Stay On Course: Ingredients for Success

The LEARN Framework: Building a Lasting Culture Through Intentional LeadershipGuest: Jim Carbaugh, Educator, Leadership Coach and Author Host: Julie RigaOverviewJim Carbaugh spent 35 years in classrooms and school leadership before turning five letters his grandfather taught him into a framework now adopted by schools and businesses nationwide. His LEARN Framework covers Listen, Ethics, Attitude, Respect, and Know. In this episode, Jim and Julie explore what it takes to build a lasting culture, lead with purpose, and stay curious in a rapidly changing world.The LEARN Framework: Building a Lasting Culture Through Intentional LeadershipAbout Jim CarbaughJim Carbaugh is a leadership coach, speaker, and author with 35 years in education as a teacher, coach, and school administrator. His LEARN Framework was shaped by a personal story of mentorship passed down by his grandfather and refined through decades of leading people under pressure. He is the founder of All Points Leadership, now transitioning to jimcarbaugh.com, and has a new book releasing soon that walks leaders step by step through the framework.Fun Fact: Jim is a devoted fan of Maryland Hardshell Blue Crabs with Old Bay seasoning and has a reputation for testing the limits of all-you-can-eat seafood restaurants.The Three Ingredients for SuccessListenYour climate controls your culture. Before you can build a great culture, you must first understand the climate you are creating. True listening means entering every conversation with curiosity, not with the intent to fix or to win. Communication does not happen unless the listener confirms understanding. Leaders must listen at every level of the organization and always clarify before anyone leaves the room.EthicsYour non-negotiables are your values in action. Jim leads a team exercise where everyone writes their top three to five non-negotiables. When compared, shared values almost always surface, revealing why conflict was unnecessary in the first place. When leaders stretch beyond their non-negotiables, poor decisions follow. Knowing your values empowers bold choices, including walking away from opportunities that do not align with who you are.KnowNo has two sides. The first is the boundary you set for yourself. The second is the no you will receive from others. We are wired to hear no as permanent, but it is not final. Every yes you have earned came through the no's you navigated. The mindset shift is replacing no with "What if?" Leaders who stay curious, embrace new tools, and keep learning are the ones who will shape what leadership looks like in the years ahead.Memorable Quotes"Your climate controls your culture.""Communication does not happen unless the listener says it does.""In life, we either get better or we get worse. Nothing stays the same.""No is not permanent. The next yes you get came from all the no's you decided to get over.""Leaders need to be curious. That is the bottom line for everything."Connect with Jim CarbaughWebsite: jimcarbaugh.com Upcoming Book: A step-by-step guide to the LEARN Framework for educators and leadersConnect with Julie RigaPodcast: Stay On Course, available wherever you listen to podcasts Coaching: Leadership coaching, transformation, and executive developmentSubscribe to Stay On Course wherever you listen to podcasts. Share this episode with a leader who is ready to grow.#StayOnCourse #LeadershipMindset #PurposeDrivenLeadership #LEARNFramework #AuthenticGrowth

Brain-Based Leadership: How Awareness, Curiosity, and Presence Transform the Way You LeadGuest: Tracy Benson, Top 1% LinkedIn Coach & Brain-Based Leadership ExpertHost: Julie RigaOverviewJoin Julie Riga as she sits down with Tracy Benson, a top 1% LinkedIn coach and brain-based leadership expert who has spent over three decades helping senior leaders create clarity, alignment, and real performance. Tracy blends neuroscience, leadership psychology, and practical business strategy to give leaders tools they can use immediately to transform teams, organizations, and results. Discover how awareness, curiosity, and presence can revolutionize the way you lead.Brain-Based Leadership: How Awareness, Curiosity, and Presence Transform the Way You LeadThe Three Ingredients for Leadership Success:1. Awareness Understanding what drives behavior beneath conscious awareness. Tracy reveals that 90% of brain function is unconscious yet rules how we show up. Learn to recognize reactive emotional states before they control you.2. Curiosity The two magic words that shift you out of negative emotional states: "I wonder." Tracy explains why you cannot be angry and curious at the same time, making curiosity the entrance ramp to co-creation and discovery.3. Presence & Perspective Discover foveal vs. peripheral view and how narrow focus blocks solutions. When you step back to include peripheral vision, all the ideas, solutions, and magic become available.Key Insights:The Power of "I Wonder": Two simple words that immediately shift you out of reactive states and open the palette of possibilitiesMeta Programs: Understanding the 50+ mental shortcuts that run how you show up and why time-focused and possibility-focused people clashProjection & Self-Discovery: How triggers reveal your unconscious programming and what you see in others exists in youMemorable Quotes:"This is the most powerful engine on the face of the planet, and we never got taught how to use it.""We cannot be angry and curious at the same time.""The palette of possibilities - in the moment you have all of these options, but we need to be in remembrance that those are available to us.""We can't see the label on the jar from inside the jar."Practical Leadership Tools:Wear a bead bracelet and snap it when you feel reactiveSay "I wonder" to shift your brain state instantlyPractice viewing challenges from multiple distancesVisit art museums to train your brain to shift perspectiveKey Takeaways:Your brain is powerful, but we were never taught how to use itCuriosity shifts everything - you cannot be angry and curious simultaneouslyPerspective creates possibilities - step back from problems to see solutionsBehaviors that trigger you reveal your own unconscious patternsSmall leadership adjustments create massive organizational impactConnect with Tracy Benson: LinkedIn: Tracy Benson Free Tool: DM Tracy on LinkedIn with "expand" to receive a complimentary foveal vs. peripheral view toolPerfect for leaders who want to understand how their brain works and use neuroscience to transform their leadership presence, decision-making, and relationships.🎧 Subscribe to Stay On Course wherever you listen to podcasts#Leadership #Mindset #Transformation #Purpose #Growth

Three Keys to Identity, Success in Business and LifeGuest: Joanna Harabedian, Faith-Based Relationship Strategist, Amazon #1 Bestselling Author and Miss America 2019-2021 Host: Julie RigaOverviewWhat if the greatest challenge you face as a leader is not a business problem but an identity problem? In this episode of the Stay On Course Podcast, Julie Riga sits down with Joanna Harabedian, Miss America 2019-2021 and Amazon #1 bestselling author of From Solo to Soulmate. Together they unpack three transformational keys to identity that shape success in business and in life. From learning to receive gracefully to rewriting your deepest inner story, Joanna brings spiritual depth, emotional intelligence, and practical wisdom to every woman ready to break free from cycles that no longer serve her.Three Keys to Identity, Success in Business and LifeAbout the GuestJoanna Harabedian is a faith-based relationship strategist, Amazon #1 bestselling author, and Miss America 2019-2021, a title she held for three years due to the COVID pandemic. She helps high-achieving women break unhealthy relationship patterns and build emotionally healthy, God-aligned partnerships.Her Princess Crowning Program has reached hospitals and stages. A defining moment came at a quadriplegic facility in California, where a young woman named Karina, non-responsive for five weeks and silent for five years, began to speak after being crowned. That moment became the foundation of Joanna's mission.Fun Fact: Joanna's favorite food is homemade ravioli with pesto sauce, inspired by her grandfather from Peru.The Three Keys to Identity1. The Ability to Receive High-achieving women are often celebrated givers who never learned to receive. Joanna shares a vivid dream in which a bouquet given in love is slapped back in rejection, and a voice tells her: this is how you make people feel when you decline their compliment. In business, refusing a genuine compliment builds invisible walls and signals distrust. In marriage, it slowly dismantles connection. The practice is simple but powerful: say thank you and receive it fully.2. Self-Awareness Patterns rooted in childhood do not disappear; they evolve and bleed into every area of life. Joanna references a study where women with fake scars removed before a job interview still reported being treated unfairly because their inner story shaped what they believed others saw. Self-awareness is the key that uncovers the root of those stories. Without it, cycles of unworthiness continue across relationships, career, and leadership. With it, transformation becomes possible.3. Emotional Intelligence and Alignment Joanna calls it wisdom alignment: the convergence of self-knowledge and purposeful living. She shares her journey through a painful first marriage, asking God to show her how she arrived there, and doing the courageous growth work that led to a thriving decade-long partnership. She teaches that we break twice in life, and that the second break, when met with honesty and faith, becomes the breakthrough that reveals our true purpose.Memorable Quotes"The story you tell yourself about yourself is the most important story you will ever tell.""Little keys unlock big doors, and big doors swing on small hinges.""I help women contrast and complete, not compare and compete.""Diamonds are forged in the fires of the earth. That is how the facets are created."Connect with JoannaWebsite: www.loveunblocked.comInstagram: @thesoulmate_strategistBook: From Solo to Soulmate on AmazonConnect with Julie RigaPodcast: Stay On Course PodcastWebsite: julieriga.com/leadSubscribe to Stay On Course wherever you listen to podcasts. Share this episode with a woman ready to step into her identity and lead with purpose.#StayOnCourse #IdentityAndLeadership #LoveUnblocked #PurposeDrivenLeadership #AuthenticGrowth

Why Hiring the Right Coach Changes Everything: The Ingredients for Leadership GrowthGuest: Kate Hendrickson, Strategic Planning and Leadership Consultant Host: Julie RigaWhat does it truly take to accelerate your growth, lead with clarity, and build a business that reflects your values?In this episode, Julie sits down with Kate Hendrickson to unpack why hiring the right coach is one of the most transformational decisions a leader can make. From self-awareness and accountability to strategic planning and continuous learning, this conversation delivers purpose-driven insights for entrepreneurs, CEOs, and anyone ready to stop working in their business and start leading it.Why Hiring the Right Coach Changes Everything: The Ingredients for Leadership GrowthAbout This EpisodeKate Hendrickson is a strategic planning and leadership consultant with more than two decades of experience helping organizations turn vision into action. With a background spanning television, film, hospitality, and consulting, Kate brings a unique storytelling perspective to leadership and business growth. Julie and Kate explore how the right coaching partnership delivers honest guidance and strategic accountability that accelerates growth with greater clarity.Key Topics DiscussedPerspective and Self-Awareness An honest outside view of your leadership blind spots is where transformation begins. A coach helps you identify recurring patterns, face uncomfortable truths, and build the self-awareness needed to lead authentically. Without openness to honest reflection, you will keep getting stuck in the same cycles.Acceleration and Strategic Momentum Moving from reactive firefighting to proactive, purpose-driven planning changes everything. Kate shares a real client story: three years into her business, a leader had no roadmap forward. Through strategic planning workshops, they narrowed priorities and built real, measurable momentum fast.Continuous Learning and Upskilling No CEO ever reaches a point of knowing everything. From AI to organizational change, the landscape keeps shifting. A coach keeps you learning and adapting alongside your business and an ever-evolving world. Curiosity is not optional. It is the job.The Value of CoachingThe CEO role is uniquely isolating. You cannot always bring challenges to your staff, and you do not want to burden your family. A trusted advisor who understands your business gives you a safe space to think out loud, course correct, and stay accountable to your vision. Hiring a coach is not a sign something is wrong. It is a sign you care about your business, your people, and your long-term legacy. Kate also introduces the Before I Lead community coaching program, which pairs one-on-one sessions with a peer mastermind group for connection, accountability, and shared growth.Memorable Quotes"If you have got someone who is really going to help you accelerate and stick with you on the long-term journey, it can change everything.""The CEO does not have a boss. That is part of the value of a coach.""Hiring a coach does not mean you are failing. It means you are continuously learning, growing, and caring."Key TakeawaysPerspective reveals what you are too close to see yourselfSelf-awareness is the foundation of authentic leadershipContinuous learning is not optional, it is the jobCommunity and accountability accelerate transformationInvest in yourself the way you invest in your businessConnect with Kate HendricksonWebsite: kate-hendrickson.comBook: Christmas Switch, available nowConnect with Julie RigaCoaching: Before I LeadCommunity coaching for business owners and CEOsSubscribe to Stay On Course wherever you listen to podcasts. Share this episode with a leader who is ready to grow.#StayOnCourse #LeadershipGrowth #PurposeDriven #BeforeILead #TransformationJourney

