This is the final contemplative episode of the Eye of Power podcast.

It marks the completion of a line of inquiry that has been developing over the course of this series.

The work continues elsewhere.

What does it look like when a Chief People Officer truly understands the business—not just the policies, but the work, the pressures, and the human potential of the people who run it?

In this conversation, Tom Dardick sits down with Jim Sponaugle, Chief People Officer at Utz Brands, to explore a fundamentally different approach to people strategy. Jim's is a non-traditional HR path. His experience is built from two decades in operations and P&L leadership.

Jim shares how his background in running businesses reframed his view of HR’s role: moving beyond compliance and administration to becoming a genuine driver of strategy, culture, and human potential. Together, Tom and Jim examine what happens when HR leaders deeply understand the business they serve. Jim shares how that understanding allows them to unlock performance, engagement, and fulfillment rather than simply manage risk.

Their conversation ranges from:

• The shift from fixing what’s wrong to cultivating fulfillment and engagement
• Why moving people from dissatisfaction to neutrality requires different drivers than moving them to full contribution
• How misalignment between role and strengths quietly erodes engagement—and how leaders can address it early
• Why focusing on the small portion of work that aligns with passion and strength can transform even difficult jobs
• The dignity of work, the power of mindset, and the ripple effects of individual contribution
• The importance of humility, curiosity, and lifelong learning in effective leadership

Jim also shares personal practices that support growth and openness, along with candid reflections on what it actually takes to develop people in real organizations, not in theory.

This episode will resonate with:

• Chief People Officers and HR leaders
• Executives and operators responsible for culture and performance
• Leaders interested in engagement, fulfillment, and sustainable people strategy
• Anyone thinking seriously about how organizations can support human growth at scale

This is not a conversation about perks or programs. It’s a grounded exploration of what becomes possible when people strategy is treated as a serious business discipline.

Most of my life, I walked alone in my work. Last week I finally said it out loud. In this follow-up episode, I explore why that longtime habit formed, why it’s been hard to break, and how having a team at Mentor Machine Incorporated has changed everything for me. We also look at what mentorship really is (perspective, not advice) and why so many leaders avoid it even when they need it most. I introduce the Mentorship Self-Reflection Guide with questions that help you see where you’re carrying too much alone and where connection could accelerate your growth. Click the link to use the guide for yourself!

Tom and Benjamin had a comprehensive discussion on self-improvement, personal growth, and relationships. They highlighted the importance of self-awareness, emotional resilience, and awakening, the detrimental effects of negative emotions, and the need to shift perspectives from victimhood. The conversation concluded with a discussion on the dynamics between logic and emotion, the evolutionary challenges of adapting to modern society, and the role of technology in influencing behaviors.

I attended a conference last week in Austin, TX. I had hopes for it. It didn't turn out like that. How it did turn out I wouldn't choose. But as far as a lasting effect on me and my business, it was far beyond anything I could have anticipated. In this episode, I share that story and the lessons I took from my experience. Conferences? I say go. But only with an optimized attitude.

How can you avoid messing up your life unnecessarily? This episode’s guest has the answer: spiritual logic. Join Tom Dardick and Sanal Bhanu Rajan as they discuss the concept of "Spiritual Logic" and the universality of its approach. Through their insightful dialogue, they illuminate the critical role of congruence in fostering both personal and professional growth. Delving into state-based learning, they unpack its profound implications for enhancing recall and learning effectiveness, shedding light on practical strategies for harnessing this approach. The discussion also ventures into the transformative effects of cultivating gratitude and maintaining a positive mindset. Furthermore, Tom and Sanal delve into the art of asking the right questions and the importance of mental flexibility and adaptability, drawing on the wisdom of past experiences to inform present decisions and actions. Additionally, the conversation touches upon the evolutionary underpinnings of tribal psychology and its relevance in today's global context.

The rise of the creator economy has made it possible for individuals to build successful businesses around content creation. In this episode, Tom Dardick and Atiba de Souza discuss the significance of content creation and business, emphasizing authenticity and self-connection. They explore the unfortunate case of Robin Williams, suggesting imposter syndrome might have contributed to his tragic end. Atiba also shares his journey into SEO and digital marketing, highlighting the importance of consistent publishing and thoughtful questions. They touch on the evolution of communication due to the pandemic, the role of technology, and the importance of recognizing individual worth. Today’s conversation is packed with golden nuggets, so join us and fill your bucket with insights.

