell wakes up every morning with a goal to inspire others. It's the reason why he does what he does. As a teenager he believes that it is a person's duty to live the life of their dreams and he loves to live his life doing the things that he loves to do -- writing, investing and doing business, despite his age. He loves to  inspire others to do what they love doing. Warren is living proof of the fact that anyone with a vision, determination, and dedication can achieve great success.   Finding balance between Warren's business and student life. 9:31 Like the most adolescents, Warren balances his time between schoolwork and managing his own business. Warren defined what he wants in life and what he wants his legacy to be. He know what he wants and he has made it clear to himself that no matter what, he is to achieve his goals or at least fail trying as hard as he can. He learned to focused and properly manage time. He believes that the reason so many people get distracted is because they haven't asked themselves what it is they want to achieve from life. When that question is answered and answered truthfully, becoming focused becomes natural.   About Warren Cassell's business: 17:20 The Abella Group is a privately held investment company that exclusively manages the wealth of teenage investor, Warren Cassell Jr. They believe that a solid foundation is the best preparation for a strong future. This is why they are strict in adhering to their bedrock principles of shunning investment fads, avoiding investment models based on short-term outlooks, and solely investing in excellence.They also believe that wealth is created by holding your investments for the long-run therefore they are committed to holding their stakes in companies as long as they remain high quality. They seek to deploy capital in businesses that possess a solid track record of compounding shareholder returns at an above average rate. They are actively exploring investing in multifamily residential real estate, asset management, and the financial service sector.   His plan after high school: 28:45 Warren said after graduating he will definitely go to a college in the U.S but also he plans to take off care because he is a year younger than the required age.  During this year off he will work on his business and  relax his mind a bit from school before he heads off to college.   The idea of mindset: 29:58 1. Identify what it is that you like doing. It doesn't matter what your background is, if you weren't born into wealth, or where you live, just know what your passions are. 2. To be successful you need to set big goals. 3. Create a framework that will assist you in reaching those goals. 4. Stay committed to working to achieve what you want to accomplish in your life and don’t change it unless absolutely necessary.   The way he deals with  obstacles and challenges: 00:33:42 “When I meet a bump in my path, I don't overreact. I retreat and analyze the situation and to be honest that has been the most effective way for me to deal with obstacles because it allows me to see if I've been going the wrong path or even defining an opportunity as an obstacle by mistake.”   Tips to achieve greatness in life.  00:35:55 1. Watch documentaries of successful stories. 2. Surround yourself with successful people. 3. Set your goals. Write down your goals several times a day that will help you focus to get back on the target.   Big Goal of Warren Cassell. 00:42:58 Warren wants to help more people start reaching their potential, be successful, and become wealthy people. Books:   The Farm of Wisdom: 25 Unforgettable Tales That Will Ignite a Wiser You!   Swim or Drown: Business and Life Lessons I've Learned from the Ocean   Links:   Twitter: @Warrencasselljr Facebook:Warren Cassell Jr Email Address:  Warren@WarrenCasselljr.com

www.InspirationWithVal.com In this episode, Val dives deep into the importance of establishing a morning routine to set up your day for success and productivity.  Stay tuned for specific action steps on how you can make your own morning power routine!

Listen to more Inspiration With Val Podcast episodes at www.InspirationWithVal.com.   Sign up for my email newletter and receive a FREE pdf guide "10 Top Tips to Finding Your Passion, Overcoming Fear, and Living a Love That You Love!" by texting VAL to 38470 {no spam, just inspiration!}   PODCAST EPISODE 101 WITH MARY DAVID:   SUMMARY: Mary David, J.D. is an advocate for victims of trauma and  an internationally recognized human trafficking expert. Formerly the United Nations Advisor on women and children for the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, Mary is currently a freelance writer and motivational speaker. She helped to draft some of the first laws in Maryland against human trafficking and was named one of the Top 99 Foreign Policy Leaders in the World by the Diplomatic Courier. Mary speaks regularly at conferences, universities, and on radio and television programs. She is the former Deputy Chair of Public Awareness on the Maryland Human Trafficking Task Force and recently moderated an American Bar Association panel on domestic violence in Asia. She is a member of the South Asian and Foreign Affairs Association. Mary is a graduate of The George Washington University Law School, where she specialized in international human rights law. She works to unite different sectors of society against human trafficking in policy, fashion, film, and the arts.   People strive to be their best. 7:09 Mary believes that it is important to have people around you who are in your core network to really encourage and support you to be your best self.  Mary also added that a lot of times adversity can really bring out the best changes in us and that we are capable of rising to the challenge.   About her experiences.  9:48 Mary shared an experience from her trip in Cyprus a few years ago. She was there to study abroad and she became interested in learning about new cultures and new people.  But she found that there was a huge population of lower class domestic workers who experienced a great deal of discrimination.  Many individuals thought that Mary, based on her skin tone, was one of those individuals, and she faced much discrimination as a result.  She began to reach out to the workers about their experiences and they told their stories to her.  While it was difficult to see people hurting so much, they also become a source of her strength.  Mary wasn’t yet aware of the extent of human trafficking yet, and she began to piece together that the women and girls on the street corners, and the intimidating men keeping close tabs on them, were in fact slaves.  She decided to come back home to the US and do everything she could to help them. Her definition of Human Trafficking. 15:25 Human trafficking, according to Mary David, is” someone being tricked or coerced into labor or sexual exploitation.” Human trafficking is kind of a misnomer because it implies that people are being moved but in actuality they may live in one place. Mary said the key aspect is the fact that they are being exploited.   Myths of Human Trafficking 16:36 Some people think that boys are not being trafficked for sex but they are, and the average of entry for boys in the sex industry is between 11 and 13 years old. The numbers on human trafficking statistics reveals are not always accurate, and many people don't want to come forward even when when they have been taken out of that situation because of all of the stigma tied to it.     The idea of beauty related to Human Trafficking. 34:35 Many people don’t realize that the beauty industry is very heavily tied to human trafficking.  Often, traffickers target women and girls who they think could be potential victims, will tell that they they are beautiful, and those individuals will get lured into human trafficking.  In many ways this ties in to the beauty industry as well as the concepts of self confidence, which play a big role.   Great advice from Mary David: 45:22 Mary advises investing time in building relationships with good mentors: finding people who are doing something you want to do and having them help you get to where you want to be .   Links: www.facebook.com/public.figure.marydavid Twitter @MissMaryDavid http://www.huffingtonpost.com/mary-david/ http://www.diplomaticourier.com/lists/top-99-under-33/2013/1762-mary-david http://inspiher.me/everyday-sheroes-mary-david/

