Community Good with Marney Andes

In this final episode of Community Good, Marney is joined by Karen Olson, founder and CEO emeritus of Family Promise. This national organization has helped over one million people experiencing homelessness. Karen shares how a single act of noticing—a moment of connection with a woman on the street—sparked a lifetime of advocacy, leadership, and impact.Together, Marney and Karen explore how values-driven work shapes not only our legacy but also how we navigate each season of life. They discuss the evolution of Family Promise, the challenges of nonprofit leadership, and what it looks like to stay grounded in compassion in a world that often pulls us away from it.As the closing chapter of Community Good, this episode serves as a powerful reminder of how doing good in your community begins with paying attention, following through, and trusting that one small act can truly change everything.More about Karen Olson:Karen Olson is the founder and CEO emeritus of Family Promise, a nonprofit organization that began with a single local initiative and evolved into a national movement to support families experiencing homelessness. Under her leadership, the organization expanded to over 200 affiliates nationwide, mobilizing more than 200,000 volunteers annually.Karen is also a writer, speaker, and lifelong advocate whose reflections on faith, community, and service have helped inspire people to lead with purpose and compassion. Her work has earned her numerous national awards and recognition, but she remains grounded in the belief that real change always begins with small, intentional acts.Today, she continues to write and speak on topics of leadership, personal transformation, and aligning your actions with your deepest values.www.karenolsonauthor.comFacebook: Karen Olson AuthorInstagram: @karen.olson.authorConnect with Marney:Insta: @shelives.intentionallyhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/marneyandes

In this episode of Community Good, Marney Andes and Sylvia Torres explore breaking traditional career cycles, counterculture recruiting, and the power of community support—especially for women. Sylvia shares her journey into recruiting, highlighting the importance of challenging conventional hiring practices and recognizing new opportunities. Together, they discuss the freedom of portfolio careers, the value of specialization, and the courage to pursue diverse career paths. This episode is a call to action for redefining success, embracing passions, and taking bold steps toward an intentional, fulfilling professional life.Main Topics00:00 The Power of Connection05:59 Breaking Cycles in Career Development11:58 The Journey into Recruiting18:10 Challenging Traditional Hiring Practices23:58 Redefining Career Mindsets31:32 The Power of Specialization39:00 Making Choices and Taking Action49:51 Redefining Community and Support for WomenMore about Sylvia Torres:Sylvia Torres is the kind of person who turns “what if” into “why not?” Her journey began as a teen mom with big dreams and a fearless determination to discover her path. Fast-forward to today: Sylvia founded Switchboard, a boutique hiring agency that connects small businesses and startups with the talent they need to thrive. But she’s not just a recruiter—she’s a career strategist, writer, and coach for bold women pursuing non-traditional ways of making a living.Through her publications, Where to Start and Girl Friday, Sylvia shares practical job search wisdom and unfiltered stories about taking risks, embracing quirks, and crafting a life outside the lines. Known for her nontraditional approach to work and life, she inspires others to rethink what’s possible and take charge of their narratives. Whether she’s on stage speaking, coaching, or penning her next piece, Sylvia is a storyteller at heart—one who helps people turn ambition into action.Websites: https://substack.com/@sylviatorresConnect with Marney:Insta: @shelives.intentionallyhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/marneyandesListen, rate, and subscribe!

