Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Gratitude Through Hard Times
Plongez dans la liste complète des épisodes de Gratitude Through Hard Times. Chaque épisode est catalogué accompagné de descriptions détaillées, ce qui facilite la recherche et l'exploration de sujets spécifiques. Suivez tous les épisodes de votre podcast préféré et ne manquez aucun contenu pertinent.
Rows per page:
50
1–50 of 271
Titre
Date
Durée
Sandra Campos: Experience Builds Wisdom
27 Oct 2025
00:41:59
Episode Overview
In this deeply personal episode of Gratitude Through Hard Times, host Chris Schembra sits down in person with Sandra Campos, a trailblazing CEO, board advisor, and serial entrepreneur whose story spans global fashion houses, digital transformation, and compassionate leadership.
From humble beginnings in her parents’ tortilla factory to leading billion-dollar brands like Diane von Furstenberg and PetMeds, Sandra’s journey is one of grit, grace, and reinvention. Sheopens up about her mother’s influence as an immigrant and lifelong learner, how that shaped her own discipline and drive, and why gratitude remains the throughline of every chapter in her life.
Together, Chris and Sandra unpack the difference between knowledge and wisdom, exploring how true leadership comes not from perfection but from experience, the kind earned through risk-taking, failure, and self-belief. Sandra shares how she’s learning to slow down, to truly listen to the sounds around her, from the birds on her rescue horse farm to the people who cross her path, and why presence might be the most powerful skill in business today.
They talk about the courage to show up before you’re ready, the importance of respect in partnerships, and how every ending can be the start of a new beginning if you meet it with optimism and curiosity. Sandra’s reflections on authenticity, self-authorship, and purpose offer timeless lessons for anyone navigating change or chasing meaning in modern leadership.
This episode is a reminder that you can’t teach wisdom — you live it. It’s a celebration of resilience, risk, and gratitude, and an invitation to believe that, no matter your age or stage, you’re always just beginning.
Themes & Highlights
● How Sandra’s immigrant mother instilled grit, gratitude, and lifelong learning ● From “knowledge builds confidence” to “experience builds wisdom”
● Taking uncalculated risks — and learning to thrive through failure ● The emotional intelligence behind leading through change ● Presence as the ultimate leadership skill
● Why reinvention is not a restart, but a continuation of purpose
Why Listen
At a time when leadership often feels defined by speed and perfection, Sandra reminds us that true wisdom comes from slowing down, showing up, and learning through experience. Her journey from small-town Texas to the global stage is proof that success built on gratitude, curiosity, and courage doesn’t just change careers...it transforms lives.
“Experience Builds Wisdom” is more than a conversation, it’s an invitation to see every risk, every chapter, and every quiet moment as a teacher.
Kirti Naik: Redefine Reputation
21 Oct 2025
00:49:29
Episode Summary
In this deeply human and heartfelt conversation, Chris Schembra sits down with his longtime friend Kirti Naik, a powerhouse brand leader turned soulful storyteller, for an episode that moves beyond titles and accolades into the raw, unfiltered truth of a life well-lived. On this crisp New York City fall day, amid Yom Kippur reflections and the festive spirit of Diwali, Chris and Kirti explore the intertwined forces of fate, love, resilience, and identity.
Kirti opens up about her unexpected journey into motherhood and how her daughter, Kiran, became her North Star, pushing her to finish business school while pregnant, guiding her to build a better life, and teaching her lessons in forgiveness and courage. Together, Chris and Kirti unpack the subtle art of pausing in a world obsessed with speed: pausing before responding to an email, pausing to think, pausing to realign with who we are and who we want to become.
They delve into the heavy weight and quiet liberation of reputation, how cultural expectations and personal setbacks (like divorce) shape us, and how we can reclaim our own narrative even after painful turning points. Kirti shares how love and partnership with Greg have reshaped her family and her understanding of commitment — beyond paperwork and traditions — into something deeply chosen and resilient.
The conversation moves fluidly from practical life strategies (like managing anxiety, editing before you send, embracing imperfection) to profound reflections on destiny (or “amor fati”), legacy, and the humility that comes with decades of personal and professional growth. We hear about parenting in New York City, the courage to let go of perfectionism, and how success is measured not just by business milestones but by the depth of relationships we nurture along the way.
This is not a business episode, it’s a blueprint for living with greater presence, courage, and gratitude. Whether you’re navigating big career decisions, untangling old expectations, or learning to pause before reacting, Kirti’s story is an invitation to slow down, reflect, and embrace the beautiful messiness of life.
10 Great Quotes
“Kids, don’t worry about people knowing you. Make yourself worth knowing.” — Chris (quoting Fiorello LaGuardia)
“She was my North Star — the reason I wanted to be a better person, to work harder, and to finish what I started.” — Kirti
“Progress comes from movement, not perfection.” — Chris
“I’ve shifted from people pleasing to teaching and communicating what I authentically think.” — Kirti
“Precision requires pause. Sometimes waiting 15 minutes changes everything.” — Chris
“Reputation is hard to rewrite — but it’s not impossible when you lead with honesty and vulnerability.” — Kirti
“Material things don’t really matter. We don’t actually need anything but each other and some Netflix.” — Kirti
“We have to rise above business success and find success in our personal lives — the world needs that.” — Chris
“Love doesn’t have to be defined by societal milestones. Commitment can be something deeply chosen.” — Kirti
“It’s humbling to realize we’re still learning — not about tools or tactics, but about ourselves.” — Kirti
10 Key Takeaways
Pause Before You React — Writing a draft and waiting before sending helps you edit, clarify, and prevent future missteps.
Redefine Reputation — Your past doesn’t have to define you; vulnerability and new actions can reshape how others see you.
Parenthood as Catalyst — Unexpected life events, like surprise motherhood, can bring purpose and resilience you didn’t know you had.
Move from People Pleasing to Authenticity — Stop avoiding conflict; respectfully communicate your needs and boundaries.
Love Beyond Paperwork — Lasting commitment isn’t about traditional milestones but about shared choice and partnership.
Cultural Expectations Can Be Rewritten — Even deeply ingrained norms can shift when you choose your own happiness and truth.
Imperfection Is Human — Let go of needing to be flawless; aim for 80–90% and move forward.
True Success Is Relational — The depth of mentorship, family bonds, and love defines life more than job titles.
Anxiety Can Be Managed with Pause — Small intentional habits — like stepping back before acting — can reduce fear and increase control.
Fate vs. Coincidence — Sometimes the unexpected (from your child’s name to life detours) is guiding you toward who you’re meant to become.
Grace Smith: The Power Of Hypnosis
24 May 2025
00:58:01
Episode Summary
In this riveting and deeply personal conversation, Chris Schembra sits down with Grace Smith — one of the world’s most respected hypnotherapists and the founder of the #1 hypnotherapy brand in the world — to explore how hypnosis can unlock peak performance, emotional clarity, and authentic leadership in the modern workplace.
Chris opens the episode by recounting how Grace helped him through a dark moment in 2021, using hypnotherapy to reconnect him to purpose, possibility, and a record-breaking year in business. From there, the conversation expands to cover Grace’s origin story, her groundbreaking work with high-achieving CEOs, and why hypnosis is less about “fixing” and more about revealing the strength already inside us.
Grace shares stunning stories from her early career — including how she helped a paralyzed man regain movement in a single session, a man who would later become her father-in-law. Together, they explore how the subconscious governs behavior, how leaders can reprogram outdated belief systems, and why gratitude often lives just beneath stress, waiting to be uncovered.
This episode is a masterclass in neuroscience, personal growth, and emotional intelligence for anyone looking to lead with clarity and courage in a world of chaos.
Key Themes
Subconscious blocks and business growth
The science of theta brainwave states and peak performance
How trauma and stress quietly shape executive decision-making
Why hypnosis helps leaders find clarity, confidence, and intuition
The power of gratitude as a renewable energy source
How to lead with presence in a world of distraction
Notable Quotes
“When the subconscious is working against you, you’ll never reach your true potential.” – Grace Smith
“Gratitude is there—it’s just buried beneath stress. Hypnosis helps you feel what’s already been inside you.” – Grace Smith
“You’re not fixing broken people—you’re polishing the gem that was always there.” – Chris Schembra
“Hypnosis gave me the pause I needed to take action toward healing. One week later, I bought a ticket to Italy.” – Chris Schembra
“The brain doesn’t just change overnight because your circumstances improve. You have to rewire it—consciously.” – Grace Smith
“I work with people whose decisions shift tectonic plates. When their subconscious is clear, the world moves with more grace.” – Grace Smith
“Every subconscious breakthrough is followed by what I call a bonus miracle—change you didn’t even expect.” – Grace Smith
“When you’re in theta, you bypass the ego. That’s where the intuition lives. That’s where the clarity begins.” – Grace Smith
“We’re not adding anything. We’re removing what’s in the way of who you already are.” – Grace Smith
“Hypnosis isn’t mind control. It’s mindset liberation.” – Grace Smith
“Grace didn’t just help me recover—she helped me remember who I was before the noise.” – Chris Schembra
“You can read every business book in the world. But if your subconscious is working against you, you’re building on sand.” – Chris Schembra
“She’s not giving you a new mind—she’s handing you the keys to the one you forgot you had.” – Chris Schembra “Sometimes the only way forward is to pause long enough to hear the voice underneath the fear.” – Chris Schembra
Featured Stories
Grace’s first hypnotherapy session helped her quit smoking — and changed the course of her life
How a United Nations peacekeeper paralyzed from a stroke moved his hand again in a single session
Chris’s vulnerable account of his 2021 mental health crisis and the role Grace played in his recovery
Why CEOs with billion-dollar companies are turning to hypnotherapy for their next breakthrough
The neuroscience of flow, intuition, and decision-making under pressure
Learning is not about the outcome, like getting a good grade on your final. Learning is about the journey, the feeling you get when something finally makes sense, the moments of connection you have when studying with friends, the thrill of teaching a concept to another person. Learning is not a perfect process, it's messy and challenging, but it's necessary to adapt to failure or adversity.
Mattan Griffel is an expert on the importance of learning as a journey, not an outcome.
In his new book, "Python for MBA's", Mattan instills the mental models needed not only to code, but to look at the world with an artist's eye and a craftsman's heart.
