Podcasts about leadership begins

In this episode of What the Fixed Ops?!, hosts Russell Hill and Charity Dunning welcome David Long, founder of David J. Long Coaching & Performance, creator of Pandemic of Positivity, and author of Step Zero, for an inspiring conversation about leadership, personal growth, accountability, and the mindset that separates great leaders from everyone else.David shares his incredible journey from addiction, homelessness, and recovery to becoming one of the automotive industry's most respected leadership coaches. He explains why lasting success doesn't begin with better processes or new technology—it starts with what happens before every decision: your mindset, your energy, your attitude, and your approach. Drawing from nearly four decades of personal growth and leadership experience, David reveals why "Step Zero" is the foundation for every successful leader.The conversation explores the importance of personal responsibility, self-awareness, positive influence, and building a culture where people thrive. David also shares the powerful life experiences that inspired Step Zero, the lessons he's learned coaching dealerships across the country, and why leadership is ultimately about helping others become the best version of themselves.We talk about:Why leadership starts before any process or strategyThe meaning behind "Step Zero"Why your mindset determines your resultsHow to own your energy, attitude, and approachThe power of accountability and self-awarenessWhy leaders must work on themselves firstHow recovery shaped David's leadership philosophyBuilding positive dealership cultures that lastWhy serving others creates lasting successDaily habits that help great leaders reset and growDavid also shares practical insights on developing stronger leaders, creating high-performing teams, building meaningful relationships, and why true leadership begins when you take responsibility for the person in the mirror.This is an inspiring conversation about leadership, personal transformation, dealership culture, accountability, mindset, and becoming the kind of leader people genuinely want to follow.BE THE 1ST TO KNOW. LIKE and FOLLOW HEREwww.linkedin.com/company/fixed-ops-marketinghttps://www.youtube.com/channel/@fixedopsmarketingGet watch and listen links, as well as full episodes and shorts:www.fixedopsmarketing.com/wtfJoin Managing Partner and Host Russell B. Hill and Co-Host Charity Dunning as they discuss life, automotive, and the human journey in What the Fixed Ops?!#podcast #automotive #fixedops #leadership #dealershipleadership #personaldevelopment #dealershipculture #accountability #growthmindset #automotiveindustry

Link to Radio Islam podcast https://on.soundcloud.com/iAfXUFGrRR7CQtKTCb Auto-generated transcript: International renowned Islamic scholar, author and leadership consultant Sheikh Mirza Yawar Beg is visiting South Africa, bringing more than 35 years of experience in developing leaders and strengthening Muslim communities around the world. Well, he joins us now to discuss leadership and the challenges facing the Ummah… Continue reading Leadership Begins With Service

What is the biggest leadership crisis facing the Ummah today? According to internationally renowned Islamic scholar, author and leadership consultant Sheikh Mirza Yawar Baig, it is not a lack of knowledge, but a failure to disagree with respect and humility. In this thought-provoking conversation with Radio Islam International, Sheikh Baig explores the foundations of authentic Islamic leadership, emphasising that true leaders are defined by service, compassion, truthfulness and accountability before Allah. He also discusses the impact of ego on the Muslim community, the challenges posed by social media and artificial intelligence, and the responsibility parents have in raising the next generation of confident, principled Muslims. Drawing on lessons from the Seerah and Islamic history, Sheikh Baig offers practical advice for strengthening families, communities and organisations. He concludes with a powerful message for South African Muslims: let your service speak for itself and allow your actions to become the strongest form of da'wah.

What is the biggest leadership crisis facing the Ummah today? According to internationally renowned Islamic scholar, author and leadership consultant Sheikh Mirza Yawar Baig, it is not a lack of knowledge, but a failure to disagree with respect and humility. In this thought-provoking conversation with Radio Islam International, Sheikh Baig explores the foundations of authentic Islamic leadership, emphasising that true leaders are defined by service, compassion, truthfulness and accountability before Allah. He also discusses the impact of ego on the Muslim community, the challenges posed by social media and artificial intelligence, and the responsibility parents have in raising the next generation of confident, principled Muslims. Drawing on lessons from the Seerah and Islamic history, Sheikh Baig offers practical advice for strengthening families, communities and organisations. He concludes with a powerful message for South African Muslims: let your service speak for itself and allow your actions to become the strongest form of da'wah.

What happens when you finally meet someone who understands how your body works? For Alycia Anderson and Karen Tamley, a LinkedIn introduction became the beginning of a powerful disability sisterhood. Both women were born with sacral agenesis, a rare congenital disability affecting the lower spine. They grew up using wheelchairs during a time when disabled children were routinely underestimated, accessibility was rare, and doctors placed devastating limitations on their futures. Then they met and immediately began comparing notes: “Wait, your body does that? Mine does too.” In Episode 151 of Pushing Forward with Alycia, Karen Tamley, President and CEO of Access Living, joins Alycia for an honest conversation about rare disability, peer support, leadership, aging, Disability Pride, and the urgent fight to protect disability rights. Finding Someone Who Understands Karen did not meet another person with sacral agenesis until her twenties. Before social media, finding others with the same disability was incredibly difficult. Meeting Alycia gave both women a rare opportunity to talk openly about their bodies, mobility, health, childhoods, and aging without having to explain every detail first. Karen describes that connection as a security blanket and safety net. Their friendship reflects the importance of peer support within the independent living movement. Disabled people hold knowledge that cannot always be found in medical offices or textbooks, and that lived experience can help others navigate healthcare, access, identity, and everyday life. Growing Up Before Accessibility Alycia and Karen remember life before the Americans with Disabilities Act. They recall inaccessible buses, oversized wheelchairs, buildings with stairs, restaurants without accessible bathrooms, and being carried into spaces. Karen shares that her mother carried her up four stairs every morning to reach a summer job in an inaccessible building. She also remembers putting flip flops on her hands so she could crawl across public restroom floors. Alycia had done the same thing. Their stories reveal how exclusion becomes normalized when disabled people are not protected by enforceable civil rights. Community Living Is a Disability Right Karen explains the importance of the 1999 Olmstead decision, which affirmed that unnecessary institutionalization and segregation can be discrimination under the Americans with Disabilities Act. The decision helped establish that disabled people have the right to receive services and live within their communities. Through Access Living and partner organizations, disabled people are supported as they transition from nursing facilities and institutions into their own homes. Karen warns that Medicaid reductions, weakened enforcement, and renewed conversations about institutionalization threaten decades of progress. Disabled people are asking for the right to live in their own homes, make decisions about their lives, and participate fully in their communities. Advocacy Belongs to Everyone Karen reminds listeners that advocacy is not limited to policy experts. People can make a difference by learning from trusted disability led organizations, sharing accurate information, contacting elected officials, submitting public comments, telling personal stories, amplifying disabled advocates, and connecting with a local Center for Independent Living. Her message is clear: Do not assume your voice will not be heard. Speak up anyway. Leadership Begins in the Deep End Karen credits her parents and mentors with encouraging her to take risks. Her mother often said they were going to throw Karen into the deep end of the pool and let her figure out how to swim. That mindset followed her throughout her career. Mentors including Judy Heumann, Ed Roberts, Wade Blank, and Marca Bristo recognized Karen's potential and placed her in leadership roles before she always felt ready. Karen later served as Commissioner of the Chicago Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities, was appointed to the U.S. Access Board, and became President and CEO of Access Living. Her journey demonstrates the power of leaders who believe in someone before that person fully believes in themselves. Disability Pride and Aging For Karen, Disability Pride means community, visibility, self worth, and being okay with who we are. It does not mean loving every part of disability every day. Pride can exist alongside pain, fear, frustration, internalized ableism, and uncertainty. Alycia and Karen also discuss the realities of aging with a rare disability, including concerns about mobility, transfers, travel, health, and future independence. Both women were given frightening medical predictions as children. Decades later, they are still here, leading, traveling, advocating, creating community, and celebrating every year they were told they might never have. Aging with disability can be uncertain. It is also a privilege. You Deserve to Be in the Space Karen's Pushing Forward moment is a challenge to step outside your comfort zone. Attend the event. Accept the opportunity. Enter the room, even when you do not know anyone. Leadership does not eliminate fear or imposter syndrome. You deserve to be there. You deserve to be in that space. Two Women, One Rare Disability, and a Movement to Protect