There are always generational differences in values, perceptions, prevailing economic and social conditions, and the behaviors that result. What are the qualities of the coming generation? What are the troubles and challenges this generation faces? Tim Dardick is a young professional, working in the charged environment of national politics in Washington, D.C. Tom and Tim discuss his view of his peers - their concerns, yes, but also the reasons behind the prevailing attitudes. What can we do to bridge this generation gap? What should employers be aware of when they're looking for young talent? If you're in the generation entering the workforce, what can you do to find direction, distinguish yourself, and get on a rewarding career track?

Tom and Jisunny had a detailed discussion on the anatomy of fear, the connection between the brain's structure and spirituality, the power of imagination, and the balancing act of core human needs. They emphasized the importance of self-love, self-awareness, and personal growth, and the role of struggle and trauma in shaping individuals. They also explored the concept of harnessing fears and balancing basic needs to promote personal growth and purpose.

Tom Dardick and belief therapist Lion Goodman explore Lion's personal story of transformation, survival, and spiritual growth. They also dive into the potential for personal growth and transformation through unexpected experiences and the role of curiosity, humility, and openness in this process. Lion also shared his insights on the power of beliefs and stories in shaping our perceptions of reality, the fundamental virtues essential for humanity, and Tom's model of the human mind. The overall theme is the benefit of nourishing our capacity for compassion.

Tom Dardick and business coach Joey Drolshagen dive into personal growth and development. Their conversation centers on the importance of having an open mindset and setting ambitious goals to avoid "playing small." Joey shares his personal journey from corporate America to entrepreneurship, highlighting the importance of challenging subconscious beliefs and taking unconventional steps. Additionally, they explore the impact of fear and pain on decision-making and motivation, with a focus on the importance of vision in driving transformation.

Explore how employers navigate the impact of domestic violence on the workplace in this enlightening episode featuring Post Traumatic Growth Strategian, Agape Garcia. Dive into the details of California's new mandate, compelling businesses to integrate workplace violence prevention planning into their policies. The discussion extends to various approaches businesses can adopt in crafting effective plans, emphasizing the crucial aspect of compliance and shedding light on the repercussions of non-compliance. Delve deeper into the challenging realm of domestic violence within the workplace, uncovering the hurdles employers confront and the pivotal role of support and training for those grappling with this issue. Brimming with insightful perspectives, this episode is an invaluable resource. Don't miss out on this compelling conversation—tune in today to stay informed!

One hundred episodes, in the can. I didn't exactly know what I was getting into when I started the podcast. I've learned a few things along the way. In this celebratory episode, I share some of those lessons. If you ever find yourself as a podcast host or guest, maybe some of the things we talk about today will come in handy for you. If you ever want to talk about podcasting, not that I'm an expert, but I'd be happy to talk about my experience.

What True Mentorship Really Is — and Why Most Organizations Get It Wrong

Most organizations say they want mentorship.

But what they usually create is something very different: advice, evaluation, and performance management.

None of that transforms a person.

In this episode of The Eye of Power, we explore the deeper meaning of mentorship — the kind that changes identity, unlocks fulfillment, and allows people to grow into who they are capable of becoming.

We explore the difference between:

• Advice vs Mentorship
• Guidance vs Witnessing
• Performance support vs Human development

And we examine why mentorship is so rare, even in organizations filled with good people and strong intentions.

Tom also shares a personal reflection on what it was like to grow without mentorship, and how that shaped his understanding of leadership, resilience, and the long journey of becoming.

This conversation is for:

• Leaders who feel like they are carrying too much alone
• Executives and founders who support others more than they are supported
• HR and People Operations professionals trying to build cultures of growth
• Mentors, coaches, and managers who want to help others develop authentically
• Anyone who has felt that their potential is larger than their reflection

You’ll learn:

• Why mentorship is an act of belief, not instruction
• The three defining abilities of a true mentor
• How to recognize “unsupported growth” in yourself and your organization
• How to reconnect with your own becoming
• How to offer support in a way that strengthens identity rather than dependence

Toward the end of the episode, Tom guides listeners through a quiet reflective exercise taken from the Mentorship Self-Reflection Guide, a simple tool designed to help you see where you may be growing alone — and where companioned growth could make all the difference.

