Podcasts about Maximum Impact

Mauricio Dubón's Underdog Journey to the Big Leagues They said he was too small. Too quiet. From a country that "doesn't play baseball." Mauricio Dubón was never supposed to make it. But he did — and he didn't just make it. He became a World Series champion. In this episode of Most Valuable Agent, MLB agent Matt Hannaford sits down with Houston Astros utility star Mauricio Dubón to uncover the real story behind one of the most unlikely journeys in baseball. From shagging balls in Honduras to stepping in for José Altuve and going on a 20-game hit streak, Dubón's story is about more than baseball — it's about identity, grit, adaptability, and never waiting for permission. What You'll Learn: How to flip rejection into motivation Why being a “utility guy” is a mindset — and an edge What separates players who rise from the ones who fade The mental shift that changed Dubón's entire career How to lead with hunger, not ego — and why that matters If this story hits home, subscribe and drop us a 5⭐️review on Apple or Spotify. Your support fuels conversations like this one.  Guest Bio: Mauricio Dubón is a professional MLB utility player for the Houston Astros and 2022 World Series champion. Born in Honduras, he became the first MLB player from his country and has played for the Red Sox, Brewers, Giants, and Astros.

If you're looking to ramp up your Google Ads game, optimising your shopping feed is a crucial step you shouldn't overlook. In this episode with Danny Ireland, we dive deep into how feeding the algorithm as much data as possible can significantly enhance your ad performance. Whether you're new to the game or a seasoned pro, this episode is packed with actionable tips that can help you refine your approach to Google Ads and ultimately drive better results for your business.In this episode, we take a closer look at the potential of Google Ads through the lens of feed optimisation. It's a topic that often gets overlooked in the broader discussion of eCommerce marketing strategies. Danny breaks down the mechanics of product feed optimisation, explaining how crucial it is to enhance the data being fed into Google Merchant Center.The discussion focuses on the importance of data in driving performance, with Danny stressing that more data leads to better targeting and optimisation. He navigates through the various methods of improving your product feed, including the use of third-party tools for better data management.This episode is packed with actionable insights for marketers who want to ensure their product listings are not just seen but also convert effectively in an increasingly competitive environment. It also touches on future trends in digital marketing, particularly how emerging technologies like AI might influence feed optimisation strategies moving forward.This is a must-listen for anyone serious about eCommerce growth.Takeaways:Feeding the algorithm with extensive data is crucial for effective Google Shopping campaigns. To optimise your eCommerce feed, include more keywords and detailed attributes like color and material. Using a reliable feed management tool can significantly enhance how you manage and optimize your product data. The quality of your Google Shopping feed directly influences the success of your ads and overall campaign performance.Find the notes here: https://keepopt.com/261Download our ebook >> https://keepopt.com/ebook "500 Top Tips to Make Your eCommerce Business More Profitable" ****Get all the links and resources we mention & join our email list at https://keepopt.comLove the show? Chloe would love your feedback - leave a review here: https://keepopt.com/review or reply to the episode Q&A on Spotify.Interested in being a Sponsor? go here: https://keepopt.com/sponsor

Ryan Pineda, creator of The Wealthy Way course and a side hustle pioneer, shares his journey from financial hardship to leading multiple seven-figure businesses. In this episode, he dives into the lessons, challenges, and strategies behind his success—plus a breakdown of the four personality types that drive results.Also, check out Brent's  TTP Training Program to start building your own path to success!---------Show notes:(1:05) Beginning of today's episode(1:15) The Four Personality Types (and how to achieve them?)(12:03) The beauty of good marketing is that it makes the sales process much easier(16:34) The struggle of finding contentment as entrepreneurs(16:55) The wealthiest people have three things in common: Big Goals, Insecurity, and Control(22:09) How Ryan established the "Wealthy Way" program(25:28) Make sure to stay focused and put your attention where it deserves to be----------Resources:BiggerPocketsFollow Ryan hereTo speak with Brent or one of our other expert coaches call (281) 835-4201 or schedule your free discovery call here to learn about our mentorship programs and become part of the TribeGo to Wholesalingincgroup.com to become part of one of the fastest growing Facebook communities in the Wholesaling space. Get all of your burning Wholesaling questions answered, gain access to JV partnerships, and connect with other "success minded" Rhinos in the community.It's 100% free to join. The opportunities in this community are endless, what are you waiting for?

The dream isn't just to be seen—it's to be ready. In this can't-miss episode, agent Matt Hannaford sits down with Kris Gross, Scouting Director for the New York Mets, to reveal what really goes on behind the scenes of the MLB Draft. You'll get an unfiltered look at how scouts evaluate talent, why some prospects never make it, and what separates the good from the great. From coachability and curiosity to signability and character, this episode uncovers the critical traits that matter most—and why they're often overlooked. Whether you're a travel baseball parent, college athlete, or high school hopeful, this conversation will change how you think about exposure, development, and what it truly takes to make it in pro ball.

About the Guest(s):Trevor Houston is a career strategist and host of the "Who You Know" show. With a significant focus on using LinkedIn for personal branding and job search optimization, he has helped countless professionals enhance their digital presence. Trevor is also the CEO of Clearpath Wealth Strategies, where he fosters career success through innovative branding strategies and the integration of AI tools.Mark Elder is a contributor to the "Who You Know" show and works in tandem with Trevor Houston. Sharing insights on strategies to enhance professional profiles, Mark's expertise lies in digital engagement and leveraging social media platforms for career progression.Episode Summary:In this engaging episode of the "Who You Know" show, host Trevor Houston delves into the art of transforming your LinkedIn profile into a powerful tool for career advancement and business opportunities. Trevor emphasizes the importance of moving beyond the traditional view of LinkedIn as just a digital resume. Instead, he advocates for turning it into a high-converting landing page that captures attention and sparks engagement. Trevor introduces the "7Cs framework" aimed at helping professionals apply consistent content strategies that convert profile views into meaningful opportunities, such as direct messages, job offers, and business leads. By leveraging AI tools, he simplifies the process of profile optimization, making it accessible and efficient for anyone looking to scale their online presence.Throughout the episode, Trevor, along with co-host Mark Elder, discusses key strategies for enhancing various components of a LinkedIn profile, from the profile banner to the featured section. The conversation covers practical tips on crafting effective name pronunciations, using custom pronouns creatively, and setting up engaging featured sections with multimedia content. Trevor and Mark highlight the role of strategic media, clear calls to action, and proof of value in building an authoritative personal brand. They stress the importance of continuous engagement, such as using LinkedIn events and integrating content strategies that keep your profile dynamic and appealing to recruiters and potential clients. This episode serves as a comprehensive guide for anyone looking to maximize their LinkedIn presence in preparation for 2025 and beyond.Resources:Trevor Houston on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trevorhouston/Career Transition Summit: https://event.webinarjam.com/register/67/04404igv LinkedIn e-book: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://online.flippingbook.com/view/714118097/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/who-ya-know-show ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Trevor Houston is a licensed financial professional offering insurance/financial products through various carriers. For more info visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://cpwstrategies.comChapters:(0:00) Transform Your LinkedIn Profile Into a High-Converting Landing Page(3:33) Optimizing LinkedIn Profiles for Engagement and Conversion(6:56) Showcasing Proof of Value Through Testimonials and Media Features(9:15) Creating Client Journeys Through LinkedIn Profile Pathways(11:22) Leveraging LinkedIn for Career Opportunities and Cash Flow(14:14) Diversifying Content Types for Effective Audience Engagement(18:42) Maximizing LinkedIn's Name Pronunciation Feature for Personal Branding(20:22) Crafting Effective XYZ Statements and LinkedIn Profile Strategies(29:18) Optimizing LinkedIn Profiles for Maximum Impact(33:16) Crafting Impactful Headlines and Subtitles for Professional Profiles(41:54) Optimizing LinkedIn Profiles for Job Seekers and Veterans(52:34) Leveraging Testimonials for Strategic Personal Branding(1:02:46) Optimizing LinkedIn Profiles Using ChatGPT Prompts(1:14:03) Optimizing LinkedIn Engagement Strategies and Platform Updates(1:25:41) LinkedIn's Failed Attempt at Audio Events(1:31:50) Career Transition Summit: Enhance Your Personal Brand and Profile

Welcome to The EA Campus Podcast with your host, Nicky Christmas. In today's episode, we're diving into the different types of meetings your Executive attends and how you can manage them strategically to drive real progress.Here's what we cover:Why meetings matter more than ever—and how EAs can support their Executive's time as their most valuable resourceThe six key meeting types you need to know:Decision-Making Meetings – Where critical choices happenInformation-Sharing Meetings – Updates and reports that matterBrainstorming/Creative Sessions – Sparking new ideasRelationship-Building Meetings – Building trust and connectionsCrisis/Problem-Solving Meetings – When urgent solutions are neededGovernance/Board Meetings – Formal, high-level decision-makingHow to categorise meetings and tailor your prep: from agendas and pre-reads to setting the right mindset for each typeThe importance of managing transitions between meetings to avoid ‘meeting hangovers' and keep your Executive focusedTips for asking the right questions when scheduling meetings—like clarifying objectives, success criteria, and your Executive's roleThe difference you can make as an EA by setting every meeting up for success, transforming from a diary manager to a strategic partner

Unlock pro-level baseball insights with Zack Scott—ex-Red Sox GM—on draft prep, development, and mastering the mental game. Subscribe now! What really goes on inside the mind of an MLB GM? Former Red Sox and Mets executive Zack Scott takes us deep into the front office to reveal how data, mindset, and real-world player development decisions shape big-league rosters. From how prospects are evaluated to what separates the guys who make it, Zack explains what most coaches, players, and parents get wrong—and what GMs are actually looking for.

Ever wondered what it really takes to catch the eye of a Major League Baseball scout? In this powerhouse episode of the Most Valuable Agent podcast, host Matt sits down with Gus Quattlebaum, VP of Scouting Development & Integration for the Boston Red Sox, and Johan Martinez-Khalilian, elite coach to athletes and artists. Together, they reveal how pro teams evaluate talent—from advanced data and video review to the critical role of mindset, failure, and intangibles that can't be measured. Whether you're a player, parent, or baseball fanatic, this episode offers an insider view into modern scouting and the path to the pros.

In AB Advisor Institute's “Masterclass on Pricing” we propose that advisors can confidently charge a premium fee for their services if they do change their approach to the first few meetings with the client. We recommend that they slow down, complete a thorough Discovery and Fact-Finding process before establishing the price of the services and provide impactful experiences for the prospective client that intentionally build trust. In this deep-dive conversation Ken and Scott explore a step-by-step conversation that an advisor can have with a client in the very first meeting that creates a unique impact and leads to a more intimate and successful process of Discovery, Fact-Finding and Close. Also in this episode, the AllianceBernstein Digital Coach – see practice management solutions for advisor success: abfunds.com/go/digitalcoach DISCLAIMER Note to All Readers: The information contained here reflects the views of AllianceBernstein L.P. or its affiliates and sources it believes are reliable as of the date of this podcast. AllianceBernstein L.P. makes no representations or warranties concerning the accuracy of any data. There is no guarantee that any projection, forecast or opinion in this material will be realized. Past performance does not guarantee future results. The views expressed here may change at any time after the date of this podcast. This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. AllianceBernstein L.P. does not provide tax, legal or accounting advice. It does not take an investor's personal investment objectives or financial situation into account; investors should discuss their individual circumstances with appropriate professionals before making any decisions. This information should not be construed as sales or marketing material or an offer or solicitation for the purchase or sale of any financial instrument, product or service sponsored by AllianceBernstein or its affiliates.

Welcome to the Tuesday insight. Today's episode originally appeared as an article at https://dontmoveuntilyousee.it/blog. To learn more about Don't Move Until You See It and get the free 5-day Conceptualizing Chess Series, head over to https://dontmoveuntilyousee.it/conceptualization

What if the most important part of the game... can't be measured? In this powerful episode of Most Valuable Agent, Matt Hannaford sits down with elite mindset coach Johan Martinez-Khalilian to explore the spiritual side of sports—the “invisible game” that every athlete must confront. From flow state and fear-based thinking to identity, surrender, and purpose, Johan reveals the deeper truths behind performance, burnout, and growth. This episode isn't about stats or medals—it's about becoming the kind of person who can thrive on and off the field.

