Stay On Course: Ingredients for Success – Détails, épisodes et analyse

Four years into hosting the Stay On Course Podcast, Julie Riga steps into the guest seat to share the story she has never fully told before. From honoring her father's legacy to surviving Graves disease, from eating lunch alone in a high school bathroom to becoming a leadership coach and transformation catalyst, Julie's journey is proof that our hardest seasons carry our greatest lessons.

The Heart Behind Stay On Course:

• Why Julie created the Stay On Course Podcast four years ago
• How her father's words of faith became the soul of the brand
• The meaning behind "Stay on course" and why it carries so much weight

Lesson One: The Kid Who Had Lunch in the Bathroom:

• Being bullied from age five and the identity it almost stole
• Spending high school years eating lunch alone due to isolation and illness
• The quiet inner voice that carried her through: "They do not know who you are. They do not know who you will become."

The Surgery That Changed Everything:

• Undiagnosed Graves disease discovered at 16 after a life-threatening surgery
• Being rushed to the ICU and the doctor's warning to her mother
• How her senior year marked the turning point toward becoming herself

"If the world falls down on your shoulders, brush it off and keep going your way. Stay on course. Have faith."

"They do not know who you are. They do not know who you will become."

"I am a person of conviction and I am a person of purpose."

"It is because of those lessons that I became the unique individual that I am today."

1. Your story has purpose. The hard seasons are the foundation of who you are becoming
2. Reframe every setback as a lesson and watch your growth accelerate
3. Faith carries you through seasons you cannot navigate alone
4. Circumstance does not define you or your future
5. Tenacity and conviction are forged through difficulty, not comfort

Julie Riga is a leadership coach, TEDx speaker, bestselling author, and host of the Stay On Course Podcast. She helps leaders and business owners discover their true purpose, build authentic confidence, and break through to their next level of success.

Services: One on One Coaching | Leadership Programs | Training Programs | Brand Building

Explore all of Julie's resources here: https://stacklist.app/julieriga

Subscribe to Stay On Course wherever you listen to podcasts Share this episode with someone who needs to be reminded: your story is not over

#StayOnCoursePodcast #PurposeDrivenLeadership #AuthenticLeadership #PersonalGrowth #LeadershipMindset

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Fun Fact: The favorite food of David is Shakshuka, a Mediterranean dish of roasted peppers, tomatoes, and spices with eggs poached in the reduction, topped with feta and parsley, served with warm pita. He makes his own hummus.

Discuss: Follow a fast, slow, fast cadence. Align quickly on the list, go deep in discussion, then move to decision. Everyone speaks beyond their own role. Time-box each conversation with a visible timer.

Decide: Every decision is assigned one accountable owner with milestones and a follow-up timeline. Decisions fall into six categories: change a process, change a person, change the strategy, stop something, delegate it, or automate it.

Perseverance is the daily curation of atomic habits and routines designed to serve a future version of yourself and your business. David asks founders one powerful question: what is the last chair around the table you gave up? Each role you release creates more freedom, more capacity, and more life.

The two greatest gifts for any founder are community and coaching. Join an organization like EO or a local business network. Invest in a coach who meets you at your stage and holds you accountable to the leader you are becoming.

"If everything has to go through the owner, you are choking what could be happening to move the business forward."

"Share the burden. That is what a team is for."

• LinkedIn: David Aferiat
• Coaching Website: avid.coach

• Resources and Tools: stacklist.app/julieriga

#StayOnCourse #LeadershipMindset #DecisionMaking #PurposeDrivenLeadership #BusinessGrowth

Subscribe to Stay On Course wherever you listen to podcasts

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In this episode of the Stay On Course Podcast, host Julie Riga sits down with Jeff Willinger, a globally recognized digital transformation leader, Microsoft MVP, and one of the leading voices in enterprise AI and the future of work. Jeff shares the three ingredients that separate visionary leaders from those who fall behind. In an AI-driven world, the most valuable thing a leader can offer is not a solution. It is confidence. Whether you are a corporate executive, an entrepreneur, or a professional navigating change, this episode will shift the way you think about trust, technology, and your own leadership legacy. This conversation is for leaders who are ready to stop reacting and start leading with clarity and conviction.