Mentorship, Leadership Development, Authentic Leadership, Personal Growth, Executive Coaching, Organizational Culture, Fulfillment, Human Development, Emotional Intelligence, Self-Reflection, Resilient Leadership, Transformational Leadership, Coaching Skills, People Development, Leadership Mindset, Becoming, Workplace Culture, Relational Leadership, Leadership Presence, Identity and Growth

If this episode resonates with you, and you recognize something of your own journey in it, you are invited to reach out for a human conversation, with no pressure or expectation.

You don’t have to walk the long road alone.

Connect with Tom on LinkedIn and request the Mentorship Self-Reflection Guide.

The significance of how we show up extends beyond personal boundaries, influencing not only our individual experiences but also shaping the environment around us. In this episode, we have visionary leader and award-winning author of How We Choose to Show Up, Marcy Axelrod. Engaging in a thought-provoking dialogue with Tom Dardick, Marcy draws upon her wealth of expertise to explore various topics, such as the future of work, how people approach their work, and the profound realm of personal development. Together, they explore the concept of "showing up" across various roles and its ripple effect on those around us. The conversation transcends individual actions, delving into the critical domains of collaboration, the essence of human connection, and the intricate interplay of individuals within the fabric of society. Join us for an insightful journey as we unravel the layers of responsibly showing up with Marcy Axelrod.

There is no way around hard work and consistency if we want to achieve what we have always dreamed of in life. This applies as much to financial freedom as it does to any area of your life or your career. In this insightful conversation, Tom Dardick and his guest, Chad Hufford discuss the importance of starting the day positively, the impact of small actions on the overall flow of the day, the importance of making commitments to oneself, and the necessity of accountability in achieving life changes. They emphasize the importance of adopting an abundance mindset, living within one's means, breaking down long-term goals into achievable, measurable steps, taking ownership and responsibility for one's life, and the significance of positive feedback loops. They also share their professional experiences and ways to connect with their clients. Tune in for a powerful exchange of wisdom!

What is the best thing leaders can do for their teams? According to Ray Dalio, it's doing what we can to help the person succeed. In the workplace, what does that mean exactly? What can leaders do and sustain to build a culture of trust and respect, one that produces engagement amongst the employees and minimizes quiet quitting, stress, and anger? In this week's episode, we explore some of the principles we can employ to improve the performance, attitudes, and alignment of our people. The topic is a timely one. Things are not good in these respects. Twice as many have negative attitudes toward their work as do positive ones. It's incumbent upon leaders, if they wish their organizations to thrive through the pressures of remote and hybrid work structures and increasing pressures of AI and automation. It's becoming more and more important to embrace the whole person - and do so conditionally - when building a robust culture. What are those conditions? Some of them are variable - they change from team to team. Others are bedrock and non-negotiable. We discuss some of these, and we look at systems and tools that can help ingrain the process of empowerment in the day-to-day operations. Such tools include benchmarking, dot matrix, psychometric tools, and even the Eye of Power system. The goal is to attract and retain engaged team members while shedding the organization of those who do not comport with the standards and values. Sure, it might be tough. But great results require a price. In this case, it's the price of high character, consistent practice, and diligent measurement of those elements that matter most.

Our brains are the original supercomputers and yet, we’re only tapping the surface on what it can do. Optimize your brain’s power in today’s episode as ST Rappaport joins Tom Dardick to share how we can hack our brains for better life outcomes. ST is a brain engineer and has been able to chart her path to increased productivity. Here, she explores the intricacies of thinking and the ways we can improve, sharing anecdotes on how enhancing thinking skills transformed her own efficiency and productivity. ST also discusses the 28 thinking skills, the connection between emotions and cognition, and the application of these skills in daily life. What is more, she introduces a Cognitive Function Assessment, providing you with a roadmap to identify and improve your thinking strengths and weaknesses. Hack your brain towards a better life starting with this conversation.

Carlos Davidovich joins Tom Dardick to discuss issues related to his Five Brain neuroscience model. Their conversation ranges from AI technology, the human brain, and the heart's role in storing information. They explore the implications of AI on trust in video content and the limitations of the reptilian brain. They discuss the potential impacts of heart transplants on personality and cognitive function, the connection between gut health and overall well-being, and the negative impact of the 'inner critic'. Carlos also shares about his website and invites viewers to reach out for deeper discussions on his unique concept.

