The Ripple Effect Podcast with Steve Harper

This episode is something special. Our special guest is none other than Mike O'Krent, founder of LifeStories Alive, a company devoted to helping families preserve the voices, memories, and life lessons of the people they love most. Mike's journey is incredible: from interviewing Holocaust survivors for Steven Spielberg's Shoah Foundation to building a business that turns family stories into lasting video heirlooms for future generations. And trust me, once you hear why he does this work, it's going to hit you right in the heart. You'll hear why stories matter more than ever, how the simple act of listening can change a relationship, and why capturing someone's voice, wisdom, and legacy before it's too late may be one of the greatest gifts you ever give. Mike also shares practical gems on asking better questions, handling emotional conversations with grace, and becoming the kind of person people truly open up to. And hang with us all the way to the end, because Mike drops powerful advice on how to become a better conversationalist and listener. It's the kind of insight that can transform the way you show up at home, at work, and in every relationship that matters. This one is heartfelt, eye-opening, and full of Ripples that can last for generations. Ripple with Mike O'Krent: Website: https://www.lifestoriesalive.com Ripple with Steve Harper: Instagram: http://instagram.com/rippleon Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rippleon X: https://twitter.com/rippleon Website: http://www.ripplecentral.com

You walk into the conversation feeling clear, calm, and even confident. Then, somehow, you walk out, replaying every sentence, wondering if you said it wrong, if you overreacted, if you are the problem. If that sounds familiar, there's a good chance you just tried communicating with a narcissist, or you're dealing with narcissistic tendencies up close at work or at home. Maybe it's a narcissistic boss who turns every meeting into a scoreboard. Maybe it's a narcissistic coworker who can't share credit. Maybe it's a client, a partner, a friend, the person you cannot fully avoid. You try to resolve the issue like an adult, and suddenly you're in a loop of gaslighting, deflection, and a conversation that keeps snapping back to them. That's exhausting. It drains your energy, scrambles your confidence, and makes even simple conflict feel like walking through wet cement. In this episode of The Ripple Effect Podcast, I'm talking to you about how to deal with a narcissist without losing your peace, your professionalism, or your self-respect. Not in a "win the argument" way, because you already know that usually goes nowhere. In a practical, real-life way that helps you stay steady, set boundaries with a narcissist, and keep the conversation pointed toward an outcome instead of getting dragged into their chaos. If you've ever thought, "Why does every difficult conversation become a trial?" you're in the right place. If you're watching this because you feel worn out, tense before meetings, or you're starting to doubt yourself after every interaction, I want you to hear me clearly. You're not crazy. You're not weak. You're not "too sensitive." You're navigating a tough personality dynamic, and there are communication skills that can help you hold your ground without becoming someone you don't recognize. Stick with me to the end, because the most important shift isn't what you say to them. It's what you stop giving away to them. If this hits home, leave a comment and tell me what you're dealing with right now. Narcissist at work, toxic coworker, narcissistic boss, or something closer to home. And if you know someone who needs this, share it with them. We Ripple better when we don't do this alone. Ripple with Steve Harper Instagram: http://instagram.com/rippleon Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rippleon X: https://twitter.com/rippleon Website: http://www.ripplecentral.com Stay in the loop by being a part of the Ripple mail list: https://ripplecentral.com/subscribe Be a Patron: https://www.patreon.com/SteveHarper Join our ever-growing community of Ripplers in The Pond: https://ripplecentral.com/pond To inquire about my availability for conference keynotes, corporate training, or performance coaching, please contact info@ripplecentral.com.

Welcome back to The Ripple Effect Podcast. Today, you're getting a conversation that hits where it counts. Barbara Burgess joins us for a powerful interview that goes way beyond career talk and straight into what it really takes to move from corporate America to entrepreneurship. Barbara Burgess is an author, mother, executive, and unapologetic dark-chocolate lover who's embraced the beautiful messiness of life. She founded Corluma (cor = heart, luma = light), a Chicago-based consulting firm; wrote and performed a one-woman show, "The Extraordinary Experience of Being Ordinary"; and most recently wrote her first book, Enough: Finding Peace in a World of Distractions, Hustle, and Expectations. Known for her humor, vulnerability, and practical wisdom, Barbara shares simple shifts to help people remember they are enough and have enough. Her ego is kept in healthy check by two teenage children and career adventures that include selling candy bars for Nestle Foods, launching Grainger into internet commerce, a brief marketing stint at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, and, most recently, overseeing operations, marketing, and finances as the COO of a non-profit. Listen until the end because we get real about a lot of interesting topics. We talk about the difference between confidence and self-efficacy, why being an introvert can actually be an advantage in entrepreneurship, and how that "not enough" voice loves to show up when the world is screaming hustle, distraction, and expectations. We also go into executive coaching for tough leaders, what it looks like to face what isn't working without flinching, and the shift that happens when you start living by your own compass instead of somebody else's scoreboard. If any of that feels familiar, you're in the right place. Ripple with Barbara Burgess Website: www.corluma.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/barbaraburgess1 Book: www.beenough.com Ripple with Steve Harper Instagram: http://instagram.com/rippleon Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rippleon X: https://twitter.com/rippleon Website: http://www.ripplecentral.com Subscribe to the Ripple mail list: https://ripplecentral.com/subscribe Be a Patron: https://www.patreon.com/SteveHarper Join our ever-growing community of Ripplers in The Pond: https://ripplecentral.com/pond