Mattan is an award-winning faculty member at Columbia Business School, author of Python for MBAs, and two-time Y Combinator-backed entrepreneur. He is co-founder and COO of Ophelia, a company that helps people quit opioids without having to go to rehab. Mattan is also an Innovation Fellow at the Lang Center for Entrepreneurship and was selected as one of Forbes' 30 Under 30 in Education. Mattan advises companies on innovation and technology and has worked with companies like Goldman Sachs, Bloomberg, Condé Nast, American Express, NYSE, and JPMorgan. His work has been featured in The New York Times, Forbes, BusinessWeek, and the MIT Technology Review. Mattan studied Philosophy and Finance at New York University and wrote his thesis on the metaphysics of consciousness under David Chalmers and Ned Block.
In this episode, Mattan and Chris dive philosophically deep into Python, life, and learning.
Listen to this episode and learn about:
Mattan giving credit and thanks to his middle school teacher (3:22)
Teaching things you love (6:54)
Developing critical thinking (11:01)
Approaches to learning (17:57)
Why coding is so essential (23:25)
The technological revolution that is coming (27:18)
We all have the opportunity to take what life throws us and make the most out of it by seeing obstacles as a stepping stone and a growth opportunity.
To capitalize on this opportunity, we have to know deep down that que sera, sera, which means whatever will be, will be.
Allie Felix has used the mantra, que sera, sera to fuel growth throughout her entire life.
Allie is Embarc Collective’s VP of Platform, forging connections across startup founders, partner organizations, and investors between Tampa Bay and the broader tech ecosystem. Before boomeranging back to Tampa Bay, Allie led community for enterprise tech venture capital firm Work-Bench and DD bdusiness development for women's angel investing network 37 Angels in New York City. She CC started her career in marketing and partnerships for Tim Draper’s pre-accelerator program in San Francisco, Draper University. She is a graduate of Smith College and currently serves as a Venture Partner for Republic and Scout for bloom equity.
In this episode, Allie teaches us valuable life lessons by digging deep into her past using gratitude.
Listen to this episode and learn about:
Allie giving credit and thanks to Brown University (2:42)
Overcoming rejection (6:24)
Developing the discipline to maintain a positive perspective (10:14)
How impactful que sera, sera is (12:37)
Managing the balance between success and struggle (19:27)
Using gratitude to narrow the gap between a traumatic event and overcoming it (22:39)
Negativity seems to surround us constantly. Whether it's on social media, the news, or at work, everywhere we look there seems to be negativity, anger, or sadness.
But we can choose whether we take on that negativity or not. Our attitude comes from how we look at life. We only get one life, so smile, stop and smell the roses, and enjoy every bit of it. Bring love to others through generosity. Because that's what our world needs the most right now, love and kindness.
Reneé Bemis knows just how powerful some love and kindness can be.
Reneé grew up in Palm Beach, Florida, playing golf, developing a drive that allowed her to compete with the very best golfers and go on to receive a full scholarship to play golf in college. That drive took her as an amateur to several professional tournaments and ultimately the US Open twice. Then, Reneé switched directions, translating her passion to something new: art. An accomplished sculptor, she has earned recognition and numerous awards throughout the United States. Utilizing the ancient lost wax method, her creations are initially created in clay, then cast in bronze. She is also the President of the Society of Animal Artists.
Together with her husband, Brian, she simultaneously runs Driftless Glen Distillery, an award-winning craft distillery in Baraboo, WI. They are located at the edge of the Driftless Area, a unique topographical part of the state that was missed by the last glaciation 15,000 years ago and that now has rugged hills, deep river valleys, rich prairies, and abundant limestone. This local terroir offers not only prime conditions to grow grains, but also a natural sandstone aquifer, allowing Driftless Glen to source grain and water locally and produce their whiskey 100% grain-to-glass. In addition to their bourbon and rye, they have a full range of products that include brandy, vodka, and gin. Driftless Glen takes pride in their double-distillation process that includes a 10,000 pound, 44-ft tall column still along with their one-of-a-kind pot still. Most recently awarded two double gold medals by the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and rated by Whisky Advocate with a "90" for their Bourbon Whiskey, the company has been named "Wisconsin Distillery of the Year" by New York International Spirits Competition and shared as a "Top Ten US Spirits Brand You Must Try" by London Spirits Competition. From golf to art, and all the way to craft spirits, share Reneé's dream and "Taste the American Spirit."
In this episode, Reneé passionately shares with us how to live a meaningful and fulfilling life.
Listen to this episode and learn about:
Reneé giving credit and thanks to her little brother (3:00)
Acknowledging people on a consistent basis (4:48)
Values derived from adversity (8:56)
Eliminating entitlement (11:02)
Teaching others to enhance your own learning (12:04)
Setbacks can seem like the end of the world. It can feel as if all your progress is gone, and you're not sure if it's work persevering.
But when you face adversity in the difficult situations that come up in life, use it as an opportunity to do better for yourself and other people because most setbacks turn into the opportunity of a lifetime.
David Haskins especially knows how powerful a setback can be in order to set up for a comeback.
David is the Founder & CEO of Haskins & Company. He got his start in Law Firm Marketing a decade ago, helping David Aylor launch his practice. Since then, he has worked with over 100 law firms creating and implementing smart, aggressive growth strategies. Conferences and CLE's frequently ask him to share his wealth of knowledge and experience about law firm marketing.
In this episode, David shares about how to preserve and pivot in the most unexpected of situations.
Listen to this episode and learn about:
David giving credit and thanks to his Grandfather, Solomon (3:13)
How COVID completely changed priorities for the better (8:30)
The value of taking yourself out of the equation (18:06)
Networking - it's something we all have to do but most of the time don't want to do. Networking can often feel awkward, cold, and transactional. This is especially true with the advancement of social media platforms like Linkedin.
But building relationships with others doesn't and shouldn't have to be this way. As social creatures, we crave genuine connection that leads to authentic relationships. But to build real and meaningful contacts, we need to go back to basics by tapping into our humanity and learning to be more intentional and authentic.
Susan McPherson is an expert on the ins and outs of the lost art of connecting. This is where the transactional nature of networking ends, and the meaningful creation on relationships begins.
Susan is a serial connector, angel investor, and corporate responsibility expert. She is the founder and CEO of McPherson Strategies, a communications consultancy focused on the intersection of brands and social impact, providing storytelling, partnership creation and visibility to corporations, NGOs and social enterprises. She is the author of The Lost Art of Connecting: The Gather, Ask, Do Method for Building Meaningful Relationships. Susan has 25+ years of experience in marketing, public relations, and sustainability communications, speaking regularly at industry events including Inspirefest/Dublin, BSR, Center for Corporate Citizenship's Annual Summit, DLD and Techonomy., and contributing to the Harvard Business Review, Fast Company, and Forbes. She has appeared on NPR, CNN, USA Today, The New Yorker, New York Magazine and the Los Angeles Times.
Currently, Susan invests in, and advises women-led technology start-ups, including iFundWomen, Inc., Messy.fm, Our Place, The Riveter, Park Place Payments, Hint Water, Apolitical, Arlo Skye, Giapenta and The Muse. She serves on the boards of USA for UNHCR, The 19th News, and the Lower Eastside Girls Club, and serves on the advisory board of both The List and Alltruists. Additionally, she is a member of the MIT Solve Women and Technology Leadership Group and serves as an adviser to several nonprofits, including Girls Who Code, Ocean Collective, She’s The First, and The OpEd Project. Susan is a Vital Voices global corporate ambassador and has received numerous accolades for her voice on social media platforms from Fortune Magazine, Fast Company and Elle Magazine. She resides in Brooklyn.
In this episode, Susan dives deep into the concepts of her new book, The Lost Art of Connecting.
Listen to this episode and learn about:
Susan giving credit and thanks to her 5th grade teacher (3:02)
How listening and question asking can set you apart (6:49)
Serving others before yourself (12:22)
Finding out what you have to offer (15:54)
Solving the insecurity of being left out (18:39)
The first step to gathering people (21:41)
Bringing people together around a particular issue (22:57)
The importance of connecting people (25:34)
Employees having time off to volunteer (29:11)
How meaningfully connecting with others leads to efficiency (31:27)
Eli Schwartz: The Why Behind Your Organic Growth Strategy
26 Apr 2021
00:51:03
SEO for decades has been thought of as an increasingly complex element of marketing to grow your company. But in this groundbreaking book, by Eli Schwartz, we uncover the human and artistic side of growth.
Eli's hypothesis is that good SEO is not derived by throwing money and content at a search engine algorithm, but it's created by taking the right intention and building a great product.
Product-led SEO is driven by listening to the needs of the customers you serve and delivering solutions that drive growth.
Eli is an SEO expert and consultant with more than a decade of experience working for leading B2B and B2C companies. Eli’s strategies have generated millions of dollars in revenue for some of the internet’s top websites. He has helped clients like Shutterstock, WordPress, Blue Nile, Quora, and Zendesk execute highly successful global SEO strategies.
As head of SurveyMonkey’s SEO team, Eli oversaw the company’s global operations, helped launch the first Asia-Pacific office, and grew the company’s organic search from just 1 percent of revenue to a key driver of global revenue. Eli’s work has been featured by TechCrunch, Entrepreneur.com, and Y Combinator, and he has given talks at business schools and keynoted conferences around the world.
In this episode, Eli thoughtfully shares with us insights and strategies from his book, Product-Led SEO.
Listen to this episode and learn about:
Eli giving credit and thanks to his wife, Shawna (3:58)
When was the last time you wrote a thank you letter? For most of us, the last time was as a child to thank friends or family members for gifts or other generous acts.
But the long forgotten act of writing thank you notes is more powerful than a simple thank you. Letters of gratitude can spark upward spirals of positivity and connection, among other things.
Gina Hamadey especially knows just how valuable writing thank you letters can be.
Gina is the author of the forthcoming book, I Want to Thank You, about her year writing 365 thank you notes to friends, neighbors, family members, mentors, and more (much more!) She was the travel editor at Food & Wine and Rachael Ray Every Day and started her career at the groundbreaking titles O, the Oprah Magazine, and George. She founded the content and social strategy firm Penknife Media. She has written for The New York Times, Real Simple, and Women's Health, among other publications.
In this episode, Gina thoughtfully shares with us key lessons around gratitude from her new book.