Lead Where It Matters Most: Homegrown Leadership Starts at HomeGuest: Joe LaRussa, Mayor, Entrepreneur and Founder of Homegrown Leadership Host: Julie RigaOverviewWhat if the leadership skills driving your professional success could also transform your home life?In this episode, host Julie Riga sits down with Joe LaRussa, small city mayor, entrepreneur, and founder of Homegrown Leadership, to explore one of the most overlooked arenas of personal development: leading at home. After 25 years in automotive manufacturing, Joe saw that high performers bring their best to work while their households run on pressure and chaos. This is a practical guide for overwhelmed spouses and parents ready to stop surviving and start leading with intentionality, systems, and community as their foundation.Lead Where It Matters Most: Homegrown Leadership Starts at HomeAbout This EpisodeJoe founded Homegrown Leadership to help high performers bring the same systems and mindset from work into their households, creating more time, less stress, and a home they are proud of. Joe and Julie break down three essential ingredients for stronger household leadership: intentionality, systems, and community. Listeners walk away with practical tools like shared calendars and communication rhythms, and a fresh perspective on building a home that runs with clarity instead of pressure.Guest BackgroundJoe LaRussa is the founder of Homegrown Leadership and a sitting small city mayor. Shaped by 25 years in manufacturing, Joe recognized that strategies enabling professional excellence were largely absent in the households of high-performing individuals.Fun Fact: If Joe had to pick one favorite food, it would be a slow-roasted leg of lamb, prepared with herbs, spices, and olive oil.The Three Ingredients for Homegrown LeadershipIntentionality is the first ingredient. At work, leaders plan for years. At home, many struggle to decide what is for dinner. The average household leader has about two golden hours per day to lead at home. Elevating out of reactionary mode requires a conscious decision to lead with strategy. Be a laser beam, not a light bulb.Systems and Tools create the structure that sets families free. A shared family calendar is the foundational tool. A whiteboard wall and weekly Sunday planning meetings help the whole household align and prioritize. Fun must be planned, not left to leftover time. The 13 Summers mindset reminds parents how finite their seasons with their children truly are, making intentional planning feel urgent and meaningful.Community is the most forgotten ingredient. Most people cannot name the neighbors behind six doors surrounding their home. True community means having people to call when life gets hard. Isolation is a leadership gap. When households are healthy, neighborhoods are healthy, and when neighborhoods are healthy, communities thrive.Memorable Quotes"It is home where your leadership matters the most.""Your life will never be less complicated than it is today. So do not wait.""It is not on the shared calendar? It does not exist.""When households are healthy, neighborhoods are healthy."Key TakeawaysDecide to lead before the moment arrives. Intentionality is the foundation.Shared systems reduce chaos and build confidence for every member of the household.Community is not optional. Isolation is a leadership problem with a leadership solution.Your golden hours are your greatest daily asset. Use them with purpose.Do not wait. In six months, you will either be glad you started or wish you had.Connect with Joe LaRussaWebsite: www.homegrownleadership.netFree assessments and starter tools are available on the website.Subscribe to Stay On Course wherever you listen to podcasts.#HomegrownLeadership #StayOnCourse #LeadershipMindset #PurposeDrivenLiving #FamilyFirst

From Losses to Legacy: The Day Trading System That Builds Generational WealthGuest: Mitch Abel, Founder of Investment Current Host: Julie RigaOverviewWhat happens when retirement arrives and the numbers do not add up? For Mitch Abel, it became the catalyst for a remarkable transformation. After 40 years in sales, Mitch retired in 2015 with a $400,000 portfolio and quickly lost $150,000 in his first six months of day trading. Instead of walking away, he went deeper, rewatching every course, practicing every day, and mastering the three ingredients that changed everything. Today, he has built generational wealth secured in a trust for his grandchildren, and through Investment Current, he is teaching hundreds of others to do the same. This episode is a masterclass in resilience, discipline, and the mindset shift that turns trading into a purposeful system.From Losses to Legacy: The Day Trading System That Builds Generational WealthGuest: Mitch Abel, Founder of Investment Current Host: Julie RigaAbout This EpisodeJulie sits down with Mitch Abel, a former social worker turned four-decade sales veteran turned self-made day trading educator, to explore how purpose-driven learning and emotional mastery can transform your financial future. This conversation is about patience, discipline, and emotional control as the foundation for lasting wealth and a legacy that outlives you.The Three Ingredients for Trading SuccessPatience is the foundation. Winning and losing are both part of the game. Learning to read market language, chart patterns, and price action takes time. The market moves up, down, and sideways, and responding well to each requires consistent daily practice.Discipline means following a clear set of rules every single day. Mitch applies the 10 percent rule: never risk more than 10 percent of your total portfolio on a single trade. Treating trading as a business, not a pastime, separates those who build wealth from those who walk away.Emotional control is the hardest ingredient of all. Fear and greed destroy most traders. Mitch partners with Randy Howell, a psychologist who works exclusively with traders, to help students stay calm and stay on course. The technical side of trading can be learned in months. Mastering your emotions is the deeper work.Key InsightsMitch lost $150,000 in six months, then recovered every dollar within the next six months through relentless study and disciplined practice. Within three years, money was no longer a concern. He structured his wealth in a skip-generational trust so his grandchildren begin receiving distributions at age 40, after learning to earn and build for themselves.Investment Current serves four communities: young adults seeking financial independence, career changers escaping corporate life, pre-retirees building a retirement runway, and retirees seeking purpose and daily income. All four follow the same core framework of patience, discipline, and emotional control.Connect with Mitch AbelWebsite: www.investmentcurrent.comYouTube: Search "Investment Current" for free trading videosLive Trading Room: First 5 days free, then $87 per monthConnect with Julie RigaWebsite: julieriga.com/leadCoaching: Leadership coaching and transformationKey TakeawaysPatience is a skill you build, not a trait you are born withDiscipline gives you the freedom to make clear decisions under pressureEmotional control separates consistent traders from those who quitLegacy is built intentionally, with a plan and a long-term visionIt is never too late. Mitch started this journey at 62.Subscribe to Stay On Course wherever you listen to podcasts. Share this episode with anyone ready to build a lasting financial legacy.#StayOnCourse #GenerationalWealth #LeadershipMindset #PurposeDriven #LegacyBuilding

Meditation to Manifestation: Manifesting the Business of Your DreamsGuest: Katie Krimitsos, Founder and CEO of Women's Meditation Network Host: Julie RigaOverviewWhat if manifestation isn't about vision boards and morning affirmations? In this powerful episode of the Stay On Course Podcast, host Julie Riga sits down with Katie Krimitsos, founder of the Women's Meditation Network, a platform reaching nearly 3 million downloads each month and ranking in the top 0.1% of all podcasts worldwide. Katie reveals how meditation is the ultimate gateway to manifestation, self-leadership, and intentional life design. From clearing subconscious money blocks to writing into the future, this transformative episode is a masterclass in purpose-driven growth, authentic alignment, and the courageous journey of becoming who you were always meant to be.Meditation to Manifestation: Manifesting the Business of Your DreamsAbout Katie KrimitsosKatie Krimitsos is the Founder and CEO of the Women's Meditation Network, helping millions of women reconnect with themselves through guided meditation and practical, proven life design tools. Her new course, Meditation to Manifestation, pairs deep inner work with actionable journaling techniques to help women consciously build the business and life they truly want.Fun Fact: Katie bakes a fresh sourdough loaf every week on her 15-acre family farm and says she is probably the only one eating it!The Three Ingredients for Success1. Deep Self-Awareness Through Meditation Meditation is not about clearing your mind or sitting cross-legged at 5 a.m. It is about knowing yourself so deeply that you can hear your intuition, access your clarity, and lead from within. Even five deep breaths taken in the driveway counts as a meaningful practice.2. Alignment Alignment means your beliefs, thoughts, words, and actions are all moving in the same direction. Katie uses the image of a garden hose: when there are kinks and knots, the water cannot flow. When the hose is laid out flat, the water flows freely. Your dreams are the water. Remove the kinks.3. Intentional Life Design Pick up a pen. Write into the future you want, as though it has already happened. This free, simple practice activates intention and opens the door to manifestation. Julie manifested five European cities this way as a single mom, and it worked.Key InsightsManifestation is not a vision board. It is the natural byproduct of full alignment between who you are and how you live.Subconscious stories around money, worthiness, and identity create the kinks that quietly block your flow. Awareness is always the first step.Meditation in any form builds the capacity to pause, hear your intuition, and respond thoughtfully to life rather than react to it.Presence is the practice. Stress and anxiety only exist when we leave the present moment. Stillness brings us back to where our joy and guidance live.You are the author of your own life. Self-leadership begins the moment you pick up the pen and choose to write a new story.Memorable Quotes"Manifestation is a natural byproduct of alignment. When what you believe, think, say, and do are all in agreement, that is when it flows.""The most important ingredient for success, no matter what success looks like to you, is a deep knowing of yourself.""The water is meant to flow. Your dreams are already yours."Connect with Katie KrimitsosWebsite: womensmeditationnetwork.comCourse: Meditation to Manifestation, available nowPodcast: Search Women's Meditation Network on any podcast platform or YouTube🎧 Subscribe to Stay On Course wherever you listen to podcasts today 💡 Share this episode with a leader who is ready to manifest their next level#StayOnCourse #MeditationToManifestation #PurposeDrivenLeadership #MindsetShift #IntentionalLiving

LEAD WITH CONFIDENCE: Julie Riga's Proven Strategies for Readiness, Growth, and SuccessThis episode of Stay on Course features Julie Riga, a certified coach, trainer, speaker, and author, as she shares her expertise on leadership mastery, readiness, and confidence. With her extensive experience in the Pharma Industry and as a coach, Julie provides valuable insights on how to build leadership skills, create a strong foundation for business growth, and overcome common obstacles.In this informative episode, Edith Duran, a digital marketing specialist, interviews Julie Riga about her approach to leadership coaching and the importance of readiness, confidence, and growth. Julie shares her journey of helping CEOs and entrepreneurs build leadership skills, create a strong foundation for business growth, and overcome common obstacles. She discusses the challenges people face in finding their role as a leader and how to overcome imposter syndrome.Whether you're looking to improve your leadership skills, build confidence, or grow your business, this episode is packed with valuable insights. Julie's passion for helping individuals build leadership skills and her innovative approach to coaching make this a must-listen for anyone striving for personal and professional growth.Key Ingredients in Julie's Expertise:The importance of readiness and confidence in leadershipHow to overcome imposter syndrome and build leadership skillsThe concept of creating a strong foundation for business growthTips on how to create a playbook for business successStrategies for building a strong team and delegating tasks effectivelyThe benefits of building leadership skills, including increased confidence and better decision-makingConnect with Julie:Learn more about Julie Riga and her services by visiting:Website: https://www.julieriga.com/

Your Story Is Your Greatest Asset: Building a Narrative Operating System That Drives Real GrowthGuest: Rain Bennett, Award-Winning Filmmaker, Author and Fractional Chief Storytelling Officer Host: Julie RigaWhat if your story was not just a marketing tactic but the very strategy that drives transformation, alignment, and legacy in your business? In this episode of the Stay On Course Podcast, host Julie Riga sits down with award-winning filmmaker and Fractional Chief Storytelling Officer Rain Bennett to unpack the power of storytelling as a leadership and growth strategy. Rain reveals how founders can build a narrative operating system that aligns brand, product, sales, and culture into one cohesive belief system. A masterclass in purpose-driven leadership and authentic communication for founders and leaders ready to build a lasting legacy.Your Story Is Your Greatest Asset: Building a Narrative Operating System That Drives Real GrowthAbout Rain BennettRain Bennett is an award-winning documentary filmmaker with over 20 years of experience. As the host of the Storytelling Lab podcast and a Fractional Chief Storytelling Officer, he helps growth-stage companies transform scattered messaging into a clear narrative operating system. His forthcoming book The Chief Storytelling Officer releases August 25, 2025 and is available for pre-order on Barnes and Noble.Fun Fact: Rain grew up on the coast and loves fresh local seafood. His favorite? Raw oysters cracked open right on the pier.What We CoverStorytelling Is the Strategy Storytelling is not a marketing add-on. It is the operating system for your entire organization. The transformation lives in the receiver of the story, not the teller. You must hook people emotionally before any information can land.Narrative vs. Stories Your brand narrative is the overarching mission and change you want to create in the world. Your brand stories are the infinite individual moments that support it. Once this is clear, story opportunities appear everywhere, from a LinkedIn post to a full documentary.Co-Authoring with Your Community Great brand narratives are collaborations, not monologues. Like Nike sending reps to track meets to listen to runners, you must build deliberate systems to find and capture your stories.Everyone Is a Brand Storyteller From the CEO to the server at your restaurant, every human touchpoint is a chapter in your brand story. Culture starts from the top, but the story is lived by everyone on your team.Your Story Is Your Only Unique Asset Skills can be acquired. Tools can be replicated. But nobody on this earth has your path. Your story is the single most valuable asset you own and it is usually the most overlooked.Memorable Quotes"The power of storytelling lies in the receiving of the story, not the teller. That is where the transformation is.""Your story is the only unique thing that you or your brand can ever truly own.""It is not transactional, it is transformative. They are trying to change something in the world."Key TakeawaysYour story is your most powerful and irreplaceable strategic assetStorytelling is the operating system for your whole organizationBuild deliberate systems to listen and co-author your narrative with your communityEvery team member is part of your brand storySelf-leadership and inner clarity are the foundation of authentic purpose-driven storytellingConnect with Rain BennettWebsite: rainbennett.comPre-Order: BarnesandNoble.comPodcast: The Storytelling Lab#StayOnCourse #LeadershipStorytelling #NarrativeStrategy #PurposeDrivenLeadership #ChiefStorytellingOfficer.Subscribe to Stay On Course wherever you listen to podcasts. Share this episode with any founder or leader ready to lead with story as strategy.

