Creating Conscious Serendipity

SummaryIn this episode of the Creating Conscious Serendipity podcast, host Benny Mathew engages in a transformative conversation with Dr. Dina Pavilonis, a functional medicine physician. They explore the principles of functional medicine, emphasizing the importance of understanding root causes of health issues rather than merely treating symptoms. Dr. Pavilonis shares her personal health journey, highlighting the significance of gut health and its connection to overall well-being, including mental health. The discussion delves into dietary choices, the role of supplements, and the impact of inflammation on health. Listeners are encouraged to consider personalized health monitoring tools and the importance of sleep and physical activity in maintaining health. This episode serves as a comprehensive guide for anyone looking to improve their health through a functional medicine approach.TakeawaysFunctional medicine focuses on root causes rather than just symptoms.Gut health is crucial for overall well-being and can affect mental health.Dietary choices significantly impact gut health and inflammation levels.Supplements can play a vital role in healing and restoring balance.Inflammation is a common underlying issue for many health problems.High sugar and processed foods can negatively affect gut bacteria.Sleep is essential for hormonal balance and overall health.Physical activity helps regulate blood sugar and reduce stress.Personalized health monitoring can provide insights into individual health needs.Functional medicine offers a holistic approach to health and wellness.

In this episode, host Benny Mathew sits down with Melissa O'Dell to explore her remarkable journey in the field of criminal justice reform. Defy Ventures is a transformative program that empowers incarcerated individuals through career readiness, personal development, and entrepreneurship training. By providing access to education, Defy Ventures helps participants redefine their futures and successfully reintegrate into society. With a focus on empathy and connection, the program challenges stereotypes and offers a path to meaningful change.From her early passion for justice to her pivotal role in Defy Ventures, Melissa shares her insights on therapeutic jurisprudence, community engagement, and the power of education in transforming lives. Listen as she recounts her experiences working within the system, her encounters with incarcerated individuals, and the profound impact of programs like "CEO of Your New Life." This episode is a testament to the power of empathy, connection, and the relentless pursuit of positive change.#CriminalJusticeReform #PersonalJourney #Empathy #ChangeMakers #entrepreanurship #defyventures

Some conversations hit differently. This one? It’s raw, real, and deeply personal.This is a story about loss, choice, gratitude and resilience. This is the story of my good friend and one of the Founding Members of Orion3, Gregg MellingerThis episode was filmed in the studio of Aliyah Kizilbash for a collab. Aliyah is an Associate Member of Orion3 and the Founder of TaxBackSome stories don’t just inspire you—they shake you. This conversation with Gregg did just that.Gregg’s journey isn’t just about success. It’s about survival. It’s about losing everything, questioning his own worth, and finding the strength to keep going when every door seemed shut.This episode isn’t just about resilience. It’s about the human spirit, about refusing to let life’s hardest moments define you.If you’ve ever felt lost, if you’ve ever wondered if you can start over—Gregg’s story is the reminder that you can.Key timestamps: [05:12] – The moment he realized everything was slipping away, and he couldn’t stop it. [09:38] – The breaking point—when he questioned if he could ever recover. [12:43] – The lowest moment of his life, when he felt truly alone. [17:21] – The first spark of hope after months of darkness. [20:10] – The conversation that changed everything and reminded him of his worth. [24:17] – The loneliness of success—when he had everything, but felt nothing. [27:45] – The realization that he had been chasing the wrong version of himself. [30:32] – The hardest lesson he ever learned about failure and identity. [33:19] – The moment he decided to fight back and rebuild his life. [37:05] – The fear of trying again, and the courage it took to take the first step. [41:08] – The breakthrough—when he finally saw a path forward. [45:27] – The lesson he wants everyone to know: You are never too far gone. [48:55] – The most emotional reflection on why pain can lead to purpose. [52:18] – The gratitude he feels now, looking back at his struggles. [55:40] – The final, powerful message that left everyone speechless#Resilience #GreggsStory #KeepFighting #grief #love #loss #pain #success