“The people you're trying to lead may become your greatest teacher.” SUMMARY Matthew Ayers '99 believes leadership isn't about having all the answers. It's about listening, learning and serving with joy. Hear how experiences at the U.S. Air Force Academy, on a U.N. peacekeeping mission and leading Dream Centers of Colorado Springs transformed his understanding of leadership. MATTHEW'S TOP 10 LEADERSHIP LESSONS 1. Leadership Begins with Ordinary Acts Matthew's grandfather didn't set out to do extraordinary things—he simply noticed people, asked questions, and invited them in. Great leadership often begins with small acts of compassion that have lifelong impact. 2. Lead with Joy One of the defining characteristics of Matthew's grandfather was his joy. Even in difficult circumstances, he demonstrated that joy isn't the absence of hardship—it's a choice that gives others hope and the courage to move forward. 3. Stay Curious About People Matthew learned that leadership starts by genuinely wanting to know people and understand their stories. Curiosity builds trust, broadens perspective, and opens the door to meaningful relationships. 4. Integrity Is Lived, Not Signed His experience during a United Nations peacekeeping mission revealed that values aren't proven by an oath—they're revealed in everyday decisions. Leadership requires the courage to live your principles, even when circumstances become complicated. 5. Influence Doesn't Require Authority Serving alongside people outside his chain of command taught Matthew that leadership often happens through relationships rather than rank. Quiet, consistent influence can move an organization—and a mission—forward one conversation at a time. 6. Presence Is Sometimes the Greatest Gift Whether comforting cadets during tragedy or supporting people in crisis, Matthew discovered that leaders don't always need the perfect words. Simply showing up and being present can have a lasting impact. 7. Listen Before You Lead Matthew's work reinforced that the people closest to the problem often hold the clearest vision for the solution. Leaders who listen deeply make better decisions because they're willing to learn before they act. 8. Let Others Become Your Teachers One of the most powerful themes of the episode is that leadership is not about always being the teacher. Matthew believes the people we serve—and the people we lead—often become our greatest teachers if we're humble enough to learn from them. 9. Transformation Happens Through Action Leadership isn't mastered in a classroom alone. Matthew reminds us that principles become convictions only when we wrestle with them in real life, applying them through service, relationships, and everyday decisions. 10. Leave People Better Than You Found Them Looking back on his grandfather's influence, Matthew's own leadership philosophy comes into focus: serve others with humility, model joy, remain teachable, and help people flourish. The greatest legacy a leader leaves is the positive impact they have on the lives of others. CHAPTERS 00:00:00 – Opening: Sometimes the Greatest Teachers Aren't the Ones We Expect 00:00:53 – Meet Matthew Ayers, USAFA Class of 1999 00:01:38 – The Story That Changed Everything: Grandpa, Joy & Two Strangers 00:08:47 – Justice Begins at Home: Lessons Passed from One Generation to the Next 00:15:12 – Ethiopia: When Integrity Is Tested in the Real World 00:24:31 – The Difference Between Signing an Oath and Living It 00:31:26 – The Child Who Became the Teacher 00:39:08 – Why Great Leaders Never Stop Being Students 00:45:51 – Leading Through Joy, Compassion & Presence 00:52:37 – Leadership in Practice: Listening Before Leading 00:58:44 – Matthew's Leadership Philosophy 01:03:28 – Advice to His Younger Self 01:06:14 – Final Reflections: Leave People Better Than You Found Them   ABOUT MATTHEW BIO Matthew Ayers, USAFA Class of 1999, is the founder and CEO of Dream Centers, a Colorado Springs nonprofit dedicated to serving women, children, and families through comprehensive healthcare, behavioral health services, and transformational housing. Before founding Dream Centers in 2011, Matthew served as an Air Force officer, managed air and space programs, taught at the U.S. Air Force Academy, and deployed as an unarmed military observer with the United Nations Mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea. A passionate student of leadership, theology, and community development, Matthew believes the most meaningful leadership begins with humility, service, and a willingness to learn from others. Through his work and volunteer service, he continues to champion innovative approaches that strengthen families, empower communities, and create lasting change. Matthew lives in Colorado Springs with his wife, Amber, and their two children, Zeke and Halle Joy. CONNECT WITH MATTHEW LINKEDIN  |  DREAM CENTERS CONNECT WITH THE LONG BLUE LINE PODCAST NETWORK TEAM Ted Robertson | Producer and Editor:  Ted.Robertson@USAFA.org Send your feedback or nominate a guest: socialmedia@usafa.org Please note: we are only considering USAFA graduates as guests at this time. Ryan Hall | Director:  Ryan.Hall@USAFA.org  Bryan Grossman | Copy Editor:  Bryan.Grossman@USAFA.org Wyatt Hornsby | Executive Producer:  Wyatt.Hornsby@USAFA.org     ALL PAST LBL EPISODES  |  ALL LBLPN PRODUCTIONS AVAILABLE AT USAFA.ORG/LONGBLUELEADERSHIP AND ON ALL MAJOR PODCAST PLATFORMS   FULL TRANSCRIPT Guest: Lt. Col. (Ret.) Matthew Ayers '99  |  Host: Lt. Col. (Ret.) Naviere Walkewicz '99 Lt. Col. (Ret.) Naviere Walkewicz 0:00 Sometimes the greatest leadership lesson isn't learning how to teach others; it's discovering that the people you're trying to lead may become your greatest teacher. I'm Naviere Walkewicz, Class of '99 — Long Blue Leadership starts now. Well, welcome. Our guest today is Matthew Ayers, class of '99. Yes, my classmate. Welcome, welcome to Long Blue Leadership. Let me tell you about Matthew from his military service, where he served in international peacekeeping. Then he went into the classrooms of Fairchild Hall, onto leading an organization called Dream Centers, where he's the CEO, really focusing on a vulnerable set of our community. It's such a pleasure to have you here today, Matthew. Matthew Ayers 0:46 Love being here. Thank you, Naviere. Col. Naviere Walkewicz 0:48 Absolutely. Well, we're going to jump right in because your story is so unique and so personal. I'd like to take us back in time and talk about your grandfather. I know we had some time talking about him, but I think it's well worth that our listeners and our watchers get to know him a little bit more as well. Let's talk about your grandfather and maybe a particular act of courage. Matthew Ayers 1:09 OK, yeah, he's my hero, and I always continue to this day trying to live life like my grandpa. He just was so inspirational in the way he lived, and he's a very relational servant leader. He pastored most of his life in the Pacific Northwest, but his beginnings were in Wuhan, China, where he was born and raised, and moved to the U.S. when he was 15. Got on a back of a cargo ship, and he and his brother John made their way here. He built railroad with the CCC and flipped burgers, put himself through high school, college, seminary, and he's just got an amazing life. But when I got to know my grandpa as a little boy, he was smoking cigarettes like a chimney and in the local bowling league and playing cards with his neighbors. Col. Naviere Walkewicz 2:01 I can visualize this man. Yes. Yes. Matthew Ayers 2:06 He was just everybody's person, and he could hang out with anyone. No one was a stranger, and he was genuinely curious about everyone he met. And so he just modeled that with such joy. I just grew up thinking I want to be like my grandpa. He's an amazing guy, And so I've got unlimited stories about him, about someone that really has left a mark on my life, and I was 11 years old, and we were pretty new, about a year or so into living in central Washington State. And he came to guest preach at a local church there, and when he came to visit, of course, we would always go to a local Chinese restaurant.   Col. Naviere Walkewicz 2:53 And did he say it wasn't as good as when he grew up, though? Matthew Ayers 2:57 It was not nearly as good, but he still enjoyed it. He still would enjoy it wherever he went. And so he disappeared like usual, and we just knew he was back in the kitchen, probably washing dishes, hamming it up with the staff. And soon he comes back out, introducing us to staff, and we have all this free food, and he's best friends with this couple. So we were just this was like a normal experience with Grandpa, but on this particular visit, he had some pretty serious conversations after that with my parents, and he had found out that several of the staff were labor trafficked. They were new immigrants from China, and the next day, he brought me along as a little boy, we go down in our little town into a bag alley, knock on the door of a warehouse, no running water, no electricity, no amenities, dirt floor, and I see the rats running around. I'm like, "What are we doing here?” And we get to sit down with these people who are serving at this restaurant and can't speak English and do not know any way to navigate their situation. And he challenged us as a family. Well, he might have just volunteered us, but it was going to happen one way or another, that this couple ended up moving in with us, and we got to be like family with them, and had the most incredible experiences cross culturally just in our own home, and that was my first, maybe you know, shocking example of just the vulnerability of people in every community. It happens everywhere, but what was even more powerful to me about that, and what stays with me, is just how simple it really was looking back, where he just asked the question, and it seemed like such an ordinary, easy thing that that he made it out to be. And looking back, I'm like, well, that that's not easy for most people, but really, it is an ordinary thing that anyone can do. Naviere Walkewicz 5:07 Ask a question and bring someone in, right? Matthew Ayers 5:10 That's it. Col. Naviere Walkewicz 3:46 I'm thinking about you as an 11-year-old, and you said it was kind of your first real glimpse of that experience. How did that shape you as you grew up? Because they were with you, right? And so, first off, did you did you learn to speak Chinese? Matthew Ayers 5:27 No, I learned a few phrases. I should have though. I remember even the simple things like these cross-cultural miscommunications we had about ruining laundry and just doing things so differently that made us sometimes laugh and sometimes have some pretty tense moments. But it was it was all of us learning together. How do we do this? And I think one of my favorite memories was one of these people — they were they just had this incredible ability to do this unique art form of laying small colored thread, and would take months and hundreds of hours per piece of art, and just the beauty of getting to introduce into this art of her culture that was in particular from this region she was from. So we just, I mean, we had so many rich experiences like that. Col. Naviere Walkewicz 6:29 I can imagine. So taking a leap forward, what was part of your journey that led you to the Academy? And when you went to the Air Force Academy, was your goal in mind to think about how to either participate or engage in things cross culturally, or was that just part of your upbringing and your makeup? Matthew Ayers 6:50 Yeah, I thought you might ask me this, and I have nothing here. Honestly, I saw pictures of the Rocky Mountains. I love the beauty of Colorado. It just seemed magical to me, coming from this little town in central Washington, and I wanted to snowboard, so it came with some, you know, really good university education. It was a win-win. Col. Naviere Walkewicz 7:13 Yes. So getting into the Academy, you know, obviously drawn by the aesthetics. What about the service in the military do you think really called you? And would you say that started, you know, with your grandfather, or was that something else you saw throughout just your childhood? Matthew Ayers 7:29 My mom and dad modeled it well, of course. My dad found an amazing and safe place in my mom's home, where she grew up in Wenatchee, Washington, and so they really had this model of my grandpa and grandpa Paul and Lydia serving continually, and they modeled that in our home, in our community, in our neighborhood. I mean, from as young as I can remember, my dad was leading leadership camps for high school students in Washington State and doing incredible things to serve. And servant leadership, which is always kind of a part of the conversation. So it was like the water that we got to swim in. Col. Naviere Walkewicz 8:09 It seems so when you talk about your grandpa and your parents, it feels very warm and comforting and secure. And when I think about our time at USAFA, Matthew, it was — you know while it was, you know, in this ecosystem, and yes, you know, we were growing as leaders, I would say there was chaos around us, you know? How did you navigate that with such a different kind of upbringing, and by what you saw in leadership. Matthew Ayers 8:37 Yep. That is, I think, really insightful, and it's probably — it could be the most powerful part of my growing up, my formation in my family. Because my grandpa, when he did these hard things that were ordinary, but you naturally create friction in these situations where you're serving and helping and bringing cross cultures together and bringing people in need, including us. We needed to be educated in that situation, understanding what was happening in our own community and understanding how to serve. And you don't — there wasn't a formula for that, and we didn't have a lot of coaching or training. Grandpa just pulled us in, and so we learned through doing this kind of life together. And I think that that was the power of it: is that he did it with such joy. So you describe it as this warmth, and absolutely it was. And so having that mindset, I think, built this resilience in us to have joy no matter what the situation was, and to hold those things intentionally. You know, sometimes things are really difficult and sad and sorrowful, but to still be able to carry joy into those situations, you're really able to have that impact on somebody who may need that. So even coming to the Academy and experiencing that, especially the chaos of the first year, it felt like a little bit of a challenge. Like, how do we have joy through this? Col. Naviere Walkewicz 10:05 Well, I think I would have loved to be in your squadron because it sounds like you would have brought some joy to us for sure. Let's talk about after the Academy. There was a particular time while you were serving, you went on to work in — I think it was 2005 — you were part of a United Nations peacekeeping mission. Can you talk about some of that experience and how it maybe shaped you? Because I think it was a really transformational moment as well in your leadership journey. Matthew Ayers 10:33 It was. It was. I was in the acquisition career field, and so I didn't have much opportunity to go overseas, but although I really wanted to. So this was one of those few things that I could thankfully got some approval from our commander and got to apply for this mission. And in that, I had this experience of coming out of Asmara, Eritrea, and heading down to our team site, which was pretty remote near the border, just south of Eritrea, and in this very small village in a war-torn area, it was completely austere, and you basically, as military observers, you have a team site you run and you kind of manage this area that you observe with daily patrols. And so I got to be in a team site with people from Ghana and South Africa and Bangladesh, and you name it. I mean, we always had new members coming in and out from one of these 41 nations that were there. And when I arrived at the team site the first day, Adahanit was our team cleaner, and so she was hired by the local staff on our team site. And when she literally ran to me, she saw my uniform and the American flag, and she dropped to her knees and just started weeping. And she was telling me how grateful she was that an American was at her team site now, because Americans had treated her and some of her family and friends and people who were living in this village with a little more respect than they were used to, and that was my introduction to this mission, to this team site, and I just thought, “Wow, what did I step into?” Because there are obviously a lot of really interesting dynamics that I didn't necessarily expect that kind of welcome coming in. Col. Naviere Walkewicz 12:27 We take for granted what seems so normal and usual and expected, right? And so to actually see how what we're expecting can really make a difference to somebody else is really powerful. What was some of that experience like there? Can you talk a little bit more about that mission and really why it, besides that incredible greeting, why it really spoke to you? Matthew Ayers 12:52 What I came to learn over the next six months living in Shiraru was that, you know, we all of us on the mission we had this MOU, kind of a moral obligation that we signed. We had this oath that we gave and communicated. We had a lot of training, extensive training in country, and then when we arrived overseas, and it was so — I think coming from this side, we had these just very clear expectations, and I think also kind of some of the culture that we swim in is filled with moral obligations. Even just our values at the Academy, where we where we were trained, and but it's such a part of American culture. And so what I realized is that although all the soldiers from every nation get to sign this thing and take this oath, it's not necessarily something that was part of the conversations in families growing up, or a part of the water that they swam in. So our day-to-day life there was filled with this tension between what we agreed to do and what was actually happening on the ground, and those things were completely different. So we saw — I mean, I saw two nations get kicked out and dismissed from the mission for starting trafficking rings. I saw two members of our own team site, they ended up running the black market cash exchange for the entire nation of Ethiopia while I was on site. And some of these things I really struggled with. Tried to work with people to help them understand what we were doing is not helpful to locals, and even to the point of bringing some of these things up legally with some of the team at headquarters. But when they're dealing with international trafficking rings, some of those smaller things that were happening at our team site, they just — they didn't even have capacity to deal with. And so that's also tension was like, OK, we have to learn to deal with this on a one-on-one basis in our team site in the middle of several hours' drive away from anyone who has any authority over the space. Col. Naviere Walkewicz 15:06 Wow! So, how did you learn from that? What did — what changed in you, or what evolved in you? How do you grow as a leader from that? Because that's really powerful when you have a mission, and then you have these competing things happening that sometimes challenge values. Matthew Ayers 15:25 It made life so much more complicated for me. I think I went in —   Col. Naviere Walkewicz 15:28 Like, “If my grandpa was here, he simplified things really well.”    Matthew Ayers 15:33 Right. Exactly. Where is this simple answer? There really wasn't. And I remember sitting in several meetings, both formal and informal, with some of the JAGs, some of the legal team there, and just trying to untangle some of these issues and understand what would be worth our time to bring up, even to the highest levels, even if we had to go to Congress. What are some of the things that we need eyeballs here and influence here so that we can change some what's going on ground? It's really negatively impacting people's lives, and some of the things that we had to wrestle with were these larger moral questions of if we do this and we potentially raise these other issues at this particular level, we can end the mission. And we're trying to keep these two nations from destroying each other. So please don't go to this level. Work with us. We're going to work with you. We're going to give you advice, but you need to deal with this one on one with these people that you're working with and serving with, and they may not be from your country and they may not be in your chain of command, but you have at least some level of influence with them. So we need you to be courageous and we need you to have these conversations on a daily basis and help us. So those, that was powerful to me because it wasn't, you know — I at first I felt disempowered and like I don't know what I could do in this position, but over time I think little by little, you know, you can you can move the ball down the field if you stay focused -and you kind of understand the situation you're working within. Col. Naviere Walkewicz 17:11 I'm so glad you shared that because often we might think, “Well, I'm just an acquisitions officer” or “I'm just this and this is not my lane” or “This is not my role.” But I think to your point is we can all be leaders and if we stay focused and we know what we need to be doing, moving the ball down the field is still very much progress. And so thank you for sharing that. I think that was really powerful. You know, you've had so many incredible experiences. I'm curious. So, acquisitions officer, you went and did this UN mission, and somehow you ended back in the hallways of Fairchild Hall teaching cadets. Let's talk about that transition and maybe what leadership looked like after you had some of this real-world and mission experience, operational experience. How did that translate to leading cadets in the way they think, etc. Matthew Ayers 18:03 The mission, you know, sharing knowledge, sharing wisdom, sharing the things that we know we're learning in Management 101. I mean, that's important, right? Col. Naviere Walkewicz 18:13 Yeah. Matthew Ayers 18:13 But what I realized in that role too is just, and I realized this going back to our time. You know, as '99ers…   Col. Naviere Walkewicz 18:24 Gold will shine.   Matthew Ayers 18:25 …and just people who had so much influence on us. That's my always dreamed to come back. That was a dream job for me. I wanted to be back here on campus and influencing kids' lives because I think you are for the first time in your life for most of us. Then you're away from home, and you get to like have your family, your brothers, your sisters, your parents, your grandparents. You can lean on in those situations at home to help you carry that leadership. But this is the first time you get to try it out on your own. And I wanted to get to know people relationally first and build trust so that I could earn a right as little as it was to speak into anyone's life, and maybe learn from them too, because we're all coming from different backgrounds where we can learn from each other. So that environment was incredible to me because it's just so much more than sharing knowledge, right? You know you're transforming. You're part of that transformative process of a person being formed when they're standing on their own values for the first time. Col. Naviere Walkewicz 19:34 Matthew, can you share an example of maybe when you saw that come to life with a cadet and an interaction with you? Was there a time in that that when you were facilitating or when you were an instructor that you actually saw some of those seeds be received and how it actually bloomed? Matthew Ayers 19:52 My very first night on duty, I was officer on duty at night, and you know you do this. Everyone pitches in and has that role at some point or another when they're on faculty here, and there was a suicide, and I remember getting to interact in the moment as the news is, you know, in a grassroots way, very quickly moving through the Cadet Wing. And in the middle of the night, just walking the hallways and seeing kids, and just getting to put my hand on my shoulder and ask if they need to talk, can I pray? Can I support you? And hearing their stories and what they knew, and so life happens, right? No matter what position you're in, no matter where you are, and you get to show up for people where you don't, or you get scared. And I think some of those things, you know, being in Eritrea in the middle of night with people, and that I think you build a little more resilience there too when you're in some interesting situations. And it helps you step into somebody else's space and just be present and I — those are sacred memories for me and those opportunities just to be present. Didn't do anything really but just be there. And I think I'll cherish that always. And I just encourage us. You know, it again — these things seem like so challenging sometimes when you're in a, when the stakes are high and the emotions are high, but those are the most important times to stand in and be present. Col. Naviere Walkewicz 21:42 I feel this tie from your grandpa to you. This ordinary act. I will tell you, the cadets that you spent time with when you were walking the halls that evening, and you put your hand on their shoulder, or you said, "Do you need to talk?” They will take that with them, and there's a good chance that when the moment calls for that from them, they're ready because they saw it in action and they felt the importance of that. Man, thank you for sharing that incredible story. I have to think that that probably played into your decision to jump into the nonprofit space and lead something incredible like you've been doing for the past 10+ years. Matthew Ayers 22:20 If I'm honest, I was a little bit upset leaving the Air Force. I loved that job. I loved what I was doing, but of course, I did have the seed that my grandpa planted, and really, it went back to that first experience that day when he introduced us to the staff at this restaurant. And I thought, I remember making a commitment back then to say, I want to be like my grandpa, and I want to do something. I think with my life, just to interact with vulnerable people and serve them. And so that came true. I got to start some work in the nonprofit world when I got out of the Air Force, and then it led into this opportunity. And I think just casting that vision in that early season of getting out and just sharing this bigger idea of like, OK, we what does the city need? We love Colorado Springs. There's a lot of great nonprofits, and we don't want to duplicate anything. So what do we really need? And that's when I got to go on this journey of just listening to leaders all over our city and discovering what some of those things could be. Col. Naviere Walkewicz 23:29 I love that powerful listening tour. Before we jump into that, I want to just in that piece of time in which you made that transition, I'm curious on how you knew it was time. Because I think many leaders, you know, when they're in different roles, they're looking for the when is the right time for what's next, or and who do you talk to in your corner? What was that transition, and maybe that network around you or your community around you, what did that look like in navigating that decision? Matthew Ayers 1:57 So, Naviere, my life is like one example after another of I have plans in my mind, in my heart, and then they get redirected. And there's a proverb about that that says, you know, people make plans in their heart, and the Lord directs their steps. So this was another clear example of that, of me taking a while to learn what really should be the next step. And I remember the voluntary separation program, that VSP came open, that opportunity. And this is strange. So if anyone's been around the Academy or taught there, you know this. If you haven't, it is rare to have people just come by your office and small talk for a while, right? You're with cadets in your open office hours, or you're teaching, or you're preparing for something. So we're running. We're always running around. And 15 people, several of them — I couldn't have even told you their last name. I was just an acquaintance with them — stopped by my office in my open hours during the day, one after the other, asking the exact same thing: “Are you going to apply for this VSP?” Col. Naviere Walkewicz 25:12 Did you make — I mean, I can't even. That's just kind of blows my mind, right? I'm just I'm putting myself in your shoes in that moment. Yes, please continue. Matthew Ayers 25:22 Yeah. So if Anthony Pedroni is listening, he was the last one, and Tony comes in at like 7 that night in my office and asks the same exact question. We're friends. We work together in the management department. And he said, "Are you going to apply for this VSP?” I said, "No, man, I love my job. I love what I'm doing. Why would I want to leave here?” And he said, "Oh, Mr. Sensitive,” and he walked away. And when he said that, I was convicted. I had not even stopped to pray for a second. Like, is this the right thing to do? And I just knew it was, and I didn't know why. So, I, as an Enneagram 9, I try to lead with my gut instinct. That always just naturally leads first, and I just knew I needed. So I applied that night. I was one of 20 that got it. I got a call the next day, and I was out in 30 days. Col. Naviere Walkewicz 26:11 Oh my goodness. So really, it was this group around you, and then some self-reflection and prayer, and you made that decision. There was really not a lot of talk at all, it sounds like. Matthew Ayers 26:23 There was zero planning. So yeah, but I knew it was right, and I knew if — you know, I just think taking steps of faith, sometimes we need to be redirected. And looking back on my life now, I cannot imagine not doing this nonprofit work early. In my mind, the timing was retire first, be stable, make a good decision, get your retirement, then launch this nonprofit. But that's not that wasn't the best way forward. And so I would just say that for others too, where I had to be redirected, and it was so helpful for me. And that if you know you're holding on to a dream, sometimes it's good to be stable and make that, you know, what might look like a more traditional decision, and sometimes it's not. And to have the courage to be able to at least ask that question. Col. Naviere Walkewicz 27:15 I love that. So you jumped, and you have now led Dream Centers. Let's talk about this a little bit because I think many people may not know what Dream Centers of Colorado Springs is and the mission. Matthew Ayers 27:30 There's a movement across the world. There's several hundred Dream Centers, and the basic thing that ties it all together is that we share this vision that we would find a real need in a city wherever we're located that's unduplicated, and we go meet that need. So we're not the same organization as any one other of these hundreds of Dream Centers. But I got to go on that listening tour for about six months and learn as much as I could from people here before we decided what we wanted to land on. That would really be something unique and unduplicated that we could offer the city. Col. Naviere Walkewicz 28:09 Do you feel that this is another way that you continued to put on a uniform outside of the uniform, right? So this is a new way of service. Do you think that that was part of not only it was a need that you decided this is the one we're going to do and it's unduplicated, but it actually spoke to you because of your servant leadership background? Matthew Ayers 28:29 Maybe. I think honestly, going back to those roots, my parents, my grandpa. I mean, I think of my wrestling coach in high school and English teacher. They served so well, and they did it with joy. I think just to me, it was a more inspiring way to live, and so I didn't think about it like that, and I don't think about it like that. Although that's absolutely important and valuable, but I think as I as I experience the joy of learning from our clients right now and our staff, and just how rewarding the mission is, yeah, absolutely. It's about serving our community, but it is so joyous. It's — I get so much more out of it that it's like it really is a way of life that that is just incredible. I love getting up in the morning. I love what I get to do. Col. Naviere Walkewicz 29:19 So you are learning from the people you serve. You just — you were just talking about the joy that it brings you. What has changed in you? And I think about it — you know, this is Long Blue Leadership. So from a leadership capacity, because you're leading a team of professionals that's making this joy possible, but curious how it's also really, like, you know, changed you? Matthew Ayers 29:40 Man, I think I've changed every day. There's — you know, I have not had a lot of extreme or challenging situations I've dealt with in life, but I've had like a front row seat to that, and I think that I don't understand what it's like to live in a car, or to live on the street, or to experience domestic violence, or to be without food, and people are in those situations in our city every day, and they have so much to tell us about what's going on with our city, what's working, what's not. How can we improve it? How can we improve it down to the level of interactions, from phone calls and intake and how we're welcomed into a front office, to what actually is going to move the ball and make an impact in their life, and I think those are the things that we know are like adding to the quality of community, and it transfers intergenerationally in our city. So if we don't stop to learn about those things, it we're all going to be affected by that, and we're all going to be life will just not be as rewarding because it is so rewarding to be in the middle of those conversations and experiences. Col. Naviere Walkewicz 31:17 So I'm thinking about it in parallel as leaders. To your point, are you know they have colleagues or teammates that are experiencing things that they haven't. How do you navigate those conversations? How do you actually get to a place where maybe you are driving impact or making it a difference? I'm curious if you could share some of that, maybe some for those who are looking for that leadership as well. Matthew Ayers 31:41 We're always trying to do things with excellence. We're always tweaking what we're doing, and we're trying to just be steady and show up every day and learn what we can. And so I think when we have some big changes we need to make or a program we need to implement, first it needs to come from the people we're learning from, right? And it's not dreamed up without partnership there, and I think it needs to be confirmed by them as well. And so I mean, this again-it's the story of my life. But for several years at one of our programs at Mary's Home, the families we get to be with and serve and learn from were telling me about, you know, “The way that you're setting up this high-challenge, high-support program, and what we're able to accomplish here, and how we're surrounded with love and services and challenge. It is so good. Why aren't you doing that with our children? Why are you not offering the same thing for them?” And we — this was a theme, and I got to hear it over and over and over again. And they probably felt like they were being a broken record, but it was so important that they kept — they felt they had that important message to share. And it took me years of hearing that and then validating it with other people in the community, other people who had come through the program, our graduates, who had been years, you know, after launching for Mary's home, validating it, and I think that whole process was something where, for me, it felt like at least scales had to fall from my eyes. I had to really wake up to the reality of what this is because at first I was thinking there's other organizations that do this, and they continued just faithfully week after week, month after month, to have this conversation and say, “No, you — OK, so you don't really understand, Matthew, what we're talking about, so let's back up.” It was conversations like that. Like, “Let me tell you about my experience here with my children.” “Let me tell you about my experience over here at this service and why it's not working.” And so I think those, you know — it's being in touch with your customer. It's being in touch with your client. It's really — we have to be changed first if we're going to really offer something that's truly transformational. Col. Naviere Walkewicz 34:03 I love how you said you can drive change and it really make an intergenerational difference. I'm curious how your work has changed the lives of your family because I know you know you're married and you have two beautiful children. What does this legacy look like in your household? Matthew Ayers 34:22 Yeah, well I hope that I can you know at least try to live up to my grandpa's way of being. And so like when we're around work, that our kids it feels like a normal thing to do, just to be in service and to be engaged, to be in touch with what's going on in our community, and that it feels normal to come to work and have that warmth and have that encouragement and see models of people just doing normal things that we may if we don't have those models otherwise they seem maybe difficult for a little distant from us. And sometimes they're actually closer than we realize and we just keep them distant because it reminds us of just how maybe vulnerable we are sometimes, or maybe a memory like going back to our childhood that could be implicit. You know, before we're even four, and we remember it with our mind. Our body is remembering it with our emotions, and we're and so we get scared sometimes, and we don't even know why to engage with some big challenges in our city. And that's what I think. Yeah, the day-to-day stuff I want to model for Zeke and Halle Joy are just — you know, this is this is actually super rewarding, and it's one of the best things in the world you can do. Col. Naviere Walkewicz 35:40 So, Matthew, if we can go back in time, and you could talk to your 11-year-old self, what might you tell him today? Matthew Ayers 35:46 I think knowing what I know now and seeing what's possible, what transformation, what kinds of things, and just that we've been able to do with our partners in the city, through Dream Centers, going back to that, all that may seem really daunting and just incredibly tough to imagine or even think about as 11-year-old. But I think I would keep just want to model it for him, you know, just like my grandpa did, and make it make it easy, make it like this is — anyone can do this. Take that next faithful step, that everyone has something that they can do to show just a little bit of genuine curiosity in whoever they're with, that we always have something to learn, and if you can model that with joy, I just think it can be captured so much easier. If you model it in any other way, I don't know that it becomes something that you want to emulate. Col. Naviere Walkewicz 36:45 I love that. And speaking of joy, I have a feeling I know where you might go with this answer, but let's see if you surprise us. You know, what is something you're doing every day to be better, either as a leader, you know, in your in your life? What are you doing every day to be better? Matthew Ayers 37:05 I'll say it's something that I try to do every day. So even this week is a great example. Like, the last couple weeks, I've had conversations with staff where they felt courageous enough to give me feedback, and I got to listen, and I get to learn from them, and they're my greatest teachers. “So, this is how I felt in that situation, Matthew, and this is how I didn't feel seen or heard.” And let me just tell you how that impacted me, and those conversations are, you know, although I wish I could say they're far and few between, they're probably more regular. But I'm grateful for that. I'm grateful that we have a team that really trusts each other, and where we can just be honest and reflect and call each other to this higher place. And my team does that for me. So if I could do one thing, I don't always do it, but if I could do one thing really well, it'd be to keep learning from them. Col. Naviere Walkewicz 38:03 Oh, that's fantastic. May I ask how you accept that feedback? Because, you know, being open to hearing it is one thing, but accepting it, I think, is another. Can you talk about how you do that? Matthew Ayers 38:18 Yeah. Well, I think people are complicated, and all of us, right? We're like this incredible mishmash. You have, like, unlimited layers of variables going on an x-axis and a y-axis, and for some reason, on one day, one person will hit that one button that really affects us more deeply than another. And I see that, you know, with me, I see that with our team. And so, even one staff member will give me feedback that's in this direction, and another and receives it completely differently. So, what I think it does for me is I want to hold all those things as equally valid and say how can I sharpen what I'm doing even more so? Like that thing really landed for somebody and it really hurt somebody else. So how can I adjust? How can I learn from that so that I am presenting, I'm showing up to work my best self in a way that's able to speak to everyone. You can't always do that. You're never going to hit on the head, and that's why we need grace for everyone. We need a little patience. But I think we can always learn too, and we can always sharpen the skills. And I'm so grateful that we can, and that EQ is just one of those things that we can constantly work on. So, yeah. Col. Naviere Walkewicz 39:36 I love that. Well, what is something that we didn't cover today that you feel is really important for our viewers and listeners to hear from you? Matthew Ayers 039:46 You keep doing what you're doing because you're bringing a message that is really — it's not complicated at all, but there's so many layers to this leadership journey, and I think people need examples of that. We don't learn — I think what I know that whether it was just in my work here at the Academy, or the work with the nonprofit, or just growing up in Ellensburg, Washington, learn as much in the classroom, and so we have to wrestle with these ideas. That's important, and these ideas we'll hear today are really important. But we need to the community we live in, the family we're a part of, our work, and we need to apply these things. And that's where we really learn. And I don't think leadership can ever be learned just from talking about it, right?   Col. Naviere Walkewicz 40:43 That's right.   Matthew Ayers 40:43 So we have to be able to apply these ideas constantly and wrestle with them, and talk about them, and keep them front and center. So thank you for doing that. And I know we're going to keep trying to do that within Dream Centers and make it real instead of just theoretical. Col. Naviere Walkewicz 41:00 Well, Matthew, this conversation has been really incredible in many ways. I think some of the things that really stuck with me in this conversation, one, I just really appreciated getting to know your grandpa through you. I mean, he's someone that I also hope that I can emulate in just his finding ordinary ways to make big impact. And I think you're doing that every day in your job, and that's helping to inspire others as well. I really appreciated our conversation how you really have become a student of learning leadership through the through the actions that others have gone through, right? So maybe not living them yourself, but being there in the moment, learning from them. And so I appreciated how you really talk about leadership through learning. And so I think that really came through and folds in our conversation today. And last, I want to end with this because, as I sit here and I smile at you, it's because you bring joy, and I think it's really important that we find joy in the moments, even when they're difficult. If we can continue to like hold onto that thread of joy, life is sure a lot more fun and meaningful, and we bring others along with us in that in that capacity. Matthew Ayers 42:04 Thank you, Naviere. Col. Naviere Walkewicz 42:05 For all of you that are watching this and listening, thank you for joining us on Long Blue Leadership. If you know someone who's on their leadership journey, they really should check out this conversation and all of our others at longblueleadership.org. Many of our graduates have different paths that they want on leadership, and just like Matthew, they have so many wonderful lessons you can pose in them. So until next time, I'm Naviere Walkowicz, Class of '99. We'll see you on Long Blue Leadership. KEYWORDS Primary: Servant leadership, leadership through learning, influence, humility, curiosity, transformation. Secondary: Mentorship, moral courage, resilience, trust, active listening, empathy, community, values-based leadership, feedback, purpose. Supporting: Emotional intelligence, authenticity, growth mindset, stewardship, compassion, vulnerability, presence, integrity, service, relational leadership. The Long Blue Line Podcast Network is presented by the U.S. Air Force Academy Association & Foundation    

