

Motivational Mondays: Conversations with Leaders
National Society of Leadership and Success
A weekly conversation with entrepreneurs, authors, and leadership experts to unravel the secrets behind success. Our guests share their inspirational stories and give actionable advice. Learn more about The National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS) at thens.ls/mmpodcast.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 25, 2023 • 28min
Examining History Through a Different Lens (Feat. Michael Harriot)
Ever wondered about the truth behind our American myths and history? Looking for the truth behind the stories of American heroes like Christopher Columbus or Pocahontas? Look no further than this week’s Motivational Mondays!Michael Harriot of The Guardian and theGrio.com joins us this week to share what he has learned about American history with his trademark humor! With his expertise as a journalist, author, and cultural critic - and his status as "one of the most eloquent writers in America" - he’s one writer you’ll want on your TBR! (https://medium.com/the-daily-kerfuffle/michael-harriot-one-of-the-most-eloquent-writers-in-america-today-f2e1ef846d4b)Tune in to learn more about how his new book, “Black AF History,” views history through the lens of black people in America.LEARN MORE:>>Read the unvarnished stories from history that Harriot shares in “Black AF History: The Un-Whitewashed Story of America.” (https://www.amazon.com/Black-AF-History-Whitewashed-America/dp/0358439167)>>Learn more about Harriot and his work on his website. (MichaelHarriot.com)>>Check out the channels Harriot follows on YouTube. (https://www.youtube.com/@michaelharriot/featured)>>Keep up with Harriot on Twitter or Instagram. (http://twitter.com/michaelharriot), (https://www.instagram.com/michaelharriot)NSLS MEMBERS ONLY:>>Listen to the bonus episode to learn about Harriot’s thoughts on the Montgomery Brawl incident and how it may contribute to ongoing conversations about race (https://thens.ls/3Lvkyhj)Mentioned in this episode:Get 20% Off at the NSLS ShopUse code MONDAYS for 20% your entire purchase at shop.nsls.orgNSLS Shop

Sep 18, 2023 • 26min
Designing Your Dream Life (Feat. Amy Porterfield)
Get ready to jump-start your path to freedom! Amy Porterfield, CEO and author of “Two Weeks Notice,” joins Motivational Mondays to teach us about taking control of your own professional journey and creating a career that gives you a sense of freedom. Porterfield chats with Corey Andrew Powell about finding your purpose and what makes you unique — two vital steps in the process to shaping a successful career. No matter what career stage you’re in, you’ll want to catch this week’s conversation! Porterfield tackles topics like diversity, starting with a selfish “why,” and hilarious business card gaffes.LEARN MORE:>> Seek actionable steps for your venture in Porterfield’s book, “Two Weeks Notice” (https://amzn.to/3WYy8yn)>> Follow Porterfield on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok (https://www.instagram.com/amyporterfield), (https://www.facebook.com/AmyPorterfield), (https://www.tiktok.com/@amy.porterfield)>> Connect professionally with Porterfield on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/amy-porterfield-inc.)>> Find even more resources or join her “Learn with Amy” course on her website (https://www.amyporterfield.com)NSLS MEMBERS ONLY:>> Listen to the bonus episode to learn about confronting scarcity mentality and why Porterfield instituted 4-day work weeks. (https://thens.ls/3r3WfQE)Mentioned in this episode:Get 20% Off at the NSLS ShopUse code MONDAYS for 20% your entire purchase at shop.nsls.orgNSLS Shop