In this episode of Community Good, Marney Andes and Christina Joymon dive into the intersection of clarity, values, and action as they discuss the unique journeys of women navigating male-dominated fields. Christina shares her career evolution from engineering to entrepreneurship, illustrating how aligning decisions with personal values fosters fulfillment and success. The conversation uncovers the challenges women face in the workplace, including cultural inclusion and the need for a supportive community.Christina highlights her experience building empathy-driven communities, the power of shared stories, and the role of self-discovery in empowering the next generation of women. They also explore the importance of self-care, quiet reflection, and cultivating strong partnerships to thrive in personal and professional spaces. Together, they emphasize how women can proactively navigate complexities and take decisive action to create supportive, inclusive environments for diverse backgrounds.Main Topics00:00 Introduction to Clarity and Career Paths04:51 Christina's Journey: From Engineering to Entrepreneurship08:29 Finding Clarity: Aligning Values with Decisions16:22 Navigating Challenges: Being a Woman in a Male-Dominated Field20:54 Empowerment and Self-Discovery: Knowing Your Worth26:33 Cultural Inclusion: Bridging Gaps Through Community Engagement28:27 Building Community Through Shared Experiences30:39 Taking Action: The Power of Decisiveness34:19 The Importance of Self-Care and Quiet Time39:04 Navigating Relationships: The Need for Partnership46:08 Understanding Values in RelationshipsMore about Christina Joymon:Christina Joymon is a trailblazer in engineering and entrepreneurship. With a Bachelor’s in Computer Engineering from Drexel University and a Master’s in Systems Engineering from Stevens Institute of Technology, she broke barriers as the first Asian woman to serve as President of the IEEE at her university. Christina’s career spans prestigious engineering roles, including her work as a Systems Engineer and Project Manager at BAE Systems, where she earned multiple accolades for innovation and leadership.As the Founder of XIA Capital, Christina has spent over a decade helping others launch tech innovations with a focus on Artificial Intelligence and sustainability. Her passion for inspiring others extends beyond STEM—she’s also an award-winning novelist whose debut, Royal Planet, explores meaningful topics like colorism, adoption, and self-worth through an engaging, symbolic narrative.A sought-after speaker, Christina has keynoted conferences like LeadHERship, championing equity and inclusion in STEM. When she’s not driving innovation, Christina enjoys running, family adventures, and fostering a spirit of curiosity and connection in everything she does.Insta: @christina.joymonWebsites: www.christinaj.comConnect with Marney:https://www.linkedin.com/in/marneyandesInsta: @shelives.intentionallyListen, rate, and subscribe!

In this episode of Community Good, Marney Andes and Bree Johnson discuss how women can heal from workplace harm, set boundaries, and find empowerment beyond the limitations of traditional employment law through community and self-discovery. Bree shares her transformative journey from a successful legal career to founding a company focused on healing workplace culture. She discusses the limitations of traditional employment law in addressing workplace harm and introduces the concept of 'work wounds,' characterized by bullying, bad behavior, and feelings of betrayal. Bree emphasizes the importance of empowerment through setting boundaries and self-discovery while addressing the systemic challenges women face in the workplace. The conversation concludes with a focus on the significance of community as a source of healing and support.Main Topics00:00 Journey of Resilience and Transformation04:56 The Limitations of Traditional Employment Law09:56 Understanding Work Wounds: The Three B's15:02 Empowerment and Redefining Work Relationships19:59 Healing Work Wounds: A Framework for Change25:05 Navigating Systemic Challenges in the Workplace34:28 Transforming Individual Well-Being into Systemic Change37:33 Navigating Workplace Wellness: Individual Choices and Organizational Culture38:45 Setting Boundaries for Personal and Professional Growth40:12 Self-Discovery Through Personality Insights42:30 The Heart of Community: Connection and SupportMore about Bree Johnson:Bree Johnson is a changemaker who founded Executive Unschool, built on the premise that leadership is an inside job. Executive Unschool delivers cutting-edge executive leadership, well-being, and mindfulness programs for companies and teams.Having served as a COO and employment law attorney, Bree Johnson discovered that her worth in work wasn’t working. This personal journey led her to a new path, where she now assists leaders in overcoming professional setbacks and work wounds to reveal their authentic leadership. Her podcast, The Untamed Mind, delves into well-being, work culture, and conscious leadership.Insta: @breejohnsonofficialWebsites: www.executiveunschool.com |www.bree-johnson.comConnect with Marney:https://www.linkedin.com/in/marneyandeshttps://www.instagram.com/marneyandeshttps://www.facebook.com/marneyandesauthorListen, rate, and subscribe!

