Podcasts about three ingredients

Dr. Rachel Zoffness is a pain psychologist, neuroscientist, and author of Tell Me Where It Hurts -- and she's here to dismantle the biggest lie medicine has sold us: that pain is a purely biomedical problem requiring a purely biomedical solution. Dr. Rachel unpacks how trauma turns the nervous system into a pain megaphone, why the brain literally gets better at producing pain the longer it practices it, and why loneliness is as dangerous to your physical health as poor sleep or a bad diet. This one is for every woman who did the surgery, took the pills, and still woke up hurting. The roadmap exists. You just haven't been given it yet. Episode Overview: (0:00) Intro/Teaser (4:55) Why "Psychosomatic" Is a Dirty Word That Needs Retiring (8:48) The Big Fat Lie: Pain Is Not Just Biology (10:46) Biopsychosocial 101: The Three Ingredients of Every Pain Recipe (13:48) Big Pharma, Back Surgery, and the $54 Billion Reckoning (28:12) How Trauma Turns Your Brain Into a Pain Megaphone (30:44) Central Sensitization: Why Your Brain Keeps Practicing Pain (36:57) The Pain Recipe: How to Map Your Triggers and Take Back Control (45:58) Loneliness Is a Pain Amplifier (Here's the Neuroscience) (54:16) The Healing Science of Touch (57:33) Emotions Need to Move: Swearing, Rage Rooms, and Trauma That Gets Stuck (1:04:26) After Party: What Landed and Why I'm Getting Her Back Resources mentioned in this episode: https://drstephanieestima.com/podcasts/ep471 We couldn't do it without our sponsors: PIQUE - Designed to deeply hydrate, enhance skin elasticity & firmness and support sustained energy—exactly what we need during this stage of life. Start your daily ritual today and elevate your routine. Head to https://piquelife.com/drestima. TROSCRIPTIONS - There's a completely new way to optimize your health. Give it a try at https://troscriptions.com/BETTER or enter BETTER at checkout for a discount off your first order. OXFORD HEALTHSPAN - A whole-food spermidine supplement that supports cell renewal and healthy aging. Save at https://OxfordHealthspan.com/DrStephanie with code DrStephanie. INCREDIWEAR - Whether you're an athlete, dealing with chronic joint pain, or just someone who wants to feel better in your body, head to https://drstephanieestima.com/incrediwear and use code DRSTEPH20 for 20% off your order. ****************************P.S. When you're ready, here are two ways Dr. Stephanie can help you:Subscribe: The Mini Pause — My weekly newsletter packed with the most actionable, evidence-based tools for women 40+ to thrive in midlife.Build Muscle: LIFT — My progressive strength training program designed for women in midlife. Form-focused, joint-friendly, and built for real results. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Operations Advantage: Business Success Beyond SalesGuest: Tonya Odio, Author and Founder of Executive Foundations Host: Julie RigaOverviewWhat separates a passionate idea from a thriving, sustainable business? Operations. In this milestone episode recorded live in the studio for the very first time, Julie Riga sits down with Tonya Odio, author of The Operations Advantage: Business Success Beyond Sales, to unpack the systems, structures, and mindset shifts every entrepreneur needs to build a business that does not just sell, but scales. Tonya brings 20 plus years of corporate operations experience into a conversation that is practical, purposeful, and fun.Watch the live recording on YouTube: Stay On Course Podcast with Julie RigaThe Operations Advantage: Business Success Beyond SalesAbout This EpisodeJulie Riga sits down with Tonya Odio, founder of Executive Foundations and author of The Operations Advantage: Business Success Beyond Sales, for an inspiring conversation on what it takes to build a business that lasts. Tonya shares her journey from corporate operations leader to entrepreneur and author, offering actionable strategies for business owners ready to move beyond the excitement of the sale and into the engine that powers long-term success.Fun Fact: Tonya loves a good steak. A great steak is always a yes.The Three Ingredients for Business Success1. Clarity - Understanding What Operations Really MeansOperations simply means how you run your business. Getting clear on the behind-the-scenes systems that deliver your product or service is the starting point for every entrepreneur moving from overwhelm to confidence and purposeful growth.2. Financial Foundation - Start With Your NumbersCash flow is the anchor of every smart business decision. Understanding your profit and loss statement empowers you to invest wisely, price correctly, and grow with intention. Facing your numbers is the beginning of real clarity and freedom.3. Systems and Scalability - Rinse, Repeat, and GrowA system is anything repeatable that saves time and energy. Tonya landed her very first client over lunch before her service was fully packaged. The lesson: messy action is better than no action.Memorable Quotes"A business may start with a sale, but in order for it to be sustained, you have got to be able to operate well.""Messy action is better than no action.""You do not need to be an expert at everything, but you need to know enough about everything to ask the right questions." - Julie RigaAbout the BookThe Operations Advantage: Business Success Beyond Sales by Tonya Odio is a practical guide for entrepreneurs ready to build an organized, profitable, and scalable operation. Each chapter covers a specific area of business with best practices, implementation steps, and real-world examples.Available on Amazon beginning June 4th.ResourcesBook: The Operations Advantage on Amazon - June 4thTonya Odio: executivefoundations.comJulie Riga Resource List: stacklist.app/julierigaWatch Live on YouTube: Stay On Course Podcast with Julie RigaKey TakeawaysClarity about operations is the first step toward business transformationFinancial clarity is the foundation of every smart business decisionRepeatable systems free you to focus on growth and the work you loveStarting before you are fully ready leads to real momentum and real clientsBuilding a business should be meaningful, purposeful, and enjoyable

The Operations Advantage: Why Clarity, Systems and Profit Are the True Ingredients for Business SuccessGuest: Tonya Odio, Operational Strategist and Founder of Executive Foundations Host: Julie RigaWhat if the secret to scaling your business had nothing to do with selling more, and everything to do with how you run things behind the scenes? In this episode, Julie Riga sits down with Tonya Odio, founder of Executive Foundations and author of The Operations Advantage. Together, they uncover what truly drives long-term business growth. Tonya brings a purpose-driven perspective: repeatable systems, workflow clarity, and profit awareness are the real foundations of a sustainable business. Whether you are a solopreneur or a seasoned CEO ready to scale, this conversation will transform how you lead.The Operations Advantage: Why Clarity, Systems and Profit Are the True Ingredients for Business SuccessAbout Tonya OdioTonya Odio is the founder of Executive Foundations, where she helps entrepreneurs scale with clarity, structure, and sustainable profit. With a career built behind the scenes of small businesses, guiding workflow and connecting operational dots, she developed a cross-functional understanding of how businesses truly run. Her debut book, The Operations Advantage: Business Success Beyond Sales, launches June 4th on Amazon.Fun Fact: Tonya loves a good steak paired with a fresh salad and a sweet, tangy dressing.The Three Ingredients for Business Success1. ClaritySuccess starts when you understand not only which systems your business needs, but how those systems support your growth. Get clear on your roles, workflows, and priorities. Move from reacting and putting out fires to operating with intention. Focus on one offer, master it, and refine it before expanding. Clarity is a leadership skill, not a luxury.2. SystemsStrong businesses are built on repeatable, flexible systems. Operations is simply a collection of systems, the routines and processes that power your business every day. The why behind your system matters as much as the what and the how. If a system does not support your goals, it does not belong in your business. The setup takes time upfront, but the long-term return in efficiency and profit is transformational.3. ProfitYour systems have a direct impact on your profit. You cannot just chase sales. You have to protect your margins. Audit your workflow regularly to find wasted time and unnecessary costs. Review your profit and loss statement every month. Identify which services carry the highest margins and promote those with intention. Audit your software stack too. Redundancy in tools quietly drains profit.Memorable Quotes"Operations is not a scary word. It is just how you run your business.""If you talk to businesses that have scaled to six or seven figures, it boils down to their repeatable processes.""It is not just the what and the how. It is the why.""We were not meant to do everything alone."Key TakeawaysClarity is a leadership skill. You cannot build what you cannot define.Systems are the real scale engine. Repeatable processes take businesses to six and seven figures.Profit is protected through awareness. Know your margins, your expenses, and your waste.You cannot do it all alone. Collaboration and delegation are the cornerstones of legacy building.AI is a system too. Use modern tools to analyze and streamline, then take action.Connect with Tonya OdioWebsite: executivefoundations.comLinkedIn: Tonya OdioBook: The Operations Advantage: Business Success Beyond Sales, available on Amazon June 4thConnect with Julie RigaPodcast Resource List: https://stacklist.app/julieriga#StayOnCourse #OperationsAdvantage #PurposeDrivenLeadership #BusinessGrowth #EntrepreneurshipSubscribe to Stay On Course wherever you listen to podcasts.Connect Everywhere:Website: www.julieriga.comPodcast: www.stayoncourse.ioLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/julieriga/Email: julie@julieriga.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Resilient Leadership Starts Within: The Three Practices That Change EverythingGuest: Dr. Trisha Vinatieri, Clinical Psychologist and Healthcare Leadership Consultant Host: Julie Riga

