Podcasts about rotary club

Kevin Stoller sits down with Dr. George Hummer, Superintendent of Frederick County Public Schools, to explore his journey from special education aide to school district leader, and the district's ongoing effort to build its fourth high school. Dr. Hummer shares how his mother's career as a special education teacher and his own experience working with students with disabilities shaped his empathy-driven leadership style. The conversation dives deep into the mechanics of planning new school construction — including the critical difference between "design capacity" and "program capacity," how Frederick County builds community trust through transparent data, and why involving every stakeholder voice (parents, teachers, students, county officials) is essential to a successful bond and building process. Dr. Hummer also reflects on team-building, situational leadership drawn from his coaching background, and why investing in students must remain the non-negotiable priority behind every facilities decision. Takeaways: Program capacity vs. design capacity — A room's legal occupancy limit isn't the same as how many students it can actually serve well; specialized programs (special ed, ELL, CTE, kindergarten) mean real capacity is often much lower than code allows. Run schools at 85–90% capacity, not 100% — Like redlining a car engine, operating school buildings at full capacity year-round accelerates wear and leaves no room for enrollment shifts or new programs. There's no such thing as too many voices — Successful school construction requires input from county officials, principals, teachers, parents, and even students — genuine inclusion builds long-term community trust. Seek out your critics, not just your supporters — Dr. Hummer's willingness to sit down with a skeptical taxpayer and address misinformation directly turned an opponent into an advocate for the new high school. Situational leadership matters — Knowing when to encourage versus when to push for improvement (borrowed from his coaching background) is key to building strong, resilient teams.   About Dr. George Hummer: Dr. George C. Hummer began serving as Frederick County's Superintendent of Schools on January 30, 2023. He is a native of New Jersey who moved to Virginia in 1994. He graduated from Chancellor High School in Fredericksburg and received a bachelor of arts degree from Radford University in 2005. Dr. Hummer also holds a master's degree in educational leadership and special education from the University of Mary Washington as well as a doctorate in educational leadership from Virginia Commonwealth University. Dr. Hummer credits his mother, who was a lifelong special education teacher, with inspiring him to pursue a career in education. He began his career as a special education teacher, athletic director, and football and basketball coach at Battlefield Middle School in Fredericksburg. After serving in those roles from 2005 to 2012, Dr. Hummer was named assistant principal at Rodney Thompson Middle School in Stafford and served in that capacity for three years. In 2015, Dr. Hummer was named the Supervisor of Student Services and Special Education for Stafford County Public Schools. Four years later, he became Stafford County Public Schools' Executive Director of Student Services and Special Education. In 2022, he was named that school division's Chief Student Support Services Officer. As a teacher, Dr. Hummer was recognized with a Teacher of the Year Award and for improving the performance of his students. As a central office administrator, Dr. Hummer has spent countless hours supporting students, families and staff while working to develop better procedures to help bridge the achievement gap for all students. In 2021, the Virginia Council of Administrators of Special Education recognized Dr. Hummer with the Mary Lou Wall Award for Early Special Education Leadership. The award recognizes individuals who are in their first three years of leading a school division's special education services and exemplify five values: (1) Heart- the passion to serve, nurture and care; (2) Leadership by example; (3) Honesty; (4) Creative thinking; and (5) Collaboration. From 2018 to 2023, Dr. Hummer served as an adjunct professor of educational leadership and education at the University of Mary Washington. He has also been a featured speaker at several state meetings for the Virginia Department of Education. Dr. Hummer is proud to remain actively engaged in the Frederick County and Northern Shenandoah Valley communities. He currently serves on the boards of the Valley Health Foundation, United Way of Northern Shenandoah Valley, Grafton School Foundation, and Frederick County Education Foundation. He is also an active member of the Rotary Club of Frederick County. Through these meaningful partnerships, Dr. Hummer enthusiastically supportsefforts that strengthen our students, education, health, opportunity, and overall community well-being throughout the region. Dr. Hummer, his wife, Charnell, and his step-daughter, Madison, live in Frederick County.   Episode 354 of the Better Learning Podcast For more information on our partners: Association for Learning Environments (A4LE) - https://www.a4le.org/ Education Leaders' Organization - https://www.ed-leaders.org/ Second Class Foundation - https://secondclassfoundation.org/ EDmarket - https://www.edmarket.org/ Catapult @ Penn GSE - https://catapult.gse.upenn.edu/ Want to be a Guest Speaker? Request on our website

Before Leanne Morgan was selling out arenas and starring in her own Netflix sitcom, she was a stay-at-home mom of three doing stand-up at jewelry parties, church groups and Rotary Club lunches. In this favorite conversation from the archives, Leanne shares how she built a comedy career on nights and weekends without missing school pickup, and how being real about motherhood helped her carve out a lane almost no one else was in.You'll learn:How Leanne practiced her act anywhere she could before she had a comedy clubThe advice that made her find a different path, and why it workedWhy standing out beats fitting in, in comedy and in businessHer regret about pushing her kids too hard, and what she knows she got rightWhy you have to trust your gut when a dream won't go awayWant to get confident on camera? Grab my free On-Camera Confidence guide.What resonated with you most? Which tip will you be using? DM me @kimrittberg or drop me a note on our site! **Don't forget to ‘follow' and leave a rating & review!** Connect on Social:InstagramLinkedInYouTubeLeanne Morgan:WebsiteInstagram See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

El presidente del Rotary Club Elda-Vinalopó reclama una respuesta para instalar una marquesina de autobús frente al centro de día de Campo Alto, cuyo coste asumiría íntegramente la entidad

696. How did a 19th-century merchant rebuild his life after the War of 1812 and use his fortune to secretly transform the city of New Orleans? We're joined by author Audrey Ades to talk about her picture book biography, Judah Touro Didn't Want to Be Famous. We dive into Judah’s quiet legacy of stealth philanthropy, the importance of bringing unsung Jewish historical figures to young readers, and the timeless lesson of helping others without needing acclaim. Ades is a children's book author with a passion for uncovering overlooked historical figures and bringing meaningful, character-driven stories to young readers. Known for her thoughtful approach to themes of community, social justice, and Jewish history, she specializes in translating complex historical legacies into accessible narratives for children. Now available: Liberty in Louisiana: A Comedy. The oldest play about Louisiana, author James Workman wrote it as a celebration of the Louisiana Purchase. Now it is back in print for the first time in 222 years. Order your copy today! This week in the Louisiana Anthology. Benjamin Moore Norman. Norman's New Orleans. In 1699, eighteen years after La Salle had demonstrated the connection of the Mississippi with the Gulf of Mexico, by passing out at its mouth, Iberville succeeded in entering it from the Gulf. Ascending as far as the junction of Red River, he returned, and proceeded, by way of the Gulf, into Lake Pontchartrain. He formed a settlement and erected a fort, at Biloxi, which he left under the command of his brother Bienville, while he returned to France, to induce others to join the colony. Soon after he left, the new commander ascended the Mississippi as far as the present site of New Orleans. In returning, he met a British vessel of sixteen guns, under the command of Capt. Bard, who enquired the bearings of the great river, intimating that it was his intention to establish a colony upon its banks. Bienville, in reply, directed him to go farther west, and thus induced him to turn about; from which circumstance, the place of their meeting was called “The English Turn,” a name which it retains to this day. This week in Louisiana history. September 18, 1799. Sebastian Calvo is appointed governor general of Louisiana.  This week in New Orleans history. September 18, 1947: A major hurricane struck the city, causing the Mississippi River to rise to dangerous levels and flooding parts of the West Bank. This week in Louisiana. Alligator Festival September 25'28, 2026 West Bank Bridge Park, 13825 River Rd. Luling, LA 70070 Website: lariverparishes.com The Alligator Festival is a long‑running St. Charles Parish tradition held each September at West Bank Bridge Park in Luling. Hosted by the Rotary Club of St. Charles Parish, the festival raises funds for community projects while offering four days of food, music, rides, and family fun along the Mississippi River. Live Music: A full weekend lineup of local and regional bands on the main stage. Food Booths: Classic Louisiana festival fare ' including fried alligator, alligator sauce piquante, and other River Parishes specialties. Rides & Games: A midway with carnival rides, games, and children's activities. Arts & Crafts: Dozens of vendors selling handmade goods, jewelry, d'cor, and local crafts. Community Mission: Proceeds support Rotary scholarships, playgrounds, and local service projects. Postcards from Louisiana. Tycoon on Decatur St. Listen on Apple Podcasts. Listen on audible. Listen on Spotify. Listen on TuneIn. Listen on iHeartRadio. The Louisiana Anthology Home Page. Like us on Facebook. 

LG Business Consulting, LLC (LGBC) is a veteran-founded, woman-owned, bilingual consulting firm serving entrepreneurs and professionals nationwide. Founded by U.S. Veteran, naturalized citizen, and woman entrepreneur Lorena G. Guerrero, LGBC is built on a powerful foundation of over 25 years of expertise spanning the public sector, private sector, and military service. This breadth of experience, combined with Lorena's lived immigrant experience and deep commitment to client success, brings a uniquely powerful and well-rounded perspective to every client engagement.LGBC specializes in done-for-you consulting services including business plan development, strategic planning, market analysis, and customized growth strategies, helping entrepreneurs launch with confidence, pivot with purpose, and grow into sustainable, profitable ventures. Beyond business consulting, LGBC also supports career-driven professionals through professional resume review and writing services, as well as bilingual translation services in English and Spanish, making expert professional support accessibleto a broader community.Committed to education and community empowerment, LGBC co-hosts Legacy In Motion, a workshop series designed to educate entrepreneurs and business professionals nationwide on the importance of building a strong business foundation from inception to ensure long-term success. This commitment to community is further reflected through Lorena's active membership in the Virginia Black Chamber of Commerce, the local Power Players network, a magazine and business directory representing 150 women entrepreneurs and business owners, and her role as a member and International Committee Chair of her local Rotary Club.The firm proudly serves small business owners, veterans, women entrepreneurs, and bilingual communities who deserve access to expert-level guidance. Rooted in community and driven by purpose, LGBC's vision extends beyond business, with plans to partner with nonprofits to offer free consulting services to those who need it most, and to one day expand its mission globally. The firm's guiding belief is that every dream deserves a fighting chance.#lorenagguerrero #enterpreneur #USveteran #lgbusinessconsultant #chrispomay #livewithcdptalkshow https://lgbcllc.com/  / lgbc    / lgbc-llc  https://beacons.ai/chrisdpomayhttps://www.cameo.com/chrispomay book a personalized video message from yours truly CDP https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/chris... if you wish to support my media content on my You Tube Channel! https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast...https://www.barrycullen.com/Want to create live streams like this? Check out StreamYard: https://streamyard.com/pal/d/54200596.

(Riverton, WY) – The County 10 Podcast and KOVE Radio were joined again by Riverton Rotary Club President June Bailey and Treasurer Marcia McBeath. Together, they tell us about the latest with their “Scott Those Old Boots” shoe drive. Those hoping to donate gently worn shoes can take advantage of their Walmart drop-off location this Saturday from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. June and Marcia tell us about a few other Rotary projects and some Thanksgiving preparations underway now. The full conversation can be heard in the player below or by searching for the County 10 Podcast on all major podcast platforms!

Organizado por estudiantes del ISEF, el proyecto propone encuentros los martes y jueves de 18:00 a 19:00 en la sede del Rotary Club. Las clases son abiertas a personas de 30 a 70 años, adaptadas incluso para quienes tengan lesiones, y no requieren inscripción previa ni cupo limitado.