Guest: Jeff Willinger, Digital Transformation Leader, Microsoft MVP, Director at Turn Digital Host: Julie Riga

About Jeff Willinger

Jeff Willinger is a globally recognized digital transformation leader, Microsoft MVP, and Director at Turn Digital. With over 20 years of experience in the Microsoft ecosystem, Jeff bridges the gap between business and technology. He makes tools like Microsoft SharePoint and AI Co-Pilot simple, tangible, and powerful for organizations of every size. His leadership philosophy centers on clarity, accountability, and always moving toward where the opportunity is going to be before anyone else sees it.

Fun Fact: Jeff is a proud New Yorker and a dedicated seafood lover. His ideal meal is king crab with drawn butter and lemon. When he is in a rush, nothing beats a classic New York pizza slice.

1. Clarity Over Complexity

If people do not understand it, they will not act on it. Jeff leads with insight, paints a clear before-and-after picture, and earns trust by delivering real value before asking for anything in return. Simplifying the message is not a soft skill. It is a core leadership advantage that drives growth, alignment, and real transformation.

2. Proof Over Promise

Every leader talks about what AI can do. Jeff shows it. He uses readiness assessments, fast pilots, and measurable results within two weeks to build genuine confidence. Make it tangible, make it fast, and let the results do the talking. This approach drives adoption, closes deals, and creates unstoppable momentum.

3. Reduce Risk at Every Step

Every deal and every transformation decision is a risk decision at its core. Jeff breaks big changes into safe, digestible steps and proof-of-concept pilots that let teams experience real results without fear. His goal is not to push a deal through. It is to make saying yes feel like the obvious, safe, and smart choice for every stakeholder.

"Everyone goes to where the puck is. I go to where the puck is going to be."

"If they do not understand it, they will not buy it."

"People are not buying your solution. They are buying your conviction and your clarity."

"What took 20 hours in the past is taking 10 minutes with AI and you cannot unsee that productivity."

"Bring value wherever you go and you will always have a job and you will always have a client."

• Clarity is a competitive advantage in leadership and in business
• Proof beats promise every single time in business
• AI is not optional for organizations that want to grow and stay relevant
• The human edge in leadership is real, irreplaceable, and truly essential
• Governance creates real freedom, not limits, when built well

LinkedIn: Jeff Willinger Instagram: @TheRealJWillie Company: Turn Digital

Explore all resources, tools, and episode links at: https://stacklist.app/julieriga

#Leadership #DigitalTransformation #AILeadership #StayOnCourse #Transformation

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Embracing Authenticity: Overcoming People-Pleasing, Building Confidence, and Igniting Personal Growth with Amanda Yola

In this special simulcast of the Neil Haley Show and Stay on Course podcast, hosted by Julie Riga, we’re joined by Amanda Yola, a dynamic speaker, podcast host, serial entrepreneur, and empowering mom from Philadelphia. Amanda opens up about her transformative journey to authenticity, sharing powerful insights on self-acceptance, confidence, and finding your true path. She offers invaluable advice on overcoming people-pleasing tendencies, embracing your uniqueness, and building lasting confidence. Amanda’s key ingredients for living authentically include igniting personal growth, recognizing that not everyone will resonate with you, and the importance of surrounding yourself with a supportive community. Tune in for an inspiring conversation that will help you step into your most authentic self and start living the life you’re meant to lead!

Key Ingredients for Success:

Igniting Who You Want to Become – Focusing on personal growth and envisioning the person you aspire to be.

Realizing You’re Not for Everyone – Understanding that not everyone will resonate with you, and that’s okay.

Surrounding Yourself with a Supportive Community – Being intentional about building a network of people who uplift and support your growth.

About Julie Riga

Learn More About Julie: Julie Riga Website

Julie Riga is a certified coach, trainer, speaker and author with over 20 years of experience in the Pharma Industry. Julie’s education is vast with studies that include business, communications, training and executive coaching.