At the heart of organizational excellence, a Chief of Staff stands as a key orchestrator, weaving together the intricate threads of leadership, strategy, and operations. Join Tom Dardick as he sits down with Emily Sander, a leadership coach and founder of Next Level Coaching, to further discuss the significance of the Chief of Staff position in an organization. Emily sheds light on the pivotal responsibilities of a Chief of Staff, acting as the linchpin that connects diverse business functions, offers a strategic perspective on organizational architecture, and seamlessly adapts to fill crucial gaps. They also explore the importance of change management, stressing the value of being present and engaged. Delve deeper into the discussion as Tom and Emily talk about effective strategies for your people’s development, emphasizing the transformative power of incremental progress. Tune in for invaluable insights into the multifaceted role of a Chief of Staff and more!

Abuse comes in many forms, often concealed beyond our immediate perception. The effects are just as debilitating. Today’s guest has had a life-long experience with narcissistic abuse, beginning in childhood. Today, she is a proud voice for fellow victims who are unable, afraid, or ashamed to share their experiences. Tom Dardick is with Dana Diaz—a wife, mother, and author of the best-selling book, GASPING FOR AIR: THE STRANGLEHOLD OF NARCISSISTIC ABUSE. Together, they discuss various forms of abuse, emphasizing the impacts of narcissistic abuse. They share personal experiences and insights on the effects of abuse and the importance of self-awareness and healthy relationships. They also explored the ethical implications of ghostwriting for narcissists and the potential for identifying narcissistic traits in others. Culminating with a poignant reflection on the significance of a supportive social circle for personal growth and healing, this episode stands as a testament to the resilience and the importance of shedding light on the shadows of abuse.

Getting older is often associated getting inflexible and calcified in our ways, but it doesn’t have to be this way. In this Eye of Power episode, Gabrielle Pimstone joins Tom Dardick in a conversation about the impact of age on decision making and personal growth, emphasizing the importance of maintaining energy, curiosity, and a willingness to explore. They discuss the concept of energy blocks, which can hinder personal growth, and how releasing the energetic root of a belief can lead to rapid change. The conversation also touches on the potential benefits of energy work in relation to medical diagnoses and chronic conditions, with Gabrielle suggesting that energy techniques could complement traditional treatments. Tune in for more!

Due to rapid evolution in today’s fast-paced world, humanity now has to live with instinct mismatch. We do not know how to feel, act, or behave since everything is moving and changing too fast. Tom Dardick attempts to address this issue with George Hutton, a prolific writer and a persuasion expert. They discuss how to look within and unlock your full potential to navigate the instincts that no longer match the world right now. George also talks about the importance of daily discipline and embracing the present to further your skills in an ever-changing, and most of the time quite unfair, environment we all live in today.

This is a special, insiders look at the Eye of Power - it's development and the plans for the future, both for the podcast and the business side of sharing the system. The intention is that you'll see how the model and system will be especially helpful for two specific client mindsets. One, leaders who wish to elevate their cultures, future-proof their organizations, and want the best outcomes for their people. The other mindset is with individuals who want to manifest more of their personal power, their agency. People who aspire to have the ability to decide something, and then do it without resorting to past habits, patterns, even addictions. The Eye of Power system is an unprecedented resource to help people in both situations. If this resonates with you, I encourage you to reach out to me!

Dan Tracey is a talented and accomplished professional musician, songwriter, and producer. He is a long-time member of the legendary rock band, the Alan Parsons Live Project and has also written and/or recorded with Don McClean, Felix Cavalier, Honeymoon Suite, Little River Band, Tiffany, and many more. Dan's success is not simply a product of his musical talent, but of his mindset. On today's Eye of Power episode, he shares some of his insight with us, notably the commitment to "bring great." Find out more about Dan here:

https://alanparsons.com/pages/dan-tracey-guitar-backing-vocals

https://www.discogs.com/artist/5104376-Dan-Tracey

Behind every journey to success is unwavering determination and the resilience to transform setbacks into stepping stones. Never one to quit on a bad day, Phebe Trotman joins Tom Dardick to discuss her journey from her sports career to becoming an entrepreneur. In this insightful discussion, Phebe opens up about the challenges and lessons she encountered, including the disappointment of not making a team, facing a layoff, and discovering the profound significance of accountability. She highlights how these experiences have shaped her into an intentional individual with a passion for assisting others in navigating their unique journeys. Notably, Phebe emphasizes the importance of revealing the ‘real’ stories behind success, shedding light on the hard work and struggles that may not always be visible. Tune in and be inspired as you journey towards your own goals and aspirations.

