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Search Results for: kids care

Jamilah Robinson with Missing Pieces

October 2, 2024 by angishields

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Houston Business Radio
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jamilah-robinsonJamilah Robinson, a Dallas native, moved to Houston after marrying her college sweetheart. Initially struggling to find her career path, she invested in herself and became an entrepreneur.

Passionate about her faith and helping others, she assists business clients with their online presence, supports ministries at her church, and adds value to others’ lives while sharing God’s message. After experiencing two miscarriages in 2018, Jamilah founded Missing Pieces to support women who’ve faced similar losses.

In 2020, she and her husband welcomed their rainbow baby, Lacy Olivia. Jamilah also owns J Robinson Digital Media Services, providing content creation for small businesses and non-profits.

With an undergraduate degree from Texas Tech and an MBA from the University of Dallas, she values life experiences and meaningful conversations. Despite her busy schedule, she enjoys reading, running, watching sports, and spending time with her family.

Jamilah’s organization provides support for those experiencing pregnancy loss and has expanded to include men’s support groups. The conversation also covered upcoming events to raise awareness for pregnancy and infant loss.

Life After Loss 5K Event Page

Transcript-iconThis transcript is machine transcribed by Sonix.

 

TRANSCRIPT

Intro: Broadcasting live from the Business RadioX studios in Houston, Texas. It’s time for Houston Business Radio. Now, here’s your host.

Trisha Stetzel: Hello, Houston. Trisha Stetzel here bringing you another episode of Houston Business Radio Serving the Community. Series. I am very excited to have a guest back on the show. We spoke just about a year ago, and she’s got a lot going on with her organization. I’d love to introduce you to Jamilahh Robinson, who is the founder, one of the founders of Missing Pieces Support Group. Jamilahj, welcome to the show.

Jamilah Robinson: Thank you, Tricia, for having me back. And I can’t believe it’s already been a year. But you know, time flies. That’s right. Having fun?

Trisha Stetzel: Absolutely. Well, in October is a very special month for your organization. So first I would love for you to introduce yourself. Tell us a little bit about you and then how you got involved in the organization and where this organization is going this year, because you’ve got some really exciting events coming up.

Jamilah Robinson: Sure. Thanks. Um, so about me, I have a family. Uh, I married my college sweetheart, uh, almost 14 years ago. As of two days from now. And, um, we have a ten year old son and a four year old daughter. In between those two wonderful, adorable kids, I experienced a recurrent miscarriage back in 2018. Um, at that time, I was an entrepreneur. Still am an entrepreneur, uh, that owns a marketing firm that now specializes in helping nonprofits after becoming a nonprofit leader. And, um, When it happened the first time, it was very traumatic. Like I’d heard of miscarriage, but nobody really knows what it is. And until you go through it. Um, so my experience was traumatic because, you know, not only after you hear your baby no longer has a heartbeat, you have to figure out what to do next. But, um, I had to be rushed to the emergency room because of so much fluid loss. And so, um, you know, I tried to process those emotions, but then I put my head back down and went to work. Uh, several months later, though, we found ourselves pregnant again, and, uh, at seven weeks, lost that pregnancy. Uh, that second pregnancy spiraled me into depression.

Jamilah Robinson: Tricia. And, um, you know, there was nothing really, uh, tangible that was able to to help me, uh, from a mindset Set experience. Um, I was just down and disappointed and, uh, felt helpless. Um, fortunately, I was able to connect with the pregnancy loss support group resource through Bo’s Place. They are local here in Houston, Texas near NRG, and they support all types of grief. Um, but I’m so thankful that they had one specifically for pregnancy loss because in that support group, I was able to find a safe space with other women who had gone through something similar to to my pregnancy loss experience. And we found so much commonality in our stories that it created this unique and quick bond where we were able to just be transparent and share without people stepping on our feelings or feeling triggered because, um, you know, people that go through this or don’t encounter pregnancy loss. Um, often, sometimes say things that could could cause someone who is going through it to spiral. So, um, fast forward a year from that seven week experience, it’s still meeting with those several of those ladies in the support group that I had met because we were friends now.

Jamilah Robinson: And, you know, we watched each other get pregnant again and watched each other’s kids grow all of the things. And I reached back out and said, hey, I want to, um, do something to support this, um, community we found ourselves in because of pregnancy loss. Um, we were all very aware of how little and scarce resources there were, uh, to help with, uh, with grief and, um, life after suffering a loss like this. And, um, so that that resonated with several of the ladies, um, and two of them said yes to the opportunity. And then I connected with the third, um, of our founding members, um, through, um, my church, who I knew had had a stillbirth. And she was in the very late stages of her pregnancy, about to have a baby shower. And, um, they lost the baby. Um, and she said yes to the call as well. So back in 2021, we were able to connect with a nonprofit attorney who helped us, filed the right paperwork to become a nonprofit. Uh, and we work with the name Missing Pieces Support Group, uh, because there is a small missing piece when when you go through a loss like this.

Trisha Stetzel: That’s beautiful.

Jamilah Robinson: And I could I could go on forever. But what what was the other question that you asked or tied to that?

Trisha Stetzel: It’s okay. I appreciate you sharing that story. And it’s so meaningful. And I remember when we had had you on last year, there were so many people that reached out to me that said, thank you for having this show on, and I know that it will touch others, and I appreciate that you built this community or this family of women, and you were able to found Missing Pieces support group, which is out there. And so, by the way, if anyone’s listening and you haven’t, um, and you don’t know Jamilah and you don’t know anything about this particular organization, you can find it online at Missing Pieces Support group.org and look for more information out there. So Jamilah I would like to talk about the events that you have coming up because those are going to be happening in October. And October happens to be a very special month as well. So tell us about that.

Jamilah Robinson: Yes, October is our month for pregnancy loss. Uh, it happens to be pregnancy loss and infant uh, Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness month. And so we have, um, some community related events to, um, you know, not only bring in those who have encountered pregnancy loss so that they do see visible visual support of those who have gone through it and have navigated that grief journey, but also an event that will bring in, um, supporters of a community that have not gone through it but can empathize and want to show their support. So the first event that we have in October is Sunday, October 13th, uh, at at 6:30 p.m. at Bell Park. We will be hosting a wave of light event. Wave of light is a national holiday that is essentially a candlelight vigil. Uh, it gives those who have encountered pregnancy loss to collectively light a candle in memoriam of that pregnancy loss. And so last year we collaborated with two or partnered with two other charities and the the Baby Loss community, little Angel network and the Harmony Grace Foundation. Um, little Angel network has similar offerings to a support group where they support those encountered pregnancy loss, and then Harmony. Grace Foundation specifically deals with NICU. Um, baby loss experiences. Anyhow, we have decided and committed to doing hosting something like this annually to encourage those who have gone through this loss to come out, connect with our resources.

Jamilah Robinson: Um, learn more about who it is that we are and how we can help them, as well as to honor the the loss that they are grieving. Um, it’s a physical way of expressing, um, you know, the loss and the heartache that you bear. Um, and you’ll be surrounded by those who can, can be there for you, to support you. So, um, we also had an amazing opportunity to partner with the women’s hospital this year who hosted something similar, uh, last year on their site and noticed that one of our apartment charities was doing this, and they said, hey, we don’t want to compete here. We want to join forces so that we can, you know, grow as much community around this opportunity to support those who have gone through this type of loss. So they are a sponsoring partner as well as, um, participating, uh, as a resource to help those who have gone through this loss. So we are excited, um, not only for that partnership, but just the opportunity to make this kind of connection with those that we seek to serve. And that’s going to happen again October 13th at Bell Park, which is in the Montrose area. Uh, starting at 630 that day.

Trisha Stetzel: Perfect. Do, um, do folks who want to participate need to register?

Jamilah Robinson: Yes. They can go to any of our partnering organizations websites. Uh, click on the event and sign up. We would love some free registration around this so that we know how many. Um, we’re this year, we’re doing lanterns that we’re going to release across the waterfront at this park. Uh, so we can know how many of those to to plan for and prepare. It’s just going to be a really unique, elevated experience this year. And we want to draw as much of a crowd as we can for that.

Trisha Stetzel: Fantastic. I will put the links for that in the show notes. So if you’re listening to the show and would like to register, all you have to do is point and click. So you can go and register for that. So Jamilah, you have another big event coming up in October as well.

Jamilah Robinson: Yes. So at the end of the month that last Saturday, October 26th, Missing Pieces Support Group will be hosting our very first five K. And this is to bring um community uh around uh pregnancy loss awareness. So, you know, we’re inviting those who have encountered loss to come out to see and be seen so that, you know, of our resource. We’ll have vendors there that speak to mental health and wellness and other resources that can help you navigate your grief journey. But we are also, um, inviting the running, running community to join us. Um, I’ve been going and attending running clubs to talk about our mission and our cause, and I’ve found so much support around, uh, you know, those in the running community who have experienced this or know someone who is closely experienced it, and it’s just been a beautiful thing to watch. Um, our mission resonates, um, with this, this, this group, um, of, of the running community that we’re reaching out to. But don’t feel like you have to be a professional runner to join us. Like, we’re also encouraging families, moms with strollers. Everybody come, come join us. Come run. Come show your support. And, um, help us bring some spotlight to pregnancy loss awareness because it’s it’s truly a traumatizing suffering in silence type of situation that should not exist in 2024. There are too many people that encounter this for us to not have access to the resources that we need to move forward in a positive manner.

Trisha Stetzel: Yeah, absolutely. So tell me when that five K is in October.

Jamilah Robinson: Yes. So the five K is Saturday, October 26th at 8:30 a.m. at McGregor Park. Uh, we have a specific race website set up for this, so I’ll give you that link as well. Tricia. Um, you can find us on runsignup. And there you can, you know, you can sign up to, to run a walk in the five K, you can sign up to volunteer. Um, if you’re a business owner and would like to have a vendor booth, you can register there as well on that site.

Trisha Stetzel: Wonderful. I will absolutely put that in the show notes so that folks can just point and click and get right to that registration site. And that’s for everyone. Everyone who wants to come out and support this, your organization and these women who have gone through pregnancy loss, I would love, I have.

Jamilah Robinson: I’ve got one other thing to mention. I’m so sorry. There is a virtual option to this five K as well. So if you’re not able to join us in person or if you’re in another state, um, beginning October 1st, first through the day of the five K, uh, you have the opportunity to participate with us virtually. You can gather a group of family members or your team from work and go out on a 3.1 mile run or walk of your choosing will send you a virtual five K packet so you can, you know, post your pictures and your experience, uh, along with the hashtags that we will look to find you and share your content online with our community. So, uh, don’t be discouraged if you can’t be in person. We’d love to have you as a virtual connection for our five.

Trisha Stetzel: Oh, what a great idea. I love that, so I will definitely put all of those links in the show notes so that folks can get directly there. Um. Thank you. Tell me how I and you have some amazing events that are going on, whether it’s supporting these women or the community supporting these women. But I know that there are other people in the community. Maybe they can’t make these events and they still want to support your organization. How can they get involved?

Jamilah Robinson: Thank you for asking that question. You know, money is always a need of, um, organizations like us as we’re a nonprofit. But if you want a volunteer opportunity, um, or a way to tie yourself to our organizations, we do now have things that you can, you know, incorporate in your own personal communities to help us. One of the biggest opportunities we have is a care package. Um, becoming a care package, um, Host for a drive where we collect materials for our care packages. So if you know you are a part of a group that wants to support us in that way, we can connect you to our events Coordinator who will help coordinate an on site. Um, care package drive where you can collect the items we need for the care packages, and then also assemble the boxes. Um, to help us in a very meaningful way, because, I mean, we are few in numbers, and I’m usually one of the people that is having to put those care packages together. So, you know, the more hands we have on stuff like that, the better. And it just, um, helps us in such a physical and tangible way. So that’s one of the ways that we’re seeking support from our community. Um, now with our within our mental health and wellness community, uh, there is an opportunity to sponsor the care package materials that we have. Um, and with that sponsorship comes, uh, you know, a label that we place on the materials that you’ve sponsored within the care package. Um, so that, um, those who go through the care package see you as a trusted resource, um, of someone they can reach out to if that’s the specific type of help that they need.

Jamilah Robinson: Um, we will, of course, in exchange for your generous donation of sponsoring materials, um, include in recognize you on our online platforms, website, email marketing. Um, and social media. Um, and wished you as a, as a trusted resource in that space. Um, and then for those um, organizations that encounter, um, pregnancy loss, we are partnering with them to distribute our care packages for a nominal fee of $10 a box. Um, where, you know, you can have these boxes on site when you have to deliver that awful news, and that person doesn’t leave that place empty handed without a next step resource. We, of course, are not expecting someone to go that’s going through this, to go through that box immediately. But you know, when they’re ready, it’s there for them. And they can be be connected to a website not only comforted by the items in the care package, but connected to our website for the additional resources, like our um, support group program, where they can be a part of that experience. Um, and, you know, look at our library directory of resources so you can navigate your own grief journey. You know, support group isn’t the best start for everyone, But we we can show you songs, books, podcasts, uh, therapists, uh, recommendations. Uh, that might be a better fit for where you are in your journey. So. And you shared those are the ways to.

Speaker4: Let’s go ahead.

Trisha Stetzel: Thank you for sharing that. And you shared with me before we started recording today that you you’re actually inviting men into the support groups now as well. So it’s not just specifically for women who have gone through pregnancy loss, but for men as well.

Jamilah Robinson: That’s correct. So, um, right now our current structure is to host virtual and in-person support groups, uh, specifically for women, uh, the, the licensed therapist that we connected with to create that curriculum for women, um, exist. And we have implemented and we are currently in an iteration of our support group that.

Speaker4: Started a.

Jamilah Robinson: Couple of.

Speaker4: Weeks.

Jamilah Robinson: Ago. Those ladies will actually get to be a part of our five K, but we’ve been looking for ways to support men. And as you know, a board of directors of women and, you know, founders who are women. We can’t speak to that name. Um, however, we have been able to connect with someone in the health and wellness space who is a male who’s experienced a stillbirth. Um, from the partner perspective. And, um, he is working with, um, our, our lead, our, our liaison for support group, uh, facilitation doctor Ken Cooper, uh, to create some curriculum for men. And, you know, it, we don’t expect it to look like something that would help a woman. Right? Men connect in different, totally different ways. And, you know, his insight, you know, is a professional in that space as well as being a lost dad is going to be huge for us. And figuring out how to to support men that are going through this, um, because they’re not totally sure about, you know, not only how they’re what they’re going through, but how to support their, their partner and what what best to do. So, you know, it’s it’s a two birds, one stone type of situation with supporting them and then showing them how to support, uh, the partner in their life. So we’re really excited about that.

Trisha Stetzel: Uh, your organization is blossoming, and it’s so amazing to hear how much you’ve grown just since the last time we spoke a year ago. So for anyone who’s interested in the events or learning more about Missing Pieces support group, you can go to Missing Missing pieces. Support group. Dot org. To learn more about the organization or even register for the events that we talked about today, or volunteer to be a part of these care packages that Jamilah was talking about. I really appreciate you being on the show, and I’d also like to highlight that this is not the only thing that you do, and you are such a giver and you support this community of women and men so wonderfully, but you are also an entrepreneur and business owner, so there’s something to be said about that. And running your own business as well as running this amazing organization. So thank you for all of the time and effort and heart that you put into everything that you do.

Speaker4: Oh, Patricia.

Jamilah Robinson: That truly means a lot. Woman to woman and entrepreneur to entrepreneur. Uh, but, you know, as I begin to walk this nonprofit space, I’ve seen God essentially marry my World because I’ve tailored my offering to help and support nonprofits. So whenever I can connect with a nonprofit leader to help elevate, um, our impacts in the community, I can also now help them with their marketing needs. And we’re creating community amongst nonprofits in my for profit business with the quarterly networking meetup, where we invite them to, you know, come out and meet each other, we provide a learning and educational opportunity. And, you know, we give back, uh, to a nonprofit through a social media contest that we run online. So it’s just come full circle for me. And I’m thankful to have made it to this point where I can watch the vision unfold.

Speaker4: Beautiful.

Trisha Stetzel: Thank you so much. Is there anything else that you’d like to share before we close for today?

Speaker4: Uh, no.

Jamilah Robinson: I just want to thank you for this opportunity. Um, looking forward to to meeting someone who resonates with this at, you know, either A5K or a candlelight vigil or is an opportunity to support us through a care package drive. And, um. Yeah. Thank you. Tricia. I really.

Speaker4: Appreciate I’m so glad that.

Trisha Stetzel: You’re on this show with me today. I appreciate it and look forward to getting more people involved and getting the word out about your events and about your organization that does such important work for the community.

Jamilah Robinson: Thank you so much.

Trisha Stetzel: And that’s all the time we have for today’s show. Join us next time for another exciting episode of Houston Business Radio. Until then, stay tuned, stay inspired, and keep thriving in the Houston business community.

 

Empowering Youth Through Service, with Jennifer Guynn, Pebble Tossers

September 23, 2024 by John Ray

Empowering Youth Through Service, with Jennifer Guynn, Pebble Tossers, on the Good2Give Podcast
Good2Give Podcast
Empowering Youth Through Service, with Jennifer Guynn, Pebble Tossers
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Empowering Youth Through Service, with Jennifer Guynn, Pebble Tossers, on the Good2Give Podcast

Empowering Youth Through Service, with Jennifer Guynn, Pebble Tossers (Good2Give Podcast, Episode 12)

In this episode of the Good2Give Podcast, hosts Maria Walden and DePriest Waddy from the Community Foundation for Northeast Georgia interview Jennifer Guynn, the founder and executive director of Pebble Tossers. Jen shares the origins and mission of Pebble Tossers, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering youth through community service and leadership development. The discussion covers the impact of involving children in service projects, the organization’s structure, and the diverse range of cause areas they focus on, including the environment, homelessness, and social justice. They also explore potential partnerships, fundraising strategies, and upcoming events. The episode emphasizes the importance of instilling a sense of responsibility and civic engagement from a young age, as well as how community involvement can shape future leaders.

The Good2Give Podcast is presented by the Community Foundation for Northeast Georgia. The show is produced by John Ray and the North Fulton affiliate of Business RadioX®. You can find the full archive of shows by following this link.

Jennifer Guynn, Co-Founder and Executive Director, Pebble Tossers

As Co-founder and Executive Director of Pebble Tossers, Jen lives a life of service. She serves as a State Commissioner for Georgia Serves, the State Commission for Service and Volunteerism, and is Chair of the Service and Development Committee.

She is a 21/64 Certified Philanthropic Advisor, a mentor at Cristo Rey Atlanta Jesuit High School, and has been named a Titan CEO as one of the 2023 Georgia Titan 100 award winners.

She is an Atlanta native, serves on various boards and committees throughout Atlanta, and is married with three adult kids and three rescue dogs (and two rescue granddogs).

LinkedIn

Pebble Tossers

Pebble Tossers is an organization dedicated to empowering youth through volunteerism and community service, creating meaningful pathways for young individuals to engage in impactful projects. The organization focuses on various key areas, including citizenship and social justice, where it educates youth about their role in driving change. It also addresses the needs of vulnerable communities, supports those experiencing homelessness, and promotes environmental stewardship by encouraging sustainable practices among families. Additionally, Pebble Tossers emphasizes the importance of arts and culture, global awareness, education and literacy, as well as support for the elderly and animal welfare.

Through its initiatives, Pebble Tossers provides resources for service-learning, including workshops and toolkits, while encouraging family involvement through membership options. By participating in these programs, youth not only contribute to their communities but also develop valuable leadership skills that shape them into future leaders. The organization fosters a sense of responsibility and compassion in young individuals, empowering them to make a positive difference in the world around them.

Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | X (Twitter)

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Introduction to the Good2Give Podcast
00:21 Meet Jen Guynn, Pebble Tossers
01:02 The Mission of Pebble Tossers
03:03 The Importance of Youth Service
04:59 Diverse Cause Areas and Projects
06:57 Engaging Families in Service
12:24 Operational Insights and Partnerships
22:54 Upcoming Events and Fundraising
29:51 Closing Remarks and Contact Information

About the Good2Give Podcast

The Good2Give Podcast celebrates the work of donors, nonprofits, and the causes they care about. DePriest Waddy and Maria Walden-Sullivan are the show’s hosts, and the Community Foundation for Northeast Georgia is the presenting sponsor.

The Good2Give Podcast is produced by John Ray and the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX®. You can find the full archive of shows by following this link. You can also find the show on all the major podcast apps, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and many others.

Community Foundation of Northeast Georgia

At the Community Foundation for Northeast Georgia, everything they do centers around one purpose: improving the world through the power of philanthropy.

On a fundamental level, they do that through managing funds held in trust, donated by individuals, organizations, and businesses. Most funds are donor-advised funds, similar to savings accounts. These funds are pooled for investment purposes, and their income is used to make grants for a wide variety of charitable purposes.

But the Foundation’s goals extend far beyond managing funds. They desire to strengthen the communities they serve in Gwinnett, Northeast Georgia, and beyond by providing leadership, addressing community needs, and assisting individuals and organizations with their charitable giving.

Connect with CFNEG:
Website | Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Instagram

Tagged With: Community Foundation, community foundation for ne georgia, community service, DePriest Waddy, Jennifer Guynn, leadership development, Maria Walden, nonprofits, Pebble Tossers, philanthrophy, Youth, youth in service

How We Can Bridge the Gap in Tech Workforce Diversity with Dr. Loretta Daniels

September 19, 2024 by angishields

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High Velocity Careers
How We Can Bridge the Gap in Tech Workforce Diversity with Dr. Loretta Daniels
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In this episode of High Velocity Careers, Stone Payton has a conversation with Dr. Loretta Daniels, a key figure at the Technology Association of Georgia (TAG) and founder of Kindle and Kendrick. Dr. Daniels shares her extensive background in communication, conflict management, and organizational leadership. The discussion highlights her career journey, the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the tech sector, and innovative workforce development initiatives. Key topics include TAG’s Bridge Builders Program, challenges for entrepreneurs, and actionable career advice, emphasizing networking, mentorship, and strategic inclusion to foster a diverse and skilled tech workforce.

Dr-Loretta-DanielsDr. Loretta Daniels, Interim Executive Director, Technology Association of Georgia’, TAG-Ed and CEO and Managing Partner at Kendall and Kendrick Consulting Group, is an expert in organizational Leadership, DEI, conflict management, and communication. As an executive leader in the corporate arena, she has served in executive leadership roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operations Officer, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Executive Director of Sales Operations, and General Manager. In addition, she has written corporate training manuals Leading by Example and Fast Track to Excellence. As the former Executive Director of Corporate Relations of Kennesaw State University (KSU), she worked with medium and large organizations to define and deliver leadership growth certificate programs aligned with the company’s vision and objectives.

Dr. Daniels has recently created TAG Bridge Builders, a social justice and equity initiative to promote Georgia’s underrepresented tech professionals advance from mid-level positions to senior-level leadership roles, providing access to funding and customer acquisition for tech entrepreneurs.

Dr. Daniels partnered with C-level Leadership and HR to determine leadership development goals, identify training gaps, enable cultural workplace initiatives, and implement gender pay equality and equitable hiring practices. In addition, she served as the University Office of Diversity and Inclusion CoChair and Presidential Commission on Gender & Work-Life Issues. Also, she advised executive teams, including the President and Chief Diversity Officer, consulted as a subject matter expert on DEI challenges and solutions, and supported DEI’s continuous improvement efforts.

As an adjunct leadership instructor at KSU since 2002, Dr. Daniels delivered in-class and online lectures encouraging students to think strategically by applying fundamentals to real-world problems. Courses taught included Corporate Communication and Conflict Resolution, Human Communications, Public Speaking, Writing for Public Communication, and Foundations of Leadership. Additionally, she has designed a Coursera Specialty Certificate program, Advanced Leadership Skills for the 21st Century Specialization Certificate.

Dr. Daniels received a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Organizational Leadership from Johnson University, a Master of Science (MS) in Conflict Management, a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Communication from Bradley University, and a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Mass Communication/Media Studies from KSU. She is a Certified Diversity Professional and the author of two books, For Women Only, Women Mean Business (J & W Publishers, 1992), and Unlock Your Success, a Comprehensive Guide for Starting a Successful Business (J & W Publishers, 2006). Dr. Daniels’ upcoming book, Organizational Leadership, published by SAGE Publications, will be available in January 2025 This textbook will offer a new and comprehensive approach to organizational leadership to address the paradigm shift in our global business community.

Connect with Dr. Daniels on LinkedIn.

Transcript-iconThis transcript is machine transcribed by Sonix

 

TRANSCRIPT

Intro: Broadcasting live from the Business RadioX Studios in Atlanta, Georgia, it’s time for High Velocity Careers. Brought to you by Kennesaw State University’s Executive MBA Program, the accelerated degree program for working professionals looking to advance their career and enhance their leadership skills. For more information, go to kennesaw.edu/emba. Now, here’s your host.

Stone Payton: Welcome to another exciting and informative edition of High Velocity Careers. Stone Payton here with you this afternoon. You guys are in for a real treat, please join me in welcoming to the broadcast with Technology Association of Georgia, Dr. Loretta Daniels. How are you?

Loretta Daniels: Hi, there. Thanks for having me.