When was the last time you truly forgave yourself? This episode of The Ripple Effect Podcast goes deep into the places we don't talk about often. And I want to thank our special guest, Shawn Mahshie, for showing up with such honesty and courage so we can all learn what real self-forgiveness looks like. Shawn Mahshie is a coach, author, and thought leader who helps people stop beating themselves up and finally feel safe inside themselves again. After decades of deep inner work and spiritual practice, Shawn discovered that the common thread running through nearly all our struggles is self-abandonment. Out of her own personal crash and rebuild came The Wheel of Self-Forgiveness™: three simple steps that end the inner war and restore unshakable inner safety. This episode is especially powerful if you've ever struggled with guilt, overthinking, or that constant sense that you're "doing it wrong." Shawn brings deep compassion, clarity, and a grounded framework that helps you move forward without blaming or shaming yourself. Shawn is also on the cusp of publishing her new book, The Wheel of Self-Forgiveness: 3 Simple Steps to Unconditional Self-Love, Self-Confidence, & Self-Advocacy. As a gift to our listeners, she's also offering a free Wheel of Self-Forgiveness Cheat Sheet, which gives you a practical way to start applying this work immediately. I truly believe this conversation can create a powerful Ripple in your life if you're willing to lean into it. Ripple with Shawn Mahshie Website: https://shawnmahshie.com/ Email: support@shawnmahshie.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawnmahshie/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThriveThisTime Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shawnmahshie/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@shawnmahshie2/featured?sub_confirmation=1 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@shawnmahshie Ripple with Steve Harper Instagram: http://instagram.com/rippleonFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/rippleon X: https://twitter.com/rippleon Website: http://www.ripplecentral.com

What if the difference between becoming average and becoming exceptional comes down to who you choose to learn from and the courage to ask for mentorship? In today's episode of The Ripple Effect Podcast, I'm truly honored and excited to interview John A. Dailey, a Marine badass and one of the most compelling voices I've ever had the privilege of interviewing. John joined the Marines at just seventeen and went on to serve more than twenty years, spending most of that time in special operations with tours in Afghanistan and Iraq. John shares powerful leadership lessons forged through real-world experience, including how to earn respect, how to balance mission accomplishment with taking care of your people, and why mentorship is one of the most underrated keys to growth in both military and civilian life. We also talk about mental toughness, grit, and what it really means to lead when the stakes are high. John earned his MFA in creative writing from UNCW in 2018 and shares his insights through his weekly newsletter, Walking Point, along with his thoughts on building toughness through fitness at RTFU.substack.com. Ripple with John Dailey Websites: https://JADailey.com https://Walkingpoint.org Subscribe to the Walking Point newsletter: https://jdailey.substack.com Ripple with Steve Harper Instagram: http://instagram.com/rippleon Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rippleon X: https://twitter.com/rippleon Website: http://www.ripplecentral.com

Have you ever worked for a company that tells you to bring your full self to work, celebrates authenticity and psychological safety, and then turns around and crushes you with metrics, perfectionism, and burnout? If you find yourself nodding, this episode is for you. Shaun Tinney, a speaker, performance coach, and the author of Practice Everything, joins me for a deep, honest conversation about leadership, workplace culture, and what it really means to live and work with intention. Shaun has spent years guiding individuals and teams through pivotal change across both corporate and creative environments, drawing on psychology, the Enneagram, and a whole lot of lived experience to help people navigate resistance with confidence and clarity. In this interview, Shaun shares his journey from entrepreneurship and high-impact consulting to stepping away from agency life, traveling more than 70,000 miles across the country, and eventually helping shape culture, learning, and development at goodr Sunglasses during a period of rapid growth. Shaun and I talk about the "small" stuff that ends up shaping everything: the mixed messages leaders send (often without realizing it), and the gap between what companies say they value and what actually gets rewarded day to day. This conversation is for leaders, founders, creatives, and anyone who wants to do work that matters without burning out within systems that still run on fear rather than trust. Take your time with this one, grab a notebook, and let it challenge the way you think about performance and The Ripple Effect your daily choices create. Ripple with Shaun Tinney Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shauntinney/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shauntinney/ Practice Everything: https://practiceeverything.com/ Personal Site: https://shauntinney.com/ Ripple with Steve Harper Instagram: http://instagram.com/rippleon Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rippleon X: https://twitter.com/rippleon Website: http://www.ripplecentral.com