How do we know who we are? Is it something we can change? If so, what are the things we can do to move ourselves in a positive direction? Classic questions. In today's episode, we explore ways to approach them and give you specific actions you can take to systematically make your life, and the world, a better place.

If change is the only constant thing in the world, is it possible to embrace and harness the power of consistency? This episode’s guest says it is and he has the success story to tell us. In today’s Eye of Power Podcast, Tom Dardick speaks with Kevin Palmieri, the CFO, Founder, and Co-Host of Next Level University—a Global Top 100 Podcast with more than 1500 episodes and over 900K listens in 160 countries. Together, they discuss the importance of consistency and purpose in action. Kevin shares the obstacles he has to fight through to maintain that inner consistency, giving us a glimpse of challenges many face in taking sustainable actions and following through. What is more, Kevin speaks about connecting to a bigger picture and why it matters in keeping that consistency habit. Tune in to gain invaluable insights as well as a powerful blueprint for success in this conversation.

How do you feel about New Year's resolutions? About setting goals in general? If you're like most people, you've felt frustration in setting and achieving goals at points in your life's journey. Part of our personal agency includes the ability to manifest that which we choose to make happen. And there are skills in this ability. The more we can avoid the pitfalls that steer us off course, the higher our skill. In this week's episode, we take a comprehensive overview of what that skill looks like and how to frame your mentality as you travel on.

Looking at other successful people, it can be so easy to fall into the trap of thinking that the only way to succeed is to want what others want. This episode’s guest reels us back and makes us confront what matters most: the core of who we are. Michigan-born lifelong entrepreneur Rodric Lenhart sits down with Tom Dardick to talk about his inspiring view around entrepreneurship, riding the WAVES through the five phases entrepreneurs go through. Rodric also shares insights from his experiences building and selling businesses, traveling the world, and building his personal dream home. Extending his wins, he shares how he is helping others through coaching, podcasting, writing, and creating a foundation that helps kids travel overseas who would otherwise not have the chance. Tune in as Rodric shows us the true meaning of entrepreneurship. Don’t miss out on his evolved views, which are dripping with value to all with ears to hear.

How rapidly is AI changing society? Will most of us soon be obsolete in the world of work? What happens then? More importantly, what are we to do now, while we have time to act? In this week's episode, we go to the heart of the beast itself for possible answers - ChatGPT 4.0. We see what it has to say to guide us forward. Sneak peek: it agrees with what we're all about in the Eye of Power community! Listen up, and future-proof yourself for the exciting (and troubling) period in the years just ahead of us.

I had a dream. It wasn't a good dream. But it was an important one. It led me to some decisions that are already changing my life for the better. I'm learning to stop robbing myself. In this episode, we look at the ways not only that I steal from the full version of myself, but some of the main ways people (you!) take that which is most important from themselves. This might be one of the most powerful episodes of the Eye of Power to date!

Life is just a bunch of lessons and teaching moments following one another. Whether you learn from them depends on how hard you’re paying attention. We talk about life lessons today with Joel Bouchard, a modern renaissance man who has wide range of pursuits, including music, philosophy and business. Our discussion ranged from the importance of the two primary mentors that shaped his life's journey to how limits can fuel our creativity to the mindsets that empower or restrict our personal power. Tune in and reflect on what you have learned so far in your own journey!

Navigating the world of modern healthcare is a growing challenge. With more treatments and solutions come more choices. Determining which choices are right for us is not always straightforward. The whole thing captures, in dramatic fashion, the importance of developing our decision-making acumen. Today, we look at what that is and why it's such a good idea to cultivate discipline in this vital area of our lives.

To what degree are our thoughts, beliefs, even our emotions our own? We are all influenced by outside forces, to one degree or another. If we are to maximize our agency, our personal power, we must be adept at discerning original from adopted thoughts. How do we do this? In today’s episode, we get into that very question. You’ll even get exercises to help you!

