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 Contrary to outdated beliefs about income and interests, Patrick's presence and success in the luxury industry exemplify that African Americans are not only interested in but also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...

Alita Guillen’s journey from a television news anchor to a top-tier communications advisor is a story of transformation and insight. As an Emmy award-winning journalist, Guillen spent years in front of the camera, delivering news and connecting with viewers. However, upon moving to Los Angeles, she found herself yearning for a new challenge. This led her to the world of media training and consulting, where she discovered a critical need: people, even high-profile talents, often struggled with...

Julianna Newland’s love for communication and language began early. An English and Political Science major, she served as the editor of her college newspaper for two years. This early passion translated into a lifelong career where writing played a central role. Even in grade school and high school, writing was a significant part of her life. After retiring, she decided to write a book, driven by her enduring passion for writing. Julianna's career in public affairs required extensive...

Jothy Rosenberg is one of the most inspirational guests we’ve had on Motivational Mondays. He holds a PhD in computer science from Duke University and has been a CS professor there for over five years. Additionally, he's the founder of nine high-tech startups spanning various domains. Today, we dive into his harrowing yet inspirational journey as both an entrepreneur and active sportsman despite a leg amputation at the age of 16 due to cancer. Jothy emphasizes the importance of setting...

Dr. Amara Pope highlights the cyclical nature of social movements in her diversity work. She explains how it’s disheartening to see a downward trend in prioritizing diversity and inclusion efforts in educational sectors and workplaces.  Drawing from her own experiences of living in the intersectionality of race and ethnicity Dr. Pope brings over a decade of experience both personal and professional into her work. Drawing from her research on the music industry, Dr. Pope discusses the nuances...

Carly's extensive background in consumer products and marketing enabled her to see beyond the traditional gender divisions in the personal care aisle. With a keen understanding of formulations and market preferences, she set out to create a brand that was truly inclusive, free from the constraints of stereotypical gender roles. Driven by empathy for today's youth, Carly aims to empower Gen Z and all generations to embrace their individuality. Recognizing their creativity and resilience, she...

Welcome to a special rewind episode of Motivational Mondays in recognition of National Internship Awareness Month! This week, we're embarking on a journey through the archives to bring you the best insights from our past podcast guests on navigating internships and kickstarting your career with confidence. Join us as we delve into the wisdom shared by internship/career experts Philip Wilkerson, Lauren Berger, Anna Taylor, Tim Taylor, and LinkedIn guru Mandy McEwen. Anna Taylor of The Greater...

In the competitive arenas of both business and sports, achieving optimal performance isn't just a desire; it's a necessity. Enter Adolfo Adolfo Gomez Sanchez, a seasoned expert who has honed his craft over three decades, working with a diverse array of clients ranging from professional athletes to CEOs of multinational corporations.  Adolfo Gomez Sanchez understands that achieving peak performance isn't just about skill refinement; it's also about overcoming hidden obstacles. He identifies...

Dre Baldwin's story is one of unwavering determination, resilience, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Since his childhood days spent playing outside, Dre's competitive spirit has always burned bright. Whether it was football, baseball, track, or basketball, Dre approached every sport with the same level of intensity, constantly seeking to challenge himself and outperform his opponents. After trying his hand at various sports, Dre finally found his calling in basketball at the age of 14....

Nacone Martin's story is one of remarkable transformation, resilience, and self-discovery. Once a shy, bullied teenager grappling with low self-esteem, Nacone has blossomed into a powerhouse of confidence, success, and physical strength. Her journey from the halls of high school to the stage of professional bodybuilding competitions is nothing short of inspiring. Growing up, Nacone faced relentless bullying from peers, enduring physical and emotional torment that left scars both seen and...

In celebration of Women's Month, we're thrilled to present a special "Rewind" episode of Motivational Mondays highlighting the wisdom and inspiration of some incredible women who have graced our podcast. Get ready to be empowered and uplifted as we revisit powerful clips from our most inspiring female guests. From entrepreneurs to activists, leaders to artists, these women have shared invaluable insights on overcoming challenges, pursuing dreams, and making a difference. Tune in and let...

Pam Cusick is an esteemed research professional with over 30 years of experience in study design, implementation, and analysis. Pam's journey in public health communications and research has been driven by her unwavering passion for patient advocacy, a passion that seamlessly aligns with Rare Patient Voice's mission and vision. As the Senior Vice President of Rare Patient Voice, Pam spearheads initiatives aimed at expanding the organization's panels to encompass all patients and caregivers...