Julie started on this journey because she had a strong desire to pass on the knowledge and skills passed on to her by her father, Ennio Riga, and inspirational man who taught her how to keep going irrespective of the challenges that life may present you with.

Based in New Jersey, Julie have travelled the world supporting corporations, business leaders and individuals on their journey of empowerment and growth.

Discover your purpose, Stay on Course, Leave a Legacy

#Authenticity #PersonalGrowth #SelfAcceptance #Confidence #OvercomingObstacles #Empowerment #Entrepreneurship #WomenInBusiness

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Building Resilience, Embracing Self-Care, and Shifting Mindsets: A Journey of Spiritual Growth with Nancy Spano

In this inspiring episode of Stay on Course with Julie Riga, breast cancer survivor and stroke survivor Nancy Spano opens up about her remarkable journey of overcoming adversity and building resilience. Nancy discusses the pivotal moments of her life, including her near-death experience during her stroke, which deepened her faith and shifted her perspective.

She emphasizes the life-changing role of self-care practices such as meditation and mindfulness in her emotional and mental wellness journey. Nancy also highlights the importance of vulnerability and self-awareness in personal growth, as she moved from a "victim" version of herself to a "victory" version through mindset shifts.

Tune in to hear how Nancy transformed her life by overcoming toxic relationships and embracing relationship editing, positive thinking, and spiritual growth. Her story is a powerful reminder that overcoming life’s toughest challenges is possible when you focus on mindset, resilience, and building a supportive environment.

Discover how mindfulness, meditation, and spiritual growth can empower you to face adversity with unwavering strength and optimism. For more insights, be sure to check out Nancy's book, Stroke of Love, and learn about her incredible path to resilience.

Key Ingredients in Nancy’s Journey:

• Resilience in the face of breast cancer and stroke
• The transformative power of meditation and mindfulness for emotional and mental wellness
• Self-awareness and vulnerability in personal growth
• The process of relationship editing and removing toxic influences
• Shifting from a victim to a victory mindset
• Embracing spiritual growth and positive thinking

If Nancy’s story resonates with you, share it with someone who might benefit from her journey of hope and transformation.

About Julie Riga

Learn More About Julie: Julie Riga Website

Julie Riga is a certified coach, trainer, speaker and author with over 20 years of experience in the Pharma Industry. Julie’s education is vast with studies that include business, communications, training and executive coaching.

Julie started on this journey because she had a strong desire to pass on the knowledge and skills passed on to her by her father, Ennio Riga, and inspirational man who taught her how to keep going irrespective of the challenges that life may present you with.

Based in New Jersey, Julie have travelled the world supporting corporations, business leaders and individuals on their journey of empowerment and growth.

Discover your purpose, Stay on Course, Leave a Legacy

#StrokeSurvivor #Resilience #Mindfulness #SelfCare #MentalWellness #SpiritualGrowth #PositiveThinking #Transformation #StayOnCourse

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From Fear to Flavor: Executive Chef Pablo Valencia Recipe for Leadership Excellence

In this leadership-rich episode of Stay On Course, Executive Chef Pablo Valencia shares his powerful journey from the Ritz-Carlton to Bourbon Steak Delray Beach, blending corporate excellence with culinary soul. He explores how emotional intelligence, purpose, and faith transform fear into flavorful success, offering real-world tips for entrepreneurs, leaders, and seekers alike. With stories of overcoming conflict, teaching with compassion, and creating a thriving team, Pablo highlights how true worth is earned through self-leadership and evolution. From managing pressure to building a strong foundation, his insights inspire listeners to lead, believe, and transform with heart. Whether you're growing your business, seeking abundance, or redefining your personal brand on LinkedIn, Instagram, or Facebook, this episode is a masterclass in staying the course.

🌟 Episode Review

In this scrumptious, soul-stirring episode of Stay On Course: Ingredients for Success, leadership coach, speaker, and podcast host Julie Riga sits down with culinary star, Executive Chef Pablo Valencia, of the sizzling new Bourbon Steak Delray Beach—a hotspot already shaking up the Palm Beach dining scene just months after opening.