Listen to this episode and learn about:
Gina giving credit and thanks to her 5th grade teacher, Mary C. Hall (3:24)
The role of mentorship in destiny (5:53)
The synergistic nature of writing and gratitude (7:24)
If gratitude is selfish (10:09)
If a letter is always the best way to express your gratitude (17:13)
Have you ever heard the saying, "Communication is key"? What kind of communication are they talking about here?
Communication is an essential skill that all humans need to be successful. But not all communication is created equal. Throughout the world, there are over 6,500 spoken languages. So, verbal communication may not get us very far, but visual communication, on the other hand, may be the key.
Visual communication stems from visual thinking, which is when we use images to organize thoughts and create ideas. Through visual communication, we can communicate with a broader audience, bridging any language barriers.
Todd Cherches uniquely knows how visual thinking is a superpower and key for communication. Todd is the CEO & Co-founder of BigBlueGumball, an innovative NYC-based consulting firm specializing in leadership development, management training, public speaking, and executive coaching.
Creator of the patented VisuaLeadership® methodology, Todd is a TEDx speaker ("The Power of Visual Thinking"), as well as a three-time award-winning Adjunct Professor of leadership at NYU and Lecturer on leadership at Columbia University. He is also the author of VisuaLeadership: Leveraging the Power of Visual Thinking in Leadership and in Life.
In this episode, Todd gets visual and tells us key stories and lessons from his book, VisuaLeadership.
Listen to this episode and learn about:
Todd giving credit and thanks to Mr. Patterson, his High School English teacher (2:31)
Visual storytelling (6:10)
Visuals overcoming language barriers and other divides (7:36)
The power of stories and storytelling (12:58)
Not studying the business mistakes of others but studying the life mistakes of others (15:29)
Innovation as history repeating itself (18:48)
Combating stress by simplifying (21:16)
The No-vember challenge (23:46)
Slowing down your thinking in order to speed up your progress (27:28)
The day Todd thought he went extinct (30:53)
Setbacks setting you up for the next leap forward (33:48)
Not only in competition, but in life we're not going to win all the time. In this game of life, we can either be winning or be learning.
In sports and business alike, losing is never about losing. It's about picking yourself back up and getting yourself back in the game. If you win, you're going to celebrate that win and then move on. But if you lose, you're learning from it.
Rob DeSalvo knows the value of a win or a learning lesson on and off the field.
Rob DeSalvo is the Chief Revenue Officer of Undertone and has been a member of the team since 2015. He is an advertising sales and marketing executive with 20+ years of experience covering major brands and agencies with campaigns in traditional, digital, experiential, and social media. In his current role, Rob leads our national sales team, client experience team & content solutions initiatives.
Rob is also very involved in the advertising industry community serving on the Board of Directors at the Boston Chamber of Commerce, MITX & BIMA. And he is also GIVSLY Ambassador - an invite-only group of advertising professionals who value purpose and want to be a catalyst for change in the industry - highlighting their passions while growing professionally and personally going down a purpose-driven path.
In this episode, Rob dives deep into the coaching lessons he's learned throughout his sports and business roles.
Listen to this episode and learn about:
Rob giving credit and thanks to a former coach (2:41)
Appreciating tough communication styles (5:33)
Short term gain vs. long term gain in coaching (7:38)
Setting employees up for success, whether it's continuously with your company or somewhere else down the road (9:36)
Helping employee's make the best decisions (13:00)
The importance of people buying from people (15:26)
The link between investing in your relationships and greater loyalty (17:17)
Being on the frontlines of mental health and social well-being (19:38)
Life is not supposed to be easy. Life is filled with suffering, and the more you can embrace it and use it to fuel your growth, then the better, more fulfilling, meaningful life you will have.
As humans, we were made to solve problems because we were made to be constantly growing. If we don't have a problem to solve, we try and create one. It is always through mistakes and the tough times that we have to dip deep and grow. So don't look to eradicate your problems; embrace them.
Kerry Siggins especially knows how important it is to embrace the problems in our messy but meaningful lives.
Kerry Siggins is the CEO of StoneAge, Inc., the global leader in the design and manufacturing of high-pressure waterblast cleaning tools and robotic equipment used in the industrial cleaning industry. StoneAge sells and supports its products throughout the world and is considered the be "best of class." Kerry joined StoneAge in January of 2007 as the Director of Operations, and at the age of 29, she was named CEO by the company's Board of Directors. She has since led the company in building a strong global presence resulting in double-digit growth year over year. She recently led the acquisition of Breadware, an Internet of Things (IoT) product development firm based in Reno, NV.
Kerry was named one of Colorado's Top 25 Most Influential Young Professionals and was a finalist for Colorado's CEO of the Year in 2017. StoneAge is recognized as a Top 100 company to work for by Outside Magazine. Kerry sits on several other boards and is a member of YPO, where she is on the executive committee of the Doing Business Globally Network. She is a dynamic, sought-after speaker who has presented at universities, seminars, and conferences worldwide. Kerry hosts two podcasts, Industrial Theory and Reflect Forward, which can be listened to on all podcast platforms. She is an author and blogger; her articles are published in various magazines, and her blog is visited by tens of thousands of readers each month.
In this episode, Kerry thoughtfully shares with us how failure shaped her life and her career.
Listen to this episode and learn about:
Kerry giving credit and thanks to everybody that she has had to part ways with as a leader (2:55)
The hardest part of admitting your mistakes (4:41)
Developing a humble mindset (6:30)
Curiosity as a tool for acknowledging others (9:12)
Vulnerability's paradoxical nature as a weakness and a strength (11:05)
It pays to be positive (13:12)
The upside to your dark side (15:07)
Incorporating thinking into a busy, doing lifestyle (16:54)
How Kerry's podcast, Reflect Forward, got started (22:15)
Committing to well-being and coming into the present (25:26)
Paying gratitude forward instead of paying it back (27:15)
Broadening what you think is possible to achieve (30:18)
Kerry's message to everybody that she has parted ways with as a leader (35:32)
Kerry's Social Media - all platforms @kerrysiggins
Sara Hardwick: Beyond Giftology
22 May 2025
00:46:21
In this deeply moving and insight-rich episode of Gratitude Through Hard Times, host Chris Schembra welcomes Sara Hardwick, the Community Relationship Strategist at the Gift•ology Group and steward of the late John Ruhlin’s enduring legacy. What begins as a conversation about gifting quickly unfolds into a masterclass in human connection, spiritual resilience, and the transformative power of long-game generosity.
Sara shares her unexpected journey into this world of relational marketing—how a nudge from her college roommate and a single Google search led her to John’s work, and how her bold outreach blossomed into a mentorship, a career, and a calling. Chris and Sara reflect on how the principles of Beyond Gift•ology are not just business strategies—they’re spiritual frameworks for living well, loving deeply, and leading with purpose.
The episode pays tribute to John Ruhlin, a father, husband, and business visionary who turned gifting into an art form and relationship-building into an enterprise. John passed away in 2024, but his wisdom—"Relationships can take you places marketing can’t"—lives on in the systems, stories, and spirit that Sara now helps shepherd to the world.
Together, Chris and Sara unpack practical strategies from Beyond Gift•ology: how to build a business based on Return on Relationship (ROR), how to gift without branding or ego, and how to become what Adam Grant calls a “strategic giver”—someone who gives generously and wisely without burning out.
They explore the nuances between swag and soul, between a gift that gathers dust and a gift that transforms a relationship, and between a one-off act of kindness and a lifestyle of sustained generosity. Sara also speaks vulnerably about her faith journey, how her relationship with God guides her every decision, and how grief, gratitude, and giving are all connected.
Chris draws parallels between his own work at the dinner table and John’s commitment to elevating relationships through thoughtful gestures. They explore how tiny, consistent acts—handwritten notes, engraved knives, warm introductions—create ripple effects that build not just revenue, but legacy.
Whether you're a founder, a sales leader, a service-based professional, or simply someone who wants to live more intentionally in your relationships, this episode offers a generous mix of soul and strategy. It’s a reminder that business doesn’t have to be cold, marketing doesn’t have to be manipulative, and giving—when done well—can be your greatest competitive edge.
What You'll Hear in This Episode
➤ A Powerful Opening Tribute Chris opens with a personal story of how a 20-minute call with John Ruhlin in 2017 changed his life. That call turned into a two-and-a-half-hour conversation, a lasting mentorship, and the permission to go “all-in” on human connection.
➤ Sara’s Origin Story: From College Gifting Club to Gift•ology Leader You’ll hear how Sara’s best friend Chloe encouraged her to Google “gift giving company”—a search that led to John Ruhlin’s work and, eventually, to Sara founding the internet’s largest gifting community while still in college.
➤ The Long Game of Generosity: ROR > ROI Sara and Chris dive deep into the difference between Return on Investment (ROI) and Return on Relationships (ROR). Sara explains why short-term thinking in business keeps us stuck—and how giving first, without expecting anything in return, can actually become your greatest long-term growth engine.
➤ Gifting as Strategy, Not Swag Sara outlines the key rules of strategic gifting:
It’s not about you—it’s about the recipient.
No logos, ever. Personalize for their life, not your brand.
Love on the inner circle—spouses, kids, even the family dog.
Focus on “practical luxuries” that create 5,475+ moments of thoughtfulness over time.
➤ The Rise of the Rich Relationship Society Sara introduces the R.I.C.H. framework:
Reciprocal
Influential
Connected
Humble
She shares how this system is designed to help entrepreneurs and service-based professionals build referral-based businesses rooted in trust, warmth, and mutual growth.
➤ Jesus, Dinner Parties, and the Divine Power of a Knife In one of the most personal moments, Sara credits her faith—and specifically, her renewed relationship with Jesus—as the compass guiding her work. They connect the dots between Jesus’ Last Supper, dinner tables as sacred community spaces, and how something as simple as a personalized kitchen knife can become a legacy of love.
➤ Beyond the Business Tactic: Legacy as the Ultimate ROI The episode closes with a powerful reminder: while gifting is a strategy, true generosity is a posture of the heart. Sara shares that she’s not just playing for business success—she’s playing for eternity.
Key Takeaways
Generosity isn’t a transaction—it’s a transformation. Strategic gifting isn’t about getting something back immediately. It’s about creating meaningful moments that compound over time.
