Resilience and Entrepreneurial Mindset: Lessons from Maria D. Craig's Inspirational Journey

Welcome Maria D. Craig, an inspiring entrepreneur and the founder of Prisma International Corporation. Maria's journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and an unwavering entrepreneurial spirit. Born and raised in Colombia, in a family of 13 children with an entrepreneurial father, Maria's roots instilled in her a drive to create her own path. From starting her first business at the tender age of 7, to moving to the United States with just $800 and four suitcases in pursuit of education, Maria faced numerous challenges and obstacles head-on. Working multiple jobs and overcoming adversities, her resilience shone through when she lost her job and took the courageous step of starting Prisma International Corporation with a mere $70, ultimately turning it into a successful enterprise. Here is an expansion on the key lessons from Maria Craig in the podcast: Key Lessons from Maria: Maria strongly emphasizes the importance of education and continuous learning as critical drivers of personal and professional growth. She credits her thirst for knowledge, instilled by her father's mantras "Everything is in your mind" and "Evolve", as foundational to her entrepreneurial journey. Maria outlines three key elements that she believes are essential for entrepreneurial success: Interest, Capability, and Capacity. Having a genuine interest and passion for what you do, coupled with the capability to execute and the capacity to sustain effort, form the powerful trifecta that can overcome any obstacle. Moreover, Maria underscores the significance of surrounding yourself with the right support system and positive energy. She believes that the people we choose to have around us can either propel us forward or hold us back. Cultivating relationships with those who inspire, motivate, and uplift is vital. Above all, Maria's resounding message is about owning your purpose and being true to your unique self. She encourages entrepreneurs to embrace their authentic selves, celebrate their individuality, and pursue their calling with unwavering conviction. It is this unapologetic self-belief that has been the driving force behind her remarkable achievements. Contact Information: Prisma Languages: https://prismalanguages.com Prisma International Corporation: https://www.prisma-international-corporation.com Maria's inspiring story of resilience, entrepreneurial mindset, and overcoming challenges is a testament to the power of determination, hard work, and staying true to one's purpose.

Resilience and Entrepreneurial Mindset: Lessons from Maria D. Craig's Inspirational Journey by Russell Verhey

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Welcome Maria D. Craig, an inspiring entrepreneur and the founder of Prisma International Corporation. Maria's journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and an unwavering entrepreneurial spirit. Born and raised in Colombia, in a family of 13 children with an entrepreneurial father, Maria's roots instilled in her a drive to create her own path. From starting her first business at the tender age of 7, to moving to the United States with just $800 and four suitcases in pursuit of education, Maria faced numerous challenges and obstacles head-on. Working multiple jobs and overcoming adversities, her resilience shone through when she lost her job and took the courageous step of starting Prisma International Corporation with a mere $70, ultimately turning it into a successful enterprise.

Here is an expansion on the key lessons from Maria Craig in the podcast:

Key Lessons from Maria:

Maria strongly emphasizes the importance of education and continuous learning as critical drivers of personal and professional growth. She credits her thirst for knowledge, instilled by her father's mantras "Everything is in your mind" and "Evolve", as foundational to her entrepreneurial journey.

Maria outlines three key elements that she believes are essential for entrepreneurial success: Interest, Capability, and Capacity. Having a genuine interest and passion for what you do, coupled with the capability to execute and the capacity to sustain effort, form the powerful trifecta that can overcome any obstacle.

Moreover, Maria underscores the significance of surrounding yourself with the right support system and positive energy. She believes that the people we choose to have around us can either propel us forward or hold us back. Cultivating relationships with those who inspire, motivate, and uplift is vital.

Above all, Maria's resounding message is about owning your purpose and being true to your unique self. She encourages entrepreneurs to embrace their authentic selves, celebrate their individuality, and pursue their calling with unwavering conviction. It is this unapologetic self-belief that has been the driving force behind her remarkable achievements.

Contact Information:

• Prisma Languages:

https://prismalanguages.com

• Prisma International Corporation:

https://www.prisma-international-corporation.com

Maria's inspiring story of resilience, entrepreneurial mindset, and overcoming challenges is a testament to the power of determination, hard work, and staying true to one's purpose.

