Chris Schembra is a dinner host, question asker, and facilitator. He's a columnist at Rolling Stone magazine, USA Today calls him their "Gratitude Guru" and he's spent the last nine years traveling around the world helping people connect in meaningful ways. As the offshoot of his #1 Wall Street Journal Bestselling book, Gratitude Through Hard Times, he uses this podcast to blend ancient stoic philosophy and modern day science to teach how the principles of gratitude can be used to help peopl ...
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Brought to you by ImpactEleven, hear from the world’s top thought leaders and experts, sharing tipping point moments, strategies, and approaches that led to their speaking career success. Throughout each episode, host Josh Linkner, #1 Innovation keynote speaker in the world, deconstructs guests’ Mic Drop moments and provides tactical tools and takeaways that can be applied to any speaking business, no matter its starting point. You'll enjoy hearing from some of the top keynote speakers in th ...
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Dr. Steve Elias: The Power of a Shoulder Tap
58:49
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58:49Welcome back to another episode of Gratitude Through Hard Times! Today, your host Chris Schembra is joined by the insightful and inspiring Dr. Steve Elias, Dean of the Katz School of Business at Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado. Amidst the polar vortex sweeping through New York City, we dive into a heartwarming discussion about mentorship, l…
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11 Impactful Insights in 11 Minutes (ft. The ImpactEleven Community)
16:45
16:45
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16:45Core Topics: Barb Betts: Build authentic relationships rooted in empathy and trust to drive meaningful connections and long-term success. Dan Chuparkoff: Use AI tools like ChatGPT to customize speeches for specific audience needs, ensuring relevance and resonance. Lisa Even: Integrate purposeful humor to make keynotes more engaging, memorable, and …
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Felipe Gomez: The Beauty of Listening
1:05:27
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1:05:27Welcome to a soul-stirring episode of Gratitude Through Hard Times with your host, Chris Schembra. Set against the festive backdrop of New York City during the holiday season, this conversation is an inspiring reminder of the power of gratitude, connection, and intentional living. Joining Chris is Felipe Gómez, a world-renowned thought leader, virt…
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Transforming Workplaces Through Radical Kindness (ft. Shola Richards)
38:51
38:51
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38:51Guest Bio: Shola Richards is a celebrated speaker, author, and workplace civility expert known for his advocacy in building more inclusive, respectful, and human-centered workplaces. After overcoming severe personal challenges in a toxic work environment, Shola dedicated his career to helping others navigate and transform organizational cultures th…
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In this captivating episode of Gratitude Through Hard Times, host Chris Schembra welcomes innovation expert, entrepreneur, and jazz musician Josh Linkner to explore the profound connection between creativity, gratitude, and success. Josh, a New York Times bestselling author and founder of five tech companies, shares how his diverse experiences—from…
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The Path to Mastery (ft. Patrick McAndrew)
34:27
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34:27Guest Bio: Patrick McAndrew is the founder of Hara, a high-impact community focused on self-mastery for the self-made. He began his career as a speed-reading instructor and has since become a leading voice in attention and mental performance. Patrick’s work centers on helping leaders go beyond linear learning to develop practices that strengthen fo…
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In this inspiring episode of Gratitude Through Hard Times, host Chris Schembra sits down with David Landman, a former senior HR executive at Goldman Sachs, to explore his transformative journey from corporate success to living a life centered on joy, gratitude, and purpose. David, who is passionate about making work more sustainable, fulfilling, an…
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Guest Bio: Gaby Natale is a media entrepreneur, author, and the first Latina to be published by HarperCollins Leadership. She is the host and co-founder of SuperLatina, a nationally syndicated television show, and has won three Daytime Emmy Awards for her work. Known for her advocacy and pioneering spirit, Gaby uses her platform to empower others t…
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Pasta Sauce & Daring Dreams (ft. Shelley Paxton & Chris Schembra)