Your swag isn’t a gift—it’s a billboard. The most powerful gifts are useful, personal, and logo-free.
Business is human-to-human. In a world overrun with AI, algorithms, and advertising, it’s the relationships built at your dinner table—not your Instagram grid—that truly move the needle.
Legacy is built in the little things. A handwritten note. A kitchen knife. A prayer. A hug. These are the moments people remember.
Self-awareness is key to growth. If we don’t practice it, we are not able to help others around us as much as we could.
Robert Glazer is the founder and CEO of Acceleration Partners and has become a recognized global leader in the affiliate and partner marketing industry, receiving numerous industry and company culture awards.
Roughly 7 years ago at a leadership event, Robert, eventually came to a realization that one of his core values is “figure out a better way to do things and to share it.” This has been a guiding principle for Bob since.
Robert has gone on to write 4 books including Elevate and Friday Forward, which is based off of his critically acclaimed newsletter that we love.
Through this work, Robert has committed to helping others find and understand their core values as well. He has recently created a “Discovering and Developing Core Values” course to identify, articulate and apply core values in your life and career.
In this episode, Robert talks about values, gratitude, and elevating people's performance and well-being.
Listen to this episode to learn about:
- Robert giving credit and thanks to Arun Gupta, who was his first real mentor (3:00) - How a leadership event roughly 7 years ago had a big impact on Robert (5:30) - The difference between pro-social gratitude and self-care (16:00) - How empathy is different than sympathy (20:00) - How the pandemic enabled more people to be givers in whatever way they could do so (34:30)
Entrepreneur's are surrounded by shiny objects. New and exciting opportunities are around every corner. But not every shiny object puts us on the path to our ultimate goal.
Understanding your goals and if a new opportunity aligns with them in a timely manner is how you avoid distractions and setbacks.
Bree Jacoby knows just how crucial it is to figure out if an opportunity will ultimately increase growth and efficiency.
Bree is the Founder and CEO of the hottest growing Personal Shopping services called BREE JACOBY, Home of Style, which currently operates in Los Angeles with members expanding across the country. She is also the host of Undressed by Bree Jacoby, a podcast about the life-style of entrepreneurs, socialites, and business moguls who have built or sold multimillion to billion-dollar businesses. Bree's styling company sold $1,000,000+ in its first year and is currently on track for 200% growth with a team of personal shoppers. Bree has built a book of high net-worth clients with their popular subscription-based membership model with stellar results of transforming people's wardrobes. She now has a stylist team and is continuing to build up stylists to deliver exceptional experiences to the company's members. The BREE JACOBY technology app will be coming out in 2021 for the Clueless closet of personalized tools for members only.
In this episode, Bree passionately shares with us major lessons in business and life.
Listen to this episode and learn about:
- Bree giving credit and thanks to an ex-business partner (4:09) - Learning through hard times (7:04) - How to focus on the right things (11:05) - Feeling good in the midst of a pandemic (12:23) - Pivoting to a ongoing, subscription-based service (20:21) - Bree's message to her ex-business partner (30:30)
How often do you try to fail? If the answer is not often, you're too comfortable in the things you're directing your energy towards.
If you're not failing, you're not trying hard enough, you're not trying anything new or risky. If you're not failing, you're not truly learning.
Elisabeth Cardiello knows just how powerful failure can be.
If you've seen the Netflix documentary, "Coffee For All," you may already know Elisabeth Cardiello. This Brooklyn-native had her first business cards at six and first product on shelves at 13. After college, business school and four years on Wall Street, she dealt with loss, found her passion and started a coffee company called Caffè Unimatic. After a decade of deconstructing why conversations over coffee are more genuine and less stress inducing than the conversations we have in boardrooms, she created a framework to reinvent the way organizations communicate. BRAVE Conversations Over Coffee is rooted in the tenets of neuroscience, positive psychology and hostage negotiation and gives organizations a way to address sensitive topics such as inclusion, burnout and mental health in order to build trust and unlock greater productivity.
In addition to working with leaders at high stress companies like Facebook, Dalberg, Sumitomo Mitsui Bank and the NYPD, Elisabeth is an instructor for Simon Sinek's InspireU, two time TEDx speaker, spoken at UN Conferences, given Congressional briefings and has been featured by Forbes, NBC and Goop, among others. She also created a methodology that builds confidence in the young women and has traveled around the country speaking in Entrepreneurship Departments and Women in Business organizations. Her family is still wondering where that shy 9 year old went...
Elisabeth’s mission is to build a world where coffee is the catalyst that inspires deeper listening, safer spaces and hence, greater access to our own creativity, connection and fulfillment.
In this episode, Elisabeth thoughtfully shares with us how failure shaped her life and her career.
Listen to this episode and learn about:
- How Chris and Elisabeth are related (0:51) - Elisabeth giving credit and thanks to her childhood babysitter, Miss D. (4:13) - When Elisabeth's mentoring journey started (7:55) - How the ritual of asking how you failed today started in Elisabeth's family (10:51) - Developing confidence through curiosity (14:17) - Being humble while also being confident (17:50) - How no-one is self-made (20:23) - Breaking the gender barrier in leadership (24:38) - The importance of getting away from materialism and individualism (28:21) - How to help those around you (32:41) - Elisabeth's new chapter in life (39:55) - Elisabeth's message to Miss D. (49:12) - Insightful closing words (51:42)
We live in a society that values independence and self-sufficiency. We're told that we need to run the race ourselves, that we need be the sole person climbing the ladder to success.
But the reality is that we don't need independence we need interdependence. To become the best versions of ourselves on our journey through life, we need to surround ourselves with individuals that are going to support us.
Molly Hildebrandt knows just how important others are when we're becoming the best versions of ourselves.
Molly is the head of Leadership Development for a global software company, where she designs, develops, and implements tailored leadership and professional development programs for the organization’s leadership team. She also runs her own consulting leadership development firm.
In this episode, Molly graciously shares with us her wisdom on professional and personal growth.
Listen to this episode and learn about:
- Molly giving credit and thanks to her mentor, Laura (1:39) - How to process limiting beliefs that are holding you back from a high self-esteem (4:18) - Using empathetic awareness to take action that furthers your life (9:17) - Developing wisdom instead of understanding (13:29) - How gratitude helps speed up the cycle needed to get to generatively (21:11) - How it's not too late to learn (24:28) - Story telling as the greatest form of listening (27:00) - Developing a culture of otherness (33:39) - How to make a leader that's not a boss (37:55) - Molly's message to her mentor, Laura (39:43) - Closing words on happiness (40:41)
Empathy, curiosity, emotional intelligence, and asking good questions are just a few of the skills that allow us to step into the feelings and perspectives of others who walk, talk, or act differently from us. By understanding where people are coming from, we can improve not only our life but the lives of those around us.
Tony Lo Bianco's commitment to curiosity is his secret for getting ahead in life.
Tony is a Brooklyn-born New Yorker who has appeared in over 100 films, television programs, and stage performances, both on-screen and off as a writer, director, and producer. On stage, he won an Obie Award for Best Actor in Jonathan Reynold’s Yanks-3, Detroit-0, Top of the 7th. Following his memorable performance as Eddie Carbone in Arthur Miller’s A View from the Bridge on Broadway, he was nominated for the Tony Award for Best Actor, and won the Outer Critics Circle Award. He also received an Emmy Award for Hizzoner! The Life of Fiorello La Guardia. Tony won 2 Emmys for his work on the video honoring veterans: Just A Common Soldier, which received over 36 million views.
In this episode, Tony passionately shares with us some stories and insights from his life on and off stage.
Listen to this episode and learn about:
- Tony giving credit and thanks to his Mother, Sally (2:26) - Learning from the wisdom around you (10:07) - How the course of Tony's life changed (14:17) - Curiosity and empathy as the gifts that keep on giving (21:24) - Dedication to a craft and passion as one in the same (29:35) - A story about resiliency and imagination (36:05) - Tony's message to his Mother (45:09)
As a species, we have achieved unimaginable feats over the past millennia. These great achievements have been reached largely due to our never-ending curiosity. Our drive to know, discover, understand, and explore has lead to wondrous creations.
But the roots of our limitless curiosity arise from question asking.
Cal Fussman's entire life has been guided by the power of asking good questions.
Born in Brooklyn, Cal spent ten straight years traveling the world, swimming over 18-foot tiger sharks, rolling around with mountain gorillas in Rwanda, and searching for gold in the Amazon. He boxed against then-undefeated world champion Julio Cesar Chavez, won a James Beard award and served as sommelier atop of the World Trade Center.
For over four decades, Cal has interviewed hundreds of the world’s most influential individuals: Muhammad Ali, Jack Welch, Mikhail Gorbachev, Serena Williams, Jeff Bezos, Jimmy Carter, Kobe Bryant, Richard Branson, and the list goes on. Now, as a New York Times bestselling author, keynote speaker, world-renowned interviewer, and host of the Big Questions podcast, Cal travels the world teaching the world’s largest companies, universities, and associations about leadership, storytelling, innovation, teamwork, and more. When Cal speaks, you’re listening to everyone he’s ever interviewed. Lessons and stories from hundreds of world icons, all coming through one man in a fedora.
In this episode, Cal gratefully shares with us the stories that have prepared him for his next chapter in life, healthcare.
Listen to this episode and learn about:
- How Cal and Chris met (3:02) - Curiosity as a tool to turn a bad moment into a positive one (5:35) - The importance of closing your eyes, listening, and seeing where life takes you (14:28) - How the novice, not the expert, makes change occur (20:06) - Everything you do is practice and preparation for what's coming (24:43) - Fixing healthcare through communication (28:04) - Vulnerability as the key to story telling (34:13) - The work of Phil the Pharmacist (38:04) - Cal's JFK story (51:47) - Climbing up the rope (1:01) - Cal's message to his dad (1:03)
Some of our core values here at 7:47 are honesty, empathy, and of course, gratitude. In this episode, Chris is hitting on all of these core values by opening up about some recent losses in the stock market. Listen to learn about the eight things Chris discovered by losing money in the stock market. Also, listen to find out how he transformed his misfortunes into gratitude.
It's the little things in life that ultimately lead to the big results. The same notion is true for sports and business alike. In baseball, the small balls, the singles, the bunts, these little things, they add up to home runs.