Redefining Healthcare Through Relationships, Purpose, and Personalized Care with Dr. Stevi Jenkins-KellyGuest: Dr. Stevi Jenkins-Kelly, PharmD, Founder of My Concierge Pharmacy Host: Julie RigaWhat if your pharmacist knew your name, your goals, and your complete health story rather than just your prescription number? In this episode, Julie Riga sits down with Dr. Stevi Jenkins-Kelly, a visionary pharmacist and founder of My Concierge Pharmacy. Together they explore how she left corporate pharmacy to build something new, a practice grounded in personalized service, trust, and a whole-patient approach to wellness. If you have ever felt like just a number in the system, this episode will inspire you to lead with more intention in your own work and life.Redefining Healthcare Through Relationships, Purpose, and Personalized CareAbout the GuestDr. Stevi Jenkins-Kelly is a licensed pharmacist with over 25 years of experience, including time at major chains such as CVS and Publix. She founded My Concierge Pharmacy in West Palm Beach, Florida after finding that most systems are built for volume, not genuine patient care. Her practice is completely independent, self-trademarked, and rooted in one guiding principle: pharmacy as a relationship, not a transaction.She holds advanced certifications in diabetes care and collaborative practice and specializes in medication management, chronic disease support, and preventative health. She serves patients across Florida and Pennsylvania, with direct delivery and personalized consultations at every stage of life.Fun Fact: Dr. Stevi loves salmon in every form. Lox and bagels with capers and onions is her absolute go-to.The Three Ingredients for Concierge Success1. Service as a Foundation True service is never transactional. Dr. Stevi built her team culture around being service-minded at every level. When you are moving a patient out of a system that has failed them, you must become the new definition of what great care looks like.2. Trust Through Follow-Through Trust is built by doing what you say you will do, every single time. My Concierge Pharmacy proactively manages patient profiles, coordinates with providers, and connects with each patient a minimum of six times per year. Patients soon find they do not need to chase anyone because someone is consistently and genuinely watching over their care.3. Customization That Feels Personal Concierge care is never cookie-cutter. Whether the patient is a parent preparing for summer, an elderly person managing chronic illness, or a performance athlete focused on longevity, every care plan is built specifically around that individual. Intentional personalization is what sets real concierge care apart from everything else.Key Insights from This EpisodePharmacists are trained in anatomy, biochemistry, and treatment protocol, making them the chemistry and treatment counterpart to a physician's diagnostic approach. Most patients never access this full depth of knowledge because corporate environments do not allow for it. Concierge pharmacy is changing that reality.Dr. Stevi also applies a micro-therapy model, focusing on one health challenge at a time rather than overwhelming patients with everything at once. This approach builds clarity, confidence, and a genuine sense of control over personal health, growth, and life balance.Connect with Dr. Stevi Jenkins-KellyWebsite: www.myconciergepharmacy.com Book a consult to explore whether concierge pharmacy is right for you. Service covers Florida and Pennsylvania with direct home delivery available.Connect with Julie RigaExplore leadership coaching, transformation, and purposeful living at the link below.Subscribe to Stay On Course wherever you listen to podcasts and share this episode with someone who deserves better from their healthcare journey.#StayOnCourse #PurposeDriven #LeadershipMindset #AuthenticGrowth #TransformYo

The Trust Advantage: How Leaders Turn Complexity Into ConfidenceOverviewIn this episode of the Stay On Course Podcast, host Julie Riga sits down with Jeff Willinger, a globally recognized digital transformation leader, Microsoft MVP, and one of the leading voices in enterprise AI and the future of work. Jeff shares the three ingredients that separate visionary leaders from those who fall behind. In an AI-driven world, the most valuable thing a leader can offer is not a solution. It is confidence. Whether you are a corporate executive, an entrepreneur, or a professional navigating change, this episode will shift the way you think about trust, technology, and your own leadership legacy. This conversation is for leaders who are ready to stop reacting and start leading with clarity and conviction.The Trust Advantage: How Leaders Turn Complexity Into ConfidenceGuest: Jeff Willinger, Digital Transformation Leader, Microsoft MVP, Director at Turn Digital Host: Julie RigaAbout Jeff WillingerJeff Willinger is a globally recognized digital transformation leader, Microsoft MVP, and Director at Turn Digital. With over 20 years of experience in the Microsoft ecosystem, Jeff bridges the gap between business and technology. He makes tools like Microsoft SharePoint and AI Co-Pilot simple, tangible, and powerful for organizations of every size. His leadership philosophy centers on clarity, accountability, and always moving toward where the opportunity is going to be before anyone else sees it.Fun Fact: Jeff is a proud New Yorker and a dedicated seafood lover. His ideal meal is king crab with drawn butter and lemon. When he is in a rush, nothing beats a classic New York pizza slice.The Three Ingredients for Leadership Success1. Clarity Over ComplexityIf people do not understand it, they will not act on it. Jeff leads with insight, paints a clear before-and-after picture, and earns trust by delivering real value before asking for anything in return. Simplifying the message is not a soft skill. It is a core leadership advantage that drives growth, alignment, and real transformation.2. Proof Over PromiseEvery leader talks about what AI can do. Jeff shows it. He uses readiness assessments, fast pilots, and measurable results within two weeks to build genuine confidence. Make it tangible, make it fast, and let the results do the talking. This approach drives adoption, closes deals, and creates unstoppable momentum.3. Reduce Risk at Every StepEvery deal and every transformation decision is a risk decision at its core. Jeff breaks big changes into safe, digestible steps and proof-of-concept pilots that let teams experience real results without fear. His goal is not to push a deal through. It is to make saying yes feel like the obvious, safe, and smart choice for every stakeholder.Key Quotes"Everyone goes to where the puck is. I go to where the puck is going to be.""If they do not understand it, they will not buy it.""People are not buying your solution. They are buying your conviction and your clarity.""What took 20 hours in the past is taking 10 minutes with AI and you cannot unsee that productivity.""Bring value wherever you go and you will always have a job and you will always have a client."Key TakeawaysClarity is a competitive advantage in leadership and in businessProof beats promise every single time in businessAI is not optional for organizations that want to grow and stay relevantThe human edge in leadership is real, irreplaceable, and truly essentialGovernance creates real freedom, not limits, when built wellConnect with Jeff WillingerLinkedIn: Jeff Willinger Instagram: @TheRealJWillie Company: Turn DigitalConnect with Julie RigaExplore all resources, tools, and episode links at: https://stacklist.app/julieriga#Leadership #DigitalTransformation #AILeadership #StayOnCourse #Transformation

From Zero to Trader: The Beginner's Blueprint for Financial FreedomGuest: Mitch Abel, Founder of Investment Current Host: Julie RigaWhat if losing $150,000 was the beginning of your greatest financial breakthrough? Mitch Abel retired in 2015 and lost $150,000 in his first six months of trading. His partner Diana looked at him and said two words: "Keep going." Six months later, he made it all back. Today, over 250 students have come through his program at Investment Current. This episode walks you through exactly how a complete beginner gets started in trading the right way, from opening your first account to building the plan that protects you from yourself. If you have ever wanted to take control of your financial future but did not know where to start, this is your recipe.From Zero to Trader: The Beginner's Blueprint for Financial FreedomAbout This EpisodeJulie Riga sits down with Mitch Abel, founder of Investment Current, a purpose-driven trading education platform that has helped over 250 students build financial freedom and generational wealth. Mitch is a living example of resilience and transformation. After retiring, he lost $150,000 in his first six months and came back stronger than ever. This episode is your step-by-step guide to starting your trading journey with clarity, confidence, and a strong foundation.Guest BackgroundMitch Abel is the founder of Investment Current, an options trading education community built for complete beginners. His platform includes a 100 percent interactive live trading room, a 12-week curriculum, weekly faculty office hours, and personal mentorship. No trader has to face this journey alone.Fun Fact: Mitch loves a hot pastrami sandwich on rye with coleslaw, sauerkraut, and pickled tomatoes.The Three Ingredients for Trading SuccessFoundation: You can begin with as little as $2,000 to $10,000. The 10 percent portfolio rule means you never risk more than 10 percent of your total capital on a single trade. New government rules now allow pattern day trading inside self-directed IRAs and 401k accounts, making this journey accessible to almost anyone.Education: Learn the language of the market before risking a single dollar. Investment Current offers a 6-week foundational program followed by a 12-week course with video lessons, written takeaways, quizzes, homework, and live faculty office hours. All beginners start with paper trading, simulated trading with no real money, for a minimum of six months before moving to live capital.Strategy: Write your personal trading plan. Define your entry rules, exit rules, stop loss rules, and profit targets. Keep a trading journal to track your emotions, your decisions, and your growth. Tools like TraderSync allow you to capture and analyze every trade in one place.Memorable Quotes"If you have the right education and the right tools, it is not gambling. It becomes second nature.""We do not want you to fail. The only way to win is to start off slowly.""Trading will bring out every emotion you have ever had. You do not want to be alone on this journey."Real Student ResultsStudents made $4,500 in a single day with a 40.63 percent return on capital. One student made $280 in 34 seconds. Five focused trades per day can generate over $1,000 in earnings within just a few hours.Next StepsVisit investmentcurrent.com and join the free 7-day trading room trial. See the strategy in action, experience the community, and decide whether this is the next chapter of your journey toward financial freedom and legacy building.Connect with Mitch Abel Website: www.investmentcurrent.comConnect with Julie RigaWebsite: julieriga.com/leadStacklist: https://stacklist.app/julierigaSubscribe to Stay On Course wherever you listen. Share with someone ready to take control of their financial future.#StayOnCourse #Leadership #Transformation #LegacyBuilding #FinancialFreedom

Why Your Data Is Not the Star of the Show: The Human Science of Powerful PresentationsGuest: Anthony Greiter, Founder of Agent, Technical Translator and Presentation Coach Host: Julie Riga, Leadership Coach and Founder of the Stay On Course Podcast

Whole Health Wealth: The Money Mindset Shift That Changes EverythingGuest: Matt Paradise, Author, Financial Wellness Speaker and Liver Transplant Survivor Host: Julie Riga

Healthy relationships aren't built on rules, but they can't survive without a particular one. And it's a rule that removes every loophole.