Burnout, uncertainty, and the pressure to have all the answers have become familiar realities for many nonprofit leaders. This episode of Nonprofit Mission: Impact offers a collection of practical leadership invitations that challenge those assumptions and encourage a more sustainable way to lead. Drawing on insights from past guests, host Carol Hamilton explores: ·       the importance of building self-awareness, embracing humility, and investing in personal growth, ·       how to making decisions with greater perspective, ·       why it's important to share responsibility rather than carrying organizational burdens alone. Together, these reflections remind nonprofit leaders that lasting impact comes not from self-sacrifice, but from intentional leadership rooted in learning, collaboration, and stewardship. Episodes Highlights 00:00 – Burnout Calls for a Different Way of Leading 02:50 – Leadership Begins with Self-Awareness 04:50 – Growth Requires Humility 05:50 – Give Yourself Permission to Feel 06:20 – You Don't Have to Have All the Answers 07:30 – Invest in Yourself First 08:30 – You Can't Mentor Everyone 11:00 – The 10-10-10 Rule Brings Perspective 13:20 – Stewardship Is a Shared Responsibility 17:10 – Leadership Radiates Outward About your podcast host: Carol Hamilton, principal of Grace Social Sector Consulting, helps nonprofits become more strategic and effective through inclusive strategic planning, evaluation design, and organizational assessment. With over 30 years of experience, she brings a practical, human-centered approach that helps organizations align around clear priorities and take meaningful action toward their mission. Her Shared Action Strategic Planning Framework moves groups from shared language to shared understanding, shared vision, shared priorities to shared action. When she is not working with nonprofits to improve their strategy and alignment, you can find her reading a good book, making diary comics, having a dance party in the kitchen, swimming, biking or kayaking on the Anacostia River.   Be in Touch: ✉️ Subscribe to Carol's newsletter at Grace Social Sector Consulting and receive the Common Mistakes Nonprofits Make In Strategic Planning And How To Avoid Them