In this episode of the Creating Conscious Serendipity podcast, host Benny Mathew and guest Rob Krecak delve into the concept of technology mindfulness. Rob shares his personal journey with technology, discussing how early experiences with technology shaped his understanding of its impact on mental health, relationships, and productivity. The conversation explores the addictive nature of technology, particularly social media and email, and offers practical advice on managing technology use to enhance focus and productivity. Rob emphasizes the importance of setting communication standards and creating family values around technology use, especially for parents with young children. The episode concludes with insights on how to foster a healthier relationship with technology in today's digital age. In this conversation, Rob Krecak and Benny Mathew explore the intersection of family values and technology use, emphasizing the importance of educating children about the impacts of technology. They discuss strategies for balancing technology with communication needs, the psychological relationship individuals have with their phones, and the significance of mindfulness in managing screen time. The conversation also touches on productivity enhancements through technology and the effects of constant input on mental health, concluding with insights on improving retention through mindful reading.takeaways Technology mindfulness is about being aware of technology's impact. Rob's journey with technology began in middle school. Addiction to technology can manifest in various forms. Maximizing productivity requires focusing on meaningful activities. Most people spend little time on what truly matters. Managing email effectively can free up time for important tasks. Setting communication standards can improve relationships. Technology can contribute to attention disorders in individuals. It takes about a week to start undoing technology addiction. Creating family values can guide children's technology use. Shared family values can guide technology use discussions. Educating children about technology's impact is crucial. Delaying smartphone access can mitigate addiction risks. Using a desktop can enhance productivity significantly. Context switching can reduce efficiency by 25%. Smartphones represent our virtual identities. Measuring screen time can help manage technology use. Input overload can affect mental health and memory. Mindful reading improves information retention. The pursuit of love and happiness is infinite. technology mindfulness, mental health, productivity, technology addiction, communication standards, parenting, focus, email management, attention span, digital wellness, family values, technology use, parenting, screen time, productivity, mindfulness, mental health, education, communication, smartphone addiction

In this episode of the Creating Conscious Serendipity podcast, host Benny Mathew welcomes Cliff Goins IV, who shares his journey from the South Side of Chicago to becoming a passionate advocate for personal finance and addressing the wealth gap. The conversation explores Cliff's background, his family's influence, the impact of women's sports on his daughters, and his unique career path. Cliff emphasizes the importance of reaching out and taking risks in one's career, highlighting that life is a journey of discovery. In this conversation, Cliff Goins IV shares his diverse career journey, touching on themes of entrepreneurship, corporate experiences, and the pressing issue of the racial wealth gap. He discusses his time at Amazon, the entrepreneurial spirit within large corporations, and the importance of collective efforts to address systemic economic disparities. Cliff also reveals his motivation behind writing his upcoming book, 'Minding the Wealth Gap,' which aims to highlight the wealth gap as a national issue and calls for action from all Americans. Benny Mathew and Cliff Goins IV explore the multifaceted issues surrounding economic empowerment, race, and opportunity in America. They discuss the critical role of real estate in building wealth, the changing perceptions of opportunity for black individuals compared to previous decades, and the impact of media representation on societal views. The conversation also delves into the complexities of race, the challenges of DEI initiatives, and the potential solutions for reparations, emphasizing the need for a nuanced approach to these pressing issues.

Summary In this episode of the Creating Conscious Serendipity podcast, host Benny Mathew shares a deeply personal story about a life-altering car accident that occurred 24 years ago. He reflects on the physical and emotional challenges he faced during recovery, the importance of relationships, and his journey towards self-discovery and spiritual awakening. Benny emphasizes the power of choice in how we react to life's challenges and the significance of surrounding ourselves with supportive people. ------------ This is my story about the day that the old me died. Although I've shared before about the physical injuries, this is the first time I publicly share about the darkness and loneliness I felt for years after the accident. Feeling confused about why I deserved to live may not make sense to people, but that was part of the darkness. - Recovery is not just physical; it's emotional and spiritual. - Life after trauma can feel isolating and confusing. - Without having the people who was there for me, I would be completely lost. - Finding purpose is a journey that takes time and a lot of times the worst things that happen to us is the key to finding purpose - Love + Loyalty + Respect = the most important aspects of a relationship with Family and Friends - I was trying to understand the world before, but when I started to understand myself, I understood life. Self awareness is the most important thing a human being can focus on to reach fulfillment - After going through all this, I know for a fact, without any doubt, that I'm alive for a reason and that reason matters more than anything else. #orion3 #CreatingConsciousSerendipity #love #family #trauma #caraccident #PersonalGrowth #relationships #purpose #spirituality #serendipity