Healthy relationships aren't built on rules, but they can't survive without a particular one. And it's a rule that removes every loophole.

Healthy relationships aren't built on rules, but they can't survive without a particular one. And it's a rule that removes every loophole.

Healthy relationships aren't built on rules, but they can't survive without a particular one. And it's a rule that removes every loophole.

Healthy relationships aren't built on rules, but they can't survive without a particular one. And it's a rule that removes every loophole.

Healthy relationships aren't built on rules, but they can't survive without a particular one. And it's a rule that removes every loophole.

Healthy relationships aren't built on rules, but they can't survive without a particular one. And it's a rule that removes every loophole.

Showing Up as Your Authentic Best Self: Ingredients for SuccessGuest: Dr. Lori Smith | Government Contracting Expert, Serial Entrepreneur and Founder Host: Julie RigaOverviewWhat does it truly mean to show up as your authentic best self every single day? In this powerful episode of the Stay On Course Podcast, host Julie Riga sits down with Dr. Lori Smith, a DBA-trained government contracting expert, serial entrepreneur, and advocate for women, minority, and veteran-owned small businesses. With over 40 years of leadership experience and a legacy built on radical self-honesty, service, and purpose-driven impact, Dr. Lori unpacks the real ingredients for success in leadership, business, and life. Whether you are a corporate executive, entrepreneur, veteran, or someone on a journey of authentic transformation, this conversation will challenge you to lead from your most honest and whole self.Showing Up as Your Authentic Best Self: Ingredients for SuccessAbout Dr. Lori SmithDr. Lori Smith is a DBA-trained government contracting expert, serial entrepreneur, and founder dedicated to helping women, minority, and veteran-owned small businesses win government work and build generational wealth. She has mentored more than 11,000 small businesses over a 40-year career. She serves as Co-Lead for the Georgia Women Veterans Board and Advisor to the North Georgia Women in Leadership Program.Fun Fact: Dr. Lori is a proud veggie girl. Her most cherished food memory is her mother's lima beans, green beans, and collard greens.The Three Ingredients for Authentic Success1. Radical Self-Honesty Showing up as who you truly are in every room, every role, and every relationship is the foundation of authentic leadership. Trust is the currency of real leadership, and you cannot build a lasting legacy on a version of yourself that is not genuine or sustainable.2. Consistent Micro Habits Small, intentional daily actions are the building blocks of transformation. Movement, reflection, and purposeful routines are not extras. They are the foundation of wholistic wellness and personal growth. Integrate these habits into your calendar the same way physical training was once built into military life.3. Courageous Connections Asking for help is an act of strength, not weakness. Surrounding yourself with people who elevate your authentic growth is one of the most strategic leadership decisions you will ever make. Be discerning about who you allow into your inner circle and courageous enough to release what no longer aligns.Memorable Quotes"We really have to start showing up from that honest place and being who we say we are all the time.""You can still lead while you are still bleeding. You can still lead while you still need to heal.""The goal for management should always be: I am developing you to replace me.""Abundance comes in every aspect of life when you give from an authentic place."Key Takeaways for LeadersRadical self-honesty is the foundation of trust, impact, and legacyMicro habits compound into transformation when practiced with intentionCourageous connections accelerate authentic growth and purpose-driven leadershipAccountability with grace is the mark of true leadership presenceYour energy is your leadership. Show up whole.Connect with Dr. Lori SmithLinkedIn: Dr. Lori SmithPodcast: GovCon Clarity with Dr. Lori Smith on Spotify, Buzzsprout, iTunes and iHeartBook: Rising Beyond the Shadows, releasing in MayComing Soon: The Readiness Room, a membership community for entrepreneursConnect with Julie RigaWebsite: julieriga.com/leadCoaching: Leadership coaching and transformation with Julie Riga#StayOnCourse #AuthenticLeadership #PurposeDriven #LeadershipMindset #LegacyBuildingSubscribe to Stay On Course wherever you listen to podcasts. Share this episode with a leader who is ready to show up as their authentic best self.

The secret to stronger relationships isn't being understood, but choosing to put someone else first, even when they don't deserve it.

The secret to stronger relationships isn't being understood, but choosing to put someone else first, even when they don't deserve it.

The secret to stronger relationships isn't being understood, but choosing to put someone else first, even when they don't deserve it.

The secret to stronger relationships isn't being understood, but choosing to put someone else first, even when they don't deserve it.

The secret to stronger relationships isn't being understood, but choosing to put someone else first, even when they don't deserve it.

The secret to stronger relationships isn't being understood, but choosing to put someone else first, even when they don't deserve it.

The secret to stronger relationships isn't being understood, but choosing to put someone else first, even when they don't deserve it.

How to Be an Unforgettable Podcast Guest: Ingredients for Success on Any ShowGuest: Steve Ramsey Host: Julie RigaWhat separates a forgettable podcast guest from one that hosts cannot stop talking about? In this candid conversation, Julie Riga and Steve Ramsey unpack the real tips every guest needs to show up prepared, authentic, and impactful before the mic even turns on. If you are stepping into podcasting as a guest, this episode is your blueprint.How to Be an Unforgettable Podcast Guest: Ingredients for Success on Any ShowAbout This EpisodeJulie sits down with Steve Ramsey for an honest conversation about what it truly means to show up as a great podcast guest. From preparation and storytelling to promotion and personal branding, they explore the mindset shifts and practical strategies that transform a nervous guest into a confident, purpose-driven presence. This episode is essential for any leader ready to leverage podcasting for authentic growth and lasting impact.The Three Ingredients for Podcast Guest Success1. Preparation and Research Do your homework on the host and their show before you appear. Listen to several episodes to absorb the tone, vibe, and format. Preparation is the foundation of authentic, confident performance and meaningful connection.2. Clarity and Simplicity Have a two-sentence introduction ready for the host to use. Offer one clear call to action for the audience, not seven. Be ridiculously easy to work with, a principle inspired by David Averin. Simplicity in your message reflects true mastery of your subject.3. Storytelling and Authentic Connection Build a personal story vault, a curated collection of go-to stories that reflect your journey, values, and expertise. Open with a story that creates immediate common ground. People do not just want to know what you do. They want to know who you are and why your work matters.Key InsightsThe Story Vault Principle Preparation is not just logistics. It is emotional readiness. Having a curated bank of personal stories means you will never fumble for words mid-interview. Your story is your most powerful leadership tool.The One Call to Action Rule Audiences can only act on one thing at a time. Direct people to a single destination and let that page send them everywhere else. This is strategic simplicity and intentional leadership in practice.The Ridiculously Easy Standard Arrive with your bio, headshot, links, and stories already prepared. Make showing up effortless for your host and your audience at every step.The Screenshot Moment Taking a real-time screenshot and sharing it before the episode drops signals investment, gratitude, and authentic enthusiasm. This is the mark of a guest who leads with purpose and not just promotion.Memorable Quotes"Have a two-sentence introduction ready for the host. Make it ridiculously easy." - Julie Riga"A story creates immediate common ground. I would rather hear your story than what you do." - Julie Riga"School tells us to write a five-page essay. The real world tells us to say it in seven seconds." - Julie RigaKey TakeawaysKnow the show, the host, and your stories before you arriveOne call to action, one introduction, one powerful story creates impactAuthentic storytelling creates connection faster than any title ever willRemove all friction for your host and your audience at every turnShow the world you value the collaboration before, during, and afterConnect with Julie RigaFind Stay On Course on Apple Podcasts and wherever you listen. New episodes drop weekly featuring leaders and coaches sharing their three ingredients for success.Subscribe to Stay On Course wherever you listen to podcasts Share this episode with a leader who is ready to show up fully#StayOnCourse #LeadershipMindset #PodcastingTips #AuthenticGrowth #IngredientsForSuccess

Every conflict feels like it's about what someone else did, but the real source runs deeper and it's hard to admit.

Every conflict feels like it's about what someone else did, but the real source runs deeper and it's hard to admit.

Every conflict feels like it's about what someone else did, but the real source runs deeper and it's hard to admit.

Every conflict feels like it's about what someone else did, but the real source runs deeper and it's hard to admit.

Every conflict feels like it's about what someone else did, but the real source runs deeper and it's hard to admit.

Every conflict feels like it's about what someone else did, but the real source runs deeper and it's hard to admit.

Every conflict feels like it's about what someone else did, but the real source runs deeper and it's hard to admit.