Stone Payton: Well, it is a delight to have you on the program. And we did get a chance to visit just a little bit at Fintech South 2024, so I guess I should say welcome back to the Business RadioX microphone. I got a ton of questions, Loretta, and probably won’t get to them all, but I think a good foundation for this conversation would be could you recap a little bit your general career path and how you kind of landed where you are now.

Loretta Daniels: Sure, sure. You know, I always try to start off when people ask me that question, how do you do what you do and why you decide to do it? I always say, Nike stole my motto, just do it. And so, I started off, I received a Bachelor’s in Communication, and got a Master’s in Conflict Management, and then a PhD in Organizational Leadership. While I was getting those degrees, I was working. And so, working fulltime, owning a company, and so I just kind of basically started right out of college in radio and television.

Loretta Daniels: I remember starting my first radio job as a news reporter, it was in Niles, Michigan. I was going everywhere to find a news story. And I kind of transitioned into working in the corporate environment for a while, decided to start my own business, had a pretty successful business for about ten years in the home health care industry, and then was recruited into medical device. There, I was blessed enough to move up the ladder and become a C-suite executive in the medical device industry.

Loretta Daniels: And that time I was also teaching as an adjunct professor at Kennesaw State. As soon as I finished my master’s degree, I was invited to come and teach. So, I started off teaching radio and television broadcast courses, and then I also taught public speaking and conflict management. And my last courses that I taught there were on leadership. And so, I was an adjunct professor, and then I moved on to an administrative role, where I was the Director of Strategic Initiatives at the Graduate College, University College, and then moved over to professional education.

Stone Payton: And you are within a consulting firm now. Tell us a little bit about that work. It’s Kendall and Kendrick is that right?

Loretta Daniels: Yeah, I founded Kendall and Kendrick. We have consultants that work with organizations to help them with leadership development, conflict management, issues that would affect productivity. And so, the consultants are educators as well as corporate executives.

Stone Payton: And then, since you don’t have enough on your plate, you decided to go over and help them out over at TAG, Technology Association of Georgia. Tell us about your role over there.

Loretta Daniels: Yeah, that’s my real gig there. So, with TAG, it’s awesome, I’m with the nonprofit side of TAG, the 501(c)(3). It’s called TAG Education Collaborative. And what we do there, we are really focused on helping Georgia to increase its economy by making sure that the workforce, the tech workforce is in full bloom. And what we do is, you know, when we take a look at our workforce industry, especially in technology, we look at the trends. And right now the trends are great for jobs. Over the next eight years, there’s going to be three million new tech jobs. And if you break that down, Stone, that’s about almost 400,000 jobs a year that’s going to be open. And this is between now and 2032.

Loretta Daniels: And so, there’s challenges there. So, what we do is we try to recognize those challenges and help organizations recognize it as well. There’s not going to be enough IT graduates to fill those positions. There’s just not enough people graduating from college with IT degrees to fill those positions at that pace. And so, what we encourage employers to do is to take a nontraditional approach. They’ve got to be more innovative in how they hire for tech talent pipeline.

Loretta Daniels: And so, one of the solutions that we have is a Registered Apprenticeship Program. And so, that Registered Apprenticeship Program is really geared towards let’s take people who would not typically be in a tech job, like veterans or minorities or women. They don’t have to have a degree. They don’t have to have tech experience. Some will have a degree, like some may have a marketing degree or history or English, but they’re wanting to transition into a tech career. This particular program will allow them to be hired by an employer.

Loretta Daniels: And it’s very different, Stone, from an internship program. An internship program is when someone’s in college and they go through the program, and then they’re back, going back to college, and they may or may not get hired once they graduate.

Loretta Daniels: But a Registered Tech Apprenticeship Program is you are an employee. And so, a company will hire you, allow you to go through training, like for cybersecurity software developer, those kind of tech positions. And the minute that they hire you, you go through your 13 weeks training and you are receiving full benefits. You are paid an apprenticeship wage. After one year of the on-the-job training, as soon as you’re finished with the technical training, they may or may not offer you a permanent position. If they do, you get full market rate for that position.

Loretta Daniels: And this has proven to be so successful. To give you an example, 92 percent of all representatives that are considered apprentices, they come from those categories that I just talked about, you know, the veterans, the women, the minorities. And an employer will retain these apprentices, like, at 88 percent, where you don’t see that retention rate in the industry. And 93 percent of everyone that goes through the program graduates, so we do a great job of selecting the right candidates.

Stone Payton: That is such an impressive stat. I had no idea. And I got to believe there must be so many tremendous advantages for the organization, I mean, you get to custom build your own people, don’t you?

Loretta Daniels: Yeah, yeah. They do. They get to do that because not only do they go through the tech training, but when they start the on-the-job- training, they absorb their culture, right? I mean, they get to mentor them, to coach them, so they’re bringing them in and this is why the retention rate is so high.

Stone Payton: Yeah. And you’re bringing in people with diverse perspectives and different experience bases, which we are now learning that aside from just being good mojo for the planet, that has some genuine bottom line impact on the success of the company, doesn’t it?

Loretta Daniels: It does. You know, we have to have that strategic thought. I have a certification as a diversity professional, and what I’ve learned in my experience is we have to have different people around the table. That’s what helps us to be good at what we do. That helps us to reach out to areas that we may not have reached out to before, because we need different thought. We need different thought in leadership, different thought in perspectives. That’s how it works.

Stone Payton: So, at this point in your career, what are you finding the most rewarding? What’s the most fun about it for you these days?

Loretta Daniels: You know, I love seeing people succeed. That’s just been what I’ve loved all my life. I’ve written a couple of books about how to start a business. And as you know, I’m writing the textbook now about organizational leadership. It just does my heart good to see people who work hard, who are very strategic, and have a clear pathway to meet their goals.

Stone Payton: Yeah, I did know that you had a book that you’re going to be releasing within a few months, I think. Tell us a little bit more about that one, if you would.

Loretta Daniels: Fingers crossed, it’s a college textbook. It’s for undergraduate, graduate students as well. And it focuses on organizational leadership, taking an approach of how leaders lead in different areas, exploring how leaders led in the past and how they lead today, because there’s been a paradigm shift in leadership, and how to incorporate organizational leadership throughout the entire organization, not just at the head. And so, that’s what it’s about and, hopefully, we’ll be able to get it out on time in January.

Stone Payton: Oh, fantastic. Well, some of our listeners are aspiring authors. You’re now on book number three. Tell us a little bit about that experience. Did some of the chapters come together easier than others or did it fall into place pretty easily for you? What was it like?

Loretta Daniels: You know, writing a book is never easy, especially when you work fulltime and do everything else. My first book I wrote while I was living in France. I was thinking about writing a book, and I had the time because I didn’t really speak the language and couldn’t work there. And so, I spent my time thinking, as a woman having a small business, how do I help other women? So, I created a step by step kind of process book and included those challenges that women have when they’re starting businesses back then, and I’m dating myself.

Loretta Daniels: Women, when they started their business, they thought they had to kind of mimic men. They wore suits and ties even. They didn’t exercise that natural thing that women have, like empathy. And so, the book really does talk about here’s what you need to start a business, operate a business, but here’s what makes you unique. So, that process wasn’t that difficult for me. I enjoyed it.

Stone Payton: So, I want to go back to this diversity, equity, inclusion, if I’m using the the right words. Tell me more, I mean, I’m operating under the impression here’s my uneducated observation from the outside looking in a little bit. It seems to me like we’re making some great strides in that direction, but it’s not like we’ve totally cracked the code and got everybody on board just yet, do we?

Loretta Daniels: Right, yeah. You’re right. And it should be a given. It should be the fact that diversity should be welcomed. That D is that diversity, right? It should be welcomed. Because as I said, diversity will help you as a business to increase your profits. It gives you different strategies. That equity part is just simply wanting to make sure the pie is there for everyone who needs to be a part of that. And you need to be inclusive because the work environment is not the way it used to be. Individuals are graduating now and they want to work next to someone who doesn’t look like them. They want to integrate.

Loretta Daniels: And so, it’s really important that we don’t politicize DEI, but we see it as a strategy. Because I call it in my organizational leadership textbook as strategic inclusion, because that’s what it is. It should be just very strategic that you understand you need to have diversity with your employees and you need to be inclusive.

Stone Payton: And I agree, and of course, I would follow your counsel anyway to not politicize it. I wonder if one of the challenges is – well, you know what? Let’s talk about me. It’s my show. I’m a reasonably comfortable, reasonably successful middle-aged white guy, and so I would not intentionally not do a good job. And I recognize, and I’m seeing the data, too, from sources, just how powerful it is for the business.

Stone Payton: But I know one of my shortcomings or where I’m a little short on the skills, I mean, I’ll just admit it, I have had a tendency over the years to kind of hire in my own image. And I don’t think it was like blatant prejudice against a certain constituency. It’s just, I don’t know, I guess we just kind of like people that talk and think and look like us. Is that part of the challenge, like this unintentional bias or not having – I don’t know.

Loretta Daniels: You’re exactly right, it’s an unconscious bias, unintentional bias, and it’s social bias. We all face that. And so, it’s really important that companies recognize that with their hiring process. To give you an example, with TAG, we’ve created a succession planning. Only 25 percent of companies in the United States have a succession plan, which means that we’re ready to promote individuals into senior level roles.

Loretta Daniels: And so, what most succession plans have is it is just full of bias. And so, that bias is when you’re looking to hire and promote someone in a leadership role, you typically promote someone that looks like you. And so, you see a lot of companies, they’ll have a lot of diverse individuals on the entry level, they’ll have some diversity on mid level. But when you get to the senior level, if you look on most websites, you see a lot of white men and some white women in sprinkled minorities here and there. And so, that means that they don’t have a very unbiased strategic kind of succession plan.

Loretta Daniels: And so, our plan removes that social bias capital. It removes that bias so that companies now really are putting the right people in that succession plan. Because stats will show you that individuals will stay with the company if they know they can be advanced. And so, we created this plan. A couple of companies have already started implementing it. And that means that now you have more candidates in the pipeline, more diverse thought, and it’s truly removing the social capital and bias.

Stone Payton: So, in your work there’s the messaging, there’s the communication, there’s the speaking, the writing, but I’m getting the idea that you have some some discipline, some rigor, some structure, some methodology around this to bring to companies large and small.

Loretta Daniels: Yes, you have to. You have to use the data. You have to be able to understand. My experience has given me a unique perspective. As an entrepreneur, I know that we have to struggle and wear all these hats. But as a C-suite executive, I know how important it is to look at that profit margin and to see who’s coming up next, and to make sure those goals are there.

Loretta Daniels: And, again, education. I taught the student to be able to go in and to look for a job and how to get promoted. So, I take that comprehensive approach when I work with TAG to build out these professional development and leadership development programs, and help to manage them to make sure that the workforce is truly meeting their goals.

Stone Payton: So, as you were describing your career path earlier in the conversation, you definitely have what the kids call street cred, Loretta. You’ve been there. I don’t know when or where or how you would find the time, but interests, hobbies, pursuits outside the scope of your work, anything you have a tendency to nerd out about or like to do outside this? A lot of our listeners know that I like to hunt, fish, and travel. Anything you do to kind of recharge the batteries and step away periodically.

Loretta Daniels: Yeah. You know what? I love just spending time with family. I have a deck that I’ve kind of built that my husband and I love going out to. We got a little television out there, sofa. I just love chilling out there sometimes. And I like to travel. You know, I’ve lived internationally. I’ve lived abroad. I like to travel. I love to just spend some time chilling on the deck.

Stone Payton: My late father-in-law, he said it before I got a chance to live it. But he always said that travel really broadened you and you gain those additional perspectives. And getting to know you a little bit, I’m sure the travel that you’ve done has influenced your work as well and that appreciation for different perspectives and capitalizing on the value of people who can see things through a different lens.

Loretta Daniels: It really has. When I was writing the book, that first book in France, I realized in doing my research, in America, it doesn’t take very much for us to start a business, but it’s not the same in other countries. Other countries, you have to go through so many licenses and you have to have so much money to get started. I mean, I started my first one with $500. So, it’s just not the same. We don’t realize until we travel or do research about how good we have it when it comes to being able to start businesses here in America.

Stone Payton: I mentioned earlier in the conversation, I shared with our listeners that we saw each other at Fintech South 2024. How did that event go for you? Did you feel like it was worth your time and effort to be there and hang out with folks?

Loretta Daniels: It was so successful. You know, TAG does a great job connecting people, bringing in industry together to learn and to connect. So, yes, it was a great opportunity.

Stone Payton: Before we wrap, I’m going to ask you maybe to share a couple of ideas on just general career advice and all that, but I want to get a little more tactical and specific with regard to TAG. I mean, we have this jewel right here in our backyard in the Metro Atlanta area. What should people know and what can and should we be doing? Small business, mid-sized business, large corporations, and the aspiring entrepreneur, what are some some of the best ways to tap into TAG, contribute, and receive the benefits?

Loretta Daniels: I’m so glad you asked. All of the above. From the corporations to get corporate memberships, when they have corporate memberships, their employees have the ability to attend the events, connect, whether you’re in sales, whether you’re in other areas, marketing, you have the ability to connect with other industry leaders. Also, as an entrepreneur, you get a chance to speak with others.

Loretta Daniels: To give you an example, our Bridge Builders Program, we have two programs that are really designed for the underserved community, those tech leaders. TAG Connect helps employers – I mean, I’m sorry – helps founders to have this Shark Tank environment and present their businesses to industry leaders, like Honeywell and UPS. They would never get this opportunity. And they have an opportunity to say, “Here, listen to my business, what I can offer you.” And to get a contract, because as a business owner, I know there’s two major challenges. There’s customer acquisition and there’s getting capital. And so, TAG Connect helps those entrepreneurs to have an access to customer acquisition.

Loretta Daniels: And our Invest Connect is a pitch competition. It gives these entrepreneurs a chance to go in and pitch to win $10,000 first prize or $5,000 second prize. But more importantly, it’s designed, Stone, where half of the audience are investors who are interested in minority and underserved tech businesses, and they have access to those individuals.

Stone Payton: What a marvelous opportunity. I know there was some type of pitch competition during Fintech South 2024. And we interviewed the leader, and the winner, and the second place. But, you know, everyone who participated in that found tremendous benefit. So, even if you don’t win first prize in something like that, you learn so much and make so many valuable connections that will serve you for a lifetime, don’t you?

Loretta Daniels: Exactly. Exactly. And we have one coming up, Invest Connect, on October 24th.

Stone Payton: Okay. And, again, just start tapping into the TAG world and there’s all kind of little paths to follow and enrich yourself and help the next person, too, while you’re there.

Loretta Daniels: Exactly. It’s that connection that we make. That pathway and connection through our societies. It’s just a great way to connect. I would encourage anyone, whether you’re a large corporation or business owner, or even just someone in the tech space and you want to connect to advance your career, getting a membership at TAG is extremely beneficial.

Stone Payton: All right. Before we wrap, let’s leave our listeners with a couple of actionable items. I call them pro tips. Just something they could begin to chew on, maybe something to read, maybe a do or a don’t. And look, guys, it sounds to me like your best pro tip out of today is join TAG if you’re not a part of it. And if you are a part of it, get more involved.

Loretta Daniels: Exactly. That’s number one. And since Kennesaw State is sponsoring this, I would say for those students who are juniors and seniors, make sure that you, in your career path, get at least three internships if you can. Look for a mentor and try to make that mentorship turn into sponsorship, that’s what you need to be able to get the best jobs out there.

Stone Payton: Fantastic. Well, Loretta, it has been an absolute delight having you on the show this afternoon. Thank you for your insight, your perspective, your enthusiasm, your wisdom. I can’t wait for this next book to come out. We’re going to continue to follow your story and TAG, you guys are doing such important work and we sure appreciate you.

Loretta Daniels: Thank you so much. Thanks so much for having me on. Appreciate you allowing me to share this opportunity with everybody else.

Stone Payton: My pleasure. All right. Until next time. This is Stone Payton for our guest today, Dr. Loretta Daniels with Technology Association of Georgia, and the entire Business RadioX family, saying we’ll see you again on High Velocity Careers.

 

Tagged With: TAG

From Passion to Purpose: Inspiring a New Generation of Animal Advocates

September 19, 2024 by angishields

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Women in Motion
From Passion to Purpose: Inspiring a New Generation of Animal Advocates
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In this episode of Women in Motion, host Lee Kantor is joined by Jenny Curtis, an advocate for animal welfare and conservation. Jenny shares her journey from a childhood fascination with animals to creating educational subscription boxes for children. These boxes, filled with stuffed animals, books, and activity kits, aim to teach kids about zoology and conservation. Jenny discusses the challenges of running a small business, especially supply chain issues, and emphasizes the importance of community engagement. Her company donates 50% of profits to wildlife conservation, highlighting her commitment to fostering a love for animals and environmental stewardship among children.

edZOOcation-logo

Jenny-CurtisJenny Curtis is a dedicated conservationist and entrepreneur, leading edZOOcation with a passion for wildlife and education.

With extensive experience in exotic animal care and education, Jenny founded edZOOcation to inspire the next generation of conservationists. She holds a B.S. in Organismal Biology and multiple associate degrees in exotic animal care, wildlife education, and animal behavior management.

Under her leadership, edZOOcation has donated over $44,000 to wildlife conservation, making a significant impact on protecting endangered species and supporting educational initiatives.

Connect wtih Jenny on LinkedIn and Facebook.

Music Provided by M PATH MUSIC

Transcript-iconThis transcript is machine transcribed by Sonix

 

TRANSCRIPT

Intro: Broadcasting live from the Business RadioX Studios, it’s time for Women In Motion. Brought to you by WBEC-West. Join forces. Succeed together. Now, here’s your host.

Lee Kantor: Lee Kantor here, another episode of Women In Motion and this is going to be a good one. But before we get started, it’s important to recognize our sponsor, WBEC-West. Without them, we couldn’t be sharing these important stories. Today on Women In Motion, we have Jenny Curtis with edZOOcation. Welcome.

Jenny Curtis: Thank you so much. I’m very excited to be here. Thank you.

Lee Kantor: I am so excited to learn what you’re up to. Tell us about edZOOcation. How are you serving folks?

Jenny Curtis: Oh, my goodness. Yeah. So, edZOOcation kind of came about just through different avenues. But my background is all exotic animals and animal welfare and animal education, in that space, and so we wanted to do like a physical product for kids where they could shift gears and learn at home. You know, kind of throwbacks to when I was younger, we had zoo books and things like that, but a little bit more, a little bit more than just a book. We wanted a whole experience, a whole 360 degree experience for the kids.

Jenny Curtis: So, we have our edZOOcation subscription boxes and they teach kids all about animals, zoology. We go into different biology, touch points, anatomy, all sorts of fun stuff. We always include some kind of STEM in there. And we have it geared for three different age groups, so we have 3 to 5, 6 to 8, and 9 to 12, so we’re really touching on their developmental point in their life and, obviously, their love for animals, that’s why they find us and that’s who we serve.

Lee Kantor: Now, can you talk about your personal journey? I would imagine most kids love animals when they’re little. You know, what kind of compelled you to stay connected with animals throughout your whole career?

Jenny Curtis: Yeah. Well, it’s not a choice, I’ll say that.

Lee Kantor: It’s not a choice.

Jenny Curtis: I had no control over it. I’ve just been obsessed since I was little. I mean, I was the one out there with caterpillars and baby birds, and anything I could find. And it just continued into my adulthood. I just didn’t lose interest in it. As kids go through tons of interests while they’re young, that was the one that, for me, just stuck. And it was evident all through even middle school, high school. I wanted to be a zookeeper. College, I went for zoology and ended up going to a vocational, you know, animal training and education college. And so, I mean, it really has been my entire life. I just never grew out of it.

Lee Kantor: But as you were going through it, you were obsessed and you were kind of nerding out on this whole kind of zoology path, were your friends, solely dropping off? They were like, “Jenny, okay, we get it. You like caterpillars.”

Jenny Curtis: Yes and no. I mean, I had a couple close friends that were definitely like, you know, we shared toads and stuff. But for the most part, yeah, I definitely got a little more sparse as I got through high school and whatnot, because definitely people do not have that same very niche interest as I did. But, you know, it’s still a positive thing. People were never mean about it or anything like that for me.

Jenny Curtis: But it definitely was really nice going to college and just seeing another group of people who were as dedicated as I was to this interest and to preserving these animals, because that was not my day-to-day experience. So, finding a group of people and learning that people really do care about this in larger groups outside of myself was huge for me.

Jenny Curtis: And that’s what I want kids to know. I want them to know that they’re not alone in this interest. They can take their love of animals and go into any field. They don’t have to go into zoology or conservation or be a zookeeper or a veterinarian. They could be conserving animals doing IT work. They can be conserving animals doing medical field work, doing public relations. I mean, the possibilities are endless with making an impact in conservation.

Lee Kantor: So, when you have the idea of we’re going to make this learning kind of three dimensional. We want to build a box where there are stuff in it that they can touch and play with and educate them. How did that kind of come about? Were you kind of modeling it after other things you’ve seen? Or was this kind of something that you were thinking about kind of from a blank slate?

Jenny Curtis: Well, so part of my college vocational training was doing wildlife education, live presentations with animals, you know, teaching kids about animals in person, holding a snake or cockroaches or whatnot. And so, after college, I actually started my own rescue and outreach, and we successfully placed and took in over 250 animals during just four years doing this. This was in Florida and, obviously, they have a much larger exotic animal problem and there are a ton of pets, so it’s, you know, improper housing and all that.

Jenny Curtis: So, we were able to take them in, either place them with appropriate zoo or facility homes or use them in our educational programs where we did the same thing. We went to schools and birthday parties and Girl Scouts and community events, and just taught kids and the public about animals in general. So, for me, turning this from a live presentation with animals into a physical presentation with toys and reading materials and curriculum that they can learn at home, it was kind of just the next step.

Jenny Curtis: And obviously for my family, it worked out a lot better than having a ton of animals around all the time. At the time we had two small kids, so it was a lot to manage, and that’s kind of one of the reasons we switched gears, my husband and I, and kind of closed the live animal portion of it down. There’s people who are doing it fantastically, and you can go to zoos and aquariums and see these animals and get that live presentation. But what we didn’t see was the at-home learning and that’s where we wanted to connect the dots.

Lee Kantor: So, walk me through, like I get the box, what is inside of the box? You mentioned stuffed animals and there’s learning. Is there ways for me to kind of explore my environment where I can look for certain things that might be around my geography?

Jenny Curtis: Yes and no. So, ours is kind of like animal of the month style. So, each month is a brand new endangered animal. Our core items are the stuffed animal, full size stuffed animal, super snuggly, a great reading buddy for kids who are struggling to learn to read. It really helps make that emotional connection for them. We do have an age appropriate book based on, again, the ages and their reading levels. We have an activity magazine, kind of going back to highlights from a couple decades back where it’s like fun games and activities. It could be scavenger hunts. It could be crafts. There’s always a recipe either from the region that the animal natively lives or something kind of fun and featuring the animal.

Jenny Curtis: We have an ecosystem poster where it’s interactive. The kids get to fill in the ecosystem with the stickers to see kind of how everything works together. The web of life that the animal lives in. We do dive into anatomy. We have a paper dissection kit where they get to do kind of crafty cuts and make a layered paper dissection kit so they can kind of see what the internal anatomy looks like. And, again, over the many months, they’re getting these comparisons and they’re getting to see the differences between some of these very different animals. And then, we also have some kind of game or craft activity for each box as well.

Jenny Curtis: So, it’s really fully hands on. People do the video side of it. We didn’t need to redo that. There’s so many great videos out there, so many great educational channels and content producers that, for us, we needed the physical, in-person products. That was kind of, again, the missing piece for they can see the animals live at a zoo. They can watch the animals on Netflix. And then, now, they can read about them, they can cuddle them, and they can learn more about every other aspect of their life.

Lee Kantor: So then, there isn’t a component where there is community building where you’re trying to, you know, tune in to this live stream of Jenny doing something with an animal where all the members —

Jenny Curtis: Right. We don’t have a live animal component anymore. We’d love to bring that back. Just right now with where we’re at, we call ourselves the startup within a startup. We only started the subscription model a couple years back. And before that, we were mainly stuffed animals and just general animal products. So, we’re still gearing all of that up. We do have digital books and things like that. And we’d love to introduce a live animal component again, probably like a zookeeper Q&A type of thing or just a live animal program in that sense, but we don’t have that quite yet.

Lee Kantor: So, you’re physically building these boxes, like, is that part of the challenge of a business like this that you have to take all the components? Or is that something you’ve outsourced to another group that is handling kind of the building and the distribution of the boxes?

Jenny Curtis: No. We’re really small. We do all of it in-house. I mean, we don’t manufacture the products directly. But everything else, we do in-house. We source the products. We work with the manufacturers. We have them shipped in. We build the physical boxes here at our warehouse in Southern California. We ideate the entire curation of the box from start to finish. Everything is completely handmade and curated, again, for these different ages and, basically, different learning methods for each of the ages.

Lee Kantor: Yeah. I mean, this sounds like a pretty big challenge just from a supply chain standpoint because all those disparate objects have to get to you at the right time.