What does it take to turn a single moment of compassion into a lifelong mission? After a career spent supporting children in Vancouver's inner-city classrooms, Patti Shales Lefkos set out on a journey that carried her far beyond anything she'd imagined — into the remote mountain villages of the Nepali Himalaya, where a village asked her to help rebuild a school that was falling down around its students. She didn't promise anything. A year to the day after she stood in that village, the 2015 earthquake flattened it. Host Dr. Laura Scherck Wittcoff talks with Patti about the schools, homes, and scholarships that grew out of that moment, what she learned about listening instead of assuming, and why, at 79 and about to turn 80, she's packing for Kanchenjunga. Guest Patti Shales Lefkos, Founder, Nepal One Day at a Time Society. Following a rewarding career as a teacher, administrator, and advocate for Vancouver inner-city children, Patti studied journalism at Langara College. She's a graduate of the University of Toronto, Toronto Teachers College, Simon Fraser University, and a wilderness leadership program. She is the author of Nepal One Day at a Time: One Woman's Quest to Teach, Trek, and Build a School in the Remote Himalaya and Grounded by Granite, a coming-of-age story of family connection and personal resilience framed by summers on a remote island in the Canadian Shield. A third book, about the 800-kilometre Great Himalaya Trail trek she completed at 77, is currently seeking a publisher. She founded the British Columbia nonprofit Nepal One Day at a Time Society to support education, health care, and home building in Nepal, and lives near Silver Star Mountain in the BC interior. What is Nepal One Day at a Time Society? A small British Columbia nonprofit that funds education, health care, and home building in remote Nepali villages — the kind of places that sit at the end of the road, where children walk two hours each way to reach a classroom and the nearest bookstore is a two-day journey to Kathmandu. The organization works through long-standing relationships with a Nepali trekking company and its affiliated NGO rather than parachuting in. Two partner schools. The first, whose original 55-year-old building had a condemned top floor and rain coming through into the classrooms below, now runs kindergarten through grade ten and serves roughly 350 students. The second, a small primary school in the far northwest reached during the Great Himalaya Trail trek, serves about 150 children in classrooms with dirt floors and bare cement walls. Three homes rebuilt after the earthquake, at roughly $15,000 USD each — a two-room house with an outdoor bathroom and a front porch, built to post-earthquake standards with rebar corners. Student sponsorships. Rosina, sponsored from grade five in the village, is now 23, has graduated in physiotherapy, and lives in Australia. The guide's 12-year-old son is next. School supplies and technology. A first gift of $500 for library books — the school had none — followed by $6,000 for supplies, more books, and three computers for a staff that had none. Low overhead. The partner NGO is staffed by young people from the region who handle administration through the trekking company, keeping admin costs to roughly 3–5%. Funded by Rotary clubs in Vernon, BC, and Kingston, Ontario, profits from Patti's books, photo art cards of Nepal and Tibet, speaking engagements, and individual donors. Key Topics Covered A book in grade ten, and forty years of waiting. Patti grew up an outdoor kid on an island with no electricity, drinking straight from the lake, long before screen time. Then a novel on the grade ten curriculum — Lost Horizon — put the magic of the Himalaya in her head, and she filed it away. A year of high school in Switzerland got her a passport and a taste for adventure, and then she did all the expected things: university, teachers college, a career. It was only after retiring, and after journalism school, that she and her husband picked up passports again and started walking. A coast-to-coast hike across England was the shakedown. Tibet was next, including a three-day circumambulation of sacred Mount Kailash at an altitude she'd never experienced. She was hooked. The decision to go alone. They'd planned to return to Nepal together to visit their guide's and porter's villages and volunteer as teachers. Days before departure, her husband ruptured his Achilles tendon. Friends and family were getting sick. Her reasoning was blunt and worth hearing: you don't know what will happen to you next. With her husband's blessing, and with the same guide and company guaranteed, she went by herself. "Would you help us build a school?" After her volunteer teaching, her guide Raj took her to a village at the end of a road that had never received outside help. The school building was 55 years old, built by the villagers themselves. The top floor was condemned. They were still using the main floor, with rain coming through from above. The villagers asked her directly. Her honest first thought: they think all Westerners are rich — what could I possibly do? She promised nothing and went home to think. A year to the day, while still in Nepal, she'd met a Buddhist monk in Upper Mustang who was building a school for children with no access to education at all, funding it by giving teachings in Singapore five months a year. That conversation about what was possible stayed with her. She came home, mulled it over, looked into what starting a nonprofit would take — and then, a year to the day after she'd stood in that village, the earthquake hit. The area she'd visited was at the epicenter. Every home in the village was gone. Her husband, an outdoor guy who hates computers, built a slideshow. They showed it at Silver Star Mountain and raised $1,000 the first night. Then she joined her local Rotary Club, and everything scaled from there. Coffee, tea, and the discipline of listening. The most transferable lesson in the episode, and it comes from Vancouver, not Nepal. Trying to get parents involved at an inner-city school, Patti's team put out coffee every morning for the grandmothers dropping off the primary kids. They didn't want coffee. They wanted tea. She carries that into every village: don't decide what people need. Ask them. When she stood on that school playground in northwestern Nepal, the question she asked was simply, " Do you have any library books? Would you like some"? Being told about her own privilege, Patti recounts a former staff member giving her what she describes as a long lecture — that as a white, middle-class woman whose parents and grandparents went to university, she was operating from privilege. Her response, decades later and on the record: "that was really good for me to hear." Laura connects it to the reason the relationship works — the villages hold parades for her, which is not how a colonial dynamic looks. How she vets where the money goes: Patti admits she was long reticent about charities and what share actually reaches the work. Her answer has been to build relationships rather than write checks: a good feeling about the head of the trekking company that a first trip confirmed, a principal who traveled two days to Kathmandu to buy books and sent photos back, a guide who translates and vouches, and a partner NGO whose admin is handled by local young people at a few percent of the total. 800 kilometres at 77 In 2023, believing they had one last long trek in them, Patti and her husband designed their own route on the Great Himalaya Trail, which runs the length of Nepal. They walked 800 kilometres over 75 days with a guide, a cook who had cooked as high as Camp Two on Everest, and a donkey man with five or six animals carrying food and camping equipment. In the first 50 days they met perhaps seven or eight other Westerners — which is exactly what they wanted, because it meant being with Nepali people the whole way. She journaled daily and photographed a wipe-off sign each night recording the day number, kilometres walked, total distance, and altitude. Why she doesn't trek with big groups anymore On the Tibet trip, a man on their trek died of altitude sickness — a man who had climbed Kilimanjaro the year before. On her first Nepal trek, feeling sick at 12,000 feet, Raj simply said they'd stay put another day and see. She was fine. In a group of thirty, she notes, you're pressured forward: go ahead when you don't want to, or lose the group. Being able to make your own call is the whole point. How to Get Involved Learn more and see photos of the schools, the children, and families in their new homes — and reach Patti directly through the contact form — at her website PattiShalesLefkos.com Follow the September trek: Patti will post to her Facebook page as reception allows Read the books: Nepal One Day at a Time and Grounded by Granite — profits go back into the projects, an idea Patti took from Conor Grennan's Little Princes Photo art cards of Nepal and Tibet are also available, with proceeds supporting the work If you are a nonprofit or want to donate goods directly to a nonprofit, check out Givelink: www.https://givelink.app/en? Connect with Small & Gutsy Website: SmallandGutsy.org Email: Laura@SmallandGutsy.org Do you know a nonprofit or social enterprise doing incredible work? Send them our way!

Send us Fan MailWhat if debt isn't the enemy, but a tool you've been afraid to use?In this episode of The WEBB Remedy Podcast, we're rethinking the money mindsets that can keep entrepreneurs from moving forward: the fear of debt, the confusion around risk, and the shame that can sometimes arise when it's time to ask for capital.Host Rinnie Orr, Executive Director of WEBB Squared, is joined by Judy Batista, CEO and founder of Laughing Monitos, as well as PNC Bank Business Banking leaders Nicole “Nikki” Hibbs and Joshua Wingo.Together, they explore what it really means to become lending-ready and approach funding with greater clarity, confidence, and intention.The conversation examines how entrepreneurs can think strategically about debt, evaluate risk, understand cash flow, and prepare for productive conversations with lenders. It also invites business owners to consider a different perspective: funding conversations are not about personal worth or asking for a favor. They are opportunities to explore whether the right financial partnership can help bring a business vision to life.This episode is part of WEBB Squared's Money Mindset Conversation Series, sponsored by PNC Bank.Meet co-host Judy Batista CEO and Founder, Laughing MonitosJudy Batista is a bilingual speech-language pathologist with more than 15 years of experience supporting young children's communication development.As the founder of Laughing Monitos, Judy provides play-based, evidence-based therapy for children ages 0–4. She specializes in speech, language, and feeding disorders and is passionate about empowering multicultural families through compassionate, personalized care.Judy also brings the perspective of an entrepreneur who is building and growing a mission-driven business.Meet our guests:Nicole “Nikki” Hibbs, Business Banking Regional Sales Leader, PNC Bank — Western CarolinasNicole “Nikki” Hibbs is the Business Banking regional sales leader for PNC's Western Carolinas market, which includes the Triad and Charlotte regions.In this role, she leads a team of relationship managers who help local small business owners grow and scale their ventures.With 30 years of experience in financial services, Nikki brings broad expertise from a variety of roles across retail, business, and commercial banking.Based in Murphy, North Carolina, Nikki is actively involved in her community through organizations including the Cherokee County Chamber, the Murphy Business Association, and the Rotary Club of Murphy.Joshua Wingo, Business Banking Regional Sales Leader, PNC Bank — Eastern CarolinasJoshua Wingo serves as the Business Banking regional sales leader for PNC's Eastern Carolinas market, overseeing the Triangle, Wilmington, and Charleston regions.He leads a team of relationship managers dedicated to delivering lending, treasury management, and financial solutions that help businesses grow, improve cash flow, and operate more efficiently.With extensive experience in retail and business banking, Josh is recognized for his consultative leadership style, commitment to client success, and ability to develop high-performing teams.Based in Wilmington, North Carolina, Josh is an active supporter of local economic development efforts. He works closely with community organizations, business leaders, and nonprofits to promote entrepreneurship and strengthen the communities PNC serves.About The WEBB Remedy PodcastThe WEBB Remedy Podcast is a mindset-shifting podcast from WEBB Squared, a nonprofit working to recognize and address the wealth gap by building a supportive ecosystem around rural and underrepresented entrepreneurs in and around Chatham County, North Carolina.Through honest conversations, the podcast explores entrepreneurship, mindset, community, wealth-building, and the relationships that help people and businesses grow.Special thanks to PNC Bank for supporting this important conversation series and helping create space for entrepreneurs to build financial clarity, confidence, and capacity.Connect and Learn MoreLearn more about WEBB Squared, its coaching, workshops, and entrepreneur support services:  www.webbsquared.orgLearn more about Laughing Monitos:  www.laughingmonitos.comLearn more about PNC Bank's business banking resources: PNC Bank Business ResourcesSupport the showThank you for listening...Our theme this year is "Changemakers in Motion"To find out how you can be changemaker and connect - check out WEBB Squared.Become a changemaker today! Support WEBB Squared's annual campaign. We would love to hear from you.  Please contact rinnie@webbsquared.org for more information.

Members of the Brainerd Lakes Sunrise Rotary Club visit about their club and the upcoming Rose Sale. Her guests were Club President, Sharon Carr and the Rotary Rose Sale Chairperson, Sandy Swanson. They talked about the sale and how the money from the sale was used for scholarships for students at Brainerd High School who are in the Interact Club and how funds are also used from the sale for the Sharing Bread Soup Kitchen. They also talked about how listeners could become members of the Sunrise Rotary Club and how to get in touch with the club if listeners needed more information.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Between the tragedies like the crisis in Nepal or even thinking of 9/11, Pastor Daryl Crouch of Everyone's Wilson addresses how we can, as the Church, can draw near and reflect Jesus to those in deep need or trauma. Also, he answers a listener question:  Who is Jesus?  Are you a member of things like the Rotary Club or the Elks?  Kinsmen's Peter Ostapko talks about breakdown of civic group and the deeper need of belonging in our communities.  How can your church serve both civic good and the Kingdom good? We're called into a bigger story about a bigger community! The Reconnect with Carmen and all Faith Radio podcasts are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here!

This interview first aired on Friday the 28th of August, 2026 on ONE FM 98.5 Shepparton. One FM announcer Josh Revens talks with Geoff Long of the Rotary Club of Shepparton about their upcoming movie night fundraiser and everything they have been up to. The Rotary Club of Shepparton is hosting its annual Movies Night fundraiser on Tuesday, September 1, at 6.30pm, at Village Cinemas Shepparton The movies will be The Christophers starring Sir Ian McKellen. $20 per ticket. For more information, contact Rotarian Chris Segrave on 0406 485 505. Listen to Josh Revens on One FM Friday mornings from 9am-12pm. Contact the station on admin@fm985.com.au or (+613) 58313131 The ONE FM 98.5 Community Radio podcast page operates under the license of Goulburn Valley Community Radio Inc. (ONE FM) Number 1385226/1. PRA AMCOS (Australasian Performing Right Association Limited and Australasian Mechanical Copyright Owners Society) that covers Simulcasting and Online content including podcasts with musical content, that we pay every year. This licence number is 1385226/1

Sharmadean Reid MBE started working as a hotel chambermaid in Wolverhampton when she was 14 years old, before learning the lingo of business while waiting tables at the business Rotary Club of the hotel. Her career has been driven by the 'two wolves' inside of her – artistic and business. Reid has spent twenty years at the intersection of beauty, technology and women's empowerment. With a real talent for spotting trends, she founded a cult nail salon in Dalston called WAH Nails, before creating the tech platform Beautystack, a women's business community The Stack World, and most recently the luxury bathing brand 39BC.In the first part of the interview with Sir Richard Harpin, she talks about what it takes to build a business from scratch, learning to ask for anything and overcoming fear of “no” as well as learning to “never split the difference”. She also shares her views on why aren't there more successful female entrepreneurs in the UK and how domestic cognitive load can lead to burnout. Stay tuned for part two, next week.Subscribe to the Business Leader Podcast for weekly entrepreneur stories from founders and CEOs who've built and scaled great businesses. Join the Business Leader community for coaching, peer to peer forums and exclusive learning events. Sign up to our free weekly newsletter at businessleader.co.uk/newsletters.Business Leader is a membership community for ambitious CEOs and founders of mid-sized UK companies, designed to help them grow with purpose through strategic support, peer-to-peer learning, expert coaching, and high-impact events. Sign up for our Business Leader newsletter here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Rotary Club of Wilson County will meet Monday, Sept. 21, from 6-7 p.m. in Jack's Café in Floresville. The club meets on the first and third Mondays of the month. Rotary offers opportunities for fellowship, professional and leadership development, community service, and more. Members participate in service to their club, community, youth, Rotary International, and more. For information, call Iris Kaplan at 719-502- 0174. Article Link

A double-dose of fun on this week's show: Paul Frank with the Rotary Club of Winchester chats about the Shenandoah Valley Apple Harvest Festival on 9/19 and 9/20 at the Frederick County Fairgrounds.  Apples, ciders, beers, arts and crafts, food, a kids zone and apple pie baking and eating contests.   www.winchesterappleharvest.com Onna Keller with Frederick County Parks & Rec invites humans and their pups to the Charity Dog Walk & Pool Pawty at the Sherando Pool on Saturday, 9/12.  Proceeds benefit the Esther Boyd Animal Shelter.  Vendors, food, ice cream, music & photos.  www.fcprd.net   

Rotary Clubs de Floréal et de Montebello - Un geste pour sauver des vies : collecte de sang ce samedi à Bagatelle by TOPFM MAURITIUS

It's the Shenandoah Valley's biggest fall tradition, and it's turning 52. Host Janet Michael sat down with Darla McCrary, co-chair of the Shenandoah Valley Apple Harvest Festival, at the Espresso Bar on Winchester's Old Town Walking Mall to talk pie contests, pony rides, and pints of hard cider. The Rotary Club of Winchester has put on this festival for over 50 years, raising an estimated $1.5 million for local nonprofits along the way. In this episode, Darla walks through everything happening at this year's two-day event at the Frederick County Fairgrounds — from the apple pie baking and eating contests to live music, a classic car show, 80–100 vendors, and a full lineup of pet-friendly, family-friendly fun. Tune in for all the details before gates open September 19th. EVENT DETAILS Shenandoah Valley Apple Harvest Festival (52nd Annual) Dates: Saturday, September 19 & Sunday, September 20 Times: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM both days Location: Frederick County Fairgrounds, Clearbrook, VA Admission: $10 general admission; free for kids 10 and under, first responders, veterans, military, and law enforcement (with ID). $1-off coupons available at Handy Mart stores, Winchester Visitor Center, & Claudio's pizza boxes. Drinks: $7 per pint (beer and cider); must be 21+ with ID Highlights: Live music both days, apple pie baking contest (Saturday, noon), apple pie eating contest (Saturday, 3:00 PM, adult and junior divisions), classic car & hot rod show, 80–100 artisan vendors, kids' zone, petting zoo, pony rides, and pet-friendly grounds Vendor sign-up deadline: September 9th LINKS & RESOURCES Festival website & vendor/contest sign-up: winchesterappleharvest.com Rotary Club of Winchester: rotaryclubofwinchester.org/  THE VALLEY TODAY with Janet Michael — A decade of conversations. New podcast episodes drop weekdays at 11 AM. Catch the show on The River 95.3 and Fox Sports 1450 AM weekdays just after noon. Subscribe and listen at thevalleytodaypodcast.com — available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts. If you enjoy the show, please take a moment to leave a rating or review — it helps more listeners find us. Connect with us: Facebook — facebook.com/ValleyTodayFanPage Instagram — instagram.com/thevalleytoday