The LEARN Framework: Building a Lasting Culture Through Intentional LeadershipGuest: Jim Carbaugh, Educator, Leadership Coach and Author Host: Julie RigaOverviewJim Carbaugh spent 35 years in classrooms and school leadership before turning five letters his grandfather taught him into a framework now adopted by schools and businesses nationwide. His LEARN Framework covers Listen, Ethics, Attitude, Respect, and Know. In this episode, Jim and Julie explore what it takes to build a lasting culture, lead with purpose, and stay curious in a rapidly changing world.The LEARN Framework: Building a Lasting Culture Through Intentional LeadershipAbout Jim CarbaughJim Carbaugh is a leadership coach, speaker, and author with 35 years in education as a teacher, coach, and school administrator. His LEARN Framework was shaped by a personal story of mentorship passed down by his grandfather and refined through decades of leading people under pressure. He is the founder of All Points Leadership, now transitioning to jimcarbaugh.com, and has a new book releasing soon that walks leaders step by step through the framework.Fun Fact: Jim is a devoted fan of Maryland Hardshell Blue Crabs with Old Bay seasoning and has a reputation for testing the limits of all-you-can-eat seafood restaurants.The Three Ingredients for SuccessListenYour climate controls your culture. Before you can build a great culture, you must first understand the climate you are creating. True listening means entering every conversation with curiosity, not with the intent to fix or to win. Communication does not happen unless the listener confirms understanding. Leaders must listen at every level of the organization and always clarify before anyone leaves the room.EthicsYour non-negotiables are your values in action. Jim leads a team exercise where everyone writes their top three to five non-negotiables. When compared, shared values almost always surface, revealing why conflict was unnecessary in the first place. When leaders stretch beyond their non-negotiables, poor decisions follow. Knowing your values empowers bold choices, including walking away from opportunities that do not align with who you are.KnowNo has two sides. The first is the boundary you set for yourself. The second is the no you will receive from others. We are wired to hear no as permanent, but it is not final. Every yes you have earned came through the no's you navigated. The mindset shift is replacing no with "What if?" Leaders who stay curious, embrace new tools, and keep learning are the ones who will shape what leadership looks like in the years ahead.Memorable Quotes"Your climate controls your culture.""Communication does not happen unless the listener says it does.""In life, we either get better or we get worse. Nothing stays the same.""No is not permanent. The next yes you get came from all the no's you decided to get over.""Leaders need to be curious. That is the bottom line for everything."Connect with Jim CarbaughWebsite: jimcarbaugh.com Upcoming Book: A step-by-step guide to the LEARN Framework for educators and leadersConnect with Julie RigaPodcast: Stay On Course, available wherever you listen to podcasts Coaching: Leadership coaching, transformation, and executive developmentSubscribe to Stay On Course wherever you listen to podcasts. Share this episode with a leader who is ready to grow.#StayOnCourse #LeadershipMindset #PurposeDrivenLeadership #LEARNFramework #AuthenticGrowth

Lead Where It Matters Most: Homegrown Leadership Starts at HomeGuest: Joe LaRussa, Mayor, Entrepreneur and Founder of Homegrown Leadership Host: Julie RigaOverviewWhat if the leadership skills driving your professional success could also transform your home life?In this episode, host Julie Riga sits down with Joe LaRussa, small city mayor, entrepreneur, and founder of Homegrown Leadership, to explore one of the most overlooked arenas of personal development: leading at home. After 25 years in automotive manufacturing, Joe saw that high performers bring their best to work while their households run on pressure and chaos. This is a practical guide for overwhelmed spouses and parents ready to stop surviving and start leading with intentionality, systems, and community as their foundation.Lead Where It Matters Most: Homegrown Leadership Starts at HomeAbout This EpisodeJoe founded Homegrown Leadership to help high performers bring the same systems and mindset from work into their households, creating more time, less stress, and a home they are proud of. Joe and Julie break down three essential ingredients for stronger household leadership: intentionality, systems, and community. Listeners walk away with practical tools like shared calendars and communication rhythms, and a fresh perspective on building a home that runs with clarity instead of pressure.Guest BackgroundJoe LaRussa is the founder of Homegrown Leadership and a sitting small city mayor. Shaped by 25 years in manufacturing, Joe recognized that strategies enabling professional excellence were largely absent in the households of high-performing individuals.Fun Fact: If Joe had to pick one favorite food, it would be a slow-roasted leg of lamb, prepared with herbs, spices, and olive oil.The Three Ingredients for Homegrown LeadershipIntentionality is the first ingredient. At work, leaders plan for years. At home, many struggle to decide what is for dinner. The average household leader has about two golden hours per day to lead at home. Elevating out of reactionary mode requires a conscious decision to lead with strategy. Be a laser beam, not a light bulb.Systems and Tools create the structure that sets families free. A shared family calendar is the foundational tool. A whiteboard wall and weekly Sunday planning meetings help the whole household align and prioritize. Fun must be planned, not left to leftover time. The 13 Summers mindset reminds parents how finite their seasons with their children truly are, making intentional planning feel urgent and meaningful.Community is the most forgotten ingredient. Most people cannot name the neighbors behind six doors surrounding their home. True community means having people to call when life gets hard. Isolation is a leadership gap. When households are healthy, neighborhoods are healthy, and when neighborhoods are healthy, communities thrive.Memorable Quotes"It is home where your leadership matters the most.""Your life will never be less complicated than it is today. So do not wait.""It is not on the shared calendar? It does not exist.""When households are healthy, neighborhoods are healthy."Key TakeawaysDecide to lead before the moment arrives. Intentionality is the foundation.Shared systems reduce chaos and build confidence for every member of the household.Community is not optional. Isolation is a leadership problem with a leadership solution.Your golden hours are your greatest daily asset. Use them with purpose.Do not wait. In six months, you will either be glad you started or wish you had.Connect with Joe LaRussaWebsite: www.homegrownleadership.netFree assessments and starter tools are available on the website.Subscribe to Stay On Course wherever you listen to podcasts.#HomegrownLeadership #StayOnCourse #LeadershipMindset #PurposeDrivenLiving #FamilyFirst

From Losses to Legacy: The Day Trading System That Builds Generational WealthGuest: Mitch Abel, Founder of Investment Current Host: Julie RigaOverviewWhat happens when retirement arrives and the numbers do not add up? For Mitch Abel, it became the catalyst for a remarkable transformation. After 40 years in sales, Mitch retired in 2015 with a $400,000 portfolio and quickly lost $150,000 in his first six months of day trading. Instead of walking away, he went deeper, rewatching every course, practicing every day, and mastering the three ingredients that changed everything. Today, he has built generational wealth secured in a trust for his grandchildren, and through Investment Current, he is teaching hundreds of others to do the same. This episode is a masterclass in resilience, discipline, and the mindset shift that turns trading into a purposeful system.From Losses to Legacy: The Day Trading System That Builds Generational WealthGuest: Mitch Abel, Founder of Investment Current Host: Julie RigaAbout This EpisodeJulie sits down with Mitch Abel, a former social worker turned four-decade sales veteran turned self-made day trading educator, to explore how purpose-driven learning and emotional mastery can transform your financial future. This conversation is about patience, discipline, and emotional control as the foundation for lasting wealth and a legacy that outlives you.The Three Ingredients for Trading SuccessPatience is the foundation. Winning and losing are both part of the game. Learning to read market language, chart patterns, and price action takes time. The market moves up, down, and sideways, and responding well to each requires consistent daily practice.Discipline means following a clear set of rules every single day. Mitch applies the 10 percent rule: never risk more than 10 percent of your total portfolio on a single trade. Treating trading as a business, not a pastime, separates those who build wealth from those who walk away.Emotional control is the hardest ingredient of all. Fear and greed destroy most traders. Mitch partners with Randy Howell, a psychologist who works exclusively with traders, to help students stay calm and stay on course. The technical side of trading can be learned in months. Mastering your emotions is the deeper work.Key InsightsMitch lost $150,000 in six months, then recovered every dollar within the next six months through relentless study and disciplined practice. Within three years, money was no longer a concern. He structured his wealth in a skip-generational trust so his grandchildren begin receiving distributions at age 40, after learning to earn and build for themselves.Investment Current serves four communities: young adults seeking financial independence, career changers escaping corporate life, pre-retirees building a retirement runway, and retirees seeking purpose and daily income. All four follow the same core framework of patience, discipline, and emotional control.Connect with Mitch AbelWebsite: www.investmentcurrent.comYouTube: Search "Investment Current" for free trading videosLive Trading Room: First 5 days free, then $87 per monthConnect with Julie RigaWebsite: julieriga.com/leadCoaching: Leadership coaching and transformationKey TakeawaysPatience is a skill you build, not a trait you are born withDiscipline gives you the freedom to make clear decisions under pressureEmotional control separates consistent traders from those who quitLegacy is built intentionally, with a plan and a long-term visionIt is never too late. Mitch started this journey at 62.Subscribe to Stay On Course wherever you listen to podcasts. Share this episode with anyone ready to build a lasting financial legacy.#StayOnCourse #GenerationalWealth #LeadershipMindset #PurposeDriven #LegacyBuilding