Dr. Liz Wilson, a behavioral scientist, organizational transformation expert, and founder of Include Inc., shares more about her journey to working with organizations on inclusion, her 8-inclusion needs of all people, and great insights for all of us live by in our day to day interactions with each other.—Questions to Ask Yourself:1. What behaviors and attitudes regarding inclusion exist in my personal and professional life, and how can I continue to improve and learn?2. How can I learn from and collaborate with individuals from diverse backgrounds?3. In what ways can I use my privilege and influence to advocate for underrepresented groups and promote equity?—About Dr. Liz Wilson:Originally from Australia and now based in the United States, Dr. Liz is well known for her authentic, honest, and pragmatic approach to everything she does. This includes her simple yet powerful, Include Change Method that has achieved remarkable results for her clients over her 25+ year career. Dr. Liz has transformed the ways of working and cultures of dozens of global organizations, including major airlines, banks, consumer goods, telecommunications, mining, rail, tech, and medtech companies. With a professional purpose that has always centered around the desire to equip individuals, teams, and organizations to thrive, Dr. Liz’s unrelenting curiosity also led her to research and find the solution to inclusion transformation and reducing discrimination, with the development of the 8-Inclusion Needs of all People.—Connect with Liz:Website: theincludeinc.comLinkedIn: @drlizwilsonPodcast: Include with Dr. Liz

Melissa Payne is the bestselling author of four novels, including A Light in the Forest and The Night of Many Endings, who talks about her journey from an early career fundraiser to a full-time career author. Beyond her exceptional writing talent and personal success, she’s an inspiration, believing deeply and reminding us that we have a story to share.—Questions to Ask Yourself:1. How can sharing our personal stories benefit us and those around us?2. How can listening to other people's stories broaden our perspectives and enhance our understanding of the world?3. In what ways can sharing our stories create a sense of community and connectedness?—About Melissa Payne:Melissa Payne is the bestselling author of four novels, including A Light in the Forest and The Night of Many Endings. After a graduate degree in Public Administration and an early career raising money for nonprofit organizations, Melissa dreamed of becoming a published author and decided to write her first novel. Her books, two-time Colorado Book Award finalists and a 2019 Colorado Authors League winner for mainstream fiction, feature small mountain towns with characters searching for redemption, love, and second chances. She’s spoken to book clubs, reading groups, literary festivals, and the occasional podcast about her writing journey and believes everyone has a story to share. Melissa lives in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains with her husband and three children, a friendly mutt, a very loud cat, and the occasional bear. —Connect with Melissa:Website: melissapayneauthor.comInstagram: @melissapayne_writesBuy Melissa’s Books: The Night of Many EndingsA Light in the ForestThe Secrets of Lost StonesMemories in the Drift

Adriana Bucci, after nearly three decades of enduring narcissistic abuse and four years of dealing with severe chronic pain and migraines, made the choice to embark on her own healing journey. Now, a life coach, specializing in helping other people heal from narcissistic trauma and abuse, Adriana shares more information about what narcissism is, how you might be experiencing people with it in your workplace, family, or personal life, and strategies for healing, setting clear and healthy boundaries and moving on.—Questions to Ask Yourself:1. What relationships in your life, professional and personal, have been difficult to manage?2. How have you experienced people with narcissistic behaviors in your professional and personal life?3. What do you need to do to set clear boundaries for yourself?—About Adriana Bucci:Adriana Bucci is a narcissistic abuse recovery life coach based in Toronto, Canada. She empowers her clients worldwide to heal from narcissistic abuse, set boundaries, and live life on their own terms. After nearly three decades of enduring narcissistic abuse and four years of dealing with severe chronic pain and migraines, she learned about the mind-body connection and, despite being skeptical, made the choice to embark on her own healing journey. This not only helped her heal from the physical pain, but it also helped her heal from having been raised by a narcissistic mother, other close narcissistic relationships, and toxic colleagues and workplaces. Her own healing journey inspired her to become a life coach so she could help other people in similar situations have a chance at living life on their own terms.—Connect with Adriana:Website: letsgetyourshifttogether.com/community/Instagram: @letsgetyourshifttogether