High Point Public Library's new Sensory Garden officially opened last spring — a 7,000-square-foot accessible space designed to serve visitors of all ages and abilities, from children with autism to memory care patients. The idea began with former Children's Services Manager Jim Zola, and came to life through a $100,000 signature gift from the Rotary Club of High Point, part of the club's 2020 centennial project. Along the way, the team faced challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, but this community never let go of the vision, and now, we all get to benefit! To read this story, visit: https://www.highpointdiscovered.org/stories/To learn more about the Sensory Garden, visit: https://www.highpointnc.gov/2729/Rotary-Club-of-High-Point-Sensory-GardenAbout High Point Discovered:High Point Discovered is a 501(c)3, a grass-roots non-profit dedicated to communicating the stories of High Point, NC, to connect citizens and catalyze economic growth.  To discover more stories about High Point, visit https://www.highpointdiscovered.org/Each High Point Discovered story is made possible and accessible through our community like you. We'd love for you to partner with us in this work by donating at thttps://www.highpointdiscovered.org/give/

Welcome to Episode 163 of Praestabilis: Excellence in Marketing Welcome to Episode #163 of “Praestabilis: Excellence in Marketing” In this episode, I’m talking about the importance of connecting with like-minded people, as well as people from all over the world that you may benefit from knowing. The online world is an excellent place to connect with people and it is also where I have have been earning a full-time income since 2006. No matter what your experience has been up until now, there are many ways for you to serve others with an online business of your own. Let’s connect and see if I will be the one to help you become a successful online entrepreneur. I am sharing a live session of my “Really Simple Authority Blogging” ongoing training course with you and know you will benefit from the marketing strategies I am sharing and teaching here. Be sure to connect with me at https://ConnieRagenGreen.com or on X at https://x.com/ConnieGreen so I may serve you in the areas where my help could make a huge difference in your results. I’m going to share with you how much fun I’m having with creating simple courses using AI (Artificial Intelligence) in about 30 minutes. I know you can do the same thing. Keep it simple, and add the short course you create to a page on your existing website/blog. In this episode I’m discussing how to use keywords and search engine optimization (SEO) to grow your business. Your prospects and future clients, customers, and colleagues are waiting to connect with you, but if they can’t find you online it will never happen. Make it simple for your target audience to find you by using the keywords and phrases they are most likely to be searching for on Google, Bing, and the other search engines. The Power and Gift of Change”- We are all changing throughout each day, and I think we must embrace this change in order to grow and move forward. Changing can take many forms, and if you look back through your life you will come to understand that you are not the same person you were even a year ago. Here is a quote about this you may resonate with… “Growth lives outside the comfort zone. If it feels uncomfortable, you’re probably doing it right.” ~ Marie Forleo I believe that our businesses are based on the concept of serving others. When you start on online (or even a brick and mortar) business, your goal is to serve others with what you know and to benefit in multiple ways, including by earning an excellent income. I’m sharing several examples in this podcast about my own and experiences with clients over the years. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ This morning I was reading the message written by outgoing Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy. In it, he stated that his “parting prescription” for the American people is to cultivate a strong sense of community to help themselves and others. He added, “Relationships, service, and purpose are the time-tested triad of fulfillment that stands in contrast to wealth, fame, and power which define the modern-day triad of success.” Here are some other questions I want you to ask yourself: What is your commitment to yourself and to others close to you? Why are you focused on the things that are taking up your time? When will you begin to focus on goals that will allow you to create and leave a legacy? Whom do you trust to get you there? Perhaps my “Monthly Mentoring Program” is right for you. Motivation and Inspiration: What It Takes to Get Your Spark Back” During 2024 I went through a period where I wasn’t as motivated as I had been accustomed to being for many years. This gave me time to explore why I was feeling this way and to hopefully learn something that would help others. My inspiration to do all of the things I love in my business, including writing, creating, marketing, and mentoring was waning and I wasn’t sure why. Within a couple of months I was back on track and this is what I learned… Life isn’t easy, but then it isn’t supposed to be. Being challenged in so many ways on a regular basis makes us stronger and perhaps more appreciative and grateful for what we already have and what we know we can achieve if we believe in ourselves and have even one other person who knows we are special and tells us that as often as possible. Marie Forleo wrote a book titled “Everything Is Figureoutable” – https://ConnieLoves.me/FigureOutAble – Her precept is that if you’re having trouble solving a problem or reaching a dream, the problem isn’t you. It’s that you haven’t yet installed the one belief that changes everything. I’m at conniegreenhouse at yahoo dot com and want to hear from you on this topic, or on anything else. “Merging Your Life with Your Business” as a strategy. We aren’t creating a business we need a vacation from. Instead, we’re creating a “lifestyle by design” where we have the time and financial freedom to live in a way that few people are able to, and with choices around everything we do. If you’ve met me in person, heard me on my podcast, or read any of my books, you know that I am a very positive person. No matter what situation or circumstances arises, I truly believe there will always be a positive outcome on the horizon, and sooner rather than later. But I wasn’t always this way. This is a journey that continues… My first year online was 2006, and very quickly I connected with people I’m still part of a Mastermind with in Austin, Texas. I was invited to speak at an event there a couple of years later. It was hosted by Joe Vitale and Mendhi Audlin was also there. She shared a concept she had come up with that she calls “What If… UP!” The premise is that there is truly a silver lining in everything negative that occurs. I liken this to Newton’s Third Law of Motion: For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. My precept and general rule for life is that we can achieve anything we want and feel that we deserve. Others want to help us to achieve our goals, but many times we get in their way by telling ourselves stories that aren’t true. Mendhi’s precept aligns with mine, and a year or so after I first met her she published a book on this… “What If It All Goes Right?: Creating a New World of Peace, Prosperity & Possibility” by Mendhi Audlin reveals the secret to turning possibilities into a tangible reality. It works! https://ConnieLoves.me/WhatIfUp I’m discussing the importance of being willing to “Better Your Best” during this new year, as well as recommending that this be the year you finally embrace AI – Artificial Intelligence – for your business. I have been a student of and someone who uses AI almost daily since February of 2022, and I’m learning from experts Andy O”Bryan and Denise Wakeman in their ongoing AI Success Club. Asking “How Are You Defining Success?” Creating a business as an entrepreneur allows you to live a lifestyle by design, with both time freedom and financial freedom. Think about how you want to live each day and then take action to make it happen. Over the years I’ve changed many things, while others have remained the same. Instead of making changes just for the sake of change, think about what you could change up and what makes sense to remain at least mostly the same. Years ago, I used to put together my blog posts on a single topic, like copywriting or list building or creation digital products into a simple document that I referred to as a ‘Focus Guide’ and gave them away to my list and to my prospects. Each of these documents contained resources and an ‘About the Author’ page that helped me to build my credibility, visibility, and profitability. For the first time ever, I am recommending that you write a book about yourself, your niche topic, and how you serve others. I first did this in 2009 and now I have written and published twenty-eight full-length, non-fiction books on the topics of entrepreneurship, personal, development, and authorship. Life can be messy. Are their ways you can keep moving forward when your personal life is turning upside down? Yes! Finding joy in helping and serving others, as well as compartmentalizing what is currently going on in your life are just two of the ways to deal with change and situations outside of your control. I recommend that you choose two social media platforms to use for the sole purpose of helping your prospects find and connect with you online. My favorite is X – formerly known as Twitter, and I also use LinkedIn and YouTube as my favorite social media sites to grow my business. Please connect with me on these sites and let me know how I may best serve you as you build and grow your profitable business. Is your list of what you are willing to do longer than your list of what you don’t want to do? I recommend a mile-long “to-do” list and a daily schedule of no more than four things that you will work on each day in your business. Find a mentor who believes in you and get started with creating a lifestyle by design that you want and deserve. I’m recommending James Clear’s “Atomic Habits” – https://ConnieLoves.me/AtomicHabits – as a book to help you alleviate your fears. We all have hopes, dreams, goals, and fears regarding our life experiences. I have found that if we build up our confidence and have faith that everything will turn out in a way that will be beneficial to all, we can continue to move forward without negative effects. Having an online business requires confidence. These are some questions to ask yourself: Who will you serve? What are your prospects pain points? What’s your idea? How will it be created, and then delivered? How will you sell it online? Creating a simple product or online course is the beginning of living a lifestyle by design. Reach out to me any time at conniegreenhouse at yahoo dot com if you’d like to know more about getting started as an online entrepreneur. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ My first online course back in 2006 was a simple one with three audio trainings and a workbook. Then, I began creating more sophisticated, but not more complicated courses. I’ve used the “Really Simple” branding for many courses at least 25 times, as well as using other terms and phrases based on the keywords I am optimizing for with each new course. Having your own online course on a topic you want to become known for will give you leverage to grow your business exponentially over time. It’s interesting to me that we as humans sometimes take things for granted that later on we know we should have appreciated in the moment. What I’m referring to here is having an online business you can run from home, or from anywhere in the world. There’s a window of opportunity that isn’t always open, and right now this window is wide open to everyone. A lot of it depends upon economic factors. I almost went back to graduate school two years ago to study economics, but decided against it because of the film and television writing I’m pursuing, but that’s a story for another time. Someone I work closely with had posted this quote from Richard Branson the other day: “Business opportunities are like buses, there’s always another one coming.” This does NOT apply to online business, but instead refers to starting a physical, brick and mortar business. I know several people in both of my cities who borrowed against their homes, cashed out retirement savings, and sold family heirlooms to start businesses in the community, only to go bankrupt a couple of years later. What I’m saying here is that this is the time to get your online business off the ground and up and running profitably. It’s so inexpensive in comparison, and the biggest expense I incur is what I pay mentors to guide me in the right direction. Yes, I still have a mentor and recommend you do as well. This isn’t coaching, but instead a personal relationship you’ll build over time that could lead to strategic alliance partnerships and lifelong friendships. I’m at conniegreenhouse at yahoo dot com if you want to know more about mentoring with me. The four widely accepted learning modalities (or modes) are known by the acronym VARK: Visual, Auditory, Reading/Writing, Kinesthetic. They are sometimes inaccurately referred to as “learning styles” which implies that each learner has a “style” of learning that should be maximized in all learning situations. Focusing on consistency, productivity, and creativity makes sense for all online entrepreneurs in 2024. I’m also sharing some effective and time-proven strategies with you here that will make a difference in your business, as well as in your personal life experience. Each day I focus on writing, creating, marketing, and teaching/learning/mentoring. My writing began as short and simple blog posts and blossomed into more than twenty-five full-length books. My writing is my oeuvre, my body of work that is my legacy to family, friends, colleagues, and those who follow me. During 2023 I wrote and published more than 400 thousand words. This breaks down to one full-length book, Self-Directed: Inspire, Motivate, and Empower Yourself to the Greatness That Lies Within; the current book on marketing that is more than halfway written; 8 short reports on topics of interest to the people I work with online; one hundred thirty-eight blog posts on three different blogs I maintain; and 382 email messages to my online community. These are  practical strategies for effective time management, emphasizing the importance of creating a balance between work and personal life. Achieving work-life harmony requires effective time management strategies that allow you to balance professional and personal responsibilities. Here are some strategies to help you manage your time more efficiently: 1. Set Clear Priorities: Identify your most important tasks and priorities for both work and personal life. Focus on what truly matters and allocate time accordingly. 2. Use a Time Management System: Choose a time management system that works for you, whether it’s a digital tool like Todoist or Trello, or a physical planner. Organize tasks, set deadlines, and track your progress. Schedules vs To-Do Lists 3. Prioritize Tasks with the Eisenhower Matrix: Categorize tasks into four quadrants: urgent and important, important but not urgent, urgent but not important, and neither urgent nor important. Prioritize tasks based on these categories. 4. Batch Similar Tasks: Group similar tasks together and tackle them during specific time blocks. This reduces the mental load of switching between different types of activities. 5. Time Blocking: Allocate specific blocks of time to different activities. This includes work tasks, personal commitments, and breaks. Stick to the schedule as much as possible. 6. Learn to Say No: Be selective about taking on new commitments. Saying no when necessary helps you avoid over-committing and allows you to focus on your existing priorities. 7. Delegate When Possible: Delegate tasks that others can handle. This applies to both professional and personal responsibilities. It’s okay to ask for help. 8. Practice the Two-Minute Rule: If a task takes less than two minutes, do it immediately. This prevents small tasks from piling up and becoming overwhelming. 9. Limit Multitasking: Focus on one task at a time. Multitasking can reduce efficiency and increase stress. Complete one task before moving on to the next. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ You’re starting a conversation with your emails, and building a relationship with your prospects, customers, and clients over time. I’ve been online as an entrepreneur, marketer, and writer since 2006, and while much has changed, I believe that more has remained the same. Here, I’m discussing how we marketed in those early days, and why email marketing still remains top of mind. Most recently, I’ve co-hosted an Advanced Email Marketing Conference with Ellen Finkelstein. In April of 2023, I hosted my latest live marketing event in Los Angeles, and more recently I’ve hosted my Santa Barbara Retreat for those I mentor and teach. But like everyone else, I began by attending live events, and eventually virtual events in order to find my voice, connect with other like-minded people, and learn more about building and growing my online business. Guerilla marketing is a way to drive publicity and, as a result, brand awareness by promoting using unconventional methods designed to evoke surprise, wonder, or shock. Guerrilla marketing is the creating use of novel or unconventional methods in order to boost sales or attract interest in a brand or business. These methods are often low- or no-cost and involve the widespread use of more personal interactions or through viral social media messaging. This marketing method has increased in popularity with the rise of ubiquitous mobile and connected technologies that can amplify messaging and focus on target groups of consumers. Some consumers may be more attracted by guerrilla marketing campaigns as they may be more interesting and daring, while others may be turned off because of the perceived “disruptive” aspects of this style of marketing. Please subscribe and leave me a review. And connect with me at https://ConnieRagenGreen.com. Find out more about me HERE. Becoming an online entrepreneur was the best decision I ever made. I’ve been online since 2006 and now help others all over the world to do the same or something similar. We all have times where we are feeling a little down, lost, or confused. Life isn’t easy, and no one makes it out alive! These are my recommendations for how to get back on track and feeling more happy and optimistic about your future… Write! Whether you’re already a writer or are just beginning to think about sharing your thoughts, ideas, and experiences with others, writing makes sense. I write every single day and publish much of my writing as blog posts, short reports, and full-length books. Writing opens your mind to what you want in the future, by allowing you to explore the past through your memories. You can also retell and reframe your stories in a way that will serve you going forward. Start a new project! I usually create products and courses as new projects, but this can also manifest as something you build or create with your hands. I have family members on two continents that love to put together complex jigsaw puzzles. They look forward to these as a new project on a regular basis. Volunteer! Before I started my online business, I promised myself I would volunteer my time and donate money to charitable causes… as soon as I had the time and the money to do so. Once I had my own business, I realized that I had some time and a little money to do this all along. Spend time with new people! As a part of the volunteering I now do regularly, I’ve spent time with very young children, veterans, women starting over after being in a domestic violence situation, and more. This work continues to make a difference in my life. As you can see, there are many ways to get back to your “Why?” and I hope this has been helpful to you. What’s the best niche topic to cover in your blog? I know you don’t what to hear me say “It depends.” so I won’t. Lean in, and I’ll share the very best niche for you, and it’s one that is also the most profitable, will feel more like you’re just having fun, will never go out of style, and will be the one that has absolutely zero competition. Which niche topic and target audience could it possibly be? I won’t keep you in suspense any longer. I learned when I began online 17 years ago that the best niche for anyone is the one that makes your heart sing and is probably a topic you take for granted. I had been teaching school for twenty years and my students were mostly Spanish and Tagalog native speakers. I told them if they wrote just a few sentences every single day – weekends, holidays, and school breaks included – their writing would improve. Those who followed my advice excelled, while those who didn’t floundered. During all those years, I seldom wrote anything unless it was required for my work as a teacher or for my part-time work in real estate. Fast forward to 2006, and I realized not only that I needed to write in order to succeed online, but also that what I’d done with my students would apply here as well. My niche for the next eighteen months was around helping others to write, publish, market, and sell eBooks. I wrote one on real estate farming – choosing and area close to home to connect with people who may need your services – as an example and sold it on my website. Back then, you had to sell eBooks on your own websites, as Amazon had not yet entered the world of self-publishing. My niche and website became “eBook writing and marketing secrets” and this topic took me to six figures. I was learning right along with the people who were learning and buying from me. I then moved that site over to https://ConnieRagenGreen.com to make a name for myself and to branch out to other topics. The bottom line is that you must begin by sharing what you already know something about and love. Blogging is the direct path to the visibility, credibility, and profitability you wish to have in your business. In my business, every idea begins as a blog post. This is where I think and research and brainstorm what’s on my mind in the very beginning. The blog post is ground zero for what could, and many times does become a product, course or program. Blog posts, while based on your idea, can be created with original content, private label (PLR) rights content, guest content, or curated content. While I immediately share my published posts on social media as “micro content” you’ll want to wait at least 24 hours before syndicating your content on Medium. I also teach this syndication strategy in my popular and ongoing Syndication Optimization training program. Next up in your content creation and content marketing strategy is a short report, which you may sell online or give away as a lead magnet. I teach all of this in my Really Simple Short Reports training. This is what we refer to as “cornerstone” content that is extremely valuable. The final step is creating “authority content” by publishing your writing as a Kindle or paperback book to increase your visibility and build your reputation as an expert on your topic. I typically discuss time management and productivity in regards to entrepreneurs, marketers, and authors, and I’ve even co-authored a bestselling book on this topic, entitled “Time Management Strategies for Entrepreneurs: How to Manage Your Time to Increase Your Bottom Line” where we outline in great details the steps you may take to reach a level of optimal productivity and time management as an entrepreneur. But what about everyone else? Doesn’t every person deserve to live the lifestyle they want and deserve, where they enjoy financial freedom and the time to enjoy every moment to the fullest? Of course they do, and that’s what I’m sharing during this podcast. When I began online as a new entrepreneur in 2006, I realized immediately I would need help with technology and graphics, as these were the areas where I had no experience or talent. I bartered for these services for the first year or so, and then began to put together a team of people to support me so my business could grow. When I look back over my lifetime, I see that I have always had a team supporting me, whether it was while I worked as a classroom teacher, or in real estate as a broker and residential appraiser. Even while I was growing up, I was surrounded by people who supported me, from family, friends and neighbors to teachers, clergy, and people in the community. Put together your team and watch your business grow exponentially! When it comes to your visibility as an entrepreneur, where may we find you to see what you’re doing? This expert status comes from your writing, videos and audios, and your social media presence on the most active platforms for your target audience. My three popular and active blogs are at ConnieRagenGreen.com, HugeProfitsTinyList.com, and at MondayMorningMellow.com. Credibility is about what you already know and what you are learning. We all started our online businesses as adults, so we brought our knowledge and experiences with us. It made sense for me to help people write, market, and publish eBooks in the beginning, because I had worked as a classroom teacher for twenty years prior to coming online, and was learning about marketing and self-publishing. Profitability means that you must ask “What’s for sale?” every day in your business. Create your own simple products and courses, recommend others with affiliate marketing, and look into buying the resale rights to sell other people’s products as your own like I continue to do in my own business. The final part of this information on your expert status as an entrepreneur includes productivity, consistency, and attention to detail. Get everything in place as quickly as possible, and your online business is sure to grow exponentially! During my first couple of years online, beginning in 2007 I connected with mentors Alex Mandossian and Raymond Aaron. When I inquired as to what they were doing together as strategic alliance partners, they gave me a brief explanation and told me that I was not yet ready to move up to this level. Over the next two years they helped me to grow and elevate my business and my mindset as an online entrepreneur so that I could connect with others in this way. Seek out the people and groups you wish to be involved with and show them that you have moved past tactics and on to strategies. It will make all the difference and as you uplevel everything you’re doing online in your business, your free time and disposable income will increase exponentially! When I work with people in my Incubator Mastermind Mentoring program, the goal is to move them into position to become a strategic alliance partner with me and others to share their message in a bigger way. WHY did you choose the career you started your working life with? WHY did you get married, have children, and move into your first home? WHY did you make the conscious decision to leave your career at some point and start your business? WHY do you want to be an author or entrepreneur, or coach? WHY do you get up every single day and do the work required to become more successful on an ongoing basis? Everyone must have a WHY and there are no right or wrong answers here. But if you find yourself unmotivated to work or if you find yourself procrastinating on projects, then it's time to re-examine the main reason for your business. Name Your Reason – or Your WHY – for Starting a Business Focusing on your WHY can help motivate you, so write down your reason for starting a business on a regular basis. Did you want to fill your free time? Did you want to earn some play money or contribute to the family finances? Did you want to pay the medical bills of an aging parent or a sick child? Did you want to pay for your child's higher education or private school tuition? In my case, my answer to “what's your why?” was always around having enough income to live life on my terms. Over time, I came to the realization that every choice I was making, and each time I could not do something that had meaning for me, was all related to me needing to earn a paycheck or a commission from the classroom teaching and real estate work I was involved with each day. I missed just about every family event, vacation, and other activities because I was working 60 or more hours a week in order to cover my bills and other expenses. I wasn't angry or resentful because I believed that I didn't deserve to have a better life during those decades. This all changed in 2005 when I began reading books and attending events based on self improvement and personal development principles. Writing these reasons down – no matter what they are because every person's WHY will be different – should help motivate you to work hard. You should feel driven to make your business a success. You should be willing to tackle things outside your comfort zone because you know the end result will help your business. If you're not feeling motivated, then you need to dig deeper. I worked closely with a woman who was struggling to make her online business become profitable, and she continued to tell me that she had no problems or struggles in her life, currently or during her younger years. Then, one day she told me about her granddaughter who had passed away at age twelve and the floodgates opened. We got to the bottom of things, she discovered her why, and her business grew by leaps and bounds, almost overnight! Be Open and Willing to Examine Your Inner Feelings Life is fluid and ever-changing so it stands to reason that your WHY would change over time as well. Even if you started your business because you didn't know what to do once your kids were in full day school, you can change that WHY to something more meaningful now. A mentor once shared with me that she started a service business because she was a single mom and needed to earn money to survive. She was responsible for lodging, food, and clothing for herself and her child. She didn't have anyone to rely on except herself. THIS is enough to make you cry and to hustle for work, knowing that if she wasn't working, she wasn't eating. What are you passionate about that will get you hustling? Are you passionate about a cause or charity that can benefit from your financial assistance? Do you need to pull yourself up out of financial despair? Don't be afraid to own that reason and fight for your business. This is how you will continue to get closer to understanding and recognizing the answer to “what's your why?” Don't be Afraid to Switch Business Gears to Discover Your “Why” One of my mentees admitted to me early on that even though she has been in a service business for over ten years, that she hadn't been motivated to create any classes or products as a source of passive income. She blamed her indecision on a lack of new ideas and a feeling and belief that everything she knew had already been said and done, but I questioned if it was because she didn't feel attached to her particular niche of online marketing. After some more discussion, she agreed and has since modified her services that align better with what she enjoys. I still suggested that she explore a deeper WHY but this is a step in the right direction. Plenty of businesses add or subtract products or services or modify their mission statement. If something about your business doesn't feel right, don't be afraid to make changes. I'm bestselling author and online entrepreneur Connie Ragen Green, and now I can confidently answer the question “What's your why?” with enthusiasm and conviction. My “why” is around the concept of helping others to achieve their goals and dreams with writing and having a profitable online business so they may follow their dreams and passions without having to do work that doesn't make their heart sing or worry about meeting all of their financial obligations with grace and ease. You can double your productivity and be success with a business, or with anything you choose to accomplish in your life, if you are willing to implement what you learn and take decisive action on a consistent basis. Many people come to me to learn how to successful and profitable as an online entrepreneur. But some of them end up saying “I already know that” and moving on to something else. I know that I am able to do more than I ever thought would be possible in my life because I am willing to learn, implement, course correct, ask questions, take massive action and keep moving forward with consistency. Others may be smarter or more knowledgeable, but if they hesitate to take action they will not achieve the results they are hoping for in their business or with anything else. As long as you are specific and intentional with what you want to achieve, you can do it all as an entrepreneur, just not all at once. And we must throw perfection out the window. I have a new saying… The more perfecter your goal, the less purfeckt your results. “Everything we do in our lives is preparing us for something that will arise in the future, even though we don’t yet know what that will be.” ~ Connie Ragen Green Our stories are the fabric of our life. A story sets you apart from everyone else, makes you unique and memorable, and is all you have when it's all said and done. When I was a young child a neighbor girl, seven or eight years old at the time, interrupted my mother in the middle of a story she was telling to ask, “Why do you have so many stories?” My mother hardly skipped a beat, informing the girl that “You'll have stories too, when you get older.” On that evening a part of me became a storyteller in training. Sure enough, it wasn't long before I was telling stories about everything from what I did in school that day to what happened in the neighborhood. I wore my storyteller's hat with pride and now I see that this one aspect of my life was preparing me for what I now do in my business and derive great joy from every single day. The word “praestabilis” is from the Latin and means outstanding, excellent, and extraordinary and this is the goal for you as you make your way in the online world. It took me until age 50 to step into the light and live an empowered life. I achieved this by leaving a job – classroom teaching – and a career as a real estate broker and appraiser to come online as an entrepreneur. I have no regrets about waiting so long, as everything unfolds once we are open to receiving it. There are three top strategies to help you move closer to an empowered life and they include… Writing – Every day, I want you to write! This includes blog posts, outlines, emails to your prospects, clients, and potential joint venture partners. Also, write short reports and white papers to show others who you are and what you know. Finally, write a book to solidify your expertise in your niche, and follow that up with additional books over time. Writing is crucial to our process of standing out from the crowd by sharing what we know and believe. Reach out to me if you’re interested in coming aboard for my “10 Week Author” program. Recent posts on my three blogs are at: “Broken Compass Stories We Tell Ourselves” – https://mondaymorningmellow.com/broken-compass-story/ “The eBook That Changed My Life” – https://hugeprofitstinylist.com/ebook-that-changed-my-life/ “Marketing Secrets from Creative Sources” – https://connieragengreen.com/marketing-secrets-from-creative-sources/ Speaking – I was the reluctant speaker, but once I got past my fears and insecurities you can’t get the microphone away from me. Speak about yourself and your topic to anyone who will listen. I began by speaking at my Rotary Club and I continue to recommend service organizations as a way to break in to speaking. Now I speak all over the world, in person and virtually on a variety of topics. Masterminding – Connecting with others for the sole purpose of reaching your full potential is crucial to life success. Find a Mastermind group to join, or start your own by inviting thought leaders to connect with you in this way. I have a group called the Incubator Mastermind that may be of interest to you. Hopefully, you can see that what I’m sharing with on each podcast will make a difference for you as you build and grow your business as an entrepreneur, author, and marketer. Make sure to think of marketing as a priority and get into the habit of sharing your best ideas and resources with the people who are on their way to becoming your raving fans! I’m always just an email away at conniegreenhouse at yahoo dot com if you’d like to connect with me. I promise to help you keep it simple while you grow your online business. Get started with your own eBook empire by learning how to write an eBook from the person who continues to guide me along this lucrative journey. Take a look at How to Write and Publish Your Own eBook…in as Little as 7 Days from expert and author Jim Edwards. Thank you for this opportunity to serve you as I share my beliefs, perceptions, and experiences as an author, online entrepreneur, and marketing strategist with you. Marketing has become the joy of my life as I continue to learn, grow, and share concepts with others. I'm bestselling author, marketing strategist, and online entrepreneur Connie Ragen Green and I would love to connect further with you to help you to achieve your goals. If you are interested in learning how to optimize the syndication of your content, please take a look at my popular Syndication Optimization training course and consider coming aboard to increase your visibility, credibility, and profitability. The post Praestabilis – Excellence in Marketing – 163 appeared first on Connie Ragen Green Podcast.