Learn more about the Inspiration With Val Podcast and about Val's coaching packages at www.InspirationWithVal.com.   Podcast Episode: with Andrew Bennett Transform your life with magic. "Appear, Disappear, Restore"   Summary: No one's journey is easy. Everyone is handed adversity in life. Adversity can keep us from achieving our goals and finding our happiness. So when adversity strikes us, how do we overcome it? If you cultivate the right attitude and take actions to get what you want and deserve overcoming adversity is fast and easy.   Andrew Bennett is an author, speaker, Ross Perot’s personal assistant, and has been a magician for 45 years. He talks about how adversities have shaped his life for the better. He shares his stories and how his experiences convert itself into an opportunity to exhibit excellence. There is something special about the ability for  magic to help us overcome adversities. If you want to be on your way to the life you've dreamed of, Andrew’s powerful advice will work magic in your life.   Life story of Andrew Bennett: (1:13) At 3 years old Andrew lost his mother and sister when they were  killed by a drunk driver. When his father met someone he was left behind to stay with his grandparents, while his father took his older brother with him when he left. So, at 4 years old, Andrew lost both of his parents and his siblings. However, being raised by his grandparents was the highlight of his life.It was his grandfather who introduced him to magic and he idolized his grandfather. Unfortunately,  when Andrew was 17,, his grandfather committed suicide.   How he thought of success before (3:15) Andrew used to think  that success meant putting out a suit, going to the office, and being in a white collar environment.  His grandfather started out as a janitor in a bank in a small town where he grew up. And by the time his grandfather retired he was the president of the bank.   Misfortunes of his life (4:22) Andrew Bennett was a magician his entire life and was also a businessman. He owned a company when he was 12 years old where he did some magic shows . While he was doing that, he put himself through college. When he graduated he wanted to go into business. When he was 40 years old, he built his dreamhouse and the house was infested with molds. He ended up losing the home, all he invested, and he went bankrupt. In the next apartment that he moved into, the lightning struck the roof above the bedroom, a fire started and the roof collapsed.  He lost everything financially and everything materially. Internally, Andrew suffered from depression and bitterness. Surviving the tragic in his life: 8:00 Andrew credits being raised in a joyful childhood for being the foundation that was able to keep him going, even in the face of tragedy.  He also felt extremely devastated by his grandfather’s suicide, and he promised himself that he would never give up no matter how hard it got. The transformation of his life: (11:05) After Andrew  was spurred by a mid-life crisis, a near-death experiences, and a painful loss, he accepted  the situation and took actions towards the life that he wants. He harnessed the power of intention and resolved the conflict by himself. He used his skills and did magic concept as a strategy to start a new life “Appear, Disappear and Restore”. The obstacles that stood his way has made him very successful today.   Coping with tragedies. (14:52) When Andrew went to think about what happened to his life, he was reflecting for a while, and eventually he was able to overcome the emotional effects of the situation and get back with his life. He said, “Don't be afraid to show how you're really feeling with it, you may be injured at the moment and it may be shocking at first but it will pass away. Just breath and remember to stay positive. Accept yourself that you are already in the situation and focus on how happy you are to be alive and well.”   The Story of Elm tree 18:25 Andrew grew up on a cherry tree farm near Traverse City, MI. On that farm is an old elm tree unlike any other elm tree in the area. The prior owners of the farm, he recounts, raised livestock and kept their bull chained to the tree. It was a heavy iron chain, wrapped around the trunk of the tree and connected to the bull’s collar. The restless bull would walk in a circle around the tree for hours, wearing a path in the ground while the chain was wearing a groove in the tree’s trunk.   When the prior owners sold the farm, they cut the chain and took the bull, leaving a section of chain around the tree trunk. Several years later, the chain had tightened and settled into the groove because the tree has grown. Several more years later, the bark has begun to grow over the chain. Several more years later, the chain has been absorbed into the trunk. Today, a scar is all that remains, but as a child Bennett remembers links of the chain still being visible.   What makes the tree even more unique is that it is one of the few remaining elm trees in Michigan. Approximately 90% of the elm trees in Michigan were wiped out by Dutch elm disease. So how did this particular tree survive? Scientists from Michigan State University have visited Bennett’s farm several times in search of an answer. They believe that the iron absorbed into the tree’s system gave it the strength to resist the disease.   The farm holds mixed memories for Andrew whose grandfather committed suicide in the barn next to the elm tree. During a return visit, Andrew Bennett was staring at the scar on the tree when it suddenly dawned on him – from the tree’s scar came from its strength. Andrew then realized that his own emotional scars from his grandfather’s suicide could become his source of strength. He didn’t have to feel guilt and sadness. His memories of his grandfather, many of them about how his grandfather nurtured his interest in magic, could be leveraged into determination. That determination, in large part, is what drove him to become a successful speaker and magician.   The powerful concept of magic. (34:52) Andrew began to look at his life as an art and science of transformation.   He started a leadership and organizational culture consulting and training firm. He uses magic in a powerful way to engage people to  open their minds and stimulate powerful learning.   The Core of magic. (40:20) At the core of Andrew’s Transformation Frame are three primary acts required  for transformation – Appear,  Disappear  and Restore. If you want to transform  your organization or your life, think about what things you need to make appear, what things you want to go away, and  what things that need to be healed and restored. What are these things for you?   What does it mean by the word"ABRACADABRA". (43:37) “Abracadabra” has Aramaic roots."What I speak, is what I create". What you speak to others is what you create in your life.   Being skeptical. (48:48) Andrew learned that there is some dissonance that is created in our human brains when we see something impossible becoming possible. Transform your life like magic! Learn more at Andrew’s website.