Leadership from the Saddle: What Horses Teach Us About LeadingGuests: Britain Mills-Dawes and Tea Di Lillo Host: Julie RigaIn this episode of Stay On Course, leadership coach Julie Riga is joined by equine practitioner Britain Mills-Dawes and Alberta horse trainer Tea, co-hosts of the Uncinched podcast. Together they explore the leadership lessons hidden between horse and rider: trust, presence, intuition, and the quiet confidence that makes others gravitate toward you. Whether you lead a company, a team, or simply yourself, this conversation will change the way you think about authentic leadership and purpose-driven growth.Leadership from the Saddle: What Horses Teach Us About LeadingMeet the GuestsBritain Mills-Dawes is an equine practitioner, clinician, and Western media contributor. She educates riders through biomechanics and horsemanship and co-hosts the Uncinched podcast, building community across the horse industry through journalism and live events.Tea is a horse trainer from Alberta, owner of Qualitea Equine, and a coach for the Calgary Stampede Show Rider team. A lifelong learner and co-host, dedicated to helping both horses and riders reach their full potential.The Three Ingredients for Leadership SuccessDrawing on years of partnership with horses, Britain and Tea share three core leadership ingredients that translate directly from the arena into everyday life and work.1. Trust and ConsistencyHorses are prey animals and their instinct says you might be a threat. Building trust means showing up with positive, intentional energy every single day. The same applies to your team. Stress acts like a predator on the nervous system, and a great leader creates enough safety that people seek guidance rather than hide their anxiety.2. Presence and IntuitionRiding in the mountains, you learn quickly when to lead and when to follow. The horse senses the terrain in ways you never can from the saddle. True leadership presence means being attuned enough to know which role serves the moment best. In the workplace, that awareness is the difference between micromanaging and genuine mentorship.3. Communication and Emotional RegulationHorses cannot lie. Their body language tells you everything. Britain argues it is often easier to communicate with a horse than a human for that reason. For leaders, the lesson is this: create the psychological safety that lets people speak honestly. The ability to walk into a charged situation and lower the emotional temperature without adding to the fire is one of the most valuable leadership skills you can develop.Memorable Quotes"Trust is built over time. It is not just showing up every day. It is showing up with intention every single day." Tea"You have to ride the horse that shows up." Tea"Leadership is quiet. It is that quiet confidence and self-reflection that people naturally gravitate toward." BritainKey TakeawaysShow up with consistent, intentional energy. Trust is a compounding investment, not a one-time gesture.Presence is a leadership skill. Know when to guide and when to step back and follow.Create psychological safety so your team seeks your guidance rather than hides their struggles.Lead by example and with integrity. Quiet confidence draws people naturally to your leadership.Great leadership is a give and take. Empower your people to shine where they shine best.ConnectBritain and Tea: Uncinched on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, and most major platforms. Visit stableinstincts.com and follow on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.Julie Riga: Stay On Course podcast wherever you listen.#StayOnCourse #LeadershipMindset #AuthenticLeadership #PurposeDriven #LeadByExampleSubscribe to Stay On Course and share this episode with every leader in your world who needs to hear it.

Success in Leadership, Goal-Setting, and Accountability with Cannon Carr.In this episode of Stay on Course with Julie Riga, guest Cannon Carr shares his insights on leadership, goal-setting, and accountability as key ingredients for success. He emphasizes the importance of effective communication, collaboration, and a growth mindset in fostering innovation and productivity. Julie and Cannon discuss strategies for decision-making and overcoming challenges while maintaining resilience. Listeners will gain valuable lessons on developing leadership skills and staying adaptable in today’s fast-paced world. This episode is packed with actionable advice to help individuals stay on course toward their personal and professional goals.Stay on Course with Julie Riga: Ingredients for Success: Cannon CarrIn this inspiring episode of Stay on Course with Julie Riga, we welcome Cannon Carr, a dynamic leader known for his ability to drive transformation and cultivate high-performing teams. Kenny shares his personal journey and the key ingredients that have shaped his success, emphasizing the importance of leadership, resilience, and strategic thinking. His insights provide actionable steps for listeners who want to elevate their careers and personal growth.Julie and Cannon dive into the power of effective communication, collaboration, and goal-setting as essential components for achieving sustained success. Cannon highlights how adopting a growth mindset and fostering accountability within teams can create a culture of continuous improvement. They also discuss how embracing innovation and staying adaptable in today's fast-paced world are crucial for long-term success.Listeners will walk away with practical advice on how to develop leadership skills, navigate challenges, and stay on course toward their personal and professional goals. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned executive, this episode offers valuable lessons on decision-making, productivity, and the power of positive habits. Tune in and discover how to unlock your full potential with the right mindset and strategy!Key Discussion Points:The importance of managing risk and creating a dynamic plan for entrepreneursThe three R's wealth planning framework: Reinvest, Reward, and RepurposeHow to allocate capital and create a strategic asset to help navigate the challenges of entrepreneurshipThe importance of having an ecosystem and community of advisors to help entrepreneurs make informed decisionsHow to prioritize risk and create a plan to mitigate potential disruptionsConnect with Cannon:LinkedIn: Cannon CarrWebsite: EP Wealth AdvisorsPodcast: Business Owner's Tales from the TrenchesAbout Julie RigaJulie Riga is a certified coach, trainer, speaker and author with over 20 years of experience in the Pharma Industry. Julie’s education is vast with studies that include business, communications, training and executive coaching.Julie started on this journey because she had a strong desire to pass on the knowledge and skills passed on to her by her father, Ennio Riga, an inspirational man who taught her how to keep going irrespective of the challenges that life may present you with.Learn More About Julie: Julie Riga Website / linkedin.com/in/julieriga

Give First and Win Bigger: How Great Partnerships Start with Generosity, Not NegotiationGuest: Stan Valo, Founder of eDots Host: Julie RigaOverviewWhat if the key to business growth wasn't in closing deals, but in giving first? In this episode of Stay On Course, Julie Riga sits down with Stan Valo, founder of eDots and a 21-year e-commerce veteran, to explore a transformational mindset shift. Stan unpacks his three-ingredient recipe for partnership success that helped him build a purpose-driven business where the yeses come easily, clients become true collaborators, and value flows in every direction. Whether you are a solopreneur, executive, or founder, this episode is a masterclass in intentional relationship-building, strategic growth, and legacy-driven leadership.Give First and Win Bigger: How Great Partnerships Start with Generosity, Not NegotiationAbout Stan ValoStan Valo is the founder of eDots, an e-commerce growth engine that helps brands, manufacturers, and distributors scale across new online marketplaces and sales channels. With over 21 years in the industry, Stan developed a performance-only partnership model that blends agency services with distribution expertise. His philosophy, "I don't sell, I solve," reflects his commitment to authentic leadership, purpose-driven business, and building lasting professional relationships.Fun Fact: Stan's favorite food is his grandmother's stuffed peppers with sour cream, a cherished recipe from her home country of Moldova.Stan's Three-Ingredient Recipe for Partnership Success1. Go First: Give Unconditionally In negotiation, the one who speaks first loses. In partnerships, the one who gives first wins. Lead every new relationship with introductions and referrals, no strings attached. Ask "who can I help you meet?" and watch generosity build the foundation of lasting trust.2. Be a Solver: Solve Something Meaningful Stan's core mantra is simple: don't sell, solve. Focus on real problems rather than closing transactions. When you solve meaningfully, value overflows and the relationship deepens naturally. The best leaders are solvers who match people with exactly what they need.3. Create Undeniable Value for Both Sides Value must flow in both directions for a partnership to last. Choose your partners wisely, start light, and let the relationship evolve before committing deeper. Think of it like dating before marriage: coffee first, then friends, then family. Integrity is everything.Memorable Quotes"In a negotiation, the one that talks first loses. In partnerships, the one that goes first wins.""I don't sell, I solve. I've never had to negotiate a single deal.""It's hard to get a no when you're offering so much.""I don't have a contact form. I have an application form. That changes the dynamic."Key Takeaways for LeadersGive Before You Ask - Lead with generosity. Start with a gift of value: an introduction, a connection, or an insight. Trust and opportunity follow naturally.Shift from Selling to Solving - The most powerful transformation in business is moving from transaction to contribution. Solve real problems and the yeses follow.Build Relationships, Not Contracts - Start light, prove your value, and let partnership depth grow organically over time.Stay Narrow and Know Your Strengths - Clarity of focus amplifies impact. Build a power team of trusted partners who complement your core strengths.Integrity Is Your Growth Engine - Authentic connection without an agenda is the ultimate long-game strategy and the foundation of lasting legacy.Connect with Stan ValoWebsite: edots.coSubscribe to Stay On CourseSubscribe wherever you listen to podcasts and share with leaders ready to stop selling and start solving.#StayOnCourse #GiveFirst #PurposeDrivenLeadership #PartnershipMindset #AuthenticGrowth

Creating a Fully Integrated Life: Mindfulness, Self-Care, and Entrepreneurship with Michele BondsSummary: In this episode of Stay on Course, Julie Riga welcomes Michele Bonds, a creative entrepreneur, artist, and coach. Michele shares her journey of leaving the corporate world to pursue her passion for art and entrepreneurship. They discuss the importance of mindfulness, self-care, and listening to oneself in creating a fully integrated life. Michele shares her three key ingredients for a fully integrated life: filling up your cup, receiving graciously, and listening intentionally.Key Takeaways:The importance of mindfulness and self-care in creating a fully integrated lifeHow to fill up your cup and prioritize your own needsThe art of receiving graciously and asking for help when neededThe power of listening intentionally to oneself and othersHow to overcome the fear of uncertainty and trust your instincts as an entrepreneurThe importance of finding your tribe and community as a creative entrepreneurKey Ingredients:Filling up your cup: prioritizing self-care and self-loveReceiving graciously: asking for help and support when neededListening intentionally: tuning in to your intuition and instinctsConnect with Michele:Website: https://www.michelebonds.comAbout Julie Riga:Julie Riga is a certified coach, trainer, speaker, and author with over 20 years of experience in the Pharma Industry.Learn more about Julie: www.julieriga.com

Rebellious Success: Failure, Bigger Games, and Playing Full OutGuest: Toni Will | Host: Julie Riga | Stay On Course PodcastWhat if failure was your greatest leadership asset? In this bold and energizing episode, Julie Riga sits down with Toni Will, a two-time Guinness World Record holder, General Manager of the Kalamazoo Wings, TEDx speaker, entrepreneur, and author of the upcoming book Rebellious Success. Toni brings contagious energy and hard-won wisdom to a conversation about competence, confidence, and what it truly means to step into your bigger game. She shares her framework for building self-trust through failure, explains why playing small keeps everyone around you stuck, and challenges listeners to declare a bigger game before they feel ready to do it.Rebellious Success: Failure, Bigger Games, and Playing Full OutAbout This EpisodeToni Will is a powerhouse leader who blends elite performance with hard-earned connection, proving that competence and community can coexist. As General Manager of a men's professional hockey team, a professional development coach, and a soon-to-be published author, Toni lives at the intersection of leadership, resilience, and authentic growth. In this episode, she and Julie dig into three transformative ingredients for success that challenge everything you thought you knew about failure, purpose, and personal evolution.Fun Fact: Toni's favorite food is sushi, anything from the grocery store all the way up to fresh-caught in Hawaii.Three Ingredients for SuccessInvite Failure to the Table: Failure is not the opposite of success. Quitting is. The failure resume asks you to write down everything you have walked through and survived. What emerges is not a record of loss but a portrait of resilience, self-trust, and wisdom. When you stop fearing failure and start inviting it, it becomes one of your greatest tools for growth, confidence, and transformation.Stop Playing Small: Because Someone Else Is Playing small to make others comfortable keeps everyone stuck, including you. Authentic leadership means showing up fully, reading the room with emotional intelligence, and never beginning from a diminished version of yourself. Rising tides lift all ships. Collaboration grounded in core values is always stronger than competition driven by fear.Declare a Bigger Game: Growth does not always mean moving up. Sometimes it means growing out. Every micro-decision you make each day either aligns with your next level or holds you back from it. Act from the next level now. Ask not only what something costs you to pursue, but what it costs you to stay exactly where you are.Memorable Quotes"The only time you are failing is when you quit trying." "Stop playing small because someone else is." "The story we tell ourselves about ourselves gets in the room before we do." "What is the cost if I do not do it? Because there is always a cost."Key TakeawaysBuild a failure resume and transform it into your record of courage and growthStop playing small. Full authentic presence is a leadership skillDeclare your bigger game before you feel ready and lead from that placeAlign your actions with core values to unlock clarity, confidence, and self-trustInvest in yourself. The ROI of personal growth compounds over timeAbout Toni's Book: Rebellious Success One part memoir, one part self-help, one part business leadership. A complete roadmap for defining success on your own terms and building it without apology. Pre-order opens March 13th. Book launches August 11th.Connect with Toni WillConference: empowHer Book: Rebellious SuccessConnect with Julie RigaStay On Course PodcastLeadership Coachingjulieriga.com/lead#StayOnCourse #RebelliousSuccess #LeadershipMindset #PurposeDriven #WomenInLeadershipSubscribe to Stay On Course Podcast wherever you listen. Share this episode with the leaders and game-changers in your life who are ready to play bigger.