What if the church's leadership crisis is really a discipleship crisis? Summary In this episode of the Lausanne Movement Podcast, Jason Watson speaks with Josh Benadum about why Christlike leadership begins with discipleship. Drawing from his experience in house church movements, life-on-life disciple-making, and conversations with global leaders at the Fourth Lausanne Congress, Josh invites the church to look beneath the surface of the leadership crisis and recover the slow, relational work of forming everyday believers into the likeness and mission of Jesus. Together, Jason and Josh explore why leadership cannot be reduced to platform, gifting, or specialized roles, and why the church must invest deeply in ordinary Christians who are equipped to make disciples in their homes, workplaces, communities, and churches. This conversation is a call to recover leadership as the overflow of a life being formed by Christ, sustained through humility, guarded against hidden traps, and kept in motion for the sake of God's mission. Guest Bio Josh Benadum is a pastor, disciple-maker, and ministry coach based in Orlando, Florida. He and his wife, Meri, serve with Acacia House Churches and are involved in developing and encouraging house church and microchurch movements. Josh also works with Brave Future, a global collective that connects house church and microchurch movements for mutual encouragement, learning, and collaboration. He is the author of A Life That Leads, a book focused on pursuing Christ and impacting others through everyday discipleship and intentional relationships. Main Points The leadership crisis is a discipleship crisis. The church does not simply need more gifted leaders; it needs deeply formed disciples whose leadership flows from life with Jesus. Christlike leadership begins with formation. Christian leadership is not primarily about role, platform, or skill, but about becoming the kind of person who lives and leads in the way of Christ. Every day, believers must be equipped for mission. The future of the church's witness depends on ordinary Christians who see their lives as part of the Great Commission. Life-on-life discipleship is essential. Mentoring, apprenticeship, and intentional relationships are central to forming leaders who can endure and multiply. Churches must make time for disciple-making. If leaders believe in forming others, they must prioritize personal investment over simply maintaining programmes or platforms. Hidden traps can undermine long-term fruitfulness. Spiritual pride, legalism, mission drift, materialism, and bitterness can slowly take leaders off course. Christlike leaders stay in motion. Faithful leadership means continuing to grow, serve, disciple, and follow Jesus until the end. Call to Action If this episode encouraged you, subscribe to the Lausanne Movement Podcast and share it with a pastor, mentor, disciple-maker, or emerging leader in your life. We'd also love for you to join the conversation in the Lausanne Movement Podcast space on the Lausanne Action Hub, where you can share your reflections and engage with our podcast community. And if this conversation helped you, please consider leaving a rating or review so others can discover the podcast too. Lausanne Movement Podcast Archive https://lausanne.org/podcast/the-making-of-a-leader-how-god-forms-character-calling-and-influence-over-a-lifetime-with-richard-clinton https://lausanne.org/podcast/how-are-resilient-disciples-really-formed-and-why-it-matters-for-mission-rick-hill https://lausanne.org/podcast/the-art-of-whole-life-mentorship-an-interview-with-ole-magnus-olasfrud Links & Resources https://alifethatleads.com/ — Josh Benadum's book and resources on Christlike leadership and disciple-making https://www.bravefuture.org/ — A global learning community focused on microchurch and disciple-making movements https://www.100movements.org/books/a-life-that-leads-josh-benadum — Publisher page for A Life That Leads The Master Plan of Evangelism by Robert Coleman The Radical Disciple by John Stott Discipling in a Multicultural World by Ajith Fernando

Rather than praying for a brighter world become a better leader. You know—if you've followed my work for even just a little while—that I evangelize a concept called “lead without a title.”Essentially, you can show leadership anywhere, anytime—in many ways. Because leadership is simply the opposite of victimhood. [Read that twice please and then go sing it from a mountaintop, so you never forget it—and spread the message].And we all sure do long for more real leaders and less complaining people, operating as victims.My latest book “The Wealth Money Can't Buy” is full of fresh ideas and original tools that I'm absolutely certain will cause quantum leaps in your positivity, productivity, wellness, and happiness. You can order it now by clicking here.FOLLOW ROBIN SHARMA:InstagramFacebookYouTube

E101: Answering The Call with Rev. Dr. Norvel Goff, Sr.In this episode of The Institute of Black Imagination, host Dario Calmese sits down with Rev. Dr. Norvel Goff, Sr., pastor, civic leader, and former interim pastor of Mother Emanuel AME Church following the tragic massacre of the Emanuel Nine.From his upbringing in Georgetown, South Carolina, during the Jim Crow era to his leadership within the African Methodist Episcopal Church, Rev. Goff reflects on a life devoted to faith, service, justice, and community building. He shares lessons from his journey through ministry, civil rights advocacy, and public leadership, offering a powerful meditation on what it means to serve others, create meaningful change, and imagine a more just future.Together, Dario and Rev. Goff explores leadership, the role of the Black church, intergenerational wisdom, community organizing, healing after tragedy, and the importance of creating a table where everyone has a seat.Key TakeawaysService Is the Highest Form of LeadershipRev. Goff believes leadership begins with serving others. Throughout the conversation, he returns to the idea that greatness is measured not by status, but by a willingness to meet needs, uplift communities, and pour into others.Community Change Requires ParticipationFrom growing churches to organizing with the NAACP, Rev. Goff emphasizes that transformation happens when people engage directly with their communities, build relationships, and work collectively toward solutions.We Are Stronger TogetherOne of the defining themes of the conversation is unity. Whether discussing Charleston, church leadership, or civic engagement, Rev. Goff reminds us that meaningful progress requires collaboration across generations, backgrounds, and institutions.Leadership Begins with ListeningRev. Goff offers a simple framework for leadership: listen, learn, and then lead. Before we can guide others, we must be willing to hear their stories, understand their realities, and remain open to new ideas.Vision Creates Possibility"Without a vision, the people perish." Rev. Goff reflects on the importance of imagination, strategic thinking, and shared purpose in creating better futures for communities and future generations.What We DiscussedGrowing up in Georgetown, South Carolina, during segregationFamily, faith, and community as foundations for leadershipAnswering the call to ministryBuilding congregations and community institutionsThe role of the Black church in civic lifeLeadership during the aftermath of the Mother Emanuel tragedyFaith, justice, and public serviceIntergenerational wisdom and mentorshipThe importance of listening, learning, and leadingBlack imagination, vision, and the future of communityA Playlist Inspired by the Conversation1. "Take My Hand, Precious Lord" – Mahalia Jackson - A timeless hymn of faith, perseverance, and spiritual guidance that reflects the heart of Rev. Goff's ministry.2. "Optimistic" – Sounds of Blackness - A reminder that hope remains possible even during difficult times.3. "I Need You to Survive" – Hezekiah Walker - An anthem of collective responsibility and community support.4. "A Change Is Gonna Come" – Sam Cooke - A civil rights era classic that echoes the themes of justice, faith, and perseverance woven throughout this conversation.5. "Total Praise" – Richard Smallwood - A song of gratitude and surrender that embodies Rev. Goff's unwavering faith.6. "We Shall Overcome" – The Freedom Singers - A reminder that collective action and hope have always been at the heart of social transformation.Books to Complement This Conversation1. The Strength to Love — Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. - A collection of sermons exploring faith, justice, and moral leadership.2. The Cross and the Lynching Tree — James H. Cone - A profound examination of Christianity, race, suffering, and liberation.3. Walking with the Wind — John Lewis - A powerful memoir of faith, courage, and the Civil Rights Movement.4. Moral Leadership for a Divided Age — David P. Gushee - An exploration of ethical leadership in times of social division.5. My Soul Looks Back — Jessica B. Harris - Reflections on culture, memory, ancestry, and community.Memorable Quotes by Rev. Dr. Goff, Sr."We must create a table where everyone has a seat.""If you want to be great in the kingdom, be a servant.""We are stronger together.""Listen. Learn. Lead."Dispatches from the ArchiveEp. 26 Sister Elaine Brown — A Revolutionary Life - Former Chairwoman of the Black Panther Party, Elaine Brown reflects on power, justice, political organizing, and what it means to lead during periods of profound social change. Like Rev. Dr. Goff, she challenges listeners to consider the responsibilities that come with leadership and community stewardship.Ep. 23 Dr. Heather McGhee — The Hidden Cost of Racism - Economic policy expert and author of The Sum of Us, Dr. McGhee explores the connections between racial justice, collective prosperity, and civic responsibility. Her vision of shared flourishing resonates deeply with Rev. Dr. Goff's belief that we are stronger together.Ep. 29 Jacqueline Woodson — Scripting Your Life - National Book Award-winning author Jacqueline Woodson examines how family, history, and place influence who we become. This conversation complements Rev. Dr. Goff's reflections on upbringing, mentorship, and the power of intergenerational wisdom.Ep. 99 Gina Paige — Blood Memories - Gina Paige's exploration of ancestry, belonging, and identity offers a powerful companion to Rev. Dr. Goff's discussion of roots, heritage, and the importance of understanding where we come from in order to imagine where we're...

You have something worth saying. So why does it feel like no one's actually listening? Storytelling expert Dr. Danny Brassell shifted his career after losing everything in a 2005 real estate scam by mastering one skill: telling stories that move people to act. In this episode, he shares the 43-second rule that grabs any audience, a simple exercise that helps you build a backlog of winning stories, and the 5 C's framework Danny uses with every client. Topics discussed: Introduction (00:00) From journalist to bankruptcy to speaker (01:37) Why coaching beats stage time (04:48) The 43-second story rule (06:26) The 1-hour story brainstorming exercise (07:29) Stories that turn audiences into clients (09:07) How to start your speaking journey (15:04) The case for sharing failures over wins (19:20) The 5 C's framework (21:38) Redefining success at every age (23:44) The language of scams and setbacks (27:11) What brought you JOY today? (29:36) If you're a writer who wants to take control of your finances, read Mitlin Financial's  Write Your Financial Future: A Financial Guide for Authors: https://www.mitlinfinancial.com/insights/blog/write-your-financial-future-a-financial-guide-for-authors/ Resources: Sending your child to college will always be emotional but are you financially ready? Take the College Readiness Quiz for Parents: https://www.mitlinfinancial.com/college-readiness-quiz/ Doing your taxes might not be enJOYable but being more organized can make the process less painful. Get Your Gathering Your Tax Documents Checklist: https://www.mitlinfinancial.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Mitlin_ChecklistForGatheringYourTaxDocuments_Form_062424_v2.pdf Will you be able to enJOY the Retirement you envision? Take the Retirement Ready Quiz: https://www.mitlinfinancial.com/retirement-planning-quiz/ Connect with Larry Sprung: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lawrencesprung/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/larry_sprung/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LawrenceDSprung/ X (Twitter): https://x.com/Lawrence_Sprung About Our Guest: A highly-sought after speaker, trainer and coach known as "Jim Carrey with a Ph.D.," Dr. Danny Brassell (www.DannyBrassell.com) has spoken to over 3,500 audiences worldwide. He has authored 21 books, including Leadership Begins with Motivation and Misfits and Crackpots. The co-founder of WellCrafted Story™, Danny helps entrepreneurs, individuals and organizations leverage speaking on stages as a major client lead source that converts. Connect with Danny Brassell: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dannybrassell/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realdannybrassell Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dannybrassell X (Twitter): https://x.com/DannyBrassell YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/DannyBrassell Website: https://dannybrassell.com/ Disclosure: Guests on the Mitlin Money Mindset are not affiliated with CWM, LLC, and opinions expressed herein may not be representative of CWM, LLC. CWM, LLC is not responsible for the guest's content linked on this site. This episode was produced by Podcast Boutique: https://www.podcastboutique.com

Danny Brassell is a globally recognized speaker, bestselling author, communication strategist, and storytelling expert who has spent decades helping leaders transform the way they connect, communicate, and inspire. Known by many as “Jim Carrey with a Ph.D.” for his high energy delivery and unforgettable stage presence, Danny has spoken to more than 3,500 audiences around the world and continues to deliver over 100 keynote presentations every year.A former inner city teacher turned internationally sought after business communicator, Danny built his career around one core belief: stories change people. Whether speaking to entrepreneurs, executives, educators, or organizations, he teaches audiences how to turn personal experiences into powerful narratives that build trust, create influence, and drive meaningful action.Danny is the author of 21 books, including Leadership Begins with Motivation and Misfits and Crackpots, blending humor, wisdom, and Paul Harvey style storytelling into lessons that audiences remember long after the presentation ends. His ability to merge entertainment with actionable insight has made him one of the most dynamic voices in leadership communication today.