Cultivating Conversational Intelligence and Leadership with Sandy Gil

Cultivating Conversational Intelligence and Leadership with Sandy Gil by Russell Verhey

Begin with the Power of Curiosity

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In this enlightening episode, we are joined by Sandy Gil, a seasoned clinical psychologist who has transitioned into a leadership coach. Sandy draws from a rich multicultural heritage, having lived in the United States and Mexico while working across various international settings. This exposure has allowed her to work with clients from diverse nationalities and cultural backgrounds, developing a deep understanding of diversity dynamics, transition, and cross-cultural adaptation.

Sandy takes us on her journey, from her early days exploring relationships and cultural nuances to her current focus on conversational intelligence as a fundamental aspect of effective leadership.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Power of Curiosity: Sandy emphasizes the importance of approaching conversations with genuine curiosity. Leaders can create a safe space for meaningful connections and understanding by asking thoughtful questions and actively listening.

2. From I to We: Drawing from the work of Judith Glaser, Sandy highlights the shift from an individualistic "I" mindset to a collaborative "we" perspective. This transition fosters a sense of interconnectedness and empathy, essential for building solid teams and nurturing a culture of trust.

3. Conversational Leadership: Sandy introduces the concept of "conversational leadership," where leaders act as "chief conversationalists" or "chief invitationalists." Leaders can shape a culture of openness and growth by inviting others to think together, share perspectives, and co-create possibilities.

4. Cultural Nuances: With a diverse global experience, Sandy emphasizes the importance of understanding and respecting cultural nuances in conversations. While the human desire for connection transcends borders, appreciating cultural differences can enhance communication and foster inclusive environments.

5. Intentionality in Connections: Sandy encourages listeners to approach every interaction with intentionality, no matter how brief. By practicing mindful presence and connection, even in seemingly mundane encounters, individuals can cultivate their conversational intelligence and create a ripple effect of positive engagement.

Throughout our conversation, Sandy provides us with practical frameworks and insights that demonstrate the immediate transformative power of authentic dialogue. Whether you're looking to foster team collaboration, nurture personal growth, or navigate cultural complexities, conversational intelligence emerges as a crucial leadership skill that can create shared understanding, meaning, and impact in your professional and personal life.

You can connect with Sandy on LinkedIn.

You Belong: Finding Your Identity Beyond Your Career with D. Michelle Thompson

You Belong: Finding Your Identity Beyond Your Career with D. Michelle Thompson by Russell Verhey

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We are delighted to welcome D. Michelle Thompson to the show today. Michelle is a trailblazer with an impressive 20-year career as a Fortune 100 leader in advertising and marketing. A 3-time published author, she has negotiated $200 million media plans and managed $2 billion marketing budgets for iconic brands like Bounty, Kellogg's, Nestlé, and Tropicana. Since 2009, Michelle has dedicated herself to empowering leaders through her firm Destiny Resets, touching the core of hearts and minds to help people fulfill their purpose and destiny. Her unique ability to connect across cultures was showcased when she facilitated sales and marketing training for Middle Eastern executives in Dubai. Recognizing everyone's desire to belong, Michelle launched the YOU BELONG PODCAST to inspire leaders to embrace their authentic selves and find their place in the world.

We discuss The Journey to "Being"

- Michelle's background in advertising/marketing led to struggles with identity and belonging

- Realizing our titles and positions can't truly fulfill us

- The importance of just "being" before "doing"

- Quieting the internal drive to achieve and produce to discover who you are

The 5 C's for Fight to Belong 

1. - Be Clear on your vision and intention 

2. - Finding Confidence in yourself and a "circle of confidence"

3. - The Courage to walk away from compromising situations

4. - Becoming Conflict Resilient through self-reflection

5. - Staying Consistent through habits, accountability, and memorable practices

First Step to Start

- Spend quiet time asking, "What does it look like for me just to be?"

