Today, I interview Susan RoAne who faced challenges early in childhood marked by her brother's battle with polio, which demanded much of her family's attention and resources. This experience, while difficult, taught her the importance of communication and advocacy, as she often found herself speaking up on her brother's behalf.  Susan also shared how she was thrust into social situations from a young age, which laid the groundwork for her future expertise in mingling and networking. Her journey to becoming the Mingling Maven was not without its struggles as she had to navigate the comple ..read more

Today, I interview Elona Lopari, who was misunderstood and restricted by societal norms early in her childhood. Growing up in Albania, she grappled with being labeled as mischievous and stubborn for her independent thinking and curiosity. Despite these hurdles, Elona found solace in her innate drive for achievement and a determination to break through limitations imposed by others. Upon immigrating to the United States, Elona continued to face challenges but found support and encouragement from her father, who instilled in her the belief that she could achieve anything she set her mind to, ev ..read more

Today, I interview Matt Mueller, who talks about how he went from being a very creative child to facing the tough rules of grown-up life that often stop us from being imaginative. He shares important times when the fear of what others would think made him quiet his own new ideas.  This story of change is not only about Matt; it's something many of us can relate to when we think about how often we've had to hold back our creativity because of the pressure to fit in. Matt delves into the challenges he faced in his professional life, struggling against the urge to conform and reclaim his v ..read more

Today I interview Dr. Maria Nemeth who shares her journey of dealing with shyness despite being labeled as an extrovert. Dr. Nemeth explains the distinction between being extroverted and feeling shy, recounting personal stories that shed light on the challenges she faced.  Throughout the conversation, she shared breakthrough moments that impacted her personal growth, her initial struggles in public speaking, and a memorable moment that challenged her newfound voice. Despite the challenges of shyness, Maria's unwavering desire to share her thoughts has been a constant driving force. Pres ..read more

Today I interview Deb Drummond who shares her story of navigating a challenging childhood growing up in a home where she felt tormented by an older sibling. Complicating matters, adults around her dismissed these struggles, downplaying her experiences as just typical sibling behavior.  That environment left scars on Deb's self-esteem and confidence, making it stressful for her to speak up confidently. However, at the age of 16, Deb, having had enough of the ongoing turmoil, summoned the courage to bravely stand up for herself. This pivotal moment became the catalyst that initiated her jo ..read more

Today, I interview Shiraz Baboo, an influential figure in the realm of reality intervention. Born in South Africa during the Apartheid era, Shiraz's journey took a significant turn when his parents moved to Canada, seeking to escape racial tensions. In high school, Shiraz initially conformed to the "in" crowd, losing his authentic voice. However, a pivotal moment came when his family moved to an all-white neighborhood, forcing him to stand out and be independent, shaping him into the person he is today. Drawing inspiration from an Abraham Hicks cruise, Shiraz embarked on a mission to impact ..read more

Today, I interview Crystal Deichert, whose journey unfolds from the confines of traditional Catholic values to the vibrant shores of Maui. Raised in a community that prioritized conformity, Crystal faced the challenge of breaking free from societal constraints to uncover her authentic self. Crystal shares her childhood struggles, emphasizing the lack of room for individuality in her community. Seeking solace, she found inspiration in the ocean and, notably, dolphins. These marine creatures became her mentors, symbolizing freedom and joy, elements she longed for in her own life. As Crystal's ..read more

Today, I interview Crystal Deichert, whose journey unfolds from the confines of traditional Catholic values to the vibrant shores of Maui. Raised in a community that prioritized conformity, Crystal faced the challenge of breaking free from societal constraints to uncover her authentic self. Crystal shares her childhood struggles, emphasizing the lack of room for individuality in her community. Seeking solace, she found inspiration in the ocean and, notably, dolphins. These marine creatures became her mentors, symbolizing freedom and joy, elements she longed for in her own life. As Crystal's ..read more

Today, I interview Marc Evans, a seasoned business coach and CFO. Shaped by the assertiveness of his mother and the calm demeanor of his father, Marc learned early on the power of confidence. Early on in life, Marc faced challenges related to his height but quickly overcame them with his ability to use his voice effectively. This skill is what he brought to his role in corporations. As a manager, he honed his skills, and he became adept at wearing different hats to achieve corporate goals. However, the political landscape within corporations eventually led Marc to seek new horizons. His tran ..read more

Today, I interview Kyomi O’Connor who shared a compelling story of her life, marked by early familial challenges. During her childhood, Kyomi endured emotional abuse and struggled with her own identity. As a support to a weak mother, she embraced a dual persona, projecting an outwardly bubbly demeanor while concealing an inner struggle for self-acceptance. Transitioning into her teenage years, Kyomi faced societal taboos in Japan when her career aspirations clashed with her father's expectations. This period culminated in a dark phase in her early twenties, including a suicide attempt. Seekin ..read more