Cali Williams Yost is a visionary workplace futurist, strategist, and author who shares her perspective and experience working with organizations and individuals to rethink and reimagine the way work is done. We are living in a time when we have an opportunity to not only change the way we think about work, but also implement those changes in a way that positively impacts our work. Called “one of the most sophisticated thinkers” on the transformation of work by The New York Times, her commentary is frequently featured in the Wall Street Journal and NBC Nightly News.—Questions to Ask Yourself:1. What workplace traditions can you reimagine or rethink?2. How would you benefit from shifting your focus from “where” you work to “what” you’re working on?3. What small changes or “tweaks” can you make to optimize your well-being?—About Cali Williams Yost:For more than two decades, Cali Williams Yost has been a leading authority on high-performance work flexibility. A visionary workplace futurist, strategist, and author, Yost is the Founder and CEO of the Flex+Strategy Group, a solutions company helping organizations unlock performance and engagement by reimagining how, when, and where work is done. Called “one of the most sophisticated thinkers” on the transformation of work by The New York Times, her commentary is frequently featured in the Wall Street Journal, HBR, USA TODAY, Marketplace and NBC Nightly News. Yost approaches flexible work transformation as a strategic business imperative. She codified her concepts in her books, Tweak It: Make What Matters to You Happen Every Day, (Hachette, 2013), and Work+Life: Finding the Fit That’s Right for You (Penguin Group, 2004). Yost graduated with honors from Columbia Business School where she’s noted as an alumnus of “Changing the World.” In 2018, she was named one of the global management thinkers “On the Radar” by Thinkers50, and she was cited as one of Forbes’s 40 Women to Watch Over 40.—Connect with Cali:Website: flexstrategygroup.comLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/caliwilliamsyost/

Sheryl Gurrentz, entrepreneur and author, over the course of her career, has worked and consulted with several non-profits, large corporations, and start-ups, to help them align their mission, operations, and more. Yet, some of her most cherished experiences have come out of the time, resources, and energy she’s provided to organizations such as CASA, Denver Children’s Home, and JTown, where she was also the founding President. And how has she navigated this dynamic between work and volunteering? As she shares in this episode, when you find yourself on what feels like the edges of your life, then you’re likely too far from your real purpose, which is your prompting to switch directions and move back towards your center.—Questions to Ask Yourself:1. When have you felt as though you’re not doing what you’re meant to do?2. What experiences bring you back to your center?3. What causes feel closest to your center and would benefit from your time and energy?—About Sheryl Gurrentz:Sheryl Gurrentz has worked and consulted with non-profits and their boards, large corporations, start-ups, and entrepreneurial companies to help them align their mission and operations, identify and evaluate expansion options, implement new fundraising/financing strategies, and maintain regulatory compliance. Her volunteer positions include serving as President of the Board of Trustees of the Denver Children’s Home Foundation and as Chair of Resource Development for the Board of Directors of Denver Children’s Home, which is Colorado’s oldest non-profit organization. She was also the founding President of JTown, a Board Member of the Mountain States Council of the Anti-Defamation League, on the Community Fundraising Advisory Council for Lone Tree Arts Center, and held multiple board leadership positions at Temple Sinai, including Vice President of Development, where she designed and led a $5M capital campaign. Since 2011, she has been a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) serving children in the child welfare system. Currently, she volunteers with Project Our Town, The Realness Project, and Dry Bones—all of which are non-profits serving our community’s most at-risk members.  She is the author of four books, has been a regular columnist for the Rocky Mountain News’ Colorado Jobs publication, and has a degree in Economics from the Wharton School of Business of the University of Pennsylvania.—Connect with Sheryl:projectourtown.orgdenvercasa.orgrealnessproject.org drybonesdenver.org