With a rich legacy rooted in high-end hospitality, from the Ritz-Carlton to launching his own Italian-inspired restaurant, Pablo delivers more than just food—he serves up a life philosophy. He opens up about how emotional intelligence, team empowerment, and cooking with soul, not fear, define his leadership persona.

This episode is a flavorful journey through high-stakes decision-making, corporate kitchen culture, and self-leadership. Pablo shares how to handle conflict, build esteem, and stay grounded under pressure by leading with faith, belief, and a deep sense of purpose. From the planet of fast-paced service to the quiet mental mastery of the person behind the plate, this conversation is your guide to unlocking success, with stories that are equal parts unbelievable, inspiring, and practical.

Whether you're a growth-minded entrepreneur, high-level corporate leader, or everyday seeker navigating the digital world of LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, or X (Twitter)—this episode is for you.

Expect to explore themes of:

🍽️ Leadership & Legacy

💡 Evolution, Transformation, and Resolution

🌱 Abundance, Self-worth, and Motivation

🧠 Mindset, Mental Strength, and Present-Moment Awareness

🌍 Navigating the world of work, life, and human connection with soul

🔥 Using challenge as fuel to earn your next level and liberate your voice

Pablo reminds us that behind every meal is a message, and behind every plate is a personality. His story is a delicious reminder that your energy—whether led by fear or passion—will always flavor your final product.

So tune in, learn, lead, and transform. Because the secret to great leadership? It's not just in what you serve—it's how you show up to the table.

Learn more about Bourbon Steak in Delray Beach: https://bourbonsteakdelray.com/

To learn more about Julie Riga and her mission to help you stay on course and lead with confidence and clarity, visit:

🌐 www.julieriga.com

🌟 Explore transformative coaching sessions at www.beforeilead.com and www.beforeispeak.com

🔗 Connect with me on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/julieriga

I'm Julie Riga—a leadership coach, speaker, certified trainer, author, voice actor, and proud host of the Stay On Course podcast. With over 20 years of experience in the pharma, biotech, and life sciences industries, I specialize in empowering high-achieving professionals to lead with clarity, purpose, and resilience.

I work with:

• CEOs, Founders, and Executives who want to lead with authenticity and impact
• C-suite leaders and senior managers looking to improve executive presence and public speaking
• Entrepreneurs and business owners navigating growth, leadership challenges, and career fulfillment
• HR and op

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Outsourcing Success Strategies for SMBs: Managing Offshore Teams, Leveraging Resources & Building Powerful Partnerships with Scott Smith

Struggling to scale your SMB? Outsourcing could be the game-changer you need! In this episode, we uncover proven outsourcing success strategies that will help you manage offshore teams, leverage resources, and create personalized solutions tailored to your business needs.

Scott Smith, an expert from Akhada Consulting, shares actionable tips on how to streamline operations, reduce costs, and build strong outsourcing partnerships. With his guidance, you’ll learn how SMBs can implement scalable models that drive growth and efficiency.

Key Ingredients for Success:

1.Handholding: Providing constant support, guidance, and being available for both the client and offshore team throughout the process to ensure smooth execution.

2.Personalized Focus: Understanding the specific needs of the client and offshore team to create tailored solutions, ensuring the work done aligns with the goals and needs of the business.

3. Partnership: Treating the offshore team as partners, not just vendors, which fosters a sense of collaboration, trust, and investment in the success of the project, leading to stronger communication and better outcomes.

Don’t miss out on insights that can revolutionize your business and optimize your operations. Ready to level up? Subscribe and start optimizing your outsourcing strategy today!

About Julie Riga

Learn More About Julie: Julie Riga Website

Julie Riga is a certified coach, trainer, speaker and author with over 20 years of experience in the Pharma Industry. Julie’s education is vast with studies that include business, communications, training and executive coaching.