Send us a textIn this enlightening episode of 'The Beauty of Influence,' host Sasha welcomes Nicole Pearl, a veteran beauty journalist and founder of The Beauty Girl. Nicole shares her extensive journey from being a beauty editor at prestigious magazines to becoming an award-winning PR and media coach. The discussion delves into the intricacies of PR, building a personal brand, the importance of authentic storytelling, and leveraging AI responsibly in media pitches. Nicole also introduces her innovative Media Matchmaker tool designed to help brands identify the best media outlets for their pitches. This episode offers invaluable insights into creating impactful PR strategies and establishing strong media relationships.Connect with Nicole:Instagram: @NicolePearlBeautyGirlWebsite (with the free tool, Media Matchmaker!): NicolePearl.comWhat You'll Hear: 00:00 Introduction00:18 Meet Nicole Pearl: Beauty Journalist and PR Expert 06:31 Building a Personal Brand 16:44 Innovative PR Approaches and Storytelling 22:18 The Power of Relationships in PR 25:25 Pitching No-Nos and AI in PR 28:10 Tailoring Your PR Strategy for Maximum Impact 31:32 Embracing AI: The Media Matchmaker Tool 36:42 Final Thoughts and Tips for Visibility Free Resources: The Business Vitals Signs Quiz: A FREE quiz that will give you a personalized pulse-check on how healthy and aligned your business is, PLUS a free download that covers your answers in depth and gives you actionable steps to make your business healthier. Market Your Reputation Masterclass: Learn how to leverage what OTHER people are saying about you to book your services and sell out your products. Understand, Control and Grow Cashflow Masterclass: Daring Haus CFO Mike (my hubby!) put together an easy-to-understand masterclass on cash - because really, we all need to know our numbers to grow our businesses. Connect with Sasha: Hang out with Sasha on Instagram and TikTok Work 1:1 with Sasha: sashafedunchak.com Follow Daring Haus on Instagram and TikTok Work with Daring Haus: daringhaus.com

Welcome to another episode of the Grow, Sell and Retire podcast! In this engaging conversation, host B.D. Dalton sits down with the dynamic Carrie Freeman, whose career journey has taken her from the clean rooms of Intel's state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities, to spearheading sustainability and community engagement initiatives, and even to running a sparkling wine business. Together, they dive into how Carrie made her bold leaps across industries, what she's learned about leading purpose-driven businesses, and the million-dollar insights she's gained along the way.Carrie shares valuable lessons on building impactful, sustainable companies—drawing from her experiences at Intel, her work driving social innovation at Second Muse, and her most recent foray in the wine industry. The episode is packed with actionable advice, including how to energize teams, make better business decisions, and focus on what truly matters as a leader. Whether you're looking to reinvent your business, get inspired by stories of transformation, or just curious about what a pantyhose factory tour is like, this episode is not to be missed!Find Carrie here for speaking and other engagements. https://www.linkedin.com/in/carrie-freeman/

What makes a high school baseball program truly elite? In this episode of Most Valuable Agent, we sit down with Brandon Oliver—former Yankees coach and co-founder of FUTURES—to unpack what separates good from great in today's ultra-competitive baseball world. From his experience at Corona High School to building FUTURES into a national model, Brandon reveals how data, mindset, physicality, and aligned coaching shape the modern elite player.

Maximum Impact  – By Laurence Torr We can have and God wants us to have Maximum Impact in this world for Him and Us, By speaking His truth and healing and bringing deliverance to others and reconciling men and women back to God. We have been given great authority and the spiritual ability to change the world around us, through the heavenly words and the good news. God wants us to recognise the authority of the words we speak and when we speak His words with faith, it changes and impacts not only our lives but those who hear us. The words we should speak are the heavenly words which is living energy, quick powerful and sharper than any two edge swords these wonderful words are the words of Life.   Give/ Honour God  https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/laurencetorr Visit Our Website http://www.graceloveandtruth.com/ Visit Our YouTube Channel Here http://www.youtube.com/laurencetorr

Have a brilliant course idea? Before you spend countless hours creating, learn the crucial steps to validate your concept for maximum impact! This episode reveals a doable process to ensure your course resonates with your audience, generates revenue, and achieves your business goals. Stop launching to crickets!Learn how to:Understand the importance of course validation: Avoid wasted time and effort by testing your idea first.Identify problems, needs, misunderstandings, and complaints: Discover the foundation for a successful course.Map out the pros and cons of change: Understand your audience's motivations and create compelling messaging.Get specific feedback on your course idea: Ensure there's genuine interest and need for your offer.Weekly Action Item:Choose one validation strategy discussed in the episode (active listening, surveys/interviews, trend analysis) and implement it this week.Begin outlining your course, even with a basic structure, after your initial validation efforts.Consider the 90-Minute Course Outline Workshop for a structured approach to building your course foundation.Time Stamps:Show Resources: Check out all podcast episodes and full transcripts (www.digitalcoursecreatorguide.com/podcast)Follow me on Facebook (facebook.com/digitalcoursecreatorguide) and on Instagram (instagram.com/digitalcoursecreatorguide) for daily tips and ideasWork With Dr. Moira:Join Office Hours for support and mentoring to get your digital course done. (https://digitalcourse.pro/Office-Hours)Make sure that your content is accessible with The Accessibility Mini Course for Online Creators. (https://digitalcourse.pro/accessibility)

Most public speaking advice is surface-level: make eye contact, speak clearly, don't say “um.” This episode throws all that out the window. In The Public Speaking Playbook, we unpack 11 advanced, real-world tactics that separate amateurs from impact-makers. You'll learn how to weaponize silence, anchor your message in rhythm, command the room with physical intent, and close with lines that echo long after the mic drops. And we're not stopping at delivery—this episode reminds you of the one thing most people forget: you actually need something worth saying. Whether you're pitching to investors, leading a team, or stepping onto your first stage, this is your blueprint for becoming unforgettable.

What does it really take to go from high school standout to pro baseball? In this episode of the Most Valuable Agent Podcast, former MLB player and Align Sports advisor Dylan Manwaring joins us to share the raw truths of navigating the path from youth baseball to the big leagues. Dylan opens up about growing up with a major leaguer father (Matt Manwaring), standing out in a small town, and how showcases like Area Code Games and East Coast Pro shaped his journey to becoming an MLB draft pick. Whether you're a parent, coach, or player trying to understand the pros and cons of going pro vs. going to college—this episode delivers rare insight and real talk from someone who's been there. What You'll Learn in This Episode: What MLB scouts actually look for at top showcases How Dylan got recruited out of a small town The role of Prospect Link and digital scouting today What families should consider when weighing college vs. draft How to parent (and coach) through pressure without control The mental grind of proving yourself in pro ball If you're a parent, player, or coach looking to better understand how to navigate the path to college or pro baseball, this is the episode for you. Subscribe to Most Valuable Agent Youtube Channel for more content https://www.youtube.com/@mostvaluableagent/ ___ RESOURCES + LINKS ALIGND Sports: Elite Representation. Strategic Growth. Maximum Impact. From contract negotiations to career development, we put athletes first—helping you secure your future on and off the field. Ready to take your career to the next level? Book a 1:1 consultation with Matt HERE. FOLLOW Dylan Manwaring: @d_manwaring  Matt Hannaford: @mfhannaford