Jenny Curtis: That has been such a learning curve. As we’ve moved from single item orders to, I mean, our boxes, you know, they contain 12 to 15 components each and at three different ages, and then we change them out every month, so it is a lot to manage and coordinate. We have delays just like every other small company. And we just had an entire shipment go missing due to the Microsoft outages, so it’s somewhere in the U.S. We don’t know where it is. So, all of our boxes this month are going out in plain craft boxes. So, we have our challenges for sure.

Jenny Curtis: And just coming into business with a passion compared to coming into business with a business background, there has been the largest learning curve. I’m so grateful that we are still here, still standing and making a positive influence because it has just been a whirlwind of mistakes. And looking at it again, how can we improve this? Who can we bring on to help us make this better so we don’t make this mistake again? It’s just been an amazing experience learning how to work with so many different, amazing people, and bringing the right people on to help us out, because I don’t come from a business background. I come from a zoology background.

Lee Kantor: Right. That’s why when you were telling me that and then you were listing how many items were in there, in my head, I’m like, that is not for the faint of heart there, because that is a lot of disparate things that have their own timeline to arrive in a box that’s supposed to go out the first of the month.

Jenny Curtis: It’s definitely been a challenge. Supply chain has been interesting ever since COVID. I mean, COVID shut things down for a bit and then it was so expensive to get things back on track. And, now, it’s just getting everything on time and hopefully not losing things along the way.

Lee Kantor: And then, this business, there’s a cause behind it, right? You’re donating a lot of the proceeds.

Jenny Curtis: We do. We donate 50 percent of profits back to wildlife conservation. So, each month, we either partner with or donate to a wildlife conservation that’s related to the animal of the month. So, for instance, this month it was sea otter. We already sold out. So, those boxes are completely sold out. And our paired conservation partner is the Marine Conservation Institute, working to protect sea otter habitat. And what we found is that’s, first of all, a great impact we can make in donating financially to them. Every company needs money. Every nonprofit needs money. But not just that, we are sharing their story. We’re creating more awareness for them.

Jenny Curtis: And what I’ve found when I was working at Moorpark College as a professor teaching the conservation course, one of the big problems that conservations are having is they are having financial troubles, but there’s also a lot of awareness troubles. They’re not set up for, you know, social media and public relations in that way necessarily. So, anything we can do to get eyeballs on them is going to help them in the long run.

Jenny Curtis: Not to mention that our shoppers are also like micro donors to them as well. So, it’s a wonderful win-win. We’re helping the conservation out, we’re saving animals, and we’re teaching kids about empathy and animals at an early age and, hopefully, into their hopeful career desire of working with animals.

Lee Kantor: Now, you mentioned some partners that are obviously conservation partners, are you also partnering with schools and elementary schools and folks that are kind of dealing with young children?

Jenny Curtis: Yeah. So, that’s an area that we definitely have opportunity for growth in. Right now, what we’ve done so far is we’ve done a lot of charter schools and homeschool organizations, that type of thing. But we haven’t really broken into the public school zone yet, and that’s just, again, due to our small team. We’re working on getting there every day, but at this point we’re only about four or five employees. And we just brought on a new operations manager, an integrator, actually, and we’re very excited because she’s going to be able to help us scale the way that we know we need to go. And schools and PTAs, and organizations like that are just definitely the next step for us.

Lee Kantor: So, when you take this leap into this world and then you start building the boxes and you start sending them out, when did you kind of have that moment where you’re like, “You know what? I think we’re on to something. I think this is something that’s going to eventually turn into the thing we want it to.”

Jenny Curtis: It’s funny because it’s always been the thing. It was just figuring out how to get it out, how to produce it and get it to the masses. I knew this is what I wanted to do and where I wanted to go with it. It was just logistically a nightmare to try to switch gears. I mean, we started out selling on Amazon, and then getting some bundle ideas from what people were buying together on Amazon. And then from there, making our own website. And then, it was just so many steps to get to where we’re at now.

Jenny Curtis: But I always knew I wanted to continue the wildlife education journey. I want to help kids who were like me, and maybe a little lost with what they love about animals, or why they love them, or what they can do with that, and take it into something that they understand they can go into a successful career with. There’s no shortage of jobs in conservation. There’s no shortage of jobs in science. And getting kids on that path is really the whole goal behind this.

Lee Kantor: So, what was the reason you decided to become part of the WBEC-West community? What were you looking to get from that relationship?

Jenny Curtis: Yeah. So, we wanted to get women-owned and certified just because there’s a lot of people who say they are, but maybe they aren’t really. And we just wanted the certification to really show like, “Hey, we’ve gone through the wringer on this. We really are women-owned and women certified and completely legit.” It was important for me, especially as an advocate for conservation, because in the world of wildlife conservation, oftentimes the greatest impact that they can have on protecting the species is working with the local communities and working with the women in those communities to make that impact.

Jenny Curtis: So, I wanted to be here in solidarity and be like I’m here working as a woman-owned business to help create jobs and improve communities for all of these countries that are facing difficulties. And, obviously, it transfers into the animals having troubles and becoming endangered in one way from habitat loss or even poaching. So, to me, being women-owned certified was just really important to kind of have it come full circle and really show that we’re here doing what we say we’re doing.

Lee Kantor: So, what do you need more of? How can we be helping you?

Jenny Curtis: Subscribers are always lovely. We do have a subscription service. You can prepay, you can subscribe monthly. But another thing I just like to talk about is encourage kids to go into a science career. Encourage kids to just follow whatever interests they have. I mean, if they’re not interested in science, don’t push them in that direction. But if they are, there’s resources out there.

Jenny Curtis: When I was in high school, I remember going to the career center, you know, the career room and being like, I want to be a zookeeper. And they had nothing for me. Absolutely nothing. So, I mean, just the more information that’s out there now, help your kids find resources for things that they’re interested in, things they might want to do continued education for, help them get involved. It’s so vital at an early age to support their path and to have them be confident and kind of ahead of the game when able in these careers.

Lee Kantor: So, if somebody wants to learn more and connect with you, what’s a website or what’s the best way to connect on socials?

Jenny Curtis: Yeah, absolutely. So, it’s just edzoocation.com and most of our socials are @edzoocation_boxes and you can find us there. We kind of are a little bit of everywhere right now. We’re on Facebook and TikTok and Instagram. You can find us on YouTube with some of our videos. And obviously our website has all of our current product offerings. But we do have a new animal every month and it’s a really fun deep dive into that animal.

Lee Kantor: And that’s E-D-Z-O-O-C-A-T-I-O-N -.com?

Jenny Curtis: That’s right.

Lee Kantor: Well, Jenny, thank you so much for sharing your story today. You’re doing such important work and we appreciate you.

Jenny Curtis: Thank you so much. We really appreciate being here. Thank you again.

Lee Kantor: All right. This is Lee Kantor. We’ll see you all next time on Women In Motion.

 

Tagged With: edZOOcation

John Brucato with Team Ignite

September 17, 2024 by angishields

Houston Business Radio
Houston Business Radio
John Brucato with Team Ignite
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John-BrucatoJohn Brucato was born and raised in New Jersey but has lived in Houston, Texas since 2014. He went to the University of Houston, graduated with a bachelor’s in economics. He worked as a market research analyst and sales professional in college.

Upon graduation in 2017, he got involved in the financial services industry part-time. In April 2018, after learning that his parent’s financial advisor had depleted their retirement with bad insurance products and a serious disagreement with his 9 to 5 boss, John left corporate America and went full-time in the financial services industry.

In 2020, during the pandemic, John became a Regional Vice President and founded Team Ignite in the Houston-Katy area. In 2021, he married his beautiful wife, Erin, who is the hottest teacher in Katy ISD. She actively supports him in business by helping with back-office work and with the home. In August 2023, they had their first child and beautiful daughter, Gianna Collette.

John’s biggest vision is to give his wife and daughter a dream life. Currently, Team Ignite has 39 licensed financial representatives and is growing. His goal is to have 10 offices in the next 10 years in Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, and in his hometown of Lincroft, New Jersey.

John believes in helping people learn how money works and become the best version of themselves personally & professionally. His favorite book is What To Say When You Talk To Yourself by Dr. Shad Helmsetter which he commits to reading every quarter.

In his spare time, John enjoys spending time with Erin and Gianna as well as traveling to see his family in New Jersey.

Transcript-iconThis transcript is machine transcribed by Sonix.

 

TRANSCRIPT

Intro: Broadcasting live from the Business RadioX studios in Houston, Texas. It’s time for Houston Business Radio. Now, here’s your host.

Trisha Stetzel: Trisha Stetzel here, bringing you another episode of Houston Business Radio. I’m so excited about the guest I have on today. He was born and raised in new Jersey, but he got to Texas as fast as he could. He’s a new dad. He and I have known each other for many, many years, and the beginning of that story is I drove all the way across town to catch him for coffee, and we continue to connect and help each other grow our businesses. John Brucato, welcome to the show.

John Brucato : Trisha, how are you doing? I’m so glad I’m here. Thank you for having me.

Trisha Stetzel: I’m fantastic. I would love to dive into a little bit of the personal side, if that’s okay with you. And, um. Really tell us, why did you get into business for yourself in the first place?

John Brucato : Yeah. So I, um, you know, my family has a history of being employees, right? And my dad had tried to start a business, you know, and things didn’t work out. Same thing with my mom. But, you know, they they really largely made their careers, you know, and as employees and, you know, that was good. And in terms of, you know, they had a little bit of stability, you know, but at the same time, they missed a lot of things. Right. And I don’t hold that against them. They had to do what they could for my sister and I, you know. But, you know, I landed my dream job when I was in college, right? So people don’t even sometimes don’t even find their dream job after college. Right. And I had it, and I loved what I was doing, but I did not like having a boss. He was the kind of boss. And I’m sure, I’m sure you can relate to this that, um, took credit for everything that I did, um, you know, made as much money as he could off of the work that I was doing paid me very little and then treated me very poorly. You know, and what ended up happening was I wanted to, you know, visit my family for Christmas holidays. This was a couple of years ago. Um, you know, they’re still up here in new Jersey. You know, where I am physically right now. And I hadn’t seen them in about 18 months, you know, and the Skype back then, it was Skype, right? Skype calls and phone calls wasn’t doing it anymore. And so I wanted to go see him.

John Brucato : I bought tickets, I didn’t tell him I was coming, I was going to surprise him. You know, the December 23rd, 24th, 25th, 26th, you know, that was when I was going to go. And, you know, we don’t normally work those days at the job that I had. And so I went to my boss and said, hey, hey, Jack, listen, um, I just want to let you know I’m taking the trip these days. I’m going straight over the Christmas holiday when I’m supposed to be here. Anyway, um, just giving you a heads up, because, John, that sounds great. But I said, okay. He goes, John, listen, we’re having a multi-million dollar client come in. The only time he can meet is on Christmas Eve. And I need you here because this is what he said, Trisha. This is what he said. He said if you work really hard on Christmas Eve, I’ll take my wife on a cruise for New Year’s Eve. That’s. That. That. Yeah. Yeah, exactly. I thought he was like. I thought he was joking. I almost started to smile. He was dead serious. If, John, if you work really hard, I’ll take my. I’m like, really? Okay. And something in me shifted at that moment and said, all right, I, I’m not doing this for the next 40 years. And I got a, I became a fanatic about finding something else I could do. You know, I got into sales part time and eventually got into running my own deal. And it’s been a, you know, an amazing experience the last seven years.

Trisha Stetzel: Yeah, that’s that’s awesome. And I’ve known you almost that long, almost that long. And since then and along the way, you’ve gotten married to a beautiful woman, Erin, and you’ve had a beautiful daughter, Gianna, who’s going to be a year or just turned a year, actually a year. How has that changed the way you think about being a business owner?

John Brucato : Yeah. So I had, um, gotten maybe I was in business about a year or so, year and a half before I met Aaron. And, you know, I, you know, you could say, you know, I was I was, you know, single living life, but I, I really wasn’t I was so driven to, to be in business for myself. Right. Because, you know, you hear stories of people that, that, you know, they sacrificed the first couple of years and they build something. And then when they do have families, they can take their foot off the gas if they want to. They can enjoy some of that stuff. Right. And so that that was very motivating to me. I had just gotten out of a really long relationship, so I wasn’t really looking for something else. I just got married to my business, you know, I stopped dating and got married to my business, you know, and then. Yeah. And then when I, when I met Aaron, by the way, she’s the, she’s the hottest teacher in Katy ISD. Uh, and I know someone. Katy’s going to hear this, and that’s okay. You can be wrong. I’m going to be right. So that’s the jersey in me, right? Um, but no, um, I’ll tell you when we’re not on recording, I’ll tell you a really funny story about that later. But, um, anyway, when I met her and she we were.

John Brucato : We’re on our first date, and she asked, so what do you what do you do? You know, work wise? I said, well, you know, I help people with this, this, this and this. And she goes, great, you know, or I’ve never, you know, met somebody that’s a business owner before other than some, some of my family members. She says, are you you’re making money. I said, I’m making enough right now. I’m not really, you know, profitable, but I’m keeping the lights on, right. And we’re working through it. And she just bought into my vision. Day one. We weren’t even like we had our first date. And she was like, cool. This is this is great. I have no doubt, you know, you’re going to have success, you know, and and, you know, a year and change later. A year and a half later, we were engaged, you know. And you know, she doesn’t work alongside me in the business, really. You know, she does some, you know, back end things every once in a while. But she’s been my biggest cheerleader from the moment we met, you know, and and you know, we had talked about how, you know, 3 to 5 years, you know, we you know, we start our family, you know, and that’s that’s what happened. We got married.

John Brucato : And, you know, three years later we have or two and two in a, you know, three, three fourths later we have our daughter. And let me tell you something, when I when Gianna was born, I looked at my business. I said, you know what? I’m definitely not where I want to be. Thank God I’m not where I was, because I wouldn’t be able to do half the stuff that I’ve been doing. Listen, I took the whole week off before she came and like, and like three weeks after she was born, I did not work, didn’t make a single phone call, text whatever, didn’t do none of that stuff. I just got to hang out with with Aaron and my newborn daughter, and I couldn’t do that as a job. There’s no way. Um, I know there’s some places that do. Well, what do you. Um. Paternity leave. But that’s a new thing, right? And most places don’t do that. She had her maternity, you know, but there was no way I could have stayed there and did everything that I did if I had a job. Still, it was that that alone, even though our business is not exactly where we wanted it to be, that alone was priceless, you know. And. And, Trisha, you’ve known me for a long time. So you know how I work. You know I like to get after it.

John Brucato : Yeah. I haven’t worked half as hard. Honestly. It’s funny. My income has grown, but I haven’t worked. That’s not an income claim, but my income has grown. But but I haven’t. I haven’t even worked half as hard as I did before she was born. And I. I get to enjoy every. I’m the first person she sees every morning I wake her up, every single morning I wake her up and and, you know, we hang out together for a little while, you know, and then in the evening, Almost every night. Almost every night. I’m the one that puts her to bed. And you’re going to get a kick out of this. I have negative self-talk and how to Avoid It by doctor Shad Helmstetter. It’s like this thick is a small book, but it’s in her, um, her little bookcase in her nursery. I read that to her when I put her to bed. Um, because I’m going to be. I’m talking positivity into her life. No, I’m talking positivity into her life. Because think about how many times a week we get negativity, even as adults. Imagine that as kids you hear no no no no no no no no no no. I’m going to tell her yes yes yes yes yes yes yes until I have to tell her no. Yeah.

Trisha Stetzel: So you got to open up the possibilities for your kiddos, right? Just like you did for yourself. And you’re such a driven person. And I think that’s what, um, attracts people to you. And they want to be part of your team, and they want to be part of your room, if you will. You know who’s in your room? Who are you hanging out with because you are so driven? But I have to tell you, my heart grew like ten times when you said you took three weeks off, I was like, wow, John, I just got goosebumps. Like, you did it. You’re a dad and you get to be your best self for your daughter. And I know that Gianna will appreciate what you’ve given to her and her first year, and even into her second, third and all.

John Brucato : The forces me to get better every day. Let me tell you. Let me tell you already. She forces me to get better every day. I’ve really learned patience in the last, you know, Aaron Aaron said that. She said. She said this was, I think, about a month ago or so. She says. You have learned so much humility, so much kindness. And she’s like she said, because she didn’t want to want to, you know, like, get me angry or something. She’s like, you’re so soft, not soft, like weak, but so soft, you know, with with her and everything like that. So it’s it’s been great. Like I’m going to be the dad. Listen, I’m going to be the dad with my nails painted in a tutu with probably some of my hair cut off or in bows and ribbons and stuff. Whatever it is, I don’t care. Whatever she wants to do, we’re doing it.

Trisha Stetzel: Totally see it. Well, and just as a sneak peek to what John said about his beautiful wife and her being the hottest teacher in Katy ISD. It’s in his bio, so please take a look at John’s bio. You’ll get the full story there. Or at least part of it. Uh, so we’ve talked a lot about business ownership and the freedom that that brings. And, um, kind of the why you left the job. The job went into business for yourself. But that why oftentimes is deeper. So is your why still the same now as it was seven years ago?

John Brucato : Yeah. So I you know, I’ve been really mulling over that for the last, you know, last 12 months since Gianna was born. You know, we you know, me and and Robert, you know, a mutual friend of ours. We talk a lot about that to some people that were in business with about, you know, your why has got to be important. What’s your why. What’s your why. What’s your why. And and I think that’s a commonality amongst all business owners for the most part. Right. But the root of my my, why really was that? I wanted to be the one in my family that became the go to person, right? You know where if mom needs a check, I can write the check. If if you know, if dad can’t do it anymore, great. I’ll hire five people to go out to the lawn and cut the lawn and do the plant and take care of the house. Right. You know, if if my grandma and grandpa need, need staying care, maybe, you know, I want to be the one that writes the check for that stuff, right? Um, you know, where you know Aaron and and, you know, now, Gianna and I can just pick up and go and do whatever we want to do when we want to do it and still have money coming in, right? I want it to be the go to person.

John Brucato : And I wanted to have that. And so I was thinking about has my why really changed? I don’t think the why has changed, but the people in the why have just grown. Does that make more sense? Like because that was I didn’t even have a relationship when I got started, right? So I didn’t have a life that I was thinking about or a daughter. Um, but so the why is the why is the same. But the people in the why I think have have grown tremendously even even some of my friends that I know, you know, go through hard times. You know, I, you know, it’s that I didn’t have when I got into business for myself. Those they just got, they just the why got bigger. I don’t think it changed. But the people in the why uh, grew.

Trisha Stetzel: That makes so much sense. Thanks for sharing that. I’ve never heard anyone really articulate their why that way, but I think that’s true for many of us. It’s not that your why changes. It may shift or take on a different name, uh, with the people that are growing in your life. So you you’re a goals guy, you’re a growth guy. You’re all in, whether it’s family or work. And like, you’re just so driven. I want to circle back to the mindset that you were talking about reading this book with Gianna. Right? You’re already giving her this growth mindset or this positive mindset at a year old. So John, what do you do to keep yourself in that positive mindset of growing and reaching your goals and getting better every day?

John Brucato : Yeah, well, the truth, Trisha, is that and this is just me again, being a business owner, it’s not perfect. All day, every day. Like I wake up in the morning, I’m fired up. I’m excited. I’m like, I’m gonna make this day, you know? My, you know what? I’m gonna I’m gonna I’m gonna kill it today. And then about the time I look at my phone, I’m like, oh, those are a lot of fires I got to put out. And this is not good thing. The ship is. The ship is sinking. And then an hour later, something awesome happens. I’m like, I’m on the top of the world. This is amazing, I love it. And then three hours later, something really bad happens. I’m like, why does this happen to me? This doesn’t happen to people that have jobs. It’s only a business thing. And then and then, you know, an hour or two later, I’m I’m realizing, wait a minute, I can just leave when I want to go surprise my wife for lunch. Thank God I can do that. I can bring you some Starbucks. Um, I can, I can, you know, hang out with some people at her school and then I, you know, when I, when I get halfway there, I’m like, oh, problem came up and, you know, so every second of the day I’m not that way. Right. And I don’t think most people are that way.

John Brucato : Even some of the most positive people I don’t think are that way. But what really helps me is the bookends of my day, uh, the way you start the day and the way you end the day. Um, I’m really, really, really intentional about starting my day. Positive. I don’t always look, I don’t, and Robert’s going to yell at me for this, but I don’t always because I know he’ll listen to this. I don’t always write out my affirmations or write out my goals. I have a notepad by my my nightstand, but I don’t always do it. Sometimes Joanna wakes up, she’s crying, and I don’t remember to get back to do that right. But I always start the day off with, Thank God I’m here, and thank God I’ve got my wife and my daughter and thank God I have a I have the ability to to run my own deal, you know, so I start off with that positivity every every morning. Even if I know that there is fires waiting for me. Um, I just start off with that attitude of gratitude because I could be going to the journey of the broke. You know, I could be. I could be a slave to my 9 to 5. I could be in that in those shackles. And I’m not right. And I think that’s what keeps me so driven is because if I’m not, that’s where I’m going to end up.

John Brucato : And that’s not an option for me. Right. And then on the back end of my day, it’s like, I think, I think I want to give the right credit where credit was due. I think it was Alex Hormozi who said this, um, and that your day really wasn’t as bad as you thought it was. It? It could be chaos. It could be the most unbelievably bad experience you could have ever had in your life. But your day still wasn’t as bad as you thought it was. And when we get to the end and we put our head down on the pillow. Hey, I made it another day, I made it another. I get to put my head down on the pillow tonight. I still have that. And then. And then tomorrow I get to wake up and get back after it. So my bookends are really what keeps me going, you know, because I can choose how I start the day, how I end the day. I can’t control always what happens during the day, but I can control the start and I can control the finish. Um, you know, and then I like to read, I like to listen to podcasts. And sometimes when I’m having a bad moment, I don’t have bad days, I have bad moments. I’ll pop it, pop on some art Williams, and he lights a fire under my butt.

John Brucato : Um, you know, I love listening to Art Williams. Um, if I, if I want to get if I want to have an aggressive conversation with myself, I’ll put on some David Goggins and realize I’m just being a little. You know, I’m not going to say his expletives. I mean, I normally would, but I want to respect your show. Right. Um, you know, but I I’ll plug in to what I need to plug in to, to keep me moving through the day. But it’s really controlling your bookends. The start and the end of your day really help me stay in that, in that, that mindset. Um, and I think one last thing about that. Trisha and Robert and I have been really, really conscious about this. He I mean, he’s been this way for for a couple of years now. Only me, I want to I don’t even want to embellish. I think the last, last month, maybe I’ve been catching myself speaking things and then I will outloud say, wait, that’s not what I’m thinking. That is not what I believe. I don’t accept that. I rebuke that, and I’ll even I even check my people, um, when they say, hey, you don’t you don’t believe that that is not true about you. Um, don’t wear that. That’s not yours to wear. Um, those little catching, those little things.

Trisha Stetzel: Yeah, I love that, John. I love the bookends. I think that’s fantastic. And I love the idea of of going to bed with the, the thought of it wasn’t as bad as you thought it was. Right? It’s not as bad as you thought it was. It’s also important that we realize when we go below the line. So I like to refer to it as a victim. Right. So in the middle of the day, I start my day as a victor, and then at some point I fall below the line and I become the victim. But when I realize it, I got to figure a way out. Right. I, like you said, it’s not minutes, it’s moments. It’s not hours. It’s moments when you realize you got to pull yourself out of that. So as we get to the back end of our conversation today, your story is amazing. You’re so driven. It’s all about growth. It’s all about family. You’re the family. You come from, the family that you’re building. But I know that you connect so many people and you work with so many people. Do you have a favorite story that you can share?

John Brucato : Ooh. That’s good. Um, you know what? It actually, it actually involves you, so. Yeah, yeah, I do, um, because thinking back to not the immediate origin of my business, but I want to say about about two years in so I, you know, you know, Aaron and I had had maybe we had been dating maybe six months, and you and I had met relatively recently and, um, at a at a networking event. And, you know, I had heard your, your commercial and I, you know, you know, you had mentioned just just, um, I don’t remember the specifics, but you had mentioned this and about dealing with people, and I flagged you down afterwards and say, hey, I’ve got a big problem, okay? And I want to talk to you about it. And at the time, I had an associate, you know, and her and I were absolute best friends before business. And even in the, in the early part of, of the business, we were really, really, really, really close friends. And something happened where, you know, she has a strong personality. I’ve got a very strong personality. And like little things started to pile up and we were really butting heads, really, really butting heads. And, um, it caused caused a huge rift, I would say, in our in our business. And when I had met with you, you had talked about different personality types. And that was really the first time I heard anything like that. I mean, I understand that I would always say, okay, that’s your problem, not my problem, right? I am who I am, right? And that’s so wrong.

John Brucato : I am who I am. And yes, you’re a problem that you don’t like me, right? And and, um, you know, just just by you and I talking together, I learned about the different personality types, and I learned, wow, I should probably communicate this way to this type of person, and that might either defuze or repair a situation. And you gave me some great advice. You said, look, it’s you know, one relationship can make or break your business. You just say, hey, it’s not worth losing your business. No, no, no, I’m paraphrasing, but it’s pretty close to, um. You can either lose your pride or lose your business. It was one of one of those, more or less. That’s what you said. And I and I really thought about it for a second because this person was was pivotal at that time in my business and said, you know what, I’m going to throw the olive branch out there. And and it took us some time and we repaired that relationship and we’re now best friends. But the reason why I bring that up is because before we had that falling out, Trisha, um, when I got in business for myself, I was looking to do some hiring, and through a mutual friend of her and I, he introduced us again. I knew who she was.