- Don't strive, just be present as your authentic self

How to Connect

- Website: www.destinyresets.com

You BElong: Workplace Devotional

Leading Beyond Influence with John Ramstead

Leading Beyond Influence with John Ramstead by Russell Verhey

Life & Leadership Lessons from a TopGun Fighter Pilot: Mentoring, Vision Focus, and Living with Purpose

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Life & Leadership Lessons from a TopGun Fighter Pilot: Mentoring, Vision Focus, and Living with Purpose

In this inspiring conversation, John Ramstead, a former fighter pilot, successful entrepreneur, and author of "On Purpose with Purpose," shares his profound leadership lessons. He discusses the concept of "smoldering discontent," which stems from misalignment between external success and internal values. Ramstead emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, identifying core values, beliefs, and a clear sense of identity as the foundation for living a purposeful life.

Key Ideas:

1. Self-Reflection: Take time for self-reflection to understand your true north (core values), your current position (beliefs and identity), and your desired destination (life vision).

2. Passion and Purpose: Connect your goals to your passions and values for emotional alignment and sustained motivation.

3. Mentorship: Actively seek out mentors who have achieved what you aspire to, but in a manner aligned with your values. Be a dedicated mentee, putting in more effort than your mentor.

4. Growth Mindset: Embrace a growth mindset, viewing challenges and failures as opportunities for learning and growth.

Practical Tips:

1. Identify your core values through exercises like the "Tournament of Champions" or by reflecting on experiences that ignite passion and joy.

2. Clarify your life vision by envisioning your desired future self in specific areas like career, relationships, and lifestyle.

3. Find mentors by inspecting their "fruit" – their life outcomes and alignment with your values.

4. Commit to daily actions, even small ones, that move you towards your goals and align with your values.

5. Consider generosity as a core value, and explore ways to give back to your community through your business or leadership initiatives.

Ramstead's journey from fighter pilot to successful entrepreneur and mentor highlights the power of self-awareness, purpose-driven living, and intentional mentorship in achieving fulfillment and impact.

Connect with John at https://www.beyondinfluence.com/

We encourage you to order your copy of John’s book, On Purpose with Purpose

Altruistic Touch: Interview with Marcus Costantino Helping Future Authors Share Their Stories in Writing and Mentorship

In this episode of Mentor Leadership, we have the privilege of sitting down with Marcus Costantino, an esteemed author, publisher, and literary consultant known for his resonant insights and altruistic spirit. Join us as we explore Marcus's journey in helping individuals tell and write their stories while delving into the deeper meanings of success, desire, and authenticity.

Marcus shares his profound wisdom on guiding clients towards telling their stories authentically, urging us to first define success on our own terms. He emphasizes the importance of aligning our desires with our true selves, breaking free from the expectations imposed by others.

Through thought-provoking questions, Marcus encourages us to introspect:

1. What truly makes us smile?

2. Will pursuing an opportunity bring us closer to our spiritual path?

3. Will it enable us to collaborate with those who resonate with our values and aspirations?

Drawing from the wellspring of timeless wisdom, Marcus advises us to pay attention to the teachings of the ages, finding relevance and guidance in ancient philosophies and traditions.

Reflecting on his extensive mentorship experience with over 50 mentors, Marcus shares insights into the values they've instilled and how he incorporates these principles into his life and work.

Our conversation takes a deeper turn as Marcus unveils his latest book, "What's Next? In it, he explores profound insights from philosophy, sociology, and theology, offering a roadmap for discovering purpose and fulfillment.

To connect with Marcus and explore his work further, visit his website and grab a copy of "What's Next" on Amazon.

Finding Your "Heck Yeah" With Thomas Thompson

Coaching the Quarterbacks - Pastors, Business Owners, and Civic Leaders

In this insightful episode, leadership coach and author Thomas Thompson shares his wisdom on how to get to a resounding "Heck Yeah!" when making important life decisions. He guides listeners through powerful self-reflection questions that can help clarify their deepest drives and find alignment with opportunities that fit their unique calling.

The "Heck Yeah" Mentality

• Learning to confidently say "Yes" to opportunities that energize you

• Developing decision-making criteria aligned with your values and goals

• Avoiding the traps of indecision, burnout, and regret

The Path to Self-Discovery Thomas emphasizes the importance of ruthless self-awareness through brutally honest questions:

• "What keeps me up at night worrying?"