What does sofrito—a base of herbs and spices used in Puerto Rican cooking—have to do with reimagining business, food security, and conveying a history lesson about a rich and sometimes complex culture? For today's guest, it's everything. If you've ever wondered how to weave your culture, creativity, and calling into one powerful movement... then this episode is the recipe you've been looking for. In this episode, you will hear:   Food has a cultural foundation passed through generations. Cultural identity can be preserved and taught through everyday meals. How to make the best sofrito if you don't have time to cook. Food is more than just food – it's heritage, intention, and a story. The story of the Puerto Rican pasteles is shared. Food choices are power moves, shaping local or global economies. Imagination makes it possible to wear multiple hats and still stay rooted in purpose. You don't need permission to do things differently, just the will and a plan. This episode is brought to you by Fertile Imagination: A Guide for Stretching Every Mom's Superpower for Maximum Impact by Melissa Llarena Audible   Audio Edition: https://www.amazon.com/Fertile-Imagination-Stretching-Superpower-Maximum/dp/B0CY9BZH9W/ref=tmm_aud_swatch_0   Paperback: https://www.amazon.com/Fertile-Imagination-Stretching-Superpower-Maximum/dp/B0CK2ZSMLB   Hardcover: https://www.amazon.com/Fertile-Imagination-Stretching-Superpower-Maximum/dp/B0D5B64347/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0   Or, download a free chapter at fertileideas.com       About Crystal Diaz   Crystal Díaz has spent nearly two decades at the intersection of food, marketing, and cultural advocacy. She co-founded PRoduce, Puerto Rico's digital marketplace for locally grown food. Crystal is also the force behind El Pretexto, the island's first culinary farm lodge, where food and imagination meet 2,600 feet above sea level. A committed advocate for food security, she collaborates with Espacios Abiertos to advance agricultural policy. Crystal holds two master's degrees, including one in Food Studies from NYU. She's been recognized by Fast Company and El Nuevo Día for her creative leadership and impact in the local food movement. Quotes that can change your perspective:  “If you really want to learn about something and you're obsessed about it, there's always ways to learn, to make it happen.” – Crystal Díaz   “With every single meal that we do, with every single snack, everything that we eat, you are impacting economies. And if you want to support your local communities and you want to see them, everybody having a better life, you might want to spend that dollar closer home and making sure that all of the ingredients that are on that food are closer to home so that money stays closer to home.” – Crystal Díaz   “Sofrito is very personal. You know? It's part of how your family has done it… but also learn that there is a lot of history into it. It's not something that we do because we do it. There is a lot of history to it.” – Crystal Díaz   “We are on a little island. We don't have that much territorial extension, so we can't think about our agriculture as other countries that have large extensions of terrains and flats and stuff like that. We need to think about it differently.” – Crystal Díaz   “Puerto Rican food is full of history, is complex enough, is flavorful enough, and varied… so I can pull something like this [a culinary farm lodge] up in Puerto Rico.” – Crystal Díaz SHARE this episode with fellow food lovers, cultural storytellers, and moms on a mission to raise rooted kids. Crystal's insights on local food, identity, and imagination will inspire anyone looking to nourish their family and community from the inside out. Let's keep our culture alive—one pastel, one sofrito, and one big idea at a time. Supporting Resources:   Website: https://www.elpretextopr.com  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elpretextopr  Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/@elpretextopr/ Subscribe and Review   Have you subscribed to my podcast for new moms who are entrepreneurs, founders, and creators?  I'd love for you to subscribe if you haven't yet.    I'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast for writer moms. About Fertile Imagination   You can be a great mom without giving up, shrinking, or hiding your dreams. There's flexibility in how you pursue anything – your role, your lifestyle, and your personal and professional goals. The limitations on your dreams are waiting to be shattered. It's time to see and seize what's beyond your gaze. Let's bridge your childhood daydreams with your grown-up realities. Imagine skipping with your kids along any path – you, surpassing your milestones while your kids are reaching theirs. There's only one superpower versatile enough to stretch your thinking beyond what's been done before: a Fertile Imagination. It's like kryptonite for impostor syndrome and feeling stuck when it's alert!    In Fertile Imagination, you will awaken your sleeping source of creative solutions. If you can wake up a toddler or a groggy middle schooler, then together with the stories in this book – featuring 25 guests from my podcast Unimaginable Wellness, proven tools, and personal anecdotes – we will wake up your former playmate: your imagination!  Advance Praise    “You'll find reality-based strategies for imagining your own imperfect, fulfilling life in this book!” —MARTHA HENNESSEY, former NH State Senator    “Melissa invites the reader into a personal and deep journey about topics that are crucially important to uncover what would make a mom (and dad too) truly happy to work on…even after the kids are in bed.” —KEN HONDA, best-selling author of Happy Money    “This book is a great purchase for moms in every stage of life. Melissa is like a great friend, honest and wise and funny, telling you about her life and asking you to reflect on yours.” —MAUREEN TURNER CAREY, librarian in Austin, TX   TRANSCRIPT   00:00:00 Crystal: Come up with ideas to make it easier for food producers to produce more food because we are in a little island. We don't have that much territorial extension. So we can't think about our agriculture as other countries that have large extensions of terrains and flats and stuff like that. We need to think it differently.  00:00:25 Melissa: Welcome to the Mom Founder Imagination Hub, your weekly podcast to inspire you to dream bigger. Plan out how you're gonna get to that next level in business, find the energy to keep going, and make sure your creative juices are flowing so that this way you get what you really want rather than having to settle. Get ready to discover founders have reimagined entrepreneurship and motherhood.  00:00:47 Melissa: Ever wonder how they do it? Tune in to find out, and stretch yourself by also learning from diverse entrepreneurs who might not be moms, but who have lessons you can tailor about how you can disrupt industries and step way outside of your comfort zone. I believe every mom's superpower is her imagination. In this podcast, I'm gonna give you the mindset, methods, and tools to unleash yours. Sounds good? Then keep listening.  00:01:17 Melissa: So what does sofrito, which is essentially a base of herbs and spices used in Puerto Rican cooking, have to do with reimagining business, food security, and passing along really critical history lessons. Well, for today's guest, it is everything. And if you've ever wondered how to weave your culture, creativity, and calling into one powerful movement, then this episode is the recipe you've been looking for.  00:01:49 Melissa: Welcome to the Mom Founder Imagination Hub. This is your weekly podcast designed to inspire you to dream bigger in your business and your life. Also, to help you find the energy to keep going because how are you going to sustain what's necessary to be big and to keep your imagination flowing so that this way you could feel inspired, lit up like a Christmas tree or Hanukkah candles. I'm your host Melissa Llarena. 00:02:17 Melissa: I'm a mom of three high energy boys. No. They did not get their energy from me. Psyched. They did. I'm also a best selling author of Fertile Imagination and an imagination coach for mom founders who are reimagining what success and motherhood can look like on their own terms, and that's really important.  00:02:34 Melissa: Now, if you've ever stirred a pot of sofrito, you already know this. Right? You know that the blend of flavors tells a deeper story. It tells a story that sometimes has made its way across generations. It preserves a culture, and it does nourish more than just our baby's bellies.  00:02:56 Melissa: So today's guest, I am thrilled to invite Crystal Diaz. Now she's taken the same approach in terms of her business ventures. She's a foodpreneur, culture keeper, I love that, and community builder. She wears four hats and in today's episode we're gonna go through each of those hats. One of which is as the owner of El Pretexto, i.e. The Excuse, a culinary farm lodge in the countryside of Puerto Rico where she serves 100% locally sourced meals and lives her mission every day.  00:03:33 Melissa: She has lots of degrees and an MA in food studies from NYU, which is why if you're watching the video, you could see, I hope, my NYU t-shirt. Hit subscribe if you see it and you love it. Subscribe on YouTube. Hit follow on this podcast. 00:03:53 Melissa: A little bit more about Crystal. She was recognized by Fast Company as one of the most creative people in business in 2022 and was named one of El Nuevo Diaz women of the year in 2023. She's the real deal. In this episode, we're gonna explore how Crystal uses her imagination as her main ingredient, whether it's in terms of the way that she's carving away for Puerto Rico to have its own food centric cultural immersive experience or even by how she decided to commute to NYU from San Juan every single week, which was creative in and of itself, or even in terms of the way that she describes the depth of a very famous Puerto Rican dish.  00:04:43 Melissa: Oh, and side note, I actually have her real life best on the planet, sofrito recipe. My gosh, do not run away, For sure. Check out the sofrito recipe we articulated in this conversation. You're gonna walk away with yummy ideas for how to use your own imagination to nourish your business, your family, and community, and it's gonna be so important even if you're not working in food.  00:05:13 Melissa: So before we dig in, I would appreciate if you hit follow, if you're listening to this on iTunes. Why hit follow? Because every time someone hits follow on iTunes, it tells me that I need to bring more guests with stories like this to the podcast. And I get really excited and when a mom is excited, it is a very good day in her entire home. So go ahead, hit follow. You will absolutely get that dopamine hit that everybody needs or if you're watching this on YouTube, then hit subscribe. I would be so appreciative and again, I will do the dance of joy. Okay. So enjoy the conversation.  00:05:54 Melissa: Crystal Diaz, thank you so much for this conversation on the Mom Founder Imagination hub. We are delighted to have you here. Crystal, just to kind of set off the scenery, why don't you explain to us where you are in Puerto Rico? What's outside your windows? 00:06:10 Crystal: All right. Well, let's… our imagination hub in a car. We are in San Juan, and you drove forty five minutes south, up to the mountains. Now we are in Cayey. I am at El Pretexto, which is also my home, and we are overlooking… we're up in the mountains, 2,600 feet over sea level, overlooking the Caribbean Sea at the south, and all the mountains slowly winding down all the way to the coast. 00:06:43 Crystal: And you will have some crazy chickens surrounding you. In my patio while you are probably sipping a wine or a coffee, depending on the time of the day. Enjoying the view and, surrounded by trees, lush greenery all over the place. And there are gardens on your side, also as well. So you are surrounded definitely by nature and you feel at peace. That's where we are.  00:07:15 Melissa: Oh, okay. Cool. So let's bring that sense of peace to this conversation. I am excited because I'm sure any listener right now who is a mom, has a business, might feel a little frazzled now and again. But right now, for the next thirty minutes, this is a peaceful zone. We are in Puerto Rico right now. 00:07:37 Melissa: Okay. So, Crystal, now I'm gonna ask you an obvious question, as you just described what you are surrounded by in Puerto Rico. But you attended NYU, and I'm just kind of super curious. You could have stayed in New York, let's say. Right? You could have been like this chef at a restaurant in New York City, Michelin star, etcetera, etcetera. But you decided to return home. And so I'm just curious, like, what informed that decision?  00:08:13 Crystal: Well, you will be surprised with my answer because I never left home. I commuted every single week to New York. Coming on to the city, take my classes, back to my home. So for two years, I was traveling every week to New York for one day.  00:08:34 Melissa: Oh my gosh. Yeah. That is so surprising. Okay. So now I'm just curious here. Okay. So you were on a plane. So, usually people complain about their commute. Right? 00:08:48 Crystal: Uh-huh.  00:08:49 Melissa: They have this whole return to work aggravation. Here you are getting on a plane every single week to take courses at NYU. So then let me ask you this other question. So I know that it's a little off track, but now I'm just way curious. Why did it have to be NYU? That's quite the pull.  00:09:13 Crystal: Yeah. Well, my background is in marketing, and I have a BA in Marketing with a Minor in Advertising and Public Relations. Then I worked with a newspaper for fourteen years. So my background is all about business and marketing. Then I did a first master degree here in Puerto Rico, in the University of Puerto Rico, about cultural action and management. And then, I wanted – because at this point, I believe that I am not passionate anymore. I am kind of obsessed with food, and I guess we will get into that later. 00:09:58 Crystal: But, I wanted to learn the policy part of it. And in Puerto Rico, we don't have any program in any of the universities nor public or private, specifically about food, and way less food policies and advocacy and that type of perspective on the food system, which is what I wanted to learn. So that's why I ended up in New York. I decided to do this because it's a direct flight. So it's gonna be a three hours and a half flight going in, then the one hour in the A train until Westport. 00:10:49 Crystal: Even though I know it's intense, it was pretty straightforward. You don't have make a stop then take another plane. And I was studying and reading all my plane hours, so there's no excuse to not complete your assignments, I guess.  00:11:07 Melissa: Yeah. I love that. Okay. So, hey, that is 100% using your imagination because I think a lot of us, myself included, I wouldn't have considered that to be an option in my mind. I still don't. Right? It's gotta be a certain set of circumstances that make that a possibility. But, I love that now that's an idea that we just planted in someone's head. Right? If they really are obsessed. Right?  00:11:35 Crystal: And if you really want to learn about something and you're obsessed about it, there's always ways to learn, to make it happen. And to my point, New York is so expensive that I spend way less money in flight tickets than actually living there.  00:11:56 Melissa: Yeah. That makes a lot of sense. Okay. So this is really interesting. Okay. So you could have stayed in New York, but you didn't even choose to stay in New York when you were taking classes at NYU. So now you have the whole, like… that's just so that's fascinating, Crystal. You really gobsmacked me right now with that piece of information.  00:12:18 Melissa: So along the same lines of using your imagination and thinking totally out of the box, let me ask you this one question. So, El Pretexto, of course, we'll go into what it is and all of that. But I also wanna understand because on your website, you say that you've traveled the world. Right? So you've seen all these different culinary experiences. And using your imagination and imagining where or how would you imagine Puerto Rico's cuisine fitting into the landscape of world gastro– I can't say the rest of that word, but I know it's a real word.  00:12:57 Crystal: Yes. Well, for me, I love to travel. I am a girl of no luxuries. Right? I don't care about purses or new shoes or jewelry. It's like I don't judge, but I don't care. So where I spend my money and my time, which I can't… money, you can recover it somehow, but time is just one time. You just have every minute that you have.  00:13:27 Crystal: And I like to spend those traveling and getting to know other cultures and exposing myself to other cultures. And I think that those travels have pushed me to understand and appreciate what we have back here at home and also understand the opportunities that we have back here at home. Not everybody is doing it perfectly, but you can definitely learn how it is done in other places. And I'm talking generally. Right? Depending on what you are interested.  00:14:01 Crystal: But you always learn of how the world do things in other places. So, I in my case, I love food and I try to expose myself, not only to eating in good restaurants or good food, but I love to go to markets. I even go to supermarkets every time I travel. I like to visit farms and I noticed, especially in Mexico, you can see this – Peru is developing this a lot and Italy has it all set. 00:14:40 Melissa: On lockdown.  00:14:41 Crystal: But you have these culinary experiences where you get to… expose to their cuisine, with a local chef and and you go to their farmers' markets and you get the whole country but with a special focus in food. And I was like, “You know what? Puerto Rican food is full of history, is complex enough, is flavorful enough, and varied so I can pull something like this up in Puerto Rico.” So that's how one of our offerings about the curated food experiences came to be because I was sure that somebody will have the curiosity to get to know Puerto Rico from its food.  00:15:33 Crystal: So that's how I got into there. And I think that because I am obsessed with the fact that Puerto Rico imports 90% of everything that we eat, I am then focused on cherish and enhance and share that 10% what it can be if we actually put a lot of effort into grow that 10% into 20%, let's say.  00:16:08 Melissa: That's interesting. So okay. So, I mean, I'm not cynical, but, in my opinion, I kind of believe that the person that controls food source kinda controls a lot. And that's not fantastic. And so I'm just wondering from a policy perspective and as you think about this share of stomach or however it's really considered, are you also part of that conversation too? Like, are you actively advocating for that too?  00:16:45 Crystal: Yes. Yes. I always say I have a couple of hats for all those also thinking that you only have to do one thing and one thing only. If you want to do one thing and one thing only, that's okay. But in my case, I am focused on food, but I try to deal with it from different perspectives. So I have four hats.  00:17:09 Crystal: And one of my hats, specifically works with food policy advocacy. And we try to understand the local food policies that are in place, understanding what programs work, what programs doesn't work, and then trying to make it as… to come up with ideas to make it easier for food producers to produce more food. 00:17:41 Crystal: Because we are in a little island. We don't have that much territorial extension, so we can't think about our agriculture as other countries that have large extensions of terrains and flats and stuff like that. We need to think it differently. And I am not against importation. We all have globalized diets, and we love olive oil, and we can't produce that in Puerto Rico. And we love wine, and we can't produce that in Puerto Rico.  00:18:16 Crystal: So it's not like, all the way 100%. That's not what I mean. But definitely, we should aim to have, let's say, half of our stomach-share full of food that is produced locally. Not only because of its nutritional value, but also because it means economic growth and development for our island and our local communities. So every dollar that you spend on food… somebody might be hearing us while they are eating something.  00:18:55 Crystal: So you imagine whatever you're eating right now, let's say it cost you $1. It depends on where the ingredients came from, that dollar went to that place. It depends on where it was processed, part of that dollar went to that place. And then if you bought it in the supermarket or if you bought it in Amazon, to who you gave that share of that dollar.  00:22 Crystal: So with every single meal that we do, with every single snack, everything that we eat, you are impacting economies. And if you want to support your local communities and you want to see them, everybody having a better life, you might want to spend that dollar closer home and making sure that all of the ingredients that are on that food are closer to home so that money stays closer to home. And that's how I see it. 00:19:58 Crystal: How do we make that that share of that dollar that we as consumers have the power to choose where it goes. And, by the way, there are some parts that we have the power and some part we don't have the power. I understand that. But how do we make an effort in whatever way we can to stay as close as possible to our home.  00:20:24 Melissa: So I think you said that… was that one out of your four hats? 00:20:28 Crystal: Yes.  00:20:29 Melissa: What are the other three?  00:20:30 Crystal: Well, El Pretexto, which is a bed and breakfast, is our Puerto Rico's first and only culinary farm lodge. This is my home, but I also welcome guests here. So El Pretexto is my second one. I'm the co-founder of PRoduct, which is a digital marketplace that connects local food producers with consumers directly. We're trying to shorten that food chain and make it easier and convenient to get local products on your home. We deliver island wide. So that's my third hat. And then I have a super small, digital, marketing agency with another partner, and it's all focused on food and beverage. So everything is about food but from different perspectives.  00:21:25 Melissa: Yeah. That's so interesting because it's almost like you have a little supply chain kind of going on. Right? It's like we've got a lot going on, but it's all related to eating, which is essential. But I think it's smart. I mean, you have your little niche there. Huge niche. We keep being hungry, so you're in a good spot, I would say.  00:21:49 Melissa: So let me understand this idea about food and how you saw it as an opportunity for Puerto Rico because it has a rich history. Right? So me as a mom, for example, I'm second generation from a Puerto Rican perspective. As a mom, for me, passing down culture is urgent. It's almost on the verge of extinction, I feel, because of where I am generationally. Like, I'm, quote, unquote, “amongst people that I know I'm not,” quote, unquote, “supposed to know Spanish.” I'm not, quote, unquote, “supposed to literally make rice and beans every day,” which by the way, I don't have to. But my goodness, my children really like their rice and beans. And I am so lazy. So that is all I make because I just want one pot.  00:22:40 Melissa: But anyway, so culture, food, that's the one way that I pass it along. Right? You are what you eat. So guess what? My kids are Puerto Rican and Cuban, at this stage. Yes. They have Dominican in them, but, hey, that's just my culinary preference. So tell me about this idea of culture, Puerto Rican culture. And I would be super curious if you could maybe choose an example of a cuisine or food and just kind of walk us through how that kind of expresses culture or maybe there's a story behind it that is unique to Puerto Rico.  00:23:20 Crystal: Well, for me and my mentor used to be doctor Cruz Miguel Ortiz Cuadra, which was the only food historian in Puerto Rico. He passed two years ago, but I learned so much from him and pretty much I was his daughter. He inherit me all his library, which I have here, home. And, so we discussed this a lot. And I think that we both shared that the ultimate dish that represents the Puerto Rican culture will be the pasteles. For those that doesn't know what a pastel is, it's a tamal like preparation. But the tamales are corn based and they use corn leaves to wrap it up. The pasteles puertorriqueños is made out of a dough made out of root vegetables mainly. 00:24:20 Crystal: It will have bananas and plantains that we got from our African in [inaudible]. It will have pumpkin, which were already with our Taino peoples here in America. It will have yautia, which also was here in Puerto Rico. And then, it will have some pork stew that was brought by the Spanish people. So you have in one dish our full heritage of the three cultures that have conformed the Puerto Rican-ness in just one dish.  00:25:01 Crystal: And then that works too will use, what is the ultimate base of flavor of the Puerto Rican cuisine, which is the sofrito. And the sofrito itself also is a blend of African, Spanish, and Taino ingredients, but it's a bricolage of flavors and smells that then go into the stew that then is used to make the pastel. And the pastel is also representative of the most authentic Puerto Rican soul because el pastel is wrapped as a gift.  00:25:40 Crystal: And if you were poor and there was a lot of poverty in Puerto Rico at some – we still have, but there used to be a lot of poverty back in the days. If you didn't have any resources, monetary resources to gift things, you will make pasteles with the things that are on your patio. You will have that growing up in your patio, in your garden, and then you will do pasteles, and you will gift that to your adult, kids, to your sisters, to your brothers.  00:26:13 Crystal: And so because it's – now we have technology, and now we can use food processors and so on. But back in the day, you had to grate that by hand. So if you have that gift, I am not only gifting you my talent and the products that I grow in my patio, but I'm also gifting my time. So it's a very meaningful way of telling someone that you really care about them. 00:26:42 Crystal: And that's all about Puerto Ricans. We care. We care a lot. We want to share everything that we have. And all the visitors that we have, they all can say that Puerto Ricans are always nice to them. Even if we have people that doesn't speak so much English, they will take you to whatever place you wanted to go, trying to understand you and enjoying our island. So I think that the pastel is representative of all the goodness of the Puerto Ricans.  00:27:16 Melissa: Let's pause for a second. If you've been nodding your head all along while listening to Crystal talk about food as fuel for imagination, then I wanna put this on your radar. My book, Fertile Imagination is for any mom who's ever thought, “I know I'm capable of more, but I don't know where to start.”  00:27:39 Melissa: And as one Amazon reviewer said this of my book, Fertile Imagination, which is all about maximizing your superpower to make your maximum impact, She says this, “It's a non judgmental kick in the butt to start valuing your whole selves and to create a new reality where we combine motherhood with our big dreams. Whether you're chasing an idea during nap time or whispering your big vision,” this is hilarious, “into a spatula, then this book is your creative permission slip.”  00:28:17 Melissa: You're gonna hear stories, especially if you like this conversation with Crystal. You're gonna hear a story as well from a podcast guest that I had here who is a James Beard award winning chef, Gabriele Corcos. And you're gonna learn about how he has really latched on to this idea of novelty as his way to explore new categories of interest in his one beautiful life. So I want to just be sure that you realize that this conversation is the beginning of the process. I wanted you to see through Crystal how if your imagination was reawakened, you can start to reimagine how you approach your own life. And I think that's important.  00:29:04 Melissa: But then the book, Fertile Imagination, goes on and adds some tools that you can actually use to incorporate your imagination into your one divine life. And here's the thing, because you could use your imagination from any place you are in the world, you won't have to hop on a plane and go to any place. You can actually just close your eyes and replug in to the little girl that you once were who had all these beautiful ideas that you wanted to play out in the world and that's what I want for you. 00:29:41 Melissa: So here's what I have for you. Just go ahead to fertileideas.com. If you're driving, if you're running, if you're walking, you could do this in a bit. Just go to fertileideas.com and you could download a free chapter of my book, Fertile Imagination. What's really amazing about that chapter is that that chapter basically takes you to a place where you can go and travel back in time, to that moment when you were most free, to that moment where you had the world totally ahead of you and you were imagining what you wanted for your one divine life. That's what I did when I got on stage at the Magnet Theater in New York City 100 years ago now, so it feels. 00:30:25 Melissa: But I talk about that moment for me in that chapter that you can get for free right now on fertileideas.com. So back to the show. Again, shop the book. This episode is brought to you by Fertile Imagination, every mom's superpower. Go to fertileideas.com. Grab the free chapter. Why not? What are you gonna do? Have an amazing time reading a free chapter? That's the way to set yourself up for success for this summer. All right. Enjoy the rest of the conversation.  00:30:55 Melissa: I've never ever heard of un pastel in that way. I'm just like… it's fascinating because I also think it's… maybe it's just me, but I feel like there's a bit of an acquired taste to it too. Like, for me. Right? When I think about a pastel and I compare it to a tamal, I do not think about a Mexican tamal at all. I think about Cuban. I think about– 00:31:26 Crystal: Yeah. Sure. 00:31:28 Melissa: And for me, it's really fascinating to hear the story behind the pastel in the sense that it's very, very comprehensive. You could… I mean, I bet you there's probably books already. Or maybe you're gonna write a book. Maybe you got a fourth – a fifth hat to wear, right? You can write about pasteles. I mean, it's not a bad gig.  00:31:49 Melissa: But I think it's really interesting. And I think it's a testament to the fact that irrespective of where someone travels to the depth with which they can get to know and appreciate a culture is almost unlimited in a way, right? It's… like, for me and my family, I am not a Disney World person. But I've been to Disney World because it's kinda like, “Oh, we just go to Disney World and I have three kids.” And you got a cat. That's a little bit of a cat. She's got a cat. If you're watching this on video, you see her big and fluffy cat. Is your cat Puerto Rican though? 00:32:29 Crystal: She is Puerto Rican. She is a sato cat.  00:32:31 Melissa: Aw.  00:32:32 Crystal: She's a rescue one.  00:32:34 Melissa: So cute. She probably eats pasteles because she's got meat on her. She's a solid cat. But, yeah, just the depth with which you could understand a culture, what I'm hearing from you, Crystal, it can absolutely include history and and careful attention to the food that you're eating. Right? I think about just everywhere that I've traveled and every time I've eaten food, it's kind of like there's almost a story or a reason for why something is on a plate, and it's not always superficial. It's not just labor profile. It could have to do with political conversations. It could have to do with whoever decided that that food would make its way to that region.  00:33:27 Melissa: But let me ask you this question then. So just to kind of close-up this conversation on something that I think is very practical, I'm gonna ask you a very selfish question. Okay, so I'm on the quest for the perfect sofrito. I'm gonna tell you what I do for my sofrito. So it's my ritual on Sundays. I take all the peppers that I find, red, green, yellow, and even orange because it comes in that pack. I also then buy cilantro. I'm in Texas, so let's just be mindful I'm limited in some of the things I can get.  00:34:05 Melissa: Also because I'm a health conscious mom, I put bone broth in the blender so that this way things can blend. Right? I put onions. I put garlic. I put some oregano. That is what's in my sofrito on a good day. Melissa's like, “Okay. I am ready to make a sofrito.” How can I enhance that sofrito, or how do you teach people that visit El Pretexto how to make their own sofrito?  00:34:39 Crystal: Well, sofrito is one thing as the pasteles. Right? Everybody have their own recipe, and everybody says that their mom's sofrito is the best. Right? [inaudible] My mom's sofrito is the best. So that's the one that I do. And I'm happy to share the recipe for you because I have it written.  00:35:03 Crystal: But there are two schools of Sofrito to begin with. The school that says you do your Sofrito on a Sunday and you don't touch it… you don't do another Sofrito batch up until that one is gone in one or two weeks. And then you have my mom's school, which is you do your sofrito every time that you're gonna cook. 00:35:28 Melissa: Gotcha. Right.  00:35:31 Crystal: Obviously, that's nice for those that are retired and have all the time in the world. I do it that way. I'm not retired, but it's because I have a– 00:35:40 Melissa: That's your job. 00:35:41 Crystal: That's how she does it. And I don't want to, to your point, I want to continue her way of doing things. So, there are onions. We don't use all the colors of the bell peppers. We actually use cubanelle pepper. Onion cubanelle, then we will have the aji dulce, the sweet little pepper we need. We will have the cilantro, but we will also have culantro. [inaudible]. Yeah? And then, we will have garlic in it, a little bit of oregano, and pretty much that's the base. 00:36:29 Crystal: So depending on who you ask, there are people that will omit having the onion, and they will do it when they are cooking, if they're doing a batch. And then you will have people that will go all the way in with a lot of culantro in it, so it has that strong flavor to it. My mom's is more balanced in how much goes of each little thing in there. And we also use the bone broth, but not to blend the sofrito, but to stew the rice. If it's gonna be a stew rice, we will do bone broth instead of water with the rice. 00:37:18 Crystal: And then, the beans, we like them vegetarians. We don't use any hams or meat cuts into it. But, again, that's us. There are people that say that the most flavorful ones is with a piece of ham in it and whatever. But, I like… my mom's and mine are vegetarian. And my cat starts again.  00:37:43 Crystal: But, sofrito is is very personal. You know? It's part of how your family has done it. And as I told earlier, it's also a blend of these three cultures that goes into it. A lot of cultures have mirepoix or other type of base of flavors into their food and this is ours. So you have to make it yours but also learn that there is a lot of history into it. It's not something that we do because we do it. There is a lot of history into it. But, yeah, happy to share my mom's one with you. 00:38:29 Melissa: Yeah. For sure. Crystal, this was so amazing. So I would say around now, a lot of individuals are planning their summer holiday trips and vacations and all of that. So, maybe you can share where people can learn more about you, can learn more about El Pretexto if that's an option to them to kind of explore, and just follow your journey. 00:38:53 Crystal: Yeah. Sure. Well, a friendly reminder that it is an adults only project. So this might be your chance to… El Pretexto actually translates to “The Excuse.” So this might be your excuse to having your parents take care of the kids and hop down to the island and have a little bit of a honeymoon. But, El Pretexto, you can find it at elprotextopr.com. We're also in social media @elprotextopr in Facebook and Instagram.  00:39:30 Crystal: There you will meet our chickens and photos of our garden and our harvest and the breakfast, and maybe you get a little bit hungry. In our website, you will find different options because you could come for a weekend or you could come for a weekday stay, but also you could come for these curated food experiences, which are in very specific dates around the year. We also have dinners, farm to table dinners in our property. We invite guest chefs to cook dinners, around the year.  00:40:08 Crystal: And, also, I take people to other places in the countryside to enjoy a beautiful lunch, but getting to know another piece of countryside around the island. So, El Pretexto is no other thing than the celebration of the beautiful diverse countryside of Puerto Rico. And you can check all the information there. So, yeah, feel free to follow me there.  00:40:37 Melissa: Thank you so much, Crystal. This has been amazing. Have an awesome rest of your day. Keep enjoying the peace and serenity of the mountains and the Caribbean Sea and all the beauty that you see outside your window. Thank you so much for this conversation.  00:40:53 Crystal: Thank you. Thank you for the invitation.  00:40:56 Melissa: So what's your version of a sofrito? Right? Let's take it out of the kitchen and into your home office. What sort of things for you can you put together to create your next big idea, whether it's something for business, something for your personal life or something for your family this very summer. I am so excited to have had Crystal Diaz for this conversation because I think she's inspiring all of us. She's giving us a good idea of all the ways that we could color our own individual rainbows.  00:41:33 Melissa: At the same time, I want this to just remind you that your imagination could be stirred into anything, right? Especially like tonight's dinner. So catch up on Tuesdays on the Mom Founder Imagination Hub and until then, keep cooking up ideas that only you can serve. I honestly think there's a place in this world for imaginations. And irrespective of AI and technology, at the end of the day, it's only as good as the person behind the computer screen, our prompts, our ideas, the way that we decide to use these resources.  00:42:10 Melissa: And that is the best case for you to actually keep your imagination going and playing with it. So thank you for this conversation. And again, if you are interested in learning more about the book, just go to fertileideas.com. Have an amazing rest of your day, moms.  