John Brucato : I just didn’t think, wow, this person should come work with me. I didn’t even think that. And he reintroduced us, hired her. We started building our business together. And, um, you know, in, in the fact that we became really good friends, she pushed me and pushed me and pushed me and pushed me to start dating again when I was not ready to do it, per se. But she was being coachable to me in business. So I said, all right, I’ll be coachable to you somewhere else, right? And, you know, through push and shove, it’s that’s how I met her. I would never have I would never have met Aaron if I didn’t listen, if I wasn’t coachable to her in that area of my life and, um, even after things had fallen out, if if I had never listened to you, if I had never met you and listened to you and tried to repair that relationship, a she would have exited the business, probably, and that would have been a disaster on its own. But here’s, here’s here’s the trickle effect from that. Um, she found her spouse a week and a half after you and I had that conversation, and her and I started to make amends. And her spouse is in our business. So if she had exited the business, she would not have met her spouse, who she’s now married to. And just a week ago, they announced that they were expecting.

Speaker4: Oh my God. Yeah. And what are you saying?

John Brucato : And when Aaron and I found out we were pregnant, they were the first people that knew about it. You know, they were with us. They were the first people, other than immediate family to come check on us and meet Gianna. Um, you know, her and I have risen to great heights together as friends and and business partners. And so coming full circle, if I didn’t trust my friend Robert, who’s also your friend, enough to come, you know, meet some of his friends you and I never would have met.

Speaker4: That’s absolutely true.

John Brucato : Yeah. And if I didn’t trust my friend from college enough, I never would have reached out to her and then given her a shot in business. And if I, you know, didn’t trust you enough, I never would have repaired that relationship. And if I never had repaired that relationship, a, you know, she would have exited business and not had the income and the life that she already has. She would never have met her spouse. This this baby wouldn’t be the blessing that it is. You know, I don’t even know if Aaron and I would have worked out because she’s played guidance counselor multiple times and we had our discussions of purpose, right? Or intense fellowship. Right? Um, so many things happened from that one that that one relationship, you know, so many things and thinking about clients that have been helped. Thinking about everything you and I have done together. Thinking about all the people that that you’ve introduced me to. I’ve introduced you to think about the the domino effect of that relationship. You know, thinking about this coming full circle, how you and I both know our good friend Tony. And how did that happen? Right. It’s because you’re involved in one area. I’m involved in another. And we we we we have that mutual friend. Right? Um, you know, just think about the connections for a second. People don’t understand that. I don’t really I really believe people don’t understand the value of a relationship. And when when I say to you, you never know how your one decision to connect with the person could change their life. Your life and then everyone in your contacts fears lives too. It’s huge that just that alone. I get goosebumps about, you know. So, Trisha, I don’t know if that answers your question, but. Oh, yeah. I want to say I feel like the most, the most notable thing.

Trisha Stetzel: I feel like I paid you to make me feel good today, John. I’m kidding.

John Brucato : No, no, no, but but, Trisha, it’s so true. I referenced that moment when I talk about pivotal moments in business and relationships. I talk about that story between the two of us all the time. When people ask me what was the what was a decisive moment in your business? What was a pivotal moment in your business? And we were sitting in a Kroger, Starbucks. We were having a conversation and you gave me the little disk sheet and we talked about it. That was a pivotal moment. It’s not just because it’s I’m interviewing here with you. That was a pivotal moment of connection in my business, where if I had never met you and never had that conversation, I don’t know that I would still be in business the way I am now. I don’t know that I’d I’d have the relationship with my spouse or even my daughter that I have now. I don’t know that, you know, my, my, my other associate would have the same like I just I don’t know if you know how special that moment was to all of us, and we’re very grateful for that.

Speaker4: Thank you. I appreciate that so much, John.

Trisha Stetzel: And, um, I appreciate all of the connections that you’ve made for me over the years. And I like to think of it as and when you were talking about it reminded me of the pebble on the pond and the ripple effect that that one connection or that one stone into the water can make and all of those ripple effects. And it’s not just about business. It’s about the people in the business and their families and their families and the effect that we can have. I just got goosebumps all over. John, thank you so much for being on the show today. I’m so grateful that you took the time. I look forward to coming and talking to you and Robert soon. Uh, and having that conversation as well. I will put all of your contact information that you provided in the show notes. So if folks want to reach out and get in touch with you. And by the way, if you’re listening, uh, check out the show notes because Jon’s full bio is in there. And so is the little story about his gorgeous wife, Aaron. Um, thank you, John, again.

John Brucato : I appreciate you very much, Trisha. I’m honored. I’m humbled, and I’m privileged to be here. Thank you so much.

Trisha Stetzel: Thank you. That’s all the time we have for today’s show. Join us next time for another exciting episode of Houston Business Radio. Until then, stay tuned, stay inspired, and keep thriving in the Houston business community.

 

Tagged With: Team Ignite

Kit Cummings with Power of Peace Project and Joanie Chamberland with Rise Up Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

September 16, 2024 by angishields

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Cherokee Business Radio
Kit Cummings with Power of Peace Project and Joanie Chamberland with Rise Up Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
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Brought to you by Diesel David and Main Street Warriors

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Kit-Cummings-hsKit Cummings is an award-winning author, speaker, and teacher.

In 2010, Kit founded the Power of Peace Project. Using the experience he gained resolving conflict in some of the most dangerous areas in the world, he applies his principles to bring about change in prisons, schools, juvenile courts, and the faith-based community.

On MLK Day 2020, Kit was recognized by the NAACP receiving their Martin Luther King, Jr. Living the Dream Award for his contribution to civil rights and his work with underserved youth and prison reform. In 2021 he was appointed to the Georgia House of Representatives House Study Committee on Youth Gangs and Violence Prevention which led to the passing of the anti-gang bill HB750 under Chairman Rep. Carl Gilliard.

Kit has been in over a hundred prisons, jails, detention centers, and rehab facilities and worked with over ten thousand prisoners; as well as over one hundred schools, churches, and youth organizations and worked with over ten thousand teens. He has journeyed on tours through Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, and Latin America, and has negotiated peace between some of the most notorious gangs inside the U.S. prison industrial complex.

In 2012 Kit delivered an address about his powerful peace projects at the Gandhi Global Peace Summit in Durban, South Africa to representatives from the Gandhi, King, and Mandela organizations, as well as other iconic peacemakers from around the world. Kit has taken his Forty Days to Freedom program into dangerous La Mesa prison in Tijuana, Mexico to teach prisoners nonviolence, as well as working with addicts and youth in some of the toughest areas of that cartel war-torn border city. Kit has planted seeds of peace all around the world.

Kit has authored six books, including the award-winning Peace Behind the Wire, a Nonviolent Resolution which has been endorsed by the King Family. His latest book, The New Convict Code, Bringing Peace to the Streets from Behind the Wire, flips the script on prison reform and aims to shatter the school-to-prison pipeline.

Currently, Kit is partnered with the Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice to bring peace to the over one thousand kids incarcerated in Georgia detention centers and youth prisons.

Connect with Kit on LinkedIn.

Joanie-ChamberlandJoanie Chamberland is a retired black belt competitor and the only female BJJ school owner in Georgia.

She’s been training 16 years and teaching 12 years.

Follow Rise Up on Facebook and Instagram.

Transcript-iconThis transcript is machine transcribed by Sonix.

 

TRANSCRIPT

Intro: Broadcasting live from the Business RadioX studios in Woodstock, Georgia. It’s time for Cherokee Business Radio. Now, here’s your host.

Stone Payton: Welcome to another exciting and informative edition of Cherokee Business Radio. Stone Payton here with you this afternoon, and today’s episode is brought to you in part by our Community Partner program, the Business RadioX Main Street Warriors Defending Capitalism, promoting small business, and supporting our local community. For more information, go to. Main Street warriors.org. And a special note of thanks to our title sponsor for the Cherokee chapter of Main Street Warriors Diesel David, Inc. please go check them out at diesel. David. Dot com you guys are in for a real treat this afternoon. Please join me in welcoming to the broadcast, award winning author and teacher violence prevention specialist with Power of Peace Project, Mr. Kit Cummings. How are you, man? I’m good.

Kit Cummings: It’s good to see you again. Stone. It’s been a minute.

Stone Payton: Oh it has. What a delight to have you back on the show and to visit with us in studio. I got a ton of questions, kit. I know we’re not going to get to them all, but. But let’s start with a kind of a picture. Mission. Purpose. Tell us about power of a peace project and what you’re really out there trying to accomplish with that.

Kit Cummings: Absolutely. And thanks for having us. It’s good to be back. It’s always good to be invited back. You either did a good job the first time or they’re going to give you one more shot. That’s right. We’re not sure which one, but yeah, the Power of Peace project, um, it was born out of pain, really is what it was. Um, just a short little bit about me. So I was the least likely guy to become a preacher Growing up, I mean, nobody saw that coming. I was the other guy. I was wild, and, you know, addiction runs through my family line, and it did not miss me. And and so but I was I was a good athlete. But nobody saw that coming. About age of 25. Met a guy, changed my life and I fell in love. And I started following. And I started learning about things I didn’t know. And I stood on a stage one day and something magical happened in front of that audience. And it’s kind of like, I teach the kids that there’s a gift attached to your soul. We all carry a unique gift, and when it arrives, you know, be paying attention. And that happened to me that day is a light turned on inside of me. And I was like, I don’t know what that was, but I want to do it again.

Kit Cummings: And my nature is I don’t do anything a little bit. I’m all in, you know what I’m saying? I’m either trying to save the world or tear some stuff up. And so it’s like, which way am I going to go? And so, you know, I fell in love with God and I, and I went after it with all I had and I decided, man, if this is true, I got to tell the whole world about it. And I became a preacher. And turns out I had a gift. And, you know, my congregations grew. And then I got more, and then I got more. And by the time I was in my mid 30s, I was in charge of about 4000 people. And my dreams came true. And then it got heavy. And then that old nature, you know, came back around 40. And I had to, had to lose some things to find myself, and I really did. The old nature crept back up and I went through a really dark, tumultuous year where I walked away from the ministry, you know, went through a divorce, unfortunately. And, and then, you know, found freedom from that in 2005. And for me, it was finding sobriety. About one out of ten of your listeners have this genetic difference that I carry. And, and and it.

Stone Payton: Really is a genetic difference. It’s not all environment and culture and there really is a genetic.

Kit Cummings: Piece.

Stone Payton: To this appears.

Kit Cummings: To be. And I mean, it goes through my dad, his dad, his dad, me, you know what I’m saying? And so yeah. So anyway, I broke free in 2005, but then I was I was out of the, the full time ministry, and I was a preacher without a pulpit and I was sober, which was good. But it’s like, well, what am I going to do now? Like, what do you do when all your dreams come true and you have what you want? You found out your purpose in the world and then you squander it. That’s where I found myself. And so I was doing stuff. I was a mortgage banker, you know, and I don’t know, your your viewers can’t see me, but I certainly don’t look like a mortgage banker, whatever that looks like. No, no, no, no, no offense, but I did that. Did a little real estate, a little insurance, just kind of low barriers to entry jobs. Right. But I was dying because I didn’t have a dream. I was in a dreamless state of life and see. And that would lead me to what you know, we’re talking about today. But, um, I really I said a prayer and I meant it. And it was. It changed my life. I said, if you ever let me preach. The preach again, I’ll go to the ones that nobody wants to go to the hungry, the thirsty, the naked, the stranger, the sick and the prisoner. And I didn’t know what I was praying. It was just like, help me find my way back, I said, but maybe they’ll have me, because it’s not like, you know, a bunch of churches were out there, you know, with want ads for drunken fallen preachers, you know what I’m saying? It’s kind of like I figured I was canceled, I was disqualified, um, but I wasn’t he wasn’t done with me.

Kit Cummings: And so I prayed that prayer, and I stayed sober and started working, and I got married again and really just trying to rebuild my life. And and then that prayer showed up, and it came in the form of a kid that I knew when he was a little boy. Little boy, 12, 13. I mentored him and one of these big churches I was leading, and he’d come up after I preached Mr. Kidd, Mr. Kidd, and he’d tell me what he learned. And, you know, he became my little brother. And then years later, he’s 25 and he’s in big trouble. And he’s looking at a gang related murder charge and a potential death penalty. And this is my little friend Louise. Yeah, it was real. So I started working with him, not realizing that I was walking into that prayer. Yeah, I was I was working with, you know, what he called the least of these. And so I just. Nobody asked me, man, are you willing to work with high level gang leaders? Are you willing to work with these killers? It was it was a young man that I knew, and that was what it was. And so I worked with him for two years, and that set me up when I was invited to go into my first prison. I’ve been in over 100 of them, 100 prisons, jails, detention centers across the country, four continents. The incarcerated became my life.

Kit Cummings: So when I was when I was invited to my very first prison, which happened to be the prison that was the most dangerous in the state of Georgia, I was excited because of my work with Louise, and the same thing that happened on that stage that day. It happened when I walked into that facility. Something turned on and a fire started burning and it never has gone out. So I took that one idea and I started working with some very, very tough guys, and I had a gift. And so then I formed a nonprofit in 2011, and I thought it was going to be about prisons, bringing, you know, prison reform and helping guys break free. Um, but the more that I did it and the more that I was out there, it became about the kids. And so I took a I wrote I published six books, and I think the, I don’t know, 2 or 3 books ago, I wrote a book called Protect the Dream and, and we took that and started working with kids in schools and tried to help kids. And we’re basically working with the ones that that we’re afraid of, worried about, mad at, you know, in today’s world, you know, in the inner city, it’s crime, violence, homicide, gangs. We do work in those places. But in the suburbs it’s self-harm, overdose and suicide. So we’re losing kids. I mean, this generation is in great danger And so I shifted my focus, especially post-pandemic. And we really began to scale the program in the schools. And that’s how I met this young lady, Jojo. Joanne, you probably know her as. Yeah.

Stone Payton: Tell us about Jojo. How did that come together? She.

Kit Cummings: I was speaking at an event in Kennesaw, and, you know, afterwards, you’re kind of meeting and greeting people coming up to you. I had done a keynote, and and she stood in front of me, and I don’t remember what she said, but it’s basically, I want to help. What can you do? You know what I’m saying? I mean, she wasn’t playing, and I was like, I was impressed. And I gave her my card and I said, all right, here, hit me up if you’re serious. And she did. And and our team just fell in love with her. And she, she works with kids. She’s a Brazilian jiu jitsu. I can’t cuss I was going to say bad. She’s she’s bad. But but her skill set and her talent just fit very well with what we’re trying to do with these kids in the schools. And so we brought her on and here she is, and she brought me back to you.

Stone Payton: So, Joanie, what was it that Kit said or did that compelled you to walk up to him and and make that kind of declaration?

Joanie Chamberland: I mean, honestly, if you’ve ever seen Kit speak, you have to you have to be there. It’s it’s an entire experience, right? It’s not like he’s saying this stuff in like, cool. This guy has good points. He just starts talking and you’re like, like everybody in the room was. It was like a roller coaster ride to go talk to Kit afterwards. Like everybody lined up. And I was like, okay, I guess I’ll just wait till the end. And I’m like, I don’t have a problem speaking to people. But I went up and I’m like, um, so, uh, you know, okay, it wasn’t that bad. But I went up to him. I was like, listen, I have no idea how we can work together. But I always had this idea of helping, you know, kids of abuse and doing a jiu jitsu class. And I don’t know what you do exactly, but, like, I just knew I had to speak to you, and it just kind of was that way. He gave me his card and I was like, you know, either he responds to me or doesn’t. And then, of course he did. So I just continued. We had a whole talk and I was like, guys, I have no We met with another team member, Tony, and I was like, I don’t have a plan. I was like, I’ve been, you know, trying to follow this thing of like, you know, just having faith in, like, I had this, go talk to this guy. Cool. Go and talk with him. And I sit down with them and I’m like, I got nothing. I got no plan. It was just I was, I had this I had to go talk with you. And Kit left going like, well, hopefully we can win, win this. And then, um, talk to me the next day and was like, hey, some other team members want to meet you. So it was like there was really no plan. It was just like, I have to talk to this guy, so I’m going to do that.

Stone Payton: So at this point, though, there is some structure, some discipline, some rigor, there is a plan and you are doing some of this work you described, uh, walk us through a day in the life of Giovanni with that hat on serving this constituency.

Joanie Chamberland: So, uh, I mean, honestly, it’s something I had no idea that I would be doing. People had been telling me like, oh, you’ll you’ll be speaking soon. And I was like, I don’t I don’t even know what that means. And for those of you all that don’t know, I teach jiu jitsu and I’ve been doing it for 13 years and I have a leadership program, so I’ve have already been doing stuff where I’m helping kids grow. I’m helping adults learn how to grow. I’m helping them grow together. And so when he told me about the program in the schools, I was like, okay, I resonate with this. And then I, um, before I went to travel, Kit handed me the Protected Dream book. So I read that when I was in the plane and I was like, this is something I really, you know, align with and I can really get behind. And so since then it was we, you know, we meet, we talk about everything, figure out how we’re going to bring it in the schools. And so like every day it’s just me. I’m I went through the program myself. I took a student through it. And it’s just something that’s like it just changes you every day, right? So the everyday life is, is the same as what I was already doing. Right? Because a lot of the stuff I get to do for them is personal growth, is learning how to help others grow. So I was already doing it, but now I, you know, get to do it for a job, not just like a side thing that I do for fun. So not too much has changed. But it’s it’s a really big growth journey for sure.

Stone Payton: So are you going in inside the schools? Are the kids coming to your facility? A little bit of both. What’s the logistics look like?

Joanie Chamberland: So we’re going into the schools right now. We’re in Osborne High School. We’re doing the soccer, baseball, athletic leadership council and looking at women’s wrestling. Correct? Correct. Yep. So we go there and right now kids been heading it because I’ve never run the program before. So we’re kind of learning from him and just speaking a little bit as he’s going to be teaching us how to do this, protect the dream program.

Stone Payton: So you’re going to try to replicate what you’re doing. Of course, Johnny will have to make it her own when she’s the one delivering this message, but you’ll give her some structure and some to kind of get her ramped up.

Kit Cummings: Yeah, absolutely. And she’s built for it because she’s already been in front of kids. You know, she’s used to leading I love and then this other the other young brother, I say young, they’re in their early 30s. Yeah. They’re all young now aren’t they. Kids. But anyway, he happens to be a Brazilian jiu jitsu guy, so. But but it works well because what we do is well, we operate in schools, juvenile courts, juvenile detention Centers partner with law enforcement. So we’re helping kids that are getting in trouble and really trying to catch them before they make that choice. You know what I’m saying? To put that pill in their mouth that could have fentanyl in it. You know, for when they start getting dark and having those self-harm thoughts. We want to be there. We kids need a place to belong. And so we’re trying to catch them before, during and after. You know, they’ve gotten in some trouble, right. Um, but the whole combat sport arena fits really well because ours is a lot about the mental game. And so we start with the student athlete in high school. Could typically he or she has the most influence. People watch what they do. They become the trendsetters right in that school. Unfortunately, a lot of the most popular kids are driving some of the worst behaviors. It’s just, you know what I’m saying?

Stone Payton: Oh, that’s a good I hadn’t thought about that. But you’re absolutely.

Kit Cummings: Right. Right. So like in a and I learned this in the prisons, if I’m going to affect I’m going to try to bring peace to violent prisons. I got to work with the gang leaders. I mean, that’s the only shot is you got to. You got to work with those that are running things. So in the high schools, I’m like, I’m gonna start with football. And I developed this program called Protect the Dream. And then we started branching it off. And it is for all kids. We just kind of lead with, you know, the ones that have the most say so. And it’s about character and leadership development. The whole concept is when a person has a dream that really starts in the soul, goes to the heart, then to the mind, then we begin to express and we create, you know, we imagine and vision our dreams. And these kids have never been taught how to dream, right? How do you design a dream? How do you manifest it? And then how do you protect it? And so this generation, they ain’t all about don’t do this. It’s like, don’t drink that, don’t smoke that, don’t pop that, don’t listen to that. Pull up your pants. Get off the phone. It’s like they’re just like womp womp womp. They’re not trying to hear that. So I figured out, well, what if we focus on what they want? Like, what do you really want? Like, what do you want? Hard and they didn’t have an answer. I mean, half of them are like, I’m going to go to the league. And I’m like, dude, you’re not even starting on your high school, you know, football team. You’re going to go to the league, you know, or I’m going to be a rapper.

Kit Cummings: It’s like really just because, you know, some songs you think you can rap and this generation wants things right here, right now. They don’t know anything about delayed gratification. So dreaming is a new thing for them. But here’s what I found. The bigger the dream, the stronger the pull. Right? When somebody has a big dream, it pulls you through things. You’ll say no to things that trip other people up. You’ll say yes to things that might scare you a little bit. Right? And so that attraction, the big thing, always pulls the small thing. And once you develop that dream, well, then if it’s a valuable dream, like, I want to be the first one to go to college in my family, or I want to get a D1 scholarship, or I want to start my own business, I want to go on to Peace Corps. I don’t care something bigger than yourself that’s worth protecting. And then the game flips to now you got to become a dream protector. What is your threat? So we have seven dream killers. And this is what Jojo and Tony are learning how to facilitate. We talk about irresponsible social media. We talk about drug and alcohol abuse. We talk about bullying. We talk about objectifying the opposite sex or the same sex using people. We talk about unhealthy relationships and disrespect of authority, lowering scholastic standards, things that can shipwreck a dream. If you don’t have a dream, then anything that’s bright and shiny will get your attention. Once you have that dream. Now it’s a matter of how do I get there? And what are the threats and how do I manage them?

Stone Payton: What a marvelous frame. Because the whole time you were talking a moment ago, I’m thinking to myself, man, what a tough crowd. You know, I’ve had a little experience doing some public speaking and facilitation work with people who have written a check and want to learn more about leadership or sales. But I can’t imagine walking into, you know, to try to have a conversation with a group of people who are really running things at the prison. You know, the gang leaders or these or these kids, but that’s the ticket. That’s the foundational piece is the that lens. You have them looking through that frame of of identifying a dream and then protecting it from all of those things that can that’s it.

Kit Cummings: That’s the game. And you’re right. It was like the, the, the laboratory that I learned in was just the toughest. I mean, I’m dealing with hardcore gang leaders tats on their face, cartel guys in Tijuana when you when you try to I mean and those were powerful times. I did a lot of foreign prisons, but Mexican prisons, I’d really dug deep in. Everybody has a dream inside of them. It’s a matter of tapping into it. Yeah. So whether it was doing life sentence or I’ve even worked on death row, I’m trying to tap into what do you love and what could you do if you gave it all your heart? You know what I’m saying? And once I learned how to work with them, people were like, oh man, these teens are hard. I’ll have principals saying, don’t worry if they don’t listen to you. And I’m like, bro, you don’t even know It’s like this is cupcake right here.

Stone Payton: So now in this new chapter with this focus on the on the the youth. What, uh, what are you finding the most rewarding about the work? What’s the most fun about it for you these days?

Kit Cummings: It’s watching a young person begin to walk into their dream and live it. I mean, we’re we’re blessed to have a few of our protected dream kids that we met when they were sophomores, juniors, and were starting to dream and had some talent that are now playing football on Sundays. We’ve got a wonderful kid, one of the best kids I ever coached. B.j. Ojulari plays for the Arizona Cardinals. Um, Myles Murphy plays for Cincinnati. Brother named Chig. That’s incredible. Plays for the Titans. And now they’re becoming spokespersons for pop. You know pop is what they call us. Power of peace prize. Oh, okay. The kids know us is pop. They kind of like that. And so but it’s it’s seeing these kids kind of become and walk into that dream. And then we get to to stand back and applaud, you know what I’m saying? I mean, kids are very impressionable. They just need new impressions. And I found I need people like Jojo. I need young ones. You know what I’m saying? Because one of these days, I’m gonna have to lay it down. You know what I’m saying? And I don’t want my work to die with me. So we got to find the next generation, and that’s what we’re doing.

Stone Payton: So I don’t know the first thing about Brazilian jiu jitsu, but I gotta believe that there are some tenets of that discipline that apply so very well and fit well within this frame that you’re talking about, that, that they really do resonate with you. Giovanni.