• "What gets me up in the morning excited?"

• "What am I deeply passionate about?"

• "How am I uniquely wired and gifted?"

• "What was I put on this earth to do?"

The Shotgun vs. Rifle Approach

• The pitfalls of casting too wide a net with opportunities

• Focusing intently on your highest priorities and strengths

• Aligning roles, projects, and commitments purposefully

The Value of Mentors & Coaches Drawing from his experience coaching leaders, Thomas shares:

• Why leaders often feel isolated and need a trusted sounding board

• The power of mentors to provide wisdom, guidance, and accountability

• Practical advice for finding, engaging with, and being a good mentee

Responsibilities of the Mentor-Mentee Relationship

• Setting realistic expectations and boundaries

• The mentee's role in showing up ready, open, and engaged

• Starting small by asking for advice on specific topics

• Allowing the relationship to develop naturally over time

Thomas encourages listeners to not get discouraged if potential mentors initially decline. Continue planting seeds by providing value first.

To learn more about Thomas' coaching, leadership programs, and civic engagement work, visit www.thompsonleadership.org

Brand Brilliance: Leadership Insights from Disney, Orlando Magic, and Shark Tank with Dara Trujillo

Join us in this enlightening episode as we welcome branding expert Dara Trujillo to uncover essential leadership lessons gleaned from powerhouse brands like Disney, Orlando Magic, and Shark Tank. Trujillo shares actionable strategies for living your brand authentically and becoming a trustworthy partner in leadership. Delve into the transformative power of mentorship, learn from the successes of the world's leading brand, and understand the importance of brand consistency and authenticity. Trujillo also explores the joy of helping others succeed and the value of humility in shaping your personal and professional trajectory. Tune in to discover how to infuse brilliance into your brand and lead with purpose and authenticity.

Show Notes:

* Living Your Brand: Stepping outside your comfort zone to embody your brand values.

* Trustworthy Leadership: Building trust and reliability as a cornerstone of effective leadership.

* The Power of Mentorship: Exploring the role of mentorship in personal and professional growth.

* Learning from Top Brands: Extracting valuable lessons from leading brands to inform your strategies.

* Defining Your Brand Identity: Identify what you want your brand to be known for and stay true to your vision.

* Consistency Matters: The importance of maintaining consistency in branding efforts.

* Authenticity: Avoiding the temptation to dilute your brand to please others and staying loyal to your brand essence.

* Brilliance in Branding: Unleashing your brand's unique brilliance to stand out in the market.

* Seeking Support: Recognizing when to seek help and guidance from others who can complement your expertise.

* The Joy of Helping Others: Finding fulfillment in supporting others on their journey to success.

* Embracing Humility: Understanding humility as a guiding principle in life, leadership, and career development.

Join Dara Trujillo as she shares her insights on leadership and branding, offering practical advice for crafting an authentic and impactful brand identity. If you’d like to connect with Dara, feel free to contact her on LinkedIn.

Randy Welsch - Courage to Explore: Life Maps to a Global Initiative

Randy Welsch is a leader and entrepreneur with a highly diverse background. His experience includes executive leadership coaching, launching successful software and space industry businesses, C-suite executive leadership, significant non-profit work, church planter, pastor, professor (USAFA and U of Denver), and extensive leadership mentoring. He also is an impact investor with a broad international portfolio.

He co-founded Jibu, which equips and capitalizes emerging market entrepreneurs to sell affordable drinking water to underserved urban communities using a franchise model. Jibu operates in eight African countries and has over 12,000 retail outlets. www.jibuco.com 

Introduction:

In this episode, Randy Welch discusses his journey from being ordained as a pastor to becoming an entrepreneur in high tech and his involvement in Jibu, a social enterprise solution. 

1. Roots of Adventure and Exploring:

• Randy's career journey began with his love of maps and a spirit of adventure and exploration, leading him to diverse roles and experiences.

2. Working with Purpose:

• Randy emphasizes the importance of working purposefully, making a difference, building teams, and helping others succeed.