Sep 11, 2023 • 29min
Preparing for the Unexpected (Feat. Zani Sunshine)
What does resilience really mean in 2023? For Zani Sunshine, it’s about achieving self-sufficiency and control of personal necessities in an era when society feels increasingly unstable. After over a decade of research into off-grid living during the uncertainty of the pandemic, she and her family packed up their home in Atlanta, Georgia to establish a 25-acre homestead in rural New Mexico — and the Off-Grid Homestead Fam platform to teach others how to do the same.In this week’s episode of Motivational Mondays, discover how off-grid living makes you impervious to setbacks from natural disasters to common job loss and pick up some tips on how to get started on your own self-sufficiency journey.If you’re looking for the inspiration to build a more sustainable and fulfilling life — regardless of how unconventional it is — this week’s episode could be just the push you need.In this episode, you’ll learn what “off-grid” living really means in 2023, how even city dwellers can learn from the lifestyle, and why it’s time to prioritize spiritual wellness over money and status.LEARN MORE:>> Learn about Sunshine’s Off-Grid Homestead Fam at her website. (https://www.offgridhomesteadfam.com)>> Follow Sunshine on Instagram and YouTube. (https://www.instagram.com/offgridhomesteadfam), (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxtiWevNjFIXk7YWVFez8Jg)>> Read her new book, “Beginner’s Survival & Prepping Manual.” (https://www.offgridhomesteadfam.com/products/beginners-survival-prepping-manual)>> Read recent news on the off-grid lifestyle. (https://www.theguardian.com/society/2023/jul/03/the-rise-of-woodland-off-gridders-it-makes-more-sense-than-a-nine-to-five)>> Listen to other Motivational Mondays episodes. (https://www.nsls.org/resources/motivational-mondays)NSLS MEMBERS ONLY:>> Listen to the bonus episode to learn about the power of remaining true to your vision, and why security and abundance can only truly come from within. (https://thens.ls/3sNmI5F)Mentioned in this episode:Get 20% Off at the NSLS ShopUse code MONDAYS for 20% your entire purchase at shop.nsls.orgNSLS Shop

Sep 4, 2023 • 31min
Becoming a Fearless Entrepreneur (Feat. Paige Dungan)
What does it take to be an entrepreneur? For Paige Dungan, it simply comes down to figuring things out — even when you’re not sure where to start. That’s exactly how Dungan kickstarted a career as a PR mastermind of many successful book launches, including international best sellers, and founded her agency, The Front Porch Collective. In this week’s episode of Motivational Mondays, discover what really sets entrepreneurs apart from the pack, learn the skills needed to start your own endeavor — and maybe pick up a few tips on launching a best-selling book.If you’re looking for the courage to start your own journey into entrepreneurship, this week’s episode can show how you’re more ready than you might think.In this episode, you’ll learn how to overcome fear as an entrepreneur, why it’s critical to learn from failure, and the power of serving with no expectations.LEARN MORE:>> Learn more about Dungan’s work at The Porch Front Collective’s website. (https://www.thefrontporchcollective.co)>> Follow Dungan on Instagram. (http://www.instagram.com/thepaigedungan)>> Check out the work of these Gen Z authors. (https://girlsunited.essence.com/article/gen-z-authors)NSLS MEMBERS ONLY:>> Listen to the bonus episode to learn how to maintain unwavering confidence as a business owner and to understand why everything is inherently fixable. (https://thens.ls/44zmiNi)Mentioned in this episode:Get 20% Off at the NSLS ShopUse code MONDAYS for 20% your entire purchase at shop.nsls.orgNSLS Shop

Aug 28, 2023 • 31min
Live the Width of Your Life (Feat. Aneta Ardelian Kuzma)
What does it take to live a fulfilling life? For Aneta Ardelian Kuzma, a life coach and best-selling author, it’s about looking within and getting in touch with your values, free from external noise and the rules society creates for us. In this episode of Motivational Mondays, she shares her journey from burnout and depression to thriving as a life coach for high achievers — and what listeners can do to transform their own lives.If you’re looking for ways to improve your life, this week’s episode is full of insight about the power of taking small, “bite-sized” steps toward change. In this episode, you’ll learn how small daily commitments to growth can completely transform your life, why success can’t happen without mental health and wellness, and how to align your daily choices with your dreams and biggest goals.LEARN MORE:>> Start your mindfulness journey today with Kuzma’s book, “Live the Width of Your Life: 365 Daily Meditations on Living with Purpose, Passion, and Peace.” (https://amzn.to/44vMI3d)>> Check out programs, resources for mindfulness and yoga, Kuzma’s blog, and more at Ardelian Kuzma Group, LLC. (https://akuzmagroup.com)>> Listen to Kuzma’s podcast, Live the Width of Your Life. (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/live-the-width-of-your-life/id1637636413)>> Keep up with Kuzma on LinkedIn and Instagram. (https://www.linkedin.com/in/anetaardeliankuzma) and (https://www.instagram.com/ardeliankuzma)>> Check out these valuable meditation resources so you can protect your mental health, anywhere. (https://www.psycom.net/mental-health-wellbeing/meditation-resources)>> Listen to other Motivational Mondays episodes. (https://www.nsls.org/resources/motivational-mondays)NSLS MEMBERS ONLY:>> Listen to the bonus episode to learn about how Kuzma built her business by supporting organizations through the pandemic, as well as the power of asking “What kind of life do I want to live?” (members.nsls.org/audio/aneta-ardelian-kuzma)Mentioned in this episode:Get 20% Off at the NSLS ShopUse code MONDAYS for 20% your entire purchase at shop.nsls.orgNSLS Shop