Joanie Chamberland: Yeah. So, you know, it’s interesting. I’m listening to kid talk going like what he does is he awakens people’s subconscious because it’s like I’m sitting here thinking about it and I’m like, why didn’t I do all this stuff that I could have done? And it’s like, yeah, I the thing I always told people is like, man, I had the opportunity when I was in, in college, high school, everybody was drinking around me. I didn’t drink, everybody was doing drugs around me. I didn’t do drugs. And it’s just like, and what did I tell people? I got jiu jitsu in the morning. And it’s like legitimately, that is why I didn’t do it. I’m like, I gotta finish college because I don’t want to go, well, I’m 40 working at McDonald’s because I didn’t want to go to school because that is really what I felt. I did not want to go to school, so I did it anyway. And I was doing jiu jitsu at the time, and I made, you know, my school schedule around jiu jitsu because I jiu jitsu was that thing I just loved doing. Like everything else has bored me in my life. But jiu jitsu is the thing that like, no matter how much I do it, it’s still just constantly learning stuff. So I’m going, oh yeah, that was that dream. I didn’t even know. Nobody had those words to say to me of like, oh, what’s this dream that you have inside you? Right? It’s just, that was just it. I just look at people like, no, I y’all can stay up late. But I got to go to bed. I got to get trained tomorrow. I can’t train unless I get this homework done. So I got to get my homework done. So it’s like so many opportunities to do the wrong thing that I didn’t do literally because jiu jitsu.

Kit Cummings: She had something to protect. That’s the thing, something valuable. And that’s what these kids lack. I tell Jojo and Tony. Um, I what? I love that we’re going to be able to teach these kids, and I tell them we’re working with kids. Yesterday is like, everybody has a line out in front of them, and this is when I quit. All right, all of us. Do you know what I’m saying? Pushed hard enough. We have the time, we tap out. And so. And that’s their whole world. So I’m trying to think of. Okay, these kids, a lot of them, they just quit when it gets hard, whether it be the school or whether it be suffering, you know, trauma comes into the life. There’s a lot of things. Storms come. And what does it take to make you quit? Well, these guys are doing combat sports where when they’re gassed and their body is done and their brain is trying to get them to submit, they can’t you can’t just walk in and have a bad day, you know what I’m saying? Or I didn’t really bring it because you’ll get your butt kicked with the way they do it.

Kit Cummings: So I feel like their line is way out in front of them, farther than the typical person about when they quit. And that really bleeds into everything in your life. If you can get kids to chase something that’s valuable. She said she would say no to drinking. Why? Because I got to get up and train, give kids something, a reason to say no, you know, to the things that are coming at them, which is there’s more and more being bombarded on these kids threats, you know, temptations, risks. And so we can take a lot of what comes so natural to somebody that’s been doing this for 16 years and also brag about Jojo. She’s the only female owned Brazilian jiu jitsu gym in the state of Georgia, so she’s very good at what she does. But it’s hard to get her to tap out in life, and that’s what we’re trying to teach these kids. Do not quit. Ever, ever, ever dream big. It’s worth it. Suffer. Grind it. Pain is good. You know? That’s everything that these guys do. I admire it.

Stone Payton: So one of the terms that comes to mind for me is resilience. And my father was a high school basketball coach when I was a young kid, and it was a fairy tale childhood. I mean, it’s pretty cool to be, you know, the head coach’s son. It was it was a neat childhood but I do. And I never got really good at sports, but I was around it enough and played enough that I feel like I picked up some some pretty good characteristics that have served me all the way through my life, and I feel like one of them is I learned how to win, but I also learned how to get knocked down and get back up. And I sense that that’s a that’s a very important piece to all of this, is to not just tell them about that, but give them experiences to to experience to do that. Yeah.

Kit Cummings: That’s it.

Joanie Chamberland: To answer the question that you had asked originally is with jiu jitsu, it’s such a parallel to life in general, because people have been asking me this for a while and trying to come up with how to really phrase this, just like life, right? In jiu jitsu. Like you’ll be winning, winning, winning. And then one day you walk in and like, you’re losing, losing, losing. And you’re like, what’s going on, right? In life, you’re you’re winning and winning. Winning. And all of a sudden something hits you and you’re like, what is going on? And it’s just like, man, you walk in the room that day and maybe you’re on your B game and that person that you’re constantly beating is on their A game. You don’t know. Maybe they’ve been on their C game for so long and the second they step into their A game. Your A game doesn’t beat their A game. So it’s just this constant like you’re getting knocked down. You’re up, you’re down, you’re up, you’re down. And it’s just this thing of like you just don’t realize like that’s one of my favorite things. Teaching jiu jitsu is these kids that come in, they’re like, well, I can’t do that and I can’t do this thing. And people don’t take enough time ever. Looking back, I had a girl who could not do a forward roll, she could not forward roll. And, um, one day I looked back and I told her, I’m like, take a breath, we’re going to roll through this. We do it. She does her forward roll.

Joanie Chamberland: And then, you know, a few months go by and she’s forward rolling with everybody. And I looked at her. I said, do you remember less than a year ago we were sitting in here and you’re crying, tell me that you’re never going to do a forward roll. And she’s like, I never said that kind of look. And she’s like, oh my gosh, no, I did. It’s just like there’s so many things that we’re capable of doing that we don’t realize. And I think Darren Hardy did a good job explaining this where he’s like, well, he looked at a room and he said, okay, everybody raise your hand as high as you can, right? So everybody raises their hand and then he goes, cool. Now raise it higher. And then everybody raises it higher. And he’s like, all right, I’ll give $500 to the person who raises their hand the highest. And then they do it again. And he’s like, this literally shows you what was the first thing I asked. Raise your highest, your hand as high as you can. And then somehow when I said to you, now raise it higher, you did. So it just literally proves to you right there. It’s that simple. Just like a we need people that come in and tell you that you can raise it higher and that show you that, and then you go, oh, look at that. You’re touching the ceiling now. Because what you got innovative, you got on a chair. You stood up, you went and you touched the ceiling because you want that thing.

Joanie Chamberland: So it’s like we all have these limits. We think, oh, well, this is as high as I can raise it, but I’m still sitting down. As soon as I stand up, my hand goes higher. So that’s the thing that we do with this, right? Is it’s showing them that’s what jiu jitsu does. It shows you all the time. Oh you think you can’t breathe here? Like, nah, all you got to do is just turn a little bit and you’re fine. Right. So that’s I think that aspect to that jiu jitsu brings into protected dream is it’s like, man, you’re constantly in these super awkward, uncomfortable. I show kids jiu jitsu in middle school and they’re like, you want us here? And it’s like, you guys are hugging each other and you’re upset because I want you to hold this person. And it’s just like, yeah, because it’s awkward. It’s uncomfortable. You’re not used to doing that thing. Well, guess what? You still have to. I mean, I remember being a white belt, and this was one of the few things I remember as a white belt is I we were doing bridging and shrimping, which are very fundamental movements of jiu jitsu. And I was like, if somebody looks in this window right now, they’re gonna be like, what are these crazy people doing? Like, it just looks insane. But then it’s like when you see that in action, most important movements you could ever make. So it’s doing these things that feel uncomfortable and realizing what they bring to the table.

Stone Payton: So you’re doing the jiu jitsu, you’re teaching all these lessons. And by virtue of of engaging in these activities, they’re picking up these lessons. And there’s also you’re facilitating some are you also sitting down with them and facilitating some conversations Is not unlike the one that we’re having right now. It’s both of those things.

Joanie Chamberland: At my gym, yes. And I. And in the program as well, because we go there weekly to work with them. So they have in the book daily things and actions that they do. And then we meet with them weekly and we talk about like what happened in that week. There’s questions that we posed to them based on these dream killers. And we really like, listen, you know, what they come up with. And it’s it’s super cool because I brought Kaylee, which is my main student, through the program before doing it with Kit and just listening to how she sees and thinks about it. She even was like, I didn’t know anything about Kit or the program, and I really decided to do it because you said Kit was so great. This program is great, so I’m gonna give it a try. And I thought, I don’t know how it’s going to help the kids in my school. And she’s like, I’m just reading this going like, yeah, everybody should do this program. You know? She’s like, it’s just these little changes that are happening inside of you.

Stone Payton: So the speaking, did that come really easy to you right out of the box, or did you put some real effort into studying some mechanics to deliver a message on stage really well or a little bit of both.

Kit Cummings: It was. It was just natural to me. It was like I it was like I was supposed to do it and I knew what to do. And obviously I’ve worked on my craft. You know what I’m saying? I always am. You know, you can always, you know, raise.

Stone Payton: Your hand higher.

Kit Cummings: Right? That’s exactly right.

Stone Payton: That’s right.

Kit Cummings: But but yeah, it was something that, um, that became my passion. And I just loved it. It’s a it’s in a in a good way. It’s intoxicating. You know, the connection that you can develop with an audience or an individual if you speak into them. And that’s what these kids don’t have. They don’t they don’t have people speaking to them and into them. It’s more speaking at them and not listening. And so we give them a platform to share. I mean, these kids are hurting. That’s why they’re doing the things they do. And that’s what I did. That’s what’s cool about our team. Jojo is probably the one that’s done the least damage in life, you know?

Stone Payton: No, you’ve got real street cred when you’re talking to these folks, don’t you?

Kit Cummings: Like you don’t even know you know, all the dream killers, man, I experienced all of them. So I speak from a place of experience and just not just the people I’ve helped in these crazy situations, but all the poor choices I made. Now the curse becomes a blessing. And so, you know, all the things that that are regrets or you’re ashamed of or the bad choices, they can all become a blessing if you turn them around. And so it’s like, tell us about yourself, kid. I told you my worst stuff up front. I led with it. Right, right. My failure. You know, my worst day. And and I do. I want people to to realize that man failures are not final. Your best days are ahead. I don’t care how old you are, but it’s all about dreams. Dreaming is so powerful. When Doctor King, he took that word that the day before. You know, I mean August. Yeah, that.

Stone Payton: Was like a late edit, wasn’t it?

Kit Cummings: Right? I mean, August 27th, you know, before his speech, you know, tell us about your dream. Well, I don’t I don’t remember my dreams, you know, dreaming at night when he said, I have a dream, he took that word and he electrified it. And he gave the nation a vision when they were in a hopeless state about what we could be. And we’re still chasing it. But the same is true. I think a dream lives in the soul and it’s it’s awakened. And that’s our job, is to awaken the dream. Just like Jojo was talking about inside of every one of us. And it could be. It is different for every one of us. I mean, your gift is different than mine and JoJo’s, sure, but this young generation, man, they they are easily inspired if we are authentic with them. I’ll share about my worst days and that helps them trust me. You know what I’m saying? I asked them questions and actively listen. And they feel understood and. And they laugh because they know I’m an older dude, but I act like them. You know, I mean, I become them and they keep me young. That’s why I’m Benjamin Button.

Stone Payton: Sounds like pop has at least a double meaning, right? Yeah.

Kit Cummings: That’s true. They were trying to guess my age yesterday, man. It was fun.

Stone Payton: So how about the writing? Did it come as easy or did? Was that a little bit of a struggle when you started writing the books? Definitely it was.

Kit Cummings: It was one was harder. Yeah. They say if you can communicate, if you’re an effective communicator, you know, good speaker that riding, you know, a lot of times you can do that too. But I read my first book, the one I released my first book in 2010, and I’m like, I don’t even sell that. I don’t want to be with you. It was great content, but I hadn’t learned how to write, and I think I haven’t even got close to to where, you know, I could be with it. Yeah.

Stone Payton: So the structure of this book that’s sitting over there by by your arm. Jojo, tell us about that. Walk us through it a little bit about the kind of content that’s in there and how you use it to serve these kids, and they all get a copy, it sounds like. Yes.

Joanie Chamberland: Correct. So it’s, um, it’s kind of like a journal, I’d say. Okay. Uh, he introduces, you know, how how pop came to be and tells you about some, you know, some of the stuff that’s happened with pop and through pop, it talks about the dream killers. Um, and then one of my favorite things. Halt. And, uh. And then he goes through. And every week he’s got, uh, like, a local flavors, what he calls it. Because Kit is from from Georgia. And so there’s coaches that are from here, from Georgia. And then he talks about, you know, their quotes. And then after that, every day we have one of the like, famous, you know, best athletes that we’ve heard about. And he gives two of their quotes, his perspective on kind of that area. And then the fascinating facts, I think is one of the greatest things that he does through there, where he gives you the things we kind of already know. We can look up, you know, their, their achievements. But this thing that you didn’t really know about them that links in with the message of their quote or his perspective on it to make you think about it. And then there’s a daily action challenge where they have to do different things. Um, some days it’s, you know, help somebody out on your team. Some days it’s, you know, do one more. Some days it’s, you know, look at people that you care about. Give them a hug.

Joanie Chamberland: Thank, you know, whatever things. And every week there’s this caution flag, which is something that Kaley really enjoyed, where it’s just like, you know, pay attention to how much they talk about weapons in in your music today. They’ll do anything with it. Just be aware of it. And, you know, like I’m saying, he awakens that thing in you, right? And that’s the thing is the awareness piece. And so it’s it’s opening your eyes and making you become aware. And it takes at max five minutes a day. I’m a slow reader and it takes about five minutes a day to really sit there. You read it and I think Kaley, she was doing it at night so that she knew the next day what her action challenge was going to be, because if you read it kind of in the middle of the day, you don’t have a chance to do it. So as long as you’re doing it at night, in the morning, but it just leaves that thing in your mind, and it’s so many times you come back and look at it and you’re like, wow, this thing happened in my lap today. And it’s like, no, because you put it out there. So that thing happens. And so it’s like just yeah, every day dreaming while you’re awake is what I would say this kind of does for you. And you’re just constantly relooking at the stuff and making it the forefront of your thoughts.

Stone Payton: So I’m not a troubled teen. I may be troubled in ways I don’t recognize, but I’m definitely not a teen. But I want a book. I mean, I want to buy a book because I feel like I would would benefit from it and people around me would would benefit from it. What? What do you guys need more of? How can we help?

Kit Cummings: Um, we’re I mean, we’re a nonprofit. Okay. You know what I’m saying? So funding is always, always have to find partners that believe in what we’re doing. And I think fundraising is about inspiring. Trust that people believe in you and believe in what you’re doing. I think everybody looks around in today’s Gen Z, and then the Alpha generation is coming after them, the little brothers and sisters of our teenagers and and young 20s, and we’re concerned. I mean, a lot of it has to do with the devices in their hands and all the threats that come with that. But but basically, it’s a generation that is facing more threats and they’re bombarded with so much. They’re listening to gangsta rap, they’re playing Grand Theft Auto, you know everything is is sexual. I mean, it’s like younger and younger kids are being exposed to things that we didn’t see until we were in our teens or later. And now the sudden these young minds, they need new content. So what we do is we provide daily content that’s positive and motivational, instructional, and then the challenges gets it out of their head and into their life, and they have to actually put it into action, which is how we create habits. And then we drill down deep into the things that could threaten their, their dreams. And so everybody, you would love it and we’d love to get you a book. But no, but if you go through the process, it will impact you. It’ll change some things, I’ll bet.

Stone Payton: So funding. Let’s talk about funding. Is there a mechanism to just simply donate money? Is there fundraising programs, events, that kind of thing? Speak to that a little bit?

Kit Cummings: Absolutely. Some people that are listening might just care because they’ve had someone they love or someone that that they know, you know, has family that have tragically died of an accidental death, an overdose, died by suicide, you know, or got incarcerated. It hits home and some people have resources and they love to to donate to a cause. They can simply go to Power of Peace. Project.com. And feel free to donate. We’re looking for corporate sponsors. So when we have an event like the one we’re coming up in December 5th on the square in Marietta, we’re going to have tables that corporate sponsors purchase. So if you want to have your name tied to something that’s positive for our youth, partner with us, I mean volunteer, you know what I’m saying? There’s a lot of ways or if you’re out there in the in the grant world, we’re always looking for granters, you know, people, benefactors that can help us.

Stone Payton: Fantastic.

Joanie Chamberland: We do a corporate nights at restaurants, too. Yeah. So there’s a restaurant, um, Three Amigos, and we’re doing it every other month. So the next one, I believe, is October 12th or 14th, whatever that Tuesday night is, it’s a Monday night. Uh, I will get you all that information, but basically a part of the proceeds that day. Anybody who goes there to eat that night, all you got to do is drop your receipt in and they’ll give a percentage of the proceeds to Power of Peace. So you’ll see us out there and we’ll have those, those events up. But so we’re doing or if you own a restaurant and you want to do that with us like a spirit night or a business and you’d like to have a spirit night, that’s another way that can be very helpful for us with fundraising.

Kit Cummings: Something else that we do that’s really catching on is we do events where it’s cops versus kids because you talk about, you know, natural rivals nowadays. It’s like, yeah, the police officers and young people, it’s it’s it’s dangerous out there. And so we’ll we’ll put on cornhole tournaments. We’re doing a kickball game with some of the student athletes at Osborne against Cobb County Police. And then we’ll just have a lot of people come out and cook out and make it a big time. Um, so we get creative to bring people together, whether it be the popular and unpopular kids, whether it be rival gangs, because we I still do work in the juvenile facilities, and there’s a lot of gang affiliated kids, or if it happens to be our fine men and women in blue trying to because they need that. I mean, they really need ways to connect with the community, and we provide that.

Stone Payton: They do. And I got to believe that there’s, um, there’s room for acquiring a body of knowledge as a parent, a grandparent, an uncle, you know, a sister in law that would help us utilize some of these strategies and, you know, in helping to raise someone in our family. Right. Big time. This is really important stuff. So just to get your hands on that book or to tap into your work and, and see and hear what you’re doing, I got to believe you would walk away with some ideas to impact the kids lives or anyone who’s who’s troubled. In fact, in a lot of our interviews, I will often ask the guest to share a couple of actionable kind of pro tips. You know, like just some things to be thinking about, reading some, you know, a do a don’t. I’d love it if we could leave. You know the layperson, right? That’s not in the trenches like you guys are doing it, but that, you know, the parent or grandparent. Just a couple of things to keep in mind who are trying to impact kids lives. I’d love to leave them with a couple of. And look, the number one pro tip is to tap into this work that Jojo and Kent are doing and get to know what they’re doing. But yeah, a couple ideas on that.

Kit Cummings: Yeah, we teach a lot of what we do is I take brain science and I kind of I dumb it down a little bit because I started in some very tough facilities where maybe education level is not super high or with younger kids. And so we teach some basic elements of brain science about be careful of the content. I mean, your brain, who I call uncle G. We make it fun for the kids. The original Google, the original GH, and the original gangster if you don’t pay attention to him. Um, but anyway, he’s a learning machine. Everything you look at today, everything you touch, taste, feel, smell, experience, everything you speak about, everything you hear, everything you read, whether it be the the EarPods and what you’re listening to or what your eyes are visualizing, it’s all content that is wiring your brain. Whatever you do today is going to be easier tomorrow. And so it’s all about content. The brain is a learning machine. It’s learning everything we do today. It’s going to be easier to do it tomorrow. That’s a blessing or a curse, right? Right.

Kit Cummings: Also, uncle G is a storyteller. Okay. So all day long, it’s the voice in the head that’s chattering mindlessly. Just. And if we don’t get involved in the conversation, then it is. It’s being wired on our behalf. And so it’s a storyteller. It’s a it’s a learning machine. And he’s also a chemist and a dealer and a junkie. I mean, all this chemistry, whether it be adrenaline, dopamine, serotonin, all is triggered by what’s going on in our head. So what we get people to do, whether it be old, young, whatever is pay attention to the voice in the head, get involved in the conversation and get intentional goal setting is huge. Don’t just make the goal. Make it a Smart goal. Specific. Measurable. Attainable. Relevant. Time bound. Review your goals every day. Make sure Uncle G’s know what you want. He can find you what you want. Just like Google, he can take you where you want to go, just like GPS. But if you leave him alone, he’s going to run the show. I don’t know if that’s a that’s a.

Stone Payton: Fantastic pro-tip, and I love the way you frame everything you’ve been describing today. And now I’m going to walk out just thinking about uncle G. That’s my biggest takeaway. And it is so true.

Kit Cummings: Pay attention to uncle G man.

Stone Payton: All right. Let’s leave our listeners with some coordinates. Yeah. Go ahead.

Joanie Chamberland: Well, I want to give one on the other end is, um, for, for parents especially, and teachers and people that are dealing with these teenagers, remember that they’re not doing this because of you. Like, all teenagers do this because it’s human evolution. They are trying to break free of dependance and they go into dependance or independence. And then you’re trying to go into interdependence. So all these acts of rebellion and all that is nothing to do with the parent or the authorities or any of that. It’s literally human nature, right? So we’ve all been there, we’ve all done that. And you have to remember that when you’re speaking to them, because like he said, all they hear is don’t don’t, don’t, don’t, don’t, don’t all day long. Cool. But what is the dues? What are the things that. Why why should I even listen to you? You don’t listen to me. So it’s one of those things like, man, it’s that respect thing that he talks about. Kit being he and all of his books. Right? You got to give him the respect of like, oh, you’re a human being going through the human being thing. And we understand that. Let’s lead you the ways that should work for you. So always remember on the other side, man, I just feel like so many parents, adults, teachers takes everything so personally that these kids say and do. And it’s like, homie, you were doing the same thing, you were doing the same thing, and probably worse, right? So always just remember what it was like being there. It’s that whole generational thing, right? Always the older generation talking about the younger generation, and it’s always the same thing every generation that goes through. So just remember that it’s got nothing to do with you. It’s what they’re going through. Let’s help them through it. They’re already in such a weird, confusing place. So.

Stone Payton: Well said. I’m so glad I asked. All right, let’s leave them, our listeners, with some coordinates. What’s the best way to tap into your work? Find out about the work that you’re doing. Jojo. Any of this, I just whatever you think is appropriate website, email, LinkedIn. But let’s make it where it’s easy to get to you. Yeah.

Kit Cummings: Rise up. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Like I said, the only female owned Brazilian jiu jitsu gym in the state up there in Kennesaw. Recommend it highly. I mean, kids, adults. I mean, she’s she’s awesome at what she does. Power of peace Project.com also Kit cummings.com. We’ve got books there YouTube if you want to look into some podcasts. And we do a lot of stuff around youth there as well. I mean, you can find me on LinkedIn, Facebook, our Facebook page is Power Peace Projects. We’re easy to find. Our office space is right off the square in Marietta and I’m also looking for opportunities to spread this message. So I do keynotes, I do workshops, I do seminars so well.

Stone Payton: It has been an absolute delight having you two on the show, and a particular privilege to have you in studio. This has been an inspiring, invigorating conversation. I just thank you so much for your insight, your perspective, your enthusiasm, your your wisdom. What a marvelous way to invest a Wednesday afternoon man this was and thank you for having us.

Kit Cummings: That means a lot. You’re helping us blast the message and that means a lot. And thank you for what you do.

Stone Payton: Well, it’s my pleasure. All right, until next time. This is Stone Payton for our guest today. And everyone here at the Business RadioX family saying we’ll see you again on Cherokee Business Radio.

 

Tagged With: Power of Peace Project, Rise Up Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

Angie Bretag with Motive

September 9, 2024 by angishields

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Angie Bretag with Motive
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Angie-BretagAngie Bretag serves as director of Motive’s Emerging Sales division, helping to connect emerging and mid-market brands with Motive’s industry leading platform and AI-powered solutions.

She has been with Motive since 2020 and is based in Nashville, TN.

Prior to joining Motive Angie served in senior sales positions with Glassdoor and Careerbuilder. The transportation industry is in Angie’s blood; growing up her family ran a truck stop off I88 in Illinois.

Outside of work, Angie can be found cheering on her kids at their various sporting events, as well as her beloved Iowa Hawkeyes.

Follow Motive on LinkedIn, Facebook, X and Instagram.

Transcript-iconThis transcript is machine transcribed by Sonix.

 

TRANSCRIPT

Intro: Broadcasting live from the Business RadioX studios in Nashville, Tennessee. It’s time for Nashville Business Radio. Now, here’s your host.

Stone Payton: Welcome to another exciting and informative edition of Nashville Business Radio. Stone Payton here with you this afternoon. This is going to be a good one. Please join me in welcoming to the broadcast with Motive Angie Bretag. How are you?

Angie Bretag: Doing good. Thanks for having me.

Stone Payton: Well, it is a delight to have you on the broadcast. I got a ton of questions. Angie, I’m sure we won’t get to them all, but I think a good place to start would be if you could share with me in our listeners mission. Purpose? What? What are you and your team really out there trying to do for folks?

Angie Bretag: Motive, we exist to solve the problems and help companies that are in the physical economy. So what that means is we build tools to make companies safer, more productive and more profitable. And I feel like if I was explaining this to my mom and I said physical economy, she would probably ask a question. So I’ll explain that. I think when we say physical economy, what we mean is we are partnering with the companies that build and power our homes. They support our infrastructure, they manage our waste, they grow, deliver our food. It’s like any any company that’s out there moving, delivering, producing a product like Motiv is designed and is built to really support them. You know, that’s what we do.

Stone Payton: What is the backstory? How in the world did you find yourself in this line of work doing this kind of service for folks?

Angie Bretag: Motiv found our way here. Um, over a decade ago. We got into this wild world of transportation initially just to digitize paper logs. And so the transportation industry was still doing everything on paper. And so we saw an opportunity to create a tool to be able to digitize those logs. And that’s how we got started. And, you know, the rest is history. You know, we’ve we’ve definitely expanded into different industries and different products, um, all with one idea in mind. And it’s just really to make the roads that we drive on safer and the companies that we serve more productive and more profitable.

Stone Payton: So have certain industries, sectors sort of gravitated to your work? Are there some that you really align with? Really?