Melissa Carpenter, a seasoned HR leader, began experiencing a left-hand tremor and other symptoms at only 37 years old and just two years later, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Not only a recent inductee into the Lincoln East High School Athletic Hall of Fame for gymnastics, but Melissa is also far from the typical demographics of Parkinson’s patients; men over the age of 50 years old. What you’ll learn is that Melissa is navigating her Parkinson’s journey like her professional journey, with curiosity, courageous leadership, and above all, extreme gratitude.—Questions to Ask Yourself:1. How can the practice of gratitude help you develop a more positive outlook on life, even in the face of challenging or uncertain circumstances?2. Think of a challenge you faced recently. How can practicing gratitude for what you do have, rather than the challenge, help you navigate a better solution?3. In what ways might gratitude be used as a tool for self-reflection and personal growth?—About Melissa Carpenter:Melissa Carpenter has a strong passion for the "human" part of Human Resources. A strategic HR leader, she’s developed and facilitated leadership programs that help managers focus on courageous leadership, exploring and leading themselves and their teams through complex issues. She has been on her journey with Parkinson’s since 2014 and continues exploring ways to support herself as well as spread awareness throughout the community.Her daughter Olivia joined her when she facilitated her first Facebook live in 2019, inciting several great questions and community support around Parkinson’s. She continues to spread awareness about the disease, especially during Parkinson’s awareness month in April. Melissa’s been approved for DBS surgery which is deep, brain stimulation, a type of therapy to help control symptoms on a more consistent basis, as well as help decrease the use of medications like dyskinesia, which I discussed in the podcast, it will hopefully give me a better quality of life. I meet with my neurosurgeon next week and hopefully, from there, we will schedule the surgery. She resides in Lincoln, Nebraska with her husband Kris and two children, Caden (14 years old) and Olivia (11 years old).—Connect with Melissa:LinkedIn: Melissa Carpenter

Sabrina Smith, the author of the book, What Does Fine Feel Like, talks about her journey of experiencing and identifying feelings. Sabrina lost both of her parents during the pandemic. Like many Gen Xers, she explored how to name her feelings later in life. She shares more about the power of therapy, moving through rather than getting stuck in life’s challenges and embracing the notion that everything prepares you for the next moment.—Questions to Ask Yourself:1. What experiences have impacted your life?2. What can you learn from your experiences?3. What feelings have you experienced lately? 4. How can you take the time to name your feelings, sit in them, and explore what they mean to you?—About Sabrina Smith:Sabrina VanDine Smith is a first-time author, Gen Xer, and lover of sparkle. She was raised in Southern California, but calls Colorado home, where she lives with her husband and two children. She loves lake life, creative writing, geocaching, cooking, and amateur photography. She was either a gossip columnist or a private investigator in her former life. Though Sabrina's long career as a salesperson was inspired by her dad, being a mom and wife feeds her soul. Sabrina lost both of her parents during the pandemic. Like many Gen Xers, she explored how to name her feelings much later in life. That journey inspired this story.—Connect with Sabrina Smith:LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sabrinasmith/Amazon Book: What Does Fine Feel Like