Your Brand Is Your Business Outfit: The Unspoken Rules of Brand Identity That Drive Real GrowthGuest: Lexy Rubin, Owner and Creative Director of Rubin Design Company Host: Julie RigaOverviewIn this episode of the Stay On Course Podcast, Julie Riga sits down with Lexy Rubin, Owner and Creative Director of Rubin Design Company, an award-winning branding agency in South Florida. Lexy is a purpose-driven brand strategist whose career spans NASA internships, New York City corporate branding, and 11 years building her own legacy as a founder.Together, they explore what it truly means to build a brand that connects and stands the test of time. From first impression psychology to the rise of AI in design, this conversation delivers authentic growth strategies for entrepreneurs and business leaders ready to elevate their brand.Your Brand Is Your Business Outfit: The Unspoken Rules of Brand Identity That Drive Real GrowthAbout Lexy RubinLexy Rubin is the owner and creative director of Rubin Design Company, a South Florida-based branding agency offering custom logo design services, brand identity design, and brand strategy consulting nationwide. A graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design, she became the first graphic designer to intern at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, then worked with Bath and Body Works and L'Oreal in New York City.Fun Fact: Lexy's favorite food is Chicken Romano from the Cheesecake Factory.Key Topics DiscussedWhat Is a Brand, Really? Your brand is your business's first impression. It is the outfit your company wears every day. It shapes purchasing decisions, team recruitment, and client trust before a word is spoken.Why Professional Branding Matters in 2026 Working with a professional logo designer or corporate branding agency is your foundation. With AI everywhere, authentic human-crafted brand identity is a genuine competitive advantage. Apple, Nike, and Starbucks invest heavily in branding because perception is everything.The AI Question Every Business Owner Is Asking Can AI replace custom logo design services? Lexy says not at the soul level. There is an emotional and spiritual dimension to brand identity that no algorithm can replicate. Investment in professional brand strategy consulting is more urgent than ever.Branding Trends for 2025 to 2026 Typography is king, with bespoke typefaces driving personality across logos, websites, and cards. Motion graphics are replacing static visuals. Video-first design is now expected. If your brand has not been refreshed in ten or more years, it is outdated.You Are the Brand Your personal leadership presence and business brand are inseparable. In the age of AI cloning, being authentically yourself is your single most powerful asset.Memorable Quotes"Your brand is basically your first impression. It is the outfit your business wears.""The real, authentic version of yourself is going to be craved now more than ever because of AI.""There is a magical recipe to great brand identity: part logic, part skill, part soul."Key TakeawaysYour brand is your foundation. Get it right before you scale.Authenticity is your superpower in a world of AI-generated content.Every touchpoint is a brand moment: your logo, LinkedIn, and background.Refresh your visual identity as trends and audience expectations evolve.You are the brand. Leadership presence and professional branding are inseparable.Connect with Lexy RubinWebsite: www.RubinDesignCo.comLinkedIn and Facebook: Rubin Design CoConnect with Julie RigaWebsite: julieriga.com/leadCoaching: Learn more about leadership coaching and transformation#BrandIdentity #StayOnCourse #AuthenticLeadership #PurposeDrivenBusiness #BrandingTips2026Subscribe to Stay On Course wherever you listen to podcasts. Share this episode with any business owner who needs to hear this.

When Uncommon Becomes Destiny: Faith, Discipline, and Divine Alignment Transform Your Calling into PurposeGuest: Minister Bernard Marrow Host: Julie RigaWhat happens when you stop trying to fit in and start owning the uncommon path God placed in you? In this episode of Stay On Course, host Julie Riga sits down with Minister Bernard Marrow, founder of By Faith We Good Ministry Inc., musician, author, and motivational speaker. Together they explore how divine alignment, unshakeable faith, and purposeful community can transform isolation into destiny. If you have ever felt too different, too early, or too overlooked, this conversation is for you.When Uncommon Becomes Destiny: Faith, Discipline, and Divine Alignment Transform Your Calling into PurposeMinister Bernard Marrow is the founder and president of By Faith We Good Ministry Inc., a 501(c)(3) faith-based nonprofit that spreads the gospel of Jesus Christ, feeds families in need every month, and sows into the purpose of others. He is also the owner and CEO of Shop BFWG LLC and a multi-faceted creative: singer, songwriter, musician, author, and motivational speaker. He hosts the By Faith We Good Podcast and Radio Show, which includes a Faith and Finance segment covering investments, budgeting, and money management.Fun Fact: Minister Bernard's favorite dish is seafood pasta, known in Italian as frutti di mare.Key TopicsDivine Alignment and Ownership Recognizing your God-given sweet spot and refusing to operate in someone else's lane. You always win when you are in full alignment with your divine purpose and destiny. Comparing yourself to others will only pull you off course.Discipline Through the Process God's timing differs from your timeline. Staying focused, equipped, and inspired even when results are delayed is what separates those who eventually manifest greatness from those who give up just before the breakthrough arrives.Purposeful Community and Legacy Being deeply intentional about who you share your vision with, and transforming seasons of isolation into community-supported, purpose-driven progress toward a greater calling and a lasting legacy.Memorable Quotes"Everything that's comfortable ain't safe.""When God calls you, he calls you to do what's uncommon. He wants us to stand out, to be great, bold, and fearless.""No doesn't mean never. Not yet doesn't mean not ever. If you don't give up, the doors will open.""You can't share everything with everybody. Trust God to connect you with the right people."Key TakeawaysOwn Your Uncommonness - You were not made to fit in. Your uniqueness is your superpower. Take full ownership of who God created you to be.Trust the Process - Stay committed to the alignment and manifestation will follow. Keep going even when you cannot see the finish line.Comfort Is Not Safety - The familiar can be the enemy of the extraordinary. Step out of your comfort zone in faith.Guard Your Vision - Not everyone deserves access to what God placed inside you. Be wise about who you allow into your inner circle.No Is Not the End - Rejection and delay are part of the journey, not the destination. Stay the course.Connect with Minister Bernard MarrowLinkedIn: Minister Bernard MarrowFacebook: By Faith We Good Ministry Inc.Instagram: @ministermarrow / @min.marrowPodcast: By Faith We Good Podcast and Radio ShowShop: Shop BFWG LLCConnect with Julie RigaPodcast: Stay On Course PodcastWebsite: julieriga.com/leadRole: Leadership Coach and Transformation GuideSubscribe to Stay On Course wherever you listen to podcasts and share this episode with every purpose-driven leader and creative ready to own their uncommon destiny.#StayOnCourse #PurposeDriven #LeadershipMindset #ByFaithWeGood #UncommonDestiny

Embracing Imposter Syndrome: The Secret Ingredient to SuccessAbout This EpisodeIn this episode, Julie sits down with Jennifer Fidder, a social psychologist and hypnotist with nearly two decades of coaching experience in health and wellness. Jennifer teaches others how to use the power of their subconscious mind to experience more happiness, health, and success.Together, they blow open the doors on imposter syndrome, revealing why it's actually a sign you're on the right track and sharing the essential ingredients for transforming this "syndrome" into your secret weapon for success.Guest BackgroundJennifer Fidder is a social psychologist, hypnotist, and speaker with a background in health and wellness. With nearly two decades of coaching experience, she specializes in helping people harness their subconscious mind for greater happiness, health, and success. Jennifer was previously a personal fitness trainer and nutrition coach, giving her deep insights into the psychology of transformation and expertise development.Fun Fact: Jennifer's favorite food is blueberries because they taste amazing, make the perfect grab-and-go snack, and are packed with antioxidants - the ultimate superfood for busy professionals.The Reframe: Imposter Syndrome as a Guiding SystemNot a stopping system - it's information, not a roadblockYour body and mind telling you: "You're on the right track"Similar to anxiety - it's guidance about what's important, not something to fearA sign of leveling up - embrace it instead of fighting itPractical Strategies for SuccessThe Testimonial Folder Technique:Keep a folder on your phone with client testimonials and positive feedbackScreenshot compliments and success storiesReview during tough days when self-doubt creeps inReminder of the real transformation you're creatingFocus on Process Over Outcome:You cannot control outcomes 100%You can control your effort and approachDon't hang your happiness and self-worth on specific resultsTrust the process, especially when the bank account is a constant reference pointWhat's Next for JenniferJennifer is launching her first in-person self-hypnosis workshop in over 5 years on June 28th in Fort Lauderdale. After running this exact workshop virtually for five years, she's excited to bring back the in-person experience and energy.Connect with Jennifer Fidderlinkedin.com/in/jennifer-fidder-coachingConnect with Julie Rigawww.julieriga.comKey Takeaways for LeadersReframe Imposter Syndrome: It's a sign you're growing, not failingDocument Your Wins: Keep evidence of your impact for tough daysFocus on Process: Control what you can, release what you can'tEmbrace the Journey: Every level brings new challenges - that's normalKnow Your Risk Tolerance: Be honest about entrepreneurship fitCelebrate Small Wins: Acknowledge progress along the wayTrust Your Expertise: You know more than you think you doNext StepsIf you're struggling with imposter syndrome, start by creating your own "testimonial folder" and begin collecting evidence of your impact. Remember: if you're experiencing imposter syndrome, you're probably exactly where you need to be - on the path of growth and expansion.This episode is perfect for sharing with entrepreneurs, coaches, and leaders who are letting self-doubt hold them back from their next level of success.🎧 Subscribe to Stay On Course wherever you listen to podcasts 💡 Share this episode with someone who needs to hear that imposter syndrome is actually their superpower