Meditation to Manifestation: Manifesting the Business of Your DreamsGuest: Katie Krimitsos, Founder and CEO of Women's Meditation Network Host: Julie RigaOverviewWhat if manifestation isn't about vision boards and morning affirmations? In this powerful episode of the Stay On Course Podcast, host Julie Riga sits down with Katie Krimitsos, founder of the Women's Meditation Network, a platform reaching nearly 3 million downloads each month and ranking in the top 0.1% of all podcasts worldwide. Katie reveals how meditation is the ultimate gateway to manifestation, self-leadership, and intentional life design. From clearing subconscious money blocks to writing into the future, this transformative episode is a masterclass in purpose-driven growth, authentic alignment, and the courageous journey of becoming who you were always meant to be.Meditation to Manifestation: Manifesting the Business of Your DreamsAbout Katie KrimitsosKatie Krimitsos is the Founder and CEO of the Women's Meditation Network, helping millions of women reconnect with themselves through guided meditation and practical, proven life design tools. Her new course, Meditation to Manifestation, pairs deep inner work with actionable journaling techniques to help women consciously build the business and life they truly want.Fun Fact: Katie bakes a fresh sourdough loaf every week on her 15-acre family farm and says she is probably the only one eating it!The Three Ingredients for Success1. Deep Self-Awareness Through Meditation Meditation is not about clearing your mind or sitting cross-legged at 5 a.m. It is about knowing yourself so deeply that you can hear your intuition, access your clarity, and lead from within. Even five deep breaths taken in the driveway counts as a meaningful practice.2. Alignment Alignment means your beliefs, thoughts, words, and actions are all moving in the same direction. Katie uses the image of a garden hose: when there are kinks and knots, the water cannot flow. When the hose is laid out flat, the water flows freely. Your dreams are the water. Remove the kinks.3. Intentional Life Design Pick up a pen. Write into the future you want, as though it has already happened. This free, simple practice activates intention and opens the door to manifestation. Julie manifested five European cities this way as a single mom, and it worked.Key InsightsManifestation is not a vision board. It is the natural byproduct of full alignment between who you are and how you live.Subconscious stories around money, worthiness, and identity create the kinks that quietly block your flow. Awareness is always the first step.Meditation in any form builds the capacity to pause, hear your intuition, and respond thoughtfully to life rather than react to it.Presence is the practice. Stress and anxiety only exist when we leave the present moment. Stillness brings us back to where our joy and guidance live.You are the author of your own life. Self-leadership begins the moment you pick up the pen and choose to write a new story.Memorable Quotes"Manifestation is a natural byproduct of alignment. When what you believe, think, say, and do are all in agreement, that is when it flows.""The most important ingredient for success, no matter what success looks like to you, is a deep knowing of yourself.""The water is meant to flow. Your dreams are already yours."Connect with Katie KrimitsosWebsite: womensmeditationnetwork.comCourse: Meditation to Manifestation, available nowPodcast: Search Women's Meditation Network on any podcast platform or YouTube

Leadership from the Saddle: What Horses Teach Us About LeadingGuests: Britain Mills-Dawes and Tea Di Lillo Host: Julie RigaIn this episode of Stay On Course, leadership coach Julie Riga is joined by equine practitioner Britain Mills-Dawes and Alberta horse trainer Tea, co-hosts of the Uncinched podcast. Together they explore the leadership lessons hidden between horse and rider: trust, presence, intuition, and the quiet confidence that makes others gravitate toward you. Whether you lead a company, a team, or simply yourself, this conversation will change the way you think about authentic leadership and purpose-driven growth.Leadership from the Saddle: What Horses Teach Us About LeadingMeet the GuestsBritain Mills-Dawes is an equine practitioner, clinician, and Western media contributor. She educates riders through biomechanics and horsemanship and co-hosts the Uncinched podcast, building community across the horse industry through journalism and live events.Tea is a horse trainer from Alberta, owner of Qualitea Equine, and a coach for the Calgary Stampede Show Rider team. A lifelong learner and co-host, dedicated to helping both horses and riders reach their full potential.The Three Ingredients for Leadership SuccessDrawing on years of partnership with horses, Britain and Tea share three core leadership ingredients that translate directly from the arena into everyday life and work.1. Trust and ConsistencyHorses are prey animals and their instinct says you might be a threat. Building trust means showing up with positive, intentional energy every single day. The same applies to your team. Stress acts like a predator on the nervous system, and a great leader creates enough safety that people seek guidance rather than hide their anxiety.2. Presence and IntuitionRiding in the mountains, you learn quickly when to lead and when to follow. The horse senses the terrain in ways you never can from the saddle. True leadership presence means being attuned enough to know which role serves the moment best. In the workplace, that awareness is the difference between micromanaging and genuine mentorship.3. Communication and Emotional RegulationHorses cannot lie. Their body language tells you everything. Britain argues it is often easier to communicate with a horse than a human for that reason. For leaders, the lesson is this: create the psychological safety that lets people speak honestly. The ability to walk into a charged situation and lower the emotional temperature without adding to the fire is one of the most valuable leadership skills you can develop.Memorable Quotes"Trust is built over time. It is not just showing up every day. It is showing up with intention every single day." Tea"You have to ride the horse that shows up." Tea"Leadership is quiet. It is that quiet confidence and self-reflection that people naturally gravitate toward." BritainKey TakeawaysShow up with consistent, intentional energy. Trust is a compounding investment, not a one-time gesture.Presence is a leadership skill. Know when to guide and when to step back and follow.Create psychological safety so your team seeks your guidance rather than hides their struggles.Lead by example and with integrity. Quiet confidence draws people naturally to your leadership.Great leadership is a give and take. Empower your people to shine where they shine best.ConnectBritain and Tea: Uncinched on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, and most major platforms. Visit stableinstincts.com and follow on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.Julie Riga: Stay On Course podcast wherever you listen.#StayOnCourse #LeadershipMindset #AuthenticLeadership #PurposeDriven #LeadByExampleSubscribe to Stay On Course and share this episode with every leader in your world who needs to hear it.

Rebellious Success: Failure, Bigger Games, and Playing Full OutGuest: Toni Will | Host: Julie Riga | Stay On Course PodcastWhat if failure was your greatest leadership asset? In this bold and energizing episode, Julie Riga sits down with Toni Will, a two-time Guinness World Record holder, General Manager of the Kalamazoo Wings, TEDx speaker, entrepreneur, and author of the upcoming book Rebellious Success. Toni brings contagious energy and hard-won wisdom to a conversation about competence, confidence, and what it truly means to step into your bigger game. She shares her framework for building self-trust through failure, explains why playing small keeps everyone around you stuck, and challenges listeners to declare a bigger game before they feel ready to do it.Rebellious Success: Failure, Bigger Games, and Playing Full OutAbout This EpisodeToni Will is a powerhouse leader who blends elite performance with hard-earned connection, proving that competence and community can coexist. As General Manager of a men's professional hockey team, a professional development coach, and a soon-to-be published author, Toni lives at the intersection of leadership, resilience, and authentic growth. In this episode, she and Julie dig into three transformative ingredients for success that challenge everything you thought you knew about failure, purpose, and personal evolution.Fun Fact: Toni's favorite food is sushi, anything from the grocery store all the way up to fresh-caught in Hawaii.Three Ingredients for SuccessInvite Failure to the Table: Failure is not the opposite of success. Quitting is. The failure resume asks you to write down everything you have walked through and survived. What emerges is not a record of loss but a portrait of resilience, self-trust, and wisdom. When you stop fearing failure and start inviting it, it becomes one of your greatest tools for growth, confidence, and transformation.Stop Playing Small: Because Someone Else Is Playing small to make others comfortable keeps everyone stuck, including you. Authentic leadership means showing up fully, reading the room with emotional intelligence, and never beginning from a diminished version of yourself. Rising tides lift all ships. Collaboration grounded in core values is always stronger than competition driven by fear.Declare a Bigger Game: Growth does not always mean moving up. Sometimes it means growing out. Every micro-decision you make each day either aligns with your next level or holds you back from it. Act from the next level now. Ask not only what something costs you to pursue, but what it costs you to stay exactly where you are.Memorable Quotes"The only time you are failing is when you quit trying." "Stop playing small because someone else is." "The story we tell ourselves about ourselves gets in the room before we do." "What is the cost if I do not do it? Because there is always a cost."Key TakeawaysBuild a failure resume and transform it into your record of courage and growthStop playing small. Full authentic presence is a leadership skillDeclare your bigger game before you feel ready and lead from that placeAlign your actions with core values to unlock clarity, confidence, and self-trustInvest in yourself. The ROI of personal growth compounds over timeAbout Toni's Book: Rebellious Success One part memoir, one part self-help, one part business leadership. A complete roadmap for defining success on your own terms and building it without apology. Pre-order opens March 13th. Book launches August 11th.Connect with Toni WillConference: empowHer Book: Rebellious SuccessConnect with Julie RigaStay On Course PodcastLeadership Coachingjulieriga.com/lead#StayOnCourse #RebelliousSuccess #LeadershipMindset #PurposeDriven #WomenInLeadershipSubscribe to Stay On Course Podcast wherever you listen. Share this episode with the leaders and game-changers in your life who are ready to play bigger.