Jennifer Long, a mom, wife, and sales leader, added the title of “animal rescuer” 5 years ago when she purchased five and ½ acres outside of Seattle and founded The Muddy Pug Farm & Sanctuary. Initially dedicated to providing sanctuary to animals, Jen’s passion project has provided lessons for her, her family, her team, and the community. Jen is an example that following your passion is essential, offering lessons to practice in all other aspects of life.—Questions to Ask Yourself:1. What things give you joy?2. What are you passionate about?3. What idea, experience, or dream do you want to pursue?—About Jennifer Long:Jennifer Long is a mom, a wife, an animal rescuer, and a sales leader. She has navigated a successful career in employee benefits, spending the bulk of her career solving some of the most complicated employer challenges within health plans. She currently leads Kaiser Permanente's growth as a Senior Director focused on large employer plans. In 2018, Jen purchased five 1/2-acre farm 25 miles southeast of Seattle with the dream of rescuing animals. Jen founded The Muddy Pug Farm & Sanctuary, a 501(c)3 non-profit farm sanctuary dedicated to saving lives, giving sanctuary, and building community. Her work there focuses on the 40 permanent residents with cows, sheep, goats, chickens, ducks, bunnies, and cats, all of whom now live in a peaceful forever home. Jen also partners with community non-profits to extend their impact on the community. Jen and her husband recently added 9 acres to an existing property in rural Hawaii to begin work on a second sanctuary site focused on abandoned cows and dogs. Jen has launched her podcast - Be the Goat: Lessons Learned from a Life in Sanctuary - where she profiles sanctuary and rescue founders to bring unique insights into life and business. Jen and her husband have three children and love watching these wonderful young adults launch their independent lives.—Connect with Jennifer Long:Website: muddypugfarm.org Instagram: instagram.com/the_muddy_pugPodcast: instagram.com/be_the_goat_lessons

Tami Forman focuses on giving people who’ve taken time from their careers to care for their loved ones the opportunity to re-enter the workforce. She shares more about bias with work/life conflict for both women and men, how we need to rethink what it means to work, and how we, shockingly, still navigate decades-old norms, need to be open to radical ideas to make real change in our workplace and our lives.—Questions to Ask Yourself:1. When I care for others, what strategies and skills do I learn?2. How can I reimagine the work and social norms I’ve been taught?3. Who am I surrounding myself with to help me be my best at work and home?4. How can I engage others in a dialogue about work/life conflict?—About Tami Forman:Tami Forman is the founding chief executive of Path Forward, a nonprofit organization that empowers stay-at-home mothers and other caregivers to restart their careers. Since its founding in 2016, Path Forward has worked with more than 100 companies, including Amazon, Apple, Comcast NBC Universal, Netflix, SAP, Walmart, and Verizon to launch, implement and expand returnships and other return-to-work programs for mid-career professionals. Eighty percent of Path Forward’s program graduates have converted into full-time employment. Tami is a frequent speaker on issues related to women’s participation in the workforce, having presented at the Grace Hopper Celebration, DisruptHR, Tech Inclusion, and the Conference Board’s Women’s Leadership Conference, among many others. She is also a frequent podcast guest on topics related to careers and women in the workplace. She writes a career column for Forbes, is a Fairygodboss VIP , and was named by Flexjobs as one of the top 20 career experts for working moms. She also works with the NYC Department of Education, helping to achieve gender equity in STEM education in a school system that educates more than a million children. Tami lives in New York City with her husband and two children.—Connect with Tami Forman:Website: pathforward.orgLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/tamimforman

Dr. Lynn Gangone is a nationally known writer and speaker on gender equality, with expertise in women’s education and educational equity. Among Lynn’s many accolades, she was recognized as one of the Top 25 Most Powerful Women in Colorado and one of the 2013 “Women Making History.” She shares her thoughts on women in leadership, the importance of voting and education, how those are intimately tied to one another, and how we have a role in changing the systems that aren’t currently serving all.—Questions to Ask Yourself:1. How do you acquire information?2. How has formal education impacted your life?3. What systems around you need repairing?4. What step(s), big or small, can you take to help fix broken systems?—About Dr. Lynn Gangone:Dr. Lynn Gangone is a nationally known writer and speaker on gender equality, with expertise in women’s education and educational equity. She focused on leadership development and career advancement for women in higher education. Among her many accolades, she was recognized as one of the Top 25 Most Powerful Women in Colorado and one of the 2013 “Women Making History.” She received an Ed.D. and M.Ed. in higher and postsecondary administration from Columbia University. Dr. Gangone is currently the President and Chief Executive Officer of the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education.—Connect with Dr. Lynn Gangone:YouTube: Lynn’s TEDx TalkLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/dr-lynn-m-gangone-32ba068/

