Free Solo Podcast

Purpose is Power. No path to success is linear and every path is unique. Our next guest, Marcus Summers, is no exception. Before pursuing a college degree, Marcus enlisted in the military where he learned many life lessons that he has carried with him throughout his journey. At school, he studied a variety of subjects such as fitness, nutrition, hospitality and restaurant management. It was during an internship where he discovered his passion for the fitness industry and the value that it can add to people's lives. Like many others, Marcus had to pivot when the pandemic struck, as he was no longer able to work at a gym. He founded ‘Purpose is Power’ where he works with his clients of all levels to meet their fitness goals. Additionally, he is a professor at Purdue Northwest University teaching various topics in the fitness space. You can follow Marcus and Purpose is Power at: Instagram: @msummers2005 And be sure to learn more about Purpose is Power’s mission www.purposeispower.life

Our next guest, Jake Goldstein describes his life as a “science experiment.” While swimming competitively at Yale University, Jake suffered serious back injuries that challenged whether or not he could return to the sport. After school, he went to work on Wall St. but realized that his passions lied in fitness, and working with others to achieve their goals in this space. Jake took a leap of faith and founded two companies working to revolutionize the fitness industry. The first, TWJ, provides a 360 degree approach to wellness, helping others improve their lives in multiple aspects. Additionally, he recently launched BOLD, which are state of the art, private gyms housed in shipping containers. There is no doubt that Jake is making waves in the industry and will continue to do so for a long time ahead. You can follow Jake, TWJ, and BOLD at: Instagram: @jake_goldstein__, @twj_community, & @train_bold And be sure to learn more about BOLD at www.trainbold.com

What does the future of work look like? Christelle Rohaut is working to answer this daunting question with her company, Codi. Christelle grew up in France and developed a passion for urban development and sustainability. She created Codi, which provides access to individuals and organizations to co-work in other people’s homes, right in their own neighborhoods. With this, she hopes to help lower carbon emissions from commuting, improve mental health / well-being, keep money in local economies and create a community of co-workers. In this episode, we dive into Christelle’s journey as a young founder and the challenges that she has overcome. We also discuss what the future of work may look like and how Codi fits into the “new normal.” You can follow Christelle & Codi at: Twitter: @chrisrohaut, @codiwork LinkedIn: Christelle Rohaut And you can learn more about Codi at  www.codi.com!

Emma Marlatt is a prime example of the importance of starting with “why?” After struggling to find her “inner truth” while working with various organizations, she decided to take a leap of faith and dive into the life and leadership coaching space where she is now working to help companies and individuals discover their purposes. In this episode, we talk about Emma’s unique path into coaching, how athletics have shaped some of her frameworks, and the power of support / authenticity. You can follow Emma at: Instagram: em_marlatt

How do you shift your mind to unlock your full potential? Brian Levenson is a mental and leadership development coach who has worked with countless athletes, coaches, executives, and organizations to help them be at their best. He focuses on topics such as personal framework, focused habits, resilience, positive psychology, teamwork, and shifting your mind. He has developed a brand through his Strong Skills coaching program, the Intentional Performers Podcast, and through his book, Shift Your Mind. In this episode we dive head first into Brian’s background including how he got into the coaching space, and we talk all things mental and leadership development. You can follow Brian at: Instagram: @intentional_performers, @brianlevenson Twitter: @BrianLevenson And, be sure to check out his website / book / podcast at: www.strongskills.co

As college students, our credibility and expertise is often questioned - rightfully so. But, how can we build our credibility and gain expertise? By creating her own opportunities, going out of her way to find knowledge, and by building relationships, Ariana Dimitrakis is working to break into the fashion industry. To date, Ariana has created a blog, magazine, and has even published her own book, Female Empowered Fashion. In this episode, we talk about how you can take an idea and then execute on it. We also dive into the fashion industry (something I knew nothing about) and how to manage side projects while being a full time student. You can follow Ariana at: Instagram: @arianadimitrakis, @hereandhaute, @thefitmagazine LinkedIn: Ariana Dimitrakis Or, check out the her website at https://arianadimitrakis.com