{Find more podcasts like this, inspirational blog posts, and more at www.InspirationWithVal. Sign up for the Carpe Diem Daily 12 Month Challenge by texting VAL to 38470 - no spam, just inspiration!}   PODCAST EPISODE 99 WITH SEAN OGLE   About Sean Ogle: 3:56 Sean Ogle had a traditional life like anyone else. He went to high school and college and before he graduated college from Oregon State University in 2007 with a degree in finance, he had already gotten a job as a financial analyst.  He had a fantastic time during his  4 years in school, but Sean couldn’t help but feel that he wasn’t prepared for his real life and he wanted to learn more tangible skills that he thought he needed to be successful after graduation. This led him to a job as a financial analyst that he quickly found wasn’t for him.  He had no free time. He was working 50 hours a week, wearing a suit and tie, and not having any of the flexibility to do the things that excites him.   Sean Ogle said that it all began on a trip to Brazil in 2009. He’d saved up all of his vacation time to head down to Rio for Carnival with one of his best friends.  It was the last day of his trip and he was walking down Copacabana Beach with a coconut in his hand and all he could think was “I should be able to do this whenever I want.” Over the next 6 months Sean started Location 180, sold his car, left his job, started a business and then in January of the following year he moved to Thailand. Location 180 is all about doing the stuff you really want to be doing in life. He specifically talks a lot about travel and entrepreneurship, and how it can be a great vehicle for reaching your goals. Sean’s primary business is his community Location Rebel – but he has a half a dozen other small businesses built around various interests of his.   Location 180 and Location Rebel. 3:46 Sean noticed there really wasn’t a good community for people looking to build a location independent business. So he created Location Rebel with the idea that he wanted a premium offering, where if someone was willing to invest in themselves and work hard – there would be no reason why they wouldn’t be able to build a successful business. Nearly 3 years later Sean has over 600 members, and a large chunk of them have left their jobs and are doing things on their own terms.   One of the biggest surprises about this process has been just how diverse the group of people they have is. It’s comprised of pepole from 20 year old college students who don’t want to go into the corporate world, to 45 year old single moms, and 63 year old retirees. Sean says that anyone can build this type of business, if the desire to do it is there.   Fear of Uncertainty. 10:32 Sean said after he lost his job he was uncertain of what will happen next to his life. He was uncertain how to pay his rent and his bills, and he was also uncertain if he could still get a good job. But he realized that the uncertainty that he had was also his motivation to make certain things happen. And that is the mindset the entrepreneur has to have in order to be successful.   The Secret of his success: 15:01 Sean gives tutorials to people who went through his situation. He helped people figure out how to make this lifestyle work for themselves. He also gives inspiration to people on how to do different things to build their business. He said the most important points to consider in order to succeed is how to build community online. Sean has helped dozens of people quit their jobs and build successful online businesses over the past year.   Sean’s greatest success is the fact that he built a business that allows him to do what he wants, when he wants. He still have to pinch himself on a regular basis!  There are the more superficial successes like building a 6-figure business, or a big email list. But frankly, it’s the fact that Sean built something that has helped both himself and hundreds of other people achieve a life that they’re actually excited about, that I think is the most important.   Walking through his book Location Rebel 16:11 Sean Ogle said that everyone is different, but they usually have variations of the same problem: they aren’t happy doing what they’re doing and want to change. The most successful people he work with have without fail have followed the 3 step process:   1) Build relevant skills – WordPress, SEO, Copywriting, Social media. Start a blog and get familiar with all of these things.   2) Freelance one of these skills – This builds income and confidence. Once you have those two things, it gets much easier to start a business that’s a bit sexier like e-commerce, apps, info products, etc.   3) Apply these skills to your own projects: Most people start with this step, and that’s why the fail – they don’t have the proper groundwork laid out to be successful.   Best Advice: 43:43 Sean said, “Start a blog and find a group that has the same interests with you. Even if you’re working on your own, you’ll be facing an uphill battle if you don’t have a few people to turn to for support. “ Links:   Sean Ogle’s Books: Location 180 Location Rebel   Official Website: http://www.seanogle.com/ Twitter: Sean Ogle LinkedIn: Sean Ogle

www.InspirationwithVal.com   Podcast Episode 98 with Rachael Markarian:   Summary: Rachael Markarian is an actress & dancer training throughout Boston, New York City, and Los Angeles. Despite being told she would never be a dancer based on a physical disability she was born with, Rachael immersed herself in the performing arts at a very young age. She fine tuned her skills while pursuing her dream to become a triple threat and now is an acclaimed actress and model in Hollywood.   About how Rachael Markarian started her life as a dancer: 6:10 Rachael is the youngest in the family with her two elder brothers and was very shy as a child.  She used to hide in her mother’s skirt because she was so shy! Her mother took her to dance classes so that she would learn to feel more comfortable with other people.  Even though she was born with legs and hips that were completed inverted and needed to wear braces, she attended class - and hated it at first.   It was hard, painful, and she had to work harder at it than the rest of the kids.  When Rachael was 12 years old, she finally realized that she loved to dance.   The power of positive thinking: 11:04   Rachael could have easily chosen not to pursue dancing because of her disability, but she challenged herself to work hard and rise about the situation.  She used the power of positive thinking and never took failure as a finality, but always as an opportunity to do things better the next time. Rachael’s professional career 21:11 While Rachael worked as a model for awhile, she is not transitioning into her career as an actress.  Rachael swears that one’s mentality sets them apart from others, and that it’s all about confidence and the vision you have for yourself.  It’s so important to believe in yourself that you are doing what you are meant to do. Getting used of the rejection in the entertainment industry. 30:43 Rachael’s way of dealing rejection is by using redirection. Rachael’s perspective at tough auditions was to do her best, have fun with it, and take the opportunity to do what she loved and showcase her talent. Rachael’s gained respect and success: 42:19 Rachael now works as a professional dancer, touring and dancing alongside artists such as Rihanna, Katy Perry, Pink, Kanye West and Justin Timberlake to name a few. In addition, she's had much success as an actress in Film, TV and Commercials, allowing her to work with some of the industries top directors & producers. Rachael trained with Stella Adler's protégé, Arthur Mendoza at The Actors Circle Theatre in Hollywood for many years, fine tuning her skills and perfecting her technique. She now studies with Cameron Thor at Carter Thor Studios, and with Candy Kaniecki. Knowing there's an advantage to being a multifaceted entertainer, Rachael brings a lot to the table as an artist. You can see her in 2013 in Steven Soderbergh's new film with Michael Douglas, Behind The Candelabra, also the film Lucky Stiff, starring Jason Alexander, as well as Fuse TV's new show The Hustle.   Rachael’s Greatest Advice:  49:05 “Find out what your heart beats for, what gets you excited, and then do that whether it’s a profession or hobby, and have a sense of excitement and gratitude!”   Links: Twitter: @RachelMarkarian