From Trauma to Triumph: The Three Ingredients for Post-Traumatic GrowthGuest: David Dachinger, Retired Fire Lieutenant, EMT, Peer Coach and Grammy-Nominated Producer Host: Julie RigaWhat if your greatest trauma became your most powerful mission? In this transformational episode, Julie Riga sits down with David Dachinger, a stage four cancer survivor, retired fire lieutenant, Grammy-nominated producer, and resilience advocate, to unpack the three essential ingredients for post-traumatic growth: identity release, meaning making, and mission activation. This is a conversation about courage, clarity, and the power of choosing life.From Trauma to Triumph: The Three Ingredients for Post-Traumatic GrowthAbout This EpisodeIn this deeply moving episode, Julie Riga welcomes David Dachinger, a clear testament to transformation, resilience, and purpose-driven leadership. Together they explore what it means to evolve through adversity and how every leader and entrepreneur can activate their own post-traumatic growth journey. David shares how a stage four cancer diagnosis became the catalyst for a legacy of healing, purpose, and mission activation.Guest BackgroundDavid Dachinger is a retired fire lieutenant and EMT who hosts Responder's Resilience: Igniting the Shift Within, engaging experts on first responder mental health. He serves as a peer coach for 22ZERO, supporting first responders and veterans. A two-time Grammy Award nominee, his life changed in 2014 with a stage four cancer diagnosis that became the foundation of his advocacy for purposeful living and wellness.Fun Fact: David's favorite food is the Holy Shiitake pizza from Mellow Mushroom.The Three Ingredients for Post-Traumatic Growth1. Identity Release A stage four diagnosis instantly shifted David from caregiver to patient. Clinging to a victim identity blocks transformation. Through intentional word choice and daily gratitude, he released the old self and stepped into a healed identity. Like the lobster, we must shed the old shell to grow a stronger one.2. Meaning Making The same event affects people differently because it is the meaning we assign that determines our outcome. David reframed adversity by asking, "What is the gift in this?" Gratitude practice, present-moment awareness, and a shift in self-talk became his most powerful tools. Words, he discovered, are medicine.3. Mission Activation David and his wife created Live Calm with Cancer, a book, app, and calming TV experience for patients. He then joined 22ZERO to help first responders, veterans, and cancer patients heal trauma. His full-circle return to cancer advocacy, equipped with lived experience and proven tools, is a masterclass in turning pain into purpose.Key Quotes"Suffering is optional. We have a choice in every situation.""How do I turn these adversities into my superpower?""We are powerful creators. Positive self-talk is the core of all of it."Key Takeaways for LeadersRelease the old identity. Growth begins when you stop defining yourself by trauma or circumstance.Make meaning intentionally. The meaning you assign to adversity determines whether it becomes a wound or a wisdom.Activate your mission. Pain with purpose becomes power. Your story is meant to serve someone else's transformation.Words are medicine. Language shapes belief, belief shapes biology, and biology shapes your life.Suffering is optional. You always have a choice, and that choice is the foundation of fulfillment and legacy.ConnectDavid Dachinger: www.respondertv.com | 22ZERO: www.22zero.org | LinkedIn, Instagram, FacebookJulie Riga: www.julieriga.com/lead | LinkedIn, Instagram, FacebookSubscribe to Stay On Course wherever you listen to podcasts.#StayOnCourse #PostTraumaticGrowth #Leadership #Transformation #PurposeDriven

Selling from the Soul: Confidence, Grit and Purpose-Driven SuccessHost: Julie Riga | Guest: Monique IacobacciWhat does it truly take to show up every day with confidence, resilience, and authentic purpose, even when doors are being slammed in your face? In this heartfelt episode, Julie Riga sits down with her longtime friend and powerhouse sales leader Monique Iacobacci to explore the mindset and soul-driven conviction behind over a decade of transformational selling. From polar-vortex cold calls on the New York City subway to becoming Business Development Manager of the Year, Monique shares the ingredients for success that no sales manual can fully capture.Selling from the Soul: Confidence, Grit and Purpose-Driven SuccessAbout the GuestMonique Iacobacci is an Executive Business Development Manager for the number one professional skincare brand in the country, working with plastic surgeons, dermatologists, high-end spas, and aesthetic clinics. With over thirteen years in her field, she has broken sales records, earned Rookie of the Year honors, and helped transform New York City into one of her company's strongest markets. She brings analytical precision and genuine human warmth to everything she does.Fun Fact: Monique's favorite food is pizza with hot honey pepperoni, a bold and unexpected twist that perfectly mirrors her approach to sales and to life.The Three Ingredients for Success1. Confidence in Who You Are and What You Know Walk in knowing your product, your value, and your purpose fully. Confidence is the clarity and conviction that you have something genuinely meaningful to offer. Without it, no strategy will carry you far.2. A Service-First Mindset Approach every interaction with sincerity and a genuine desire to help. Selling stops feeling like selling when you show up as a trusted partner committed to solving your client's real problems.3. Intentional Focus and Discipline Conversations drift. The best professionals bring them back. Stay present, stay purposeful, and always return to what moves the relationship and the result forward.Filling Your Cup and Building ResilienceMonique's secret to sustained performance is a faith-anchored mindset shift: choosing to declare each day will be great, even when every instinct says otherwise. Her core philosophy: you are the brand. If your cup is not full, you have nothing to pour into others. Prioritizing yourself is not selfishness. It is the foundation of authentic leadership, confident presence, lasting impact, and purposeful living. Fill up so you can fully show up.Key Takeaways for LeadersFill Your Cup First - Self-leadership is the foundation of showing up with the energy and confidence that wins trust.Believe in Your Value - Conviction is contagious. When you know you can help someone, that certainty does half the work.Rejection Is Redirection - A no is rarely final. Treat every closed door as a not yet and keep nurturing the relationship.Ask Better Questions - The most powerful sales tool is a mirror. Ask questions that help your client see their own gap.Stay On Course - Keep learning, evolving, and challenging yourself every day. Growth does not stop when you hit your goals.Memorable Quotes"If my cup isn't filled, how am I supposed to pour into somebody else?""I felt like a doctor knocking on a sick person's door saying, here is medicine that you need and you just don't know it yet.""Nothing worth it is easy. I will tell you that.""Keep sewing into yourself and putting yourself first. That is what gives you the energy and the drive to keep going."Connect with Julie RigaWebsite: julieriga.com/leadSocial Media: @julierigaCoaching: Learn more about leadership coaching and transformationThis episode is a must-share for sales leaders, entrepreneurs, and anyone building a career grounded in authentic growth, self-leadership, and purpose.#StayOnCourse #PurposeDrivenLeadership #AuthenticGrowth #SalesLeadership #Ingredie

Summary:In this episode of the Stay on Course Podcast, Julie Rega sits down with Kelly Riley, an entrepreneur and coach with over 20 years in the salon industry. Kelly shares how she transitioned from salon ownership to coaching, offering actionable advice for entrepreneurs looking to pivot confidently, embrace growth, and reach their full potential.Main Article:Welcome to another inspiring episode of the Stay on Course Podcast! In today’s episode, Julie Rega is joined by Kelly Riley, a seasoned barber, stylist, and former salon owner turned success coach. With over two decades of experience in the beauty industry, Kelly’s journey exemplifies personal and professional transformation.Key Ingredients for Success:Acceptance: Kelly emphasizes how embracing change and pivoting can be the first step toward entrepreneurial success. Letting go of guilt and recognizing when something isn’t working can lead to a brighter future.Giving Yourself Grace: Transitioning doesn’t mean failure—it means growth. Kelly encourages entrepreneurs to be kind to themselves and embrace the lessons in every transition.Focus on the Next Step: Overthinking can lead to paralysis. Kelly advises focusing on immediate actions that align with your goals and build momentum one step at a time.About Julie Rega:Learn More About Julie: https://www.julieriga.com/Julie Riga is a certified coach, trainer, speaker, and author with over 20 years of experience in the Pharma Industry. Her vast education includes business, communications, training, and executive coaching. Julie’s journey started with a deep desire to pass on the knowledge and resilience her father, Ennio Riga, taught her—how to persevere, no matter what life throws your way.Based in New Jersey, Julie has traveled the world, empowering corporations, business leaders, and individuals to find their purpose, stay on course, and leave a legacy.If Kelly’s insights resonated with you, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with fellow entrepreneurs looking to unlock their potential!#Entrepreneurship #BusinessSuccess #Coaching #PivotingInBusiness #GrowthMindset #PersonalGrowth #BusinessTransformation #SalonIndustry #Empowerment #CoachingJourney#StayOnCoursePodcast #EntrepreneurialMindset #SelfGrace #UnlockYourPotential #Leadership #FemaleEntrepreneur

Dive into a captivating episode where Cordell unravels the secrets to a fulfilling journey of personal growth, striking the perfect balance between self-competition and collaboration. Explore the transformative power of challenging yourself, breaking limits, and achieving goals with Cordell's profound insights.Uncover the potential of collaboration as Cordell emphasizes the impact of aligning with like-minded individuals. Learn how surrounding yourself with visionaries can bring diverse skills and fresh perspectives, propelling you toward greatness. Tune in now for an inspiring conversation that will reshape your approach to success and leave you pondering the balance between personal ambition and collective achievement.Experience the synergy of self-discovery and collaboration by listening to the full interview at stayoncourse.studio. Join us in supporting this enriching content by liking, following, and reviewing our podcast—your gateway to valuable tips and inspiration!🔥 Join me, Julie Riga, on "Stay On Course: Ingredients for Success," as I interview the incredible Cordell Broadus, American actor, model, entrepreneur, and the talented son of none other than Snoop Dogg! 🎤🐶🌟 In this episode, Cordell shares his valuable insights on the perfect balance between self-competition and collaboration. He emphasizes the importance of being competitive with yourself, constantly pushing boundaries and striving forpersonal growth. By focusing on your own progress, you can stay motivated and achieve your goals effectively.💡 Cordell also highlights the power of collaboration. He emphasizes the significance of surrounding yourself with talented individuals who share your vision, as they bring fresh perspectives and diverse skills to the table. Together, you can accomplish great things!🎧 Tune in now to listen to this inspiring conversation and gain valuable tips for your own journey to success. Don't forget to like, follow, and review our podcast to support us in bringing you more amazing content!🔗 Listen to the full interview at stayoncourse.studio and learn more about Cordell Broadus, his incredible journey, and his famous lineage as the son of the iconic Snoop Dogg.Get ready to be inspired!#StayOnCoursePodcast #IngredientsForSuccess #SelfCompetition#Collaboration #CordellBroadus #SonOfSnoopDogg #VeeCon2023#InspiringConversationsTo learn more about Julie Riga and her mission to help you Stay On Course, visit her website: www.stayoncourse.ioJulie Riga is a certified coach, trainer, speaker and author with over 20 years of experience in the Pharma Industry. Julie’s education is vast with studies that include business, communications, training and executive coaching.Julie started on this journey because she had a strong desire to pass on the knowledge and skills passed on to her by her father, Ennio Riga, and inspirational man who taught her how to keep going irrespective of the challenges that life may present you with.Based in New Jersey, Julie have travelled the world supporting corporations, business leaders and individuals on their journey of empowerment and growth. Discover your purpose, Stay on Course, Leave a Legacy

From Corporate Boardrooms to Small Business Breakthroughs: Ingredients for Success with James OrsiniStay On Course Podcast | Host: Julie Riga | Guest: James OrsiniWhat does it really take to build a thriving small business and how do the lessons of the Fortune 500 world translate to the entrepreneurial journey? In this candid and inspiring conversation, Julie Riga sits down with seasoned executive James Orsini to unpack the mindset shifts, operational disciplines, and leadership principles that separate businesses that scale from those that stall. Whether you are a founder, a corporate executive ready to pivot, or a small business owner in the thick of the grind, this episode is packed with transformative insights to help you stay on course.From Corporate Boardrooms to Small Business Breakthroughs: Ingredients for Success with James OrsiniAbout James OrsiniJames Orsini is a seasoned executive leader with more than 35 years of experience as President, CEO, COO, and CFO across high-growth organizations. After an 11-year run at VaynerX alongside Gary Vaynerchuk, where he helped grow the company from $42M to $350M and 2,000 people across 15 offices, James now advises founders and small business leaders through Vyve, Factotum, and J & J Consulting Services, co-founded with his wife Joanne.Fun Fact: James is a proud Italian-American whose ultimate comfort food is his wife's Sunday pasta sauce, slow-cooked for hours every single week.Ingredients for SuccessFocus and Strategic Prioritization Entrepreneurs rarely run out of ideas; they run out of focus. James advocates for working backwards from your endgame and using tools like the Eisenhower Matrix to prioritize what truly moves the needle each quarter.Knowing When to Hire and Delegate Founders who hold on too tight risk choking their own growth. Tracking yellow hustle time versus green paid time on your calendar reveals exactly when it is time to bring in your first hire and step fully into your leadership role.Integrity Above All Doing the right thing with your employees, vendors, and partners, even when nobody is watching, creates a reputation that outlives any single business venture. James calls this the most enduring ingredient for success.Community and Accountability Leadership can be lonely. Investing in a mastermind, coaching program, or peer group compresses your learning curve and gives you the sounding board every leader needs. Iron sharpens iron.Culture as Your Competitive Advantage VaynerMedia maintained a 17% voluntary turnover rate in an industry averaging over 35%. Hire for kindness and empathy first, then teach the skills. Culture is your most sustainable edge.Memorable Quotes"Doing the right thing is always the right thing, even when people are not looking.""Some founders squeeze the baby so tight, they choke it. Know when to let go and move to the work only you can do.""Work backwards from the legacy you want to leave. That clarity drives every decision."Key TakeawaysTransition from operator to leader. Work on the business, not in it. This mindset shift is the turning point for every founder ready to scale.Build your network with gratitude and empathy. Relationships cultivated with care become your greatest long-term asset.Stay open to pivoting. The business you build two years from now will look nothing like what you imagined today, and that is a strength.Connect with James OrsiniLinkedIn: James OrsiniVyve: @Revive (social handles)Factotum: factotum.comJ & J Consulting Services (LinkedIn)Connect with Julie RigaStay On Course PodcastBefore I Lead Programjulieriga.com/leadSubscribe to Stay On Course wherever you listen to podcasts and share this episode with every founder and leader who is ready to build something that lasts.#StayOnCourse #LeadershipMindset #SmallBusinessSuccess #PurposeDrivenLeadership #BeforeILead