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41:37Guest Bios: Shelley Paxton: Former CMO of Harley-Davidson, Shelley left her high-powered corporate career to pursue a more meaningful path, coining the term Soulbbatical. As an author, keynote speaker, and guide, Shelley helps others redefine success on their own terms, inspiring leaders to build bold, brave, and authentic lives. Shelley’s signatur…
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Mitch Warner: The Power of Self-Awareness
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54:46In this insightful episode of Gratitude Through Hard Times, host Chris Schembra welcomes Mitch Warner, Managing Partner at The Arbinger Institute and co-author of Leadership and Self-Deception. Mitch guides us through the core principles of Arbinger’s groundbreaking work, exploring the central idea of self-deception—a psychological barrier that pre…
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Breaking the Three-Story Limit (ft. Carla Johnson)
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39:18Guest Bio: Carla Johnson is a world-renowned keynote speaker, author of ten books, and a master of connecting the dots between creative problem-solving, strategy, and customer experience. She is best known for helping leaders and organizations cultivate innovative thinking and apply it to everyday business challenges. Carla’s innovative approach ea…
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In this deeply moving and insightful episode of Gratitude Through Hard Times, host Chris Schembra engages in a heartfelt conversation with Sandeep Angra, Chief Information and Technology Officer (CIO/CTO) of the 40,000 person strong company, Unifi, the largest airport ground-handling company in North America and Europe. With over three decades of I…
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Finding the Right Partners (ft. Amy Eddy)
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36:54
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36:54Guest Bio: Amy Eddy is a senior agent at BigSpeak Speakers Bureau, where she helps top keynote speakers connect with businesses and organizations across industries. With a deep understanding of market dynamics and the unique needs of clients, Amy has built a reputation for excellence in the speaking industry. In addition to her work at BigSpeak, Am…
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The Power of Human Connection (ft. Smiley Poswolsky)
37:54
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37:54Guest Bio: Smiley is a highly sought-after speaker and thought leader known for his expertise in belonging and human connection. With a background in understanding workplace dynamics and the effects of loneliness on productivity, Smiley has become a key voice in promoting the value of connection in the corporate world. His work is grounded in solid…
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Michael O'Brien: Igniting the Joy of Work
1:11:59
1:11:59
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1:11:59In this insightful episode of Gratitude Through Hard Times, host Chris Schembra sits down with Michael J. O'Brien, founder of The BluePrint Toolset®, Inc., to explore how leaders can ignite the joy of work and foster positive cultural transformation within organizations. With over 35 years of experience coaching executives and consulting across div…
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From Scrubs to Spotlight (ft. April Hansen)
36:53
36:53
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36:53Guest Bio: April is a dynamic leader known for her expertise in driving hyper-growth within organizations. With a background in healthcare and a track record of leading companies to unprecedented levels of success, April has become a prominent figure in the world of business and professional speaking. Her ability to translate personal and organizat…
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Tony Nader: Consciousness Is All There Is
59:03
59:03
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59:03In this powerful episode of Gratitude Through Hard Times, host Chris Schembra engages in a deep and insightful conversation with Dr. Tony Nader, a leading neuroscientist, global head of the Transcendental Meditation (TM) movement, and author of the groundbreaking book Consciousness Is All There Is. Together, they explore the profound impact of unde…
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In this episode of Gratitude Through Hard Times, host Chris Schembra sits down with Ash Shehata, Chief Information Officer of AHMC Healthcare System, to explore the intersection of leadership, adaptability, and human connection. Ash shares the story of a life-changing health crisis that transformed his perspective on healthcare and leadership, lead…
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The Art of Impactful Entertainment (ft. Jeff Civillico)