Aug 21, 2023 • 28min
Volunteering as a Career Move (feat. Anna Taylor)
Could skills-based volunteering unlock the next chapter of your career? For Anna Taylor, founder of The Greater Sum Foundation, volunteering with nonprofits proved to be a catalyst for skill development and career advancement. In this episode of Motivational Mondays, she shares her organization’s innovative approach and discusses how community service and opportunity matchmaking can move you forward in both work and life.If you’re looking for a way to explore a new field or become more established in your current one, discover the value of volunteer experience as well as new ways to support causes you care about.In this episode, you’ll learn why skills-based opportunities are vital, how volunteer experience can stand out to employers more than education, and how diversity promotes better career guidance and awareness.LEARN MORE:>> Learn how you can support The Greater Sum, whether as a volunteer, a nonprofit, or a donor. (https://thegreatersum.org)>> Check out some of the awesome projects The Greater Sum has helped make happen. (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGJI59IZSbVmPHlRee8kVFQ)>> See what The Greater Sum is up to by following them on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram. (https://www.linkedin.com/company/thegreatersumfoundation), (https://www.facebook.com/greatersumfound), (https://www.instagram.com/greatersumfound)>> Read more insight on how volunteering can improve career prospects. (https://www.fastcompany.com/90763899/how-volunteering-helps-your-career-goals-and-overall-wellbeing)>> Listen to other Motivational Mondays episodes. (https://www.nsls.org/resources/motivational-mondays)NSLS MEMBERS ONLY:>> Listen to the bonus episode to learn how developing soft skills can help Gen Z start their careers on the right foot, and why it’s important for senior employees to stay open to the next generation’s unique approach to work. (https://thens.ls/3YHv4rl)Mentioned in this episode:Get 20% Off at the NSLS ShopUse code MONDAYS for 20% your entire purchase at shop.nsls.orgNSLS Shop

Aug 14, 2023 • 24min
Learning the Art of Conversation (Feat. Rose Fass)
What will it take to heal the rampant divisiveness in our world? For Rose Fass, business transformation expert and founder of fassforward Consulting Group, the difference boils down to perfecting the art of navigating challenging conversations. In this week’s episode of Motivational Mondays, Fass joins Corey Andrew Powell to talk about what’s missing from today’s discourse, how some leaders are setting a bad example, and how we can turn things around one conversation at a time.If you’re feeling powerless about the state of the world, this episode has all the inspiration and practical advice you need to feel reinvigorated and engaged, connect more deeply to the people around you, and make positive changes.In this episode, you’ll learn what’s at the heart of the division in today’s society, how our leaders set the tone for how the rest of us communicate, why it’s so important to keep an open mind and learn from people you disagree with, and so much more.LEARN MORE:>> How to have your own tough leadership conversation in Fass’s new book (https://amzn.to/3N8naSv)>> Fass’s background on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/rosefass)>> Get a better understanding of what’s driving increasing hostility in public discourse (https://news.osu.edu/a-new-theory-of-what-drives-partisan-conflict-and-hostility)>> Other Motivational Mondays episodes (https://www.nsls.org/resources/motivational-mondays)NSLS MEMBERS ONLY:>> Listen to the bonus episode to learn about how responsibility for healthy interactions begins with you, and how to have more empowering conversations with yourself. (https://thens.ls/45lA9Yr)Mentioned in this episode:Get 20% Off at the NSLS ShopUse code MONDAYS for 20% your entire purchase at shop.nsls.orgNSLS Shop