We all experience transitions throughout our lives. They can be planned or unplanned, distressing or exciting. Life Coach, Lisa Woods, has helped me navigate changes before and was immediately available to help me with my most recent life transition. If you’re experiencing a transition, have gone through a transition, or want to learn more about navigating your next transition, listen in and learn how so much of transitioning is learning to forge a deeper connection with yourself.—Questions to Ask Yourself:1. What life transition(s) have you experienced or are you experiencing?2. What have the transitions taught you about yourself?3. How can you take time to connect with yourself and uncover more?—About Lisa Woods:Lisa has served as a strategic consultant, advisor, and confidante for leaders in political office, higher education, and nonprofits, on issues related to strategy, policy, public relations, marketing, and fundraising. She's also a certified Life, Spiritual, and Health+Wellness coach with a compassionate and empathetic approach to guiding others to create the change they seek. On her website, she states…" After spending 2020 inside myself and listening to my heart, watching the world tear apart and slowly piece itself back together, I decided to change my focus. No longer the strategic consultant with all the answers, my new role would be defined as a partner, teaming up with those who desire to deeply shift their focus, too, from a place of uncertainty to one of hope. I didn't want to be a coach telling people what to do, I wanted to facilitate growth by inspiring resilience in a new generation of leaders — not just in age but in my approach.—Connect with Lisa:Website: outofthewoodsstrategies.com

A complimentary, 6-minute guided meditation session for you to use anytime.—About Lisa Woods:Lisa has served as a strategic consultant, advisor, and confidante for leaders in political office, higher education, and nonprofits, on issues related to strategy, policy, public relations, marketing, and fundraising. She's also a certified Life, Spiritual, and Health+Wellness coach with a compassionate and empathetic approach to guiding others to create the change they seek. On her website, she states…" After spending 2020 inside myself and listening to my heart, watching the world tear apart and slowly piece itself back together, I decided to change my focus. No longer the strategic consultant with all the answers, my new role would be defined as a partner, teaming up with those who desire to deeply shift their focus, too, from a place of uncertainty to one of hope. I didn't want to be a coach telling people what to do, I wanted to facilitate growth by inspiring resilience in a new generation of leaders — not just in age but in my approach.—Connect with Lisa:Website: outofthewoodsstrategies.com

Briana Boehmer has found a way to harness her passion for running into successful entrepreneurship. She’s completed six full Ironman’s, including the World Championships in Kona, Hawaii, and recently set a masters marathon record at the California International Marathon, running 2:33 and, with that incredible finish, hitting an Olympic Trials qualifying time. As a coach and elite-level athlete, she’s incorporated lessons from endurance events into strategic business planning, all with the undercurrent that one’s health is one of the most valuable assets to a successful life.—Questions to Ask Yourself:1. What business or ideas have you thought about pursuing?2. How are you caring for your health (body, mind, and spirit)?3. What have you wanted to try but haven’t started yet?—About Briana Boehmer:Briana is a business leader and entrepreneur with 14 years of experience in start-up business development, software management, and brand outreach. She is also a coach and elite-level athlete, and these passions have long informed and aided her business roles. Briana is currently the Chief Operating Officer at Run the Edge, a Boulder-based fitness platform that aims to make fitness fun, accessible, and integral to daily life. They inspire and include people worldwide with their devoted team, dynamic challenges, and community-first approach.Briana ran collegiately for the University of Colorado and the University of Wisconsin, but now you'll find her standing atop the podium in endurance events. She’s completed six full Ironman’s, including the World Championships in Kona, Hawaii, and recently set a masters marathon record at the California International Marathon, running 2:33 and, with that incredible finish, hitting an Olympic Trials qualifying time.—Connect with Briana:Website: runtheedge.comInstagram: instagram.com/briboehmer/LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/brianaboehmer/Twitter: twitter.com/BriBoehmer