For many kids, becoming a professional athlete is the dream. For Marcus Peterson, it became a reality. Marcus’s journey to the NFL was unconventional. He didn’t receive any D1 offers and he wasn’t drafted. Through his work ethic and the power of networking, he was able to get in front of scouts and land on a spot on a roster. In addition to catching passes, Marcus is also an avid businessman. He’s earned his MBA and founded “MP” Motivational Apparel. In this episode we dive into his story of husting his way into the NFL as well as what his company has been up to. You can follow Marcus at: Instagram: @marcustpeterson, @mpmotivationalapparel LinkedIn: Marcus Peterson Or, check out the “MP” Motivational Apparel website at www.mpmotivationalapparel.com

It’s never easy to step away from something that you love...especially when you’ve worked your entire life for it. Harris Fanaroff loved the game of baseball. He was drafted by the Washington Nationals and played D1 baseball for Lehigh University, however during his time in school, Harris lost his passion for the game and decided to step away. Today, Harris credits a lot of his success to the tough decisions that he made early in his journey. He is now a mental performance coach, helping professionals and athletes reach their ultimate potential. He is able to pull lessons from his past experiences to inspire and motivate others to their goals. In this episode we unpack why he made the decisions that he did and what he learned along the way - he even shares some motivational nuggets throughout. You can follow Harris at: Instagram: @harrisfanaroff LinkedIn: Harris Fanaroff

Sometimes it is difficult to find a title for an episode. Not this one. Ever since I met Will at Lehigh University, I could tell that he had an incredible ability to lead others. From a dynamic speaking ability, to a charismatic smile, and a very professional wardrobe - Will is a born leader. Life was not always easy for Will growing up - bouncing between homes, schools, and friend groups. His humble beginnings helped to craft the man he is today. In this episode, we dive into Will’s inspiring story as well as how he has set himself up for success by outworking everyone else in the room. I am inspired by his story and work ethic - I am sure that you will be too. You can follow Will at: Instagram: @freshkiddwill LinkedIn: William J. Pemberton

Jonathan Javier is an underdog champion. When applying to jobs from a non-target school (ex. Ivy League, Stanford, etc), he was discouraged and believed that he wasn't being hired because his application wasn’t being seen. Instead of letting this shut him down, he rose to the occasion and made opportunities for himself, through the power of networking. Jonathan is now a networking guru, and through his company, Wonsulting, inspires others to reach their goals, no matter what their background. The company’s mission is simple - turn underdogs into winners. In this episode, we dive into Jonathan’s story and how he got to where he is today. Additionally, he shares some tips and tricks to stand out during the application process, and how to get your foot in the door at renowned companies. You can follow Jonathan at: Instagram: @wontonjonn, @wonsulting LinkedIn: Jonathan Javier Or, check out the Wonsulting website at https://www.wonsulting.com

There is no question that we are currently living in a very unique and challenging time. Our next guest, Jena Viviano, is a master at adapting to change, and overcoming obstacles. Jena is a master career builder - helping individuals find that next step in their journey. Having experienced many career changes herself - from Wall Street to a startup all the way to founding her own company, Jena is an expert in transitioning career paths. In this episode, we jump into Jena’s story, and why she made the big decisions that she did. She also shares insights on how you can conquer this time, and the job search process.  You can follow Jena at:  Instagram: @jena_viviano  LinkedIn: Jena Viviano  Or, check out her website at https://jenaviviano.com

If you are someone who is looking to level up, and take that next step in your journey - this is the episode for you. I sat down with Mike Szczesniak, a high performance coach, working to get the most out of both individuals and companies. His journey to coaching was anything but linear, overcoming many obstacles along the way. In this episode we dive into Mike’s story, including how / why he transitioned from engineering into coaching and what that change looked like. Additionally, Mike shares many tips and tricks for being productive, goal-setting, and reaching your full potential. Mike is also the host of the Results Engine Podcast, an interview-based entrepreneurship show that focuses on “what it ACTUALLY takes to get next level Results.” Be sure to check out the show on all major podcast streaming platforms! You can follow Mike and The Results Engine at: Instagram: @mikeszczesniak @resultsengine

Sara DeMoranville is a recent Boston University graduate, entrepreneur, singer, song-writer, and nomad at heart.  In this episode we dive into all of the incredible things that Sara is doing. We talk about overcoming challenges and breaking out of your comfort zone. We talk sustainability and what she and her company are doing to create a healthier planet. We also dive into Sara’s passion for creating music - where she gets her inspiration and how she uses it to benefit her daily life.  You can follow Sara and her company Unless at:  Instagram: @sarademoranville, @shopunless  Spotify: Sara Andrea  SoundCloud: Sara Andrea DeMoranville  Or, check out her website at www.shopunless.com