In this episode of the Leadership and Learning Podcast, host Randy Goruk sits down with Eric "Coach Rev" Reveno, James C. Gaither Associate Head Coach and General Manager for Stanford Men's Basketball, to discuss why great leaders often emerge from great teammates. Drawing on three decades of Division I coaching experience, Coach Rev shares practical insights on leadership, authenticity, accountability, relationships, and team culture that easily apply to construction, manufacturing, building materials, and business environments. Listen to this episode and you will learn: • The attributes of great leaders and coaches • Why authenticity matters more than copying leadership styles • The difference between being senior and being a great teammate • How leaders shape culture through standards and behavior • Practical ways to strengthen teamwork immediately Coach Rev also introduces his STORM framework for great teammates: • Showing Up • Taking Care of Relationships • Owning Your Own Power • Raising Up Others • Maintaining a Mission Focus Whether you lead a crew, project, department, or organization, this episode will challenge you to rethink leadership as a commitment to serving and strengthening the team around you. LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-reveno-3b5a985/ Website: https://gostanford.com/sports/mens-basketball  

Danny Brassell is a highly sought-after speaker, trainer, and coach—often called “Jim Carrey with a Ph.D.”—who has delivered over 3,500 presentations worldwide. A former inner-city teacher turned entrepreneur, he is the author of 20+ books, including Leadership Begins with Motivation and Misfits and Crackpots. As co-founder of WellCrafted Story™, Danny helps entrepreneurs and leaders turn storytelling and speaking into powerful client-generation tools. His work focuses on helping people communicate with clarity, authenticity, and impact.

"There's no expiration date on reinventing yourself." – Kirsten Telan Today's featured author is a wife, mom, kindness advocate, and the creator of The Confetti Effect, Kirsten Telan. Kirsten and I had a fun on a bun chat about her book, “A Tale of Two Dogs”, how her husband's cancer diagnosis deepened her faith, and more!!Key Things You'll Learn:What inspired Kirsten to become a writer, and why you need the right people around you to get your book publishedWhat it was like growing up in the 80s, and how it built her resilienceHow a dare from her kids led to getting booked for multiple commercials and even modeling for the Home Shopping NetworkThe major role that faith plays in her life, and how she incorporated the fruits of the Spirit into her bookKirsten‘s Site: https://www.kirstennelsontelan.com/Kirsten's Book: https://a.co/d/07z3rf2CThe opening track is titled, “Unknown From M.E. | Sonic Adventure 2 ~ City Pop Remix” by Iridium Beats. To listen to and download the full track, click the following link. https://www.patreon.com/posts/sonic-adventure-136084016 Please support today's podcast to keep this content coming! CashApp: $DomBrightmonDonate on PayPal: @DBrightmonBuy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dombrightmonGet Going North T-Shirts, Stickers, and More: https://www.teepublic.com/stores/dom-brightmonThe Going North Advancement Compass: https://a.co/d/bA9awotYou May Also Like…979 – From Anthills to Authorship with Ron Kinscherf (@Papatellmeabook): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-979-from-anthills-to-authorship-with-ron-kinscherf-papatellmeabook/934 – Taking the Holy Spirit to Work with Mary Boza Crimmins: https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-934-taking-the-holy-spirit-to-work-with-mary-boza-crimmins/586 – Flipping Bad Situations into Joyful Children's Books with Violet Lemay (@violetlemay): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-586-flipping-bad-situations-into-joyful-childrens-books-with-violet-lemay-violetlemay/559 - Picky Patrick With Eleni Fuiaxis (@EleniFuiaxis): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-559-picky-patrick-with-eleni-fuiaxis-elenifuiaxis/1051 – From Brush Strokes to Bestselling Timeless Tales with Regina Linke (@oxherdboy): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-1051-from-brush-strokes-to-bestselling-timeless-tales-with-regina-linke-oxherdboy/775 – From Blogging Mom to Award-Winning #KidLit Author with Caroline Fernandez (@ParentClub): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-775-from-blogging-mom-to-award-winning-kidlit-author-with-caroline-fernandez-parentclub/682 – Leadership Begins with Motivation with Dr. Danny Brassell (@DannyBrassell): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-682-leadership-begins-with-motivation-with-dr-danny-brassell-dannybrassell/793 – How to Bounce Back as a Children's Book Author with Rella B. (@RellaBBooks): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-793-how-to-bounce-back-as-a-childrens-book-author-with-rella-b-rellabbooks/887 – How to Unlock Your God-Given Destiny & Make Connections That Count with PJ Victor (@jenahsjourney): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-887-how-to-unlock-your-god-given-destiny-make-connections-that-count-with-pj-victor-jenahs/889 – Every Day Is A New Day with Jenny Teeters, MBA (@JennyTeeters): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-889-every-day-is-a-new-day-with-jenny-teeters-mba-jennyteeters/612 – More Joy with Cindi Cohn: https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-612-more-joy-with-cindi-cohn/

A highly-sought after speaker, trainer and coach known as “Jim Carrey with a Ph.D.,” Dr. Danny Brassell (www.DannyBrassell.com) has spoken to over 3,500 audiences worldwide. He has authored 21 books, including Leadership Begins with Motivation and Misfits and Crackpots. The co-founder of WellCrafted Story™, Danny helps entrepreneurs, individuals and organizations leverage speaking on stages as a major client lead source that converts. Links https://www.YouTube.com/DannyBrassell https://www.twitter.com/DannyBrassell https://www.Facebook.com/DannyBrassell https://www.linkedin.com/in/dannybrassell/ https://www.instagram.com/realDannyBrassell If you're enjoying Entrepreneur's Enigma, please give me a review on the podcast directory of your choice. The show is on all of them and these reviews really help others find the show. iTunes: https://gmwd.us/itunes Podchaser: https://gmwd.us/podchaser TrueFans: https://gmwd.us/truefans Also, if you're getting value from the show and want to buy me a coffee, go to the show notes to get the link to get me a coffee to keep me awake, while I work on bringing you more great episodes to your ears. →  https://ko-fi.com/entrepreneursenigma Support me on TrueFans.fm → https://gmwd.us/truefans. Support The Show & Get Merch: https://shop.entrepreneursenigma.com Want to learn from a 15 year veteran? Check out the Podcast Mastery Community:https://www.skool.com/podcast-mastery-community-6116/about Follow Seth Online: Instagram: https://instagram.com/s3th.me LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sethmgoldstein/ Seth On Mastodon: https://indieweb.social/@phillycodehound The Marketing Junto Newsletter: https://MarketingJunto.com Leave The Show A Voicemail: https://podcastfeedback.com/entrepreneursenigma Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rep. Jesús “Chuy” García dropped his reelection campaign at the last minute in November, giving Patty García, his chief of staff, a head start on filing petitions and potentially a clear path to Congress. The move instead set off a campaign frenzy; now, four independent candidates are vying for the congressional seat. The race is shaping up to be one of the most unique in the country as the seat — held by Latino Democrats for more than 30 years — could be taken by an independent in November's general election. Host - Jon Hansen Reporter - Francia Garcia Hernandez Read More Here Want to donate to our non-profit newsroom? CLICK HEREWho we areBlock Club Chicago is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit news organization dedicated to delivering reliable, relevant and nonpartisan coverage of Chicago's diverse neighborhoods. We believe all neighborhoods deserve to be covered in a meaningful way.We amplify positive stories, cover development and local school council meetings and serve as watchdogs in neighborhoods often ostracized by traditional news media.Ground-level coverageOur neighborhood-based reporters don't parachute in once to cover a story. They are in the neighborhoods they cover every day building relationships over time with neighbors. We believe this ground-level approach not only builds community but leads to a more accurate portrayal of a neighborhood.Stories that matter to you — every daySince our launch seven years ago, we've published more than 30,000 stories from the neighborhoods, covered hundreds of community meetings and send daily and neighborhood newsletters to more than 150,000 Chicagoans. We've built this loyalty by proving to folks we are not only covering their neighborhoods, we are a part of them. Some of us have internalized the national media's narrative of a broken Chicago. We aim to change that by celebrating our neighborhoods and chronicling the resilience of the people who fight every day to make Chicago a better place for all.

Mark interviews the trainer and coach known known as Jim Carrey, with a PhD. He's authored 19 books and is the best of the best when it comes to identifying your core message to connect emotionally with your audience. His new books, "Leadership Begins with Motivation" and "MisFits and Crackpots," are great sellers. There's a nice free gift from Danny. Check it out!

Mark interviews the trainer and coach known known as Jim Carrey, with a PhD. He's authored 19 books and is the best of the best when it comes to identifying your core message to connect emotionally with your audience. His new books, "Leadership Begins with Motivation" and "MisFits and Crackpots," are great sellers. There's a nice free gift from Danny. Check it out!

Being [at Work] offers a daily dose of leadership focused on helping you, the leader. During challenging times we need all of the encouragement we can get. Sometimes there's simply no playbook and we just need to do the best we can. Sometimes the best we can is being reminded of the gifts and insight you already have within. Be sure to subscribe and get your daily dose.   About Andrea Butcher Andrea Butcher is a visionary business leader, executive coach, and keynote speaker—she empowers leaders to gain clarity through the chaos by being MORE of who they already are. Her experiences—serving as CEO, leading at an executive level, and working in and leading global teams—make her uniquely qualified to support leadership and business success. She hosts the popular leadership podcast, Being [at Work] with a global audience of over 600,000 listeners and is the author of The Power in the Pivot (Red Thread Publishing 2022) and HR Kit for Dummies (Wiley 2023).   Connect with Andrea https://www.abundantempowerment.com/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/leaderdevelopmentcoach/   Abundant Empowerment Upcoming Events https://www.abundantempowerment.com/events      

Resilience and Stress Management: While critical to 97% of executives, only 47% believe their organization is currently resilient. Additionally, only 18% of leaders surveyed in 2025 scored high in stress tolerance. Decision-Making Under Pressure: While 67% of leaders make critical decisions under significant time pressure, only 23% have systematic frameworks to do so effectively. Specifically97% of executives believe business resilience is important, and nearly 90% of executives in a 2022 survey identified improving their own well-being (a driver of resilience and focus) as a top priority.   Ed Howard is the author of One Breath Leadership and the founder of Kokoro Business Performance. Based in Singapore, he works globally with senior leaders, executives, and organisations to improve focus, resilience, and decision-making under pressure. Before founding Kokoro, Ed spent more than 20 years in international investment banking, working at Merrill Lynch, Bank of America, SMBC Nikko, Société Générale, and Standard Chartered. Alongside his corporate career, he has practiced Zen for over 30 years. This combination of corporate experience and deep awareness training shapes his approach. At the centre of his work is a simple idea: performance improves when attention is stable, mental noise is reduced, and leaders learn to reset in the moment.   For more information: https://www.onebreathleadership.com/ LinkedIn: @EdwardHoward Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, I sit down with David Alan Brown, a teacher, author, and leadership consultant who has spent more than three decades guiding people in personal empowerment, self discovery, and spirituality. David shares how a series of formative experiences shaped the work he now brings to congregations, organizations, and individuals across the country. Together, we explore what it means to live intentionally, listen inwardly, and lead from authenticity.Some Key Highlights:A defining early experience that quietly set the direction for David's life's workHow leadership and spirituality intersect in everyday choicesThe hidden cost of perfectionism and what emerges when it is releasedWhy learning to recognize inner voices can shift how you show up each dayA subtle but powerful turning point that reconnected David to purpose and presenceDavid's story is a reminder that transformation often unfolds through awareness, honesty, and small inner shifts rather than dramatic moments. His work invites us to stop outsourcing our authority and begin listening more closely to what is already within us. This conversation offers insight and reflection for anyone navigating change, refining their leadership, or seeking a more intentional way of living.David's Linkswww.davidalanbrown.com https://www.instagram.com/theauthordavidalanbrown/Liked this episode? Share it with a family member, friend, or colleague! Love this show? Say thanks by leaving a positive review. Connect with John Geraghty:Website: https://john-geraghty.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-geraghtyInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/coachjohngeraghty/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coachjohngeraghty/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@John-GeraghtyLearn about The Flow Cultivator program: https://theflowcultivator.com/Grab a copy of The Prism of Perspective Book here: https://a.co/d/f5Lfqbn ___________ ©℗2024 & beyond by John Geraghty. All Rights Reserved.

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If you're leading people right now, you already know — people aren't okay.In this episode of RiseUp Live: Joy Your Way, certified coach Kamini Wood explores what it really means to lead when the world feels emotionally overwhelmed and disconnected. Inspired by Brené Brown's recent insight that “people are emotionally dysregulated, distrustful, and disconnected,” this conversation dives deep into the emotional reality of today's workplaces, homes, and communities.In this episode, you'll learn:Why people are burned out, anxious, and emotionally exhausted — and what leaders can do about itThe difference between control and conscious leadershipHow to model calm and regulation when others are in chaosPractical ways to rebuild trust and connection in uncertain timesHow to protect your own energy while leading with compassionPerfect for: executives, parents, educators, coaches, and anyone trying to lead with humanity in high-stress times. Subscribe for weekly episodes on conscious living, emotional intelligence, and authentic leadership.#ConsciousLeadership #LeadershipPodcast #EmotionalIntelligence #WorkplaceWellbeing #PsychologicalSafety #LeadershipDevelopment #BurnoutRecovery #SelfLeadership #KaminiWood #RiseUpLiveJoyYourWay

In this week's passage we learn about godly leadership from Nehemiah. Godly leaders... Use wisdom (v 9) Expect opposition (v 10) Know when to rest (v 11) Have a God-glorifying plan, yet don't reveal it prematurely (v 12) Clearly understand the problems they face (vv 13-16) You can watch this message here.