No beating around the bush - I'm just gonna say it... Noah was a weirdo. At least... that's what everyone in his neighborhood thought. I mean, compare Noah to any of the other guys in his Rotary Club and you'd certainly be singing, "One of these things is not like the other..." But in Noah's case, being a weirdo was a good thing. Because Noah's kind of 'weird' was righteous, blameless, and obedient to God.  Our service is at 11 AM on Sunday. You can connect with us online by clicking the "Join Us Sunday" button on our website or via our YouTube channel. Or, better yet, come worship with us in person! Arrive early and enjoy coffee, cookies and conversation in the Lobby. We do know that Sunday morning doesn't work for everyone. If that's you, the service will be available on-demand, so you can watch at a time that works better for your schedule. Come join us on Sunday! ----------------------------------- TAKE YOUR NEXT STEP ----------------------------------- Let us know that you were watching with us and you will be entered to receive a free prize by completing our Connection Card: http://dsf.church/ecard   Give Online: https://www.simplechurchgiving.net/App/Giving/dsf Message Notes: https://www.dayspringfellowship.com/messages   Like, comment & subscribe to stay updated!   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dayspringkeizer Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DayspringKeizer YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/dayspringfellowship Website: http://dsf.church   #dayspringkeizer #dayspringfellowship #2026sermon ___________________ Thanks for watching Dayspring Fellowship's worship service! At Dayspring Fellowship, we believe there is nothing more important than your spiritual growth.