Welcome back to The Ripple Effect Podcast. Today's conversation is one of those interviews that sticks with you long after it ends. Meet Jen Newbill. Jen brings over 25 years of HR experience across talent acquisition, leadership development, learning and development, and HR operations. She has coached leaders and executives in both startup and large enterprise environments and completed the Awaken Coach Institute, an ICF-accredited coaching program. Throughout her career, Jen has led large, complex programs and teams of more than 50 employees, with a deep passion for feedback, coaching, and leadership growth. Most recently, Jen served as Global Director of Emerging Talent Recruiting at Dell Technologies, where she led employer branding efforts for students and early-career talent. Over her 21-year tenure at Dell, she held multiple leadership roles across recruiting, leadership development, HR operations, and employment branding, including launching and growing Dell's global talent-attraction and employment brand team. Her work emphasized engagement, collaboration, trust, and data-driven decision-making. A strong advocate for workplace transparency, Jen was named a Glassdoor Top Talent Warrior and has served on advisory boards for CareerXRoads, Glassdoor, and Universum. She has been featured in major publications and is a frequent podcast guest and conference speaker. Jen is also a certified CliftonStrengths coach, a 200-hour certified yoga teacher, and a certified meditation teacher, bringing a whole-person, strengths-based approach to her leadership and team coaching. If you are a leader, executive, or people manager who feels like performance reviews miss the mark, employee engagement is slipping, or burnout is quietly taking over your team, listen until the end. Jen brings a strengths-based leadership lens to everything she does as a CliftonStrengths certified coach, and she breaks down how you can use tools like Gallup StrengthsFinder to build high-performing teams, improve leadership communication, and create a strengths-based culture that lasts. We talk about why so many employees feel uninvested at work, how leaders can become better listeners, and why relationship-building at work is more important than ever in today's corporate environment. This conversation is honest, practical, and grounded in real corporate experience. If you are looking for a better way to lead, inspire, and perform without burning yourself or your people out, you are in the right place. Connect with Jen Newbill LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferjonesnewbill/ Website: https://newday-coaching.com/ Ripple with Steve Harper Instagram: http://instagram.com/rippleon Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rippleon X: https://twitter.com/rippleon Website: http://www.ripplecentral.com

I honestly can't believe we are kicking off Season 11 of The Ripple Effect Podcast. This episode is really just me sitting down with you and talking about where this show has been, where it's going, and why I'm more excited about this season than any season we've done before. What started as an idea has turned into something way bigger than I ever imagined, and that's because of you showing up, listening, sharing, and engaging. This show has never been about perfection or overly produced visuals. It's about real conversations, real people, and real lessons that actually matter in your life and your work. Season 11 is all about going deeper. Deeper into trust. Deeper into relationships. Deeper into leadership, career growth, confidence, imposter syndrome, and how we actually build meaningful connections in a world that keeps trying to push us behind screens. We're going to have CEOs, entrepreneurs, community leaders, and everyday Ripplers on the show this season. You'll hear the wins, the struggles, the mistakes, and the lessons learned the hard way. We're also going to talk about AI, the future of work, career changes, side hustles, and what it really takes to build trust and connection when everything feels fast, automated, and transactional. One thing I'm asking of you this year is to not just listen passively. I want this to be a two-way conversation. Go back and listen to the episodes again. Pull out the nuggets. Take some notes. Think about how these ideas apply to your life. Then come back and tell me what hit home, what questions you still have, or what you wish I had asked. This podcast works best when the Ripples don't just go out, but also come back. If you're looking for a podcast that feels more like sitting across the table having a real conversation than listening to a scripted interview, you're in the right place. Season 11 is stacked with incredible guests and powerful conversations, and I can't wait to bring them to you. Thanks for being here. Thanks for supporting the show. Let's get rolling and make 2026 the year we create some serious Ripples. Ripple with Steve Harper Instagram: http://instagram.com/rippleon Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rippleon X: https://twitter.com/rippleon Website: http://www.ripplecentral.com Stay in the loop by being a part of the Ripple mail list: https://ripplecentral.com/subscribe Be a Patron: https://www.patreon.com/SteveHarper Join our ever-growing community of Ripplers in The Pond: https://ripplecentral.com/pond To inquire about my availability for conference keynotes, corporate training, or performance coaching, please contact info@ripplecentral.com.