Dr. Danny Brassell is a recognized authority on leadership development, reading, motivation and communication skills.  Dr. Brassell is a highly sought after speaker, trainer and coach.  He has spoken to over 3500 audiences worldwide and authored over 18 books, including his latest, Leadership Begins with Motivation. He helps entrepreneurs, executives, and business owners boost their income, freedom, and impact by leveraging speaking on stages as a major client lead source. Danny is on a mission to bring JOY back into education and the workplace. Learn more about Danny at  freestoryguide.com Coach with Julie at theveterinarylifecoach.com

In this opening episode of Unspeakable Leadership Season 4, host Rohene Bouajram introduces the theme: She Crossed the Line.Rohene shares a personal story from her childhood in Zimbabwe—her first race, the struggle of undiagnosed asthma, and the defining moment when her mother's voice urged her to keep going. From that experience comes a lesson that still echoes today: leadership isn't about arriving first; it's about finding the courage to cross the line.This season explores the lines we all face: rules, expectations, ceilings, promises, and invisible barriers. Then we're called to consider what happens when women dare to step beyond them. You'll hear stories, reflections, and tools to help you redefine leadership on your own terms.In this episode:The origin story behind She Crossed the LineWhat “the line” means in leadership and lifeFour grounding prompts to help you reflect and take actionAn invitation to step into authorship instead of interpretationConnect with Rohene:LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/rohenebouajram/Website: www.rohenebouajram.com Access resources to redefine your leadership: https://www.rohenebouajram.com/resources Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/3rT517L7N60

Could you go on a week-long listening tour? Learn how to find out what your followers really need and perceive. #ThePitch #INICIVOX #VirtualMentorship

Leadership isn't just about guiding others—it starts with leading yourself. In this lively and insightful conversation, Beth Chapman Kaufmann and Nicole Santonastaso share how getting clear on who you are, what you do best, and where you're headed can transform the way you lead.With plenty of laughs, relatable stories, and practical takeaways, Beth and Nicole dive into CliftonStrengths, True North Statements, and why reflection time is the secret ingredient for intentional leadership. Whether you're leading a team, your family, or just yourself, this episode will inspire you to embrace your strengths and confidently chart your own course.

The controllables are a big thing that people stress over. Focus less on the things that you have zero control over. Today's featured author is a coach, entrepreneur, keynote speaker, and tennis lover, Jeff Butorac. Jeff and I had a fun on a bun chat about his podcast, "Inner Rival: Silencing the Negativity Within", the importance of adapting coaching methods to individual needs, the importance of curiosity, and more!! Key Things You'll Learn: What lessons learned from his time in the NCAA as a coach transferred to his current business as a speaker How he overcame his challenges with perfectionism and anxiety The biggest lesson learned from coaching others that made him a better mental game coach Jeff's Site: https://www.inner-rival.com/ Jeff's Book: https://a.co/d/7SXaYny The opening track is titled "Money Trees" by the magnanimous chill-hop master, Marcus D (@marcusd). Be sure to visit his site and support his craft. https://marcusd.net/ Please support today's podcast to keep this content coming! CashApp: $DomBrightmon Donate on PayPal: @DBrightmon Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dombrightmon Get Going North T-Shirts, Stickers, and More: https://www.teepublic.com/stores/dom-brightmon You Might Also Like… Ep. 751 – Do Something Hard & Be Happier with Joe De Sena (@realJoeDeSena): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-751-do-something-hard-like-a-spartan-and-be-happier-with-joe-de-sena-realjoedesena/ 191 - "Walk-On Warrior" with John Willkom (@JohnWillkom): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/191-walk-on-warrior-with-john-willkom-johnwillkom-1/ 186 - "The Success Chronicles" with Chip Baker: https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/186-the-success-chronicles-with-chip-baker/ 287 – "This Is Good" with Tami Matheny (@R2LCoaching): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/287-this-is-good-with-tami-matheny-r2lcoaching/ Ep. 465 – "Secondary Break" with Marvin Williams Sr.: https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-465-secondary-break-with-marvin-williams-sr-1/ Ep. 356 – "The Relentless Pursuit of Greatness" with Thomas R. Williams (@MrTRWilliams): https://www.podpage.com/going-north-podcast/ep-356-the-relentless-pursuit-of-greatness-with-thomas-r-williams-mrtrwilliams Ep. 587 – "Cadence" with Leanne Spencer: https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-587-cadence-with-leanne-spencer/ Ep. 424 – "Thoughtfully Fit" with Darcy Luoma (@DarcyLuoma): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-424-thoughtfully-fit-with-darcy-luoma-darcyluoma/ Ep. 314 – "Get Out the Door" with David Hollingsworth, MBA (@holliworks): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-314-get-out-the-door-with-david-hollingsworth-mba-holliworks/ Ep. 717 – "No Fear In The Arena" with John Willkom (@JohnWillkom): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-717-no-fear-in-the-arena-with-john-willkom-johnwillkom/ 237 – "The Gift of Struggle" with Bobby Herrera (@BobbyHerreraPG): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/237-the-gift-of-struggle-with-bobby-herrera-bobbyherrerapg/ Ep. 682 – "Leadership Begins with Motivation" with Dr. Danny Brassell (@DannyBrassell): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-682-leadership-begins-with-motivation-with-dr-danny-brassell-dannybrassell/ 288.5 (Host 2 Host Bonus) – "Choose the Right Mountain; Climb Faster!" with David Wood (@_playforreal): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/DavidWood2/ #Bonus Ep. – "Structure Creates Freedom" with Brad A. Milford (@BAMilford): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/bonus-ep-structure-creates-freedom-with-brad-a-milford-bamilford/

Secret to Memorable Presentations Be Funny without Offending: Self-Deprecating Humor Episode 267 (Danny is based in Denver, Colorado) In this conversation with Danny Brassel we explore: how to instantly connect with your audience using relatability, authority, and purpose why storytelling beats bullet points for memorability and emotional connection how to mine everyday experiences for meaningful stories that support your message why self-deprecating humor is the safest and most effective form of humor in today's culture how sharing personal failures builds stronger trust and audience rapport than bragging how business leaders can use storytelling to boost team morale and alignment why sad stories must have a hopeful ending to avoid emotional manipulation how to balance facts and feelings to reach both logical and emotional audience members the importance of a single clear call to action at the end of your presentation how to structure your talk using the 5C framework: Clarity, Connect, Content, Call to Action, and Close ----- About our guest, Danny Brassel: A speaker, trainer and coach known as “Jim Carrey with a Ph.D.,” Dr. Danny Brassell (www.DannyBrassell.com) has spoken to over 3,500 audiences worldwide. He has authored 18 books, including Leadership Begins with Motivation and Misfits and Crackpots. The co-founder of The WellCrafted Story Workshop™, Danny helps entrepreneurs, individuals and organizations leverage speaking on stages as a client lead-source that converts.  Get your free copy of the Storytelling Blueprint https://wellcraftedstoryworkshop.com/blueprint -----

"We are sending an image of ourselves through our words." - Erin Lebacqz Today's featured author is international educator, communication expert, and speaker, Erin Lebacqz. Erin and I had a fun on a bun chat about her book "High-Value Writing: Real Strategies for Real-World Writing", the importance of emotional intelligence in writing, strategies to build confidence in your writing, and tons more to elevate your communication game!! Key Things You'll Learn: How writing can affect our personal and professional relationships The challenges of transitioning from academic to workplace writing How to make your email messages more receivable Why AI tools are not the holy grail of writing effectively What major setback actually was a setup for Erin's success Erin's Site: https://www.highvaluewriting.com/ Erin's Book: https://a.co/d/aTN7KeH Erin's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@HighValueWriting Unlock the Secret to Writing Like a Boss! Let Confidence Shine through Your Writing: https://youtu.be/toPuT2hsm6M?si=eHCZD_x1JWkHUVnZ The opening track is titled "Money Trees" by the magnanimous chill-hop master, Marcus D (@marcusd). Be sure to visit his site and support his craft. https://marcusd.net/ Please support today's podcast to keep this content coming! CashApp: $DomBrightmon Donate on PayPal: @DBrightmon Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dombrightmon Get Going North T-Shirts, Stickers, and More: https://www.teepublic.com/stores/dom-brightmon You Might Also Like… 172 - "Write to Influence" with Carla Bass (@CarlaDBassWrite): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/172-write-to-influence-with-carla-bass-carladbasswrite/ 155 - "Start Your Own Freelance Writing Business" with Laura Pennington Briggs (@sixfigurewriter): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/155-start-your-own-freelance-writing-business-with-laura-pennington-briggs-sixfigurewriter-1/ 158 - "Faster, fewer, Better Emails" with Dianna Booher (@diannabooher): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/158-faster-fewer-better-emails-with-dianna-booher-diannabooher/ Ep. 583 – "How to Be the Face of Your Business" with Tonya Eberhart (@brandfacestar): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-583-how-to-be-the-face-of-your-business-with-tonya-eberhart-brandfacestar/ Ep. 311 – "Works of Urban Mythopoeia" with Cat Rambo (@Catrambo): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-311-works-of-urban-mythopoeia-with-cat-rambo-catrambo/ Ep. 775 – From Blogging Mom to Award-Winning #KidLit Author with Caroline Fernandez (@ParentClub): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-775-from-blogging-mom-to-award-winning-kidlit-author-with-caroline-fernandez-parentclub/ 83 - From Teacher to 6-Figure Freelance Writer (@nathansegal): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/83-from-teacher-to-6-figure-freelance-writer-nathansegal/ Ep. 384 – "Steal Your Skills From Corporate" with Katrina Roddy (@KRoddy65): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-384-steal-your/ 216 – "The Write Way" with Amy Collins (@askamycollins): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/216-the-write-way-with-amy-collins-askamycollins/ Ep. 682 – "Leadership Begins with Motivation" with Dr. Danny Brassell (@DannyBrassell): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-682-leadership-begins-with-motivation-with-dr-danny-brassell-dannybrassell/ Ep. 752 – The Speaker's Edge with Ken Lizotte (@kenlizotte): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-752-the-speakers-edge-with-ken-lizotte-kenlizotte/ Ep. 764 – The 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace with Dr. Paul White (@drpaulwhite): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-764-the-5-languages-of-appreciation-in-the-workplace-with-dr-paul-white-drpaulwhite/ Ep. 602 – "How to Unlock Your Creative Potential" with Robin Landa (@rlanda): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-602-how-to-unlock-your-creative-potential-with-robin-landa-rlanda/ Ep. 725 – "Closing the Confidence Gap" with Kelli Rae Thompson (@_KelliRThompson): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-725-closing-the-confidence-gap-with-kelli-rae-thompson-_kellirthompson/ Ep. 735 – "Take Back Your Weekends" with Allison Graham (@AllisonDGraham): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-735-take-back-your-weekends-with-allison-graham-allisondgraham/ Ep. 766 – Pawsitively Organic Creativity with Liz Mugavero (@Lizmugavero): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-766-pawsitively-organic-creativity-with-liz-mugavero-lizmugavero/ Ep. 737 – "The Art of Badassery" with Jennifer Cassetta (@JennCassetta): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-737-the-art-of-badassery-with-jennifer-cassetta-jenncassetta/ Ep. 330 – "A Long Way from Ordinary" with Ann Charles (@AnnWCharles): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-330-a-long-way-from-ordinary-with-ann-charles-annwcharles/

"Busy implies activity, but not necessarily accomplishment." – Jones Loflin Today's featured #1 best-selling author is a father, husband, internationally recognized keynote speaker, coach, trainer, and beekeeper, Jones Loflin. Jones and I had a fun on a bun chat about his book that he co-authored with his daughter, “Focused As A Bee: Six Buzzworthy Strategies To Thrive In A Distracting World”, the importance of intentional rest, the value of learning from setbacks, and more!Key Things You'll Learn:How Jones became a licensed trainer for "Who Moved My Cheese"What helped Jones to gain the confidence to create his own content and write his book "Juggling Elephants"What keeps him energized after 29 years of businessHis favorite productivity strategy from his latest bookThe distinction between being busy and being focused on meaningful outcomesWhat helps Jones create an environment conducive to focus and productivityJones' Site: https://jonesloflin.com/Jones' Books: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B001JP8MN2/allbooksThe opening track is titled, “North Wind and the Sun” by Trevin P. To listen to and download the full track, click the following link. https://compilationsforhumanity.bandcamp.com/track/north-wind-and-the-sunPlease support today's podcast to keep this content coming! CashApp: $DomBrightmonDonate on PayPal: @DBrightmonBuy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dombrightmonGet Going North T-Shirts, Stickers, and More: https://www.teepublic.com/stores/dom-brightmonThe Going North Advancement Compass: https://a.co/d/bA9awotYou May Also Like…Ep. 953 – How to Find Sweetness in Adversity with Amy Olmedo: https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-953-how-to-find-sweetness-in-adversity-with-amy-olmedo/Ep. 508 – “Great Things Happen Every Day” with Phil Barth (@pjbarth): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-508-great-things-happen-every-day-with-phil-barth-pjbarth/Ep. 682 – “Leadership Begins with Motivation” with Dr. Danny Brassell (@DannyBrassell): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-682-leadership-begins-with-motivation-with-dr-danny-brassell-dannybrassell/179 - "Indistractable" with Nir Eyal (@nireyal): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/179-indistractable-with-nir-eyal-nireyal/Ep. 438 – “Acoustic Leadership” with Rick Lozano, CSP (@rick_lozano): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-438-acoustic-leadership-with-rick-lozano-csp-rick_lozano/#GNPYear3 Bonus Episode 2 – “Attention Management” with Maura Nevel Thomas (@mnthomas): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/gnpyear3-bonus-episode-2-attention-management-with-maura-nevel-thomas-mnthomas/288.5 (Host 2 Host Bonus) – “Choose the Right Mountain; Climb Faster!” with David Wood (@_playforreal): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/DavidWood2/Ep. 920 – The Surprisingly Simple Art of Getting It Done with Sam Bennett (@realsambennett): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-920-the-surprisingly-simple-art-of-getting-it-done-with-sam-bennett-realsambennett/Ep. 879 – No B.S. Time Management for Entrepreneurs with Ben Glass (@BenGlassLaw | @OfficialGLM): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-879-no-bs-time-management-for-entrepreneurs-with-ben-glass-benglasslaw-officialglm/Ep. 914 – Book More Business with Lois Creamer (@loiscreamer): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-914-book-more-business-with-lois-creamer-loiscreamer/#Bonus Ep. – “Structure Creates Freedom” with Brad A. Milford (@BAMilford): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/bonus-ep-structure-creates-freedom-with-brad-a-milford-bamilford/Ep. 706 - "The Life Is Too Short Guy" with Scott White (@ScottEWhite2): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-706-the-life-is-too-short-guy-with-scott-white-scottewhite2/Ep. 884 – How to Go From Stuck to Unstoppable with Murielle Marie Ungricht: https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-884-how-to-go-from-stuck-to-unstoppable-with-murielle-marie-ungricht/