{Learn more at www.InspirationWithVal.com}     Podcast Episode 97 with Jon Acuff:   SUMMARY: If you are ready to be in-charge of your own destiny,  and your current job is making you uncomfortable then there is absolutely no reason you should continue putting up with it. When you leave your job, you have to make sure you’re doing it for the right reasons. If you don't try to solve the problems at your day job to the best of your ability, then you may face the same problems at your new job. If you want to know how to quit your day job in a way that minimizes damage and maintains a positive relationship then this episode will be of great interest to you!   Jon Acuff is an author who has written numerous best selling books, a speaker, and a blogger who talks about how to quit your day job, what to do, what not to do, and also talks about his best selling book entitled “Start:  How to punch fear in the face, escape average, and do work that matters”.   About Jon Acuff. (2:25) Jon was a copywriter major who worked in journalism for about 16 years.  He worked for advertising clients and corporations. About  7 years ago, his friend recommended that he should start a blog and so Jon started to create a blog. Out of that, he wrote a book.  Seven months ago, he Jon decided to got off on his own and has currently written four books and is working on a new one. Jon speaks and works as a consultant.   He has been married for almost 13 years now and got 2 daughters.   Great jobs don’t just happened, you have  to make them happen. [00:03:37] Jon said that many people don’t have the right approach to quit their job.    To do it smartly Jon said keep the conversation concise and positive. It is not a time to air all of the personal and unprofessional issues you had with your job.   When planning to quit, make sure to put in your due diligence on your side hustle.  If you can get up half an  hour early and do work, then there is way to find extra time. If you aren’t willing to get up half an  hour early and if your dream isn’t worth half an hour sleep, then you don’t have the right dream.   About his book, How to punch fear in the face: [00:13:20] In this book, Jon reveals the steps to getting unstuck and back onto the path of being awesome. Over the last 100 years, the road to success for most people has been divided into predictable stages. But three things have changed the path to success: Boomers are realizing that a lot of the things they were promised aren't going to materialize, and as a result they have started second and third careers. Technology has given access to an unprecedented number of people who are building online empires and changing their lives and changing their lives that would have been impossible years ago. The days of "success first, significance later," have ended. While none of the stages can be skipped, they can be shortened and accelerated. There are only two paths in life: average and awesome. The average path is easy because all you have to do is nothing. The awesome path is more challenging, because things like fear only bother you when you do work that matters. The good news is Jon’s book Start gives readers practical, actionable insights to be more awesome, more often.   Actions leads intention moving forward is hard [00:18:45] Jon said the thing that holds us back is often that we think it has to be perfect. That is the thing  that ruins our dreams - thinking that you have to have the perfect one before you begin. Nobody knows the things are going to be successful like any leaders can attest.   Lean in to the action, the story goes where it needs to go and it is the same with your life. Things happen when you lease expect it.   Jon’s Social Media Management Skills:  [00:23:15] Jon is a social media expert with blogs that have been read by 4 million people and more than 215,000 twitter followers. In 2010 he used his influence with his tribe to build two kindergartens in Vietnam.  He advised the listeners  to have fun with social media sites and do some experiments such as to go where your audiences are.   Jon said that you don’t need to sign up for all of the social media platforms, but rather that it’s good to have one or more platform where you excel and to focus your time there.   Inspirations in his life.[00:25:58] Jon says his inspirations are his family members.. His father has become his great influence in terms of public speaking. Seeing his dad communicate with people in the church where he worked was a good learning experience for Jon. That influence he took from his father has inspired him to write for a living, and now he writes business books and loves is.     Daily habits of Jon Acuff. [00:31:07] When Jon is writing a book, he writes like a maniac, but he makes it a point to find a balance with his career and family life.   Jon writes better when he gets to exercise.   Pulling  towards the opportunity versus pushing your way towards opportunity[00:34:49] Anything great takes time and it takes real hard work and effort to make good things happen in your life.   Jon’s legacy [00:36:28] Jon’s legacy are his children. He wants his kids to be so filled with love so that when obstacles come their way they can deal with the obstacles without having their self esteem take a hit.   And the love of his wife and serving people are also part of his legacy.   Jon’s advice for the listener. (38:48)     Jon said, practice what you want to do and find ways to practice in small ways. Give yourself some grace and then cut the goal in half. F orgive yourself. Do not form relationships only with people who can help you your business, but who also provide real friendship.   Links: Acuff.me Twitter: @JonAcuff  

The Inspiration With Val website:  www.InspirationWithVal.com Learning more about Valliant Coaching:  http://www.inspirationwithval.com/packages/ Text VAL to 38470 to sign up for the Carpe Diem Daily 12 Month Challenge - no spam, just inspiration!     This interview with business coach Simon Granner gets into the nitty gritty of the factors that set a thriving business apart from one that flounders.  However, his advice appeals to all areas of life - not just for entrepreneurs.  Simon has had a plethora of unique life experiences ranging from living in Australia to starting a surfing company in college even though he had no idea how to surf.  He also talks about why you should NOT "niche down", offering systems tips to help you reach success in all areas of your life, and talks a great deal about the mindset of a champion. SUMMARY: Simon Granner is a business coach and the host of the top-ranked business podcast, The Simon Granner Show where his mission is to educate, entertain and motivate his listeners through interviews with today’s most inspiring entrepreneurs. Traveling 6:00 Simon starts off the interview by sharing some of his thoughts about living in Chicago. He loves to travel. He lived for about 2 months in Australia to study. He also traveled around  Europe. And he would love to eventually travel to every continent. Growing up 13:10 At a young age, Simon considered himself as an entrepreneur. He would go to his local newspaper to ask for paper routes and even mowed his neighbors lawns. In high school, he knew he like investing and financing and how money works. So in college he studied finance and marketing. Getting to the right path 26:30 Simon never really had a clear path towards anything but he knew he needed to learn some foundational business skills.  So he took the opportunity to work for his uncle, who was a successful business man. Then he got fully licenced as a financial adviser. Where to get good advice 30:35   Simon also talked about where he got advice on how to succeed in the business world.   Links: Simon Granner's website Simon on Twitter:@simongranner    