On today's show, host Dana Pellebon speaks with Madison Police Chief John Patterson about the use of body-worn cameras in the Madison Police Department as well as how law enforcement can reduce bias in policing. The issue of body-worn cameras is again in the news following the police killing of Corey Ruiz in late July. Currently, body cameras are used by MPD but only in select units. Though some have called for the city to fund their widespread deployment, others say they cannot be treated as objective sources of information, citing studies of bias in juries who review body camera footage. Chief Patterson says that body cameras won't end racial disparities, but they can be a useful tool if they're accompanied by sound policy. He adds that body cameras can contribute to better transparency into first-person interactions between police officers and community members, greater opportunities for accountability related to individual performance and oversight, and improved training and professional development. As Chief Patterson comes up on the anniversary of his first year in this role, he says he'd like to see better “quality assurance” in the way MPD trains new officers and provides professional development and ultimately a police force that fulfills procedural justice. They also discuss Madison's district advisory boards, state statues around non-resident officers, the challenges of addressing conscious and unconscious bias in the police force, and the role of MPD in referring people to restorative courts.  John Patterson is a 28-year veteran of the Madison Police Department and currently serves as the Chief of Police. He holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Wisconsin–Madison and a master's degree from Edgewood University. Chief Patterson has worked in every area and neighborhood of Madison. He has also been a member and held leadership positions on the Special Events Team and SWAT. Chief Patterson currently serves on the board of Safe Communities, is a member of the Rotary Club of Madison, and for many years served on the board of Madison Festivals, Inc.  Featured image of a Minneapolis police officer wearing a body-worn camera via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0). Did you enjoy this story? Your funding makes great, local journalism like this possible. Donate hereThe post Madison Police Chief Says Body Cameras Are a Tool, Not a Solution appeared first on WORT-FM 89.9.

The Rotary Club of Orange is thrilled to confirm that the next Orange Sustainable Living Expo will take place on Sunday 20 September 2026, 9 am – 2 pm, in the Naylor Pavilion at Orange Showground. The Expo is again the flagship event of Sustainable Living Week, a city-wide programme celebrating practical, planet-friendly living.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An Auckland man who has been sleeping rough for months says the gift of a shelter bag was a game-changer this winter, helping him stay warm while waiting for housing. Rotary Clubs across the country have responded to increasing homelessness with a special fundraiser - they've imported a container of a thousand shelter bags for city missions and other charities to give out. Amy Williams reports.

Toledo Rotary's first Black president shares her vision for the club; Lou Hebert explores local history; Retiring WTOL 11 legend Dan Cummins looks back.

At a time when nearly everything feels polarized, Benji Backer is trying to carve out a different path, one where caring about the natural world isn't a partisan issue. As the founder of Nature Is Nonpartisan, he's bringing together voices from across the political spectrum who might disagree on climate policy, but still share a desire to preserve public lands, wildlife, and the outdoors.  Similarly, climate scientist Katharine Hayhoe firmly believes conversation – even with people you disagree with – can be one of the most powerful tools for climate action. And it starts from a place of respect. “If we begin a conversation by esteeming the other person rather than implicitly judging them, that conversation starts off with so much potential and can end in an incredibly surprising place,” Hayhoe says. Can conservation still serve as common ground in a divided country? What does it take to make environmentalism resonate beyond traditional audiences? Is a bipartisan movement possible in today's political climate? Guests:  Benji Backer, Founder and CEO, Nature is Nonpartisan Katharine Hayhoe, Climate scientist; Chief Scientist, The Nature Conservancy; Distinguished Professor, Texas Tech University For show notes and related links, visit ClimateOne.org. Highlights: 00:00 – Introduction 05:50 – Benji Backer on the origin of Nature is Nonpartisan 09:30 – Making an organization that's culturally relevant 13:24 – Backer's work on the Make America Beautiful Again Conservation Commission 21:00 – Working to undo polarization in conversations around climate and environment 24:50 – Backer on avoiding the word “climate” in certain conversations 32:00 – How Katharine Hayhoe deals with hateful messages online 33:30 – How Hayhoe talked about climate change to a Rotary Club in Texas 40:00 – Should scientists be more emotionally open when discussing climate? 45:00 – Hayhoe on what Bible teachings say about caring for the environment 48:15 – Hayhoe on how her Christian faith intersects with her climate research 54:45 – The power of taking action and starting conversations about climate change For show notes, transcripts, and related links, visit our episode page at ClimateOne.org Join Climate One for an electric conversation on October 14 at 6 p.m. between PG&E CEO Patti Poppe and California State Senator Scott Wiener about energy affordability, outages, and whether cities like San Francisco are ready to break up with the investor owned utility model. Tickets available at climateone.org/events  *** Support Climate One by going ad-free! By subscribing to Climate One on Patreon, you'll receive exclusive access to all future episodes free of ads, opportunities to connect with fellow Climate One listeners, and access to the Climate One Discord. Sign up today. *** Ad sales by Multitude. Contact them for ad inquiries at multitude.productions/ads Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

At a time when nearly everything feels polarized, Benji Backer is trying to carve out a different path, one where caring about the natural world isn't a partisan issue. As the founder of Nature Is Nonpartisan, he's bringing together voices from across the political spectrum who might disagree on climate policy, but still share a desire to preserve public lands, wildlife, and the outdoors.  Similarly, climate scientist Katharine Hayhoe firmly believes conversation – even with people you disagree with – can be one of the most powerful tools for climate action. And it starts from a place of respect. “If we begin a conversation by esteeming the other person rather than implicitly judging them, that conversation starts off with so much potential and can end in an incredibly surprising place,” Hayhoe says. Can conservation still serve as common ground in a divided country? What does it take to make environmentalism resonate beyond traditional audiences? Is a bipartisan movement possible in today's political climate? Guests:  Benji Backer, Founder and CEO, Nature is Nonpartisan Katharine Hayhoe, Climate scientist; Chief Scientist, The Nature Conservancy; Distinguished Professor, Texas Tech University For show notes and related links, visit ⁠ClimateOne.org⁠. Highlights: 00:00 – Introduction 05:50 – Benji Backer on the origin of Nature is Nonpartisan 09:30 – Making an organization that's culturally relevant 13:24 – Backer's work on the Make America Beautiful Again Conservation Commission 21:00 – Working to undo polarization in conversations around climate and environment 24:50 – Backer on avoiding the word “climate” in certain conversations 32:00 – How Katharine Hayhoe deals with hateful messages online 33:30 – How Hayhoe talked about climate change to a Rotary Club in Texas 40:00 – Should scientists be more emotionally open when discussing climate? 45:00 – Hayhoe on what Bible teachings say about caring for the environment 48:15 – Hayhoe on how her Christian faith intersects with her climate research 54:45 – The power of taking action and starting conversations about climate change For show notes, transcripts, and related links, visit ⁠our episode page⁠ at ClimateOne.org *** Join Climate One for an electric conversation on October 14 at 6 p.m. between PG&E CEO Patti Poppe and California State Senator Scott Wiener about energy affordability, outages, and whether cities like San Francisco are ready to break up with the investor owned utility model. Tickets available at ⁠climateone.org/events⁠  *** Support Climate One by going ad-free! By subscribing to Climate One on ⁠Patreon⁠, you'll receive exclusive access to all future episodes free of ads, opportunities to connect with fellow Climate One listeners, and access to the Climate One Discord. ⁠Sign up today⁠. *** Ad sales by ⁠Multitude⁠. Contact them for ad inquiries at ⁠multitude.productions/ads⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Memphis Police Chief C.J. Davis recently touted the success of Flock cameras and tactical drones at the Rotary Club, sparking a heated debate across the city. While officials point to declining crime metrics and suspects literally surrendering to hovering robots, many residents are left wondering where the line sits between community safety and overreaching surveillance. Also on the show: syndicated columnist Ron Hart joined the show to talk about golf and where he stands with Flock cameras, comedian Margeret Cho says comedy that makes fun of trans people leads to their murders, and a politician cosplays as Blues Clues in a bizarre viral clip. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Blake discusses why Ole Miss is actually going after LSU and what the real reasons are. Blake explains that they feel embarrassed, and they are lashing out.Also Blake gives his thoughts on Lane Kiffin's Rotary Club Presser, and breaks down why he walked away excited.(0:00) Ole Miss Wants To Be LSU So Bad(19:00) Where Is Everyone listening to from?(26:23) Lane Kiffin Rotary Club Takeaways(57:51) Ask Blake

In this episode, Blake discusses why Ole Miss is actually going after LSU and what the real reasons are. Blake explains that they feel embarrassed, and they are lashing out.Also Blake gives his thoughts on Lane Kiffin's Rotary Club Presser, and breaks down why he walked away excited.(0:00) Ole Miss Wants To Be LSU So Bad(19:00) Where Is Everyone listening to from?(26:23) Lane Kiffin Rotary Club Takeaways(57:51) Ask Blake

(Riverton, WY) – June Bailey, President of the Riverton Rotary Club and Treasurer, Marcia McBeath stopped by the County 10 Studio to tell us more about the Club and their 2nd annual “Scoot Those Old Boots” Shoe Drive! To hear the full conversation, simply click the player below or search for the County 10 Podcast anywhere you regularly listen to podcasts! Follow more from the Riverton Rotary Club via their Facebook page!

What if the fastest path out of exploitation isn't aid, but a paycheck? That's the premise behind Theodora Africa, a nonprofit that helps disadvantaged women in Ghana escape poverty and exploitation not through short-term assistance, but through real, paid work. Small & Gutsy host Dr. Laura Scherck Wittcoff sits down with Theodora Africa Founder and CEO Michael Podolny to trace how a business consulting trip to Ghana turned into an organization named for a 6th-century empress who rose from actress to co-ruler of the Byzantine Empire, and reshaped the systems that once judged her. Guest Michael Podolny, Founder & CEO, Theodora Africa Michael brings decades of experience coaching businesses and building professional networks in the US. He had no intention of starting a nonprofit when he traveled to Ghana through Rotary International to offer free business coaching. A chance introduction to a young woman named Mary and the discovery that her polished business plan was written by a woman surviving through sex work with no other options redirected his mission entirely. What is Theodora Africa? Theodora Africa takes a market-first approach to social impact. Instead of starting with aid or training alone, it starts with paid, in-demand work, specifically virtual assistant services for US-based solopreneurs and small businesses, and builds skills, training, and a pathway to greater independence around that income. The organization operates two connected entities: a US-based corporation that handles client billing, and a Ghana-based company that covers salaries, rent, and operating costs, with funds flowing directly from US clients to the women providing the services. Key Topics Covered The Empress Theodora connection Empress Theodora, born around 500 CE, rose from a low-status background as an actress and performer to become co-empress of the Byzantine Empire, actively shaping policy and using her position to improve protections for vulnerable women. Michael, a self-described history buff, chose the name deliberately: it's a symbolic through-line for women moving from constrained circumstances into agency and influence, and it resonated immediately with the women in the program when he shared the story with them. Mary's story Theodora Africa's origin traces back to one woman, Mary, whom Michael met while coaching small businesses in Ghana through Rotary. After a couple of meetings, Mary revealed she was a sex worker, having been left on her own as a teenager, unable to find legitimate work despite writing a genuinely strong business plan. Michael began teaching her marketing skills, newsletter tools, and connecting her to a built-in network of business contacts who owed him favors. That one relationship became the model for the entire organization. Mary is now Theodora Africa's operating manager in Ghana and sits on the board of a Rotary Club focused on ending human trafficking, with plans to become its president in 2027. Jobs first, not just training Michael is direct about what sets this model apart from many social service and anti-trafficking programs: most offer job training and placement, but placement often doesn't hold. Theodora Africa instead built its own small virtual assistant business first, so women are earning income and building real client relationships from day one, rather than being trained and released into an unsupported job market. Navigating cultural change Michael speaks candidly about the friction of building a US-style participative management culture inside a system shaped by generations of distrust, a legacy he attributes in part to the historical effects of the slave trade on West African society. He describes a period, worsened by COVID-19 fundraising collapses, when he was forced into day-to-day operations he wasn't suited for, and a crisis where staff felt he had favorites. His advisors, he says, often let him make mistakes rather than warning him in advance, believing that was the only way he'd truly learn. "Self-trafficked" and the illusion of choice Michael shares a phrase one of the women in the program used to describe her own path: "self-trafficked," the feeling of having made choices when, in reality, a lack of alternatives had made the outcome nearly inevitable. He describes this as one of the most effective forms of gaslighting, and frames Theodora Africa's economic model as a way of restoring real choice, not by preaching or condemning individual decisions, but by building better options. Scaling the model Theodora Africa currently supports five women with about 15 US-based clients, each biller earning wages that place them solidly in Ghana's middle class. New trainees go through roughly a year of training, paid throughout, before taking on their own clients, with recruitment and training handled through vetted partners like local Rotary clubs and the Muslim Family Counseling Service rather than direct outreach. Michael describes a "champion" model for expanding into new markets or regions: a US-based partner who understands a specific market's needs, paired with a local partner on the ground, tested and iterated over roughly a two-year pilot period. The organization also maintains an internal resource hub, "Theodora University," to help onboard and train new team members as tools and best practices evolve. A note on inspiration Michael describes his path into this work as something he didn't set out to do, framing it in spiritual terms as a kind of unexpected calling that reshaped his plans after arriving in Ghana with an entirely different mission in mind. How to Get Involved Learn more about the nonprofit: TheodoraAfrica.com Hire a virtual assistant or explore services for your business: TheodoraGhana.com Connect: Theodora Africa is looking to build a community of people and organizations who share similar goals and are rethinking how social impact is delivered Connect with Small & Gutsy Website: SmallandGutsy.org Email: Laura@SmallandGutsy.org Do you know a nonprofit or social enterprise doing incredible work? Send them our way! If you are a nonprofit or want to donate goods directly to a nonprofit, check out Givelink: www.https://givelink.app/en.    