Angie Bretag: Well, yeah. We, uh, we serve tons of different industries. Uh, you know, when we first got started, like I said, we were primarily in the trucking and transportation industry. Uh, but now over half of our business consists of companies that are outside of that industry. So construction, oil and gas, home services, landscaping, you know, anything that is, you know, delivering, producing like driving the physical economy. We can partner with.

Stone Payton: So what drew you to Nashville?

Angie Bretag: Motive. You know, motive saw the opportunity to, you know, create a, you know, an office, a culture and build out our sales team in Nashville. And so, you know, in 2018, we made a huge investment in the Nashville market and built out some incredible office space right up the street from the Ryman. We’re on fourth and church. And yeah, we we’ve got two floors and a building, the L and C building. And, you know, we saw it as a great opportunity to be able to be in the heartland of America that not only will help us serve our customers, but also attract a lot of awesome talent to come work at motive as well.

Stone Payton: So now that you’ve been at this a while and you clearly have, what are you finding the most rewarding? What’s the most fun about it these days for you?

Angie Bretag: Oh, um, yeah, I, I think, you know for me, but I think if you ask anybody at motive, you know, we really are drinking the Kool-Aid in terms of knowing when we sell our product, we make the road safer and we save lives. And so, you know, it’s exciting to sell a product that we know makes a difference and is meaningful. And so I love that. Um, but also the motive team is incredible. And we’ve got a lot of really motivated and excited folks that, you know, work on the sales team, but also an engineering customer support. And I think honestly, all the way up, our executive team, you know, people just really care and really believe that what we do matters and what we sell makes a huge difference in the industry, in the communities that our customers provide services in.

Stone Payton: Okay, so let’s dive into the work a little bit and whatever is is most practical for you. Maybe walk us through a use case. But I’m interested to know like what? What happens throughout the I don’t know, the engagement, the work with a client. Walk us through what that looks like, if you would.

Angie Bretag: Yeah. So a good example would be we are reaching out to these companies that are, you know, in their in various industries, but we’re trying to get in touch with whoever’s managing safety or spend or, you know, any like anything that would kind of fall into the bucket of profitability, productivity or even safety. And so, you know, depending on kind of where we, you know, start the conversation or, you know, how we kind of get a seat at the table, you know, we’ll kind of take it from there.

Stone Payton: Like, what is the customer pain point like and what’s the what’s the relief. Say a little bit more about the specific service and and what they’re getting from you guys.

Angie Bretag: Yeah I think when we speak safety, we’re talking about, um, one of our kind of key products that’s changing the way that we do safety is dash cameras. You know, we give companies visibility into what’s happening behind the wheels. They’re behind the wheel. And then also, you helping use our AI technology to identify unsafe driving behaviors and help coach drivers to make them safer at what they do. So Dash cameras is a great example of how we’re able to make some real, tangible impact on the roads.

Stone Payton: So I wasn’t anticipating that. I say more about how you’re utilizing AI to to bring this to bear.

Angie Bretag: I mean, what company isn’t talking isn’t slang in AI these days, right? You know, I think everybody really says that. But at the end of the day, you know, we are using AI computer vision to help companies be able to understand what’s happening behind the wheel. So, you know, our AI models are helping companies understand things like drowsiness, people not wearing their seatbelt, cell phone usage, um, unsafe lane changes. And so our technology can see both in the cab what’s happening in there, but then also what’s happening on the roads around them to provide coaching. But also, you know, alert drivers when necessary to put the phone down and to get their eyes back on the road.

Stone Payton: What a marvelous application for AI. So you can your sensors your technology can pick up that these things are happening. And then you’re also able to to provide some support system and some some ideas to help them mitigate it or prevent it in the future, it sounds like.

Angie Bretag: Exactly. Um, you know, and when I talked about, you know, we we really believe that we make the road safer. You know, we hear that from customers all the time, that they have it in their own vehicles. And they themselves are better drivers because, you know, they have the motive technology in their cabs. Um, but yeah, I mean, we were able to detect it and kind of curb it on the spot, but then also go back and help drivers, you know, replay, you know, pull the tape and, you know, see what’s happening. And it allows them to provide coaching to their drivers and help. You know, make some real, meaningful changes.

Stone Payton: So I’m interested to know how the whole sales and marketing thing works in your industry. And then I guess, in particular, I’m interested to know when you first started bringing this to the market, I mean, did people jump all over it or was there a little. Did they bristle with it a little bit at first?

Angie Bretag: Yeah. When I think for cameras specifically, um, kind of the safety, the safety product, I think, you know, the drivers that are good at what they do are really proud of, you know, their safety scores and being able to, you know, really prove that what they do behind the wheel is safe and great. And I think, you know, some of the other drivers maybe aren’t as excited initially, but they definitely get on board. And I think it’s because this isn’t, you know, this isn’t a punish, but it’s to coach and to curb and to improve. And so, yeah, I mean, I think if anyone you know, is used to doing, um, you know, used to doing what they do without it and then they, you know, have something in there that’s kind of reminding them that, yeah, it could, it could be a little bit like it’s not even I wouldn’t say startling, but it could definitely be a change. So I don’t think they’re necessarily enthusiastic enthusiastic about it initially, but they really see the benefit. Um, and it helps their drivers and themselves get home safe at night. And at the end of the day, at the end of the day, that’s what matters most.

Stone Payton: Uh, earlier in the conversation, did you say 2018 is when you began to make an investment in the in the Nashville area?

Angie Bretag: Yes, sir. 2018. So, um, a couple years before, um, Nashville, I think, really took off. And everybody, you know, everybody decided to pack up and move here.

Stone Payton: And the team’s growing continues to grow. What are some some near mid-term plans in that regard. You just you’re going to keep going down that path.

Angie Bretag: Yeah. Nashville is such an awesome market for us. Um, we primarily in the Nashville office. We have a lot of sales folks. Um, and then the majority of our business development team is also here, too. So that’s usually, you know, more, you know, junior a little bit earlier on in their sales career, folks that, um, are, you know, just starting off. And so we see a lot of value in, um, you know, recruiting in this market and, you know, getting people that ended up here after college or, you know, moving to Nashville. Um, and our, you know, jumping on the bandwagon.

Stone Payton: So recruiting and development, uh, I’ll confess, and my listeners know that I’ve had my struggles with that over the, over the years, but I’d love for you to speak to your experience in, in recruitment development retention. I don’t know culture, any counsel you have in that regard and maybe share some of your experience over the years. I know it would be helpful to me and probably for our listeners.

Angie Bretag: Yeah, I my background before motive was, um, in the recruiting technology space. So I worked for many years at Glassdoor. And so I, you know, I think something I’ll always say when you’re looking to recruit and, um, you know, build a culture and, you know, really expand your talent is listen to what people are telling you that work there. You know, look at you know, look at your look at the reviews and kind of read it and, um, address it. So yeah, I think, you know, that’s always a little piece of advice. I always say, you know, pay attention to what’s being said out there. You know, there’s usually a little bit of merit. Um, but when it comes to recruiting, I think, you know, we luckily have an amazing brand, both in our industry but also in just the technology world in general. Like people, you know, come to motive. They’re excited to be a part of, um, you know, to be a part of the team. But, you know, some of the things that we’re really looking for. And I’ll speak to the sales side. Um, you know, as someone that does a lot of recruiting here in this market, uh, for salespeople is, you know, we’re looking for the ideal team player.

Angie Bretag: That’s like a recruiting methodology. You know, we’ve read a long time ago, but the idea is, you know, we’re looking for three things in our candidates. We’re looking for folks that are humble. You know, they don’t have a huge ego. They really want to, like, learn and grow. And they know that they don’t know things. And so they’re hungry to develop. Um, so humble, hungry. You know, they want to work really hard and they’re willing to, you know, put the work in to get the results that’s necessary. So humble, humble, hungry. And then the last one is just smart. Like they’re firing on all cylinders. Um, they’re able to, you know, understand complex ideas and be able to break into new industries and be curious and so humble hungry and smart is really what we look for on the sales side to identify talent. And then I think, where do we find it? We look across all industries. You know, you don’t have to come from one of our competitors necessarily to really be able to connect with the transportation and kind of physical economy industries that we serve.

Stone Payton: I think you make an excellent point, because I do think, you know, if you’re coming into a software firm and you’re coming from a surfboard manufacturer, you’ve got some perspective, some insight, some objective lens on some things that could really bring tremendous value to the software firm. Right.

Angie Bretag: Oh, yeah. Um, it’s always fun when we, you know, we bring someone in from a completely different industry and they kind of look at what we do, and they’re like, why don’t you why don’t you do it this way? And they think about the problem or the opportunity just slightly different. And it really changes the way that we operate So yeah. Absolutely. People diversity of thought and backgrounds makes a huge difference when you’re building out a team.

Stone Payton: Well, and that’s another interesting topic that you’re bringing up. I’ll call it innovation or creativity, because I think most of us who lead organizations large and small want to have an innovative creative culture. And at the same time, it’s not like you can jump on every cool idea that gets mentioned. Do you guys have any kind of like, rigor, disciplined, structured process for having that feedback loop and a way for people to contribute ideas and then treat it with some due diligence and, and then also so that the person that submits an idea and you don’t adopt it, they don’t feel beat up. Have you lived through any of that?

Angie Bretag: Oh, yeah. We always say like, you know like you’re like, you’re going to do something wrong. You know, the sooner that you can, you know, mess something up, the sooner you can figure out how to do it the right way. And so I think that’s one thing that we do really well, is create the space for people to learn and to grow. And, you know, we don’t expect perfection. We expect effort and we expect results. Um, and, you know, we we aren’t we aren’t perfect. We have really good, awesome ideas to go out and engage with prospects. And then we have kind of crappy ones, too. You know, it takes a couple of crappy ones to find the really good ones too. And if you don’t make people feel safe enough to come with all their ideas, then you’ll miss out on the really good ones.

Stone Payton: So I’m almost certain the answer to this is yes, but I’m going to ask anyway and maybe you can expand on it if that is the case. But I’m interested to know, have you had the benefit of one or more mentors along the way to help you navigate the terrain, like from transitioning from recruiting to this arena? And then as you continue to grow and things change, have you have you had a mentor or two?

Angie Bretag: Oh, yeah. I’ve had a ton of mentors. Um, you know, people I still keep in touch with from, you know, other organizations that I was lucky enough to work at and then internally at motive. Um, there are just so many people that are invested in want to support. Support you. You know, I feel like I, you know, have had the opportunity to work for some really great leaders. Um, and specifically at motive, you know, I shout out Ben Nott-bower. Um, you know, I have like a full, like a folder on my computer that’s just like my one liners of, you know, little tidbits or things that I’ve learned from him, from him throughout the years, um, that now, you know, I’m passing on to the managers that report to me and, you know, they’re passing on to their ease.

Stone Payton: So I don’t know when or where you would find the time, but, uh, interests, passions, hobbies, pursuits outside the scope of your of your work. My listeners know that I like to hunt fish and travel. Anything you have a tendency to nerd out about that’s not transportation and AI?

Angie Bretag: Oh yeah, I’ve got I’ve got toddlers and so, um, yeah, I mean, we they keep us busy, you know, we’re toting them to baseball right now and dance and gymnastics. Um, but yeah, we I mean, I think our toddlers keep us really busy. And then, you know, I am a huge football person. I grew up with brothers that played collegiate football. My, you know, every man in my family is a football coach. They all coach for the high school team back home. So yeah, I feel like, you know, we are officially, um, you know, in football season. And so that is something that I nerd out on, you know, I will nerd out on for the next six months.

Stone Payton: So we touched on sales and marketing a little earlier in the conversation, but I understand that you guys are going to be at an upcoming conference. Is that accurate?

Angie Bretag: Absolutely, yes. We’re going to be at MCE here in a few weeks in October. We’re really, really excited about it.

Stone Payton: And if you would share with us what MCE is and kind of your your strategy, like what will you try to accomplish? I mean, do you have you probably do have some sort of strategy or set of objectives that things that you want to get accomplished while you’re there? Yeah.

Angie Bretag: Yeah, absolutely. We are lucky enough to be one of the premier safety performance partners. Um, you know, it’s a really important industry event for us. You know, it brings together a bunch of different trucking industry leaders, CEOs, executives, um, and they all kind of nerd out over new things that are happening in the industry. And we are so excited to, you know, sponsor that and be a part of the conversation and just have the opportunity to really sit with, you know, folks that are already partnered with motive, but also that are curious about what we do and how we help companies like theirs. So yeah, I mean, I think best case scenario, we have some awesome conversations and learn things we don’t even know yet about our industry and identify, you know, problems that we can continue to solve for, you know, the companies that we serve. Yeah, we’re really excited about it.

Stone Payton: And where is it going to be.

Angie Bretag: Here in Nashville?

Stone Payton: Oh, right in Nashville. That’s fantastic. Well, I’ll tell you, my experience has been, as you might imagine, we do a lot of conference and trade show work where we are doing live radio, either on behalf of the conference organizers or an individual vendor. Exhibitor will hire us to do radio in their booth. And I have observed that particularly those firms that really do approach it with some real intent and objectives. I mean, you can get so much accomplished in terms of genuine relationship building in the space of a 2 or 3 days that that, you know, has an impact for for months and years, can’t you?

Angie Bretag: Oh, yeah. And especially this industry like we you know they are you know they’re they love the idea of getting to meet with people face to face and building those relationships. And, you know, the value and problems that we solve are so real. Um, and, you know, I think having the opportunity to really connect with them and, you know, spend some time with them in person makes a huge difference in, um, you know, being able to build opportunities across the spectrum.

Stone Payton: Well, I would say good luck at the conference, but I don’t think you need it. It sounds to me like you’re approaching it with the right mindset and a plan, and I am interested to to hear how it goes. So maybe you’ll swing back around and and tell me about the the experience before we wrap, I would love to leave our listeners with, I don’t know, a couple of lessons learned, maybe some pro tips. And it doesn’t have to be confined to the transportation industry, although that might be a perfectly appropriate point of focus for this. But just, you know, just running a business and scaling a business and recruiting, let’s leave them with a couple of quick pro tips or lessons learned, if we could.

Angie Bretag: Yeah. Um, yeah, I think a couple a couple pro tips or just things I’ve learned throughout the years that I think has that matter are, um, you know, the first one is it’s really it’s at the end of the day, it’s more important to be interested than interesting. You know, I think focus more on your customers and, you know, be obsessed with ways that you can serve them, um, and design your product and your company around being able to really solve their problems and, um, be more focused on them than focused on yourself. So I think you know, it’s more important to be interested than interesting. Um, I think that applies to any industry, transportation or not. Um, you know, that’s going to, at the end of the day, make you stand out and make your make your company successful. Um, and then I guess on a personal one, you know, I think one way I pursue life and business and, you know, you can start to see people that kind of view it in a similar way to, you know, there’s going to be a bunch of stuff that you have to do. You know, you have to, you know, in the sales space, you have to make cold calls, you have to, you know, send emails and kind of do some stuff that maybe isn’t as fun as, um, you know, getting to like, sell.

Angie Bretag: But, you know, those are the things you have to do. And I think the people that view it, the task view, the tasks that feel less exciting or less fun is kind of get to’s. Um, as you know, I get to make calls like, I get to go out and talk about motive. I get to, um, you know, I get to do these things because I have an awesome job. Those are the people that are long term, really successful. And, you know, that’s in business, but that’s in life too. You know, the people that, um, you know, I get with, especially with my toddler, you know, I get to read the 10th book tonight before bedtime versus I have to, I think, you know, viewing life and the the get twos versus the half twos really will change your perspective and how you approach work in life. And I, I think that’s been some of the best advice that, you know, I’ve received over the years.

Stone Payton: Well, I am so glad that I asked. I think both points are marvelous. Counsel. I am probably going to borrow slash steal. Interested? Over. Interesting. I’ll try to remember to credit you at least the first few times I say it.

Speaker4: Deal?

Angie Bretag: Deal. Well, thank you so much. This was exciting. I hope, I hope we shared some stuff with the listeners that they get some value from.

Stone Payton: Oh, without a doubt. All right. What’s the best way for our listeners to learn more about motive, tap into your work. Uh, you know, maybe learn about, you know, the where you’re headed. Maybe someone’s interested in a career with motive. Let’s leave them with some coordinates. You know, a website or whatever you feel like is appropriate.

Angie Bretag: Yeah. I mean, if you’re in the Nashville area looking for a sales gig, absolutely. Check out our careers page at Go motive.com. We’re on all the socials. Um, you know, if you want to learn a little bit more about life at motive, um, you can see some of our cheesy, cheesy posts about what it’s like to actually work here and learn a little bit more about the culture. Uh, we’re on LinkedIn. You know, those are great places to go. Check us out and then, you know, if you are going to be at MCE, um, in October and you know, you’re going to be lucky enough to be a part of that, stop by, talk to our team. You know, we’re really excited to talk about some of our new product releases and spend some time with the folks in the industry. So if you’re at MCE, check us out at our booth. Um, we cannot wait to meet with you. So yeah.

Stone Payton: Angie, it has been an absolute delight having you on the show. Thank you for your insight, your perspective, your enthusiasm. And I gotta say, your your wisdom. You, you and your team really are doing important work and we sure appreciate you.

Angie Bretag: Oh, thank you so much. We we love what we do. And, you know, we feel lucky enough to be able to work for an awesome company that makes a difference.

Stone Payton: I believe it. All right, until next time. This is Stone Payton for our guest today, Angie Bretag with motive and everyone here at the Business RadioX family saying we’ll see you again on Nashville Business Radio.

 

Tagged With: Motive

Author Adrienne Morris

September 5, 2024 by angishields

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Cherokee Business Radio
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Adrienne-MorrisAdrienne Morris is the author of the upcoming book “Mind Over Misery,” as well as a newborn care specialist with Dream Babies, helping babies sleep through the night.

Connect with Adrienne on Facebook.

Transcript-iconThis transcript is machine transcribed by Sonix.

 

TRANSCRIPT

Intro: Broadcasting live from the Business RadioX studios in Woodstock, Georgia. This is fearless formula with Sharon Cline.

Sharon Cline: Welcome to Fearless Formula. I’m Business RadioX, where we talk about the ups and downs of the business world and offer words of wisdom for business success. I am your host, Sharon Cline. And today in the studio I have the author of a book called Mind Over Misery Unlocking the Power of Thought to Transform Suffering. Also, really interestingly, she is a sleep specialist and helps babies to sleep through the night, which is incredibly valuable. I’m so excited to talk to you. Welcome, Adrienne Morris. Thank you for coming.

Adrienne Morris: Yes. Thank you so much for having me. Sure.

Sharon Cline: We met in an interesting way.

Adrienne Morris: Yes we did.

Sharon Cline: So I had done some auditions for um on Voices.com, which is where I have my voiceover world. A lot of my work comes from there, so I had done an audition for the book that you were ready to have an audiobook for, and she hired me. It’s so great because I never meet people that I do work for in a book world like this. And you’re local to Atlanta. So it was just kind of special.

Adrienne Morris: It was, uh, you being in the Atlanta area was a huge reason why I chose you. I don’t know, I just felt like there was a connection there. When I first heard your voice, I was like, oh, yeah, like, this is the calm I’m looking for. Like, he felt like a reflection of me. Oh, well.

Sharon Cline: That’s the highest compliment ever as far as being, you know, a voiceover artist, because I always want to reflect well on the way that the author wrote it and the way they imagined it in their head or the energy behind it. That’s like, you’re who I’m trying to please the most. So just hearing that was like, oh yeah.

Adrienne Morris: Well, you were spot on to me, so thank you.

Sharon Cline: Well how fun. I mean, what’s neat is like this. This is a new sort of venture in your life. Like you’ve got another book in your mind, actually, after this that you’re ready to to do. So, can you tell me a little bit about your journey to becoming an author?

Adrienne Morris: So a little bit about my journey. So I first got into Toastmasters and I wanted to work on just communication and just my public speaking. I realized I didn’t make any eye contact with people. I looked down, you know, um, as far as networking, I was, like, scared to communicate with people. And so it challenged me. Um, I feel like I faced my fears. I once I signed up, I was so nervous. And the lady was like, so when do you want to do your speech? And I was like, she was like, next week. And I was like, um, sure. Like, here we go. So. And after a few speeches, I built up the courage and I was like, I think I’m ready to write my book. I think I’m ready to get started. But just like in Toastmasters, I didn’t know where to start. But just getting the ball rolling, just trying something different. I started working on my communication. Um, because in Toastmasters they give you feedback, they evaluate you, they give you feedback. And I just implemented the feedback and I built up my confidence. And so same thing with the book. I, uh, I was living with a friend and she was a writer, and I thought that maybe living with her, maybe, you know, we could collaborate and work together and produce this book. And then it didn’t work out. Then I went to Thailand to visit a friend, and for seven weeks and I’m like, okay, here we go. Like, I got it this time, you know, this friend is going to help me. He had bought like a book course. So I’m like, okay, he’s going to help me. But in that time in Thailand, I realized, like, it was all in me. That time of solitude, just being there to be able to work out or wake up Journal, work out, um, Google or YouTube, some book stuff to try and learn. Um, I just realized, like I got this.

Sharon Cline: It’s interesting to think that here we are in our lives, our everyday lives, right? The routine. But to take yourself out of it and go into a completely different culture can unlock a different side of you that you didn’t even know you had.

Adrienne Morris: Yes, it definitely got the ball rolling. So when I got back from Thailand after that seven weeks, I came back with an outline and I was like, okay, I’m in it now. I’m doing it. What did you how.

Sharon Cline: Do you what was it about the culture and what was it about that environment that just gave you a different sense of who you were. Was it being quiet or was it the people that you met?

Adrienne Morris: Um, it was in the stillness, I would say. Um, I had time to, like, think my own thoughts. I think one thing a lot of people I’m going to say in the States, um, they don’t have the time to themselves. Most people are just waking up and doing the same things every single day. And a lot of it is work which consumes most of your time and most of your mind. And in Thailand, I had all of my time and all of my mind, like I remember just sitting and I’m like, I’m controlling my time and I’m controlling my habits that I’m like, I didn’t have to go into a job. I didn’t have to worry about my expenses. I didn’t have to worry about what I was going to eat. I didn’t have to do any of that. I literally had the freedom to just be. And I think that was the most powerful thing for me.

Sharon Cline: It’s it’s a lost, um, value system, I think, because as much as I’m in the same thing, I’m always running. There’s always something on my calendar. I’m very busy, but I have dreams, too, you know, like, I would love to do this or love to do that, but then, like, it’s almost Christmas like that. If that’s what it feels like, the year will go by so quickly and I haven’t really accomplished my goals. Um, some of them, yes, but a lot of them, no. And I guess that feeling of, um, um, being able to really appreciate, um, the, the impact of your own thoughts only as opposed to being constantly barraged with social media or TV or anything. I think I underestimate that, yes.

Adrienne Morris: I think a lot of people underestimate it. Um, there. So from 2021 to I would say 2023, I was by myself a lot. And that’s when I came into like, the mindful eating, the mindful walking, um, and listening to the, um, keynote speakers on YouTube and the motivational speakers every day and my meditation every morning. And I felt like I was choosing what was going in my mind, not the other way around, not showing up to work. And this person saying, oh, you do this and you do that, or, you know, I didn’t feel like an octopus, like being pulled in so many different directions. I felt like I was controlling my time. So who could I blame besides me, because I was controlling everything, right?

Sharon Cline: I don’t even think I realize how much my attention gets pulled into a thousand different directions. I react, you know, or respond, I guess, or react, but I don’t direct my time, I think. And I loved what I was reading that part in the book. I was thinking, this is so smart because it is feeding your brain what you want as opposed to just seeing whatever is out there in the world.

Adrienne Morris: Yes, I think everyone needs to take back their power to control their own thoughts. You get to say. But I think, um, society just. We’re just kind of taught, you know, either go to school or get a job and that’s what you do. And then that consumes 8 to 12 hours of your day every single day. And then, like you said, you have your own dreams. You have your own goals. But when do you find that time? And then if you have kids or a relationship.

Sharon Cline: Or a relationship, like anything that pulls your attention away, it’s it’s everything. Yes.

Adrienne Morris: It’s pulling your attention and it’s controlling your mind too, because it’s in the back of your mind. It’s like your to do list. You’re always thinking about, okay, how can I fit this in or how can I fit that in? But when I was in that time of solitude, I literally could map out every hour of my day or just be spontaneous and say, I’m going to go for a two hour walk just because I had that time. And I was like, I know this is going to help me.

Sharon Cline: When you came back to the States, did you find that there was a huge disparity between the way you felt there and the way you felt here? Like, was it really challenging to keep that peaceful mindset going?

Adrienne Morris: Um, I don’t think that it was challenging to keep that peaceful mindset. Um, this I started this journey in 2021, so I feel like I’ve had three years of practice. But in Thailand for the seven weeks, it just felt like a freedom and a peace I never knew I really needed. Um, working with the babies. Um, if anybody needs help, I’m always like, yes, yes, I.

Sharon Cline: Know how to do.

Adrienne Morris: This. It’s easy. Like, you know, the parents are like, you know, they’re so good with you. I’m like, I know these are my babies. But being 12 hours away, I couldn’t say yes. Nobody could ask for help. I couldn’t just get on a flight and say, hey, I’m coming back. Like I feel like me going away for seven weeks. I set that time out for me. So I feel like if anything, it just intensified my solitude and my mindfulness and creating even better habits than I already had.