Listen to more Inspiration With Val podcast episodes, read Val's blog posts, and learn about Valiant Coaching at www.InspirationWithVal.com. Sign up for the Carpe Diem Daily 12 Month Challenge by texting VAL to 38470.   PODCAST EPISODE WITH TODD HENRY:   SUMMARY:   Todd Henry is the founder and CEO of Accidental Creative, a company that helps creative people and teams generate brilliant ideas. He regularly speaks and consults with companies, both large and small, about how to develop practices and systems that lead to everyday brilliance. Todd’s work has been featured by Fast Company, Fortune, Forbes, HBR.org, US News & World Report, and many other major media outlets. Todd’s book, The Accidental Creative: How To Be Brilliant at a Moment’s Notice offers strategies for how to thrive in the creative marketplace and has been called “one of the best books to date on how to structure your ideas, and manage the creative process and work that comes out of it” by Jack Covert, author of The 100 Best Business Books of All Time.   How Todd Henry got to where he is today: (2:39) Todd studied marketing in college, then did a tutorial video in a music business class and ended up as a creative director for an organization where he grew and lead a team of people for several years. And in the midst of doing that, he was also connected with creative community in his home city to designed brand firms, designed agencies and others. As a leader, he kept his team engaged and creatively fresh. He performed research and investigated how leaders or highly productive and creative professionals produce consistently great work and get the best out of the people.  In 2005, he created a podcast to talk about “accidental creatives” and from that conversation he continue to grow and grow and that eventually lead him to launch a business where he worked with organizations to help them generate ideas, better manage their creative process and organizational rhythms which also lead him to create a book in 2007.  That book was entitled The Accidental Creative and 2013 he wrote Die Empty, his most recent book which will be launched on 2015. Accidental Creative: (8:20) Todd’s first book, The Accidental Creative: How To Be Brilliantat a Moment’s Notice offers strategies for how to thrive in the creative marketplace and has been called “one of the best books to date on how to structure your ideas, and manage the creative process and work that comes out of it” by Jack Covert, author of The 100 Best Business Books of All Time and founder of 800-CEO-READ. Todd says to focus in on your most critical work and to reclaim your attention. Develop stimulating relationships that will lead to creative insights.  Effectively manage your energy so that you are always ready to engage, and curate stimuli that help you stay mentally focused. Leverage your hours wisely and effectively to eliminate creativity drains. Todd’s latest book Die Empty: (20:22) Die Empty is a tool for people who aren’t willing to put off their most important work for another day. Todd Henry explains the forces that keep us in stagnation, and introduces a process for instilling consistent practices into your life that will keep you on a true and steady course.  The hard truth: sooner or later all of our tomorrows will run out, so how we choose to spend today is significant.  Each day that we postpone difficult tasks and succumb to the clutter that chokes creativity, discipline, and innovation results in a net deficit to the world, our organizations, and ourselves. Unleash Your Best Work Every Dayunlocks the forces that cause even the brightest, most skilled people to become stagnant in their life and career, and introduces practices that help them build a body of work they can be proud of. It was named by the editors at Amazon.com as one of the best books of 2013. Best Advice: 52:58 “Don’t take your best work grave with you.”   Links: Todd Henry’s website The Accidental Creative book (Amazon link) Die Empty book (Amazon link) @toddhenry @beaccidental

Sign up for the Inspiration With Val newsletter (and the Carpe Diem Daily 12 Month Challenge) by texting VAL to 38470 - no spam, just inspiration!  Find more content like this, read blog posts, and learning more about Valiant Coaching at www.InspirationWithVal.com. PODCAST INTERVIEW WITH  KIRSTEN ROSS   SUMMARY: Kirsten E. Ross, MLIR, SPHR is known to many as the “Drama Free Queen”.  She’s the undisputed expert of transformation. Kirsten will move you from Resigned, Resentful and Overwhelmed to Focused, Engaged and Empowered.  She has provided individual and group coaching for privately held and family businesses and non-profits, and her insightful approach has helped leaders find their fuel, ignite their teams, speak with tenacity and become empowered in their lives and work.  Kirsten’s education and experience includes a Master’s Degree in Human Resource Management, Senior Human Resource Certification, the Coach Training Alliance curriculum, and over 20 years of hands-on Human Resources.  She authored the leadership books “Defeat the Drama!” and “From People Problems to Productivity” and has been featured as an expert for media such as: NBC Nightly News, Fox 2 News, National Public Radio, and for publications such as Entrepreneur Magazine, Working Mother Magazine and Crain’s.   About Kirsten Ross: (3:22) Kirsten E. Ross was born and raised in Petoskey, Michigan, a small town near the Mackinac bridge. She has resided in the Detroit area as an adult but she still maintains those small-town values. Kirsten brings a unique blend of energy, insight and compassion to her work with clients. Her passion is helping  transform leaders and their relationships, create drama-free work zones, enhance customer loyalty, and improve profits. How she fell into her own business: (4:18) Kirsten said that the catalyst to start her own business was actually being in an abusive marriage. Ten years ago, she worked in the field of Human Resource when she was a stay at home mom for a period and her marriage became more and more abusive. She did some soul-searching and come up with a plan to get out, and to take care of herself and her two boys. Trying to restore order in her marriage life: (5:55) Kirsten Ross really tried everything, and nothing worked. After she got a call from each of her two sons’ teachers telling her that they were not happy in school, she was 100% certain that she needed to make a decision and start making a plan to end her marriage and leave. Making the move to get out: (8:40) Kirsten stayed 100% focused on her business as the catalyst to power the transition. Kirsten  got trusted advisers to help create a plan for her business and then she launched her business. And also decided that once she got out, she would take her two boys and create a home that’s filled with laughter. Her full focus was directed to what was in her control for herself and the two kids.   Best Advice: 40:29 “Speak your mind even if your voice shakes;  speak up and it know what you want.”   Links: www.defeatthedrama.com Defeat the Drama:  The Podcast Defeat the Drama:  The Book