Natalie Ghidotti, owner of a Little Rock-based PR agency, discusses the unique challenges that smaller markets present to PR practitioners and the power of combining a global network with deep local expertise.The middle of the country often gets forgotten in business. Natalie explains how her team at Ghidotti helps family-owned, B2B companies in the Heartland reach a national audience while staying true to their regional roots and Midwestern or Southern identities.She also highlights the importance of playing the "long game" in agency business development. By investing non-billable hours into building Lithium Link, a niche newsletter about Arkansas's emerging lithium industry, her firm has successfully positioned itself at the forefront of the state's economic future—demonstrating that treating your own agency like a client can yield massive networking dividends down the road.Natalie also talks about taking a successful Arkansas pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) reform campaign and scaling those strategies to other states, successfully beating a $7 million corporate advertising campaign with the power of earned media.Ultimately, Natalie stresses that whether you are scaling a local legislative win across the country or helping an outside brand break into a new region, success hinges on genuine community relationships, boots-on-the-ground knowledge, and utilizing networks like the Public Relations Global Network (PRGN) for national and international reach.Key Takeaways Understanding local markets and regional nuances is vital for developing effective public relations strategies and campaigns.Building deep local relationships is essential for PR agencies to offer global brands authentic regional relevance and elevate client engagement.Investing in content creation for emerging industries poised for future growth, such as lithium in Arkansas, can position agencies as thought leaders and open future business opportunities.Networks like PRGN play a crucial role in providing localized service with global reach, enhancing an agency's value proposition.About the Guest Natalie Ghidotti, APR, Fellow PRSA, is founder and CEO of Ghidotti, a public relations and content marketing agency she founded in 2007 that serves clients throughout the Heartland. She serves as Regional Vice President for North America for the Public Relations Global Network, where the agency represents the Southern region in this global network of 50 PR agencies. She is Immediate Past Chair for the Executive Committee for the Public Relations Society of America's national Counselors Academy and was recently named a Class of 2025 inductee into PRSA's College of Fellows, the highest national distinction in the public relations profession.Beyond her agency work, Natalie is an active member of the Little Rock community, serving on the board of directors for the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra and the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts and as Vice President for the Downtown Little Rock Partnership Executive Committee. She is a past president of The Rotary Club of Little Rock and the Arkansas Women's Leadership Forum and is a graduate of both Leadership Little Rock and Leadership Arkansas.About the Hosts Abbie Fink is president of HMA Public Relations in Phoenix, Arizona and a founding member of PRGN. Her marketing communications background includes skills in media relations, digital communications, social media strategies, special event management, crisis communications, community relations, issues management, and marketing promotions for both the private and public sectors, including such industries as healthcare, financial services, professional services, government affairs and tribal affairs, as well as not-for-profit organizations.Dr. Adrian McIntyre is a cultural anthropologist, media personality, speaker, and strategic communications consultant for PR agencies and marketing firms. He's lived in over 30 countries and spent more than a decade in the Middle East and Africa as a researcher, journalist, communications adviser, media spokesperson, and storytelling consultant. He earned a PhD from the University of California, Berkeley, where he was a Fulbright scholar and National Science Foundation fellow. Adrian helps agency leaders strengthen their positioning, sharpen their messaging, boost their visibility, and win new clients by replacing impersonal, intrusive and ineffective marketing tactics with authentic human conversations.PRGN Presents is brought to you by Public Relations Global Network, the world's local public relations agency. Our executive producer is Adrian McIntyre. The show is produced by the team at Speed of Story, a B2B communications firm in Phoenix, AZ.Follow the Podcast If you enjoyed this episode, please follow PRGN Presents in Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or any other podcast app. We publish new episodes every other Thursday. To have them delivered automatically and free of charge, just choose your preferred podcast player from this list, open the app, and click the button to “Follow” the show: https://prgnpodcast.com/listenNeed to hire a PR firm? Leading a business effectively in today's fast-paced world requires expert guidance and a strong communications strategy. No matter where you do business, PRGN has a member agency in your region with the deep industry expertise, international experience, and local market knowledge you need to connect with your target audience and achieve your goals. Find a PR firm near you »

Send us Fan MailWe travel to the United Arab Emirates to learn what Rotary looks like on the ground when your clubs are truly multicultural and your youth programs are built as a pipeline. We challenge common misconceptions about the UAE, then dig into how Interact and Rotaract in Dubai grow from reactivation to real demand and measurable service.• how Rotary operates in the UAE through the Association of Rotary Clubs and District 2452 across nine countries • what “emirates” means and why the UAE structure feels familiar to Americans • misconceptions about women's roles and what leadership actually looks like in Dubai and beyond • why Rotary being non-religious and non-political builds trust and makes service easier to scale • the practical system behind UAE youth growth from Interact to Rotaract to Rotary • real projects that drive momentum including blood donation drives, RYLA, professional development sessions, and the Rotary Youth Decoded podcast • youth-led environmental action through an Interact Eco Summit, mangrove planting, and Rotary Eco Dubai If you like the show, please tell a friend. We're also on YouTube and we blog. We hit the road quite often, so if you'd like the podcast to come your direction, RotarianPod at gmail.com, shoot me an email.Support the showJoin me as I talk to those "amazing people turning their Actions 2 Impact all over the world. #BE THE CHANGE

Pismo Beach Today 07/19/2026 12p: Dick Keenan, Narlene Carter Keenan, and Linda Osty talk about fundraising for the Rotary Club of Grover Beach. Produced by Jim Richards

Read more from VPM News:  Dominion Energy moves forward with plans for Cumberland natural gas plant  Cooling resources for Central Virginia's latest heat wave    Other links:  American Red Cross of Virginia: Emergency Blood Shortage  Legal challenge seeking to block Va.'s reproductive rights constitutional amendment dismissed (Virginia Mercury)  Demolition begins on Mayo Island as city plans new park (Richmond Times-Dispatch)*  Major Richmond apartment operator hit with multistate fair housing complaint (The Richmonder)  Red Cross of Virginia urges blood donations as emergency shortage strains national supply (WRIC)  Rotary Club places Imagination Library shipments on hold, cites funding shortfalls (29 News)  *This outlet uses a paywall.  Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism.

ETP Red River Valley Today with Michael Nickey and Jill Cobb of Rotary Club of Paris United - Eric talks to Michael and Jill about their experiences with the Rotary Club. Also, about the many community programs that the Rotary Club spearheads, as well as important local partnerships. 