SEASON: 5 EPISODE: 11Episode Overview:Welcome back to the podcast and get ready for an insightful conversation with a true relationship-building guru! Our guest today, John D. Hanson, has built his incredible career on the foundation of "win-win relationships," and he's here to share his secrets. You will learn how to cultivate these genuine connections in our fast-paced world, especially on platforms like LinkedIn, where John himself built a global network of over 30,000 from zero in just a few years – a journey we'll be unpacking for actionable steps you can take today.So, if you're in sales, marketing, or simply looking to build stronger, more impactful relationships, you don't want to miss this. Join me for my conversation with John D. Hansen.Guest Bio: John D. Hanson has always prioritized Win/Win Relationships in Sales, Leadership, Customer Service, the Military, Non-Profits, Marketing, and LinkedIn. Starting in 2016 with zero connections, John grew his global network to over 30,000 professionals, showcasing the power of LinkedIn and 5th Dimensional Customer Experience.As a dynamic speaker, B2B business coach, global author, and workshop innovator, John partners with entrepreneurial leaders and businesses driven by curiosity and courageous action. His programs—featuring high demand, transformational topics like Leveraging LinkedIn, Heroic Leadership, Earning Trust, 5th Dimensional Customer Experience, andEmpathy: Your Service Superpower—consistently deliver transformative value.For 2025 and beyond, John's mission is to equip 10,000 growth-minded, tech-focused small businesses with customized growth plans by 2030 through Growth Navigator Pro, an AI-powered tool delivering clarity, strategy, and results.Join the movement to help entrepreneurial small businesses thrive. Refer a fellow visionary or growth-minded entrepreneur, and together, we can create a ripple effect of innovation, success, and lasting impact. Resource Links:Website: https://www.johndhanson.com/Product Link: https://www.johndhanson.com/resourcesInsight Gold Timestamps:03:10 What I learned was if I leveraged all the tools available to me that I could have success04:59 If someone does this, they'll be automatically in the top 1% or less of all LinkedIn connections07:53 Too often we get into the pitching right away08:21 Number one is to optimize their profile first11:24 What's in it for me is what drives all of us, and I think it's what intrigues us too12:40 You're not allowed to tell your paying customers, they're not the most important customer13:35 You're the most important customer15:37 You're launching a new service: Growth Navigator Pro16:19 It's not going to replace people, but I think it's going to replace the things that people shouldn't be doing20:05 F athom or Otter AI both have automatic note takers (get links)21:22 Empathy is a key part of your philosophy, you even call it Service Superpower24:28 The reason why I put curiosity as one of those kind of non-negotiables25:02 They call it the curiosity gap27:01 So ask questions, read books, do your personal R&D, and get better28:00 Video content on LinkedIn is viewed 20 times more than any other kind of content28:22 In order for it to be effective, it needs to be authentic and not distracting31:04 The question we always get asked is, well, what should I post?33:50 If I'm just there to sell the most expensive thing, or the thing...