Sharon Cline: Wow. It makes me wish maybe at some point in my life I’m going to put it out there as an intention. You know? I’ll be able to take some time to myself like that too. Yeah. Um, well, why don’t we talk about, um, your journey that you went through, not just writing the book, but how you got to the point of being able to have that mindset to say, I’ve got a lot here that can help a lot of people. So when I think about the fact that you started off kind of realizing that you were out of alignment with a lot of things and reacting to situations that you didn’t love, then you realize there are there are intentional ways that I can change myself in order to get a response that I’m proud of and really like. Um, what was it like to kind of get that into a whole book? Because you talk about, I mean, these are major transformative moments, especially regarding your father, which, you know, can be very emotional as well. So feel free to to fill in the gaps of what I kind of just outlined.

Adrienne Morris: Okay. So, um, when I started in 2021, it was challenging. There were tons of tears because I’m like, I don’t even know how to be with myself. Do I even like myself? You know, because the thoughts that were consuming me were so negative. So like I said before, I decided to take control of my day. So waking up early and doing my journaling and doing my meditation, and I started listening to other speakers because it was positive on social media, when you’re scrolling, you don’t know what you’re going to get. So I was more intentional when I woke up and I was like, this is what I’m going to fill my mind up with, or doing the affirmations as soon as I got to work, setting the reminders for my reminders to go off each hour just to affirm me and keep me positive throughout my day. Like those little things, um, helped me develop the mindset. And there was a time when I got off of social media because I realized how much it was controlling my mind, and I was like, everyone’s saying the same thing, doing the same things. And I was like, they’re just vulnerable. Vulnerable enough to do it, you know? And and at that time in my life, I wasn’t vulnerable enough.

Adrienne Morris: There were times when I would turn on my camera and try and talk to the camera and I’m like, uh, no, I’m forgetting everything that I need to say. So. But that’s what got me into the Toastmasters. That was my real challenge. I’m like getting up, getting out, getting around a community to, um, around people with similar mindset helped me. Um, and like I said, build the confidence to be able to even write the book. And I will say so with my dad. He is in the book too. And his absence, I think, drove a lot of this. And a huge turning point was when I called him and I had rehearsed all these lines of what he was going to say, what he was going to do, or how he was going to respond, because I could only think of the negative stories that I had from a child. But when I called him and he said, whatever I have to do to fix it, it shut down every negative thought that I had and the more I was around him, the more I realized how much like the good things I was like him. So I found value in that. And it takes a.

Sharon Cline: Lot of bravery, though. Bravery, to call your father and say those kinds of things when you haven’t had him in your life for most of your life. Um, that’s like says a lot about your spirit because you really felt like to go to the OG, you know? You know what I mean? To go to where it starts, where a lot of people kind of, you know, play off of the people around them to kind of try to heal those parts of themselves. And obviously it doesn’t work that well. And there’s a lot of drama that can happen. And you instead decided to go to the source and say, okay, this is what I need to heal. And how wonderful that your father took responsibility. Um, that’s a gift as well.

Adrienne Morris: Yeah. Even, um, I did a speech two weeks ago, and he was up here, and he actually came. And you. So in Toastmasters you have to introduce yourself and they ask you like who you are. How did you hear about us and what you’re what you’re looking to get out of Toastmasters. And he stands up and he says, uh, my name is Adrian Morris. And he puts his hand on my shoulder and he says, I’m Adrian Morris father. And then I do my speech and my evaluator mentions, like, does everybody realize? Like she spoke her truth and her biological father is sitting right here. So I do think that we have built a relationship where, um, I would say I have a more positive outlook. You know, everything isn’t perfect, you know, but I think that we are building slowly. So and even with me expressing myself about how, um, I attracted relationships similar to the, Um. Like unemotional or. Unemotional.

Sharon Cline: Kind of like a dynamic that is, like, similar to the way that your father was. These relationships were very mirror mirroring the similar energy, right?

Adrienne Morris: Yes. And I kept attracting that. But then I realized, like, the more I leaned into him, I feel like the more I could recognize this signs because I’m like, this is a source and this is where it’s coming from. And I feel like the more I avoided it, it was like the more I still didn’t know and I just stayed on the hamster wheel. So it wasn’t until I challenged myself to call him and say, hey, like, this is what’s happening. It hurts. Yeah, this.

Sharon Cline: Really hurt my life. It hurt. Well, you know, I have to give you props here because, um, obviously the show is called Fearless Formula, and everybody understands the emotion of fear. It’s just a basic one. Um, but you do have a fearless formula that you do face your fears and do things anyway, especially Toastmasters. I was thinking, I think statistically people are more afraid of public speaking than dying. Some some crazy statistic like that to where most people would be like, yeah, I would do anything than get up, you know, rather than get up in front of people. But you did it. You, you went and faced it. And then obviously confronting your father the way that you did, you were brave enough to do that. What is it about you that you think that you just pushed through the fear and do it anyway?

Adrienne Morris: Um, I will say sports. I am very athletic. I played volleyball, softball, basketball, baseball, um, you name it, I tried it, and, um, I’m small. I’m like 110 pounds. I’m short five one And I feel like, um, everyone just always just saw me as small and tiny or like, I couldn’t do something or like, you know, I wasn’t going to win or, like, they’re going to beat me. Yeah. And so I think I just developed this mindset like, I’m going to show you, you know. And I think it allowed me to like, push through. Um, when I was in high school, I soccer and basketball was at the same time. And my freshman and sophomore year, the coaches let me play both sports. But my junior year, they were like, you’re going to be on varsity. You have to pick. So I was like, okay, well, I’m going to go with soccer. So I went with soccer. And then my senior year I was like, I don’t want to do soccer. I think I want to do basketball. But the coach, he says, I like four year athletes. So he wanted me to have played basketball my junior year, but that wasn’t the decision I made. So when I went to the tryout, He? I felt like he already was kind of counting me out. And then I was like, well, I’m just going to keep showing up then. Then after the first day, he was like, well, I have a junior that can do the same thing you can do. So I’m like, okay, but I’m not the junior, you know.

Adrienne Morris: And then he’s like, well, you know, you’re not working hard enough in practice. Like, everyone else is like hunched over, tired after the running drills and you’re not. And I’m like, I can’t help that. I’m fast. You know, like, I’m making the time. I’m just not out of breath. So then I started pushing harder. And then the next day I still come back and he’s like, well, even if I put you on the team, you’re not going to get any playing time. So I’m like, do you know who I am? Like on all the teams I play on, I always start, I always play. So I think that drove me. And so I wound up making the team. And then after the first few games, like 2 or 3 games, I was six man off the bench. And so I was like, first of all, he told me I wasn’t going to make the team. Now I’m on the team. Then you told me I wasn’t going to play. Now I’m six man off the bench, so I’m the first person to be put into the game. I’m like, oh, starting position is right around the corner. So sure enough, I began starting. So I think, um, that’s where I feel like I developed like this ability to just push through anything. Like, I’m going to try it, I’m going to do it. If I put my mind to it, I know I could do it regardless of what anybody says.

Sharon Cline: It says a lot about sports in general, because when you’re part of a team, it’s not like just you. You’ve got to show up because you have other people counting on you. So there’s like, I don’t know, I don’t know exactly how to say it, but maybe like a disconnect of what you yourself wants, but you are able to look at what’s best for the team or something. There’s like a distancing that you do of your own emotions, I guess. And there’s something really valuable there, I think, because I’m my own worst enemy and, you know, I make it so difficult for everything in my head. But like, if I’m thinking beyond myself, it’s amazing how much I can put somebody else’s needs forward. I don’t want to let them down. So I’ll do it as opposed to I can let myself down, like all day long.

Adrienne Morris: No, you matter too.

Sharon Cline: Yeah, I know right? This is such a good lesson for me to hear. No, but I love that because, you know, it says a lot about, like, if you have a child that you want to have the same kind of mentality, it makes sense that you would allow them to be part of a team so that they can see that they’re a part of something bigger than just themselves.

Adrienne Morris: Yes.

Sharon Cline: I love it. And also, I think there’s a huge element in your book, um, regarding manifestation and how much what your mind, how you focus your mind and that mindfulness determines your reality. Can you talk a little bit about that as well?

Adrienne Morris: Yes. So. Oh, I have so many stories. I know. So in that time of like, solitude, that’s when, that’s when I was able to, like, really see my thoughts and see how things come into fruition. I could think of something, and then I would get a text message, or I could see something on my phone, like an advertisement on social media, and then go to like HomeGoods or TJ Maxx, and it show up right in front of me and I’m like, wow. Like, so if I can think this thought and then something show up that fast, like I need to keep my thoughts positive. And it was like a reality check for me. I remember one time driving around running some errands and I saw a Tiff treats, um, advertisement vehicle, and I was like, uh, you know, I think I kind of want to treat. And then I was like, no, I’m not going to get it. So I go home, go to sleep, go into work. That night it was the mom’s birthday and she had three boxes of TIFF’s treats, and she texted me and she was like, have as much as you want. We can’t eat it. Take them home. They’re Ziploc bags on the counter, like so. Just little things like that. Um, that same family. I wanted to take a trip with them. I was like, if I could just show them, you know, like my skills, like on a trip, like, you know, maybe it could, like, lead to more. And I remember thinking about it right before I went to sleep, and I woke up from my nap, and I got a text message like, hey, do you want to take a trip with us to, like, Turks and Caicos? And I’m like, um, yes. I was just thinking about that before my nap. Like things would happen within minutes or things would happen within hours.

Sharon Cline: But you can’t deny either.

Adrienne Morris: I cannot deny that. And I’m like, oh my gosh, like I’m here by myself. Like, yeah, no one knows that I said this. Yes. So like I there’s proof in my experiences that it works. Like, our mind is just that powerful. So. And if you realize that you would keep your mind more on positive things and be more intentional about the things that you say that you actually want.

Sharon Cline: True. Because how many people look at the negative side, um, like, oh God, I hope it doesn’t rain today because I just, I have so much to do. And just the fact that you said that, you know, can affect I don’t know if it can make it rain, but just the idea of being negative as opposed to I love when it’s sunny, just keeping your thoughts on what you do want as opposed to what you don’t. That’s a challenge. It’s almost like a habit of thinking of the darker or negative things, I think.

Adrienne Morris: Yes, I think in our society we’re kind of just like raised that way and we just think that it’s normal. So I feel like I just challenge the norm to do something different. And it wound up working out for me and I manifest With ease. That’s amazing. There’s little things, like. Because I’m a live in nanny now. Um, one day I wanted vodka, pasta, and the mom put in the Instacart all the ingredients for vodka, pasta. And I woke up from my nap, and she’s like, oh, I’m making vodka pasta for dinner. And I’m like, I was just thinking that. Or, um, last week, Friday, I was thinking about buying myself some flowers. I was like, I haven’t bought myself flowers in a long time. And I go into my room, the lights turned on and they had like the lamp shining the light on roses. And she had a little note for me and she was like, thank you for everything you do for us. We love you. I’m like, there’s my flowers. Like, I didn’t even have to go get them.

Sharon Cline: Really. They’re so valuable. And I think, too, it feels so much better to think this way. It feels good. Right. So it’s like, positive and joyful and expectant and it’s, uh, that energy is so vastly different from thinking, oh, I don’t want this to happen or don’t want that to happen. So I think that’s for me as well. Um, that’s a really good nugget of wisdom for me to keep my mind thinking of positive things. Um, and knowing that the feeling behind it being positive and good is just what I need for the manifestation to happen.

Adrienne Morris: Um, just know it. Just believe it. It’s that intention, okay? Know that it’s already yours.

Sharon Cline: It’s already mine. I love.

Adrienne Morris: That, but.

Sharon Cline: I mean, how cool is it that you actually thought of other people too? You didn’t just keep all of this wisdom to yourself. You were thinking about how other people can benefit. And it’s really sweet. A lot of people, when they feel like they have power, it almost, you know, is something that they want to keep private. You know, they don’t want to. They don’t believe there’s enough for everyone. But you’ve never thought that. I know in your book you had talked about how really this universe is for every human here to make their world how they want it.

Adrienne Morris: Yeah, like you find your own way. You find what works for you. Like, I’m offering tools and techniques. But take my tools and techniques and make them your own. Because I don’t know what’s in everyone’s head. I don’t know everyone’s experiences, but I feel like if you give someone like, a basis of tools and techniques, then that could jumpstart their journey. It can get them out of the turmoil. It could stop the negative thinking it could. Maybe they will challenge their own thoughts and say, why is this happening? Or why am I doing this? Or why do I keep thinking about the same thing over and over again? Or why do I keep dating these similar guys? You know, I do like we all want freedom from that.

Sharon Cline: Yeah. And I think there’s nothing to be afraid of here because it’s it can seem daunting when you’re looking at the foundation of the way that you think, you know, um, that keeps you safe. And that’s how you you live your life is with that foundation. So to shake it can seem like, well, I don’t want anything too different. You know, I don’t want everything to be upside down. But I love that there’s nothing to be afraid of here. It’s all a positive, um, not just for your own character, but for what you can offer the world and how it affects the world in a bigger sense. Um, and I think that’s important to keep in mind.

Adrienne Morris: Um, and we’re all human. We all have our struggles, and we all have our story. We’re all just trying to find our way, whatever that may look like to us.

Sharon Cline: So true girl. I love that you feel the fear and do it anyway. And if you were to say, um, what your fearless formula is, is it that you’re able to not think too hard about something and talk yourself out of it? Like, how do you push? Because there are people that have their dreams and then it just seems overwhelming. Too difficult. What could you say to someone that’s listening, that.

Speaker3: Has.

Sharon Cline: That fear that keeps them back.

Adrienne Morris: So one thing I do try and find is someone doing what I want to do. And another tool I learned was to sit back and observe and not talk so much. Because when you look with your eyes, you’re able to see like, hmm, is this you know what I want around me? Like, is this the system that I’m looking to create? Like, is this the way that I’m looking to do things, you know, because someone can tell you anything. And like we were talking about earlier, like filling your mind up with things that, you know, you really don’t want, but like, seeing it, you can just remove yourself like, no, turn the other cheek like something else. Yeah. I’m not trying to attract that.

Sharon Cline: I love it. So it’s almost like you’re letting someone’s life that that you wish you had. You’re kind of learning from their wisdom. You’re learning from their experience. And if you like their outcome, then you can align yourself with that as opposed to just looking at anything and not knowing if the outcome is anything that you really want. There are a lot of people that I’m sure don’t have the outcome, you know, that feels right to you. Yeah.

Adrienne Morris: So for me, one of the things I kept saying was like, I wanted a housekeeper. Like, I want like, I wanted to learn household systems. That’s what I kept telling myself. I wanted to travel the world, all expenses paid. I wanted to live, um, mortgage and rent free. And I wanted to exchange less time for more money. And I got a call from the family that I’m a live in nanny for in January, and they offered me 30 hours, so I was exchanging less time for more money. Um, I traveled with them for free, and and I live mortgage and rent free now. So, um, a few friends and I that I met at Toastmasters, we would get on a call every single day at anywhere from 5 to 6 a.m., and we would recite each other’s affirmations. And after eight months, I manifested those three things, all in this one family. So. And they show me things that I said that I wanted. But I don’t have the experience, and I’ve never seen anybody do things in the way that they do them. And so I do my best to stay present in the house because I’m like, I asked for all of this, all of it. The good and bad. Yes. The stress and bad. Yeah, yeah. Sometimes I do have to call my mom and talk to her. And she’s like, you asked for this. I’m like, yeah, you’re right. Thank you for saying that. Like, after the emotions are gone, I’m like, okay. Yes, back to reality. Yes. You’re right. It’s so true.

Sharon Cline: I love that. Listen, everyone needs the mom. That kind of brings it back to the real.

Adrienne Morris: My mom is going to keep it real. Yeah, but how amazing.

Sharon Cline: And what a wonderful Toastmasters group to be part of where you support each other on like a spiritual level. Not just your speech was great or you can do it, you know, but but to actually really kind of go through life together a little bit, that’s really special.

Adrienne Morris: Yeah, it was, um, a shaman. She told me, because I was like, in my book, I talk about this too, where, um, I’m like, well, if they don’t call me, I’m not going to call them. And I reached out to her and I was like, why does this bother me? And she was like, you need hobbies. I’m like, hmm, I thought I had hobbies, but maybe it’s not enough, you know? And so I think that drove me to go to Toastmasters to and I was talking to someone yesterday from Toastmasters, and I was just saying, just being around like minded individuals helps out so much because everyone there is one looking to be positive and looking to grow in some way, shape or form. And a lot of people want to be heard and they want to be understood and they want you to communicate effectively, and Toastmasters gives you all of that. And so the community just kind of like puts the stamp on it every time I go. It’s amazing.

Sharon Cline: It’s such a positive thing for your life. Well, if you’re just joining us, we’re speaking with author of Mind Over Misery, Adrian Morris. I also wanted to talk to you about the other side of your life. Obviously, you’re a live in nanny. You were saying. But you provide a very valuable service for parents who have new babies who aren’t sleeping through the night. And those parents need that baby to sleep through the night. So can you talk a little bit about how you and your sister got into this business together?

Adrienne Morris: Yes. Okay. Shout out to dream babies. Dream babies. I love it. We get the babies to sleep. Um, so my sister, um, I went to Albany State and my brother and sister lived in Atlanta, and they were like, come up here. There’s more opportunity. So I decided to move in 2014. And so when I first started with her, I was just doing like date nights, like kind of getting my feet wet with, um, taking care of the babies. And she was just getting her business up and running. And then we started something called sleep learning. So we’re newborn specialists where we, um, teach babies to sleep eight hours by eight weeks or 12 hours by 12 weeks. And we create structure and systems for the parents and for us. We get them on a feeding schedule that, um, ensures that babies are being fed, so they’re being taken care of and that they’ll sleep peacefully throughout the night. So they’re not waking up angry or upset or anything like that. We all like a calm baby. Um, yeah. Most people can’t handle babies crying. So yeah, I.

Sharon Cline: Was just saying that before the show. I’m like, I can’t and I love that. What you do is, I mean, I don’t know, there’s a philosophy where babies kind of decide when they’re hungry and you feed them when they’re crying. Or like there are three basic reasons why they cry. Um, but I like that you are kind of anticipating what they’re going to need before they do so that they never actually get that dysregulation or that that, um, so upset, you know, because they’re so hungry like that. So it’s, it’s something that if I could go back, I would be more mindful of is keeping kids on a good schedule, like babies in particular.

Adrienne Morris: Yeah. They need the consistency. And so to you, it gives you peace of mind too.

Sharon Cline: So I was going to say like to me, um, the being sleep deprived as a new mother, um, it’s almost just messed up to have like another, a very helpless infant to take care of when you can hardly take care of yourself. And I remember thinking, it’s like kind of cruel that you have like, they let you go home with this baby and no one is there to check on you. You’re like, you’re letting me take this baby. Yeah. And now you. Yeah. And no one’s there to help, you know, other than if you have someone at home to help you, like a mom or something. That’s wonderful. But oftentimes, like, I was alone. So it’s just the idea of not being able to really make sure that your mind is as clear as you would want it to be to take care of an infant. So I love the idea of being able to say, in eight weeks, you will at least be able to get eight hours of sleep. Oh my goodness.

Adrienne Morris: Yeah, well, with us being there, the parents can sleep a little bit longer. Um, it makes.

Sharon Cline: Everybody.

Adrienne Morris: Happier. It does. Like within the first two weeks, depending on how many nights we’re there. Like, um, with the parents, it just depends on how much sleep they’re going to get. Because the first two weeks is just like every three hours. We’re doing this like. Yeah.

Sharon Cline: You’re dealing with.

Adrienne Morris: It. Yeah. And so after, like, week three and week four, we can slowly, you know, begin to stretch baby, overnight, you know, a few more hours, which helps out the parents if we’re not there. So just getting that extra hour just helps them overnight. And so week after week we stretch a little bit longer, and we’ve gotten to a point where within 6 to 8 weeks we we could have babies sleeping 12 hours. So I mean, imagine in your first two months of having a newborn, you know, your baby can be sleeping 12 hours. So if you put baby to sleep at 7 p.m., baby’s going to sleep till 7 a.m., so that gives you time to yourself. If you want to shower, talk to your husband, make a little eye contact. You know if you need a little 15 to 30 minute bath, you know, with some candle lights just to relax, some quiet time or sitting on the patio. It allows you, yeah, it allows you all of that time. And you know, baby’s fed. Baby’s going to be okay. Baby got their calories throughout the day, so it provides a lot of peace of mind.

Sharon Cline: Do you think it helps that it’s not your baby crying? In other words, when my children and babies were crying. You know, my heart just hurts so bad. So do you think that little degree of separation makes it easier for you to manage? Or are you finding that the theme is the same like most moms are? Just like my baby’s crying, I got to go get this baby up even if it’s two in the morning. Do you know what I mean?

Adrienne Morris: Yes. So I will say for me, um, the response I get from a lot of moms or parents just in general, because a lot of the dads are very active, um, they always say I bring a calm to the house and like, the babies know me like the last baby I had. Hardly. She wouldn’t even cry, like, on the changing table. And, um, we had trained a new girl, and the one night she had went had.

Sharon Cline: Cried the whole time. Yeah. No.

Adrienne Morris: So she was like, she she misses Miss Adrian. And I’m like, yes, because they know like they know your heart. They know your mind. They like if you’re calm, the baby’s going to be calm too. So. And I always say, all of my babies are so good. If you see them around me, the kids are not crying. I don’t care what age they are. We’re having fun. We’re laughing like there’s still some structure. But I mean, we’re still going to have fun at the same time. So from newborns to seven year olds, like I’m not getting a lot of the tears. I’m not saying 100% of the time these kids are not crying, but 95% of the time I’m not experiencing having to help them with their emotions through crying.

Sharon Cline: All right. So the takeaway from that is the energy that you’re bringing. They can feed right off of yes, even babies, even newborns, even.

Adrienne Morris: Newborns, they know they can’t talk, so all they can do is sense energy.

Sharon Cline: Interesting.

Adrienne Morris: Yes, I.

Sharon Cline: Should have started this a long time ago. I mean, my kids are like, they’re great, but I’m just saying, how valuable is this when you are just getting started in the parent Field. It’d be really wonderful to kind of be mindful of your own energy. It’s so tough though. It’s all emotional. You’ve got hormones happening. Your body is not the same. It’s like the challenge is real. So someone like you coming in with good energy is very, very valuable.

Adrienne Morris: Yes. And then I’m always like, constantly telling the parents, like, you are doing such a good job. I’m like, give yourself some grace. Your baby’s sleeping like, you know, six hours and they’re only four weeks old. I’m like, some kids are two years old, still waking up every three, four hours. Like, your kid’s doing great. Like, how important are those words?

Sharon Cline: Those words are so important. Especially when you’re a new parent and you don’t know.

Adrienne Morris: You don’t know. You don’t have anything to compare it to, but I do. I’ve seen thousands of babies.

Sharon Cline: So this is your next book that you’re considering writing or you’re getting started writing. Is that right? All about what you do with your sister?

Adrienne Morris: Yes, I like to put that in a book as well and help other parents. I mean, going in overnight, You know, the physical part is lovely, but I for the people who possibly can afford the services, I would like to put it in a book so that I can help even more people. And I feel like this can help anyone in the world. Anybody with a baby. Babies aren’t going to stop coming. So. I just want to help the world. Yeah.

Sharon Cline: It’s so exciting to that. Energy is so good. Just knowing that you’re trying to help people to get to feel like they’re living their authentic life, whatever that looks like. It doesn’t have to be a cookie cutter, anything but whatever reflects their reality, how they want to live. Being congruent, I think that’s so important. But also just starting at a baby. A baby level, you know? Yeah. But also I was you were saying how important it is for adults to have that structure and balance too. It’s it’s I don’t think that ever really ends because one of the things I was thinking about recently is like, if I had all the money in the world, where would I go? What would I do? The whole world is open. So if I’m not happy in this moment, well, I can do something else to make it even happier and happier and happier. There’s always more. More. But there’s something about having a natural limit that calms my spirit down because it’s not always trying to one up. Oh well, this will be even better if I get more and have more. But knowing that, and it’s the same for children like that, having boundaries gives them peace. And I think it doesn’t end as an adult either. Having boundaries around myself gives me peace too. Mhm.

Adrienne Morris: So, um, living in the house, I am very structured. I like pick up the kids at like 445. Well I start cooking around like three and then I pick up the little girl at like 445. I get back to the house and we all eat dinner together, and then I shower them up and we’re like, done by 630, like, every single day. But I don’t have to, like, give a lot of instruction. I just do it. And then when you keep doing it the same way every single day, it kind of gets the kids to, like, fall in line. So after our shower, the little girls are like, oh, we have to brush our hair and brush our teeth, like every single day. So and it’s not like I have to like, harp on this. It’s we just go from the shower to the bathroom. So I think when you create these systems or these habits with the kids, it gives you peace of mind and them peace of mind. So now I’m not having to say like, hey, it’s time to brush our teeth. It’s time to brush our teeth. It’s time to brush our teeth. It’s time to brush our teeth. Why haven’t you done it yet?