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From Trauma to Triumph: The Three Ingredients for Post-Traumatic GrowthGuest: David Dachinger, Retired Fire Lieutenant, EMT, Peer Coach and Grammy-Nominated Producer Host: Julie RigaWhat if your greatest trauma became your most powerful mission? In this transformational episode, Julie Riga sits down with David Dachinger, a stage four cancer survivor, retired fire lieutenant, Grammy-nominated producer, and resilience advocate, to unpack the three essential ingredients for post-traumatic growth: identity release, meaning making, and mission activation. This is a conversation about courage, clarity, and the power of choosing life.From Trauma to Triumph: The Three Ingredients for Post-Traumatic GrowthAbout This EpisodeIn this deeply moving episode, Julie Riga welcomes David Dachinger, a clear testament to transformation, resilience, and purpose-driven leadership. Together they explore what it means to evolve through adversity and how every leader and entrepreneur can activate their own post-traumatic growth journey. David shares how a stage four cancer diagnosis became the catalyst for a legacy of healing, purpose, and mission activation.Guest BackgroundDavid Dachinger is a retired fire lieutenant and EMT who hosts Responder's Resilience: Igniting the Shift Within, engaging experts on first responder mental health. He serves as a peer coach for 22ZERO, supporting first responders and veterans. A two-time Grammy Award nominee, his life changed in 2014 with a stage four cancer diagnosis that became the foundation of his advocacy for purposeful living and wellness.Fun Fact: David's favorite food is the Holy Shiitake pizza from Mellow Mushroom.The Three Ingredients for Post-Traumatic Growth1. Identity Release A stage four diagnosis instantly shifted David from caregiver to patient. Clinging to a victim identity blocks transformation. Through intentional word choice and daily gratitude, he released the old self and stepped into a healed identity. Like the lobster, we must shed the old shell to grow a stronger one.2. Meaning Making The same event affects people differently because it is the meaning we assign that determines our outcome. David reframed adversity by asking, "What is the gift in this?" Gratitude practice, present-moment awareness, and a shift in self-talk became his most powerful tools. Words, he discovered, are medicine.3. Mission Activation David and his wife created Live Calm with Cancer, a book, app, and calming TV experience for patients. He then joined 22ZERO to help first responders, veterans, and cancer patients heal trauma. His full-circle return to cancer advocacy, equipped with lived experience and proven tools, is a masterclass in turning pain into purpose.Key Quotes"Suffering is optional. We have a choice in every situation.""How do I turn these adversities into my superpower?""We are powerful creators. Positive self-talk is the core of all of it."Key Takeaways for LeadersRelease the old identity. Growth begins when you stop defining yourself by trauma or circumstance.Make meaning intentionally. The meaning you assign to adversity determines whether it becomes a wound or a wisdom.Activate your mission. Pain with purpose becomes power. Your story is meant to serve someone else's transformation.Words are medicine. Language shapes belief, belief shapes biology, and biology shapes your life.Suffering is optional. You always have a choice, and that choice is the foundation of fulfillment and legacy.ConnectDavid Dachinger: www.respondertv.com | 22ZERO: www.22zero.org | LinkedIn, Instagram, FacebookJulie Riga: www.julieriga.com/lead | LinkedIn, Instagram, FacebookSubscribe to Stay On Course wherever you listen to podcasts.#StayOnCourse #PostTraumaticGrowth #Leadership #Transformation #PurposeDriven

Selling from the Soul: Confidence, Grit and Purpose-Driven SuccessHost: Julie Riga | Guest: Monique IacobacciWhat does it truly take to show up every day with confidence, resilience, and authentic purpose, even when doors are being slammed in your face? In this heartfelt episode, Julie Riga sits down with her longtime friend and powerhouse sales leader Monique Iacobacci to explore the mindset and soul-driven conviction behind over a decade of transformational selling. From polar-vortex cold calls on the New York City subway to becoming Business Development Manager of the Year, Monique shares the ingredients for success that no sales manual can fully capture.Selling from the Soul: Confidence, Grit and Purpose-Driven SuccessAbout the GuestMonique Iacobacci is an Executive Business Development Manager for the number one professional skincare brand in the country, working with plastic surgeons, dermatologists, high-end spas, and aesthetic clinics. With over thirteen years in her field, she has broken sales records, earned Rookie of the Year honors, and helped transform New York City into one of her company's strongest markets. She brings analytical precision and genuine human warmth to everything she does.Fun Fact: Monique's favorite food is pizza with hot honey pepperoni, a bold and unexpected twist that perfectly mirrors her approach to sales and to life.The Three Ingredients for Success1. Confidence in Who You Are and What You Know Walk in knowing your product, your value, and your purpose fully. Confidence is the clarity and conviction that you have something genuinely meaningful to offer. Without it, no strategy will carry you far.2. A Service-First Mindset Approach every interaction with sincerity and a genuine desire to help. Selling stops feeling like selling when you show up as a trusted partner committed to solving your client's real problems.3. Intentional Focus and Discipline Conversations drift. The best professionals bring them back. Stay present, stay purposeful, and always return to what moves the relationship and the result forward.Filling Your Cup and Building ResilienceMonique's secret to sustained performance is a faith-anchored mindset shift: choosing to declare each day will be great, even when every instinct says otherwise. Her core philosophy: you are the brand. If your cup is not full, you have nothing to pour into others. Prioritizing yourself is not selfishness. It is the foundation of authentic leadership, confident presence, lasting impact, and purposeful living. Fill up so you can fully show up.Key Takeaways for LeadersFill Your Cup First - Self-leadership is the foundation of showing up with the energy and confidence that wins trust.Believe in Your Value - Conviction is contagious. When you know you can help someone, that certainty does half the work.Rejection Is Redirection - A no is rarely final. Treat every closed door as a not yet and keep nurturing the relationship.Ask Better Questions - The most powerful sales tool is a mirror. Ask questions that help your client see their own gap.Stay On Course - Keep learning, evolving, and challenging yourself every day. Growth does not stop when you hit your goals.Memorable Quotes"If my cup isn't filled, how am I supposed to pour into somebody else?""I felt like a doctor knocking on a sick person's door saying, here is medicine that you need and you just don't know it yet.""Nothing worth it is easy. I will tell you that.""Keep sewing into yourself and putting yourself first. That is what gives you the energy and the drive to keep going."Connect with Julie RigaWebsite: julieriga.com/leadSocial Media: @julierigaCoaching: Learn more about leadership coaching and transformationThis episode is a must-share for sales leaders, entrepreneurs, and anyone building a career grounded in authentic growth, self-leadership, and purpose.#StayOnCourse #PurposeDrivenLeadership #AuthenticGrowth #SalesLeadership #Ingredie

When Success Feels Heavy: The Architecture of Trust That HoldsGuest: Debbie Simmons, Legacy Architect, Keynote Speaker and Bestselling Author Host: Julie RigaWhat is your life really built on, and will it hold when pressure hits? In this powerful episode, Julie sits down with Debbie Simmons, founder of the multimillion-dollar nonprofit Anchor Point and creator of the Architecture of Trust. Debbie shares how she turned a breaking point into a blueprint, why hustle and control eventually crack, and how high-capacity leaders can rebuild on a foundation that truly holds.When Success Feels Heavy: The Architecture of Trust That HoldsAbout This EpisodeJulie sits down with Debbie Simmons, a legacy architect, keynote speaker, bestselling author, and founder of Anchor Point, a multimillion-dollar nonprofit based in Houston, Texas. Debbie created the Architecture of Trust to help high-capacity leaders rebuild their foundations when success starts to feel heavy. After walking through profound loss and leadership pressure, she turned her breaking point into a blueprint and today equips CEOs and founders to lead with trust that holds, not hustle that burns out.About Debbie SimmonsDebbie is the founder of Anchor Point, a multimillion-dollar nonprofit giving families hope for over 15 years through medical care, case management, a maternity home, therapeutic camps, and recovery ministry. She is the bestselling author of The Heart of Legacy and creator of the Success to Significance seminar, which helps purpose-driven leaders move from external achievement to internal alignment and lasting impact.Fun Fact: Debbie's favorite food is cheesecake, plain with a good graham cracker crust. As she says, "it's not my friend!"The Three Ingredients for Trust-Based Leadership Success1. Know What You Are Trusting Stop and honestly identify the default patterns you reach for under pressure. For most entrepreneurs and executives, it is hustle, control, silence, urgency, or self-reliance. Debbie's core principle: if you can name it, you can tame it. Reflect on what you actually did the last time the pressure hit and you will discover what your foundation is truly built on.2. Be Brave Enough to Shift Courage and fear feel identical. The only difference is that the courageous person acts anyway. Once you identify the pattern, make your best plan, take the leap, and tweak as you go. Leadership growth is a journey of iteration, humility, and intentional living that rewards those who stay the course.3. Invite Accountability and Build Community Name the pattern you are working on and share it with a trusted coach, mentor, spouse, or friend. Growth accelerates in community and stalls in isolation. When someone safe can call you back to your values and your vision, transformation happens faster. This is self-leadership in action.Key Takeaways for LeadersThe systems that got you here will not take you to your next levelTrust is structural, not emotional. Build systems and teams that hold even when you are not at 100%Moving from success to significance requires inner alignment, not just outward achievementCourage is a daily choice. Do it, tweak it, and do it againMemorable Quotes"What is your life really built on, and will it hold when pressure hits?""The things that got you here will not take you to your next level.""If you can name it, you can tame it.""The difference between courageous and fearful is that the courageous person does it anyway."Connect with Debbie SimmonsWebsite: www.thedebbiesimmons.comSuccess to Significance Seminar: www.successandsignificance.netFree Book Download: www.theheartoflegacy.comConnect with Julie RigaWebsite: julieriga.com/leadCoaching: Learn more about leadership coaching#StayOnCourse #LeadershipMindset #PurposeDrivenLeadership #LegacyBuilding #AuthenticGrowth