Aug 7, 2023 • 30min
Leadership Skills Start at Home (Feat. Michelle Felder)
Is there such a thing as perfect parenting? According to Michelle Felder, founder and CEO of Parenting Pathfinders and a mother of two herself, the answer is a resounding no — and that’s OK.In this week’s episode of Motivational Mondays, Felder seeks to remind parents what their role is really about: modeling how to live as a healthy adult with compassion, empathy, and accountability. Throughout the episode, she builds the case that the leaders of tomorrow will be directly shaped by the way their parents raise them. But true success as a parent isn’t about performing duties perfectly. It’s about being a human being, with all its flaws and limitations, taking responsibility, and trying to be better.In this eye-opening episode, you’ll learn what conscious parenting really is, how to instill accountability, why we need to recognize children as whole human beings, and much more.LEARN MORE:>> Learn more about Felder’s company, Parenting Pathfinders (https://www.parentingpathfinders.com)>> Get inspired with the org’s parent calendar (https://parentingpathfinders.myshopify.com)>> Follow Parenting Pathfinders on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube (https://www.linkedin.com/in/parentingpathfinders), (https://www.instagram.com/parenting_pathfinders), (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7DW5g2nvKoYZuI81wg_svg)NSLS MEMBERS ONLY:>> Listen to the bonus episode to learn about how children can pick up unspoken values and why self-care is so essential for parents. (https://thens.ls/3KwfjgV)Mentioned in this episode:Get 20% Off at the NSLS ShopUse code MONDAYS for 20% your entire purchase at shop.nsls.orgNSLS Shop

Jul 31, 2023 • 21min
What Drives Innovation? (Feat. Alex Goryachev)
What does innovation mean in 2023? In this week’s episode of Motivational Mondays, you’ll hear what Silicon Valley guru Alex Goryachev thinks technology has to offer us in Industry 4.0, and how that can change not only the way companies operate, but also the nature of work itself.As someone who grew up with the internet, Goryachev is a true digital native, deeply in tune with how technology shaped his life and what it can do for society. In his conversation with Corey Andrew Powell, he builds a case that innovation is about more than speeding up processes and growing profit margins – it’s also an opportunity to improve the way teams collaborate and communicate, as well as the quality of peoples’ lives at work.Don’t miss this week’s episode to learn more about the new era of innovation and what it takes to thrive in today’s business landscape.LEARN MORE:>> Get free resources on Alex Goryachev’s website. (https://www.alexgoryachev.com)>> Read Goryachev’s book: “Fearless Innovation: Going Beyond the Buzzword to Continuously Drive Growth, Improve the Bottom Line, and Enact Change.” (https://amzn.to/3N6GcZu)>> Follow him on Twitter and LinkedIn. (https://twitter.com/agoryachalex), (https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexgoryachev)>> Listen to other Motivational Mondays episodes. (https://www.nsls.org/resources/motivational-mondays)NSLS MEMBERS ONLY:>> Listen to the bonus episode to hear Goryachev’s thoughts on how AI can enhance human creativity rather than replace it. (https://thens.ls/3rQrhf7)Mentioned in this episode:Get 20% Off at the NSLS ShopUse code MONDAYS for 20% your entire purchase at shop.nsls.orgNSLS Shop

Jul 24, 2023 • 30min
Making Business Beautiful (Feat. Alicia Yoon)
Alicia Yoon’s journey began with her determination to heal her skin and led to a booming K-beauty business, Peach & Lily, a skincare company with values of inclusivity and transparency.In this week’s episode of Motivational Mondays, Corey Andrew Powell dives deep into Yoon’s background as a South Korea-trained esthetician, why the U.S. market was so hungry for her products, and what it took for her company to bring the “glass skin” movement to western consumers.If you want to hear about Yoon’s journey into entrepreneurship, what sets K-beauty products apart from those developed in the west, and maybe even some skincare tips, then this week’s episode is sure to satisfy. Watch or listen to this conversation between Powell and Yoon to learn why she started Peach & Lily, what it means to be the first versus what it means to be the best, why it’s so important for brands to educate their consumers, and how to meet the unique challenges of being a minority business owner.LEARN MORE:>> Take a holistic approach to your skin with Peach & Lily’s products! (https://www.peachandlily.com)>> Get product updates by following Peach & Lily on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, or TikTok. (https://www.instagram.com/peachandlily), (https://www.facebook.com/PeachAndLily), (https://twitter.com/peachandlily), (https://www.tiktok.com/@peachandlilyofficial)>> Step up your skincare knowledge by checking out Peach & Lily’s YouTube videos! (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCywO5s_Px-g2bNFpOGi29-w)>> Get inspired by Yoon by following her on Instagram and LinkedIn. (https://www.instagram.com/aliciayoon212), (https://www.linkedin.com/in/alicia-yoon-a182274a)NSLS MEMBERS ONLY:>> Listen to the bonus episode to learn how Yoon protects her mental space and what her vision is for the future of Peach & Lily. (https://thens.ls/44DrDnG)Mentioned in this episode:Get 20% Off at the NSLS ShopUse code MONDAYS for 20% your entire purchase at shop.nsls.orgNSLS Shop