Jen Guzman is an entrepreneur, a change maker, an OrionCore Member, and someone who’s been through some of the worst aspects of Endometriosis This episode is a conversation about how her life experiences have affected her perception, choices and dreams. It’s about embracing the good, the bad, the ugly and the sad, and not give up on what is most important to you. For her, EVERYTHING she does is for the child that she does not have yet. Her passion for Chicago, being raised by her dad, building her career, dealing with endometriosis, leaving corporate to start her entrepnearuship, her involvement in politics, and most importantly her goal/dream of being a mother, is what drives her. Jen’s future child will hear this one day and know that, mom overcame so many obstacles and made it through everything, so that her child could have a great life filled with love.

Lee Leiderman is a Jewish man who was born in Ukraine when it was part of the Soviet Union. He severed in the Soviet Military as soon as he was able to. He came to the US in 1988 with his parents and built a great life for himself while building his own family. He has been leading Corporate Finance teams for Global companies as a CFO. In 2020 his world turned upside down when he was diagnosed with Bone Cancer during the pandemic. While going through multiple treatments and surgeries, he saw his homeland, Ukraine being invaded by Russia. Soon after that he lost one of the most important people in his life, his father. At the same time October 7th happened along with everything that followed. Lee is a father to two daughters who are young adults and this is a story of Resilience and the will of the human heart. This is the story and perspective of a man who has inspired me through his actions and his attitude. I am proud to have Lee as an OrionCore Member in the Orion3 Family! #immigrant #ukraine #jew #father #CFO #Cancer

Tony is a Senior Vice President of CBRE in Chicago. This is a conversation about his life: family, loyalty, resilience, and love for the City of Chicago. In this heartfelt episode, we talk about his life and inspiring journey. From deeply personal stories about his family and values to overcoming adversity during Covid, Tony's passion shines through. He shares his unwavering belief in Chicago's bright future, the impact of his parents, the importance of the Mentorship from his team, his disciplined approach to mental/emotional/physical well-being, and his unique love for DJing. Tony's narrative is a powerful reminder of the resilience, dedication, and love that drive us forward. This is about the life of a man who embodies the spirit of perseverance and the joy of pursuing one's passions. Tony is a Founding Corporate Member of Orion3 and someone who leads through his actions.

Ken Clay is a serial Tech Entrepreneur who's now using AI to change the way human beings experience food and dining with his company Foode This episode is all about Ken's story and passion for Entrepreneurship and the sacrifices he made to get to where he's at now. He talks about going to college, doing an unpaid internship for a person with influence while working as a janitor, on the night shift, to pay his bills. The sacrifices Ken made earlier in life, got him Access to people who have influence, money and experience in building companies like Nike, The Jordan brand and others. Foode has some of the biggest names in Sports and Entertainment as investors and advisors! Before taking over as CEO of Foode, Ken built another tech company which he sold that gave him his first exit as a founder. As a Black Tech founder, Ken understands the disparities in Venture Capital, but figures out ways to get things done! This is a strong and perspective that needs to be heard and Ken is an important person in the Orion3 Family!

Claude Cimeus is one of the most well known and well recognized leaders in the Chicago StartUp and Tech Space This episode is the most that he’s ever shared publicly about his life, his perspectives, and his beliefs. Claude talks about coming to the US from Haiti as an immigrant, the impact that his parents had on him, his vision and mission to make the tech echo system in Chicago #1 in the country, and his perspective on dating and Love. Claude has a vision of creating intersection points with Chicago Tech Founders, Athletes, Entertainment, Investors and Customers. He hosts fireside chats, in person, with some of the most successful Tech CEOs, Investors and people of influence, like the Governor. Claude's perspective on life is one of empathy, love, gratitude, and faith His actions and drive can inspire anyone from any background in any industry. He's been a big part of the Orion3 Family since the very beginning.

Spann is a serial entrepreneur who's already built multiple companies in different industries. He dropped out of college because all he wanted was to build his own company and have full responsibility for his choices. He co-founded a startup, was accepted into Y Combinator, and after they built the company, they were able to sell it for a great exit. After that he dove into different industries, took big risks, built multiple companies, took some losses, and had some major wins. He is currently the CEO and Founder of Call Canna, which is a company that is focused on servicing the Cannabis Industry. Donald is a self made entrepreneur who speaks with his actions and takes the time to mentor others, especially Black Men and Women. He is an Angel Investor, an Advisor and an OrionCore Member.