Learn more at www.InspirationWithVal.com. Sign up for the Carpe Diem Daily 12 Month Challenge by texting VAL to 38470.   Episode 92 with Marine and motivational speaker, Josh Bleill: Losing my legs in Afghanistan didn’t mean I had to give up my life.   Summary: Josh Bleill was a Marine stationed in Afghanistan when a bomb explosion took both of his legs, and also the lives of many of his friends.  He now works as a motivational speaker for the Indianapolis Colts, and during this inspiring interview he shares how he recovered – both physically and mentally – from the accident.  Josh talks about the strategies and techniques he uses to put himself in the right mindset, and how he gets through tough times without giving up.   History and background  2:10 Born and raisedin Indiana, Josh had a great family growing up. He played a lot of sports most of his life.  And after 9-11, he felt a calling to join the marines. His grandfather and father had served before. So in 2003 he joined the Marine Corps, and in 2006 Josh got called to activated duty. He was in the middle of a tour in Irag and was stationed in Afghanistan when Josh was injured from a roadside bomb attack.   He lost two of his good friends in an instant and both of his legs, but he was still thankful to be alive. After a long recovery, Josh has a family now and has a new job with the Indianapolis Colts as a motivational speaker.   Losing Both his legs  6:40 A lot of emotions came over Josh after realizing he just lost both his legs.  He experienced a great deal of anger, sadness, and shock.   His faith was tested and he experienced a lot of guilt over the loss of his friends.   Getting better 10:30 There were a lot of people around Josh that helped him get better. He mentioned the staff and his physical therapist who kept encouraging him.  But it was really the guys and girls who were hurt before him that showed him that life does go on. Realizing that the world was just not going stop just because he felt sorry for himself, Josh realized that he had to get up each day to get his life back.   Life after the Marine Corp  13:00 After the Marine Corps, Josh didn’t know what to do. He was not sure what his next career could be, but he believed in his faith that there is a plan for him. Then the Colts owner offered him a job as a spokesperson for them and now Josh goes to different schools and organizations talking as a motivational speaker.   After 7 years 21:00 Things have changed for Josh after his injury, and all for the good. Physically his walking is good, he has a great job with the Colts, a wonderful wife,  and kids.  Josh also enjoys travel and talking to other people. He doesn’t take a lot for granted anymore and notices the small things in life.  Josh also mentioned that his family is his greatest accomplishment and his work with the Indianapolis Colts keeps him going. What keeps Him going 29:40 Humor is a big part of Josh’s life. He enjoys a joke and hearing his kids laugh brings him happiness. Even the everyday humor of life or even his own occasional stupidity really brings joy into his life. Where to find inspiration 31:30 Meeting other people and hearing their stories keeps Josh inspired. He loves when people come up to him and tell him what they’ve been through.   His role model 33:05 Josh’s role models are his father and grandfather. His grandfather was a soldier in World War 2;  he got shot and survived. His grandfather was the kind of guy who loves talking to people and hearing their stories which is inspiring to Josh.   About the Josh Bleill Book:   One Step at a time: Josh Bleill tells people he had "one bad day". On October 15, 2006, while on a combat patrol in Fallujah Iraq, an IED (improvised explosive device) struck Josh's Humvee. The explosion tore through the vehicle killing two of his fellow marines and severely injuring Bleill and his best friend. Josh awoke five days later with the news of the loss of his two friends and both of his legs. One Step at a Time: A Young Marine's Story of Courage, Hope, and a New Life in the NFL follows his journey from his enlistment then on to active duty in Fallujah, through two years of rehab, and ultimately to his job as the community spokesman for the Indianapolis Colts. Readers will be inspired by his undying enthusiasm, infectious joy, and sense of humor. Everyone has had that "one bad day". Josh discovered that life begins when we embrace our bad days and keep going forward, one step at a time. Links:   Twitter: @Josh Bleill Facebook: Josh Bleill

Learn more at www.InspirationWithVal.com, and sign up for the Carpe Diem Daily 12 Month Challenge by texting VAL to 38470.   After receiving a frightening medical diagnosis, Dee William turned her life around and made many big changes - well, except for that one "tiny" change that changed her life in dramatic ways.  Dee discusses how one small change had a drastic impact on her life, how she overcame fear and obstacles, and the importance of gratitude.   She also talks about her unique perspective on herself, nature, her connection to the world, her relationships with others, and her view on possessions and how they have changed since the incident.  Lastly, Dee talks about an exercise the listeners can do to find their own unique "super power."   ***   Episode 90 with Dee Williams: How to find your superpower About Dee Williams 3:10 Dee was diagnosed with congestive heart failure a few years ago and made some big changes in her life. And one of this changes was actually, quite literally, very little. Dee talks about some very interesting and unique way that she made changes in her life.   For the last 10 years, Dee lived in a tiny house that is literally only 84 square feet.   She said she wanted to take a break, have more time and money for the things she really wanted to do.   Building the House  5:20   Dee studied architectural engineering in college so she knew the fundamentals on building a structure. She also did some research and had been reading a lot of books. She also tracked a friend, who actually built a “tiny” house and so she went to see it.  Dee said her formula for building the house was : “one part how to, two parts why not”. Her next step was selling all her stuff.   Overcoming Fear 12:20   Dee was blessed that she had a wonderful group of friends and family that was there for her to lean on during her diagnosis.  And without those people, she thinks she would not have maintained a sense of enjoying her life.   Living Inside a Tiny House 13:30   Living inside the house made Dee see and feel things differently. She started to see that she’s a part of something very powerful and that helped her see her place in the universe and how magnificent it is to be alive. She also gives us a brief tour of her “tiny” house, describing some details how it looks and how it feels.   Regrets and Other Stuff 29:30   Dee se’s her diagnosis as apart of her. She said her illness helped her in so many ways. She is just thankful that her life is so blessed. Dee’s parting advice to the listeners is a remarkable way of figuring out your own superpower.   Links:   Dee’s website