When Success Feels Heavy: The Architecture of Trust That HoldsGuest: Debbie Simmons, Legacy Architect, Keynote Speaker and Bestselling Author Host: Julie RigaWhat is your life really built on, and will it hold when pressure hits? In this powerful episode, Julie sits down with Debbie Simmons, founder of the multimillion-dollar nonprofit Anchor Point and creator of the Architecture of Trust. Debbie shares how she turned a breaking point into a blueprint, why hustle and control eventually crack, and how high-capacity leaders can rebuild on a foundation that truly holds.When Success Feels Heavy: The Architecture of Trust That HoldsAbout This EpisodeJulie sits down with Debbie Simmons, a legacy architect, keynote speaker, bestselling author, and founder of Anchor Point, a multimillion-dollar nonprofit based in Houston, Texas. Debbie created the Architecture of Trust to help high-capacity leaders rebuild their foundations when success starts to feel heavy. After walking through profound loss and leadership pressure, she turned her breaking point into a blueprint and today equips CEOs and founders to lead with trust that holds, not hustle that burns out.About Debbie SimmonsDebbie is the founder of Anchor Point, a multimillion-dollar nonprofit giving families hope for over 15 years through medical care, case management, a maternity home, therapeutic camps, and recovery ministry. She is the bestselling author of The Heart of Legacy and creator of the Success to Significance seminar, which helps purpose-driven leaders move from external achievement to internal alignment and lasting impact.Fun Fact: Debbie's favorite food is cheesecake, plain with a good graham cracker crust. As she says, "it's not my friend!"The Three Ingredients for Trust-Based Leadership Success1. Know What You Are Trusting Stop and honestly identify the default patterns you reach for under pressure. For most entrepreneurs and executives, it is hustle, control, silence, urgency, or self-reliance. Debbie's core principle: if you can name it, you can tame it. Reflect on what you actually did the last time the pressure hit and you will discover what your foundation is truly built on.2. Be Brave Enough to Shift Courage and fear feel identical. The only difference is that the courageous person acts anyway. Once you identify the pattern, make your best plan, take the leap, and tweak as you go. Leadership growth is a journey of iteration, humility, and intentional living that rewards those who stay the course.3. Invite Accountability and Build Community Name the pattern you are working on and share it with a trusted coach, mentor, spouse, or friend. Growth accelerates in community and stalls in isolation. When someone safe can call you back to your values and your vision, transformation happens faster. This is self-leadership in action.Key Takeaways for LeadersThe systems that got you here will not take you to your next levelTrust is structural, not emotional. Build systems and teams that hold even when you are not at 100%Moving from success to significance requires inner alignment, not just outward achievementCourage is a daily choice. Do it, tweak it, and do it againMemorable Quotes"What is your life really built on, and will it hold when pressure hits?""The things that got you here will not take you to your next level.""If you can name it, you can tame it.""The difference between courageous and fearful is that the courageous person does it anyway."Connect with Debbie SimmonsWebsite: www.thedebbiesimmons.comSuccess to Significance Seminar: www.successandsignificance.netFree Book Download: www.theheartoflegacy.comConnect with Julie RigaWebsite: julieriga.com/leadCoaching: Learn more about leadership coaching#StayOnCourse #LeadershipMindset #PurposeDrivenLeadership #LegacyBuilding #AuthenticGrowth

Unlocking AI Potential: Ingredients for Success with Sasan GhorbaniIn this special episode of The Stay on Course podcast, host Julie Riga welcomes Sasan Ghorbani, Founder of Alpicus, an AI platform designed to simplify AI for businesses. Hassan shares his insights on the key ingredients for success in using AI, highlighting the importance of mindset, the art of the possible, and automation in achieving success.Key Ingredients for SuccessMindset: Having an open mindset around AI and its possibilities is crucial for success.The Art of the Possible: Identifying the ideal outcome and working backwards to achieve it, rather than being limited by current capabilities.Automation: Using AI to automate business processes, such as recruitment and hiring, can save time and increase productivity.Podcast OverviewSasan's journey and insights offer a unique perspective on what it takes to succeed in today's fast-paced, technologically driven world. From the importance of mindset and the art of the possible to the power of automation, this episode provides invaluable lessons for anyone looking to elevate their personal and professional life.Summary of Key Ingredients for SuccessMindset: Having an open mindset around AI and its possibilities is crucial for success.The Art of the Possible: Identifying the ideal outcome and working backwards to achieve it, rather than being limited by current capabilities.Automation: Using AI to automate business processes, such as recruitment and hiring, can save time and increase productivity.About Sasan GhorbaniSasan Ghorbani is the Founder of Alpicus, an AI platform designed to simplify AI for businesses. With a focus on innovation and customer experience, Hassan drives the development of impactful projects and products.Learn more about Sasan: linkedin.com/in/sasan-gAbout Julie RigaJulie is a certified coach, trainer, and speaker with 20+ years of experience in empowering professionals and businesses to achieve success.Learn More About Julie: Julie Riga Website#AIBusiness #ArtOfThePossible #Automation #SuccessMindset #Innovation #CustomerExperience #ProductivityHacks #SelfImprovement #NetworkingTips #ProfessionalDevelopment #GoalOriented #HighAchievers #AIEngineering #PromptEngineering #LanguageModels #BusinessGrowth #Technology #FutureOfWork

From Content Overload to Curated Influence: The Future of ConnectionOverviewIn this transformative episode, Julie Riga sits down with Kyle Hudson, founder and CEO of Stacklist, to explore how curation, not content creation, is becoming the future of trust and influence in an AI-driven world. Kyle shares his journey from building digital solutions for Google, Disney, and Coca-Cola to creating a platform that helps service professionals own their client relationships. Together, they dive into the ingredients for success in today's rapidly evolving landscape, discussing tech stack management, experimental mindsets, and becoming omnipotential leaders.From Content Overload to Curated Influence: The Future of ConnectionGuest: Kyle Hudson, Founder & CEO of StacklistHost: Julie RigaGuest BackgroundKyle Hudson is the founder and CEO of Stacklist, The Social Curation Network, helping service professionals turn local knowledge into shareable, AI-discoverable hubs. With a proven track record building digital solutions for brands like Google, Disney, and Coca-Cola, Kyle now focuses on empowering experts to own their client relationships rather than renting attention from social media platforms. Kyle is a member of the "Nintendo generation" (born 1979), shaped by growing up with technology as native rather than novel. His philosophy centers on omnipotential: the belief that you have the potential to be many things, not just one specialist.Fun Fact: Kyle is a burger connoisseur who dips his fries in mustard!Key Topics DiscussedThe Ingredients for Success:Curiosity & Experimental Mindset - Being open to trying new tools without fear of failure, treating business as one big lab experiment, and learning by doing rather than waiting for perfection.Fluidity & Adaptability - Avoiding vendor lock-in, being willing to scrap established systems for better solutions, and building the "Swiss Army Knife" skillset instead of narrow specialization.Omnipotential Leadership - Embracing multiple roles as an entrepreneur, understanding you're not defined by one label, and how generalists with AI partners become superhuman.Tech Stack Management: The $2000/month subscription problem, using Slack and Zoom as foundations, Linear as an elegant alternative to Jira, Claude Code for financial projections and custom agents. Strategy: Lock into solutions, not vendors.The Stacklist Philosophy: Curation over content creation, transforming personal expertise into discoverable resources, helping professionals own relationships instead of depending on algorithms. Everyone is known for something valuable.Memorable Quotes"Omnipotential is this idea that you are not X, you have the potential to be X, Y, Z, and A, B, C.""I just jump off the cliff, and as I'm falling, I'm learning. That's how I do it.""You only have to worry about AI taking your job if you're standing still. But if you're diving into it, you're learning skills you can teach others."Key InsightsKyle identifies as part of the "Nintendo generation," those who grew up with technology as native rather than novel, creating a fundamental difference in how leaders approach innovation. The conversation validates entrepreneurs who didn't fit the corporate mold. In the AI era, the valuable entrepreneur is the curious generalist who can leverage AI to solve novel problems.Action StepsAudit your tech stack and eliminate 70%Try one new AI tool this weekCreate your stack on Stacklist with your favorite topicsSchedule experimentation timeConnect: stacklist.app/kyle Connect: Stay On Course with Julie RigaEssential listening for entrepreneurs who want to thrive in an AI-driven future.#Leadership #Innovation #AI #Entrepreneurship #PersonalGrowth

Living with Purpose Today So You're Remembered Tomorrow: The Sacred Art of Legacy BuildingOverviewIn a world that often feels overwhelming and chaotic, Rabbi Daniel Cohen reminds us that our greatest power lies not in changing the entire world, but in transforming one moment, one encounter, one life at a time. This deeply inspiring conversation explores the sacred ingredients for living with intentional purpose and creating a legacy that matters - starting today, not someday. Through powerful stories of doormen who pray, strangers who say "get up," and the profound difference between being "great" and being "grateful," Rabbi Cohen illuminates the path to authentic leadership and meaningful impact.Living with Purpose Today So You're Remembered Tomorrow: The Sacred Art of Legacy BuildingGuest: Rabbi Daniel Cohen, Spiritual Leader of Congregation Agudath ShalomHost: Julie RigaAbout This EpisodeJulie sits down with Rabbi Daniel Cohen, nationally sought-after speaker and author dedicated to helping people design their lives around meaning, purpose, and legacy. Through his book What Will They Say About You When You're Gone? and his Legacy Academy, Rabbi Cohen inspires audiences to become their best selves.Fun Fact: His favorite food is his wife's chocolate chip cookies - fitting, since his first word was "cookie."The Three Sacred Ingredients for Success1. Making Every Encounter Matter The power of small gestures. Elevator moments and hospital hallways as sacred opportunities. How a doorman's prayer changed a cancer patient's journey. The story of "Get up, get up" that created fifty years of legacy.2. Creating Space to Hear the Soul Moving away the layers to discover what's within us. Seizing meditative moments: walking without your phone, writing, praying, silence. The Sabbath principle: turning off the outside world to turn on the inner world. Aligning your body with your soul.3. Living with Intention - Daily, Not Someday The unpolished diamond: God gives us a new one every day to polish and radiate light. The three ultimate questions: Did I live? Did I love? Did I matter? Making time count rather than letting time pass.Memorable Quotes"God's not asking us to change the world, but to change the world of one person every day.""When you wake up in the morning, God believes the world needs you. And when you live with that awareness, no encounter is random.""The moment you add on those three letters - 'ful' - you become filled with a whole new way of living, because you're not just great, you're grateful.""Every day we get an unpolished diamond, and God asks us: how much of that light did you radiate?"Key InsightsThe Hospital Doorman: A cancer patient at Sloan Kettering said the most memorable person wasn't a doctor or nurse, but the doorman who said: "I'll pray for you and I hope I'll never see you again." The doorman understood he stood at the threshold where people leave with anxiety.The "Get Up" Legacy: A Holocaust survivor shared that after liberation, he was too weak to stand. A friend said simply: "Get up, get up." Fifty years later, he told hundreds including his wife, children, and students: "Everything I have, I owe to my friend who said those words. Without him, I would not be here today."Key TakeawaysFocus on small, meaningful acts of kindness that lift someone upCreate space to hear your soul - turn off the outside world regularlyPolish your diamond daily: How much light did I radiate today?Words carry weight and light - never underestimate their powerLive with grateful, not just greatAnswer the three questions now: Did I live? Did I love? Did I matter?No encounter is random when you live with awarenessConnectRabbi Daniel Cohen: www.rabbidanielcohen.comJulie Riga: Stay On Course PodcastSubscribe to Stay On Course wherever you listen to podcasts.