Welcome to the 2025 podcast recap. What a ride! This episode lets me do two things I love: celebrate the baddest ass people on the planet who showed up on this show, and gently remind you that if you missed even one episode, you have an absolute treasure chest waiting for you. We are talking season 10 podcast recap-style, which still blows my mind. Ten seasons. You are going to hear quick nuggets from leaders, entrepreneurs, authors, coaches, creators, and straight-up legends. These are mini master classes. Listen once for the fun, then come back for the education and the "wait, how did I miss that the first time" moments. Expect authentic leadership and modern leadership strategies that hit you right in the heart and right in the calendar. Expect career development wisdom, interview confidence tips, HR career advice, and job search strategy 2025 conversations that will make you want to take control of your career. Expect entrepreneurship mindset and personal branding tips, content strategy for entrepreneurs, and marketing strategy for small business ideas that will make you want to build a brand and actually commit to the content, even when your couch is begging you not to. And because we are living in the future, yes, we get into AI tools for professionals, prompting tips for beginners, how to write better prompts for ChatGPT, custom GPT talk, and AI productivity for business, including AI interview practice and AI for career coaching. If you have been curious about using ChatGPT for work, or you want to stop getting "meh" results and start getting "whoa" results, you will love these segments. We also hit the real stuff. Sales mindset, boundaries, how to handle rejection, and more lessons from experts from their respective fields. So if you want the best podcast episodes of 2025 in one place, this is it. If you want a season recap podcast that feels like a hype video for your next level, buckle up. Please share this with a friend who needs a little optimism, and tell me in the comments which guest you are going back to binge first. Happy Holidays, Happy New Year, and get ready to kick 2026 in the hindquarters. Ripple with Steve Harper Instagram: http://instagram.com/rippleon Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rippleon X: https://twitter.com/rippleon Website: http://www.ripplecentral.com Stay in the loop by being a part of the Ripple mail list: https://ripplecentral.com/subscribe Be a Patron: https://www.patreon.com/SteveHarper Join our ever-growing community of Ripplers in The Pond: https://ripplecentral.com/pond To inquire about my availability for conference keynotes, corporate training, or performance coaching, please contact info@ripplecentral.com.

This is a solo episode, and it's just me talking honestly about the show, the journey, and what podcasting has turned into for me. Over the last couple of years, I've gotten a lot more comfortable doing this. Not because I figured out some secret formula, but because I stopped trying to sound polished and started showing up as myself. This episode is really about authenticity, building real connections, and why I believe the best podcasts feel more like conversations than interviews. I talk about podcast growth, not in terms of downloads or numbers, but in terms of trust, relationships, and consistency. I share why I don't script interviews, why I don't overprepare, and how focusing on people instead of performance has changed everything for me as a podcast host. If you're a podcaster, creator, entrepreneur, or just someone trying to find your voice, there's a lot in here about confidence, curiosity, and letting things unfold naturally. Podcasting has become my home base, a place where leadership, personal growth, and meaningful conversation all come together. I'm incredibly grateful for the guests who've trusted me, the relationships that have grown beyond the mic, and the listeners who've stuck around and supported the show. This episode is really a thank you and a bit of a reflection on where I am and where I think this is headed. If this conversation resonates with you, share it with someone who might get something out of it. That's how Ripples start. Thanks for being here. Let's Ripple!!! Instagram Facebook X Website Subscribe to the Ripple mail list: https://ripplecentral.com/subscribe Be a Patron: https://www.patreon.com/SteveHarper Join our ever-growing community of Ripplers in The Pond: https://ripplecentral.com/pond To inquire about my availability for conference keynotes, corporate training, or performance coaching, please contact info@ripplecentral.com.

If you've ever had a moment when life whispered that you were meant for more, but you had no idea how to step into it, this episode is going to hit you right in the soul. What if the beliefs running your life right now weren't true at all? What if the ceiling you think you keep hitting was never supposed to be there? And what if one single moment of clarity could rewrite everything ahead of you? That's exactly the kind of conversation I'm having with Rick Torrison in this episode of The Ripple Effect Podcast. Rick Torrison is a USA Today Best-Selling Author, speaker, and transformational coach who's spent over 25 years helping leaders, entrepreneurs, and high performers move from success to significance. Known as The Limitless Coach, Rick's mission is to help people crush limiting beliefs, clarify their vision, and step boldly into the life they were created to live. He's the creator of the Living Limitless App, a powerful new platform designed to help users renew their mindset, reconnect with purpose, and walk in faith-driven confidence every day. The app features RickBot, Rick's groundbreaking AI coaching clone built to disrupt ChatGPT by delivering more personal, faith-aligned, and human coaching experiences for personal and professional growth. Through his best-selling book Born Limitless, his transformational coaching programs, and his Limitless Life Blueprint framework, Rick equips a generation that's tired of surface-level success and hungry for truth, identity, and meaning. His message is simple yet powerful: you were born limitless—created for influence, impact, and a future filled with hope. We walk through the big questions that tend to show up in every decade of life. Finding your purpose in your 20s. Wondering if you are on the right path in your 30s. Asking if this is really "it" in your 40s. Rethinking legacy and impact in your 50s and 60s. If you are in that space of "there has to be more than this," you are going to love this conversation. Check out Rick's book Born Limitless, his Living Limitless app, and all things Rick Torrison at the links below. Website: https://ricktorrison.com/ Download the Living Limitless App: https://onelink.to/25asqc Socials: LinkedIn Instagram Facebook TikTok A huge shout-out to Drew Norton for making this Ripple possible! Watch Drew's interview here: https://youtu.be/ATay_Qf_qD8 Ripple with Steve Harper Instagram Facebook X Website Subscribe to the Ripple mail list: https://ripplecentral.com/subscribe Be a Patron: https://www.patreon.com/SteveHarper Join our ever-growing community of Ripplers in The Pond: https://ripplecentral.com/pond  