In this premiere Travel Team Spotlight episode of The Most Valuable Agent podcast, we sit down with Andy Burress—former Reds draft pick and founder of Five Star National, one of the most successful and expansive travel baseball programs in the country. From his playing days to building a 50+ location organization (spanning the U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico, and Australia), Andy opens up about the realities of youth baseball—the wins, the mistakes, and the deeper mission behind it all. You'll hear how his son Drew Burress (a Georgia Tech standout) developed as a player, and why Five Star's model focuses on accountability, structure, and long-term growth—not just exposure or trophies. What You'll Learn in This Episode: How Five Star National became a standout in the world of travel baseball The biggest misconceptions about “development vs. showcasing” What really helps players succeed in college recruiting Why failure, structure, and accountability matter more than early wins How Andy approached his own son's development—and what you can learn from it Key advice for parents navigating the travel ball journey   ⚾️ Know a baseball parent or coach who needs to hear this?

Welcome back to The Most Valuable Agent podcast! In this power-packed episode, Matt and Brian Hannaford unpack one of the most critical—but often misunderstood—aspects of a player's career: how to actually maximize your relationship with your agent. Whether you're navigating college recruiting, exploring NIL deals, entering the MLB Draft, or managing life in pro ball—having an agent isn't enough. You need to know how to be a strategic partner in your own success. From walking on at Arizona State to negotiating multimillion-dollar contracts, Matt and Brian share lessons learned on both sides of the player-agent relationship—along with hard truths every athlete and family should hear. What You'll Learn in This Episode: Why college baseball is now a business—and how to approach it like one How NIL and the transfer portal have changed the game forever The “freedom point” every player should define to stay grounded How your honesty, interest, and communication affect your agent's ability to advocate for you The #1 mistake players make when choosing an agent What a great agent-client relationship really looks like (spoiler: it's not hand-holding) A behind-the-scenes look at the Austin Riley extension and what it reveals about long-term planning The 7 essential questions every player should ask before signing with any agent This episode isn't just about representation—it's a masterclass in agency, alignment, and personal ownership. If you're a player, parent, or coach looking to navigate the complex world of college recruiting, NIL, and pro baseball with clarity and confidence—this one's for you.

You walk into your closet, see hangers full of clothing—and still feel like you have nothing to wear. Sound familiar? In this episode of Woman On The Rise, style expert and mentor Christie Ressel uncovers the real reason stylish, successful women feel disconnected from their wardrobes—despite having all the “right” pieces. This isn't about fashion rules, trends, or capsule wardrobes. It's about the subtle, soul-level style disconnect that happens when your wardrobe no longer reflects the woman you've become—or the one you're rising into. ✨ Inside the first episode of this 3-part series, Christie reveals: Why your wardrobe might be keeping you stuck in a former version of yourself The emotional toll of wearing clothes that no longer reflect your energy How overthinking, people-pleasing, and "playing it safe" show up in your style What happens when you delay investing in your style until you “lose weight” The one mindset shift that turns getting dressed from a chore into a form of self-connection If you're high-achieving, personal-growth-minded, and craving a wardrobe that feels like a mirror of who you really are—this episode will feel like the missing piece. Because it's not just about having something to wear. It's about feeling like you when you wear it.   This episode is for you if: You've outgrown your current style and don't know what comes next You find yourself defaulting to the same 3 tops on repeat You've told yourself you'll start caring about style when you lose the weight You're tired of looking polished on the outside but disconnected on the inside

What role does the MLB Players Association really play—and why should even high school athletes and their families care? In this episode of The Most Valuable Agent, Matt Hannaford sits down with Tony Clark, former All-Star and current Executive Director of the MLBPA, for an unfiltered conversation about the past, present, and future of baseball. From being a first-round draft pick to now representing thousands of professional athletes, Tony shares a rare, insider look at how labor rights, player empowerment, and education off the field are just as crucial as what happens between the lines. Together, they explore: ⚾️ The formation and purpose of the MLBPA ⚾️ The legacy of Curt Flood, Marvin Miller, and the '94 strike ⚾️ The union's role in youth baseball, NIL, and mental health support ⚾️ Why young players must understand the business of the game ⚾️ How to become the CEO of your own career This episode is a must-listen for prospects, parents, coaches, and fans who care about the soul of the sport—and the people in it.