Joel Goldberg knows firsthand how strategic, little things lead to big results.
Joel has been the pre-game and post-game host and in-game reporter for the Kansas City Royals since 2008, including the wonderful 2015 MLB championship. He is also the host of the podcast, Rounding The Bases and the author of the best-selling book, Small Ball Big Results.
In this episode, Joel shares with us his lessons from business, life and the baseball field.
Listen to this episode and learn about:
- Joel giving credit and thanks to his wife, Susan (2:27) - What sparked the motivation to write Small Ball Big Results (7:50) - How to build strong, trust-based relationships (13:16) - The importance of humility (22:52) - Turning curve balls into home runs through gratitude (29:52) - What Joel wants readers to do with his book (34:22) - Joel's message to his wife (37:40)
Never before in human history have we had access to so much information. With the advancement of technology, we are now constantly surrounded by media, news, and advertisements.
If you're looking to create success in business or personally, being able to stand out among all the noise is a challenge in this modern age.
Michael Schein has the solution to attract attention, it's hype.
Michael is a writer, speaker, business owner, and hype artist. He is the author of The Hype Handbook: 12 Indispensable Success Secrets From the World’s Greatest Propagandists, Self-Promoters, Cult Leaders, Mischief Makers, and Boundary Breakers. He is also the Founder and President of the marketing agency MicroFame Media.
In this episode, Michael passionately shares with us key lessons and stories from his new book, The Hype Handbook.
Listen to this episode and learn about:
- Michael giving credit and thanks to his English and Drama teacher, Sandy Lewis (3:00) - How Michael found hype (5:20) - Creating a big splash internationally by making war, not love (11:19) - Transcendence as an effective, enriching, powerful force (17:41) - The need for pain to experience pleasure (19:06) - Gratitude in tough times (22:47) - Playing with ego, appreciation, and recognition (31:06)
At some point throughout our lives, we all aspire to be a leader. Whether it's being a line-leader at school, a leader of a sports team, or a business leader, leadership is something we all crave.
However, being a leader is only one part of the picture. If you truly want to have an impact on this world, you need to learn how to be a great coach.
Lynn Guerin knows very well that all great coaches are good leaders, but not all good leaders are great coaches.
Lynn serves as the CEO of the John R. Wooden Course LLC and is the President and “Head Coach” of his family-owned coaching, training, and performance development firm, Guerin Marketing Services. For the past 20 years, he has had the unique privilege of partnering with legendary UCLA basketball coach John Wooden and the Wooden family. His mission is “to make a powerful impact on the businesses we serve and the lives we touch; to help our clients and our team become the best they are capable of becoming in the marketplace and in life".
In this episode, Lynn graciously shares with us his insight and expertise on coaching.
Listen to this episode and learn about:
- Lynn giving credit and thanks to his wife, Tracy (2:40) - How Lynn met coach Wooden (6:47) - The role of humility and gratitude in coaching the John Wooden way (16:08) - Leadership as a subset of coaching (19:41) - Don't retire, re-fire! (24:18) - The importance of self-reflection (27:29) - How to create connection amongst division (33:13) - Being more interested in the success of others than your own success (39:59) - Lynn's message to his wife (43:18)
What if your inner critic isn’t the enemy—but a misdirected inner coach waiting for the right conversation?
On today’s soul-shifting episode, Chris Schembra sits down with licensed clinician and Wall Street Journal bestselling author Britt Frank to explore the untapped potential of your internal world. Britt’s new book, Align Your Mind, blends Internal Family Systems (IFS), neuroscience, trauma therapy, and radical compassion into a user manual for becoming a better leader—by leading yourself first.
In this raw, riveting, and often funny dialogue, Britt shares the ALIGN framework: a five-step method to transform the swirl of internal chaos into clarity, confidence, and calm leadership. You’ll walk away with tools to stop spinning, drop shame, and start collaborating—with all the voices in your head.
Chris and Britt explore:
How circus training helped Britt tame her mind and discover flow
Why shadow parts aren’t saboteurs—they’re secret allies
The real difference between solitude and loneliness
How to negotiate with your inner critic like it’s your toughest client
Why authentic leadership doesn’t mean “bring all your parts to work”
A powerful reframe: Your brain isn’t broken—it’s brilliant
Whether you’re a CEO, a team leader, or just trying to keep your head above water, this episode offers both practical tools and deep encouragement for navigating inner and outer leadership challenges.
Key Moments
[00:08] Chris’ poetic New York City intro + welcoming new and loyal listeners
[02:27] Britt’s dynamic background: therapist, speaker, author… and circus performer
[05:47] The Gratitude Question: Britt thanks her first circus coach for raising her standards
[07:36] Defining flow as alignment—not perfection
[10:38] Intro to Parts Work and why leaders must embrace their inner multiplicity
[12:38] What “shadow work” really means: turning inner tension into innovation
[15:15] The ALIGN Framework:
Acknowledge
Listen
Investigate
Give Gratitude (to your brain!)
Negotiate
[22:42] From loneliness to solitude: why inner gratitude is the first step to connection
[25:32] Why some stress is good stress: shifting mental gears instead of stalling
[28:57] Britt’s take on DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) and how it saved her life
[31:35] Busting three myths of the workplace:
Don’t bring every part of yourself to work
Workplaces aren’t families—they’re teams
Positivity isn’t the same as leadership
[36:53] Britt’s backstory: addiction, cults, hiding IFS books inside cult literature, and the breakthrough that changed her life
[39:28] Final takeaway: your inner critic isn’t a bully—it’s your most loyal bodyguard
[40:16] Chris’ signoff + why Align Your Mind is essential reading for anyone leading a team in 2025
Memorable Quotes
“Flow is not the absence of thought. It’s movement in the presence of noise.” – Britt Frank
“Every part of you has value. You don’t need to silence them—you need to negotiate.” – Britt Frank
“The solution to loneliness is solitude—but only if your inner world isn’t at war with itself.” – Chris Schembra
“Your brain isn’t wired for success. It’s wired for survival. Say thanks, and lead anyway.” – Britt Frank
“Leadership is not about being positive all the time. It’s about being real—with curiosity and compassion.” – Britt Frank
About the Book
Align Your Mind is Britt Frank’s empowering new guide to taming anxiety, healing trauma, and overcoming self-doubt using Parts Work. Combining practical exercises, storytelling, and cutting-edge neuroscience, Britt introduces readers to their internal cast of characters—from the anxious controller to the tired inner child—and shows how to bring them into harmony.
With Britt’s warm and witty voice, readers learn how to:
Reframe the inner critic as a coach
Move from chaos to clarity with the ALIGN method
Use curiosity as an antidote to burnout and self-sabotage
Stop waiting to feel motivated and start getting things done
Whether you’re a leader or simply a human navigating complexity, this book gives you the tools to realign and rise.
Britt Frank, LSCSW, is a licensed clinician, author, and speaker specializing in trauma, Parts Work, and mental health. Her work has been featured in The New York Times, NPR, Forbes, Esquire, and New York Magazine. She is the author of The Science of Stuck, The Getting Unstuck Workbook, and now Align Your Mind.
Chris Schembra is the Wall Street Journal bestselling author of
Gratitude Through Hard Times
and founder of the 7:47 Gratitude Experience™, which has impacted hundreds of thousands through the power of meaningful connection. He’s been featured in Rolling Stone, USA Today, Forbes, and beyond—and hosts this podcast as a space for leaders to explore the intersection of hardship, hope, and human potential.
Katie Hunt-Morr: Empowerment through Education
19 Jan 2021
00:40:29
Each and every one of us has the ability to make the world a better place. And one of the most fulfilling ways to do that is by helping others.
Katie Hunt-Morr is no stranger to the impact that helping others can have on the world.
Katie is the co-founder and director of Jiamini, a nonprofit that empowers brilliant students in need to build a bright future for themselves, lead their communities, and break the cycle of poverty. She is also the Head of Virgin Unite Constellation, growing a thriving business within the Virgin corporate and Branson family foundation, connecting the resources of Virgin Unite's community of high-net-worth philanthropists, heads of industry, influencers and nonprofit partners to solve large scale social and environmental issues.
In this episode, Katie thoughtfully shares with us her knowledge and passion for empowering students through education.
Listen to this episode and learn about:
- Katie giving credit and thanks to her Grandmother (2:57) - Being a trailblazer (5:46) - The art of compliments (7:54) - How to get people invested in a cause (11:22) - The origin story of Jiamini (15:02) - Connection as the key for caring for a cause (20:34) - Katie's message to her Grandmother (33:05)
People will go through more pain than necessary because they're trying to shoulder everything themselves. They're not willing to share it with others and they're not willing to reach for that help.
Take a moment right now and ask yourself how much pain do you want to endure before you actually let people see you - the real you?
Steve Napolitan endured immense amounts of pain by traveling down the hardest road to success. It wasn't until he was 31 years old with a metaphorically broken car on a deteriorating road that he realized there are many roads to get where he wants to go.
Steve is an executive coach and award-winning content producer. He has publicly served over 35,000 professionals, business owners, and entrepreneurs on their businesses and taught them how to increase marketing/sales, while systemizing business to minimize their effort and maximize their revenue. Steve helps his clients have the lifestyles they deserve.
In this episode, Steve gratefully shares with us how to find the best road to help us slow down enough to enjoy the drive.
Listen to this episode and learn about:
- Steve giving credit and thanks to his father (3:33) - Communicating gratitude (6:49) - The importance of reflection and connection (8:30) - If sacrifice is necessary for success (15:48) - The relationship between gratitude and freedom (22:41) - Knowing if you're ready for change (27:05) - How to practice what you preach (32:03) - What Steve is doing less of in 2021 (38:13) - Steve's message to his father (39:17)
Struggling and suffering are two common experiences that all humans face throughout their life's. But how we decide to overcome those difficulties determines who we will ultimately become.
Gary Player is certainly no stranger to life's challenges. But he preserved with faith and education to overcome the challenging moments in his life.
Gary is the most successful international golfer of all time. He has won nine major championships on the regular tour and nine major championships on the Champions Tour. And he is the only man in history to win the grand slam on both the PGA and the senior tour with over 165 international victories.
In this episode, Gary passionately shares with us the knowledge and lessons he has learned throughout his life.