If you've ever built a business that looked successful from the outside but secretly felt misaligned on the inside, this episode will hit home. I'm so grateful to have the incredible Mel McSherry on The Ripple Effect Podcast! We explore Human Design for entrepreneurs and the surprising ways it can eliminate burnout, imposter syndrome, and that nagging feeling that you're doing everything right, yet something still feels off. Mel's story is powerful. Being a business & life guide, Mel McSherry helps inspired yet overwhelmed entrepreneurs honor their lives and become the architects of their own success. Mel uses their spiritual gifts and 15+ years of business-building experience to slash entrepreneurs' stress and bring their success to life! Using both Human Design in partnership with traditional business development tools, Mel coaches others on how they can connect to what they want, understand how they are designed to create what they want, and implement their strengths and strategies, so every day they are profitable–mentally, emotionally, and financially. As an entrepreneur since 2010, Mel has launched two successful businesses, become a 2x published author, spoken almost 200 times all over the US and overseas, and created a true life by design–all while being the primary caregiver to their teenage son with autism. We discuss time and energy management, emotional and energetic profitability, the power of honoring your natural design, and what happens when you stop forcing yourself into strategies that were never meant for you. Are you curious about Human Design? Are you a coach, entrepreneur, or a leader searching for a more authentic and sustainable way to grow your business? If so, I can't wait for you to hear Mel's insights. She brings clarity, humor, honesty, and a level of realness that makes this one of my favorite conversations on The Ripple Effect Podcast. Ripple with Mel McSherry Instagram LinkedIn Website Ripple with Steve Harper Instagram Facebook X Website Patreon Stay in the loop by being a part of the Ripple mail list. Subscribe here. Join The Pond community.

Every entrepreneur has a moment where they look in the mirror and quietly wonder if they are fooling everyone around them. I have had that moment more times than I can count, and in this episode of The Ripple Effect Podcast, I sit down with someone who once admitted she felt the exact same way at the height of her confidence on stage. Her name is Natalie Bevacqua, and our conversation dives deep into the parts of the entrepreneurial journey most people never talk about. If you have ever struggled with imposter syndrome, felt the urge for a midlife reinvention, or wondered whether you could start over as an introverted entrepreneur, I want you to hear this. Natalie and I go all the way back to Austin in 2005. When I first met her, she walked into every room with a level of confidence and charisma that made people lean in. I assumed she had it all figured out. What I later learned is that behind that confidence lived a woman who was just as nervous, anxious, and uncertain as the rest of us. In this interview, we revisit that moment and unpack what it means to lead while still wrestling with doubt, how to stop caring so much about what other people think, and why the messy, unpolished parts of our stories are the most relatable and powerful. Natalie Bevacqua opens up about leaving Austin, moving to a brand new city in her 50s, and starting from scratch. Imagine being a woman entrepreneur, well-established and successful, suddenly landing in a place where you know no one except your husband. At a time when many people begin settling into routine, she chose to rebuild her community, her business, and her identity from the ground up. That kind of midlife reinvention takes courage most people never access, and she walks us through exactly what that journey taught her. As we talk, she shares how her entrepreneurial path has been shaped by overcoming self-doubt, trusting herself, and learning how to build authentic connections instead of forced networking. We explore how introverts can thrive in business, how personal growth changes in our 30s, 40s, and 50s, and why entrepreneurship remains one of the greatest gifts we have. With over 25 years as an entrepreneur in the health, wellness, and beauty industry, Natalie has dedicated her career to empowering women to prioritize their well-being while creating lives of purpose and meaning. As a breast cancer and melanoma survivor, she has learned firsthand the importance of nurturing both inner and outer health. Those seasons deepened her passion for helping women build confidence, resilience, and radiant health from the inside out. Natalie hosts wellness programs, her signature Wellness Wednesday texts, and Women's Circles, all designed to help women feel supported, strong, and seen. If you are seeking wellness guidance, community, or mentorship to rediscover your own glow, she would love to connect with you. If you feel stuck, uncertain, or disconnected from your purpose, I hope this interview reminds you that reinvention is possible at any age. You can start over in a new city. You can shift careers. You can take control of your future. You can grow even while scared. And a single conversation or small moment of courage can create a Ripple Effect that changes everything. If you have not yet grabbed a copy of my book The Ripple Effect: Maximizing the Power of Relationships for Your Life and Business, you can find it at ripplecentral.com along with other resources to help you expand your influence and deepen your connections in everyday life. Ripple with Natalie Bevacqua Instagram: @nataliebevacqua Ripple with Steve Harper Instagram: http://instagram.com/rippleon Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rippleon X: https://twitter.com/rippleon Website: http://www.ripplecentral.com Stay in the loop by being a part of the Ripple mail list: https://ripplecentral.com/subscribe