Secrets to Transform Your Business and Lead with Purpose with Versaviya DesparsIn this Stay on Course podcast episode, host Julie Riga dives deep into the evolution of brand storytelling with branding expert Versaviya Despars. They explore how to help your business resolve conflict between your brand’s persona and your audience's needs by using the foundation of storytelling. Versaviya shares unbelievable tips to make your story guide your audience to their desired resolution and success.Learn how to identify the purpose behind your customer’s challenge, teach them how to resolve their pain points, and transform your messaging to motivate and liberate your audience. Whether you’re an entrepreneur or corporate leader, discover how to earn your customers’ faith and build a legacy that’s worth remembering.Versaviya also reveals how platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn can amplify your message and create abundance for your business. Using a Hollywood approach to storytelling, she shows how to evolve your brand’s personality and connect with your audience’s soul.Whether you're a seeker striving for esteem or a brand aiming to lead in the new world of marketing, this episode is packed with scrumptious insights. Don't miss this journey to unlock the secret to a story-driven brand and become the star of your industry.🔗 Learn more about Versaviya Despars and her work at pivotbranding.co.To learn more about Julie Riga and her mission to help you Stay On Course, visit her website: www.stayoncourse.ioJulie Riga is a certified coach, trainer, speaker and author with over 20 years of experience in the Pharma Industry. Julie’s education is vast with studies that include business, communications, training and executive coaching. Julie started on this journey because she had a strong desire to pass on the knowledge and skills passed on to her by her father, Ennio Riga, and inspirational man who taught her how to keep going irrespective of the challenges that life may present you with. Based in New Jersey, Julie have travelled the world supporting corporations, business leaders and individuals on their journey of empowerment and growth. Discover your purpose, Stay on Course, Leave a Legacy#pharma #lifescienceleadership #biotech #leadership #stayoncourse #julieriga

Stop Chasing Maybes: The Perfect Fit Client Method for B2B Sales SuccessOverviewIn this transformative episode, Julie Riga sits down with Nicoleta Hajek, founder of Pro Sales and the voice behind Empower Sales by Nico, for her very first podcast appearance. Nicoleta reveals her powerful Perfect Fit Client Method - a simple yet revolutionary approach that helps SME founders and technical teams build repeatable B2B sales systems. Together, they explore the three-part framework (FIT, IMPACT, URGENCY) that helps entrepreneurs stop wasting time on "maybes" and start selling with confidence and clarity.Stop Chasing Maybes: The Perfect Fit Client Method for B2B Sales SuccessGuest: Nicoleta Hajek, Founder of Pro Sales & Voice Behind Empower Sales by NicoHost: Julie RigaAbout This EpisodeJulie connects with Nicoleta Hajek, a purpose-driven sales strategist who helps SME founders and technical teams transform their sales approach from transactional to relational. Nicoleta shares her signature Perfect Fit Client Method, teaching entrepreneurs how to verify leads, run discovery calls that build trust, and connect value to real business impact while avoiding the time-draining trap of chasing "maybe" clients.Guest BackgroundNicoleta Hajek is the founder of Pro Sales and the inspiring voice behind Empower Sales by Nico. Based in France, Nicoleta specializes in helping SME founders and technical teams build repeatable B2B sales systems that eliminate guesswork and create predictable revenue. Her philosophy centers on less than 10% theory and over 90% practice, ensuring clients master concepts through real-world application.Fun Fact: Nicoleta lives in France, where her favorite food is cheese with a glass of red wine.The Perfect Fit Client Method: FIT, IMPACT, URGENCYFIT - Understanding AlignmentWhat triggered this search right now?What outcomes do you want in the next 90 days?What happens in your business if this stays the same?IMPACT - Quantifying ValueWhat does this problem cost you per month?Where does it show up? (delays, rework, downtime)What metrics do you want to move?URGENCY - Determining TimelineWhy now and why not in six months?What happens if you delay?What deadline matters for you right now?Key InsightsThe 20-Minute Qualifying Call: Nicoleta's method cuts qualifying down to 20-30 minutes to verify FIT, IMPACT, and URGENCY before investing deeper time.Not All Customers Are Your Customers: Understanding that some clients aren't the right fit saves time and preserves energy.Active Listening as a Sales Superpower: The best salespeople listen more than they talk. Ask open-ended questions and truly hear what clients need.Value Beats Features: Clients buy transformation, not specifications. Connect your solution to their transformation, not product features.Memorable Quotes"If one is missing (FIT, IMPACT, or URGENCY) then it's a maybe. And maybe is a tax on your time.""The number one mistake we make every single day is that we talk about our product, our features, our specifications. But what value proposition means is that I identify your three problems, and I transform you into a problem-less person.""Have faith in you, have faith in your product, and listen carefully to your customers to really understand the problems and the transformation you can create for them."Key TakeawaysQualify Early, Qualify Fast: Use FIT, IMPACT, URGENCY in 20-30 minutesListen More, Talk Less: Let prospects speak 80% of the timeNot Everyone Is Your Client: Focus on those you can truly serveBuild Relationships, Not Transactions: Authenticity closes dealsConnect with Nicoleta HajekWebsite: www.empoweredsalesbynico.com LinkedIn: Active and sharing valuable B2B sales insights Free Call: Book a complimentary call to explore sales transformation#Leadership #SalesSuccess #PurposeDriven #Transformation #BusinessGrowth

Aligning Your Marketing for Long-Term Growth: The 3 Essential Ingredients Every Business Owner NeedsIn this transformative episode, Julie Riga sits down with Jeremiah Aut, founder and CEO of Involved Digital Marketing, to explore the strategic foundations that drive sustainable business growth. Jeremiah shares his journey from fragmented experimentation to focused execution, revealing the three essential ingredients that align marketing strategy with long-term success. Whether you're a small business owner struggling to find clarity or an entrepreneur looking to scale with purpose, this conversation delivers actionable insights on building a marketing foundation that generates real ROI and creates lasting impact.Aligning Your Marketing for Long-Term Growth: The 3 Essential Ingredients Every Business Owner NeedsGuest: Jeremiah Aut, Founder & CEO of Involved Digital MarketingHost: Julie RigaAbout This EpisodeJulie explores the three essential ingredients for marketing success with Jeremiah Aut, a results-driven strategist who helps brands scale through smart strategy, storytelling, and execution. Jeremiah partners with a team of 20+ experts with over 23 years of combined experience who have built 1,800+ brands.Fun Fact: Jeremiah's favorite food is Pizza Hut Meat Lovers Personal Pan Pizza!The Three Ingredients for Marketing SuccessClarity: The Foundation for Long-Term Growth Most businesses start marketing with no clear objective or measurable outcome. Define your messaging and foundation before investing in social media, SEO, or website development. Get crystal clear on your business vision and purpose first.Strategic Implementation: Executing with Alignment Every marketing dollar should generate a return on investment. Build a strategy that aligns with where your business is now and where you want to go in one to two years and beyond. Your success is directly tied to your clients' success.Collaboration & Continuous Learning Trial and error is essential to business growth. Partner with experts who understand your pain points to transform your marketing from guesswork to strategic growth. Learn from failures and use those lessons to create success.The 2026 Marketing LandscapeAI streamlines marketing operations but isn't everything. Video content on LinkedIn and YouTube is essential for targeting decision-makers and building authority. Being on multiple platforms protects you when one goes down.Key Quotes"You can build a website, all the different ingredients that go into marketing, without that foundation and that clear messaging. There is no real result, no long-term growth.""Their success is our success. That should be the measurable outcome for any strategy that's implemented."Key TakeawaysGet crystal clear on your objectives before spending on marketing. Surround yourself with experts who understand your industry. Every marketing strategy should generate measurable returns. Position yourself as an authority through video content. Learn from failure and use those lessons to build success. Align your marketing with where you want to be in one to five years.Connect with Jeremiah AutWebsite: www.involveddigitalmarketing.com (with an I, not an E!)Social Media: Available on LinkedIn, Facebook, and all major platformsCompany: Involved Digital MarketingDaily News Network: Watch Jeremiah on Ask the Expert and other showsConnect with Julie RigaWebsite: julieriga.com/leadPodcast: Stay On Course PodcastLeadership Coaching: Transformative coaching for authentic leadership and purposeful growthSubscribe to Stay On Course wherever you listen to podcasts.#Leadership #Marketing #BusinessGrowth #PurposeDriven #DigitalMarketing

Ridiculously Easy Customer Experience Secrets with David AvrinA Must-Listen for CEOs, Entrepreneurs, and Leadership ProfessionalsIf you're a CEO, founder, executive leader, or HR professional looking to enhance leadership capabilities, build executive presence, and deliver customer experience that drives retention and revenue, this episode is for you.In this powerful episode of Stay on Course, Julie Riga sits down with David Avrin, one of the world’s most in-demand customer experience and business speakers, to discuss how to future-proof your leadership, transform your business strategy, and boost performance through ridiculously easy client interactions.David unpacks why most companies don’t lose customers to competitors—but to friction. Whether you're focused on career growth strategies, executive confidence, or building a success mindset, David shares actionable insights that will elevate your approach to leadership and client service.This episode is packed with leadership tips for CEOs, customer-centric strategies for high achievers, and networking mastery insights for today’s decision-makers. It’s a masterclass for those committed to high-performance coaching and agile leadership in the digital age.Key Ingredients in David's Expertise:SPEED WINS:Harvard study: Businesses responding within 5 minutes convert 100x better.“Money loves speed.” Even the best service fails if it’s slow.CONVENIENCE IS KING:QR menus and self-checkout may seem modern—but they can alienate key demographics.Be easy to do business with, across all ages and preferences.OMNICHANNEL OR DIE:Gen Z wants TikTok DMs. Boomers want phone calls. Serve both or lose both.“Contact forms are the voicemail of the internet” ditch them.BRUTAL TRUTHS FOR LEADERS:Quality isn’t your edge, it’s expected. Differentiation lies in frictionless service.Compete with Amazon and Uber? You already are, in customer expectations.AI & THE HUMAN TOUCH:AI should support the human experience, not replace it.Streamline, but don’t dehumanize.🎧 This Episode Will Help You:Unlock your leadership potential through powerful CX strategyOvercome leadership challenges in the digital and hybrid workplaceLead with confidence and clarity by mastering executive-level communicationDevelop a success mindset focused on ease, speed, and simplicityTransform your leadership style to meet modern expectations🛠️ Actionable Fixes You Can Implement Today:✅ Speed Hack: Forward contact forms to 3 team members to ensure replies within 5 minutes✅ Convenience Test: Have a 12-year-old and a 70-year-old use your website, watch where they give up✅ Omnichannel Audit: Offer phone, email, text, and Calendly. Let customers choose their pathConnect with David Avrin🔗 LinkedIn: David AvrinAbout Julie Riga:Julie Riga is a certified coach, speaker, trainer, and author with over 20 years of experience in the Pharma Industry. She works with CEOs, entrepreneurs, executives, and HR leaders across the globe to drive career fulfillment, executive growth, and personal development for entrepreneurs.Julie began her coaching journey inspired by her father, Ennio Riga, who taught her resilience and the power of perseverance. Based in New Jersey, Julie empowers professionals to unlock their full potential and start their leadership journey with confidence.#LeadershipDevelopment #ExecutiveCoaching #CustomerExperience #BusinessLeadership #EntrepreneurMindset #CoachingForCEOs #HighPerformanceLeadership #ExecutivePresence #LeadershipSkills #CareerFulfillment #SuccessMindset #LeadWithConfidence #CXStrategy #LeadershipTips #FutureOfWork

The Art of Presence: Ingredients for Success in Leadership and LifeGuest: Gabriella Salvatore, Global Organizational Effectiveness & Leadership Strategy AdvisorHost: Julie RigaOverviewIn this transformational episode, Julie welcomes Gabriella Salvatore to explore authentic leadership presence. Gabriella shares powerful insights on being truly present in our hyper-connected world. This conversation reveals the deeper practice of presence - how to listen, connect, and lead with clarity even when life pulls us in countless directions. Whether you're a busy professional or entrepreneur struggling with constant distractions, this episode offers practical wisdom for reclaiming your focus and making meaningful connections. The Art of Presence: Ingredients for Success in Leadership and Life Gabriella Salvatore is a global organizational effectiveness and leadership strategy advisor who helps enterprises scale with clarity, humanity, and impact. She has led transformational change across biopharma, tech, and financial services, influencing tens of thousands of employees worldwide.Fun Fact: Gabriella's favorite food is matzo brei - Jewish French toast made with matzo dipped in egg and fried in butter. She shares this unique heritage connection with host Julie Riga, as they're both Italian and Jewish. Gabriella prefers her matzo brei wetted before dipping in egg, served with butter and sugar. What You'll Learn• The distinction between being present (focused attention) and having presence (quality of connection)• How digital distraction undermines leadership and relationships• Practical strategies: turning off notifications, time-blocking, and teaching stakeholders healthy boundaries• Why listening to yourself and others is the foundation of all presence Key Insights• Presence is a practice, not perfection - even experienced meditators struggle daily• Model boundaries to teach others that constant connectivity isn't necessary• Be present to your specific role in each moment and honor what it needs• Quality over speed - singular focus beats divided attention Memorable Quotes"Being present means reducing distraction and listening carefully - both to myself and to the other.""It's really okay to teach our stakeholders that you can wait.""It's more powerful to be present than distracted.""There is no perfection in presence." Who Should ListenLeaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals overwhelmed by modern life's constant pull. If you're struggling with digital distraction, managing multiple priorities, or feeling never fully present, this conversation offers validation and practical solutions. We're all recovering non-present people - the goal is continuous practice, not perfection. Your Next StepTurn off your notifications for one day. Notice what happens. Then experiment with 2-hour time blocks. Presence isn't about perfection - it's about returning to authentic connection with yourself and others. Connect with Gabriella Salvatore• LinkedIn: Gabriella D. Salvatore• Email: [email protected] with Julie Riga• Website: julieriga.com/lead• Coaching: Learn more about leadership coaching, personal transformation, and the ingredients for success in life and careerSubscribe to Stay On Course wherever you listen to podcastsShare this episode with leaders who need this reminder about the power of presence#StayOnCourse #LeadershipPresence #AuthenticLeadership #Mindfulness #PurposeDrivenLeadership