Listen to this episode and learn about:
- Gary giving credit and thanks to God (3:28) - Overcoming life's difficulties (4:54) - What Gary is fighting for on a daily basis (8:05) - Loneliness as the great detriment of life (14:00) - How to find joy when traveling (16:38) - Aspiring for meaning (18:29) - How Gary wants to be remembered (19:14)
Happy New Year, 7:47 Community! We're kicking this year off with a Gratitude Ramble. In December of 2020, myself, Chris Schembra, the Founder and Chief Question Asker of 7:47, and Madeline Haslam, 7:47's Research Coordinator, experimented with doing hour-long, unscripted LinkedIn and Facebook Live's where we just ramble about gratitude. The first two Gratitude Ramblings were viewed by 2,144 of y'all so we decided to keep them going in the New Year!
One of our goals here at 7:47 is to provide you with the most cutting edge information and most up-to-date research on gratitude. So that's what these Gratitude Ramblings will serve as.
This audio was taken from our 3rd Gratitude Ramblings, which was live on January 6th, 2021. Listen to find out more about the transformational power of gratitude!
In life, there will always be people who doubt our visions. But whether we let that doubt creep in and affect us or not is ultimately our decision.
Jeff Winters made the decision to never let doubt in. When Jeff has a vision, he pursues it 100% leaving doubt in the dust.
Jeff is the Founder and CEO of Sapper Consulting. Sapper helps growing B2B companies secure high-quality sales meetings that lead to more closed deals. Their mission is to inspire innovation, celebrate growth, and clear a path to success for all who interact with Sapper.
In this episode, Jeff kindly shares with us about his vision and values for Sapper Consulting.
Listen to this episode and learn about:
- Jeff giving credit and thanks to Sapper's first employee (2:45) - How to stay motivated with your long-term vision (5:16) - Hiring based on values (8:54) - The origin story of Sapper Consulting (14:30) - What the future looks like for Sapper (19:15) - Jeff's impactful legacy (22:02) - Jeff's message to the first Sapper employee (24:50)
We live in a culture that rewards busyness. Having no work/life balance is applauded, and being overworked is the norm. But this toxic culture surrounding work is detrimental to us and our relationships.
Aliza Kline knows this all too well and has the solution, Shabbat. Shabbat creates the space to pause, rewarding relaxation, rest, rejuvenation, connection, and joy.
Aliza is the President and CEO of OneTable. OneTable's mission is to make Shabbat dinner accessible to tens of thousands of people who otherwise would be absent from the Jewish community. They provide resources, tools, and rituals that are not only attainable but sustainable. In the last six years since their founding, they've empowered their community to produce over 45,000 dinners.
In this episode, Aliza graciously shares with us about her passions and life's work.
Listen to this episode and learn about:
- Aliza giving credit and thanks to her history teacher and soccer coach in high school, Kara Buckley (2:51) - How Aliza continues to stand up and speak out (5:29) - The importance of Shabbat for pausing and connecting (8:04) - How community helps us create a ritual of rest (12:51) - Having a solo Shabbat practice (15:45) - Breaking societal norms in order to create future growth (19:00) - How creative and innovative you can be with Shabbat (24:10) - What's next for OneTable (28:35) - Aliza's message to Kara (33:01)
Tragedies are something we all experience throughout the course of our lives. When a tragedy occurs, we have the choice to either count our blessings or count our pitfalls. Life is a matter of perspective, so when we count our blessings and find gratitude in a tragedy that is when we find our inner peace.
Susan Ganeshan is the epitome of living a life full of gratitude.
Susan is the Chief Marketing Officer of Granicus. Granicus is the leading provider of citizen engagement, technologies, and services for the public sector, helping governments come closer to the people they serve. They have the first and only civic engagement platform, which serves over 4,500 government organizations connecting more than 220 million people.
In this episode, Susan shares genuinely with us about her life, her legacy, and her gratitude practice.
Listen to this episode and learn about:
- Susan giving credit and thanks to her brother, Dean (2:53) - Confidently taking on difficult challenges (7:57) - The power of gratitude journaling (15:21) - What's next for Susan (22:53) - The legacy that Susan is forging (28:14) - Susan's loving message to her Mother (32:29) - Closing remarks of gratitude from Susan (35:44)
The first step to building anything is to simply start. Whether you're building a business, a house, or a gratitude practice, the only way it will grow is if you make the effort to begin each day.
Casey Clark is an architect that helps entrepreneurs start living their life's passion.
Casey is the co-founder and CEO of Cultivate Advisors, an advisory firm that helps take small businesses to the next level. Casey and his team have helped thousands of owners reach their growth objectives through core business skill development and scalable systemization. Casey’s mission with the company is to simply help business owners achieve their dreams and take back control.
In this episode, Casey graciously shares with us how he scales businesses by building leaders.
Listen to this episode and learn about:
- Casey giving credit and thanks to both his Grandfather and Jim Sober (2:25) - When Casey's mindset shifted to being focused on impact (7:03) - Pursuing an entrepreneurial life of passion (9:30) - How Casey overcame and grew from difficult life moments (12:03) - How entrepreneurs know when they're ready to scale (17:51) - What's next for Casey (20:30) - The importance of community and relationships for Cultivate (21:55) - How to maintain mental and emotional well-being when working remote (23:11) - What's next for Cultivate Advisors (26:06) - Casey's message to Jim Sober (29:11)
One of the benefits of gratitude is that it shifts our focus from ourselves to those around us; it makes us humble. Humility paves the ground for servant leadership, which is all about recognizing you're not a self-made person.
Brent McCarty is the definition of a true servant leader.
Brent is the President of ESET North America. ESET is the pioneer of antivirus protection, with the global vision of enabling its users to enjoy the full potential of themselves and their technology in a secure digital world.
Brent was kind enough to share with us his humble beginnings that became the roots of his leadership journey.
Listen to this episode and learn about:
- Brent giving credit and thanks to his dad, Bill, for being an exemplary role model (2:38) - How Brent's childhood impacted his leadership style (6:02) - What to do to let your employee's voices be heard (8:44) - Developing a bottom-up leadership style (10:42) - How to create a culture of innovation without sacrificing the quality of work (13:40) - Being a leader in 2020 (16:23) - How to communicate with leaders in uncertain times (21:14) - Where Brent and his team are going next (23:57) - Brent's message to his dad (29:12)
Welcome 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, leadership, and the power of gratitude in shaping our personal and professional journeys. Tune in as we explore how small acts of kindness, mutual respect, and a commitment to connection can create a lasting impact in our lives and communities.
In This Episode, You’ll Learn:
How a simple shoulder tap can change the course of a career
The importance of mentorship and building reciprocal relationships
Lessons from Governor Gary Carruthers on leadership and respect across differences
Why celebrating the success of others (Mudita) is key to fulfillment
The Platinum Rule: Treating others the way they want to be treated
How small, cumulative actions can create meaningful change
Practical ways to express gratitude, even to those who are no longer with us
Guest Bio: Dr. Steve Elias is an experienced and approachable leader who knows how to bring people together and create positive change. As the Dean of the Katz School of Business at Fort Lewis College, he has worked hard to improve teamwork, build partnerships, and develop strategies that make a real difference for students, staff, faculty members, and the community. Steve is known for being down-to-earth and easy to talk to, with a leadership style based on open communication, fairness, and collaboration. With a background in applied social psychology and years of experience at Minority Serving Institutions, he understands people’s needs and makes them feel included and supported. Steve has a gift for inspiring others, building strong relationships, and finding creative ways to help organizations grow and succeed.
Episode Highlights:
[00:03:15] Chris introduces Dr. Steve Elias and the story of how they met in Durango, Colorado.
[00:07:45] Steve shares his gratitude for Governor Gary Carruthers and the pivotal moment he was "tapped on the shoulder."
[00:14:30] The Platinum Rule in leadership: why treating people how they want to be treated matters.
[00:21:10] Finding joy in the success of others - the power of Mudita.
[00:28:50] Overcoming the challenge of appreciating personal accomplishments without feeling egotistical.
[00:35:20] Chris and Steve reflect on the impact of small, everyday acts of gratitude.
[00:42:10] Exploring the legacy of Bob Graetz and his contributions to the civil rights movement.
[00:49:00] Practical advice for leaders on building a culture of recognition and gratitude in the workplace.
Resources Mentioned:
ResearchGate profile of Dr. Steve Elias
Deviant and Criminal Behavior in the Workplace by Dr. Steve Elias
Maria’s Bookshop in Durango, Colorado
The Platinum Rule concept
Harvard Study on Adult Development by Dr. Robert Waldinger
A&E Biography of Bob Graetz
Key Takeaways:
Celebrate the success of others and recognize the role you’ve played in their journey.
Small gestures, like lighting a candle or sending a kind message, have a profound impact.
Gratitude should be practiced daily and can help overcome regret and guilt.
Leaders should focus on relationship-building and understanding their team’s unique needs.
Call to Action: If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to Gratitude Through Hard Times and share it with someone who could use a little inspiration today. Have thoughts or questions about this episode? We'd love to hear from you!
Erik Day: Giving Voice to the Voiceless
10 Nov 2020
00:30:36
Exclusion hurts, but we all encounter it in our professional and personal lives. Everyone seeks to belong to something greater than themselves, but how do we find this belonging in our exclusion-filled, chaotic world?
Erik Day is the advocate we all need to overcome exclusion.
Erik is the Senior Vice President, Small Business at Dell Technologies, and the Global Executive Chair of the PRIDE Employee Resource Group at Dell Technologies. He is also the Board of Directors for Out and Equal Workplace Advocates.
When his dream to become a minister in the Methodist church was taken away, Erik searched for a new platform to make a meaningful difference. He ultimately found Corporate America to be his stage to give a voice to the voiceless.
Erik was gracious enough to share with us his story and his journey through leadership and advocacy.
Listen to this episode and learn about:
- Erik giving credit and thanks to both his husband, Craig, and corporate America (3:23) - How corporate America saved Erik's life (9:08) - The importance of inclusion initiatives for growth and development (13:05) - Dealing with remote work as a leader (18:35) - Communicating the value of human connection (21:55) - Erik's message to corporate America (26:22)
There's a well-known quote that says, "Nothing great comes without risk". Our guest today knows this all too well.
Christopher Gaeta has been pursuing his interests and turning them into his life's greatest passions since the age of 12.