AI career coaching is here... and it's transforming how job seekers, entrepreneurs, and professionals grow, connect, and thrive. I'm beyond excited to share this powerful conversation with my amazing guest, Chloe Spillane, founder of Chloe Careers and the visionary behind Chloe AI, an incredible AI career coach that's reshaping how job seekers, professionals, and entrepreneurs navigate their careers. In this episode of The Ripple Effect Podcast, we discuss how AI in career development is changing the game for anyone looking to land that next big opportunity. Chloe and I talk about her journey from New York's fast-paced startup scene to building her AI-powered career guidance tool from the quiet beauty of regional Australia. We explore what it takes to create a digital twin technology experience that feels real and personal, how she's helping people prepare for interviews with AI interview preparation tools, and why this moment marks a major shift in the future of work AI movement. If you've ever wondered how to use AI for job seekers or what it really takes to merge innovation with purpose, this conversation will light a fire in you. Chloe shares how her passion for empowering others led to creating a tool that doesn't just talk to you but listens, learns, and supports your journey at every step. This is a story about vision, resilience, and the power of technology to amplify human connection. So grab your coffee, lean in, and join us for a conversation that will challenge you to think differently about your career, your goals, and what's possible when you let curiosity and courage guide your path. If you liked Chloe's story and vision, it's not her first time here on The Ripple Effect Podcast. You can also watch and listen to the other episode: https://youtu.be/gS-NvQN9t4Y CHLOE AI: https://www.chloecareers.com/ai-hub 1:1 Coaching: https://www.chloecareers.com/coaching Ripple with Chloe Spillane LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chloespillane/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/careercoachchloe/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@careercoachchloe Ripple with Steve Harper Instagram: http://instagram.com/rippleon Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rippleon X: https://twitter.com/rippleon Website: http://www.ripplecentral.com Be a part of the Ripple mail list: https://ripplecentral.com/subscribe Be a Patron: https://www.patreon.com/SteveHarper Join our ever-growing community of Ripplers in The Pond: https://ripplecentral.com/pond

If you think sales is about slick pitches and perfect scripts, think again. I've met a lot of sales professionals in my career, but few bring the heart, humility, and wisdom that Drew Norton does. In this episode of The Ripple Effect Podcast, Drew joins me to talk about what it really means to lead with authenticity and sell with purpose. He's passionate about helping people realize that sales isn't just a job. It's a mindset. Drew Norton, known as The Everyday Sales Leader, is a dynamic self-development coach, sales consultant, and co-host of The Everyday Leader Podcast. With a background spanning sales, hiring, recruiting, leadership, and training across diverse industries, he's a seasoned expert in cultivating individual and organizational success. His career journey encompasses a proven track record in sales, and he's passionate about translating his wealth of knowledge into actionable insights, empowering others to achieve their career aspirations in sales and leadership. Drew is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served a mission in the Utah Ogden Mission. Originally from southeastern Arizona, Drew cherishes the values of small-town life. He and his wife have been married for nearly 13 years and are blessed with four children. A sports enthusiast, he cheers on the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, Utah Jazz, and Denver Broncos. His love for the outdoors extends to hunting and side-by-side riding. A private pilot, Drew also enjoys the freedom of flight. From the outside, Drew looks like a high-performing sales professional (and he is), but what makes him special is how deeply he connects the dots between selling, serving, and living with purpose. He's led multimillion-dollar sales teams, trained professionals across industries, and now helps business owners, entrepreneurs, and leaders discover how sales can transform every part of their lives, from how they lead at work to how they communicate at home. Going deeper, he shares the story of a near-death experience with his six-month-old son, and how that terrifying moment taught him lessons that go far beyond business. If you've ever said, "I'm not in sales," this episode is your wake-up call. Because the truth is… we're all in sales. Why? Watch till the end! Ripple with Drew Norton Website: sales.theeverydayleader.co Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theeverydaysalesleader/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/theeverydaysalesleader/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheEveryDaySalesLeader TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theeverydaysalesleader Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theeverydaysalesleader Tune in to The Everyday Leader Podcast: https://www.theeverydayleader.co/podcast Ripple with Steve Harper Instagram: http://instagram.com/rippleon Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rippleon X: https://twitter.com/rippleon Website: http://www.ripplecentral.com