In our white paper, Frustration to Fulfillment, we noted a worldwide decline in engagement and suggested ways leaders could address this problem by identifying and strengthening the elements that build more fulfillment in their workforce. In this episode, we dive deeper into fulfillment in the workplace. At Mentor Machine Incorporated, we have a name for that kind of fulfillment: Alvea. It's produced when mastery combines with contribution in ways that benefit others in a shared mission. Today, we look at why it is imperative for organizations in all segments and at all scales must actively and strategically build Alvea in their people. As we enter the age of AI, it's needed in order to thrive - maybe even survive as an organization.

Sustainable change is achieved through the smallest improvements, despite their imperfect appearance at first. In this first video interview of the Eye of Power Podcast, Tom Dardick welcomes his friend Adam Lawrence. Adam's company, Process Improvement Partners, helps organizations permanently raise productivity, efficiency, and safety through a Kaizen-based approach that he has innovated over his many years of experience. His book, The Wheel of Sustainability, provides his model that organizations can use to permanently elevate the situational awareness, performance, and culture of any of their processes. Tom and Adam talk about the psychology of organizational change management while Adam shares insights from some of his more notable experiences. A major takeaway is how a little bit of fresh examination and listening to stakeholders can translate into dramatic payoffs. Enjoy!

Critical thinking. It takes time. It takes effort. And that's why there's less of it in the world than would be preferable, if we value high quality decisions and higher value outcomes. In this episode, we look at the basics of critical thinking so that we can begin to build that important discipline, skill, and habit.

Impending doom. Upcoming disaster. Whether it's takeover by a Super AI overlord, disaster from weapons of mass destruction, dangerous depletion of the earth's ability to sustain our lifestyles. our complex economic or social systems spinning out of control, there are plenty of potential ways our lives could be dramatically upended. And it's natural to fear such threats. When we're afraid, we're vulnerable. "Fear is the mind killer." That's the Bene Gesserit mantra in Frank Herbert's Dune universe. It's true in this universe too. When we are fearful, we're vulnerable to flaws in our thinking and our decision making. Our agency, our personal power, depends upon the productive use of the energy generated from fear. In this podcast, we explore not only potential threats, but how we can best perceive them and, most critically, channel our energy. We use a decision matrix to determine what changes in our behaviors we should prioritize. I found the thought experiment helpful. I hope you do too!

Wait a minute. Evil has advantages? Darn right. Otherwise, it wouldn't exist. To maximize our personal power, we need not only know them, but know how they suck us in. Why? So we can improve the decisions we make in life.

We're all the heroes of our own life stories. No getting around it. The question is: what story do you want it to tell? We can be batted around by impersonal forces within us and without us. But we also have the choice to tell the story we decide to tell. In this episode, we explore powerful ways we can do exactly that. Enjoy! But more than that, be your own hero!

Don't things go better when you're surrounded by people who understand and appreciate what it is you're trying to get done? Conversely, does it end well when the opposite is true - when the people around us seem to be going in every direction but forward? How do we put ourselves in more of the former situations and fewer of the latter? Listen to this week's episode, where we'll give you precise guidance that leads to higher quality relationships and better outcomes in all of our shared endeavors.

Today is a little departure. No script. Just me talking about what this first year of the Eye of Power podcast meant and what I aspire to in the year to come. More importantly, what awaits you in the year to come!

"Curiosity killed the cat." Maybe. And maybe that's why we say cat's have nine lives. The human spirit of curiosity is transformative. It's how we go from the wild-eyed innocent and ignorant state of childhood into the wizened state of maturity. But, too often, we calcify and stop being curious. We let the business of our daily responsibilities crowd out the pursuit of the possible. And in so doing, we pay a dear price. In today's episode, we look at ways to reclaim our creative, perceptive powers. We learn to improve the quality of our questions. And we expand the palette available to us as we author the lives we desire.

Many people took the time to remember the significance of yesterday, the anniversary of 9/11. Regrettably, fewer do the same for today. Because the silver lining in the heinous destruction of that infamous day was the inspirational, near universal reaction of solidarity. And that’s worth remembering. In today’s podcast, we tie the universal experience to the personal. Because that’s what we do - we look at building our personal power. And this example is a profound reminder of what is possible.