Greg Roche knows firsthand what it’s like to be without a job suddenly and a network to help find a new opportunity. The author of The Fast and Easy Guide to Networking for Introverts, Greg shares the importance of treating your network like a garden; tending to it consistently so that it’s ready when you need it. He shares more about the do’s and don’ts of networking, helping you see that if done well, networking is about creating relationships and adding value to others.—Questions to Ask Yourself:1. How do you develop new relationships?2. Rather than burning out, how can you begin to share your needs?3. In what ways can you check in with your colleagues?4. How can you practice talking less and listening more?—About Greg Roche:Greg Roche helps introverts grow their networks without going to networking events. He is the author of The Fast and Easy Guide to Networking for Introverts, he posts every weekday on LinkedIn about networking, and he recently launched The Introverted Networker which is his weekly newsletter that delivers one networking tip to your inbox every Saturday morning. He's a VP of Compensation at a large healthcare company and has spent the last 25 years of his professional life working in the healthcare, consulting, cybersecurity, and multifamily real estate industries. Greg is a Colorado native who has lived in the Denver area for the past 20 years.—Connect with Greg:LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/gregsrocheWebsite: gregsroche.com

Why does it feel so good to give? Kiersten Hill has spent almost two decades in nonprofit management and fundraising. She shares about giving from all angles, including starting and managing a nonprofit, why the contributions we provide are the life support to nonprofit organizations, and how we feel when we give to a cause we’re passionate about.—Questions to Ask Yourself:1. What can you give to others?2. How are you giving to your personal and professional community network?3. In what ways can you give to your greater community?—About Kiersten Hill:Kiersten Hill is a Nebraska native and graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. With almost two decades in nonprofit management and fundraising, she has raised over $20 Million for Nebraska nonprofit organizations and worked to better train and equip nonprofit leaders and Boards of Directors.Kiersten has served on the board of directors for several organizations. She’s a leadership junky and graduate of Leadership Hastings, Leadership Nebraska, and Leadership Lincoln. She was a Midland’s Business Journal 40 Under 40 award winner and was recognized as the 2013 Lincoln Nonprofit Executive of the Year. She frequently speaks to nonprofit groups and other organizations about fundraising, board development, and organizational change and using StoryBrand to clarify their message. Kiersten, her husband Chad, and their teenage son Cooper live in Seward, Nebraska, with two large dogs and one tiny cat. She has a passion for Lincoln, networking, fundraising, and nonprofit organizations.—Connect with Kiersten:LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/hillkiersten/ Facebook: facebook.com/kiersten.hill/

An avid cyclist, Sam Beveridge knows all too well that your life can change in an instant. Sam lost his leg in a hunting accident on January 28th, 2022. Having competed in several marathon mountain bike races such as the Leadville 100, losing a leg could be viewed as devastating. While it is a challenging road to travel, you’ll learn from Sam that losses shouldn’t hold us back.—Questions to Ask Yourself:1. If something was taken away from you, how would you respond?2. How do you find motivation each day?3. In what way(s), do you need to give yourself grace?4. What are you waiting for to initiate a change in your life?—About Sam Beveridge:Sam Beveridge grew up on a family farm and ranch outside of the rural community of Sutherland, Nebraska. He attended the University of Nebraska at Lincoln, where he majored in Ag Business and worked as an undergraduate assistant to Coach Charlie McBride, Defensive Coordinator at the time for the Nebraska Cornhusker football team.While Sam has always been interested in investments and financial markets, he developed his skills in commodity trading through products ranging from energies and live animals to grain and foreign exchange. At Ardent Mills, he currently leads a team specializing in organics and specialty grains including organic wheat, chickpeas, quinoa, barley, and sorghum.Sam spends as much time as possible with his two boys, Jack, age 16, and Gage, age 13, who are both active in competitive hockey, and enjoy biking, and spending time on his family ranch.Sam has a deep love of cycling that has allowed him to compete in several marathon mountain bike races such as the Leadville 100 12x and many other races.Sam lost his leg in a hunting accident on January 28, 2022.—Connect with Sam:instagram.com/sammybev2.0/ linkedin.com/in/sambeveridge/