Christopher is a venture capital associate specializing in healthcare investments for VU Venture Partners. A contributor to CNBC, U.S. News & World Report, and Yahoo Finance, Gaeta has amassed one of the largest LinkedIn networks in the country for his age. Captain of the Men's Golf team at Swarthmore College, Gaeta, is also the first student at Swarthmore to be concurrently pursuing a master's degree at the University of Pennsylvania's Perelman School of Medicine while still an undergraduate. He is a Stanford University Innovation Fellow and an alumnus of The Taft School in Watertown, Connecticut.
Christopher was gracious enough to take some time to share with us his successes and lessons from life so far.
Listen to this episode and learn about:
- Christopher giving credit and thanks to his brother, Matthew, for being an outstanding role model (3:38) - How Christopher developed a tolerance to risk at a young age (7:20) - Christopher's early goals in life (9:30) - Managing risk as an entrepreneur (11:33) - Tolerance and analytical skills when investing in stocks (14:16) - The link between golf and investing (17:17) - Where Christopher learned the act of teamwork and leadership (21:38) - The secret of balancing it all (26:38) - Christopher's self gratitude (30:33)
It can be hard to figure out what your dream is in life, and even harder to find the right path to take to achieve that dream.
Chris McIntyre is the American Dream Maker. Chris's destiny is to help people experience their life's wildest dreams.
Chris is the Co-Founder and Chief Experience Officer of EagleRider. EagleRider is the world's largest motorcycle rental, tour, and membership company, carrying the largest selection of new Harley-Davidson, Yamaha, BMW, Honda, Indian, and more for rent and touring. EagleRider operates from over 200 worldwide locations, leads over 100 guided and self-drive motorcycle tours including Route 66 and the Wild West, and convenient one-way motorcycle rentals, luggage storage, free parking, free use of DOT-approved helmets, excellent Club EagleRider membership benefits, and more.
In this episode, Chris McIntyre dives deep and shares with us his passions and joys in life.
Listen to this episode and learn about:
- Chris giving credit and thanks to his wife, June, for always keeping him on track (2:18) - How June, Chris McIntyre's wife, keeps him on a steady course in life (6:56) - How to accept, as a dreamer, that other people don't have the same dreams as you (10:17) - The difference between luck and gratitude (13:23) - What EagleRider is all about (15:54) - Following our dreams leads to life's greatest gifts (21:03) - The next journey for Chris (24:42) - Chris's bike of choice for a ride from Anchorage to Seattle (34:00) - A story about destiny (36:15) - Chris's message to June (43:37)
The ebb and flow of life is something we all are subjected to. Like the tides of the ocean or the phases of the moon, things in life naturally come and go.
Lynne Capozzi is no stranger to life's ebb and flow.
Lynne is the Chief Marketing Officer at Acquia and one of their boomerang stories, first serving as Acquia CMO in 2009. Lynne left Acquia in 2011 to pursue her nonprofit work full-time. She returned to Acquia in late 2016 to lead the marketing organization into its next stage of growth. Apart from work, Lynne is on the board of directors at the Boston Children’s Hospital Trust and runs a nonprofit through the hospital.
Lynne was generous enough to share with us her boomerang story and her passion for community.
Listen to this episode and learn about:
- Lynne giving credit and thanks to her two life long best friends (3:00) - Lynne's experience being a "boomerang" at Acquia (5:32) - How Lynne got involved in the nonprofit sector (7:14) - How to balance a job with nonprofit work (11:50) - Giving the way you want to give (13:46) - Acting like a storyteller not a salesperson (16:46) - How to protect ourselves from going back to the pre-COVID times (18:25) - What's on the horizon for Lynne (19:40) - The importance of open and honest communication (21:28) - Gratitude and it's power over fear and negativity (24:39)
We all have ideas that make up our life's dream. But turning those aspirations into reality is the tricky part.
John Miller is a master of making dreams come to life.
John is CEO of Cali Group, a holding company focused on using new technologies to transform the restaurant and retail industries. Cali Group owns a global QSR restaurant chain, CaliBurger, and has major equity positions in Dive afDiliated technology companies (Super League Gaming, FunWall, Miso Robotics, PopID, and Kitchen United). Prior to founding Cali Group in 2011, John was an early employee at Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals (NADAQ: ARWR). John is currently serving as CEO at PopID.
John gratefully shared with us about his family and work life and how he put his vision into existence.
Listen to this episode and learn about:
- John giving credit and thanks to his ex-wife, Caroline (2:34) - How John finds balance co-parenting through a pandemic (3:38) - John's strategy for combining his family life with his work life (5:11) - How to help children develop a passion for business (7:55) - The importance of human interaction in business (12:52) - The innovation of Kitchen United (16:30) - What excites John (22:08) - Closing remarks from John Miller (29:04)
Food and sales are the principal components of businesses and our lives.
Mark Eggerding intertwines both of them in his life and career to spark learning, excellence, confidence, positivity, enthusiasm, creativity, and love.
Mark is Vice President of Brand Activation at US Foods and the author of Mastering the Sales Recipe: Creating Memorable Customer Experiences and Sales Success.
His love for selling and cooking began at a young age when his school teacher gave him the confidence to reach for his dreams, and when his grandmother taught him about the pots on the stove. Mark now uses his skills to help others find success in the food and sales industry.
Mark was gracious enough to share his insights on selling, cooking, and success.
Listen to this episode and learn about:
- Mark giving credit to his Elementary school teacher, Mr. Kurt Gremel, for his encouragement, support, and guidance in helping Mark to participate in a speaking contest (2:53) - The origination of Mark's interests in speaking, selling, and cooking (5:06) - The equivocation of sales with soup (6:55) - What inspired Mark to take on a new career (8:56) - How brand and storytelling is a part of sales and cooking success (12:11) - The link between sales and cooking is crucial for curiosity and growth (14:02) - Catarina Domenici's story (15:59) - The value of connecting your community together in sales (19:34) - Enthusiasm as one of the most powerful engines of success (21:40) - The seven ingredients of mastering sales (24:37)
Chris Adams: Transforming Weaknesses into Strengths
14 Oct 2020
00:35:20
Everyone has unique qualities and characteristics. It's what makes our wonderful world so diverse and exciting. But understanding how to harness your unique attributes and use them to propel you forward is what determines our success.
Chris Adams is an expert at utilizing uniqueness to create a strong and diverse company culture.
Chris is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Park Place Technologies, building one of the country's fastest-growing companies, with over 1,200 employees. He is also a Volunteer Teacher with Junior Achievement, and he sits on the board for United Way for Greater Cleveland and Friends of Breakthrough Schools.
He forged his path to success by using his ADHD diagnosis as a tool for growth and connection. Diagnosed at a young age with what could have been viewed as a hindrance, he turned into a strength. Chris uses his unique capabilities to excel in his career and teaches others how to do the same.
Chris took some time to share his life journey with us and how he transforms weaknesses into strengths.
Listen to this episode and learn about:
- Chris giving credit and thanks to his assistant, Stacy (3:07) - How Chris effectively manages busy days (7:22) - Chris' journey with ADHD (9:19) - The balance between happiness and weaknesses when creating company culture (14:42) - The importance of volunteer work (19:34) - How Chris sees himself growing (25:38)
Failure - It's something we all face and struggle with. How we overcome our failures define who we become.
Jeremy Harbour took his failure and turned it into humility. He learned that when you fail, you realize the rope was only inches off the ground.
Jeremy is a serial investor and expert in Mergers & Acquisitions. He is also the founder of Unity Group, on which he’s advised on more than 300 acquisitions of both distressed and solvent businesses.
He grew up driven to make an impact. Leaving school at the age of 15 to start his own business, which later failed and spurred his ambition to help small to medium-sized business entrepreneurs.
Jeremy was kind enough to share with us his life story and the wisdom he has learned along the way.
Listen to this episode and learn about:
- Jeremy giving credit and thanks to his career guidance counselor at school (2:29) - What ignited Jeremy's drive (4:25) - How Jeremy overcame a failed business (8:50) - The importance of having humility when connecting and negotiating (12:44) - Jeremy's "why" behind his mission (16:48) - What the Harbour Club is all about (21:29) - Information about Jeremy's new book, Go Do Deals (25:20)
We all go through difficult times when growing up, but how we react to those times determine how we show up as adults.
Narine Galstian took her childhood challenges and grew into a driven, curious, and open minded leader.
Narine is one of the most promising CMO's in the technology sector, at the helm of the 14x - Inc. 500 Company, SADA. SADA was named Google Cloud Reseller Partner of the Year for 2018 and 2019. SADA was also named the Google Cloud Global Partner of the Year Award for 2018.
Coming to the United States from Armenia at eight years old knowing zero English, she was able to find her voice and the confidence to use it through her love of learning. She now uses her voice to empower others and to lead with openness and curiosity.
Narine was kind enough to share her childhood story and how it has shaped her into a driven and successful leader.
Listen to this episode and learn about:
- Narine giving credit to her ESL teacher, Ms. Abbott, for her inclusiveness, reassurance, and expressiveness (3:28) - Explanation of how she learned the confidence to speak up (5:42) - Creativity comes when you surround yourself with people who are different than you (10:53) - The company culture needed to quickly pivot and grow (12:56) - Narine's change in leadership perspective (16:45) - How to hold on to the past while charging ahead into the future (19:05) - The drive and impact Narine has that is never going to end (23:29)
Representation has always been important, especially in this day and age. Many people see the world in black and white, but there is more to life than that. There has been a constant need for a role model that sees in between the lines and is able to use their privilege (and burden) for good.
Lori Cornmesser is the perfect example that embodies all these traits.
Lori is a successful biracial woman who is also an accomplished Global Channel and Commercial Management Executive with more than 20 years of in-depth experience in managed services, computer networking, testing/measurement, and so much more.
She didn't grow up with a silver spoon but she was able to learn valuable lessons from her parents that allowed her to be the successful businesswoman she is today.
Lori was nice enough to discuss with us the people who have impacted her life, the social injustices of the world that she was privileged enough to not have to experience, and the burden of those injustices that she had to endure.