How well do you believe you know yourself? According to the prevailing psychological research, it’s not as well as you think. We are complicated beings, with multifaceted, often competing interests and values. It’s a lifelong task to bring these into the light and into alignment. And that’s exactly what the Eye of Power model is for. In this episode, we talk about the process and what it looks like.

Our guest this episod Dr. Hagir Elsheikh, whose personal story is a shining example of how much personal power we all truly possess. Dr. Elsheikh shares the story of the trauma of her childhood in oppressive Sudan, and how she's been able to find peace through purpose through her experience as the activist mother of Kareem, her autistic son. Here is a partial bio:

Dr. Hagir Elsheikh, Chairwoman and CEO of Hagir Network, Founder & CEO of Tomorrow’s Smile INC, Kareem’s Mission Org. HSE Staffing Agency LLC, KMission TV LLC. She is an Advocate, Activist, Motivational Speaker, political analyst, Talk show host, Producer, Author, poet, and philanthropist.

Hagir Elsheikh is an advocate, leader, and survivor whose life’s work embodies resilience, justice, and dedication to peace-building and human rights. Her journey from a survivor of torture, gender-based violence, harassment, female genital mutilation (FGM), and domestic violence to a global human rights champion is a testament to her spirit and lifelong commitment to making the world a better place.

Early Life and Political Activism

Born in Sudan, Hagir's early years were marked by her vocal opposition to the oppressive Al-Bashir regime. From the age of 11, she used her voice to protest against tyranny and advocate for democratic reforms. As one of the few female spokespersons for the Sudanese Democratic Front, her courageous activism led to her arrest, torture, and eventual asylum in the United States. These experiences only strengthened her resolve to fight for justice and human dignity.

Advocacy for Human Rights and Women's Rights

Hagir Elsheikh’s advocacy is deeply personal and wide-reaching. As a survivor of torture, Gender-Based violence, domestic violence, harassment, and FGM, she channels her experiences into powerful campaigns against gender-based violence, human trafficking, and the exploitation of minors. Her efforts include raising awareness, advocating for legislative changes, and supporting victims through counseling and empowerment programs.

Hagir’s commitment to combating FGM is particularly noteworthy. She has tirelessly worked to raise awareness and implement preventive measures to stop this crime, drawing from her own painful experiences to drive change. Her advocacy extends to supporting survivors and promoting gender equality, demonstrating her commitment to protecting vulnerable populations.

Peace Building and Democratic Empowerment

Hagir’s work in peacebuilding and democratic empowerment is globally recognized. She collaborates with organizations such as the United Nations, UNDP, TASSC, CWS, Amnesty International, Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission (PHRC), the civic club, World Affair Council of Harrisburg, and several colleges and organizations such as Grand Canyon University, Johns Hopkins University, and the University of Pennsylvania to promote dialogue and initiatives that foster peace and democratic governance. Her efforts have been instrumental in promoting peace in conflict-affected regions, especially in Sudan.

In the United States, Hagir is an active member of Sudan's working advocacy group for Congress and the State Department, providing crucial advice, briefings, and support for humanitarian causes. She serves on the boards of Trustees of several humanitarian organizations, including the organization that she founded Tomorrow’s Smile INC (TSI), TASSC, Church World Services (CWS), and the World Affairs Council of Harrisburg. Her work with CWS, in particular, involves using her experiences as a refugee and immigrant to raise awareness about the challenges refugees face and to assist in providing them with training and cultural orientation when they settle in Pennsylvania. She is also a member of the board of trustees at Harrisburg Area Community College (HACC), Kareem’s Mission organization.

As a mother of a child with autism, Hagir has a personal and profound commitment to supporting individuals with autism and their famil

We’ve been spending quite a bit of time lately on the topic of how we might use AI to increase our personal power. It’s such a strange feeling – interacting with a virtual entity as though it was a friend. Were understandably nervous and reluctant to do such a thing. But AI can be one of the most valuable friends we could ever have. Don’t miss out!

If you haven’t seen the movie Sound of Freedom, I invite you to do so. It dramatically displays the best and worst of human nature. It moved me to share how this affects us in our journey to manifest our personal power. Today’s episode is the result.

We know we’re more powerful when we’re more purposeful. But how do we fan the flame of purpose? In today’s episode, we begin to explore this crucially important area of our lives.