Find more podcasts and inspirational posts like this at www.InspirationWithVal.com. Sign up for the Inspiration With Val email newsletter by texting VAL to 38470.   EPISODE 89 WITH BEA ARTHUR   SUMMARY: Bea Arthur is the founder and CEO of Pretty Padded Room, which provides online therapy to women on their own time and in their own space. Through a secure, custom-built platform, their service connects clients with an all-women team of licensed therapists anytime and anywhere. Pretty Padded Room conducts online sessions via video chat or Digital Diary, which is an interactive journal that lets clients have written consultations with their therapist of choice.  Pretty Padded Room (PPR) transforms traditional therapy into an experience that is convenient, low-cost, and completely confidential.   Bea Arthur worked in various different jobs in different industries, and nothing was a good fit until she found the field of therapy.  After one failed business, she bounced back and took her second business on the popular TV show “Shark Tank” – only to be ridiculed and dismissed by the Shark Tank panel.  After the initial disappointment and embarrassment, Bea bounced back stronger than ever and now she not only runs a successful business but she has been featured everywhere from Entrepreneur Magazine to NPR.  Now, Bea Arthur is a successful therapist, entrepreneur, and women’s advocate. She has worked with several demographics including adolescents, addicts in recovery, couples in crisis, and victims of domestic violence. Her passion for the field of psychotherapy led her to start two wellness-based businesses and a private counseling practice, all before the age of 30.   About 4 Bea Arthur: 3:19 Bea Arthur  studied Management Communication at Emerson College in Boston for undergrad and has a dual masters in Counseling and Clinical Psychology from Columbia University. She was and raised in Houston, TX. Personal and Professional Experience that took where she is today: While Bea was in grad school, she babysat and some of the moms she worked with would sometimes pay extra just to talk to her after the day was done – they missed talking to other grown ups.  So Bea got the idea to start a social club for stay-at-home moms and started looking for a beautiful brownstone to give on-site childcare and grown up playdates for the moms. It was called MeTime and the purpose was to provide little escapes from their  little ones. They said it was a great idea and even found an investor but right when she  graduated in 2008 and was ready to launch, the economy crashed. Bea Arthur’s investor encouraged her to wait because the women she was targeting were the wives of all the men who had just been laid off during the recession, but she went ahead anyway because she was 25 years old and overly confident. Then, the business failed and Bea became extremely depressed and in debt. She wanted to talk to a therapist but she was broke and didn’t know where to find someone good. Then she remembered an article that did a profile about a store in Japan where you can walk in, buy plates, and break them to release stress. She wanted something like that but with less collateral damage, and thus, Pretty Padded Room was born! About her business Pretty Padded Room 19:43 Bea has built her passion project, Pretty Padded Room, into an innovative international company that has helped thousands of people all over the world receive therapy online. She is now a prominent figure in the entrepreneurial and women in tech communities where she regularly consults with new startups, runs a popular private practice in New York City, and is making her mark on media. This bold businesswoman has been named one of the Top CEOs to follow on Twitter, has an active speaking schedule, and has become the go-to girl for all things emotional and entrepreneurial.   Toughest thing she faced:  28:42 There’s been a lot of things that were tough on Bea because she wanted to have a counselling company but ended up running a tech platform with no money, no team, and no background in programming. The learning curve was very steep and she  stumbled a lot; that was really hard on her  confidence and she doubted herself daily, but she can’t imagine doing anything else.   The next thing about Bea Arthur. 43:48 Bea Arthur just hired seven amazing new therapists and she is excited to really expand her online presence for the next quarter. They have also rebuilt the entire back end  of the website so they are  finally in a position to scale the way they need to. She is also a coveted speaker on a lot of issues related to millennial women so she’ll be doing events to address the unique needs of the 20- and 30-something woman in transition.   Bea Arthur’s great advice: 46:45 Bea Arthur said, “You have to have a short memory and a long vision for what you’re trying to create in your business and your life. You’re going to get knocked down a lot but none of that will matter if you know where you’re going.”   Links:   Website:   www.PrettyPaddedRoom.com   Facebook:  facebook.com/prettypaddedroom Twitter:  @prettypaddedrm

Learn more at www.InspirationWithVal.com and sign up for the Inspiration With Val email list (and the Carpe Diem Daily 12 Month Challenge!) by texting VAL to 38470.   EPISODE 88: DAN MILLER   Summary: Dan Miller is the President of 48 Days LLC and specializes in creative thinking for increased personal and business success. He believes that meaningful work blends our natural skills and abilities, our unique personality traits, and our dreams and passions. Dan is active in helping individuals redirect careers, evaluate new income sources, and achieve balanced living. He believes that a clear sense of direction can help us become all that we are designed us to be.   Dan is the author of the New York Times bestselling book “48 Days To The Work You Love”, “No More Dreaded Mondays” and “Wisdom Meets Passion”. He has been a guest on CBS’ ‘The Early Show,’ MSNBC’s ‘Hardball with Chris Mathews,’Moody MidDay Connection, and the Dave Ramsey Show. Dan has spoken at the White House Christian Fellowship, and is in high demand at national conferences speaking on aging and changes in the workplace as well as at universities and churches.  Over 130,000 people have subscribed to his weekly newsletter, his 48 Days Podcast consistently ranks in the top 3 under Careers on iTunes, and the 48Days.net business community is viewed as an example around the world for those seeking to find – or create – work they love.  Book Dan to speak or check out 48 Days products at www.48Days.com.   Committed to personal priorities, Dan and his wife Joanne are approaching their 45th anniversary and have 3 world-changing children and 12 amazing grandchildren. About Dan Miller 3:10 Dan Miller was raised in rural America on a dairy farm. He holds a Master's degree in Psychology, and he feels much of his success in helping others find life direction draws heavily from his background in business. For more than 30 years, Dan Miller's passion for personal and organizational transformation has motivated individuals and organizations to create lasting change. Dan uses proven, results-based interventions and follow-up reinforcement strategies that focus on improving performance. He is personally and professionally committed to the theory and practice of Continuous Improvement.   Dan began his professional career on a clean-up crew and worked his way up through the ranks to become front-line supervisor, safety director, human resources manager, and corporate trainer for North America’s largest hardwood manufacturing company.  During these early years, he developed his passion for--and expertise in--innovative and cost-saving ways to enhance safety, accident prevention, efficiency, and effective performance.   Prior to forming his own company in 1997, Dan directed training and organizational development for a human resources association with more than 400 member companies. He designed leadership, communication, and safety skills curricula and annually taught 150 courses.   As a professional speaker, Dan presents innovative and life-changing concepts at conferences, organizations, government agencies, and associations. His entertaining, energetic, and content-rich presentations captivate audiences and consistently receive top ratings. Dan is an active professional member of the National Speakers Association.   Creating a life plan: 5:15 Dan Miller believes that meaningful work blends our natural skills and abilities, our unique personality traits, and our dreams and passions. Dan is active in helping individuals redirect careers, evaluate new income sources, and achieve balanced living.   48 Days To The Work You Love. 10:11 Dan Miller specializes in creative thinking for increased personal and business success. The mission of his book is to foster the process of imagining, dreaming and introspection, to help people find their calling and true path, and to translate that into meaningful, purposeful and profitable daily work...within 48 days!   Links: www.48days.com www.48days.net 48 Days Podcast Dan Miller on Twitter:  @48daysteam  