Julie started on this journey because she had a strong desire to pass on the knowledge and skills passed on to her by her father, Ennio Riga, and inspirational man who taught her how to keep going irrespective of the challenges that life may present you with.

Based in New Jersey, Julie have travelled the world supporting corporations, business leaders and individuals on their journey of empowerment and growth.

Discover your purpose, Stay on Course, Leave a Legacy

#OffshoreTeams #BusinessOptimization #OutsourcingStrategies #SMBScaling #OffshoreResources

#BusinessGrowthTips #SmallBusinessSuccess #EntrepreneurTips #ScottSmithOutsourcing #AkhadaConsulting #OutsourcingPartnerships #SMBManagement #StreamlineOperations

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The Inner Warrior: Transforming Adversity into Abundance with Wayne Forrest

In this inspiring episode of the Stay on Course Podcast, host Julie Riga welcomes former farmer and rugby player turned motivational speaker, Wayne Forrest. Wayne shares his incredible journey of resilience, self-discovery, and transformation after a life-changing sports injury.

From overcoming dark moments to writing his groundbreaking new book, The Inner Warrior: The Power Within, Wayne reveals the steps to uncover your true purpose and create the life you love. With unbelievable insights on self-worth, courage, and leadership, this episode is packed with tips for thriving after adversity.

Wayne talks about the steps to evolve your mindset, the importance of creating a vision, and why failure is a necessary part of success. He also explores the power of balancing the masculine and feminine energies in today’s new world.

Discover how Wayne uses platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn to connect with his audience and spread his powerful message. Whether you're a seeker looking to transform your life or an entrepreneur searching for purpose, Wayne's story will inspire you to lead with faith, embrace your persona, and create a legacy worth remembering.

🌟 Plus, learn how Wayne’s favorite scrumptious meal (lamb chops with potatoes, gravy, and veggies) fuels his physical and mental strength!

📖 Connect with Wayne

• Visit WayneForrest.com
• Follow him on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.
• Grab his book: The Inner Warrior: The Power Within.

🎧 Tune in now for unbelievable motivation to stay on course and embrace your inner warrior!

To learn more about Julie Riga and her mission to help you Stay On Course, visit her website: www.stayoncourse.io

Julie Riga is a certified coach, trainer, speaker and author with over 20 years of experience in the Pharma Industry. Julie’s education is vast with studies that include business, communications, training and executive coaching.

Julie started on this journey because she had a strong desire to pass on the knowledge and skills passed on to her by her father, Ennio Riga, and inspirational man who taught her how to keep going irrespective of the challenges that life may present you with.

Based in New Jersey, Julie have travelled the world supporting corporations, business leaders and individuals on their journey of empowerment and growth.

Discover your purpose, Stay on Course, Leave a Legacy

#pharma #lifescienceleadership #biotech #leadership #stayoncourse #julieriga

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From Earth to Evolution: Rami Abu Jaber’s Journey to Transform Fitness and Gaming

In this special simulcast episode of The Neil Haley Show and Stay on Course podcast, host Julie Riga welcomes Rami Abu Jaber, Founder and Chief Vision Officer of Veryality. Rami shares his insights on pioneering the integration of real-life experiences into gaming through virtual reality, highlighting the importance of initiative, work-life balance, and the people around you in achieving success.

Key Ingredients for Success

1. Take Initiative Beyond Your Job Description: Rami emphasizes the importance of exceeding expectations and continuously learning to drive personal growth and career advancement.
2. Maintain a Healthy Work-Life Balance: Balance is crucial for sustainable success; taking breaks and prioritizing mental, physical, and spiritual well-being is essential for avoiding burnout.
3. Surround Yourself with the Right People: The foundation of success lies in the people around you; building a network of supportive, high-achieving individuals is vital for growth and learning.

Podcast Overview

Rami's journey and insights offer a unique perspective on what it takes to succeed in today's fast-paced, technologically driven world. From the importance of initiative and balance to the power of the people around you, this episode provides invaluable lessons for anyone looking to elevate their personal and professional life.