Dr. Samantha DeWalt is the managing director at the Lehigh @ Nasdaq center in San Francisco, and holds a doctorate in organizational leadership. In this episode, we talk about a wide range of topics, all relevant to helping you get to where you want to be in your own life. We discuss risk taking - how does one go about taking a leap of faith, knowing that they may fail? We dive into women in technology - what are some of the issues in this space and how can we break down barriers? Additionally, we talk a lot about finding your personal “why” - what does this even mean and why is it so important to find? You can follow Sam and the Lehigh @ Nasdaq Center at: Instagram: @drsamdewalt @lehighnasdaqcenter And be sure to check out the Lehigh @ Nasdaq Center podcast, available on all major podcast streaming platforms!

What do you do when your company’s motto is that “no idea is crazy enough?” If you’re our next guest, you run across the United States. Sam Bencheghib is an environmental activist actively working to clean up the world's waterways. Lakes, rivers, oceans - you name it. In order to bring awareness to the cause, Sam ran 3,055 miles - from NYC to LA over the span of six months, educating thousands along the way. In this episode we talk about the challenges (and rewards) of taking on such ambitious tasks as well as what his company, Make a Change World, is currently working on. You can follow Sam and Make a Change World at: Instagram: @sambencheghib, @makeachange.world Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9gjxrre7u72FSxiB4Y1qNw Or, check out his website at https://makeachange.world

Sebastian Little, who happens to be my cousin, is currently a leadership coach across multiple fronts - working with students, athletes, and professionals to help them reach their peak performance. He played football and studied psychology at Yale university, and now leverages his experience in the classroom and on the gridiron in his work. In this episode, Seb shares many of his tips and tricks to be more productive and how to get the most out of each day. In addition to highlighting his background and some incredible stories, we get personal and dive into some deep conversation, surrounding topics that he and I have never discussed before.  You can follow Sebastian at: Instagram: @seblittle_ Twitter: @SebLittle_ Or, check out his website at www.sebastianlittle.com

David Zamarin is a serial entrepreneur. He started his first company at 12 years old and has not looked back since. David recently graduated from Babson College with honors (a year ahead of schedule) and is the founder and CEO of DetraPel - a sustainable hydrophobic spray that protects everything you care about. In this episode, David shares with us his insider view of what it is like to be a contestant on ABC’s Emmy Award winning show, Shark Tank, as well as many of the lessons that he has learned as a young entrepreneur. On top of running DetraPel, he is an avid public speaker, and is incredibly involved in the community, working to stimulate the minds of young entrepreneurs. You can follow David and DetraPel at: Instagram: @davidzamarin @detrapel Or, check out their website at www.detrapel.com

Brandon Gilson is the President and Founder of The Best Seats VIP, a VIP entertainment concierge company that specializes in creating once in a lifetime opportunities. Brandon is a hustler, there is really no other way to put it. He is always looking to make a new connection, close a deal, or do something that has never been done before. Whether it is setting up a private meet and greet with LeBron James or hosting a group of 30 in a private suite at the Super Bowl, he has done it all. Brandon attributes a lot of his success to the relationships that he has built, as well as his hard work and ambition. The sky's the limit for what Brandon can provide - tune into this episode to learn more! You can follow Brandon and The Best Seats VIP at: Instagram: @b_gilson, @thebestseats Twitter: @thebestseatsVIP Or, check out their website at www.thebestseatsvip.com

On this episode of the Free Solo Podcast, we sit down with Chris Kauzmann. Chris is currently the innovator in residence and a professor at Lehigh University. He is a builder at heart, always seeking out new projects to dive into, whether they are his own or those of the students that he works with. Throughout this episode, we dig deeper into Chris’s childhood and how he became the creative problem solver that he is today. Additionally, we learn about his dynamic journey from student to faculty…practically overnight. Chris shares unique and thoughtful stories, quotes, and lessons that can resonate with people from all walks of life.

We were incredibly fortunate to have Scott Gruninger as our first guest on the show. Scott is currently a Senior at Lehigh University pursuing a degree in small business consulting, however he is so much more than that. In this episode, Scott dives into his incredibly successful 3D printing business - as well as his ventures in hydroponics and the automobile industry. A common theme throughout this conversation was how grateful Scott was for the people and opportunities around him. He is a go-getter, and someone that is always looking to gain an edge through meaningful learning experiences. You can follow Scott on Instagram @scott_gruninger