Are you an entrepreneur selling yourself as the brand, or someone with a bold idea or purpose to share with the world? Then, you're in the right place. Welcome to The Ripple Effect Podcast, where today's guest, Justin Foster, brings over 20 years of brand coaching wisdom that flips traditional marketing on its head. Justin is redefining what it means to build a brand by moving away from formulas, numbers, and data overload, and toward something simpler, but far more powerful: authenticity. His message, F the Formula, is a breath of fresh air for anyone tired of chasing algorithms or trying to fit into someone else's version of success. We are talking about building a soul-led brand that feels real, not forced. This is Part Two of my conversation with Justin Foster, where we dive deeper into the nitty-gritty of his bold "F the Formula" philosophy. I know, this is the one you've been waiting for! Ripple with Justin Foster Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fosterthinking/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JustinFoster LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/fosterjustin Website: massivechange.co/ Subscribe to The Third Way: https://substack.com/@fosterthinking Ripple with Steve Harper Instagram: http://instagram.com/rippleon Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rippleon X: https://twitter.com/rippleon Website: http://www.ripplecentral.com Stay in the loop by being a part of the Ripple mail list: https://ripplecentral.com/subscribe Be a Patron: https://www.patreon.com/SteveHarper Join our ever-growing community of Ripplers in The Pond: https://ripplecentral.com/pond

What happens when a cowboy poet, brand provocateur, and unapologetic truth-teller decides to burn the old playbook and start over in Mexico City? Meet Justin Foster, the co-founder of Massive Change, an advisory firm helping non-profit leaders and entrepreneurs build just, equitable brands. Raised on a cattle ranch in Oregon, Justin brings a no-BS, straight-off-the-range approach to leadership and business. For more than two decades, he's delivered heretical brand coaching that cuts through the noise, distilling complex ideas into clear, high-impact messages that move people. A master of language, he's the author of four books and a prolific writer of essays, poetry, and songs. At his core, Justin is a poet, agitator, and strategist who fiercely challenges entrenched power and questions the narratives that uphold the status quo. After multiple setbacks, I finally had the chance to interview Justin for the Ripple Effect Podcast. Justin is overflowing with insight and soul, so this conversation is split into two parts. Part One explores his move, mindset, and rediscovery of purpose, while Part Two delves into building soul-led brands and leading with authenticity in a world obsessed with formulas. Tune in to The Ripple Effect Podcast and join me for a powerful, unfiltered conversation with Justin Foster: a living example of what it means to live with intention and fire.     Ripple with Justin Foster Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fosterthinking/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JustinFoster LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/fosterjustin Website: massivechange.co/ Subscribe to The Third Way: https://substack.com/@fosterthinking     Ripple with Steve Harper  Instagram: http://instagram.com/rippleon Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rippleon X: https://twitter.com/rippleon Website: http://www.ripplecentral.com Stay in the loop by being a part of the Ripple mail list: https://ripplecentral.com/subscribe Be a Patron: https://www.patreon.com/SteveHarper Join our ever-growing community of Ripplers in The Pond: https://ripplecentral.com/pond To inquire about my availability for conference keynotes, corporate training, or performance coaching, please contact info@ripplecentral.com.

Welcome back to The Ripple Effect Podcast. Today, we are joined by my good friend and special guest Karen Ansen, an extraordinary entrepreneur and employment lawyer from Australia. Karen is the founder of Ignite HR and Employment Law, where she assists businesses and individuals in navigating Fair Work, workplace bullying claims, adverse action cases, and wage underpayment issues in Australia. She also leads Ignite Your Purpose, a coaching and retreat platform that combines mindfulness, breathwork, meditation, and leadership training to help people reduce stress, build resilience, and lead with authenticity. Karen and I discuss her courageous leap from the corporate world to starting her own law firm, how she balances her career with her passion for helping others, and the unique way she combines employment law with personal growth. We delve into workplace culture, the importance of onboarding, how to provide feedback without causing defensiveness, and why healthy conflict is crucial for strong teams. Karen Ansen is proof that you can be both a top employment lawyer and a heart-led leader who helps others ignite their purpose. Whether you are an HR professional, a business owner, or simply someone who wants to create more purpose in your career and life, this episode is packed with inspiration and practical wisdom.   Ripple with Karen Ansen: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/karenansen Ignite HR and Employment Law: ignitehr.com.au Ignite Your Purpose: igniteyourpurpose.au   Ripple with Steve Harper Instagram: http://instagram.com/rippleon Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rippleon X: https://twitter.com/rippleon Website: http://www.ripplecentral.com   Stay in the loop by being a part of the Ripple mail list: https://ripplecentral.com/subscribe Be a Patron: https://www.patreon.com/SteveHarper Join our ever-growing community of Ripplers in The Pond: https://ripplecentral.com/pond   To inquire about my availability for conference keynotes, corporate training, or performance coaching, please contact info@ripplecentral.com.  