Aligning Your Marketing for Long-Term Growth: The 3 Essential Ingredients Every Business Owner NeedsIn this transformative episode, Julie Riga sits down with Jeremiah Aut, founder and CEO of Involved Digital Marketing, to explore the strategic foundations that drive sustainable business growth. Jeremiah shares his journey from fragmented experimentation to focused execution, revealing the three essential ingredients that align marketing strategy with long-term success. Whether you're a small business owner struggling to find clarity or an entrepreneur looking to scale with purpose, this conversation delivers actionable insights on building a marketing foundation that generates real ROI and creates lasting impact.Aligning Your Marketing for Long-Term Growth: The 3 Essential Ingredients Every Business Owner NeedsGuest: Jeremiah Aut, Founder & CEO of Involved Digital MarketingHost: Julie RigaAbout This EpisodeJulie explores the three essential ingredients for marketing success with Jeremiah Aut, a results-driven strategist who helps brands scale through smart strategy, storytelling, and execution. Jeremiah partners with a team of 20+ experts with over 23 years of combined experience who have built 1,800+ brands.Fun Fact: Jeremiah's favorite food is Pizza Hut Meat Lovers Personal Pan Pizza!The Three Ingredients for Marketing SuccessClarity: The Foundation for Long-Term Growth Most businesses start marketing with no clear objective or measurable outcome. Define your messaging and foundation before investing in social media, SEO, or website development. Get crystal clear on your business vision and purpose first.Strategic Implementation: Executing with Alignment Every marketing dollar should generate a return on investment. Build a strategy that aligns with where your business is now and where you want to go in one to two years and beyond. Your success is directly tied to your clients' success.Collaboration & Continuous Learning Trial and error is essential to business growth. Partner with experts who understand your pain points to transform your marketing from guesswork to strategic growth. Learn from failures and use those lessons to create success.The 2026 Marketing LandscapeAI streamlines marketing operations but isn't everything. Video content on LinkedIn and YouTube is essential for targeting decision-makers and building authority. Being on multiple platforms protects you when one goes down.Key Quotes"You can build a website, all the different ingredients that go into marketing, without that foundation and that clear messaging. There is no real result, no long-term growth.""Their success is our success. That should be the measurable outcome for any strategy that's implemented."Key TakeawaysGet crystal clear on your objectives before spending on marketing. Surround yourself with experts who understand your industry. Every marketing strategy should generate measurable returns. Position yourself as an authority through video content. Learn from failure and use those lessons to build success. Align your marketing with where you want to be in one to five years.Connect with Jeremiah AutWebsite: www.involveddigitalmarketing.com (with an I, not an E!)Social Media: Available on LinkedIn, Facebook, and all major platformsCompany: Involved Digital MarketingDaily News Network: Watch Jeremiah on Ask the Expert and other showsConnect with Julie RigaWebsite: julieriga.com/leadPodcast: Stay On Course PodcastLeadership Coaching: Transformative coaching for authentic leadership and purposeful growthSubscribe to Stay On Course wherever you listen to podcasts.#Leadership #Marketing #BusinessGrowth #PurposeDriven #DigitalMarketing

Guard the Work: The Unspoken Rules of Legacy LeadershipGuest: Dr. (h.c.) Lisa Ray, Founder of Golden Ray PublishingHost: Julie RigaOverviewIn this powerful episode, host Julie Riga sits down with Dr. (h.c.) Lisa Ray, a veteran ghostwriter, publisher, and media strategist who transforms lived experience into legacy. Lisa shares her expertise in authentic leadership, personal brand protection, and the responsibility of stepping into the spotlight with integrity. From her work with Navy SEALs to her role as media director for TEDx Maisner Park, Lisa reveals the strategic frameworks that separate professionals from amateurs in publishing and personal branding.Guard the Work: The Unspoken Rules of Legacy LeadershipAbout This EpisodeJulie welcomes Dr. (h.c.) Lisa Ray, a purpose-driven publisher and legacy strategist who helps leaders turn their stories into protected, powerful assets. Lisa is the founder of Golden Ray Publishing and works extensively in the Special Forces and military legacy space. Her work is represented in national SEAL museums, and she serves as media director for TEDx Maisner Park.Guest BackgroundDr. (h.c.) Lisa Ray is a 20-year veteran ghostwriter and founder of Golden Ray Publishing. With 11 books releasing before June, Lisa specializes in military legacy work, having authored SEAL Team 1: Moy Bell and The Painted Frog (releasing August 2026).Fun Fact: Lisa is from Newport, Rhode Island, and her favorite food is a lobster roll, preferably enjoyed in the summer in her hometown.The Three Ingredients for Author SuccessIntegrity: Handle legacy stories with care and truth. Build trust with those whose stories you share.Truth: Tell stories from first-person perspective. Maintain accuracy and authenticity.Vulnerability: Allow authentic connection through honest storytelling. Create emotional resonance that outlives the spotlight.Memorable Quotes"Clarity beats charisma every time.""The red dot is not about performance, it's about responsibility.""Structure doesn't stifle creativity, it protects it.""Guard the work, and the work will guard you.""Success is when your reputation speaks before you even enter the room."Key Insights for LeadersThe Publishing Truth: Books are the most successful piece of marketing when handled correctly. Your book should serve as your lead generator and establish you as an expert, but only if protected and positioned strategically.The Legacy Principle: You're three generations away from everyone forgetting your name. Written legacy from your first-person perspective ensures your story lives beyond the spotlight.Protection Before Promotion: Don't rush to market before your brand is ready. Protect your work through copyright and trademarks. Work with professionals to shape your message with integrity.Rapid Fire InsightsSuccess in one sentence: "Success is when your reputation speaks before you even enter the room."Biggest mistake new authors make: "They rush to publish before they've protected their story or clarified the message."What separates pros from amateurs? "Professionals build systems, amateurs rely on talent and hope."Best advice ever received: "Guard the work, and the work will guard you."One non-negotiable in publishing: "Integrity, because once it's compromised, the book fails before it's even read."Connect with Dr. (h.c.) Lisa RayWebsite: www.goldenraybooks.com Free Zoom Consultation: Available via green button at bottom of websiteKey TakeawaysProtect Before You Promote: Structure and boundaries protect your creativity and messageClarity Over Charisma: Your message must be clean, honest, and grounded in experienceLegacy Is Intentional: Success is building stories that outlive the spotlightTrust Is Everything: In publishing and leadership, integrity is non-negotiableSubscribe to Stay On Course wherever you listen to podcasts.#Leadership #Legacy #Publishing #AuthenticGrowth #PurposeDriven

Three Ingredients for Building Unbreakable Resilience: Lessons from a Firefighter's JourneyGuest: Gary Roberts - 20-Year Firefighter & Founder of Neurovus Host: Julie RigaOverviewJulie sits down with Gary Roberts, a 20-year Fort Lauderdale firefighter who transformed personal tragedy into mission. After losing his daughter to an opioid overdose on her 27th birthday, Gary created Neurovus, an AI-powered mental health platform combining biometrics, voice-driven AI, and evidence-based therapies to provide support before crisis hits.Gary shares three essential ingredients for building unbreakable resilience: consistency, continuous learning, and mental toughness. Whether you're an entrepreneur, leader, or anyone overcoming obstacles, this episode offers actionable insights on moving forward when life knocks you down.Three Ingredients for Building Unbreakable Resilience: Lessons from a Firefighter's JourneyAbout Gary RobertsGary is a 20-year veteran firefighter and founder of Neurovus. His journey includes breaking nearly every bone in his body, being stranded in Florida with nothing, building multiple fitness studios, and facing devastating loss. As a hazmat special operations team member, Gary combines fitness discipline, firefighting mental toughness, and compassionate understanding from profound personal loss.Fun Fact: Despite being a fitness professional, Gary's favorite food is strawberry cheesecake!The Three Ingredients for Resilience1. Consistency: Moving the Needle ForwardDo one thing daily to create momentumTake one step at a time (staircase principle)Track progress visuallyFocus on the end result, not difficulty2. Continuous Learning: Every Experience is EducationTreat failures as curves to overcome, not mistakesListen more than you speakBuild partnerships through genuine curiosityLearn from every experience3. Mental Toughness: Work Through What You Don't Want to DoPhysical and mental fitness work togetherFocus on post-completion feelingsThe 100 pull-ups principle: if you can do one, you can do 100Practice breathing techniques for decompressionTeach loved ones to ask for "help" not present "problems"First Responder RealityGary reveals harsh truths: no formal mental health training, "suck it up" culture, 24/7 alertness, constant worst-case thinking, high divorce rates, and PTSD indicators. First responders live in perpetual readiness, impacting home life.Key Quotes"It's not how hard you get punched down, it's how many times you get back up.""Think of the end result first, not what you're doing to get there.""Resilience becomes part of you, not an obstacle to overcome."The Neurovus SolutionInnovative platform using biometric integration, voice-driven AI, and evidence-based therapies for proactive mental health support—designed for first responders and high performers.Connect with GaryWebsite: www.neurovus.com Instagram: @GRoberts_PIR Email: garyroberts@neurovus.comKey TakeawaysConsistency beats intensityLearn from failuresMental and physical health connectVisualize end resultsResilience is built through persistenceYour story determines outcomesSeek help before crisisTake one step at a timeLegacy: Honoring Gary's daughter and Julie's father, whose teaching "seven times down, eight times up" captures resilience.