Summary of Key Ingredients for Success

1. Take Initiative Beyond Your Job Description: Exceed expectations and continuously learn for personal and career growth.
2. Maintain a Healthy Work-Life Balance: Prioritize well-being to avoid burnout and ensure sustainable success.
3. Surround Yourself with the Right People: Build a network of supportive, high-achieving individuals for growth and learning.

About Rami Abu Jaber

Rami Abu Jaber is the Founder and Chief Vision Officer of Veryality, pioneering the integration of real-life experiences into gaming through virtual reality. With a focus on innovation and customer experience, Rami drives the development of impactful projects and products.

Learn more about Rami: linkedin.com/in/ramijaber

About Julie Riga

Julie is a certified coach, trainer, and speaker with 20+ years of experience in empowering professionals and businesses to achieve success.

Learn More About Julie: Julie Riga Website

#SuccessMindset #WorkLifeBalance #PersonalGrowth #Motivation #ProductivityHacks #SelfImprovement #NetworkingTips #ProfessionalDevelopment #GoalOriented #HighAchievers

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The Art of Networking: Building Connections with Phil Herrington

In this episode of Stay on Course, host Julie Riga sits down with Phil Harrington, a seasoned professional known for his expertise in building strong business networks and connecting small businesses with valuable opportunities. Phil shares his journey from cold call sales to becoming a hub for professional referrals in Boise, Idaho, and provides invaluable insights into the art of effective networking, which is a crucial aspect of success in any business.

Key Ingredients for Successful Networking

1. Give to Grow: Phil discusses the importance of giving during one-on-one meetings, which is a key aspect of active listening and building relationships. The focus should be on making connections that benefit others, rather than just looking for personal gain, which can lead to exponential growth and economic growth.
2. Listening First: Listening more than speaking is critical, according to Phil, as it allows you to understand the needs and goals of the other person and identify opportunities for meaningful connections and support, which can foster a growth mindset and lead to success.
3. Curiosity and Power Partners: Phil highlights the power of curiosity in networking, which can help you identify power partners - individuals who can introduce you to others in your network, and provide valuable connections that can lead to business growth and development.
4. Maintaining Relationships: The final ingredient is to focus on maintaining strong relationships, which is essential for small business owners who want to grow their business and achieve success. Phil suggests consistently giving value to your network by making introductions and connections that can benefit others, thereby becoming a center of influence and achieving customer success.

Podcast Overview

Phil's insights reveal the complex world of networking - an essential skill for anyone looking to grow their business connections and influence, and achieve success. His approach goes beyond surface-level interactions, emphasizing deep, meaningful connections and the importance of generosity and active listening in building a strong professional network, which can lead to economic growth and exponential growth.

Summary of Key Ingredients for Successful Networking

1. Give to Grow: Focus on making connections that provide value to others, not just to yourself, which can lead to business growth and success.
2. Listening First: Understand the needs and goals of others before discussing your own, which is a key aspect of active listening and building relationships.
3. Curiosity and Power Partners: Identify key individuals who can introduce you to larger networks and offer valuable connections, which can lead to business development and growth.
4. Maintaining Relationships: Keep the focus on giving and making connections that benefit others to build a lasting professional network, which is essential for small business owners who want to achieve success.

By following these key ingredients, Phil shows how businesses and professionals can transform their networking efforts from transactional to truly impactful relationships, which can lead to exponential growth, economic growth, and success. Tune in to the full episode to learn more about Phil's approach and how to apply it to your own business networking strategy, and achieve customer success.

About Phil Herrington

Phil Harrington is a network connector based in Boise, Idaho, with over 5,000 professional connections. He specializes in connecting small businesses with valuable referrals and services, focusing on building relationships rather than transactions, which can lead to business growth and success.

Learn more about Phil: linkedin.com/in/philtheconnector

About Julie Riga

Julie is a certified coach, trainer, and speaker with 20+ years of experience in empowering professionals and businesses to achieve success.

Learn More About Julie: Julie Riga Website

#Networking, #SmallBusiness, #Success

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