Your marketing shouldn't be a surprise. Yet, most entrepreneurs wait until it's too late to evaluate what's not working. As we approach a new quarter, it's the perfect time to reflect on your current marketing strategy and performance. Instead of waiting six months or even a year to assess what's working, successful entrepreneurs use a strategic quarterly review process to identify patterns, make adjustments, and double down on what's generating results. The key to an effective marketing audit lies in asking the right questions: Has your audience grown? Did you take advantage of visibility opportunities? How did your launches perform? What was your capacity like during implementation? By examining both the numbers and your experience, you can identify exactly what needs to change - whether it's your content schedule, platform strategy, or overall marketing approach. In this episode, I break down my exact process for conducting a quarterly marketing audit, including how to analyze past performance, set realistic goals, and create a clear plan for the next 90 days. Whether you're feeling stuck with your current results or looking to build on recent success, you'll learn how to use data and reflection to create a marketing strategy that drives consistent growth. In today's episode, we're chatting about: • Why waiting six months to evaluate your marketing is costing you opportunities • How to identify which marketing activities are actually driving results • The crucial difference between sales metrics and marketing metrics • Why your content frequency matters less than your strategic approach • How to set realistic marketing goals for the next quarter   Connect with me:  Website Join our email list! Instagram Pinterest Get creative support to turn your content into sales before, during and after your launches. From content classes to learn new campaign marketing skills, to custom designed assets completely done for you, we've thought of it all inside Sales Studio. Join today: https://highflierpowerhouse.com/retainer  Get the photoshoot, website, and content strategy you need to increase your business revenue and reputation. Apply for The Rebrand Experience https://highflierpowerhouse.com/rebrand-experience

In this episode of The Volunteer Nation Podcast, host Tobi Johnson sits down with Diana Villarreal and Gail Cavallaro from the Community Foundation for greater Richmond to explore how strategic volunteer engagement is shaping the future of nonprofits. Diana and Gail share the foundation's mission and walk us through its inspiring history, along with the wide range of programs designed to support nonprofit growth at every level—from individuals to entire networks. Whether you're a nonprofit leader, volunteer manager, or simply passionate about community building, this episode offers valuable insights into what's possible when philanthropy and volunteerism work hand in hand! Full show notes: 158. Nonprofit Capacity Building with the Community Foundation for a greater Richmond  Nonprofit Capacity Building - Episode Highlights [00:32] - Introduction to Today's Topic: Nonprofit Capacity Building [03:12] - Meet the Guests: Community Foundation for Greater Richmond [04:51] - The Importance of Volunteerism [13:00] - About the Community Foundation for Greater Richmond [21:07] - Programs and Strategies for Volunteer Engagement [29:10] - Educating Volunteers for Maximum Impact [32:30] - The Give Back Guide and Civic Circle [36:17] - Organic Program Development [37:51] - Community Foundation's Impact and Collaboration [40:18] - Hybrid Model for Volunteer Management [44:03] - Course Design and Implementation [55:26] - Tips for Implementing Volunteer Programs Helpful Links Volunteer Management Progress Report VolunteerPro Impact Lab Volunteer Nation Episode #071: Partnering with Funders to Support Volunteer Engagement with Jane Justis & Betsy McFarland Community Foundation for a greater Richmond Website Community Foundation for a greater Richmond Volunteer Center CFengage Community Foundation for a greater Richmond LinkedIn Community Foundation for a greater Richmond Facebook Community Foundation for a greater Richmond Instagram CFengage Facebook CFengage Instagram  Final Gail on LinkedIn  Find Diana on LinkedIn Email - civic@cfrichmond.org  Thanks for listening to this episode of the Volunteer Nation podcast. If you enjoyed it, please be sure to subscribe, rate, and review so we can reach more people like you who want to improve the impact of their good cause. For more tips and notes from the show, check us out at TobiJohnson.com. For any comments or questions, email us at WeCare@VolPro.net.

What does it really take to go from overlooked to overachiever in professional baseball? In this episode of Most Valuable Agent, Matt Hannaford sits down with Tyler Zombro—a former undrafted pitcher who battled his way to Triple-A and now serves as Special Assistant of Pitching for the Chicago Cubs. Tyler's story is one of resilience, reinvention, and relentless improvement. From setbacks and injuries to shaping how MLB teams develop arms today, his journey is packed with lessons for players, coaches, and anyone navigating the evolving world of baseball. Whether you're chasing a roster spot, building a development system, or guiding a young athlete, this episode dives deep into the data, biomechanics, and mindset reshaping pitching at every level. What You'll Learn in This Episode: ✅ How Tyler's journey from undrafted free agent to AAA pitcher and front office exec unfolded ✅ Why command, pitch design, and self-awareness often trump velocity ✅ The real role of data in modern pitching development and talent evaluation ✅ How to build a plan for adding velo, refining pitch shapes, and avoiding injury ✅ What makes Tread Athletics different—and how it helped top arms like Cole Ragans ✅ Why transparent communication is the missing ingredient in many MLB organizations ✅ What amateur and pro players should consider when choosing a team, coach, or plan ✅ The importance of player development systems, biomechanics, and long-term strategy ✅ How teams like the Cubs and Dodgers build winning culture by maximizing undervalued arms ✅ Why mental models, adaptability, and understanding your identity matter more than ever

In this milestone episode, former NFL player, acclaimed playwright, and high-performance coach Bo Eason returns to The Athletics of Business podcast to share his insights on the power of personal storytelling and how it can shape leadership, influence, and success. Bo takes us on a journey through his transition from professional sports to Broadway and beyond, discussing how vulnerability, preparation, and relentless commitment define the best in any field. Bo and host Ed Molitor break down why storytelling is the ultimate tool for building trust, inspiring action, and creating meaningful connections in business, sports, and life. Whether you are a leader, an entrepreneur, or an athlete, this episode provides actionable strategies to harness your own story and unlock your potential.   Our Guest Bo Eason started his career in the NFL as a top pick for the Houston Oilers. Continuing on with the San Francisco 49ers, during his 5-year career Bo competed beside and against some of the greatest players of his generation. In 2001, Bo wrote and starred in his one-man play, Runt of the Litter, which he performed on Broadway to rave reviews. The New York Times called it, “One of the most powerful plays in the last decade.” Bo toured with the play in over 50 cities and it is now being adapted as a major motion picture.  Now in his third act, he speaks to and trains some of the most successful people in the world—athletes, artists, entrepreneurs, C-suite execs—on how to communicate for maximum impact and success. He has consulted for clients like Advisors Excel, Morgan Stanley, Dimensional Fund Advisors, Mass Mutual, Guardian, and Merrill Lynch. His book, There's No Plan B for Your A-Game: Be the Best in the World at What You Do, hit the Wall Street Journal, Washington Post and USA Today bestseller lists. Bo's training programs on leveraging the power of personal story have transformed the way experts, entrepreneurs, and leaders communicate.    What You'll Learn in This Episode How personal storytelling builds trust, influence, and meaningful connections The role of resilience and endurance in achieving long-term success Insights into transitioning from professional sports to business and leadership Strategies for using vulnerability to foster authenticity and engagement The importance of preparation, practice, and repetition in mastering any skill How to push yourself beyond comfort zones to develop a winning mindset The parallels between leadership in sports, business, and personal growth   Resources & Links Ed Molitor LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/themolitorgroup/ Website: https://www.themolitorgroup.com/   Bo Eason  TAKE ACTION:  Start capturing your personal story by downloading Bo's FREE Story Guide. Text GUIDE to 323-310-5504 or go to boeason.com/guide    For those of you who want to jump right in and train with Bo in-person, register for his signature three-day Personal Story Power Event. Text EVENT to 323-310-5504 or go to boeason.com/powerevent    Connect with Bo and learn more: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/boeasonofficial/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boeason21/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/mrboeason Website: http://BoEason.com Book: https://boeasonbook.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/boeasonofficial   Timestamps [00:00:01] Introduction to Episode 200 & Guest Bo Eason [00:01:03] Bo's Journey: From the NFL to Broadway to Business Coaching [00:04:24] The Impact of Storytelling on Leadership & Influence [00:10:15] Why the Best Leaders and Athletes Have a History of Rejection [00:17:00] Vulnerability as a Leadership Superpower [00:23:33] The Role of Preparation & Rehearsal in Mastery [00:30:45] The Connection Between Athletics, Business, and Personal Growth [00:38:10] Building Resilience: How to Endure, Adapt, and Thrive [00:44:25] How to Tell Your Story for Maximum Impact [00:50:14] Final Takeaways & How to Connect with Bo  

Originally uploaded March 12, re-edited April 5th. Chris Holman welcomes back Tom Kelly, President & CEO, Automation Alley, Troy, MI. Integr8 2025 discussion: Integr8 is your annual event series and Automation Alley changed its format for Integr8 last year from a single-day event to a multi-event roundtable series with corresponding industry playbooks. How did it go? Did people like the new format? Automation Alley recently announced its 2025 Integr8 Roundtable Series focused on Industry 4.0's most pressing challenges. Can you tell us more about it? The 2025 series will feature five focused roundtables, with corresponding playbooks capturing key insights and strategies from each discussion. Can you walk us through what attendees can expect at each roundtable? Can you also tell us more about the playbooks and how people can access them? Let's take a step back -- it seems like there isn't a day that goes by that we don't hear about China and it's ability to make products at lower costs. And that's just one of the global competitive pressures that today's manufacturers face. Do these roundtables help companies develop strategies to compete? There's a new element to the Integr8 Series this year – Spring and Fall Mixer events. What can attendees expect during these networking-focused events? Who should attend these roundtables? How can they register? » Visit MBN website: www.michiganbusinessnetwork.com/ » Watch MBN's YouTube: www.youtube.com/@MichiganbusinessnetworkMBN » Like MBN: www.facebook.com/mibiznetwork » Follow MBN: twitter.com/MIBizNetwork/ » MBN Instagram: www.instagram.com/mibiznetwork/ Summary Automation Alley kicked off their 2025 Integr8 Series with a comprehensive playbook on artificial intelligence in industry, built for and by our members. This foreword by our CEO Tom Kelly showcases how agentic AI and closed vs. open source systems will define the future. Three years ago, AI stormed into the public consciousness, sparking both excitement and skepticism. The apocalypse didn't arrive, nor did we see a utopian manufacturing renaissance with flawless production and boundless efficiency. So, what's the reality? Were the bold predictions just hype? The truth is less dramatic but no less important. AI's transformative potential in manufacturing requires more than algorithms—it demands hard work, perseverance, and expertise to implement solutions effectively. While the journey is ongoing, 2025 has brought significant advancements in AI, particularly in addressing long-standing challenges around privacy and capability. For years, manufacturers hesitated to adopt AI fully due to privacy concerns. Sharing critical data—such as downtime metrics or production figures—with open-source AI platforms posed unacceptable risks. But the tide is turning. Privatized AI agents are emerging as game-changers, enabling manufacturers to harness AI's power securely. Technologies like NVIDIA's Jetson platform are paving the way. By leveraging secure, on-premise AI systems, manufacturers can now train machines, automate programming through vision systems, and execute complex tasks without exposing sensitive data. This shift is unlocking new levels of productivity while maintaining control over proprietary information. These are the pressing questions we'll explore as we analyze the past three years and look toward the future. By drawing on the experiences and insights of our trusted community, we aim to chart a path forward for AI in manufacturing. Join us for the 2025 Integr8 Series and be part of shaping AI's next chapter. Your insights matter, and together, we'll continue driving progress in manufacturing's digital transformation.‍ Read the published 2025 Integr8 Playbook, "Boosting Productivity in the AI Frontier," at https://integr8series.com/boosting-productivity-in-the-ai-frontier/

In the second part, of this episode of the Most Valuable Agent Podcast, former MLB catcher and World Series champion Kurt Suzuki joins host Matt Hannaford to share his journey from overlooked Hawaii high school athlete to 16-year Major League veteran. Kurt dives into the ups and downs of walking on at Cal State Fullerton, grinding through the minors, and eventually becoming one of the most respected catchers in the game—with an All-Star nod and a World Series ring to show for it. Whether you're a baseball parent, aspiring player, or travel ball coach, this episode delivers real talk, mindset shifts, and hard-earned wisdom you won't hear in typical recruiting conversations. What You'll Learn from This Episode: ✅ Growing up in Hawaii: Challenges and cultural uniqueness in pursuing baseball ✅ Choosing a walk-on opportunity over a full scholarship ✅ The mental edge: How Kurt built confidence and caught the eye of scouts ✅What college baseball really teaches you ✅ The game-changing mindset shift that transformed Kurt's career ✅ Fullerton's legendary run to the College World Series ✅ The truth about travel ball, exposure, and scholarships for young athletes ✅ The problem with ego in youth baseball and how to develop winning players ✅ The role of parents: What every sports parent should (and shouldn't) do ✅The value of choosing the right agent and building long-term trust Whether you're navigating youth baseball politics, making a college decision, or working your way through the minors, Kurt offers grounded wisdom, real stories, and actionable insight. Subscribe for weekly interviews with athletes, coaches, and pros sharing lessons you won't learn on the field.

