Kevin Wilkins, the visionary founder and CEO of Trepwise, has carved a remarkable career by focusing on community-centric, purpose-driven leadership. With over 35 years in strategy and management across various sectors, Wilkins has shifted from the corporate landscape to a mission-driven path, ultimately founding Trepwise in 2013. His company is committed to enhancing the effectiveness of nonprofits and purpose-led organizations.  Wilkins' career began in the corporate world, where he held...

In this episode of Motivational Mondays, we interview Dr. Darrell Martin, a renowned figure in maternal healthcare. With over 40 years of experience, Dr. Martin co-founded Southern Crescent Women’s Healthcare, dedicating his career to the well-being of women. His specialties include obstetrics, gynecology, and gynecological surgery, and his impact on healthcare has been immense. Dr. Martin’s journey into medicine stems from a deep-rooted passion for helping women navigate their health needs...

On this week's episode of Motivational Mondays, we are joined by Marsha Perry — a military veteran whose personal story of facing adversity is a testament to strength and adaptability. From her military career to a breast cancer diagnosis, Marsha’s journey highlights how unexpected challenges can be met with grace, determination, and the support of loved ones. Marsha’s path began with military service, where she became a nationally registered EMT. This medical background has been crucial in...

In this Motivational Mondays episode, we dive into the art of non-obvious thinking with Rohit Bhargava, best-selling author and marketing expert. Having spent years in the creative industry, Rohit noticed how often "creative" ideas fell flat, leading him to champion the importance of embracing the non-obvious.  Rohit emphasizes how creativity often involves embracing both small and big risks. He shares how the concept of "danger" can push you out of complacency, whether it's as simple as...

On this week's Motivational Mondays, we take the opportunity to honor Hispanic Heritage Month. We invite you to revisit the impactful stories and contributions of six remarkable Hispanic leaders who have appeared on the podcast.  We’re thrilled and honored to feature Stephanie Shojaee, Jose R. Costa, Shadille Estepan, Hugh Jones, Angel Martinez and Peter Orozco, to share their unique perspectives in their fields. Each guest brings a unique perspective and illustrates how Hispanic culture...

What does it take to lead successfully in today’s complex world? Willie Pietersen, former CEO of multi-billion-dollar companies and a professor at Columbia University’s Graduate School of Business, has spent his life answering this question. In this episode of Motivational Mondays, Pietersen delves into the essence of leadership, sharing profound insights from his upcoming book, Leadership: The Inside Story. Listeners will leave with practical strategies for personal leadership, strategic...

In today's competitive job market, internships have become an essential part of launching a successful career. Fischer emphasizes the importance of internships as a way to gain real-world experience, build professional networks, and develop marketable skills. She provides practical advice on how interns can differentiate themselves by making a lasting impact during their short-term roles. Through insightful examples and easy-to-follow steps, Fischer encourages readers to view internships as...

In this episode we sit down with Bernie Borges, an experienced podcaster and entrepreneur with a passion for helping people discover fulfillment in their midlife years. After an impressive career in B2B sales and marketing, Bernie recognized that despite his professional success, something was missing. This revelation led him to launch the Midlife Fulfilled Podcast in 2022, where he tackles the often-overlooked topic of finding satisfaction and purpose during midlife. In this episode of...

In this episode we sit down with Bernie Borges, an experienced podcaster and entrepreneur with a passion for helping people discover fulfillment in their midlife years. After an impressive career in B2B sales and marketing, Bernie recognized that despite his professional success, something was missing. This revelation led him to launch the Midlife Fulfilled Podcast in 2022, where he tackles the often-overlooked topic of finding satisfaction and purpose during midlife. In this episode of...

Alexa Curtis is a former Disney Radio host and serial entrepreneur with a fearless approach to life and business. Curtis, who started a fashion blog at just 12 years old, shares how she built her personal brand and transitioned into entrepreneurship. With back-to-school season in full swing, her message is timely for young professionals, particularly Gen Z, looking to carve out their own paths. Curtis emphasizes the importance of resilience, particularly when it comes to handling rejection,...

Andrea Lefkovits journey into the skincare industry was not a typical one. It all began during the COVID-19 pandemic, a time when many people found themselves in isolation and reevaluating their careers. For Andrea, this period of reflection and innovation led her to take on a completely new challenge. Her connection to skincare was personal and familial. Andrea’s father-in-law, a respected dermatologist in Manhattan, had developed a remarkable cream called Virginskin, initially designed for...

Dr. Woo’s personal journey in emotional intelligence began at a young age. As an immigrant to the United States who didn’t know English or even the alphabet, she quickly learned the importance of non-verbal communication and social cues. The challenges of adapting to a new culture, living without her parents for five years, and adjusting to an entirely new environment shaped her understanding of EI. It wasn’t until she entered the corporate world as a management consultant at Deloitte that...

