“Of course I will, Dad.” These were the last words Dave Gibbons ever shared with his father. Given their past, the fact he spoke them at all was surprising. But even more extraordinary was what he was agreeing to do. Let me explain.

Dave Gibbons, a leader and author of "The Shape of My Eyes," shares his compelling life journey as he navigates the complexities of identity and forgiveness. He reflects on his father's betrayal and how it shaped his understanding of family dynamics. The discussion dives into the importance of resilience, the transformative power of love, and finding beauty in life's hardest moments. Listeners will appreciate insights on healing, empathy, and cultivating an unoffendable heart amidst personal and societal challenges.

In our busy lives, we often overlook the gifts we possess, assuming they’re too ordinary to share. Many times, however, these gifts are the very essence of what we’re meant to give to the world. For me, it was in embracing my story that my life felt transformed and my purpose revealed. For Maria A. Ellis, it was her passion for music that not only changed her life but the lives of countless others. Let me explain.

At almost 97 years old, Dr. Edith Eger is a Holocaust survivor, renowned psychologist, and author of the bestselling and award-winning memoir The Choice. In 1944 as a Jewish teenager living in Nazi-occupied Eastern Europe, Edith was sent to Auschwitz where she endured the most unimaginable hardships. And yet, rather than being defined by the trauma of her past, she’s chosen to rise above it – and inspires others to do the same. Today, Edith is joined by her grandson Jordan. Together, they share a story of love, loss, survival, and most importantly, the freedom found in choosing how we respond to life’s greatest challenges. Edith’s journey is a reminder that we can’t always choose the path that we walk in life, but we can always choose the manner in which we walk it. My friends, if you’re in need of a message of hope and the reminder that, in spite of the headwinds, the best is yet to come, this conversation is for you.

Does it seem like people are quick to anger these days? For many, it’s as if they go around seeking reasons to be disappointed, upset or infuriated. What happens, though, when an individual who has every right to be upset chooses instead to respond with grace? Years ago on an early morning Southwest Airlines flight I had such an experience. Let me explain.

As a seasoned Human Resources expert with more than 30 years of experience, April Simpkins is a powerhouse in the realm of mental health advocacy. With relentless determination, she has tirelessly championed the cause and became an even more visible advocate following the passing of her beloved daughter Cheslie Kryst (Miss USA 2019) who battled depression for many years. Today, April shares her professional journey, her unexpected path into pageantry and life as a mother of six. Equally important, she shares about the accomplishments of her late daughter Cheslie, the struggles Cheslie silently face, and how she continues to keep Cheslie's legacy alive. My friends, with September being National Suicide Awareness and Prevention Month, I hope today’s conversation will provide hope and guidance for you to continue forward boldly in your journey.

In June of 2021, I flew to Los Angeles and interviewed a Hollywood director. No sound was recorded, no video was captured, no notes were taken. But what he shared, the way he shared it, and what happened because of it positively changed my life.  Let me explain.

Director Sean McNamara is the force behind such films as Spare Parts, The Miracle Season, Soul Surfer, and the recently released Reagan. His creative prowess, directorial skills, and even more so, his humble nature, have gained him a reputation in the industry as “an actor’s director.” Six and a half years ago, Sean read the script for a film called ON FIRE, fell in love with it and has been steadfast in bringing it to life. Today, Sean shares insight from the filming of ON FIRE the film. But more importantly, he shares what it was like growing up in a large Irish family, how his parents challenged him to do mighty things, his journey from starting as a Production Assistant delivering scripts to directing box-office hits, and so much more. My friends, you’ll leave this conversation- with my friend Sean McNamara- full of joy, hope and excitement for what’s to come not just for On Fire the film, but for your lives.

A wonderful perk of my business is getting to share the stage with some of the most remarkable, eloquent, and impactful speakers alive.  To grow in this career, I’ve studied many of the greatest orators ever born. And yet, the greatest speech I ever witnessed wasn’t on some big stage, delivered by someone famous, wearing some fancy suit.  No, it was a far more modest setting, delivered by a far less trained speaker, representing a far more powerful message.  Let me explain.

Kristen Faulkner is the American cyclist that shocked the world when she won a gold medal in the women’s road race at the 2024 Paris Olympics — an event she wasn’t even supposed to compete in. In a field of veteran riders, Kristen became the first American woman in 40 years to earn Team USA a gold medal in that sport. Today, Kristen shares how she carries the lessons she learned while growing up in Homer, Alaska, how she celebrated what made her different than her classmates after she moved to a boarding school on the East Coast, and what moments led her to leave her career as a venture capitalist to pursue a career in professional cycling. Plus, Kristen shares her 2024 Paris Olympics experience and how she carefully analyzed the course, her competitors, and her ability to confidently race across the finish line. My friends, if you need a reminder that with passion, dedication and focus, you can accomplish monumental things, this conversation is for you.