Welcome to Episode 162 of Praestabilis: Excellence in Marketing Welcome to Episode #162 of “Praestabilis: Excellence in Marketing” In this episode, I’m talking about the “Weekly Business Consistency Plan” I created with ChatGPT recently. If you email me at conniegreenhouse@yahoo.com, I am happy to send you the share link for this training. Concistency is the primary reason that people are not successful in their endeavors in just about any area you can think of. I dealt with this as well when I came online as an entrepreneur. Please email me at the address above and I will send you the link for the “Weekly Business Consistency Plan” so you may get started right away. I am sharing a live session of my “Really Simple Authority Blogging” ongoing training course with you and know you will benefit from the marketing strategies I am sharing and teaching here. Be sure to connect with me at https://ConnieRagenGreen.com or on X at https://x.com/ConnieGreen so I may serve you in the areas where my help could make a huge difference in your results. I’m going to share with you how much fun I’m having with creating simple courses using AI (Artificial Intelligence) in about 30 minutes. I know you can do the same thing. Keep it simple, and add the short course you create to a page on your existing website/blog. In this episode I’m discussing how to use keywords and search engine optimization (SEO) to grow your business. Your prospects and future clients, customers, and colleagues are waiting to connect with you, but if they can’t find you online it will never happen. Make it simple for your target audience to find you by using the keywords and phrases they are most likely to be searching for on Google, Bing, and the other search engines. The Power and Gift of Change”- We are all changing throughout each day, and I think we must embrace this change in order to grow and move forward. Changing can take many forms, and if you look back through your life you will come to understand that you are not the same person you were even a year ago. Here is a quote about this you may resonate with… “Growth lives outside the comfort zone. If it feels uncomfortable, you’re probably doing it right.” ~ Marie Forleo I believe that our businesses are based on the concept of serving others. When you start on online (or even a brick and mortar) business, your goal is to serve others with what you know and to benefit in multiple ways, including by earning an excellent income. I’m sharing several examples in this podcast about my own and experiences with clients over the years. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ This morning I was reading the message written by outgoing Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy. In it, he stated that his “parting prescription” for the American people is to cultivate a strong sense of community to help themselves and others. He added, “Relationships, service, and purpose are the time-tested triad of fulfillment that stands in contrast to wealth, fame, and power which define the modern-day triad of success.” Here are some other questions I want you to ask yourself: What is your commitment to yourself and to others close to you? Why are you focused on the things that are taking up your time? When will you begin to focus on goals that will allow you to create and leave a legacy? Whom do you trust to get you there? Perhaps my “Monthly Mentoring Program” is right for you. Motivation and Inspiration: What It Takes to Get Your Spark Back” During 2024 I went through a period where I wasn’t as motivated as I had been accustomed to being for many years. This gave me time to explore why I was feeling this way and to hopefully learn something that would help others. My inspiration to do all of the things I love in my business, including writing, creating, marketing, and mentoring was waning and I wasn’t sure why. Within a couple of months I was back on track and this is what I learned… Life isn’t easy, but then it isn’t supposed to be. Being challenged in so many ways on a regular basis makes us stronger and perhaps more appreciative and grateful for what we already have and what we know we can achieve if we believe in ourselves and have even one other person who knows we are special and tells us that as often as possible. Marie Forleo wrote a book titled “Everything Is Figureoutable” – https://ConnieLoves.me/FigureOutAble – Her precept is that if you’re having trouble solving a problem or reaching a dream, the problem isn’t you. It’s that you haven’t yet installed the one belief that changes everything. I’m at conniegreenhouse at yahoo dot com and want to hear from you on this topic, or on anything else. “Merging Your Life with Your Business” as a strategy. We aren’t creating a business we need a vacation from. Instead, we’re creating a “lifestyle by design” where we have the time and financial freedom to live in a way that few people are able to, and with choices around everything we do. If you’ve met me in person, heard me on my podcast, or read any of my books, you know that I am a very positive person. No matter what situation or circumstances arises, I truly believe there will always be a positive outcome on the horizon, and sooner rather than later. But I wasn’t always this way. This is a journey that continues… My first year online was 2006, and very quickly I connected with people I’m still part of a Mastermind with in Austin, Texas. I was invited to speak at an event there a couple of years later. It was hosted by Joe Vitale and Mendhi Audlin was also there. She shared a concept she had come up with that she calls “What If… UP!” The premise is that there is truly a silver lining in everything negative that occurs. I liken this to Newton’s Third Law of Motion: For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. My precept and general rule for life is that we can achieve anything we want and feel that we deserve. Others want to help us to achieve our goals, but many times we get in their way by telling ourselves stories that aren’t true. Mendhi’s precept aligns with mine, and a year or so after I first met her she published a book on this… “What If It All Goes Right?: Creating a New World of Peace, Prosperity & Possibility” by Mendhi Audlin reveals the secret to turning possibilities into a tangible reality. It works! https://ConnieLoves.me/WhatIfUp I’m discussing the importance of being willing to “Better Your Best” during this new year, as well as recommending that this be the year you finally embrace AI – Artificial Intelligence – for your business. I have been a student of and someone who uses AI almost daily since February of 2022, and I’m learning from experts Andy O”Bryan and Denise Wakeman in their ongoing AI Success Club. Asking “How Are You Defining Success?” Creating a business as an entrepreneur allows you to live a lifestyle by design, with both time freedom and financial freedom. Think about how you want to live each day and then take action to make it happen. Over the years I’ve changed many things, while others have remained the same. Instead of making changes just for the sake of change, think about what you could change up and what makes sense to remain at least mostly the same. Years ago, I used to put together my blog posts on a single topic, like copywriting or list building or creation digital products into a simple document that I referred to as a ‘Focus Guide’ and gave them away to my list and to my prospects. Each of these documents contained resources and an ‘About the Author’ page that helped me to build my credibility, visibility, and profitability. For the first time ever, I am recommending that you write a book about yourself, your niche topic, and how you serve others. I first did this in 2009 and now I have written and published twenty-eight full-length, non-fiction books on the topics of entrepreneurship, personal, development, and authorship. Life can be messy. Are their ways you can keep moving forward when your personal life is turning upside down? Yes! Finding joy in helping and serving others, as well as compartmentalizing what is currently going on in your life are just two of the ways to deal with change and situations outside of your control. I recommend that you choose two social media platforms to use for the sole purpose of helping your prospects find and connect with you online. My favorite is X – formerly known as Twitter, and I also use LinkedIn and YouTube as my favorite social media sites to grow my business. Please connect with me on these sites and let me know how I may best serve you as you build and grow your profitable business. Is your list of what you are willing to do longer than your list of what you don’t want to do? I recommend a mile-long “to-do” list and a daily schedule of no more than four things that you will work on each day in your business. Find a mentor who believes in you and get started with creating a lifestyle by design that you want and deserve. I’m recommending James Clear’s “Atomic Habits” – https://ConnieLoves.me/AtomicHabits – as a book to help you alleviate your fears. We all have hopes, dreams, goals, and fears regarding our life experiences. I have found that if we build up our confidence and have faith that everything will turn out in a way that will be beneficial to all, we can continue to move forward without negative effects. Having an online business requires confidence. These are some questions to ask yourself: Who will you serve? What are your prospects pain points? What’s your idea? How will it be created, and then delivered? How will you sell it online? Creating a simple product or online course is the beginning of living a lifestyle by design. Reach out to me any time at conniegreenhouse at yahoo dot com if you’d like to know more about getting started as an online entrepreneur. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ My first online course back in 2006 was a simple one with three audio trainings and a workbook. Then, I began creating more sophisticated, but not more complicated courses. I’ve used the “Really Simple” branding for many courses at least 25 times, as well as using other terms and phrases based on the keywords I am optimizing for with each new course. Having your own online course on a topic you want to become known for will give you leverage to grow your business exponentially over time. It’s interesting to me that we as humans sometimes take things for granted that later on we know we should have appreciated in the moment. What I’m referring to here is having an online business you can run from home, or from anywhere in the world. There’s a window of opportunity that isn’t always open, and right now this window is wide open to everyone. A lot of it depends upon economic factors. I almost went back to graduate school two years ago to study economics, but decided against it because of the film and television writing I’m pursuing, but that’s a story for another time. Someone I work closely with had posted this quote from Richard Branson the other day: “Business opportunities are like buses, there’s always another one coming.” This does NOT apply to online business, but instead refers to starting a physical, brick and mortar business. I know several people in both of my cities who borrowed against their homes, cashed out retirement savings, and sold family heirlooms to start businesses in the community, only to go bankrupt a couple of years later. What I’m saying here is that this is the time to get your online business off the ground and up and running profitably. It’s so inexpensive in comparison, and the biggest expense I incur is what I pay mentors to guide me in the right direction. Yes, I still have a mentor and recommend you do as well. This isn’t coaching, but instead a personal relationship you’ll build over time that could lead to strategic alliance partnerships and lifelong friendships. I’m at conniegreenhouse at yahoo dot com if you want to know more about mentoring with me. The four widely accepted learning modalities (or modes) are known by the acronym VARK: Visual, Auditory, Reading/Writing, Kinesthetic. They are sometimes inaccurately referred to as “learning styles” which implies that each learner has a “style” of learning that should be maximized in all learning situations. Focusing on consistency, productivity, and creativity makes sense for all online entrepreneurs in 2024. I’m also sharing some effective and time-proven strategies with you here that will make a difference in your business, as well as in your personal life experience. Each day I focus on writing, creating, marketing, and teaching/learning/mentoring. My writing began as short and simple blog posts and blossomed into more than twenty-five full-length books. My writing is my oeuvre, my body of work that is my legacy to family, friends, colleagues, and those who follow me. During 2023 I wrote and published more than 400 thousand words. This breaks down to one full-length book, Self-Directed: Inspire, Motivate, and Empower Yourself to the Greatness That Lies Within; the current book on marketing that is more than halfway written; 8 short reports on topics of interest to the people I work with online; one hundred thirty-eight blog posts on three different blogs I maintain; and 382 email messages to my online community. These are  practical strategies for effective time management, emphasizing the importance of creating a balance between work and personal life. Achieving work-life harmony requires effective time management strategies that allow you to balance professional and personal responsibilities. Here are some strategies to help you manage your time more efficiently: 1. Set Clear Priorities: Identify your most important tasks and priorities for both work and personal life. Focus on what truly matters and allocate time accordingly. 2. Use a Time Management System: Choose a time management system that works for you, whether it’s a digital tool like Todoist or Trello, or a physical planner. Organize tasks, set deadlines, and track your progress. Schedules vs To-Do Lists 3. Prioritize Tasks with the Eisenhower Matrix: Categorize tasks into four quadrants: urgent and important, important but not urgent, urgent but not important, and neither urgent nor important. Prioritize tasks based on these categories. 4. Batch Similar Tasks: Group similar tasks together and tackle them during specific time blocks. This reduces the mental load of switching between different types of activities. 5. Time Blocking: Allocate specific blocks of time to different activities. This includes work tasks, personal commitments, and breaks. Stick to the schedule as much as possible. 6. Learn to Say No: Be selective about taking on new commitments. Saying no when necessary helps you avoid over-committing and allows you to focus on your existing priorities. 7. Delegate When Possible: Delegate tasks that others can handle. This applies to both professional and personal responsibilities. It’s okay to ask for help. 8. Practice the Two-Minute Rule: If a task takes less than two minutes, do it immediately. This prevents small tasks from piling up and becoming overwhelming. 9. Limit Multitasking: Focus on one task at a time. Multitasking can reduce efficiency and increase stress. Complete one task before moving on to the next. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ You’re starting a conversation with your emails, and building a relationship with your prospects, customers, and clients over time. I’ve been online as an entrepreneur, marketer, and writer since 2006, and while much has changed, I believe that more has remained the same. Here, I’m discussing how we marketed in those early days, and why email marketing still remains top of mind. Most recently, I’ve co-hosted an Advanced Email Marketing Conference with Ellen Finkelstein. In April of 2023, I hosted my latest live marketing event in Los Angeles, and more recently I’ve hosted my Santa Barbara Retreat for those I mentor and teach. But like everyone else, I began by attending live events, and eventually virtual events in order to find my voice, connect with other like-minded people, and learn more about building and growing my online business. Guerilla marketing is a way to drive publicity and, as a result, brand awareness by promoting using unconventional methods designed to evoke surprise, wonder, or shock. Guerrilla marketing is the creating use of novel or unconventional methods in order to boost sales or attract interest in a brand or business. These methods are often low- or no-cost and involve the widespread use of more personal interactions or through viral social media messaging. This marketing method has increased in popularity with the rise of ubiquitous mobile and connected technologies that can amplify messaging and focus on target groups of consumers. Some consumers may be more attracted by guerrilla marketing campaigns as they may be more interesting and daring, while others may be turned off because of the perceived “disruptive” aspects of this style of marketing. Please subscribe and leave me a review. And connect with me at https://ConnieRagenGreen.com. Find out more about me HERE. Becoming an online entrepreneur was the best decision I ever made. I’ve been online since 2006 and now help others all over the world to do the same or something similar. We all have times where we are feeling a little down, lost, or confused. Life isn’t easy, and no one makes it out alive! These are my recommendations for how to get back on track and feeling more happy and optimistic about your future… Write! Whether you’re already a writer or are just beginning to think about sharing your thoughts, ideas, and experiences with others, writing makes sense. I write every single day and publish much of my writing as blog posts, short reports, and full-length books. Writing opens your mind to what you want in the future, by allowing you to explore the past through your memories. You can also retell and reframe your stories in a way that will serve you going forward. Start a new project! I usually create products and courses as new projects, but this can also manifest as something you build or create with your hands. I have family members on two continents that love to put together complex jigsaw puzzles. They look forward to these as a new project on a regular basis. Volunteer! Before I started my online business, I promised myself I would volunteer my time and donate money to charitable causes… as soon as I had the time and the money to do so. Once I had my own business, I realized that I had some time and a little money to do this all along. Spend time with new people! As a part of the volunteering I now do regularly, I’ve spent time with very young children, veterans, women starting over after being in a domestic violence situation, and more. This work continues to make a difference in my life. As you can see, there are many ways to get back to your “Why?” and I hope this has been helpful to you. What’s the best niche topic to cover in your blog? I know you don’t what to hear me say “It depends.” so I won’t. Lean in, and I’ll share the very best niche for you, and it’s one that is also the most profitable, will feel more like you’re just having fun, will never go out of style, and will be the one that has absolutely zero competition. Which niche topic and target audience could it possibly be? I won’t keep you in suspense any longer. I learned when I began online 17 years ago that the best niche for anyone is the one that makes your heart sing and is probably a topic you take for granted. I had been teaching school for twenty years and my students were mostly Spanish and Tagalog native speakers. I told them if they wrote just a few sentences every single day – weekends, holidays, and school breaks included – their writing would improve. Those who followed my advice excelled, while those who didn’t floundered. During all those years, I seldom wrote anything unless it was required for my work as a teacher or for my part-time work in real estate. Fast forward to 2006, and I realized not only that I needed to write in order to succeed online, but also that what I’d done with my students would apply here as well. My niche for the next eighteen months was around helping others to write, publish, market, and sell eBooks. I wrote one on real estate farming – choosing and area close to home to connect with people who may need your services – as an example and sold it on my website. Back then, you had to sell eBooks on your own websites, as Amazon had not yet entered the world of self-publishing. My niche and website became “eBook writing and marketing secrets” and this topic took me to six figures. I was learning right along with the people who were learning and buying from me. I then moved that site over to https://ConnieRagenGreen.com to make a name for myself and to branch out to other topics. The bottom line is that you must begin by sharing what you already know something about and love. Blogging is the direct path to the visibility, credibility, and profitability you wish to have in your business. In my business, every idea begins as a blog post. This is where I think and research and brainstorm what’s on my mind in the very beginning. The blog post is ground zero for what could, and many times does become a product, course or program. Blog posts, while based on your idea, can be created with original content, private label (PLR) rights content, guest content, or curated content. While I immediately share my published posts on social media as “micro content” you’ll want to wait at least 24 hours before syndicating your content on Medium. I also teach this syndication strategy in my popular and ongoing Syndication Optimization training program. Next up in your content creation and content marketing strategy is a short report, which you may sell online or give away as a lead magnet. I teach all of this in my Really Simple Short Reports training. This is what we refer to as “cornerstone” content that is extremely valuable. The final step is creating “authority content” by publishing your writing as a Kindle or paperback book to increase your visibility and build your reputation as an expert on your topic. I typically discuss time management and productivity in regards to entrepreneurs, marketers, and authors, and I’ve even co-authored a bestselling book on this topic, entitled “Time Management Strategies for Entrepreneurs: How to Manage Your Time to Increase Your Bottom Line” where we outline in great details the steps you may take to reach a level of optimal productivity and time management as an entrepreneur. But what about everyone else? Doesn’t every person deserve to live the lifestyle they want and deserve, where they enjoy financial freedom and the time to enjoy every moment to the fullest? Of course they do, and that’s what I’m sharing during this podcast. When I began online as a new entrepreneur in 2006, I realized immediately I would need help with technology and graphics, as these were the areas where I had no experience or talent. I bartered for these services for the first year or so, and then began to put together a team of people to support me so my business could grow. When I look back over my lifetime, I see that I have always had a team supporting me, whether it was while I worked as a classroom teacher, or in real estate as a broker and residential appraiser. Even while I was growing up, I was surrounded by people who supported me, from family, friends and neighbors to teachers, clergy, and people in the community. Put together your team and watch your business grow exponentially! When it comes to your visibility as an entrepreneur, where may we find you to see what you’re doing? This expert status comes from your writing, videos and audios, and your social media presence on the most active platforms for your target audience. My three popular and active blogs are at ConnieRagenGreen.com, HugeProfitsTinyList.com, and at MondayMorningMellow.com. Credibility is about what you already know and what you are learning. We all started our online businesses as adults, so we brought our knowledge and experiences with us. It made sense for me to help people write, market, and publish eBooks in the beginning, because I had worked as a classroom teacher for twenty years prior to coming online, and was learning about marketing and self-publishing. Profitability means that you must ask “What’s for sale?” every day in your business. Create your own simple products and courses, recommend others with affiliate marketing, and look into buying the resale rights to sell other people’s products as your own like I continue to do in my own business. The final part of this information on your expert status as an entrepreneur includes productivity, consistency, and attention to detail. Get everything in place as quickly as possible, and your online business is sure to grow exponentially! During my first couple of years online, beginning in 2007 I connected with mentors Alex Mandossian and Raymond Aaron. When I inquired as to what they were doing together as strategic alliance partners, they gave me a brief explanation and told me that I was not yet ready to move up to this level. Over the next two years they helped me to grow and elevate my business and my mindset as an online entrepreneur so that I could connect with others in this way. Seek out the people and groups you wish to be involved with and show them that you have moved past tactics and on to strategies. It will make all the difference and as you uplevel everything you’re doing online in your business, your free time and disposable income will increase exponentially! When I work with people in my Incubator Mastermind Mentoring program, the goal is to move them into position to become a strategic alliance partner with me and others to share their message in a bigger way. WHY did you choose the career you started your working life with? WHY did you get married, have children, and move into your first home? WHY did you make the conscious decision to leave your career at some point and start your business? WHY do you want to be an author or entrepreneur, or coach? WHY do you get up every single day and do the work required to become more successful on an ongoing basis? Everyone must have a WHY and there are no right or wrong answers here. But if you find yourself unmotivated to work or if you find yourself procrastinating on projects, then it's time to re-examine the main reason for your business. Name Your Reason – or Your WHY – for Starting a Business Focusing on your WHY can help motivate you, so write down your reason for starting a business on a regular basis. Did you want to fill your free time? Did you want to earn some play money or contribute to the family finances? Did you want to pay the medical bills of an aging parent or a sick child? Did you want to pay for your child's higher education or private school tuition? In my case, my answer to “what's your why?” was always around having enough income to live life on my terms. Over time, I came to the realization that every choice I was making, and each time I could not do something that had meaning for me, was all related to me needing to earn a paycheck or a commission from the classroom teaching and real estate work I was involved with each day. I missed just about every family event, vacation, and other activities because I was working 60 or more hours a week in order to cover my bills and other expenses. I wasn't angry or resentful because I believed that I didn't deserve to have a better life during those decades. This all changed in 2005 when I began reading books and attending events based on self improvement and personal development principles. Writing these reasons down – no matter what they are because every person's WHY will be different – should help motivate you to work hard. You should feel driven to make your business a success. You should be willing to tackle things outside your comfort zone because you know the end result will help your business. If you're not feeling motivated, then you need to dig deeper. I worked closely with a woman who was struggling to make her online business become profitable, and she continued to tell me that she had no problems or struggles in her life, currently or during her younger years. Then, one day she told me about her granddaughter who had passed away at age twelve and the floodgates opened. We got to the bottom of things, she discovered her why, and her business grew by leaps and bounds, almost overnight! Be Open and Willing to Examine Your Inner Feelings Life is fluid and ever-changing so it stands to reason that your WHY would change over time as well. Even if you started your business because you didn't know what to do once your kids were in full day school, you can change that WHY to something more meaningful now. A mentor once shared with me that she started a service business because she was a single mom and needed to earn money to survive. She was responsible for lodging, food, and clothing for herself and her child. She didn't have anyone to rely on except herself. THIS is enough to make you cry and to hustle for work, knowing that if she wasn't working, she wasn't eating. What are you passionate about that will get you hustling? Are you passionate about a cause or charity that can benefit from your financial assistance? Do you need to pull yourself up out of financial despair? Don't be afraid to own that reason and fight for your business. This is how you will continue to get closer to understanding and recognizing the answer to “what's your why?” Don't be Afraid to Switch Business Gears to Discover Your “Why” One of my mentees admitted to me early on that even though she has been in a service business for over ten years, that she hadn't been motivated to create any classes or products as a source of passive income. She blamed her indecision on a lack of new ideas and a feeling and belief that everything she knew had already been said and done, but I questioned if it was because she didn't feel attached to her particular niche of online marketing. After some more discussion, she agreed and has since modified her services that align better with what she enjoys. I still suggested that she explore a deeper WHY but this is a step in the right direction. Plenty of businesses add or subtract products or services or modify their mission statement. If something about your business doesn't feel right, don't be afraid to make changes. I'm bestselling author and online entrepreneur Connie Ragen Green, and now I can confidently answer the question “What's your why?” with enthusiasm and conviction. My “why” is around the concept of helping others to achieve their goals and dreams with writing and having a profitable online business so they may follow their dreams and passions without having to do work that doesn't make their heart sing or worry about meeting all of their financial obligations with grace and ease. You can double your productivity and be success with a business, or with anything you choose to accomplish in your life, if you are willing to implement what you learn and take decisive action on a consistent basis. Many people come to me to learn how to successful and profitable as an online entrepreneur. But some of them end up saying “I already know that” and moving on to something else. I know that I am able to do more than I ever thought would be possible in my life because I am willing to learn, implement, course correct, ask questions, take massive action and keep moving forward with consistency. Others may be smarter or more knowledgeable, but if they hesitate to take action they will not achieve the results they are hoping for in their business or with anything else. As long as you are specific and intentional with what you want to achieve, you can do it all as an entrepreneur, just not all at once. And we must throw perfection out the window. I have a new saying… The more perfecter your goal, the less purfeckt your results. “Everything we do in our lives is preparing us for something that will arise in the future, even though we don’t yet know what that will be.” ~ Connie Ragen Green Our stories are the fabric of our life. A story sets you apart from everyone else, makes you unique and memorable, and is all you have when it's all said and done. When I was a young child a neighbor girl, seven or eight years old at the time, interrupted my mother in the middle of a story she was telling to ask, “Why do you have so many stories?” My mother hardly skipped a beat, informing the girl that “You'll have stories too, when you get older.” On that evening a part of me became a storyteller in training. Sure enough, it wasn't long before I was telling stories about everything from what I did in school that day to what happened in the neighborhood. I wore my storyteller's hat with pride and now I see that this one aspect of my life was preparing me for what I now do in my business and derive great joy from every single day. The word “praestabilis” is from the Latin and means outstanding, excellent, and extraordinary and this is the goal for you as you make your way in the online world. It took me until age 50 to step into the light and live an empowered life. I achieved this by leaving a job – classroom teaching – and a career as a real estate broker and appraiser to come online as an entrepreneur. I have no regrets about waiting so long, as everything unfolds once we are open to receiving it. There are three top strategies to help you move closer to an empowered life and they include… Writing – Every day, I want you to write! This includes blog posts, outlines, emails to your prospects, clients, and potential joint venture partners. Also, write short reports and white papers to show others who you are and what you know. Finally, write a book to solidify your expertise in your niche, and follow that up with additional books over time. Writing is crucial to our process of standing out from the crowd by sharing what we know and believe. Reach out to me if you’re interested in coming aboard for my “10 Week Author” program. Recent posts on my three blogs are at: “Broken Compass Stories We Tell Ourselves” – https://mondaymorningmellow.com/broken-compass-story/ “The eBook That Changed My Life” – https://hugeprofitstinylist.com/ebook-that-changed-my-life/ “Marketing Secrets from Creative Sources” – https://connieragengreen.com/marketing-secrets-from-creative-sources/ Speaking – I was the reluctant speaker, but once I got past my fears and insecurities you can’t get the microphone away from me. Speak about yourself and your topic to anyone who will listen. I began by speaking at my Rotary Club and I continue to recommend service organizations as a way to break in to speaking. Now I speak all over the world, in person and virtually on a variety of topics. Masterminding – Connecting with others for the sole purpose of reaching your full potential is crucial to life success. Find a Mastermind group to join, or start your own by inviting thought leaders to connect with you in this way. I have a group called the Incubator Mastermind that may be of interest to you. Hopefully, you can see that what I’m sharing with on each podcast will make a difference for you as you build and grow your business as an entrepreneur, author, and marketer. Make sure to think of marketing as a priority and get into the habit of sharing your best ideas and resources with the people who are on their way to becoming your raving fans! I’m always just an email away at conniegreenhouse at yahoo dot com if you’d like to connect with me. I promise to help you keep it simple while you grow your online business. Get started with your own eBook empire by learning how to write an eBook from the person who continues to guide me along this lucrative journey. Take a look at How to Write and Publish Your Own eBook…in as Little as 7 Days from expert and author Jim Edwards. Thank you for this opportunity to serve you as I share my beliefs, perceptions, and experiences as an author, online entrepreneur, and marketing strategist with you. Marketing has become the joy of my life as I continue to learn, grow, and share concepts with others. I'm bestselling author, marketing strategist, and online entrepreneur Connie Ragen Green and I would love to connect further with you to help you to achieve your goals. If you are interested in learning how to optimize the syndication of your content, please take a look at my popular Syndication Optimization training course and consider coming aboard to increase your visibility, credibility, and profitability. The post Praestabilis – Excellence in Marketing – 162 appeared first on Connie Ragen Green Podcast.