Sharon Cline: What’s it going to take? I think I was very structured as well, like as a, as a parent, but I, um, I would say that. Yeah, seeing it now, our lives feel different than when I was actively parenting small children. When I think about it now, it’s there’s always a screen around. There’s always a distraction around, so I would have to be a different parent. I think now very, very structured with what they are exposed to as well and how they spend their time. I don’t envy any parent right now because I do think it’s like constant exposure. Yeah. Um, and you don’t even have to have a TV anymore, you know, in order to, to be affected by media. Mhm. Um, it’s just really interesting because it’s like I almost wish I could do a bit of a do over in some ways, when you know better, you do better, you know. Um, but I love that you’re giving people who are just getting into it all of the structure that they would need to to make their life the way they want it, whether it’s through your first book, you know, mind over misery or being able to help new parents, um. It’s exciting. Yeah.

Adrienne Morris: So the thing for me is I have a lot of experience. Um, when I was ten, my cousin would have me come over and watch my five year old cousin and my newborn cousin, and she would start dinner, but I would have to finish dinner, and I would feed the kids and put them to sleep like. So I feel like I started this a long time ago. Um, I feel like most parents have 1 or 2 kids and that’s where they get their experience. And, you know, doing anything in life 1 or 2 times.

Sharon Cline: It’s not enough.

Adrienne Morris: It’s not enough.

Sharon Cline: It’s not enough for anyone. It’s the truth not to be a master at something, or to really even understand your own self in that whole process.

Adrienne Morris: Yeah. So, I mean, you’re trying to figure it out. They’re trying to figure it out. You’re trying to figure it out together. So with all of my practice, I’ve been able to create systems and try things that I know work. So when I show up in any household or when I show up around any kid, I show up as me. And I’m confident. Yeah, in my way.

Sharon Cline: So I love that. I mean, that’s, it’s a, I do the fake it till you make it thing, you know, pretend that I really am confident and know what I’m doing. And every time I walk in the studio and the code still works and I’m still allowed to come in, I’m like, wow, they haven’t figured it out yet. That’s great. You know, like the imposter syndrome is real for me anyway. Yeah. Um, but I love that too, because it’s not like you’re saying no one can have access to these things. You have to be special, or you have to have had the exact experience I have. You say it’s there for everybody. Yeah, that’s very hopeful. I think that you don’t have to be super special. You can just be your normal self and still have access to be able to live your life the way you want.

Adrienne Morris: I think you’re already special, but you have to know that you have to be confident in that and know that it’s okay. We are all human. That is one thing I always say. We are all human, trying to find our own way. Truth, truth.

Sharon Cline: That’s the best thing about this show, I think, is because it focuses on the things that make us all human and our universal truths. We know love, we know fear. We know pain, disappointment, all of those emotions that are universal to all of us unite us. That makes us the same. And that’s one of my biggest themes, is that, you know, things that helped someone else get through fear. Well, maybe that’s the same kind of thing you could use, because we all know what it feels like to be afraid. If you were going to give an author who has an idea of a book some advice on how to get to the point of actually publishing, what would you say?

Adrienne Morris: I would say, just believe in yourself. Just don’t stop. And I would say take daily action. So when I started my journey in 2021 and I just started meditating, I didn’t know what to do. So I got on YouTube and I would do a five minute guided meditation, but my negative thoughts consumed the whole five minutes. But I was like, I’m going to keep doing this. So I did it every single day until I was able to change my thoughts. And then I went up to ten minutes and then I was like, okay, one day I’m not going to need the guided meditation. I’m just going to do ten minutes on my own. So, um, same thing with the book. Just start. Start with the title, start with the cover and just take daily action. Learn from somebody who’s already doing it. And you may not even use their way, but just to hear a different perspective when you don’t have a perspective at all because you’re not in it. I think that helped, but just doing a little bit every day. I feel like you start training your brain like, okay, we’re doing this, I like this, you know? And so I feel like eventually you will complete it, like just start gaining some knowledge a little bit at a time, every single day. Just don’t stop and create the cover. Once you have the cover, you’re like, okay, I’m in it now. It’s real. It’s such.

Sharon Cline: Good advice. And you know, people can use AI to make their own covers these days. And also it’s not like you need to go anywhere to do it. You can just say, I don’t know, the cover is going to be, you know, a mountain with this on it. And then it’s a real thing. It’s a real it’s not just out there as an esoteric idea. It’s actually something you can look at and get inspired by.

Adrienne Morris: You can use AI if you’re already creative, you can use Canva. Do it yourself. Um, if you’ve got extra funds, you can use Fiverr or Upwork. There’s so many ways to get help.

Sharon Cline: All at our fingertips.

Adrienne Morris: Yes, we need.

Sharon Cline: It, including your book and soon to be audiobook. Yeah, out there in the world.

Adrienne Morris: So excited. I was listening to it earlier. I went to the river and I was just like, I did this. Yes you did. You created a book.

Sharon Cline: I love it, it’s so inspiring, even for myself. So I Adrian, I just want to thank you so much for coming into the studio and being such a positive light to the world, because so many people can look at their past and blame lots of people and circumstances for why they don’t do what they’re, you know, could do. You don’t do that. You don’t blame. You say, here’s what I’m going to do to make a change. And you actually did it. So I hope everyone who listens gets inspired and picks up your book, whether it’s audiobook or just the physical book or Kindle or whatever, please feel free. Everyone out there who’s listening to feel inspired to make your life the way you want it. I mean, it’s it’s so well structured how you have the chapters and nothing feels daunting. Everything feels like, okay, a little step, a little something out there to do. It doesn’t have to be your whole life upside down.

Adrienne Morris: No, I mean, you won’t see the change overnight anyways, but most people want it upside down like they want to go 0 to 100. But life doesn’t work like that. No. At all. I mean, little things might show up like my Tiff treats manifestation. But yeah, if you want real like internal change, give yourself. It might sound crazy, but at least a year because it’s going to take practice. Like I said, even with writing the book, it’s going to take daily effort and it’s going to take daily habits, daily discipline every single day. You’re going to have to do it. And then eventually you come into that person that you’re looking to be. But a lot of people will do it for a week or even with like fitness programs, they do like 30 or 60 days. Okay. Well, what did they do after the 30 or 60 days? For most people, if they spent five years not doing something 30 days typically doesn’t change that and make them continue to do it for another five years. So you just have to keep going every single day and just create the habit until it feels like it’s just a part of your day, and you can’t do without it.

Sharon Cline: I want to say, I heard that it takes 21 days to create a habit to where it starts to feel like, like you said, like brushing your teeth or something where you don’t have to think about it. So I think anyone can commit to three weeks.

Adrienne Morris: Yeah, that was actually my journal goal and I did it, and that’s what started it. I was like, okay, I did it. I got this and it.

Sharon Cline: Feels so much better to live that way. And I guess that’s the ultimate goal, is if you’re not happy with the way that your life is going right now, to be able to change it to where you do really like it. Like, what do I really want? And how do I want to really feel? Yeah, that’s very motivating. And that’s something I would keep in mind because all these these tips and tricks that you have are for that ultimate goal. So it’s not I just need to journal today, but it’s actually I really need to feel better. And this is the tool I’m going to use to do it. Yeah I’m on board. Yeah.

Adrienne Morris: Thank you. Thank you. Sure. Thank you so much.

Sharon Cline: For coming in the studio. If anyone wanted to get in touch with you as well, how can they do that?

Adrienne Morris: Um, Instagram. It’s Adrian Morris, TikTok. It’s Adrian’s journey. Uh, Facebook. It’s Adrian Morris two. And the book will be released September 20th. Woo hoo!

Sharon Cline: It’s coming.

Adrienne Morris: And I’m having a book launch October 13th, so all are welcome. Oh, that’s so exciting.

Sharon Cline: Oh, I’m so happy for you. And please come back when you are ready to talk more with your next book. I would love to explore that with you as well. I think everything you’re offering is so useful and needed in the world, and it’s just a joy to have someone in the studio who kind of wants the same kinds of things that I do. It’s like really fun, you know? Wants good things.

Adrienne Morris: Yes. You’re so easy to talk to. And thank you so much for having me. Oh, my pleasure. A pleasure working with you.

Sharon Cline: Yay! That’s good news. And thank you all for listening to Fearless Formula on Business RadioX. And again, this is Sharon Cline reminding you with knowledge and understanding we can all have our own fearless formula. Have a great day.

 

Tagged With: Adrienne Morris, Dream Babies

The Power of Community: How Local Initiatives are Shaping Sandy Springs

August 27, 2024 by angishields

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Chamber Spotlight
The Power of Community: How Local Initiatives are Shaping Sandy Springs
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In this episode of the Chamber Spotlight, Lola Okunola is joined by Fred Freeney, director of the Georgia Festival of Trees, and Kendra Fuentes, co-owner of ISI Elite Training Sandy Springs. Fred discusses the festival’s history, volunteer opportunities, and its mission to combat human trafficking. Kendra shares insights about ISI Elite Training’s community-focused fitness programs and their unique training experiences. The episode highlights the importance of local businesses and community events in Sandy Springs, emphasizing collaboration and community support. Both guests express their commitment to enriching the community through their respective initiatives.

ISI-Sandy-Springs-logo

Kendra-FuentesKendra Fuentes was raised in Atlanta, Ga and has been part of the Sandy Springs community for many years.

After volunteering during her teen years, Kendra want on to work for the YMCA of Metro Atlanta for 10 years professionally before deciding she wanted to take the venture into owning her own business.

She opened her franchise of ISI Elite Training in April of 2024 and co-owns her gym with her mom, Mary.

Georgia-Festival-of-Trees-logo

Fred-FreeneyFred Freeney is retired from Delta Air Lines.

He completed 1000 volunteer hours with Habitat for Humanity and is currently the Director of the Pink Pig and volunteering with the Georgia Festival of Trees.

 

Transcript-iconThis transcript is machine transcribed by Sonix

 

TRANSCRIPT

Intro: Broadcasting live from the Business RadioX studio in Sandy Springs, Georgia. It’s time for Chamber Spotlight, brought to you by CorpCare, your Employee Assistance Program partner. Caring for them because we care about you. For more information, go to Corpcareer.com now here’s your host.

Lola Okunola: Hello everyone and welcome back to another episode of the Chamber Spotlight podcast show here in Sandy Springs, where we shine a light on the incredible businesses and people making an impact. I’m your host, Lola Okunola, and today’s episode is proudly sponsored by CorpCare, your go to Employee Assistance program company providing support and resources to businesses and their employees. Today we have two wonderful guests joining us. First, we have Fred Freeney, the director of an Atlanta icon, the Pink Pig. He is with the Georgia Festival of Trees, a spectacular event that not only brings holiday cheer, but also supports meaningful causes throughout the community. We also have Kendra Fuentes, the co-owner of ISI Elite Training, a premier training facility right here in the heart of Sandy Springs that’s redefining the fitness experience for our community. Welcome, Fred and Kendra.

Kendra Fuentes: Thank you for having us.

Fred Freeney: Thank you. Yeah, great to be here.

Lola Okunola: Thank you thank you, thank you. So we are going to start with Fred. Fred.

Fred Freeney: Hey.

Lola Okunola: How is it going? How are things going? Are you excited to be here?

Fred Freeney: Oh, golly, this is great. I’m excited to be here. I’m excited about the Georgia Festival of Trees and everything that’s going on. The whole Christmas spirit. And more than that, the cause that we’re supporting, it’s just a great thing. And if you love Christmas, it’s the best thing in Atlanta to do.

Lola Okunola: I agree, I agree. We also have the honor and pleasure of being part of the Georgia Festival of Trees. For the last three years, I myself have decorated trees alongside my colleagues and have donated and it’s just a wonderful, wonderful experience. So today we are going to just dive in. For those that do not know what the Georgia Festival of Trees is, can you give us a little bit of history about it Tell us what we have to look forward to this year. I understand the location has changed. You can go into that as well. And yeah, let’s just kick off that conversation.

Fred Freeney: Yes, the Georgia Festival of Trees has been around for a little while, and then somewhere around about ten years ago, it kind of stopped existing. And then Frank and Angie Ulibarri came to Atlanta and said, there’s no festival of trees here. So they looked around and basically reignited it four years ago and has traditionally been held at the Georgia World Congress Center. And this year is a first. It’s going to be at the Atlanta Gas South out off of Sugarloaf Parkway. And there’s about 90,000ft² of, uh, of Christmas. So, uh, that’s going to be great. And, um, everything that goes with it. We need volunteers or a lot of volunteers. There’s so many things to do. The trees, Santa Claus. The entertainment. Of course, the pink pig that goes around the arena there and takes kids around and plays Christmas music and just everything like that. People love.

Lola Okunola: It. Could you tell us the dates this year for the Georgia Festival of Trees?

Fred Freeney: Yes. It’s going to be the thing. The week of Thanksgiving, starting the Saturday the 22nd, I believe that’s the day. And then it’s going to go through the following Sunday and then or through the following. Yeah, I think that’s right. And it’s going to be closed Thanksgiving Day and the day before.

Lola Okunola: Okay. And what you are in need of at the at this time is volunteers. So can you tell us what these volunteers do. Because I feel like I know exactly what you do. But I want others to know you need like, several sets of volunteers. First, you need people to volunteer to donate trees decorated trees. Um, and then you need people to work as well, right? Yes.

Speaker4: That’s correct.

Lola Okunola: We’re going to also talk about the cause. So while Christmas is amazing and we all love the lights, there’s a deeper reason why we do this. So can you tell us tell us about those things, Fred?

Fred Freeney: Yes. Uh, well, of course, of any function anyone ever goes to, there’s always needs of volunteers. Um, our whole organization is completely volunteer based. So there’s people who donate trees. They come there and they decorate them with whatever can come out of their minds, and they end up beautiful. You’ll end up with Barbie trees and Jimmy Buffett trees and manger trees. There’ll be trees that you just wouldn’t believe that you would see. Um, that’s one piece of volunteering. You can donate a wreath. Um, of course, there’s just general volunteers for people who want to show up and say, I’ll volunteer to do anything. And then, of course, on the pink pig side, we need some drivers and we need people to help the children and adults get on and off the train and, um, just those kind of things. And, uh, and the cause, uh, Atlanta Redemption Inc. and Street Grace. Uh, wow. That’s all the money that gets raised from the festival for the whole week. Goes to help them out. So. And that that their whole thing is to fight human trafficking, which I really wasn’t aware of it until I kind of got in the middle of this and said, wow, this is a big deal. And Atlanta, believe it or not, is number two in the nation for child trafficking. Washington DC is number one. So, um, this is the number two spot you don’t want to be in. So, uh, hopefully you don’t get any spot. So that’s that’s what we’re doing.

Lola Okunola: Wow. Thank you. Thank you for sharing that that is truly, truly amazing. And how did you get involved in this, Fred?

Fred Freeney: Well, after I retired four years ago, um, I was my wife said, why don’t you see if you can find that tree thing, that festival of trees. So I got online and did a search, and then somebody called me back and I went. And when I got there, the head elf says, you’re going to drive the train. I said, hey, that works for me. So, um, I, I got involved at the festival, went there every day, and then afterwards they said, if you want to do more, um, yeah, I’d love to do more. So now I go, you know, different places around Atlanta, Sandy Springs Chamber and just talk about what we do. And there’s a lot of people out there who love Christmas and, uh, want to get involved in this combating human trafficking, which is a horrible thing.

Lola Okunola: It really is. Well, thank you so much for sharing that, um Fred, it’s such a unique way to combine the holiday spirit with, um, philanthropy. Um, yeah, I’m going to move on to Kendra for now, and then we’re going to come back to you. So Kendra, um, is with ISI Elite Training, and she’s been making waves in Sandy Springs, even though they’ve only been open for four months. Kendra, could you tell us what sets your facility apart from other gyms and training centers in Sandy Springs?

Kendra Fuentes: Yeah, absolutely. So I would say the first thing that is different about me being the business owner is I actually came from being a member of another facility. I trained there, I fell in love with the product and the community they created in Charlotte. And I was born and raised in Atlanta, so I wanted to bring that back here. Um, so that is the first thing I and my mom, who is my co-owner, so strongly believe in the product of what we offer and the community we can build that. We have such a passion to make an impact on Sandy Springs. I would say in terms of product and experience, what differentiates us is the coaching and the level of connectivity that we have in our facility. We are not just a gym. We are certainly a place for people to become stronger, create more healthy habits and lose weight if that’s what you’re wanting to do. But we focused on the community aspect a ton. So we have events every month that are free for our members and the community, whether it’s a mobility clinic or a no shower, happy hour, or a workout on the city green. We truly believe in building a community of like minded people that want to develop healthier habits together. In terms of our product, what differentiates us from our competitors is that all of our coaches are nationally certified and then ISI branded certified, which means they are specifically trained to provide options or to coach up for every member that walks in our door. So although we are group training, we focus a lot on one on one individual attention in a group setting. And so your coach actually goes through how to demo every movement in real time with you and then actually will form correct or coach you up when you need that extra challenge, which I hadn’t really seen in any of our direct competition prior to ISI.

Lola Okunola: That’s great. That really sounds like fun. Um, how how big is your is your gym? How about how many people can you hold in your gym?

Kendra Fuentes: Yes. So each session we can hold anywhere from 2 to 22 people. I would say right now, because we are smaller, um, most of our sessions are averaging around 8 to 10, which our members love because they get a lot of one on one attention. Yeah. Um, and we focus a lot on the training floor. We have so many different pieces of equipment. We have a turf where we can do sled pushes or we can do athletic based agility movement. We have battle ropes, we have barbells, dumbbells, kettlebells, resistance bands, pull up bars, skiers and assault bikes. So and there’s so much more from that. So every time you walk in the door, you’re going to see a different workout. And it’s going to be in a different format than you have previously.

Lola Okunola: Wow, I like that. I like that you said, um, they’re small class sizes. I mean, we all know that one on one training is can be very pricey. Yes. So if you are able to still get that benefit of that feel of of one on one and not have to pay those prices, I’m sure that that is definitely an attractive, um.

Kendra Fuentes: Absolutely.

Lola Okunola: Benefit for.

Kendra Fuentes: Our members. Love it. Um, just in terms of like the individual attention they do receive while they’re there. We also have one on one appointments with our head performance coach, where we use an in-body machine, which is actually terrifying to step foot on, um, because it tells you your entire body composition, including, you know, how much muscle, how much fat you have.

Speaker4: But one of those.

Kendra Fuentes: Yeah, it is terrifying. Yeah. But we do have available to our members that service once a month. So that first you can set kind of the expectation of here’s where I’m currently at. Here are my goals. How can you guys help support me in getting me there. And then number two track progress. There’s nothing better than to be able to show people data of what’s working and what’s not. And so that’s also included another touchpoint we provide for that one on one attention.

Speaker4: Wow. Well that’s really.

Lola Okunola: Really, really wonderful. Thank you. Thank you so much for sharing. Very insightful. So, um, we’re going to move on to the the portion of the segment where we we try and find synergies. And I’ve been doing this show, this is my eighth episode. And every time I’m like, I don’t know, there might not be any synergy here. I’m always amazed at what comes up. Um, it’s clear that both of your organizations are deeply committed to building and supporting the community, even though it’s in different ways. Um, so I’m wondering, you know, you’ve heard what Georgia Festival of Trees does, and, you know, Fred has heard what you do. Do you see any way that you could potentially work together? Um, while Georgia Festival of Trees, it’s a seasonal event and you are obviously all year round. Um, do you see any ways that you can work together and help promote each other’s businesses or organizations in the community, and maybe also even help with, you know, some of the efforts that are that are needed.

Kendra Fuentes: Yeah, I mean absolutely. I think you hit it. You hit the nail on the head. We both just want to better people in the community that we serve. So I think that’s definitely where our synergy is. I can tell we’re both very passionate about what we do, and I definitely think there are ways that we can help each other. I think ISI and our team is really committed to, um, volunteering. So I think we can definitely fold in as volunteers. Maybe we do an ISI themed tree.

Speaker4: Oh, there you go with the ornaments to give you a little intro or something.

Fred Freeney: Yeah, that’d be kind of good.

Kendra Fuentes: Yeah. So I think, like, we can fold it in and probably a a volunteer capacity. We can also help promote it. Definitely. Our members mostly are well connected people in the community. So I think there could be that avenue. I think if we could have a presence at the festival whether it’s, um, I don’t know, we could bring maybe the embody there. I’m not sure. I think there’s a way for us to fold in that we could enhance the experience for people. Um, we would have to discuss it more. Definitely. Oh, yeah. For sure. Be on brand. But one of our colors is green and Christmas is green and red. So I got the potential there and pink.

Speaker4: And we have the pink pig too. There we go. So yeah, that’s.

Kendra Fuentes: Kind of what I could see.

Speaker4: I think it’s a fantastic idea.

Lola Okunola: I think that’s a great, great idea. I’m looking forward to it. I look forward to it every year. Um, we change our theme every year. I think last year was, um, I think we had was it Wild Birds or. And then the year before that we did like a, a winter theme with, with like deer and, and moose like different animals that you find in like very cold areas. It’s just super fun to be part of. But I do think it’s cool to have like a little area there for working out. God knows everyone’s eating more around that time of year. I’m sure you can definitely find more. Yeah, to do. Um, but it’s great to see the potential for collaboration between the two of you. But before we wrap up, I’d love to hear from each of you what you’re most excited about in the coming months. Fred, I already know what you are most excited about. All right, um, Kendra, anything coming up that you want to share with our guests?

Kendra Fuentes: Yeah, definitely. Uh, you know, we are in such a pivotal point of growth right now. Um, I would say, most importantly. And I would be neglect if I didn’t mention this. We are having a promotion right now that is driving more people in our doors. Your first month with us is $50 for unlimited sessions, which you do not see that price, and you will not see that price from us or anything similar to us until probably spring of next year. So now is.

Speaker4: $50.

Kendra Fuentes: $50 for unlimited sessions for 30 days. Um, that’s.

Fred Freeney: Hard to beat there.

Speaker4: That is hard to beat. Yeah.

Kendra Fuentes: Yes. So that’s what we currently have going on. We launched that about a week and a half ago and it will go through mid September. The opportunity for people to join. And then I think beyond that I’m super excited to see us grow in the community. We are partnering with Mutation Brewing, which is right down the street from us, and launching a run club with them on Tuesday evenings at 630, so I’m very excited. We will be at the farmers Market on September 7th. We’ll have a booth there. Um, and we will be doing skierg tests for people there, and then we will have a free event open to the community at the end of September. I’m checking my calendar right now. September 29th we’re going to have a free workout open to the community. So more to come on that, but lots of ways to get plugged in for a very low price or free. We just want to spread our brand awareness to the Sandy Springs community. And personally, I am just really excited in the next couple of months to see how the business takes off.

Lola Okunola: Wow, it sounds like so many amazing things that $50. I can’t get that out of my head. We need to.

Speaker4: Crazy.

Lola Okunola: That now. Could you tell our listeners how they can reach you, your website, maybe your social media? How do they get this deal if they’re listening right now and they’re looking for you, how do they reach you?

Kendra Fuentes: Yeah, absolutely. So we have a huge Instagram presence ISI dot Sandy Springs is our handle. So that is probably the easiest way to find us and submit a DM. And we also do have a website Site. Isi elite Training.com. And you can find the Sandy Springs location where you can submit your information and we will reach out to you. And trust me, we will reach out. Um, so those are probably the two easiest ways if anyone wants to get in contact with me directly, whether you are, um, looking for a job or you are another business that wants to collaborate, my email is Kendra Dot Fuentes. That’s f u e n t e s at ISI Elite training.com. I love collaborating with other locally owned business and people who just want to make Sandy Springs a better community.

Speaker4: Awesome.

Lola Okunola: Thank you. Fred. Um, hey, is there anything you would like to add about what you’re excited about for the rest of the year? And then also, how can people reach you if they want to donate a tree or if they want to volunteer or or they just want to know more about Georgia Festival of Trees. Tell us how they can. They can contact you.

Fred Freeney: Okay, well, the first thing I’m excited about, obviously, is Christmas. And it’s 95 degrees outside, which makes for a hard mix, you know? But to wear a Santa hat, it’s just like you got sweat running down your face. But anyway, it’s something you do. And. But if you want to reach, reach us. The website is Georgia Festival of Trees, which is GA Festival of trees.org. And when you go to the site, there’s a couple of videos you can watch. There’s dropdowns to where you can volunteer and my email is Fred at GA Festival of trees.org. So that again is Fred at GA Festival of trees.org. And I would love to talk to you and we can get together. And another thing I love is coffee. So if you love coffee and Christmas we’re going to be friends All right.

Lola Okunola: Well, it’s been such a pleasure having you both on the show today. Thank you for sharing your businesses and organizations with us. And to our listeners, remember that supporting local businesses and events like the Georgia Festival of Trees and ISI Elite Training not only enrich your lives, but it also strengthens our entire community. Once again, today’s episode was brought to you by Corsair, your partner in providing comprehensive employee assistance programs. Be sure to tune in next time for more inspiring stories from the heart of Sandy Springs. I’m Lola Okunola.

Speaker4: Thank you Lola.

Fred Freeney: Thank you.

 

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