40:59
40:59
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40:59Guest Bio: Jeff Civillico is an award-winning entertainer, speaker, and philanthropist. Known for his high-energy performances, Jeff has headlined in Las Vegas since 2009 and performed over 5,000 shows. He is the founder of the nonprofit organization Win-Win Entertainment, which brings smiles to children, patients, and staff in hospitals nationwide…
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The Science of Creating Superfans (ft. Brittany Hodak)
40:55
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40:55Guest Bio: Brittany Hodak is an award-winning entrepreneur, speaker, and author known for her expertise in creating unparalleled customer experiences. She has worked with some of the world's biggest brands and artists, including Taylor Swift, Katy Perry, and Walmart. Brittany's book, "Creating Superfans: How to Turn Customers into Lifelong Advocate…
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The Undercover Millennial (ft. Clint Pulver)
39:40
39:40
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39:40Guest Bio: Clint Pulver is a renowned keynote speaker, author, and professional drummer known for his expertise in employee retention and workplace culture. He is the creator of the Undercover Millennial Program, which has garnered insights from over 11,000 employees. Clint's engaging presentations blend his passion for music with powerful messages…
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Turning Pain into Purpose (Ft. Anne Mahlum)
40:47
40:47
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40:47Guest Bio: Anne Mahlum is a visionary entrepreneur and philanthropist known for her transformative impact in the nonprofit sector and the fitness industry. She is the founder of Back on My Feet, a nonprofit organization that uses running to help homeless individuals gain independence, and Solidcore, a high-intensity fitness boutique. Anne's innovat…
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Francesco Pastore: Failure is Not the Devil
42:36
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42:36In this episode of "Gratitude Through Hard Times," host Chris Schembra welcomes Francesco Pastore, the Chief Marketing & Sales Officer and Corporate Communication Director of the global paper leader, Sofidel. Francesco discusses the concept of a "portfolio career," emphasizing the importance of diverse experiences, continuous learning, and adaptabi…
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In this episode of "Gratitude Through Hard Times," host Chris Schembra welcomes Steve Tcherchian, Chief Product Officer and Chief Information Security Officer at XY Pro, to discuss the profound impact of gratitude, resilience, and vulnerability in leadership. The conversation begins with Steve’s journey through the competitive cybersecurity industr…
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Mastering the Publishing Game (ft. Naren Aryal)
34:11
34:11
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34:11Guest Bio: Naren Aryal is the CEO and co-founder of Amplify Publishing, a pioneer in hybrid publishing. With over 20 years of experience in the industry, Naren has overseen the publication of thousands of titles, specializing in non-fiction and thought leadership. He is passionate about helping authors navigate the evolving landscape of publishing,…
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In this episode of "Gratitude Through Hard Times," Chris Schembra welcomes Elaine Knight, the Chief People Officer at Behavioral Health Link. Elaine shares her journey and insights on creating a positive and supportive work culture in the behavioral health sector. The conversation delves into the importance of gratitude, mindfulness, and empathy in…
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Exploring Something New (ft. John Winsor)
34:54
34:54
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34:54Guest Bio: John Winsor is a highly regarded entrepreneur, author, and speaker with a deep focus on innovation and the future of work. His extensive career includes founding Radar Communications, which was sold to CP+B in 2007, where he embraced co-creation and strategy to enhance market intelligence. Winsor's early entrepreneurial ventures also inv…
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Content is King, Queen, and Ace (ft. Mary Ellen Slayter)
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35:25
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35:25Guest Bio: Mary Ellen Slayter is a content marketing innovator who transitioned from journalism to founding Rep Cap, a B2B content marketing agency that excels in video and podcasting content. Her expertise lies in leveraging journalistic skills to enhance B2B content marketing, focusing on storytelling as a tool to solve business problems and driv…