Give us about fifteen minutes daily, and we will give you all the local news, sports, weather, and events you can handle.   SPONSORS: Many thanks to our sponsors… Annapolis Subaru, the SPCA of Anne Arundel County, MacMedics, Covington Alsina, and Hospice of the Chesapeake, On today's DNB, Annapolis is asking for public input on its next police chief, I-97 reopening after extreme heat buckled the highway, Homestead Gardens bringing back its Crape Myrtle Festival, live music on Thursday at the Annapolis Maritime Museum, and tickets going on sale for the Rotary Club of Annapolis' 81st annual Crab Feast. Today is also Ticket Tuesday from Rams Head On Stage and a historical message from Historic Annapolis! Daily Newsletter Subscription Link: https://forms.aweber.com/form/87/493412887.htm The Eye On Annapolis Daily News Brief is produced every Monday through Friday at 6:00 am and available wherever you get your podcasts and also on our social media platforms--All Annapolis and Eye On Annapolis (FB) and @eyeonannapolis (TW) NOTE: For hearing-impaired subscribers, a full transcript is available on Eye On Annapolis.

Had the chance to talk to Ken Schaefer, President of the Saint Paul Rotary Club joins Jason to preview the return of the fireworks in Saint Paul in part due to the Rotary Club piecing enough together to make it happen! He shares more on this event and how Saint Paul was able to bring back this Fourth of July tradition!

Pismo Beach Today 06/14/2026 12p: Linda Osty and Paul Holden of the Grover Beach Rotary Club. Produced by Jim Richards

This special episode lives up to that designation.Yesterday, Ojai lost one of its most accomplished and respected citizens, Al West, who passed away at the age of 94.Today we're revisiting a conversation from our archives so that listeners can hear directly from a man who dedicated his life to caring for forests, watersheds, and communities. This is my conversation with Al West.When Al West arrived in Ojai as a young District Ranger in the 1960s, few could have imagined the impact he would have on our valley — or on America's public lands.Born in England and immigrating to North America in the early 1950s, Al built a distinguished career in forestry and natural resource management that eventually carried him all the way to Washington, D.C., where he served as Deputy Chief of the U.S. Forest Service, the agency's second-highest position. Along the way, he helped shape national policy on forestry, fire management, aviation, watersheds, and conservation.Yet despite his national accomplishments, Al never lost sight of the communities and landscapes he loved. Ojai remained one of those places. After retirement, he devoted countless hours to local service through organizations including the Rotary Club of Ojai, where he served as president, as well as numerous environmental and civic groups dedicated to protecting forests, watersheds, and open spaces.In 2005, Al was recognized as an Ojai Living Treasure, an honor reserved for individuals whose lives have enriched our community in extraordinary ways.Al West passed away yesterday at age 94. In tribute, we're reposting this conversation from our archives — a chance to hear directly from a man whose life embodied stewardship, leadership, humility, and service.Thank you, Al. Ojai is better because you were here.

Part 1 - Host Neville James is joined by guests Rob Husted and Carl Suma, experienced mixologists, along with Jacqueline Heyliger, the President of Rotary Club of St. Croix Mid-Isle and Anestine Etienne from the Rotary Club, to promote the upcoming Iron Bartender competition at Diageo. The group discusses the art of bartending, from flair techniques and cocktail creation to responsible alcohol service, while emphasizing training, creativity, and guest experience. The segment also highlights the Rotary's community work and the event's purpose as a fundraiser supporting education and local initiatives across St. Croix.

Bobby talks with Peter Giersch, a business leader and consultant, about Peter's book "Talking of Michelangelo," a travelogue and an enjoyable narrative of his own journey in prayer and deeper conversion. - Connect with Peter: https://www.gierschgroup.com/MilwaukeeAccountants/PeterGiersch"Talking of Michelangelo" with Sophia Institute Press: https://sophiainstitute.com/product/talking-of-michelangelo/Peter Giersch is the author of Talking of Michelangelo (Sophia Institute Press). Currently serving as founder and CEO of the Giersch Group, Peter has published several Catholic devotional books, including Day by Day with the Catechism, and has been active in Legatus and the Rotary Club. He is a former member of the board of the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra and collaborates musically with his talented children, streaming as Giersch At Last. Peter lives near Milwaukee with his wife of more than thirty years and with whichever of his five children might be living at home at the moment.-- Thank you for listening! For more info on our talks, books, and resources, please visit our website at: ⁠⁠⁠https://jackieandbobby.com/⁠ ⁠⁠ If you feel called to support us financially in this ministry endeavor, please prayerfully consider visiting our support page: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/jackieandbobby

In this episode of Ojai Talk of the Town, Bret Bradigan sits down with Richa Badami — actor, director, and founder of the Living Theatre Academy of Dramatic Arts in Ojai — whose journey runs from the intensity of the Indian film and television industry to the intimate, exacting work of training young actors in a small but culturally ambitious town.Badami's career began in India, where she worked in film and television before turning her focus toward directing and teaching. That evolution — shaped by mentors, artistic rigor, and a search for deeper meaning — eventually led her to Ojai, where she has built something rare: not just a youth program, but a working theatre company. At the Living Theatre Academy, young performers are held to professional standards, immersed in ensemble practice, and challenged to engage with material that demands emotional truth and intellectual depth.In this conversation, Badami reflects on the teachers who shaped her, the influence of Jiddu Krishnamurti on her approach to art and education, and the role theatre can play in developing life skills — discipline, empathy, collaboration — that extend far beyond the stage. She also shares candid thoughts on her experiences within the Indian film world, including projects like Rise, Roar & Revolt and Monsoon Wedding, and what it means to navigate identity across the global Indian diaspora.The discussion comes at a moment when her company is mounting an ambitious Spring season featuring The Wolves and The Outsiders — two works that, on the surface, could not be more different, yet converge on a central question: how young people find their place in the world. The Academy's production of The Wolves, a Pulitzer Prize finalist, demands precision, vulnerability, and true ensemble work, while The Outsiders channels the enduring story of Ponyboy and the Greasers with a cast close in age to the characters themselves, bringing unusual immediacy and authenticity to a generational classic. Performances run May 22–24 (The Wolves) and May 29–31 (The Outsiders) at Matilija Auditorium — an opportunity for Ojai audiences to witness the kind of serious, youth-driven theatre typically associated with far larger cities. If you think of student theatre as light fare, think again. What Badami is building is disciplined, emotionally resonant, and unmistakably alive —and for young people in Ojai, it's an extraordinary gift.Go see it.We talked about her membership in the Rotary Club of Ojai, navigating a move from the East Coast to Ojai with teen-aged children, her recent visit to London where her daughter performed with the Royal Academy of the Dramatic Arts. We did not talk about mahseer fishing, Bengal tigers or the films of Alejandro Jodorowsky. For more information, check out https://www.livingtheateracademy.com/

The chat features Sara Murdock, an award-winning pharmacist and key integrator on the front line of modern health, addressing the reality that people actively use both pharmaceuticals and natural therapies.   The central challenge is ensuring this dual approach is done safely, a dilemma highlighted by Sara's inability to recommend beloved products like turmeric due to potential harmful interactions with certain medications. This underscores her definition of Integrative Healthcare: leveraging the best of both worlds with structure, accountability, and paramount safety.    Mason and Sara connect this caution to the Taoist principle of Fú Zhèng (Protect the Upright), advocating a pivot away from interactive single herbs toward general, harmonizing options (like yin tonics or non-interactive mushrooms) to build resilience. Pharmacists and GPs are framed as the necessary societal bridge, authorizing patients to add supportive tools (like magnesium or a probiotic) to build health and diminish long-term drug reliance. Sara calls her dedication to continuous growth "skill stacking," embodying true intelligence by integrating opposing ideas—the "chemistry queen" who loves science/math, and the deep soul who leads with heart.    The conversation lands on the essential requirement for all healthcare providers to practice "the healing of the healer," prioritizing their own health and grounding rituals (nature, quiet moments, exercise) to prevent burnout.   Sara & Mason Discuss: Integration is Key: Patients are actively using both pharmaceuticals and natural therapies, making safety checks and collaboration essential for frontline professionals. Holistic Foundation: When patients are anxious or chronically sick, health professionals must inquire about the core non-negotiables: sleep, hydration, gut health, and vitamin D. Safety First: Integrative care is defined by leveraging the best of both worlds under conditions of structure, accountability, and paramount safety. The Bridge Role: Pharmacists and GPs are positioned to bridge the knowledge gap, authorizing patients to safely add supportive tools to build health and reduce reliance on drugs. Taoist Caution: The principle of Fú Zhèng (Protect the Upright) guides pivoting away from interactive herbs (like turmeric) toward non-interactive, harmonizing options to support the body's metabolic capacity to heal. Skill Stacking: True intelligence requires integrating seemingly opposing ideas, such as loving rigorous science/math while simultaneously leading with heart and a deep soul. Healing the Healer: Recognizing the necessity of grounding rituals—quiet moments, nature, and exercise—is essential for healers to maintain health and prevent burnout. About Sara:   Sara is an experienced pharmacist, community health advocate, and the Lead Pharmacist at Pharmacy 777 Pascoe Vale in Victoria. With over 20 years in the profession, Sara has played a significant role in advancing local healthcare delivery through clinical leadership, service development, and strong community partnerships.   In 2025, Sara was recognised as the VIC Pharmacist of the Year by the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia and the National Winner of the Outstanding Community Pharmacist Award by Patients Australia. Recently, Sara also was awarded the 2025 International Pharmacist of the Year by the Pharmacy Innovation Assembly, are acknowledgements that reflect her growing impact across pharmacy practice.   Sara is a passionate advocate for accessible healthcare, full scope pharmacy practice, and inclusive community services. She has led major health initiatives, including school-based immunisation programs, chronic disease prevention efforts, aged care outreach, and student mentoring programs. She also established the first pharmacist-led vaccination clinic at the local neighbourhood house, expanding care to vulnerable and underserved populations.   Beyond the dispensary, Sara is a key contributor to the national Pharmacy 777 Retail Services Pharmacy Owners Working Group. She collaborates on strategies for patient-centric care, retail innovation, and sustainable business models that support both pharmacists and consumers across Australia.   Her leadership also extends far beyond the pharmacy walls. Sara is an active Rotarian and Chair of Community Services for her local Rotary Club. She is a trusted speaker at Rotary events, parliamentary forums, health panels, universities, and grassroots community gatherings, bringing both lived experience and professional expertise to the conversation.   As a solo mother of two and a dedicated health professional, Sara brings compassion, experience, and clarity of purpose to her work. She is especially committed to supporting the next generation of pharmacists and advocating for systems that deliver better outcomes for patients and communities alike.   Sara's voice is one of resilience. At just 12 years old, she was smuggled from war-tom Iraq through mountains and borders, arriving in Australia as a child refugee. Her early experiences shaped her enduring belief in equitable healthcare and the power of service, Today, she continues to build a career and legacy rooted in care, contribution, and connection, proving that it's possible to lead with strength while remaining grounded in humanity.   References: Guest Links Sara's Website Sara's Instagram Connect With Us SuperFeast Instagram SuperFeast Facebook SuperFeast TikTok

Give us about fifteen minutes daily, and we will give you all the local news, sports, weather, and events you can handle.   SPONSORS: Many thanks to our sponsors... Annapolis Subaru, the SPCA of Anne Arundel County, MacMedics, Covington Alsina, and Hospice of the Chesapeake.  Today...  Maryland is looking for a new Key Bridge contractor, Anne Arundel residents are worried about costs and growth, an Eastport resident wants city leaders to show up for Memorial Day, the Rotary Club raises big money for Chrysalis House, and invasive catfish are back on the menu. Catch the full rundown on today's DNB! Link to daily news recap newsletter: https://forms.aweber.com/form/87/493412887.htm Back with her weekly Annapolis After Dark is BeeprBuzz. She'll keep you up to speed on all of the fantastic live music we have in the area! DAILY NEWSLETTER LINK: https://forms.aweber.com/form/87/493412887.htm The Eye On Annapolis Daily News Brief is produced every Monday through Friday at 6:00 am and available wherever you get your podcasts and also on our social media platforms--All Annapolis and Eye On Annapolis (FB) and @eyeonannapolis (TW) NOTE: For hearing-impaired subscribers, a full transcript is available on Eye On Annapolis.