Sunny was born in a poor village in Nigeria and was considered a "second class' human because he was born out of wedlock. After he was born, his mother was on the run, so throughout his childhood he lived in different villages with different family members. He got the opportunity to come to America 20 years ago and he came here, went to college in the US, worked for corporate america, but then decided to become an entrepreneur. Sunny's story and perspective is different and inspiring. His passion, conviction, discipline, and drive sets him apart. He started different businesses that aligns with his passion to help others. His main focus is to help young men and women to become the best versions of themselves and that’s why he founded A Boy and His Dream. Sunny is an entrepreneur, a former bodybuilder, and a coach

Angela Allen is currently an Executive Coach who was a C Level executive for several organizations, currently sits on the board of two different companies, is an Angel Investor, an OrionCore Member, and mentors others (especially women). Angela talks openly about her career, including being on the leadership team of a start up that grew from 100 - 2000 employees in 5 years with a great exit! Most of this conversation is around "the storm" in Angela's life. Going through a divorce as a mom to two children and taking care of her ex husband who died from Huntington's disease. She talks about the importance of the help she got from her current husband during this process (which is truly admirable). After dealing with all this, she was diagnosed with Breast Cancer which, luckily, the doctors were able to remove. This is a great conversation of real people dealing with real adversity and overcoming them.

Craig Levy is an entrepreneur, a CFO, a Father, and an OrionCore Member. His career path is not like a traditional CFO and his mindset on career development more entrepreneural than normal. In this pisode, we discussed his career path and his mindset which lead him to where he's at right now. Craig was very transparent and open about the ups and downs of his choices. Craig is also a Jewish Father to his two sons. We also talked about how his life and perception have been affected since October 7th.

Kristi Zuhlke is an OrionCore Member who is a serial tech entrepreneur. She's already had 2 different exits with 2 companies that she founded and is currently the CEO/Founder of Dott Technologies, a Generative Ai B2C company. In this episode we discuss the mindset of entrepreneurship, the value of learning at big companies, raising money, being a women entrepreneur and so much more. Kristi was so inspiring at the Orion3 "Women in Leadership" discussion and this is her story for a bigger audience.

Amy Preston is the Founder and CEO of Preston Design and Consulting and a Corporate Member of Orion3. She built her success and career in the most male dominated industry in Chicago; Commercial Real Estate. This is Amy's story and we talked about everything! The mindset it takes to WIN in an industry where all the winners seem like they're men. We talk about excuses versus execution. She also shares her perspective on Entrepreneurship, the current state of the market and being a mom and CEO.

Apurva Desai is a C Suite exec/investor and an OrionCore Member, who grew up in the Midwest and then headed to Silicon Valley to work for multiple big tech companies. During that time, he built a successful career as a CFO and investor. In 2020 he moved back to Chicago where he currently helps startups to companies that are getting ready to go IPO build their Finance Functions. He's also an angel investor and partner in a Fund. In this conversation, we talk about the impact of Ai and some of the potential impacts it can have on jobs and functions that fall under the CFO. We take a very technical topic and break it down into simple language that everyone can understand while having a fun conversation.

From 2020 till now, Arjuna Reddy had a lot of life changes: - Left his Tech CFO role after 15 years to start his own company - Proposed to his girlfriend - 1 month after the proposal, she was diagnosed with Breast Cancer - After the surgery to remove the cancer, they found out she was already pregnant - He became father to a healthy baby in early 2023! This episode is about someone who faced a lot of obstacles both personally and professionally, yet he overcame the adversity, made the hard choices, and put in the work to now being an entrepreneur, a husband, and a father. This is the epitome of "Authenticity are the intersection points of the Personal and Professional" Arjuna (AJ) Reddy is currently a Partner at Black Court, and an OrionCore Member, who's been in the CFO role at several well known Chicago Tech Companies.

Don Bora is the co founder of Eight Bit Studios, a serial entrepreneur, and an OrionCore Member, who's built over 100 Apps, someone who's very passionate about DEI, who's actions have given back to help many others. In this conversation we talk about the impact of Ai and the potential for it in Human Resources/Accounting/Finance, a brief history of ChicagoTech, and what the future can look like with Tech. This was a thought provoking and fun conversation that ties in psychology and philosophy to Ai.