Beyond the Game: How One NBA Player Transformed Adversity Into ImpactGuest: Gary Forbes, Former NBA Player, Published Author & Founder of Soul Survivors Host: Julie RigaOverviewIn this inspiring episode of the Stay On Course podcast, host Julie Riga sits down with former NBA player Gary Forbes to explore what happens when life takes you beyond the game you thought would define you. Gary shares his powerful journey from professional basketball to purpose-driven entrepreneurship, revealing the three essential ingredients that transformed his challenges with Type 1 diabetes into a platform for empowering others. This conversation is a masterclass in authentic leadership, resilience, and creating meaningful impact through intentional living.Beyond the Game: How One NBA Player Transformed Adversity Into ImpactAbout Gary ForbesGary Forbes is a former professional basketball player who spent time in the NBA and played for 13-15 different teams across various leagues worldwide. Since retiring six years ago, Gary has evolved into a purpose-driven entrepreneur, published author, and advocate for children with chronic health conditions. Through his platform Soul Survivors, he's created a children's multimedia platform that empowers kids through storytelling, health literacy, and inclusion.Fun Fact: Gary's favorite food is Asian cuisine—especially American Chinese sesame chicken and anything Korean his partner makes.The Three Ingredients for Success1. Mindset: Building Your FoundationEstablishing a strong foundational mindset shapes how you interpret every challengeLearning that one bad moment doesn't define you"How you do one thing is how you do everything" - Coach Travis Ford2. Optimism: Finding the Silver LiningBelieving there's always a silver lining in every situationUnderstanding adversity as preparation for your purposeThe "aha moments" that reveal why you went through challenges3. Consistency & Sticktoitiveness: The Power of CommitmentDoing mundane, repetitive work consistently every single dayThe 10,000-hour rule: Gary became a professional twice (athlete and author)Getting 1% better every day creates an extraordinary lifeMemorable Quotes"Your present situation is not your final destination.""No testimony without a test.""Everything that we can touch, feel started with a thought. If your thoughts become reality, so think good things.""You have 100% chance to do anything you want in life.""All work is easy work—it's just work."Key MomentsHow a fourth-grader was inspired to try out for basketball despite Type 1 diabetesGary's daily NBA routine: 7am workouts to late-night skill sessionsThe journey from dreaming of a 15-20 year NBA career to discovering true purposeCreating Soul Survivors to gamify health and wellness for childrenThe mindset shift: Even Steph Curry only makes 4 out of 10 shotsSoul Survivors PlatformGary's multimedia platform provides empowerment and encouragement for children with chronic health conditions, helping students, educators, and hospitals improve cultural competency through inclusion and health literacy. The Soul Survivors app launches next month, inspiring kids to see themselves as superheroes.Key TakeawaysEstablish a strong mindset foundation—it shapes everythingThere's always a silver lining; transformation is always possibleSuccess comes from consistent daily action and dedicationYour authentic journey inspires others by living your best lifeLet go of self-imposed limitations—your mind creates your realityConnect with Gary ForbesSoul Survivors Platform: thesolesurvivors.comSocial Media: YouTube, Twitter, Instagram, FacebookConnect with Julie RigaPodcast: Stay On Course PodcastPrograms: Before I LeadWebsite: julieriga.com/lead

#259: Learn how to pick the challenges in life that actually matter. We break down how to stop optimizing for the wrong things, why values trump goals in decision-making, practical strategies for building real friendships, and more. Mark Manson is the bestselling author of The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck (20M+ copies sold). He hosts the Solved podcast, writes the newsletter Your Next Breakthrough, and co-founded Purpose, an AI tool for exploring purpose and values. Link to Full Show Notes: https://chrishutchins.com/mark-manson-purpose-and-meaning Partner Deals Bilt Rewards: Earn the most valuable points when you pay rent Thrive Market: 30% off your first order of organic groceries + a free $60 gift Fabric: Affordable term life insurance for you and your family Copilot Money: Get 26% off my favorite personal finance app Vuori: 20% off the most comfortable performance apparel I've ever worn For all the deals, discounts and promo codes from our partners, go to: chrishutchins.com/deals Resources Mentioned Mark: Website | Newsletter | X The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck Solved Podcast Making Friends as an Adult, Solved Your Values, Solved Purpose App Full Show Notes (00:00) Introduction (00:47) What Most People Get Wrong About Living a Good Life (01:13) Why Struggle Is Inevitable and Necessary (02:18) Why Purpose Is Revealed, Not Found (04:34) Choosing the Right Metric To Optimize Your Life (06:26) The Three Ingredients of Meaningful Purpose (08:32) Why Purpose Doesn't Require Changing the World (12:33) Radical Honesty as the Starting Point for Meaning (14:32) What Happens After You Achieve Everything You Wanted (17:48) Why Other People Can See Your Purpose Before You Do (21:06) Why Honest Conversations Are So Hard (and So Necessary) (28:41) Why Adult Friendship Is Uniquely Difficult (32:29) How Work, Kids, and Technology Changed Friendship (33:27) Why “Shared Stakes” Matter More Than Shared Spaces in Adult Friendships (37:02) When Life Feels Hard and Why That's Normal (42:21) Making Better Decisions by Clarifying Your Values (43:57) How To Check In on Your Life Without Obsessing Over Goals (46:57) When Quitting a Goal Is the Right Decision (50:48) Why We Rarely Talk About Meaning With Friends (53:30) Building an AI To Ask Better Life Questions (55:04) How AI and Therapy Can Work Together (57:52) Is It Okay If Your Job Is Not Your Purpose? (01:00:07) The First Step Toward a More Meaningful Life (01:01:06) How To Define Value Beyond Status (01:02:08) Where To Find More From Mark Connect with Chris Newsletter | Membership | X | Instagram | LinkedIn Editor's Note: The content on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of our partner offers may have expired. Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, we're diving into something every organization talks about but few truly master urgency. I share what I've learned coaching CEOs about why urgency matters so much and how clarity, energy, and ownership all work together to create real momentum. We'll talk about setting clear goals, getting people emotionally connected to the work, and helping teams feel genuinely invested in the outcomes. You'll also get a chance to gauge your own urgency score and pick up a few simple ways to boost it. And along the way, I'll touch on how coaching can help leaders and teams move faster, stay focused, and keep growing. Episode Highlights & Time Stamps 0:07 Introduction to Urgency 2:21 Creating Clarity for Urgency 5:51 Energizing Your Team 8:05 Fostering Ownership and Accountability 10:11 The Urgency Formula for Growth Why Urgency Matters More Than Ever In this episode, I dig into the idea of urgency—why it's such a powerful driver of growth and momentum, and why so many organizations quietly lose it over time. Drawing from my work as a CEO coach, I talk about a common issue I see: urgency fading at the executive level and slowly rippling through the entire company. I also introduce the three interconnected elements that shape a culture of urgency—clarity, energy, and ownership—and how they set the tone for everything that follows. The Three Ingredients of a High-Urgency Culture Urgency isn't just about moving fast—it's about creating an environment where people feel motivated and empowered to act. I break down the three elements that fuel this: Clarity: Without clear priorities, standards, and success metrics, teams struggle to know where to focus. I talk about the importance of transparent conversations around goals, milestones, and expectations so everyone understands the path forward. Energy: This isn't a buzzword; it's the emotional charge that moves teams into action. When employees feel connected to their work and understand its purpose, engagement skyrockets. I share ways organizations can build energy—like communicating meaning and celebrating small wins to keep momentum alive. Ownership: Beyond responsibility, ownership is about personal investment and proactive accountability. I discuss how leaders can create a culture where team members genuinely feel the work belongs to them—and why that shift changes everything. Assessing Your Urgency and Raising It I challenge listeners to calculate their own urgency score using a simple formula built around clarity, energy, and ownership. This diagnostic helps leaders pinpoint where urgency is thriving and where it needs immediate attention. From there, I offer guidance on turning those insights into real, actionable improvements. I wrap up by inviting leaders who want deeper support to consider coaching as a tool for unlocking their team's full potential—because building urgency isn't a one-time task; it's an ongoing journey. Key Takeaways Urgency drives growth and momentum—but it often weakens at the top and spreads throughout the organization. Clarity is the foundation of urgency; teams need clear priorities, expectations, and definitions of success. Energy fuels action by connecting people emotionally to their work and reinforcing purpose through communication and small wins. Ownership creates accountability, encouraging team members to take proactive responsibility rather than simply completing tasks. The three elements—clarity, energy, and ownership—work together to form a high-urgency culture. Leaders can assess their team's urgency using a simple score based on these three components. Improving urgency is an ongoing process, and coaching can accelerate progress and unlock organizational potential. Ideal For: Founders, CEOs, executives, managers, and anyone committed to elevating their leadership capacity. Resources & Next Steps Ready to take your leadership energy to the next level? Explore free training and resources at training.coreelevation.com to help you identify energy leaks, strengthen your leadership presence, and elevate your team's performance. Explore More: training.coreelevation.com Listen to the Full Episode: Growth Think Tank Podcast