Meet Valerie Groth. Today’s guest opens Jordan’s eyes to consider what his core values are, and to consider the dangers as a student and as a school therapist in inner-city Chicago schools. Val is the host of the Inspiration with Val Podcast, and a life-coach at InspirationwithVal.com. She has two Master’s degrees, but suggests that young entrepreneurs study and build relationships with mentors who have experience in the type of business they are breaking into. Today’s podcast is less than an hour long, but, is filled with wise advice and an exciting life story of a nine year old girl who was all about the money, a nineteen year old girl who had given up on the cash and wanted to serve others, to a life-coach who embraces the entrepreneurial journey for her own life. For detailed show notes, you can visit: www.teenpodcast.com/20  

Get more inspirational content like this - podcasts, blog posts, and more - at www.InspirationWithVal.com.  Sign up for the Inspiration With Val email newsletter by texting VAL to 38470 - no spam, just inspiration!   PODCAST EPISODE 87 WITH RUDY REUTTIGER:   SUMMARY   Daniel “Rudy” Ruettiger was born in Joliet, Illinois.   He spent one year in the United States Navy following high school.  Rudy worked for a power plant before applying to Notre Dame.  Due to marginal grades, he completed his early college work at Holy Cross College before finally being accepted to Notre Dame in 1974.   Following his time at Notre Dame and the release of the movie “Rudy” in 1993, Rudy has served as a motivational speaker, traveling the country inspiring others through his story of determination.   For anyone who hasn’t seen the classic movie “Rudy”, Rudy Ruettiger grew up in a poor town outside Chicago.  He was told over and over that he wouldn’t amount to anything, but he proved the naysayers wrong and – after lots of hard work – he beats the odds and got into Notre Dame.  Rudy’s dream was to play Notre Dame football, and though he was not a ‘natural’ at the sport, his persistence, drive, and work ethic lead to him not only playing but being the first person to be carried off the field by their teammates at Notre Dame.     In this interview, Rudy Ruettiger talks about everything from inspiration to overcoming obstacles and offers actionable tips for the listeners who want to succeed at their dreams.  If you have ever felt like your dreams were impossible or that you have insurmountable obstacles in your way, this is the podcast you need to hear!  Rudy firms believes that if he can accomplish his dreams, anyone can.   About Rudy Ruettiger:  5:00 Rudy Ruettiger was born in 1948 in Joliet, Illinois into a lower class family of steel mill workers. Upon graduating from high school, Rudy worked at a power plant both before and after serving in the Navy. After losing his best friend in an industrial accident at the plant, Rudy decided to no longer waste time by putting off his dreams. He set out for the University of Notre Dame with hopes of one day playing football for the Fighting Irish.   After getting admitted into Holy Cross Junior College in South Bend, Rudy spent his time studying and working as a groundskeeper at Notre Dame's Knute Rockne Stadium. During his time at Holy Cross, Rudy learned that he suffered from a mild case of dyslexia, which may have contributed to his previous academic struggles. He worked around his disorder and received good grades during his two years at Holy Cross.   It took Rudy three semesters to be granted acceptance into Notre Dame as a transfer student. He almost didn't make it because Notre Dame does not accept seniors as transfer students. Rudy then won a spot on the scout team, against whom the varsity team ran its plays. Through two years of hard work, he earned the respect of the Fighting Irish players and coaches, and in the last home game of his senior year, Rudy dressed for the game. During the last moments of the game, Rudy tackled the Georgia Tech quarterback.  Rudy Ruettiger later received his bachelor's degree in sociology from Notre Dame in 1976.   Rudy’s Life on the big screen: 14:00   The movie “Rudy” inspired thousands of people with its message of not giving up, getting up when you get hit hard, keep moving forward, don’t listen to the naysayers, persevere no matter what, and be persistent.   MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKER: 27:35   Rudy entertains international corporate audiences with a unique, passionate, and heartfelt style of communicating. He reaches school children, university students, and professional athletes with the same enthusiasm, portraying the human spirit that comes from his personal experiences of adversity and triumph. His captivating personality and powerful message of "YES I CAN" stays with his audiences forever. Rudy's opening remarks receive thunderous applause and standing ovations from audiences of 200 to 20,000 people who emotionally chant "RU-DY, RU-DY!"   About the 4 C’s He lives by: 30:18   1. Commitment – Despite being told time and again that he could never be accepted as a Notre Dame student due to his poor grades (much less become a member of their football team because of his small size), Rudy never let anyone or anything stop him from achieving his dream. In the end he succeeded and showed the world and other men that no matter what limitations others place on you, your life is in your hands and you can achieve what you dream of. 2. Character – Rudy’s dreams didn’t end on the football field at Notre Dame. He believed that his story could inspire others so he worked for a decade to learn what he needed to know about the movie business and kept knocking on doors and telling his story until Hollywood made a movie about his life. 3. Courage – Rudy Ruettiger had been literally knocked down hundreds of times on the football field leaving him bloodied and bruised. Yet, each time he was knocked down – often by much larger players – he kept getting up and fighting back. This is a clear example that you don’t need to be a big man “physically” to be an alpha male. 4. Contribution – Rudy continues to help others achieve their goals through his speeches, training seminars, interviews and scholarship programs.   Best Advice: 37:09   “Steady the course.”   Links: Rudy Ruettiger’s website Rudy Ruettiger’s YouTube channel  

How do you ROCK it as a woman podcaster? Listen to our Interview with Valerie Groth of the Inspiration With Val podcast to find out! Valerie Groth began her inspirational career as a social worker in the inner city schools of Chicago. After a few years, the stress of the job began to weigh on her, even though her desire to inspire and change lives never wained. She began coaching on the side and that soon turned into a full blown business. Valerie started her podcast Inspiration With Val because she loved hearing the inspirational stories from people and thought others might like it too! And they do! After just 8 months, Valerie is about to hit 100,000 in one month! Her message to inspire is powerful and her impact is affecting all her listeners! Make sure to listen to this inspiring interview with Val! http://www.BizWomenRock.com/86

Get Inspired, Get Un-stuck, and Get Happy! Valerie Groth is a Licensed Social Worker turned Professional Life Coach.  She believes that everyone is capable of living an energized and impassioned life, and she works with highly motivated individuals who want to create the life of their dreams. Valerie writes at InspirationWithVal.com, and is the host […]