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Guest Bio: Shawn Kanungo is a strategist and keynote speaker who operates at the intersection of creativity, business, and technology. Having spent over a decade at Deloitte before venturing into the world of public speaking, Shawn has become a recognized leader in innovation and disruption. He is known for his high-energy presentations and a bold …
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Guest Bio: Susan Drumm is a leadership development advisor with a rich academic and professional background, including Harvard Law School and the London School of Music and Dramatic Arts. She has coached billionaires, CEOs, and political figures, guiding them to enhance their leadership capabilities through increased self-awareness and strategic pe…
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In this conversation, Chris Schembra interviews Enrico Galasso, the CEO of Peroni, an iconic Italian beer brand. They discuss Enrico's new book, “Per I Prossimi 175 Anni”, the importance of empathy and meaningful connections in leadership, and the challenges and opportunities of managing a brand with a long history. Enrico emphasizes the need for l…
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Guest Bio: Frankie Russo is an accomplished entrepreneur, author, and keynote speaker with a track record of launching successful ventures across various sectors, including technology and marketing. As the founder of Russo Capital and the mind behind companies like Potenza Inc. and 360ia, Frankie has demonstrated exceptional skill in driving expone…
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Guest Bio: Raj Nathan, known as the Startup Hypeman, is a multifaceted entrepreneur, blending his passion for hip hop with expertise in startup pitch consulting. His dynamic approach to storytelling and audience engagement has made him a notable figure in the entrepreneurial and keynote speaking worlds. Raj's innovative pitch framework, Que PASA, h…
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The Nuances of Narrative (ft. Vika Viktoria)
33:13
33:13
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33:13Guest Bio: Vika, hailing from the former Soviet Union and now a global citizen, has carved a unique path through her adventures and storytelling. Her journey from fleeing political asylum to becoming an advertising executive and finally embracing a nomadic lifestyle underscores her belief in the power of narratives. A Moth story slam winner and a c…
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Capturing Souls and Stories (ft. Paul Mobley)
38:38
38:38
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38:38Guest Bios: Paul Mobley is an acclaimed American photographer and keynote speaker known for his ability to capture the essence of his subjects, from celebrities to everyday heroes. With a background enriched by his work with Annie Leibovitz and a passion for exploring the human condition, Mobley's photographs transcend the visual, offering deep ins…
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Harmony and Rhythm (ft. Michelle Anne Johnson & Doug Manuel)
42:47
42:47
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42:47Guest Bios: Michelle Anne Johnson: A transformative figure in leadership communication, Michelle leverages her extensive background in acting and personal development to help leaders harness the power of presence. Her journey from performing on television to coaching Fortune 500 executives showcases her unique ability to empower individuals to lead…
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In this episode of Gratitude Through Hard Times, we're thrilled to welcome Lisa Besserman, a luminary in both the technology and venture capital worlds. Lisa, the Founder of Startup Buenos Aires—which was successfully acquired—has made remarkable strides in the tech industry, earning her a spot among Business Insider's "Top 100 Most Influential Wom…
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We’ve all experienced it: that feeling of being stuck on an endless treadmill. It can be soul-crushing, but our guest on this episode of Gratitude Through Hard Times is a peak performance coach is here to help us change the narrative heading into 2024. Erin Stafford, author of "The Type A Trap: Five Mindset Shifts to Beat Burnout and Transform Your…
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The Energizer (ft. Rachel Sheerin) On powering your life and the lives of others OPENING QUOTE: “A lot of those titans, in 2020 and 2021, they weren't ready to say the B word yet. It wasn't viral on TikTok yet.” -Rachel Sheerin GUEST BIO: Rachel Sheerin doesn't just motivate, she illuminates. She doesn't just speak, she electrifies any room. Her ke…
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Go Beyond (ft. Colin O’Brady) From never-walk-again to never-stop-climbing OPENING QUOTE: “Man, I'd do anything for an ejector seat button to get me the heck out of here, as fast as possible, that's for sure.” -Colin O’Brady GUEST BIO: Colin O'Brady is a 10 time world record holding explorer, New York Times bestselling author, professional athlete,…