Unlock the secrets of a powerful memory with Chester Santos, the “International Man of Memory.” In this episode of Motivational Mondays, Chester shares practical techniques that will help you sharpen your mind and elevate your leadership skills. Whether you’re looking to ace exams, remember names, or simply improve your daily productivity, Chester’s tips are a game-changer. Listeners will be amazed as Chester shares his journey from being an average memory student to winning the U.S. Memory...

Self-reflection is not just a buzzword; it's a powerful tool for personal growth. Dr. Lisa Summerour emphasizes that understanding where you've been is crucial to determining where you're going. When going through a breakup or divorce, take the time to reflect honestly on your experiences, identify your patterns, learn from past mistakes, and make better informed decisions for your future. This process of reflection enables you to align your actions with your values, ensuring that your...

Peter Orozco reflected on the critical moment that changed his life. He described how his reactionary decision to increase his medication, driven by desperation rather than wisdom, led to severe consequences. This became an important lesson about making thoughtful decisions and the value of community support in overcoming life's challenges.  Peter's journey from a near-fatal health crisis to a successful career in public administration and nonprofit leadership is deeply rooted in his...

At just 19 years old, Raven Saunders, also known as "The Hulk," achieved an impressive fifth-place finish in the shot put event at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio. This remarkable accomplishment catapulted them into the spotlight, marking them as one of the youngest female shot putters to compete at the Olympics. Despite the exhilaration of their Olympic success, Raven's return home was marred by a deep depression, fueled by unresolved childhood traumas. This ordeal set Raven on a life-changing...

In this week’s episode, we delve into the life and work of Yunus Chkirate, an extraordinary Montreal based contemporary painter and sculptor. Known for his captivating portraits and innovative handwoven galvanized steel sculptures, Chkirate's journey is a testament to the fusion of raw emotion and artistic skill with a sensibility in social issues of the day. Yunus was born and raised in Montreal to Moroccan and Italian immigrant parents. This rich cultural background, combined with the...

Sammy Peralta decided to venture into acting, driven by his photographic memory and love for well-crafted stories. He recounted an early experience where he mistakenly sat with union actors on set, eventually using that mistake to his advantage. Through perseverance and a strategic approach, Sammy became a union actor within three months, a remarkable feat given the usual lengthy process. Sammy’s method of connecting with industry veterans is noteworthy. Instead of fanboying, he approached...

Bethany Hubert is proud of her work helping families navigate the expensive costs of higher education. As she explains, the co-founders of Going Merry launched the brand as a project during their time at Stanford as a solution to centralize and simplify the financial aid process. It has grown to assist hundreds of thousands of students across the U.S. in navigating this complicated landscape. Through a process called scholarship matching Bethany describes that scholarship matching involves...

Maria Baltazzi was one of the original supervising producers of CBS's Survivor, a show that has been running strong for nearly 25 years. Maria shared insights into the early days of the show, highlighting how the concept was meant to be a microcosm of society. The diverse cast was designed to reflect various aspects of real life, creating a platform where collaboration, betrayal, and camaraderie played out in a controlled environment. This experience was pivotal for Maria, influencing her...

Sandy Rosenthal often gets compared to Erin Brockovich, and for a good reason. Both women, armed with no special skills or training, stood up against powerful forces and won. Their stories inspire countless others to stand up and make a difference. Sandy was fortunate not to lose her home or loved ones, which allowed her to closely follow the news and ask questions. She quickly learned that the levees, designed and built by the federal government, had failed due to cost-cutting measures by...

In this special Pride Month Rewind episode of Motivational Mondays, we explore inspiring stories from notable LGBTQIA+ figures who have championed authenticity and resilience. Wellness expert Oneika Mays emphasizes the importance of self-acceptance and mindful living, sharing her journey and practical advice to help others embrace their true selves. Olympic icon Greg Louganis reflects on his challenges as an openly gay athlete in the 1980s, highlighting his courage and the path he paved for...

At just 13 years old, Connor McKemey faced a life-altering event that left him with third-degree burns covering 90% of his body. Given less than a 1% chance of survival, Connor defied the odds and not only survived but thrived. Today, the best-selling author and motivational speaker is a living testament to the power of resilience, determination, and the human spirit. Connor recalls the challenges and doubts he faced from medical professionals who tried to prepare him for a life of...

Patrick Huey has navigated the luxury brand space with confidence and determination, challenging the misconceptions and stereotypes about the African American demographic. Contrary to outdated beliefs about income and interests, Patrick's presence and success in the luxury industry exemplify that African Americans are not only interested in but also significantly contribute to this market. Raised with the belief that he could achieve anything, Patrick never felt out of place in the elite...