As student loan debt continues to be a genuine concern for many Americans and with ongoing conversations around debt consolidation and student debt forgiveness, we thought it would be beneficial to reshare an informative student loan episode featuring Zack Geist, CEO of Student Loan Tutor, America's longest-operating student loan repayment management and solutions firm.  With years of experience, Zack provides borrowers with fundamental student loan debt guidance and stresses the importance...

Dr. Gary Sprouse is a celebrated, seasoned internist known for his dedication to helping patients navigate stress. With over three decades of experience, Dr. Sprouse shares his journey and the inspiration behind his book, "Highway to Your Happy Place."  Dr. Sprouse discusses his observations from years of medical practice, highlighting how stress impacts physical health. He introduces the concept of human skills and their side effects, offering a unique perspective on the root causes of...

Dr. Khamma Ennis is not only an accomplished physician with a Master's Degree in Public Health but also the visionary creator of ‘Faces of Medicine’, which is a groundbreaking narrative health equity project focused on the journeys of black female doctors. Dr. Ennis’s work in public health has given her a unique insight into illness and diseases but also a broader perspective on why many illnesses occur in some while wellness flourishes in others.  Additionally, Dr. Ennis’s work is driven by...

Brian Tanzer is a physical wellness expert and Director of Scientific and Regulatory Affairs at the Vitamin Shoppe. In his college years, he wanted to pursue a career in medicine. However, after volunteering at NYC Medical Center he took more interest in helping people preserve their natural health to avoid nutrition-related illnesses. Today, Brian advocates for exercise and proper nutrition as a way to sustain a healthier life, and he uses his years of athleticism in sports and martial arts...

As President of NOLS, Sandy draws from his own time as a student when he creates programs for today’s students. Just as he did, students can learn wilderness skills and leadership skills with a deep understanding of traveling in remote environments. Not only do they learn how to set up a tent, but also how to read a map and compass and find their course where there are no trails, even when it's cold, wet, rainy, or very dry conditions. Attaining those competencies elevates the leader in...

Building a business can feel like it steals all of your time, leaving you little energy for active advocacy and community service. For Malcolm Wood, however, entrepreneurship and advocacy can go hand-in-hand. He has built many successful businesses, and through businesses like Maximal Concepts, and its flagship restaurant, Mott 32, he leads the way in environmental advocacy, illustrating how restaurants can model sustainability. Tune in to learn how you can support the causes you love while...

Social media can be rough to scroll through nowadays, with the flood of negativity. This week’s guest joins us to share how you can change your feed - and your life - for the better. Chris Anderson has been the curator of the TED conference since 2002, and he has helped develop it into a platform for disseminating worthwhile ideas with generosity, making videos available for free. Anderson joins us this week to share his perspective on how we can change the narrative on social media and build...

After a century of fighting for equality, women are tired of dealing with the gender gap that limits their career growth and success. This week’s guest is here to teach us how to bridge that gap and launch successful careers. Christie Hunter Arscott is not only a Rhodes Scholar but an award-winning advisor, speaker, and author of “Begin Boldly: How Women Can Reimagine Risk, Embrace Uncertainty, and Launch a Brilliant Career.” Arscott shares how women can launch their own brilliant careers by...

When tragedy strikes, it can be difficult to know how to move forward. A positive outlook and determination to keep going can make all the difference in the recovery process. This week’s guest has lived through tragedy and triumphed despite serious challenges. Retired Staff Sgt. Travis Mills is a quadruple amputee who founded the Travis Mills Foundation to help others learn to live life bigger by adopting his motto: “Never give up. Never quit.” Check out this week’s episode and get inspired...

Beauty should be about highlighting your true self in whatever way works best for you, rather than fulfilling the expectations of paid influencers and trend-followers. Angel Martinez, founder of Angel Aesthetics, Skin Academy by Angel Aesthetics, and the Single Mom Strong Foundation joins Motivational Mondays to share her thoughts about social media filters, beauty trends, and self-discovery. Tune in to learn more about Martinez’s approach to beauty and how you can build beauty from...

Wondering how you can stand out among other leaders? It can be hard to identify what defines great leadership, but Jose R. Costa is here to help! Costa is CEO of Magnolia Wash Holdings and author of “Leading with Edge: Activate Your Competitive Advantage Through Personal Insight,” where he breaks down just what, exactly, makes some leaders so great. With a wide range of experience helping organizations develop and implement growth strategies, he’s had a front-row seat to the successes and...