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Letting Go to Move Ahead (ft. Jamie Hess & Matthew Vincent)
40:55
40:55
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40:55Letting Go to Move Ahead (ft. Jamie Hess & Matthew Vincent) This business demands boldness, so we talked to two of the boldest OPENING QUOTE: “Do you want to be doing a hoe down for children's vitamins and a skit about band-aids on Instagram for the rest of your life?” -Jamie Hess GUEST BIO: Jamie Hess Jamie Hess overcame a slew of self-destructive…
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From Comedy to Keppler (ft. Warren Jones)
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43:33From Comedy to Keppler (ft. Warren Jones) An unexpected path brings surprising insights OPENING QUOTE: “Thunder applause, everybody on their feet. So happy, just ecstatic. And he said, "Here's the thought I had. I've got to write a new speech.” -Warren Jones GUEST BIO: From a hugely successful career in entertainment, working as a manager at ABC an…
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The Virtuoso (ft. Felipe Gomez) Singing, laughing, and connecting your way to the big stage OPENING QUOTE: “I really thought about it, but when I was there on the stage, I said, what the hell? I'm going to sing. I'm going to make them sing.” -Felipe Gomez GUEST BIO: Felipe Gomez is a multi multi hyphenate who has given over a thousand performances …
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Nothing creates team buy-in more effectively than the “ownership mindset” espoused by our guest on this episode of Gratitude Through Hard Times. What’s the secret sauce? Kerry Siggins, CEO at StoneAge Inc., shares with Host Chris Schembra her powerful building blocks for cultivating workplace cultures rooted in accountability. It’s about caring – f…
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Insights from the World’s Largest Bureau (ft. Ryan Heil)
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36:06Insights from the World’s Largest Bureau (ft. Ryan Heil) What we can learn from an industry powerhouse with a startup attitude run by a philosopher OPENING QUOTE: “So, I think that's our job, is to help speakers identify those nuggets, and the speaker's job's to take the complex and make it super applicable.” -Ryan Heil GUEST BIO: Ryan Heil is the …
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Behind the Curtain: An Open Convo with a Buyer and a Bureau (ft. Tim Mathy & Lynne McNees)
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36:21
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36:21Behind the Curtain: An Open Convo with a Buyer and a Bureau (ft. Tim Mathy & Lynne McNees) How do you find out what buyers and bureaus want in a speaker? You ask them. OPENING QUOTE: “That standing ovation, it's not about the speaker, it's not even about the audience to me. It's about the people planning the event. That's who that standing ovation …
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Exactly What to Say (ft. Phil Jones) How to be a perfectionist and an improviser all at once OPENING QUOTE: “... woke up seven days later, 120,000 free downloads. I'm like, okay, I might have something.” -Phil Jones GUEST BIO: Phil Jones has founded not one but five multimillion dollar companies, became the youngest ever winner of the British Excel…
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The Soulful Giant (ft. Justin Wren) Fighter-turned-lover Justin Wren on what it means to fight for a greater purpose OPENING QUOTE: “And so now, whenever I've gotten into a fight and the cage door locks, I'm looking this guy in the eyes and I know that I know, but I also believe that I know he knows, that I have stronger reasons than he does, so I …
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Seek the stress. Scale with soul. Embrace your uniqueness. These are just a few of the pearls of wisdom flying fast and furious when Christina Luconi, Chief People Officer at Rapid7, visits with Host Chris Schembra on this episode of Gratitude Through Hard Times. Her self-awareness, strength and positive vision have not only been central to buildin…
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An Insider’s Look (ft. Ivy Gustafson & Jenny DeRosse)
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41:01
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41:01An Insider’s Look (ft. Ivy Gustafson & Jenny DeRosse) Insights from two amazing experts right here at Impact Eleven OPENING QUOTE: “If you really open yourself up and show who you are and you're not afraid to show your weaknesses and your flaws, the audience really relates to you because we're all human.” -Jenny DeRosse GUEST BIO: Ivy Gustafson spe…
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