“I've never been happier professionally, and it's all because of my grandson stomping on anthills in the backyard one day.” – Ron Kinscherf Today's featured bestselling author is a husband, grandfather, and retired IT Consultant, Ron Kinscherf. Ron and I had a fun on a bun chat about his latest book, “Adorable”, the importance of fostering a love of reading in children, creative advice for young storytellers, and more!!!Key Things You'll Learn:How storytelling with his grandson led to writing bestselling books for kidsWhat led to one of Ron's books being picked up by a traditional publisherThe difficulties of marketing self-published books and reaching audiences beyond his local communityHow story messages emerge organically and how he generates ideas from everyday lifeThe importance of reading and the literacy crisisRon's Site: https://papatellmeabook.com/Ron's Books: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B09ZJ7ZC55/allbooksThe opening track is titled, “North Wind and the Sun” by Trevin P. To listen to and download the full track, click the following link. https://compilationsforhumanity.bandcamp.com/track/north-wind-and-the-sunPlease support today's podcast to keep this content coming! CashApp: $DomBrightmonDonate on PayPal: @DBrightmonBuy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dombrightmonGet Going North T-Shirts, Stickers, and More: https://www.teepublic.com/stores/dom-brightmonThe Going North Advancement Compass: https://a.co/d/bA9awotYou May Also Like…Ep. 682 – “Leadership Begins with Motivation” with Dr. Danny Brassell (@DannyBrassell): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-682-leadership-begins-with-motivation-with-dr-danny-brassell-dannybrassell/Ep. 586 – “Flipping Bad Situations into Joyful Children's Books” with Violet Lemay (@violetlemay): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-586-flipping-bad-situations-into-joyful-childrens-books-with-violet-lemay-violetlemay/Ep. 763 – The Improv Mindset with Keith Saltojanes (@keithsaltojanes): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-763-the-improv-mindset-with-keith-saltojanes-keithsaltojanes/Ep. 793 – How to Bounce Back as a Children's Book Author with Rella B. (@RellaBBooks): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-793-how-to-bounce-back-as-a-childrens-book-author-with-rella-b-rellabbooks/Ep. 559 - "Picky Patrick" With Eleni Fuiaxis (@EleniFuiaxis): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-559-picky-patrick-with-eleni-fuiaxis-elenifuiaxis/Ep. 892 – Giant Rays of Hope with Patricia Newman (@PatriciaNewman): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-892-giant-rays-of-hope-with-patricia-newman-patricianewman/Ep. 483 – “Baby Aviva Orangutan Diva” with Hans Kullberg (@AvivasDaddy) #BABYAVIVA: https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-483-baby-aviva-orangutan-diva-with-hans-kullberg-avivasdaddy-babyaviva/Ep. 582 – “Shaping the World Through Great Stories for All Ages” with Natasha Deen (@natasha_deen): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-582-shaping-the-world-through-great-stories-for-all-ages-with-natasha-deen-natasha_deen/Ep. 522 – “Peanut the Penguin” with Aruna Lepore (@ArunaMLepore): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-522-peanut-the-penguin-with-aruna-lepore-arunamlepore/Ep. 758 – Inspiring Readers Through Representation and Relatable Stories with Tonya Ellis (@TonyaDEllis): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-758-inspiring-readers-through-representation-and-relatable-stories-with-tonya-ellis-tonyadel/#M2M Bonus – “An Alcoholic's Progress from Mayhem to Miracles” with Sharla Charpentier (@The_Llove_Llama): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/m2m-bonus-an-alcoholics-progress-from-mayhem-to-miracles-with-sharla-charpentier-the_llove_llama-m2m/Ep. 822 – Journey to the Total Solar Eclipse with Meg Jerit (@megjerit): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-822-journey-to-the-total-solar-eclipse-with-meg-jerit-megjerit/

ROBERT KAY Lee  | Co-founders of i61, inc.,INTRODUCTION :they assist married entrepreneurs  create better work/life balance by structuring the business to scale while giving precious time back to the owner to invest into their marriage and family.Robert received his marketing degree from San Jose State University and experienced 25 successful years in sales/marketing with companies such as Coca-Cola, Novartis Pharmaceutical and Bristol-Myers Squibb. He played instrumental roles in the launch of six major brands and a recipient of national sales and leadership awards. His business acumen allows him to help family businesses build a more profitable, efficient and sustainable company.Kay Lee Fukui earned her business degree from the University of La Verne. She worked in the banking industry for many years and in her family business as operations manager for over 10 years before meeting the love of her life, Robert. She understands the highs and lows of running a family business and the sacrifices the owners make; often at the expense of marriage and family. Her passion is to see marriages flourish in the midst of building a profitable business and to help the entrepreneur couple understand that you don't have to sacrifice the marriage and family for the business.Together, they have developed an innovative consulting program, Power Couples by DesignTM, which equips the married entrepreneur to build a Thriving Marriage AND Prosperous Business. They have also authored the book, Tandem: The married entrepreneurs' guide for greater work-life balance.

If you've ever felt stuck toggling between being an excellent lawyer and a true business leader, this episode is your wake-up call.In the final installment of the "Built to Lead" series, host Brigit Norris sits down with Catherine O'Connell, a powerhouse legal entrepreneur, to unpack what it takes to step into the role of visionary CEO. This isn't about tips for better time management—it's a blueprint for reclaiming your authority, redesigning your career, and rewriting your firm's future. Catherine's hard-won wisdom will push you to rethink your identity, your leadership, and your legacy. If you're ready to lead instead of just serve, don't miss this.Free Training for Law Firm OwnersDon't miss The AI-First Law Firm Blueprint — a live masterclass showing how to automate intake, client updates, and operations without hiring more staff.

“We have to be really thoughtful about how we approach people. We don't know their story. We don't know what they're coming in with or what they need to gain. But what we do know is that people learn from people when we make them feel safe, when we have logic behind what we're doing, when we make it fun, and when we're memorable with what we're trying to say.” – Dr. Christie McMullen Today's featured fellow bestselling bookcaster is a wife, mompreneur, keynote speaker, culture designer for organizations, and Employee Satisfaction Specialist, Dr. Christie McMullen. Dr. Christie and I had a fun on a bun chat about her books, the power of recognition, how to foster meaningful growth and satisfaction in both personal and professional life, and tons more!!!Key Things You'll Learn:Why everyone is an educatorHow to make learning more fun and engaging for all agesDr. Christie's favorite leadership lessons learned from her dadWhy it's okay to “own your extra”What it means to have productive joyHer top three lessons from starting, running, and growing her podcastDr. Christie's Site: https://www.aimwithus.com/Dr. Christie's Books: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B08FF317FP/allbooksDr. Christie's Podcast, “Productive Joy”: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/productive-joy/id1728681570The opening track is titled, “North Wind and the Sun” by Trevin P. To listen to and download the full track, click the following link. https://compilationsforhumanity.bandcamp.com/track/north-wind-and-the-sunPlease support today's podcast to keep this content coming! CashApp: $DomBrightmonDonate on PayPal: @DBrightmonBuy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dombrightmonGet Going North T-Shirts, Stickers, and More: https://www.teepublic.com/stores/dom-brightmonThe Going North Advancement Compass: https://a.co/d/bA9awotYou May Also Like…Ep. 721 – Rediscovering Permission to Play as an Adult with Mike Montague (@PlayfulHumans): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-721-rediscovering-permission-to-play-as-an-adult-with-mike-montague-playfulhumans/Ep. 612 – More Joy with Cindi Cohn: https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-612-more-joy-with-cindi-cohn/128 - The Adventures of Teacherman with Brian D. Neal (@BrockSteel1): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/128-the-adventures-of-teacherman-with-brian-d-neal-brocksteel1/Ep. 842 – ACE Your Life with Michelle Maidenberg, Ph.D., MPH, LCSW-R, CGP (@DrMaidenberg): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-842-ace-your-life-with-michelle-maidenberg-phd-mph-lcsw-r-cgp-drmaidenberg/273 – Rewiring Your Brain For Manifestation Success with Bob Doyle (@bobdoyle): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/273-rewiring-your-brain-for-manifestation-success-with-bob-doyle-bobdoyle/Ep. 821 – How to Spark Your Curiosity & Live Bravely with Heather Vickery: https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-821-how-to-spark-your-curiosity-live-bravely-with-heather-vickery/Ep. 358.5 – Letters From My Students with Dr. Miguel Hernandez (@Dr41Miguel): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-3585-letters-from-my-students-with-dr-miguel-hernandez-dr41miguel/Ep. 682 – Leadership Begins with Motivation with Dr. Danny Brassell (@DannyBrassell): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-682-leadership-begins-with-motivation-with-dr-danny-brassell-dannybrassell/Ep. 779 – Speaking to Influence with Dr. Laura Sicola (@LauraSicola): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-779-speaking-to-influence-with-dr-laura-sicola-laurasicola/Ep. 778 – How High Value Writing Can Transform Your Workplace Communication with Erin Lebacqz (@ErinLebacqz): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-778-how-high-value-writing-can-transform-your-workplace-communication-with-erin-lebacqz-erin/Ep. 616 – The SECRET POWER of the ROCK MOVER with Karen Gray: https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-616-the-secret-power-of-the-rock-mover-with-karen-gray/

South Central LA to 3,500+ stages worldwide—Dr. Danny Brassell's journey is anything but ordinary. Dubbed the “Jim Carrey with a Ph.D.,” this high-octane speaker, coach, and author sits down with I Am Refocused Radio to break down how the power of reading, public speaking, and authentic storytelling can transform not just your message—but your entire business model. In this episode, Dr. Brassell reveals the same mindset shifts and tactical frameworks he's taught to entrepreneurs, educators, and CEOs looking to generate leads, land stages, and convert conversations into clients. We unpack his “Communication Triangle,” explore the connection between literacy and leadership, and get real about what most people are doing wrong on stage. This isn't just inspiration—it's strategy with soul.Dr. Danny Brassell is a globally recognized speaker, bestselling author, and performance coach who's been called “Jim Carrey with a Ph.D.” for good reason—his electric presence and razor-sharp insights have inspired over 3,500 audiences across the globe. With 19 books to his name, including Leadership Begins with Motivation and Misfits and Crackpots, Dr. Brassell blends humor, heart, and hard-won wisdom to teach leaders how to communicate with impact. A former inner-city teacher turned international keynote powerhouse, Danny is the co-founder of The WellCrafted Story Workshop, where he equips entrepreneurs, executives, and everyday visionaries with the tools to leverage public speaking as a powerful client generation engine. His core message? Great communicators aren't born—they're built. And it starts with mastering what he calls the Communication Triangle: reading, speaking, and intentional growth. Whether he's teaching Fortune 500 companies how to convert stages into sales or helping individuals find their voice, Dr. Danny Brassell is on a mission to elevate the way we lead, speak, and connect.https://wellcraftedstoryworkshop.com/Gift from Dr. Danny:  http://freeSTORYguide.com To thank your audience, I'd like to supply them with a complimentary "Storytelling Blueprint: 5 Steps to Craft a Compelling Business Narrative." Learn to identify your core message, connect emotionally with your audience and structure your story for maximum impact across all platforms. Transform your business story into a powerful asset that drives real engagement and revenue. Remember: you're just a wellcrafted story away from 7 figures.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/i-am-refocused-radio--2671113/support.

"It's important for kids to see themselves in books they read." – Tonya Duncan Ellis Today's featured award-winning bestselling author is mom, wife, freelance writer, speaker, and diversity advocate, Tonya Duncan Ellis. Tonya and I had a chat about her books, her commitment to children's literature, the importance of learning about history, and more!! Key Things You'll Learn: The major reason for Tonya selling over 150,000 books How she balances book writing and motherhood Three mistakes to avoid as an author when promoting your book(s) Tonya's biggest setback that led her to more success Tonya's Site: https://tonyaduncanellis.com/ Tonya's Books: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B084GKH6BC?binding=hardcover&ref=dbs_m_mng_rwt_sft_thcv_tpbk The opening track is titled "Money Trees" by the magnanimous chill-hop master, Marcus D (@marcusd). Be sure to visit his site and support his craft. https://marcusd.net/ Please support today's podcast to keep this content coming! CashApp: $DomBrightmon Donate on PayPal: @DBrightmon Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dombrightmon Get Going North T-Shirts, Stickers, and More: https://www.teepublic.com/stores/dom-brightmon You Might Also Like… Ep. 582 – "Shaping the World Through Great Stories for All Ages" with Natasha Deen (@natasha_deen): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-582-shaping-the-world-through-great-stories-for-all-ages-with-natasha-deen-natasha_deen/ Ep. 487 – "Black Indian" with Shonda Buchanan (@shondabuchanan): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-487-black-indian-with-shonda-buchanan-shondabuchanan/ #Holiday Bonus Ep. – "Read Until You Understand" with Dr. Farah Griffin (@FJasmineG): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/holiday-bonus-ep-read-until-you-understand-with-dr-farah-griffin-fjasmineg/ Ep. 313 – "Ask Uncle Neil" with Neil Thompson (@teachthegeek): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-313-ask-uncle-neil-with-neil-thompson-teachthegeek/ Ep. 682 – "Leadership Begins with Motivation" with Dr. Danny Brassell (@DannyBrassell): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-682-leadership-begins-with-motivation-with-dr-danny-brassell-dannybrassell/ Ep. 586 – "Flipping Bad Situations into Joyful Children's Books" with Violet Lemay (@violetlemay): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-586-flipping-bad-situations-into-joyful-childrens-books-with-violet-lemay-violetlemay/ Ep. 559 - "Picky Patrick" With Eleni Fuiaxis (@EleniFuiaxis): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-559-picky-patrick-with-eleni-fuiaxis-elenifuiaxis/ Ep. 344.5 – "Poohlicious" with Mary Elizabeth Jackson (@Mary_E_Jackson): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-3445-poohlicious-with-mary-elizabeth-jackson-mary_e_jackson/ 224 – "A Ride to Remember" with Amy Nathan (@AmyNathanBooks): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/224-a-ride-to-remember-with-amy-nathan-amynathanbooks/ Ep. 342.5 – "The Little Bear in a Boat" with Takelia Hammett: https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-3425-the-little-bear-in-a-boat-with-takelia-hammett/ 150 - "Princess Monroe and Her Happily Ever After" with Jody Vallee Smith: https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/150-princess-monroe-and-her-happily-ever-after-with-jody-vallee-smith/ 11 - "VICTORIOUS!: Defeating Bullies and Giants God's Way" with Darnnell Reese (@Victorious_wGOD): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/11-victorious-defeating-bullies-and-giants-gods-way-with-darnnell-reese-victorious_wgod/ Ep. 664 – "The Power of Thought" with Lynn McLaughlin, MEd, BEd, BA (@lynnmcla): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-664-the-power-of-thought-with-lynn-mclaughlin-med-bed-ba-lynnmcla/ Ep. 592 – "There Is A Rainbow In Everyone" with Zsata Williams-Spinks (@zsata): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-592-there-is-a-rainbow-in-everyone-with-zsata-williams-spinks-zsata/ Ep. 648 – "How to Develop Your Child Into a Fearless Learner" with Kohila Sivas (@math_codes): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-648-how-to-develop-your-child-into-a-fearless-learner-with-kohila-sivas-math_codes/