Listen to this episode and learn about:
- Lori giving credit to her mother for her strength, gratitude, and fearlessness (3:04) - What she learned in terms of success while growing up in a biracial family (4:49) - Why growing up biracial is both a privilege and a burden (7:17) - The burden and anxiety of being biracial (10:38) - Why she agreed to join a group of diverse people to share their missions (15:31) - The list of her warriors: people who have impacted and influenced her career (18:21)
Welcome 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, virtuoso pianist, and keynote speaker who has captivated audiences across 33 countries with his unique blend of music and leadership insights.
Felipe’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary. From his early days learning piano under a patient and dedicated teacher to delivering over 1,000 electrifying performances on global stages, Felipe’s life is a testament to the power of passion and purpose. As a speaker, he combines ancient philosophies, modern leadership principles, and his prodigious musical talent to create experiences that resonate deeply with audiences. In this episode, Felipe and Chris unpack timeless lessons on gratitude, love, learning, and leadership, offering listeners a playbook for transformational living.
Chris kicks off the episode with his signature warmth, reminding us all of the magic of small moments and the power of shared experiences. Felipe’s reflections on his first piano teacher, Clara Lucia Sanchez, lay the foundation for a conversation that seamlessly weaves personal stories with actionable insights. Together, Chris and Felipe explore themes like the tension and release of life, the science of gratitude, and the profound impact of small, intentional choices.
Felipe’s philosophy is rooted in Aristotle’s golden mean—the balance between excess and deficiency—and he brings this ancient wisdom to life with practical examples and heartfelt anecdotes. He also highlights the transformative power of listening, encouraging leaders to embrace questions like “Tell me more” and “How can I help?” to build trust, empathy, and connection. Throughout the episode, Felipe and Chris demonstrate how gratitude, music, and human connection can serve as antidotes to a world often consumed by division and distraction.
As they close out the conversation, Chris and Felipe share their vision for a live event series that combines their passions—food, music, and leadership—to inspire and unite communities. This episode is a masterclass in finding beauty in the everyday, cultivating resilience, and making the choice to live with gratitude and purpose.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
Felipe reflects on the life-changing impact of his first piano teacher and how her dedication inspired his lifelong love of music.
Chris and Felipe explore the golden mean, Aristotle’s philosophy of balance, and how it applies to modern leadership and life.
The importance of listening as a leadership skill is unpacked, with Felipe urging listeners to ask powerful questions like “Tell me more.”
Chris shares the science of gratitude, detailing how it improves physical health, mental resilience, and overall happiness.
Felipe draws a parallel between life and music, emphasizing the rhythm of tension and release as essential for growth and harmony.
Together, they discuss how small, daily choices to learn, love, and explore can lead to a more meaningful and joyful life.
Notable Quotes:
"Gratitude is the bridge between where we are and where we want to be." – Chris Schembra
"We are designed to learn, to explore, and to love—every day is a chance to do all three." – Felipe Gómez
"The most profound moments of joy come when we serve others, not ourselves." – Felipe Gómez
"Ingratitude is the seed of all wickedness—it’s time we turn it into gratitude and growth." – Chris Schembra
"Listening is an act of love, and it opens the door to empathy, understanding, and trust." – Felipe Gómez
"Tension is part of life, but release is where growth happens. Don’t dwell in the tension." – Chris Schembra
"Love, in its truest form, is the ultimate virtue—it has no limits, only power to transform." – Felipe Gómez
"If you want to live a life of gratitude, don’t wait for the big moments. Start with the small ones." – Chris Schembra
"In every conversation, the most important thing isn’t what’s said—it’s what remains unsaid." – Felipe Gómez
"Virtue is found in the balance—between excess and deficiency lies the path to greatness." – Felipe Gómez
"The greatest civilizations crumbled when gratitude disappeared. Let’s not repeat history." – Chris Schembra
"To become virtuous, you have to act virtuously. Justice requires acts of justice, love requires acts of love." – Felipe Gómez
"Gratitude is more than a feeling—it’s a tool for healing, hope, and humanity." – Chris Schembra
"Ask two questions every day: 'Tell me more' and 'How can I help?' These will change your life." – Felipe Gómez
"You don’t need permission or privilege to make the choice to learn, explore, and love. It’s yours to claim every day." – Chris Schembra
Actionable Takeaways:
Gratitude fuels growth: It fosters healing, connection, and personal transformation.
The power of small choices: Everyday acts of learning, exploring, and loving lead to a meaningful life.
Listen to lead: Effective listening builds trust, empathy, and innovation in leadership and life.
Tension and release: Life’s challenges are part of a rhythm—embrace the tension and find moments of release to thrive.
ABOUT OUR GUEST:
Felipe Gómez is a globally renowned speaker, virtuoso pianist, and thought leader whose work bridges the worlds of music, leadership, and personal transformation. With over 1,000 captivating performances delivered in 33 countries and 111 cities, Felipe has earned standing ovations from audiences around the world. His unique ability to blend classical music with practical leadership insights makes him one of the most sought-after keynote speakers today.
Felipe’s success is built on his extensive experience as an entrepreneur, business leader, and artist. He has delivered his message at some of the world’s most prestigious management and leadership forums, including the Global Peter Drucker Forum, the Oslo Business Forum, and the World Business Forum in New York, Madrid, Milan, and Sydney.
In his keynote presentations, Felipe uses a grand piano on stage to create a deeply interactive and transformative experience. Through music, he teaches profound lessons on leadership, trust, innovation, and teamwork, inspiring individuals and organizations to achieve greatness. His philosophy is rooted in the teachings of Aristotle and the concept of the “golden mean,” which he applies to modern challenges in life and business.
Felipe is also a celebrated author. His best-selling book, Attitude-E, offers practical frameworks for living with an entrepreneurial mindset, while his upcoming release, Virtuoso, explores the art of living and leading with excellence. Felipe hosts Pensando en Voz Alta, a weekly interview program where he engages with global leaders on topics of creativity, resilience, and transformation.
Born in Colombia, Felipe holds an MBA from the International Institute for Management Development (IMD) in Switzerland, where he also completed a program on Leading Digital Business Transformation. He combines his global perspective with the sensibility of an artist, delivering a message that resonates across cultures and industries.
Whether he’s inspiring corporate executives, performing on stage, or engaging with audiences through his 42-Day Listening Challenge, Felipe’s mission is clear: to help people orchestrate transformational change in their personal and professional lives.
Chris Schembra is the Wall Street Journal bestselling author of Gratitude Through Hard Times and Gratitude and Pasta. USA Today calls him their "Gratitude Guru", he's a Founding Member of Rolling Stone Magazine's Culture Council, and he sits on the Executive Board at Fast Company Magazine.
He is the Founder and Chief Question Asker of the 7:47 Gratitude Experience™ — an evidence-based framework used to strengthen client and team relationships in profound ways. He's used the principles of gratitude to spark thousands of relationships within the workplace.
Chris Schembra’s Book: Gratitude Through Hard Times: Finding Positive Benefits Through Our Darkest Hour.
Adam Grant’s Book: Give and Take: Why Helping Others Drives Our Success.
Barbara Fredrickson’s Research: Learn about the broaden-and-build theory of positive emotions.
Stephen Hightower: Remember Your Roots
15 Sep 2020
00:28:48
The American Dream is the belief that anyone, regardless of where they were born or what class they were born into, can attain their own version of success.
Stephen Hightower is the perfect representation of the American Dream.
Stephen is an experienced Chief Operating Officer with a demonstrated history of working in the oil & energy industry.
He grew up with humble beginnings but through persistence, drive, and determination, he was able to transform Hightowers Petroleum into the fast-growing, high achieving company that it is now.
Don't be fooled because he didn't do it all by himself. Stephen was gracious enough to discuss with us the person that inspired him to be the successful entrepreneur he is today and how he's going to help change the world during the "new normal."
Listen to this episode and learn about: - Giving his grandmother, Big Mama, credit for the company's success (2:03) - Stephen's childhood and Big Mamas' sacrifices (6:15) - How his grandparents were able to move into a segregated neighborhood (8:56) - Junior Achievement program in Middletown, Ohio (12:28) - How Stephen manages to connect with individuals who don't have the same beliefs (16:58) - How he wants to help rebuild the world after COVID (21:44)
Everyone wants to be the change they want to see in the world. To do that, you have to be a catalyst for your own growth, as well as for the people around you.
Don't know where to start?
Ozzie Nelson has the answers you need.
Ozzie is an accomplished Chief Executive Officer and chairman of Nelson who has applied entrepreneurial skills to the design, architecture, and planning industry.
Even though he is the second generation to have leadership within Nelson, he was the catalyst they needed to become the well-known, premier design firms that the world has ever known. Since he's been with the company, they have witnessed unprecedented growth, ascending to the third-largest provider of design and design-related services to corporate America.
Ozzie was kind enough to discuss with us his thoughts on authenticity, vulnerability, and being the guide, not the hero. He also stresses the importance of being a catalyst for others' growth.
Listen to this episode and learn about: - Giving credit to his wife, Shannon, for being with him through his whole journey (3:14) - How the American Dream has evolved in the past years (7:34) - "The only thing we really can control is ourselves and the decisions that we make." (10:18) - Silence is the best communication (12:13) - How to inspire future catalysts (13:49) - Weakness vs Vulnerability (17:12) - Being more authentic makes you more approachable (23:43) - The future of Nelson Worldwide (24:56) - Ozzie talks about how his team is the secret sauce of their success (28:15)
Everyone wants to have someone they look up to, someone who inspires them to become the best versions of themselves despite difficult circumstances.
Jeff Bush is one of those people you can look up to.
Jeff is a highly motivated, goal-oriented Operations Executive with an established history of exceeding goals in many areas.
Despite growing up with his odds stacked against him, he was able to learn how to treat every moment like an opportunity which led him to become the current President of Parker's. What he lacked in resources, he gained in work ethic which is a value his father ingrained in him in his early years.
Jeff was gracious enough to discuss with us his tough upbringing and the opportunities he had that led him to secure a job at Parker's — even though he wasn't looking for one.
Listen to this episode and learn about: - Jeff giving credit to his father for setting him on his path to success (2:09) - Growing Up in Lewes, Delaware being the eldest of 7 brothers (3:02) - Lessons from His Father (4:39) - Being Headstrong but Open: Father vs Leader (8:17) - Seizing Opportunities and Meeting Greg Parker (11:20) - Inspiring Curiosity on an Organizational Level (18:10) - Importance of Mentors (22:11)