My heart feels so heavy right now. Everywhere I turn, whether it's Facebook, X, or even LinkedIn, I see a wave of social media toxicity and division that leaves me feeling drained and heartbroken. It seems like we've forgotten how to have conversations. Instead, we're caught in an endless cycle of outrage, cancel culture, and online attacks that end up damaging not just our relationships but also our personal and professional reputations. We will talk about that in today's episode of The Ripple Effect Podcast. The truth is, the world feels more divided than ever in 2025, and the weight of global anxiety is showing up in how we treat each other online. When we post without thinking, when we lash out in anger, we're not just releasing stress in the moment, but also creating lasting damage to our brands, our businesses, and our own mental health. I don't have a magic solution, but I do believe we can choose differently. We can choose kindness when it feels easier to fight. We can lean into curiosity instead of judgment. We can create positive Ripples instead of amplifying the negativity that's already out there. If you've ever felt overwhelmed by the noise online or worried about how what you post today might impact your future, listen until the end. I hope that it gives you perspective, maybe even a little hope, and reminds you that the Ripples we put into the world matter more than we think.   Ripple with Steve Harper  Instagram: http://instagram.com/rippleon Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rippleon X: https://twitter.com/rippleon Website: http://www.ripplecentral.com   Stay in the loop by being a part of the Ripple mail list: https://ripplecentral.com/subscribe Be a Patron: https://www.patreon.com/SteveHarper Join our ever-growing community of Ripplers in The Pond: https://ripplecentral.com/pond To inquire about my availability for conference keynotes, corporate training, or performance coaching, please contact info@ripplecentral.com.   #podcast #podcasting #newpodcast #podcastepisode #podcastersofinstagram #podcastlife #podcastcommunity #spotify #applepodcasts #googlepodcasts #podcastrecommendation #podcastshow #businesspodcast #leadershippodcast #personaldevelopmentpodcast #mindsetpodcast #mentalhealthpodcast #inspirationpodcast #professionalgrowth #rippleeffectpodcast

Serve first. Win later. You will learn that and more in this episode of The Ripple Effect Podcast. Our special guest for today is entrepreneur and general contractor Bo Jones. Bo is a builder by trade, but even more so, he's a builder of futures. As the CEO of CareerPathway.com, Bo is leading a movement that's reimagining how we connect talent with opportunity. On a mission to radically simplify college and career exploration, he's helping students, job seekers, employers, and educators navigate a clearer, smarter path to success. His inspiration? Real pain points like watching his construction company pour time and money into outdated recruiting strategies with little return, and witnessing firsthand how difficult it is for his own kids to find purpose in their career journeys. Bo also serves as President of Tru-Built Construction, a full-scale design/build construction firm with decades of success in residential and commercial development. But he's more than a successful entrepreneur; he's a passionate problem-solver who understands the disconnect between education and employment. He built CareerPathway.com out of pure necessity to streamline the process, amplify exposure for schools and businesses, and give individuals something they've been craving all along: clarity and confidence about their futures. If you're tired of workforce challenges, struggling talent pipelines, and missed connections in hiring and education, this podcast will feel like a breath of fresh air. Bold, approachable, and relentlessly motivated, Bo brings powerful insights and straight-talk solutions to anyone looking to build something meaningful for themselves, their teams, or their communities. Bo shares how showing clients every bid, budget, and line item upfront creates trust and transparency, and how that model fuels repeat and referral business. We talk about the highs and the lows, and how strong client relationships make all the difference.  Get ready to hear what happens when innovation meets action and why Bo believes we're just getting started.   Ripple with Bo Jones LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bo-jones/ Websites: careerpathway.com, tru-built.net   Ripple with Steve Harper Instagram: http://instagram.com/rippleon Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rippleon X: https://twitter.com/rippleon Website: http://www.ripplecentral.com Stay in the loop by being a part of the Ripple mail list: https://ripplecentral.com/subscribe Be a Patron: https://www.patreon.com/SteveHarper Join our ever-growing community of Ripplers in The Pond: https://ripplecentral.com/pond To inquire about my availability for conference keynotes, corporate training, or performance coaching, please contact info@ripplecentral.com.   #Construction #Trades #Entrepreneurship #WorkforceDevelopment #CareerExploration #CustomHomes #Multifamily #OpenBookConstruction #Nebraska