3. Good Work Philosophy:

• Advocates for the philosophy that we receive more when we warn against false dichotomies encourage embracing failure and focus on sustainable value propositions by meeting people's needs.

4. Open Aperture for Opportunity:

• He encourages keeping an open aperture for opportunities to do the most good for causes one is passionate about.

5. Partnership Initiatives:

• Highlights partnerships with organizations like World Vision and Peace Corps to bring new perspectives and better business models and foster familial relationships within business ventures.

6. Creating Sustainable Solutions:

• Emphasizes the importance of creating sustainable solutions rather than merely giving away resources, such as establishing a middle class in Africa through a franchise model selling water.

7. Embracing Insecurity and Courage:

• Encourages embracing insecurity, recognizing needs, and having the courage to dive in, even when feeling out of depth.

8. Seeking Support and Building Teams:

• Advises seeking support from smarter and better individuals, building strong teams, and being willing to ask for help from unexpected sources, such as inviting a 4-star general to join one's board.

9. Embracing Vulnerability:

• Advocates identify and embrace vulnerability as a strength, as it allows for growth and fosters authenticity in leadership.

10. Leadership and Heart:

• Emphasizes that effective leadership is rooted in the heart, including attitudes, mindsets, hopefulness, and fears, which influence how leaders are perceived and how they impact others.

Mentor Leader Podcast - Micheal Brunner - Billion Dollar Brand Leader, Father of 7, & Faithful Friend for 25+ Years

Sowing Seeds of Tomorrow Today: Nurturing Leadership with Michael Brunner

Episode Title: Cultivating an Integrated Life: Insights from Michael Brunner

Introduction: In this episode, we delve into the wisdom of Michael Brunner, a visionary leader, devoted father, and trusted friend. Join us as we explore his journey of intentional living, balancing work and family, and fostering a mentality of giving in today's fast-paced world.

Key Points:

1. Planting Seeds of Tomorrow Today: Michael emphasizes the importance of sowing seeds of future success through intentional actions today, shaping a legacy that extends beyond the present moment.

2. Living Intentional: Deliberate living is the cornerstone of Michael's approach, guiding his decisions and actions towards meaningful outcomes.

3. Preserving Front Porch Time: Discover how to prevent work from encroaching on precious family time, maintaining a healthy boundary between professional responsibilities and personal life.

4. Therapeutic Sawdust: Uncover the transformative power of simple activities, such as woodworking, in providing solace and clarity amidst life's complexities.

5. Rhythms of Integration: Michael shares insights on harmonizing various aspects of life, weaving work, family, and personal pursuits into a cohesive tapestry of fulfillment.

6. Giving versus Getting Mentality: Embrace the ethos of generosity and contribution, fostering a mindset focused on giving rather than solely receiving.

7. Finding Rest within Work: Learn practical strategies for finding moments of rest and rejuvenation within the hustle and bustle of the workday.

8. Building Relational Equity: Cultivate meaningful connections and invest in relationships, recognizing the value of relational capital in both professional and personal spheres.

9. Stewardship and Burnout Avoidance: Michael offers guidance on stewarding one's talents and avoiding burnout by nurturing a healthy balance between innovation and self-care.

10. Frameworks for Ideation: Explore techniques for generating prolific ideas and simplifying complex challenges through structured frameworks.

11. Reverse Engineering Complexity: Gain insights into breaking down daunting problems into manageable solutions through the process of reverse engineering.

12. Intentional Proactivity: Shift from reactive to proactive living, reclaiming agency over one's time and priorities.

13. Journaling White Space: Harness the power of reflective journaling to cultivate clarity, creativity, and mindfulness in daily life.

14. Anticipating Tomorrow's Challenges: Prepare for the day ahead by adopting proactive strategies to mitigate potential stressors and maintain resilience.

15. Creating Life Markers: Michael advocates for the deliberate creation of milestones and markers that serve as guideposts in navigating life's journey with purpose and clarity.

Conclusion: Join us in embracing Michael Brunner's wisdom as we strive to cultivate lives of intentionality, balance, and meaningful contribution. Together, let's sow the seeds of tomorrow today and nurture a future filled with purpose and fulfillment.