We're about to enter a period of opportunity to have a lot of influence over our Members of Congress. They'll be home in their districts/states twice in the next seven weeks for “district work periods” to connect with their constituents. You should expect to be seeing quite a bit of them in late April and then again in late May.  These district work periods represent a significant opportunity for nonprofit leaders to engage substantially with your Members of Congress, and to drive home the absolutely critical messages around the impact that the administration's actions are having right now, at home in the district, in the state, on their constituents' lives.  It's also an opportunity to tell our Members of Congress what we expect to do about that! It's a great time to be communicating with them about both pieces at once. And there's no better place to do that than at home, on the ground, where there's an opportunity for them to see the actual impact for themselves. And we as nonprofit leaders have a key role to play in helping them make that connection.In this episode, we share:Exact timing of the next two district work periods for Congress (House and Senate)The two most valuable strategies for engaging Members of Congress while they're back homeThe three different types of town halls and how to make the best strategic use of each of themSpecific messaging strategies that work best for town hallsHow to get on your Member of Congress' schedule to visit your program while they're homeThe key elements of a high-impact program visitHow design a program visit that deeply engages your Member of Congress As you participate in town halls and bring Members of Congress to your program for high-impact engagement, I would love to hear how that's worked out for you, and what kinds of key messages you were able to drive home using each of those two strategies.  And if you've got a story you're particularly proud of, I'd love to have you on the show so we can amplify that and help other nonprofit leaders see how leaders are leveraging these opportunities to really make a huge impact!Reach out to me on the podcast website or on LinkedIn and share your wins!Links:Episode 31: How to Get Maximum Results from a Decisionmaker's Visit to Your ProgramMoveon.orgIndivisible.org

Think making it to the MLB is all about raw talent? Think again.  Kurt Suzuki's journey from an overlooked Hawaiian athlete to a 16-year MLB career proves that mindset, adaptability, and persistence matter more than anything else. In this episode of Most Valuable Agent, World Series champion Kurt Suzuki sits down with host Matt to share his unfiltered story—from walking on at Cal State Fullerton to winning a College World Series and ultimately thriving in the big leagues. Whether you're a youth baseball player, parent navigating travel ball politics, or just a fan of underdog success stories, this episode is packed with must-know lessons on perseverance, mental toughness, and making the most of every opportunity. What You'll Learn in This Episode: ⚾️ The challenges of being a baseball prospect from Hawaii ⚾️ Why exposure and opportunity outweigh raw talent in recruiting ⚾️ How Kurt turned down a full-ride to walk on at Fullerton… and why ⚾️ The mindset shift that changed everything, thanks to Ken Ravizza ⚾️ The story behind becoming a national champion and Johnny Bench Award winner ⚾️ How humility, adaptability, and being a “winning player” matter more than stats ⚾️ Advice for parents navigating youth baseball and travel ball politics

Summary: In this episode of the Customer Service Revolution Podcast, John DiJulius shares insights on the art of engaging presentations, emphasizing the importance of icebreakers, audience connection, and storytelling. He discusses the structure of effective presentations, customization for different audiences, and practical advice for aspiring speakers. The conversation also covers the effective use of slides and the significance of storytelling in making presentations memorable. In this conversation, John DiJulius and Denise Thompson explore the art of storytelling in presentations, emphasizing its importance in engaging audiences. They discuss the elements of effective storytelling, including the roles of villains, victims, and heroes, and how these components can transform a presentation. DiJulius shares insights on overcoming the fear of public speaking and the significance of preparation and practice. The discussion also highlights the value of presentation skills training and how it can lead to significant improvements in one's speaking abilities. Takeaways: The energy and engagement of the audience enhance the presentation. Icebreakers are crucial for capturing audience attention. Structuring a presentation into five key elements improves effectiveness. Customization of presentations is essential for audience relevance. Effective presentations require significant preparation time. Storytelling is a powerful tool for memorable presentations. Visuals should enhance the message, not distract from it. The opening and closing of a presentation are critical for impact. Great speakers often use personal stories to connect with the audience. Audience engagement is key to a successful presentation. Storytelling is essential for effective presentations. Data alone is not enough; stories make the content memorable. Every great story has a villain, victim, and hero. Preparation is key to overcoming public speaking fear. Practice presenting regularly to build confidence. Feedback from peers is crucial for improvement. Engaging presentations require a strong opening and closing. Understanding your audience enhances presentation effectiveness. Transformative training can significantly improve presentation skills. The best speakers often repeat and pause for emphasis. Chapters: 00:00Introduction to the Customer Service Revolution Podcast 01:57The Art of Engaging Presentations 05:01The Importance of Icebreakers 08:09Structuring a Presentation for Impact 10:13Customization in Presentations 13:04Advice for Aspiring Speakers 18:56Effective Use of Slides in Presentations 23:55The Power of Storytelling in Presentations 29:27Crafting Compelling Narratives: Villains, Victims, and Heroes 38:45Overcoming the Fear of Public Speaking 46:17Transformative Presentation Skills Training

What if everything you thought about youth baseball, travel ball, and scholarships was upside down? In this emotional and eye-opening episode of Most Valuable Agent, host Matt sits down with former pro pitcher, travel ball coach, and baseball dad Craig Holman—father of LSU standout and MLB Draft pick Luke Holman. This isn't just about rankings, exposure, or getting a D1 scholarship. This is about what really matters—the relationship between parent and child, the power of presence, and how chasing the wrong things can rob families of the joy that sports are supposed to bring. What You'll Learn in This Episode: ✅ “Be a Dad First” – Why your relationship matters more than your kid's batting average ✅ Development > Exposure – The dangerous lie most travel baseball families believe ✅ The College Decision – What every parent should know before their child commits ✅ Coaching Without Regret – How to pour into your kids without expecting a return ✅ Visualizing Success – The mental strategies Craig used as a pro and taught his kids ✅ Lessons from the Draft Process – What Craig learned representing his own son ✅ The Wolf at the Door – Why staying uncomfortable can be the greatest gift ✅ The Most Important Investment – Why time spent with your child is the ultimate ROI Whether you're a baseball parent, aspiring athlete, or coach, this episode is a masterclass in humility, leadership, and legacy.

Are you looking for an effortless way to deliver valuable content to busy learners while tackling low engagement, course fatigue, and information overload?In this episode of Launch Your Private Podcast, we coach Carrie Bonnet—an executive function coach on how private podcasts can help students, parents, and educators overcome challenges like content overwhelm, unfinished courses, and lack of engagement. Listen in as she gains new strategies to optimize her private podcast and prepares to implement them for a more accessible and effective learning experience for her audience.Timestamps:[0:00] Introduction to the episode and Carrie Bonnet's challenges with her course engagement [5:47] Increasing Private Podcast Subscriptions[10:19] Framing the Private Podcast as a Course Asset[12:35] The Power of a Q&A Feed for Course Participants[15:41] Structuring the Q&A Feed for Maximum Impact[18:23] Creating an Evergreen Knowledge Base[24:16] Using an Audio Lead Magnet for Lead Generation[27:42] Naming and Positioning the Audio Lead Magnet[30:29] Expanding Private Podcast Use[34:17] Next Steps for Carrie's Upcoming LaunchLinks mentioned:http://www.carriebonnett.comhttps://www.carriebonnett.com/blueprint (a free resource)https://www.instagram.com/coachcarriebonnett/If you enjoyed today's episode, please:Post a screenshot & key takeaway on your IG story and tag us at @helloaudiofm so we can repost you.Leave a positive review or rating at https://ratethispodcast.com/lyppGrab a free trial of Hello Audio: helloaudio.fm/pricing

Ryan Pineda, the mastermind behind the Wealthy Way course and a true pioneer of side hustles, shares his remarkable journey from financial struggles and maxed-out credit cards to running seven thriving seven-figure businesses.  In this episode, Ryan opens up about the challenges he faced, the lessons he learned, and the strategies that helped him succeed. Plus, he breaks down the four personality types of success—and how you can leverage them to your advantage.  Don't forget to check out Brent's TTP Training Program to start building your own success story!---------Show notes:(1:05) Beginning of today's episode(1:15) The Four Personality Types (and how to achieve them?)(12:03) The beauty of good marketing is that it makes the sales process much easier(16:34) The struggle of finding contentment as entrepreneurs(16:55) The wealthiest people have three things in common: Big Goals, Insecurity, and Control(22:09) How Ryan established the "Wealthy Way" program(22:11) Entrepreneurs are so busy trying to get rich and make more money that it comes at the expense of their health, family, faith, and lifestyle(25:28) Make sure to stay focused and put your attention where it deserves to be----------Resources:BiggerPocketsFollow Ryan hereTo speak with Brent or one of our other expert coaches call (281) 835-4201 or schedule your free discovery call here to learn about our mentorship programs and become part of the TribeGo to Wholesalingincgroup.com to become part of one of the fastest growing Facebook communities in the Wholesaling space. Get all of your burning Wholesaling questions answered, gain access to JV partnerships, and connect with other "success minded" Rhinos in the community.It's 100% free to join. The opportunities in this community are endless, what are you waiting for?

In this episode of “Building the Premier Accounting Firm,” Shena White, an award-winning contractor and wealth efficiency expert, shares her journey into accounting after an embezzlement incident, leading her to specialize in CFO and advisory services for small businesses. Discover key strategies for financial management, tax planning, and safeguarding your business during economic downturns. This episode provides actionable insights for accounting professionals and business owners alike. Key Takeaways: Understand the role of a fractional CFO in providing financial insight beyond bookkeeping and tax preparation. Implement strategies for building cash reserves and securing lines of credit to protect your business during downturns. Prioritize open communication and trust with clients to address personal and business challenges effectively. Align tax planning with long-term business goals, considering exit strategies and potential sale scenarios. Recognize the importance of playing both “offense” (sales) and “defense” (financial management) in business. Thank you for listening to this episode of Building the Premier Accounting Firm. For more strategies for growing your accounting firm through advisory services, call our team at 435-344-2060. Sponsors: Universal Accounting Center Helping accounting professionals confidently and competently offer quality accounting services to get paid what they are worth.   Offers: Check out her Contractor Cash Club: https://www.yourpocketcfo.com/   Get a FREE copy of these books all accounting professionals should use to work on their business and become profitable.  These are a must-have addition to every accountant's library to provide quality CFO & Advisory services as a Profit & Growth Expert today: “Red to BLACK in 30 days – A small business accountant's guide to QUICK turnarounds” – This is a how-to guide on how to turn around a struggling business into a more sustainable model. Each chapter focuses on a crucial aspect of the turnaround process - from cash flow management to strategies for improving revenue. This book will teach you everything you need to become a turnaround expert for small businesses. “in the BLACK, nine principles to make your business profitable” – Nine Principles to Make Your Business Profitable – Discover what you need to know to run the premier accounting firm and get paid what you are worth in this book, by the same author as Red to Black – CPA Allen B. Bostrom. Bostrom teaches the three major functions of business (marketing, production and accounting) as well as strategies for maximizing profitability for your clients by creating actionable plans to implement the nine principles. “Your Strategic Accountant” - Understand the 3 Core Accounting Services (CAS - Client Accounting Services) you should offer as you run your business. Help your clients understand which numbers they need to know to make more informed business decisions. “Your Profit & Growth Expert” - Your business is an asset. You should know its value and understand how to maximize it. Beginning with the end in mind helps you work ON your business to build a company you can leave so that it can continue to exist in your absence or build wealth as you retire and enjoy the time, freedom, and life you want and deserve. Follow the Turnkey Business plan for accounting professionals.  This is the proven process to start and build the premier accounting firm in your area.  After more than 40 years we've identified the best practices of successful accountants and this is a presentation we are happy to share.     Also learn the best practices to automate and nurture your lead generation process allowing you to get the bookkeeping, accounting and tax clients you deserve.  GO HERE to see this presentation and learn what you can do today to identify and engage with your ideal clients.   Check it out and see what you can do to be in business for yourself but not by yourself with Universal Accounting Center.   It's here you can become a:   Professional Bookkeeper, PB Professional Tax Preparer, PTP Profit & Growth Expert, PGE   Next, join a group of like-minded professionals within the accounting community.  Register to attend GrowCon and Stay up-to-date on current topics and trends and see what you can do to also give back, participating in relevant conversations as they relate to offering quality accounting services and building your bookkeeping, accounting & tax business.   The Accounting & Bookkeeping Tips Facebook Group The Universal Accounting Fanpage Topical Newsletters: Universal Accounting Success The Universal Newsletter   Lastly, get your Business Score to see what you can do to work ON your business and have the Premier Accounting Firm. Join over 70,000 business owners and get your score on the 8 Factors That Drive Your Company's Value.   For Additional FREE Resources for accounting professionals check out this collection HERE!   Be sure to join us for GrowCon, the LIVE event for accounting professionals to work ON their business. This is a conference you don't want to miss.   Remember this, Accounting Success IS Universal. Listen to our next episode and be sure to subscribe.   Also, let us know what you think of the podcast and please share any suggestions you may have.  We look forward to your input: Podcast Feedback   For more information on how you can apply these principles to start and build your accounting, bookkeeping & tax business please visit us at www.universalaccountingschool.com or call us at 8012653777  