Harnessing the Power of Storytelling in Business with Dr. Danny BrassellOn this episode of The Thoughtful Entrepreneur, host Josh Elledge chats with Dr. Danny Brassell, co-founder of The WellCrafted Workshop. Together, they explore how storytelling can fuel business growth, build authentic personal brands, and drive stronger audience engagement. Dr. Brassell shares his inspiring journey through journalism, education, and professional speaking—and explains why storytelling is at the heart of every successful communication strategy. Tune in to learn his signature "Five C's" framework and how to use it to make your message memorable and impactful.Clarity and Connection: The First Steps to a Strong StoryDr. Brassell explains that every great story starts with clarity. Entrepreneurs often assume their message should appeal to everyone, but in truth, defining a specific audience and the exact problem you solve makes your message far more compelling. He also highlights the importance of connection through vulnerability. Sharing personal challenges—alongside wins—builds trust and relatability. Audiences don't want perfection; they want to feel seen and understood. Your willingness to share failures can be your most powerful storytelling tool.Delivering Content That Engages and Inspires ActionOnce clarity and connection are established, your content needs to deliver real value. Dr. Brassell encourages storytellers to go beyond information-sharing—make your content engaging and educational. Every great story should also include a strong call to action. Be specific and direct. Guide your audience toward the next step—whether that's attending a workshop, booking a call, or downloading a free resource. And don't forget the close—a compelling conclusion that evokes emotion and reinforces your key message.Coaching Communicators and Inspiring Young ReadersBeyond speaking, Dr. Brassell now coaches professionals—from engineers in Silicon Valley to top corporate teams—helping them communicate with more confidence and clarity. His mission: transform presentations into meaningful conversations. He also recently published a new book, Misfits and Crackpots, created to uplift young readers with true stories of individuals who overcame obstacles to achieve extraordinary things. The book aims to offer a counterbalance to darker narratives in youth literature—giving kids role models who inspire and stories that spark hope.About Dr. Danny BrassellA highly sought-after speaker, trainer, and coach known as “Jim Carrey with a Ph.D.,” Dr. Danny Brassell (www.DannyBrassell.com) has spoken to over 3,500 audiences worldwide. He has authored 18 books, including Leadership Begins with Motivation and Misfits and Crackpots. As the co-founder of The WellCrafted Story Workshop™, Danny helps entrepreneurs, individuals, and organizations leverage speaking on stages as a major client lead source that converts.About The WellCrafted WorkshopThe WellCrafted Workshop provides coaching, workshops, and custom training programs to help professionals craft stories that connect, convert, and inspire. Their methodology is built to transform leaders into confident, clear communicators.Links Mentioned in this Episode

Episode Summary: In this episode of the Work at Home Rockstar Podcast, Tim chats with the high-energy and inspiring Dr. Danny Brassell, co-founder of The WellCrafted Story Workshop™. Known as “Jim Carrey with a Ph.D.,” Danny shares how his journey through journalism, education, devastating financial loss, and reinvention as a speaker and storytelling coach led him to help entrepreneurs harness the power of story. You'll walk away from this episode with actionable tips to grow your business using compelling narratives, plus strategies to build resilience and amplify your voice. Who is Danny Brassell? Dr. Danny Brassell is a global keynote speaker, storytelling coach, and author of 19 books including Leadership Begins with Motivation and Misfits and Crackpots. With over 3,500 presentations delivered worldwide, he co-founded The WellCrafted Story Workshop™, a platform that empowers leaders to turn their personal experiences into stories that spark engagement and drive results. A former inner-city teacher, Danny blends educational expertise with practical business strategies. Connect with Danny Brassell: Website: https://www.dannybrassell.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realDannyBrassell Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DannyBrassell LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dannybrassell YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/DannyBrassell Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/DannyBrassell Host Contact Details: Website: https://workathomerockstar.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/workathomerockstar Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/workathomerockstar LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timmelanson YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WorkAtHomeRockStarPodcast Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/workathomestar Email: tim@workathomerockstar.com In this Episode: 00:01:00 From Journalist to Educator to Entrepreneur 00:02:24 Losing Everything in a Real Estate Scam – and the Pivot that Followed 00:04:47 The Truth About Storytelling and Business Growth 00:10:00 The “Bandaid” Story – a Masterclass in Humor & Presentation 00:23:18 Morning Routines and the Power of Thought Walks 00:33:01 Building a Scalable, Story-Driven Business

What if your comfort is costing someone else their voice?In this eye-opening episode of the WIL Talk Podcast, host Vicki Bradley sits down with Gabriela Alcalde, CEO of the Sewall Foundation and author of What Your Comfort Cost Us. Together, they explore the hidden cost of white comfort in the workplace, the shared challenges faced by women of colour, and how empathy, curiosity, and storytelling can drive real change in leadership and corporate culture.Key Takeaways:✔ Workplace culture reflects what leadership values—it's never neutral.✔ Curiosity and empathy are essential to understanding lived experiences.✔ Productive discomfort creates space for learning and transformation.Want to know how you show up as a leader? Take our FREE Leadership Quiz for insights and exclusive goodies!

"If you're having a bad day, just have a great conversation. It costs nothing and anyone can do it." - Robin Dreeke Today's featured bestselling bookcaster is father, husband, professional speaker, trainer, facilitator, and retired FBI Special Agent and Chief of the Counterintelligence Behavioral Analysis Program, Robin Dreeke. Robin and I had a fun chat about his books, the importance of meaningful conversations, humility as a leader, and tons more!!! Key Things You'll Learn: How Robin went from US Marine to an FBI Master Spy Recruiter The power of combining stoicism and empathy How you never know how you impact people 3 major lessons learned from running his podcast Robin's Site: https://www.peopleformula.com/ Robin's Books: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0041C169C/allbooks?ingress=0&visitId=b6f25f31-d77e-45d7-af90-2f70f6e347ca&store_ref=ap_rdr&ref_=ap_rdr Robin's Podcast, "Forged By Trust": https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/id1610396982?itsct=podcast_box_link&itscg=30200&ls=1&at=1010l38Ld&ct=listennotes The opening track is titled "I Feel It" by Bosnow from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/bosnow/i-feel-it License code: OLUCPMP4LR8AQ2XC Please support today's podcast to keep this content coming! CashApp: $DomBrightmon Donate on PayPal: @DBrightmon Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dombrightmon Get Going North T-Shirts, Stickers, and More: https://www.teepublic.com/stores/dom-brightmon You May Also Like… Ep. 628 – "Inside the Secret World of Corporate Spying" with Robert Kerbeck (@robertkerbeck): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-628-inside-the-secret-world-of-corporate-spying-with-robert-kerbeck-robertkerbeck/ Ep. 671 – "The Last Ark" with Guy Morris (@guymorrisbooks): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-671-the-last-ark-with-guy-morris-guymorrisbooks/ Ep. 631 – "Enigma Tracer" with Charles Breakfield, MBA (@EnigmaSeries): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-631-enigma-tracer-with-charles-breakfield-mba-enigmaseries/ Ep. 682 – "Leadership Begins with Motivation" with Dr. Danny Brassell (@DannyBrassell): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-682-leadership-begins-with-motivation-with-dr-danny-brassell-dannybrassell/ Ep. 632 – "The Career Toolkit" with Mark Herschberg (@CareerToolkitBk): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-632-the-career-toolkit-with-mark-herschberg-careertoolkitbk/ Ep. 623 - "The Day One Executive" With April Armstrong (@ahaconsult): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-623-the-day-one-executive-with-april-armstrong-ahaconsult/ #Bonus Host2Host Ep.– "Unleashing the Power of Respect" with Dr. Joseph Shrand (@Drjoeshrand): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/bonus-host2host-ep-unleashing-the-power-of-respect-with-dr-joseph-shrand-drjoeshrand/ Ep. 697 – "The 7-Figure Life" with Dr. Noah St. John (@noahstjohn): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-697-the-7-figure-life-with-dr-noah-st-john-noahstjohn/ Ep. 669 – "Save Your Asks" with Chris Tuff (@christuff): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-669-save-your-asks-with-chris-tuff-christuff/ Ep. 540 – "How to Work a Room" with Susan RoAne (@susanroane): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-540-how-to-work-a-room-with-susan-roane-susanroane/ #Bonus Ep. – "Superbold" with Fred Joyal (@fredjoyal): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/bonus-ep-superbold-with-fred-joyal-fredjoyal/ Ep. 411 – "Name That Mouse" with David Wood (@_focusceo): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-411-name-that-mouse-with-david-wood-_focusceo/ 147 - "The Connector's Advantage" with Michelle Tillis Lederman (@mtlederman): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/147-the-connectors-advantage-with-michelle-tillis-lederman-mtlederman/ #HolidayBonus Ep. – "Fireproof" with David Hollenbach III (@HollenbachLEAD): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/holidaybonus-ep-fireproof-with-david-hollenbach-iii-hollenbachlead/ Ep. 585 – "Ceasefire" with Chip Nightingale (@chipnightingale): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-585-ceasefire-with-chip-nightingale-chipnightingale/ Ep. 466 – "Sabotage" with Brandon Wilson (@WilbronInc): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-466-sabotage-with-brandon-wilson-wilbroninc/ Ep. 455 – "Andean Adventures" with Allan J. "Alonzo" Wind (@galacticemp): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-455-andean-adventures-with-allan-j-alonzo-wind-galacticemp/

"Figure out what your passion is and live that passion. Your passions will change but embrace them." – Scott White Today's featured bestselling author is motivational speaker, Chairman, and CEO of Invesque, Scott White. Scott and I had a chat about his book, "The Life Is Too Short Guy: Strategies to Make Every Day the Best Day Ever", the intersection between urgency and happiness, and more! Key Things You'll Learn: How to be deliberate and proactive in how you spend your time Scott's wake-up call that served as a wake-up call about the brevity of life The principle of urgency and reframing fear as opportunities to try something new Scott's Site: https://www.lifeistooshortguy.com/ Scott's Book: https://www.amazon.com/Life-Too-Short-Guy-Strategies/dp/B0BR231TH1/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1672793178&sr=1-1 The opening track is titled "I Feel It" by Bosnow from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/bosnow/i-feel-it License code: OLUCPMP4LR8AQ2XC Please support today's podcast to keep this content coming! CashApp: $DomBrightmon Donate on PayPal: @DBrightmon Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dombrightmon Get Going North T-Shirts, Stickers, and More: https://www.teepublic.com/stores/dom-brightmon You May Also Like… Ep. 508 – "Great Things Happen Every Day" with Phil Barth (@pjbarth): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-508-great-things-happen-every-day-with-phil-barth-pjbarth/ Ep. 697 – "The 7-Figure Life" with Dr. Noah St. John (@noahstjohn): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-697-the-7-figure-life-with-dr-noah-st-john-noahstjohn/ Ep. 450 – "From Orphan to Self-Made Millionaire" with Andre Henry (@DreamAgain_TL): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-450-from-orphan-to-self-made-millionaire-with-andre-henry-dreamagain_tl/ Ep. 600 – "Equanimity" with Simon Leslie (@simonleslie21): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-600-equanimity-with-simon-leslie-simonleslie21/ Ep. 682 – "Leadership Begins with Motivation" with Dr. Danny Brassell (@DannyBrassell): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-682-leadership-begins-with-motivation-with-dr-danny-brassell-dannybrassell/ #Host2Host Bonus Ep. – "Rise & Go" with Cory Carlson (@carlsoncory): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/host2host-bonus-ep-rise-go-with-cory-carlson-carlsoncory/ Ep. 435 – "Breaking the Code" with Rusty Gailliard (@RustyGaillard): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-435-breaking-the-code-with-rusty-gailliard-rustygaillard/ Ep. 687 – "How to Hack Your Head Trash & Get Results" with Blaine Oelkers: https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-687-how-to-hack-your-head-trash-get-results-with-blaine-oelkers/ Ep. 662 – "The Thinking, Behavior, and Skills of Great Leaders" with Jay Williams (@jaywilliamsco): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-662-the-thinking-behavior-and-skills-of-great-leaders-with-jay-williams-jaywilliamsco/ #Host2Host Bonus Ep. – "Living A Fantastic Life Without Alcohol" with Dr. Stephan Neff: https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/host2host-bonus-ep-living-a-fantastic-life-without-alcohol-with-dr-stephan-neff/ #Bonus Ep. – "Superbold" with Fred Joyal (@fredjoyal): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/bonus-ep-superbold-with-fred-joyal-fredjoyal/ Ep. 621 – "F*cked To Focused" with Donnie Boivin (@DonnieBoivin): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-621-fcked-to-focused-with-donnie-boivin-donnieboivin/ Ep. 545 – "The Maestro Monologue" with Rob White (@RobWhiteMedia): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-545-the-maestro-monologue-with-rob-white-robwhitemedia/ Ep. 521 – "Master Secrets To Business Success & Personal Fulfilment" with Barry Nicolaou (@BarryNicolaou): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-521-master-secrets-to-business-success-personal-fulfilment-with-barry-nicolaou-barrynicolaou/ Ep. 435.5 – "Crushing the Fears of Becoming A Self-Published Author" with Jeremy Sutton (@the_bookboss): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-4355-crushing-the-fears-of-becoming-a-self-published-author-with-jeremy-sutton-the_bookboss/