Want to play college baseball or go pro? This episode is a must-hear! Auburn University assistant head coach Karl Nonemaker joins the podcast to discuss the college baseball recruiting process, the impact of the transfer portal, and how players can make the best decision between playing at the collegiate level and going pro. Karl shares valuable insights from his experience as both a player and a D1 coach, offering real-world advice for high school athletes, parents, and aspiring college baseball players. If you're wondering how to stand out in the recruiting process, what SEC baseball is really like, or how to navigate the draft vs. college decision, this episode has the answers. The decisions you make NOW will shape your future. Don't get left behind - learn what it takes to play at the next level. Key Takeaways from This Episode: ✅ The reality of SEC baseball – Why it's one of the most competitive conferences in the country. ✅ Should you go pro or play in college? – Breaking down the factors that influence this critical decision. ✅ How to stand out in recruiting – What coaches actually look for in players. ✅ The impact of the transfer portal & NIL – How college baseball has evolved in the last few years. ✅ Social media & recruiting – How players can use video and social platforms to get noticed. ✅ Roster size changes & player development – What it means for incoming freshmen and two-way players. If you're serious about baseball and want to learn from a top-level coach, hit play now! Subscribe to Most Valuable Agent Youtube Channel for more content https://www.youtube.com/@mostvaluableagent/ ___ RESOURCES + LINKS ALIGND Sports: Elite Representation. Strategic Growth. Maximum Impact. From contract negotiations to career development, we put athletes first—helping you secure your future on and off the field. Ready to take your career to the next level? Book a 1:1 consultation with Matt HERE. FOLLOW Karl Nonemaker: @knonemak Matt Hannaford: @mfhannaford

What makes a truly great Executive Director? In this episode, we sit down with industry executive Dan Wolen to break down what it takes to build and elevate this critical leadership role.We get into the nitty-gritty of:✅ The key traits that separate a good ED from a great one✅ How organizations can better support and develop their EDs✅ The biggest challenges Executive Directors face—and how to tackle them✅ Why investing in leadership growth leads to long-term successWhether you're an ED yourself, a leader looking to strengthen your team, or just someone interested in what makes great leadership tick, this episode is packed with valuable insights.

In this episode of Out of the Woods: The Threat Hunting Podcast, this live discussion focuses on where threat hunters should focus their time to drive real security impact.  How experienced hunters prioritize their time - What matters most in real-world threat hunting. The biggest mistakes that slow hunters down - Common distractions and how to avoid them. How to refine your investigative approach - Strategies to ensure your hunts lead to real findings. Interesting Artifacts:  https://cybersources.site/ https://github.com/FalconForceTeam/FalconHound https://medium.com/falconforce/falconhound-attack-path-management-for-blue-teams-42adedc9cae5 https://github.com/SpecterOps/BloodHound?tab=readme-ov-file https://github.com/SpecterOps/BloodHound-Legacy https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pn7GWRXfgeI https://www.eccouncil.org/cybersecurity-exchange/cyber-talks/cloud-threat-hunting-tactics-for-enhanced-azure-security/

Do you really need more than one outfit for your wedding day?Is it just another wedding industry or consumer-driven extravagance, or are there more practical reasons and even history and cultural significance behind the perceived increase in multiple outfit changes on a wedding day?In this episode you'll learn why brides (not excluding others who want to get into the 2nd outfit fun, but mainly brides) are embracing more than one wedding day look, what kinds of 2nd outfits are popular and available to you (hint: they don't have to break the bank) and how to time your change perfectly to make the most of photo opportunities and your party time too.Make sure you listen right to the end because bridal boutique owner and stylist, Bianca from Sposa Adelaide, shares her insider expert advice about different options you might not have considered and how to pull off your wardrobe transitions like a pro!Resources Mentioned:Sposa Adelaide: https://thesposagroupbride.com.au/adelaide/Unbridely Podcast Ep110: Emergency Kit Must-Haves For Your Wedding Day: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6VUnXUdsl1P2xIizlI1EcrSend Unbridely a 90-second audio message on Speakpipe: https://www.speakpipe.com/unbridelypodcast*The Unbridely Podcast is sponsored by its listeners. When you purchase products or services through links on our website or via the podcast, we may earn an affiliate commission.*------This episode of the Unbridely Modern Wedding Planning Podcast is brought to you by Never Miss Moments Unbridely's recommended wedding guest photo and video-sharing tool. With your unique QR code, your family and friends can quickly, easily and securely share their snaps with you in your personalised online gallery.Visit nevermissmoments.com/unbridely to receive your 10% discount off their galleries.-----Unbridely acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we record this podcast on, the Kaurna People. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.Support the showFollow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unbridely/or TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@unbridelyEmail the Unbridely Podcast:hello@unbridely.com

Katty Kay (veteran reporter and four-time NYT bestselling author) joins host Ron Steslow to discuss her new book The Power Code: More Joy. Less Ego. Maximum Impact for Women (and Everyone), co-written with Claire Shipman.  (02:12) Katty's background and why she started looking at power  (07:07) Women are passing men in college degrees, but not the boardroom  (13:10) Why women have been more likely to avoid power  (16:10) “Power over” vs “power to” (20:20) How reframing power changes how women approach power (25:57) The connection between power and status  (33:04) Your brain on power (38:30) Does power corrupt?  (54:30) What can you do to improve your power code?  Get The Power Code: https://www.kayandshipman.com/books Follow Ron and Katty on Twitter: https://twitter.com/RonSteslow https://twitter.com/KattyKay_ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What separates good athletes from elite performers? It's not just talent—it's mental discipline. In this episode of Most Valuable Agent, Sean Casey, former MLB All-Star and performance coach, breaks down the mental game of baseball and how mastering your mindset can transform your performance on and off the field. Sean shares how Harvey Dorfman's book, The Mental Game of Baseball, completely changed his approach to the game, giving him a sixth tool—the ability to stay calm, focused, and confident under pressure. He reveals how mental toughness helped him go from being overlooked in high school to becoming one of the best hitters in the country. ___  What You'll Learn from This Episode: ✔️ Why 80-90% of baseball is mental—but few players train their mindset ✔️ How Sean Casey used visualization & breathing techniques to stay locked in at the plate ✔️ Lessons from Ken Griffey Sr. & the legends of the game that shaped his career ✔️ Why players fail at showcases—and how to dominate at game time ✔️ The power of self-belief & outworking the competition Unlock the Mental Edge to Dominate in Baseball & Life! Sean Casey isn't just talking theory—he lived it. If you're an athlete, coach, or competitor looking for an edge, this is the episode to watch.

Simona Ezell, Broadcast Marketing Lead at Experian, joins Amanda Ma, CEO & Founder of Innovate Marketing Group and learn how Experian leverages sponsorships with athletes and major events to craft compelling brand stories that resonate with audiences. Don't miss out!About the guest:Simona Ezell is the Broadcast Marketing Lead at Experian, where she oversees Direct-to-Consumer marketing strategies across Linear TV, Streaming and Audio. With six years of working at Experian, Simona has been spearheading branding initiatives and various product launches for both general market and multicultural marketing campaigns. Simona holds a Master's degree in Strategic PR from The George Washington University, and her background includes working with both PR and media agencies. Based in Orange County, Simona enjoys being a mom, traveling and streaming her favorite shows on the go.Take control of your credit with Experian! Sign up for free to access your credit report and score, improve your score instantly with Experian Boost, and explore personalized financial offers—all designed to help you save time and money.We're Top 3!

Ever felt like content creation is too complicated or too time-consuming? You're not alone. In this episode, we're pulling back the curtain on a game-changing presentation we recently gave at a conference in Orlando, where we shared our 6 Content Levers Framework—the exact system that helped us publish 600+ episodes, land high-paying clients, and grow a business around content. Key #GoldenBoulders you don't want to miss: -Understand how to serve your audience by removing friction in your content creation process -Learn the importance of high-frequency content and how it leads to more opportunities -Discover how to apply the six-lever framework to your specific business context Join the Business Creator Club (only $1/month!) for exclusive lessons, Q&A sessions, and a supportive community to help you grow. Sign up here

This episode is shorter than usual and will be featured in RevenueCat's State of Subscription Apps report.On the podcast: Keeping users engaged through habit-forming experiences, Duolingo's approach to reactivating churned users, and why building daily habits is the foundation for long-term retention success.Top Takeaways:

Entrepreneurs often focus on financial success but struggle with achieving a well-rounded, fulfilling life. Noah Rosenfarb, Founder of Freedom Family Office, introduces his framework for living “rich beyond money,” which goes beyond financial independence to include meaningful time management, purpose-driven work, and creating a lasting legacy. He shares practical exercises, such as the lottery ticket thought experiment, to help entrepreneurs determine what they truly want from life—and how to start making it a reality today. One of Noah's key insights is building predictable income streams that don't rely on constant business involvement. He emphasizes the importance of developing passive income sources, such as real estate, investment portfolios, and lending, while still owning a business. Additionally, he highlights the role of tax strategy in preserving wealth, urging entrepreneurs to proactively work with a tax strategist rather than relying solely on an accountant for compliance. Noah also discusses how to transition from being the core of a business to building a self-sufficient team. He explains how he structured his firm to allow his team to excel in areas beyond his own expertise, enabling the company to operate independently. Finally, he shares his personal branding approach—including his signature royal purple wardrobe—as a way to remain memorable and create deeper business connections.  

What if fear wasn't a barrier but an invitation to step into something greater? In this powerful episode of the Most Valuable Agent Podcast, Matt welcomes Johan Martinez-Khalilian—an award-winning speaker, mentor, and life coach to professional athletes—to dive deep into personal growth, resilience, and redefining success. Johan shares his profound insights on breaking free from limiting beliefs, stepping outside your comfort zone, and embracing transformation—whether you're an athlete, entrepreneur, or simply someone striving to create a meaningful impact. This episode will challenge the way you think about fear, leadership, and success, offering actionable strategies to push past self-doubt and level up in your life and career. ___  What You'll Learn from This Episode: ✅ Why redefining success is crucial for long-term fulfillment ✅ How fear can actually guide you toward your true calling ✅ The power of adaptability in personal and professional growth ✅ Why transactional relationships hold people back  ✅ What it means to be irreplaceable in your field and in life Subscribe to Most Valuable Agent Youtube Channel for more content https://www.youtube.com/@mostvaluableagent/ ___ RESOURCES + LINKS ALIGND Sports: Elite Representation. Strategic Growth. Maximum Impact. From contract negotiations to career development, we put athletes first—helping you secure your future on and off the field. Ready to take your career to the next level? Book a 1:1 consultation with Matt HERE. FOLLOW Johan Martinez-Khalilian: @johanspeaks Matt Hannaford: @mfhannaford    

Did you like this episode? Dislike it?