The Art of PR: How Small Businesses Can Earn Media Coverage with Ed KatzEpisode SummaryIn this invaluable episode of Stay On Course, host Julie Riga sits down with Ed Katz, an award-winning PR expert and founder of Katnip Marketing, to reveal how small businesses can effectively cut through media clutter and gain valuable publicity. This conversation delivers powerful media strategies and PR insights for entrepreneurs, authors, and service providers looking to amplify their brand without a massive budget.Ed shares his journey from media professional to PR specialist, revealing essential publicity techniques that have helped clients ranging from small business owners to Oscar-nominated actors achieve remarkable media success. Whether you're looking for social media growth strategies, press outreach tactics, or podcast promotion methods, this episode provides actionable wisdom on how to build credibility and attract media attention.Perfect for entrepreneurs, authors, and marketing professionals, this discussion explores the publicity mindset needed to transform your business visibility. Ed shares practical advice on leveraging social media, crafting compelling pitches, and creating newsworthy moments that journalists can't ignore.Key TakeawaysDiscover the "magic number" of social media followers that makes journalists take noticeLearn why Facebook often outperforms LinkedIn for business promotionMaster the 7 key moments every business should send press releasesUnderstand how to position yourself as a subject matter expert in your fieldDevelop a media outreach strategy that gets consistent resultsLearn from real case studies, including how Ed helped grow a celebrity podcast to the top 3%Balance promotional content with valuable information using the 80/20 ruleBuild authentic relationships with journalists and media outletsLeverage charity work and company milestones for positive PRCreate a publicity strategy that aligns with your business goalsAbout Ed KatzEd Katz is the founder of Katnip Marketing, a PR firm specializing in helping small businesses and celebrities earn valuable media coverage. With a team certified by Google, Meta, and Yelp - a distinction held by less than 3% of agencies - Ed has helped numerous clients achieve remarkable publicity success. His approach focuses on combining strategic social media growth with targeted media outreach to deliver maximum impact.Connect with Ed Website: Katnipmarketing.com Did you enjoy this episode? Subscribe to Stay On Course for more conversations on business growth, leadership development, and entrepreneurial success.About Julie RigaJulie Riga is a certified coach, speaker, and host of Stay On Course, a podcast inspired by her father's legacy that helps professionals align purpose with performance. With extensive experience in corporate training and executive coaching, Julie is passionate about empowering entrepreneurs and business leaders to achieve their full potential.Based in New Jersey, Julie has worked with organizations worldwide, helping them develop leadership capabilities and create meaningful growth. Her unique perspective blends practical business strategies with personal development insights.Learn More About Julie: https://www.julieriga.com/

From PodFest to Purpose: Building Your Podcast Legacy Through Growth and ConnectionGuest: Junaid Ahmed, Home Studio Architect and Host of Hacks and Hobbies: Passion to Profit StoriesHost: Julie RigaOverviewIn this inspiring episode recorded live at PodFest 2026, host Julie Riga connects with Junaid Ahmed for their second annual PodFest conversation. Junaid, known as the Home Studio Architect and host of Hacks and Hobbies: Passion to Profit Stories, shares powerful insights on podcast growth, audience building, and the evolution required to create a sustainable and purpose-driven platform.This conversation captures the energy of one of podcasting’s premier conferences while delivering grounded wisdom for creators focused on legacy, impact, and long-term growth.From PodFest to Purpose: Building Your Podcast Legacy Through Growth and ConnectionAbout This EpisodeRecorded live from PodFest 2026, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at why conferences are transformative for podcasters at every stage. Julie and Junaid reflect on year-over-year growth, share their biggest conference takeaways, and discuss the mindset shifts required to evolve without abandoning what already works.They explore the transition from using a podcast primarily as a networking tool to building it as a true audience-driven platform. Julie also shares her perspective on stepping into the role of front person for the Stay On Course brand and strengthening social media presence to amplify reach and impact.Guest BackgroundJunaid Ahmed, pronounced “like lemonade,” is the Home Studio Architect who helps podcasters and creators build professional home studios. With five years of PodFest attendance, Junaid is a recognized voice in the podcasting community.He hosts Hacks and Hobbies: Passion to Profit Stories, where he highlights how people turn passion into profit while maintaining authenticity and purpose.Fun Fact: This is Junaid’s second consecutive year recording with Julie at the GObox studio at PodFest, creating an annual tradition of reflection and growth.Key Topics Discussed• Building genuine connections at PodFest through consistent presence and community • Compounding knowledge year over year rather than starting over • Learning from creators who evolve across platforms while staying aligned • Shifting focus from monetization to audience growth • Becoming the visible front person of your brand • The reality of empire building and the cost of support and collaboration • Investing time and money wisely and implementing what you learnMemorable Quotes“As podcasters, we are compounding knowledge every single year.” “I used to see my podcast as a networking tool. Now I am focused on growing my audience.” “You cannot build an empire by yourself.” “What you gain depends on how you implement what you learn.”Key TakeawaysCompound your growth instead of resetting each year Evolve your platform without abandoning what works Shift from networking to audience building Invest in community, support, and long-term growth Show up consistently and implement what you learnConnect with Junaid AhmedPodcast: Hacks and Hobbies: Passion to Profit StoriesBusiness: Home Studio ArchitectServices: Studio setup consultation and podcasting supportSocial Media: Available across major platformsSubscribe to Stay On Course wherever you listen to podcasts.#PodcastGrowth #LeadershipMindset #PurposeDriven #AuthenticGrowth #StayOnCourse

Guard the Work: The Unspoken Rules of Legacy Leadership Guest: Dr. (h.c.) Lisa Ray, Founder of Golden Ray PublishingHost: Julie RigaOverviewIn this powerful episode, host Julie Riga sits down with Dr. (h.c.) Lisa Ray, a veteran ghostwriter, publisher, and media strategist who transforms lived experience into legacy. Lisa shares her expertise in authentic leadership, personal brand protection, and the responsibility of stepping into the spotlight with integrity. From her work with Navy SEALs to her role as media director for TEDx Maisner Park, Lisa reveals the strategic frameworks that separate professionals from amateurs in publishing and personal branding.Guard the Work: The Unspoken Rules of Legacy LeadershipAbout This EpisodeJulie welcomes Dr. (h.c.) Lisa Ray, a purpose-driven publisher and legacy strategist who helps leaders turn their stories into protected, powerful assets. Lisa is the founder of Golden Ray Publishing and works extensively in the Special Forces and military legacy space. Her work is represented in national SEAL museums, and she serves as media director for TEDx Maisner Park.Guest BackgroundDr. (h.c.) Lisa Ray is a 20-year veteran ghostwriter and founder of Golden Ray Publishing. With 11 books releasing before June, Lisa specializes in military legacy work, having authored SEAL Team 1: Moy Bell and The Painted Frog (releasing August 2026).Fun Fact: Lisa is from Newport, Rhode Island, and her favorite food is a lobster roll, preferably enjoyed in the summer in her hometown.The Three Ingredients for Author SuccessIntegrity: Handle legacy stories with care and truth. Build trust with those whose stories you share.Truth: Tell stories from first-person perspective. Maintain accuracy and authenticity.Vulnerability: Allow authentic connection through honest storytelling. Create emotional resonance that outlives the spotlight.Memorable Quotes"Clarity beats charisma every time.""The red dot is not about performance, it's about responsibility.""Structure doesn't stifle creativity, it protects it.""Guard the work, and the work will guard you.""Success is when your reputation speaks before you even enter the room."Key Insights for LeadersThe Publishing Truth: Books are the most successful piece of marketing when handled correctly. Your book should serve as your lead generator and establish you as an expert, but only if protected and positioned strategically.The Legacy Principle: You're three generations away from everyone forgetting your name. Written legacy from your first-person perspective ensures your story lives beyond the spotlight.Protection Before Promotion: Don't rush to market before your brand is ready. Protect your work through copyright and trademarks. Work with professionals to shape your message with integrity.Rapid Fire InsightsSuccess in one sentence: "Success is when your reputation speaks before you even enter the room."Biggest mistake new authors make: "They rush to publish before they've protected their story or clarified the message."What separates pros from amateurs? "Professionals build systems, amateurs rely on talent and hope."Best advice ever received: "Guard the work, and the work will guard you."One non-negotiable in publishing: "Integrity, because once it's compromised, the book fails before it's even read."Connect with Dr. (h.c.) Lisa RayWebsite: www.goldenraybooks.com Free Zoom Consultation: Available via green button at bottom of websiteKey TakeawaysProtect Before You Promote: Structure and boundaries protect your creativity and messageClarity Over Charisma: Your message must be clean, honest, and grounded in experienceLegacy Is Intentional: Success is building stories that outlive the spotlightTrust Is Everything: In publishing and leadership, integrity is non-negotiableSubscribe to Stay On Course wherever you listen to podcasts.#Leadership #Legacy #Publishing #AuthenticGrowth #PurposeDriven

Leading Change When The Old You No Longer Works: Navigating High-Stakes Transformation with Heart-Centered LeadershipGuest: Lin Coughlin, Executive Coach & Strategic Advisor Host: Julie RigaOverviewIn this powerful episode, Julie sits down with Lin Coughlin, an executive coach who spent 20 years in C-suite roles leading transformative change. Lin shares her wisdom on navigating high-stakes inflection points, building constituencies for change, and why leading bold transformation requires both thick skin and deep curiosity. This conversation is a masterclass for anyone stepping into uncertainty, transitioning from corporate to entrepreneurship, or questioning what comes next. If you're ready to reframe uncertainty as your greatest leadership invitation, this episode will show you how.Leading Change When The Old You No Longer Works: Navigating High-Stakes Transformation with Heart-Centered LeadershipAbout Lin CoughlinLin is an executive coach and strategic advisor with nearly 30 years of leadership experience. She spent 20 years in C-suite operating roles leading mergers and acquisitions, turnarounds, internal startups, and high-growth transformations. Lin is launching a new leadership development business focused on high-potential women leaders, offering group coaching and peer-to-peer learning.Fun Fact: Lin's favorite food is roasted peaches!Key TopicsThe Core Framework for Leading Change:Future State First: Start with possibility and achievability, then work backwardHuman-Centered Leadership: Lead from the heart first, then the headThe 80% Rule: 80% of change success comes from cultivating trusting relationshipsWhy 70% of Change Initiatives Fail:Lack of stakeholder buy-in at the outsetInsufficient attention to executionInability to pivot and course correct in uncertain environmentsMemorable Quotes"What got you here will not get you there.""80% of leading change comes from being able to cultivate trusting and trusted relationships.""The disruptors really are the people who are the future of the organization."Key InsightsLin's Leadership Philosophy:Surround yourself with people who can do circles around youInvest strategically in their developmentCoach and mentor them closelyThe Corporate-to-Entrepreneur Transition:Think in multiple revenue streams from day oneJulie quit "every Friday for two years"—the transition is genuinely difficultIt's liberating and makes you more productive in all areas of lifeThe Disruptor's Dilemma: Both Lin and Julie identify as corporate disruptors. Julie was called a "trailblazer" in March and lost her job in April—the harsh reality of being ahead of the curve. Disruptors need psychologically safe spaces to raise bold ideas and be heard.Essential Skills for Change LeadersInfluence and communication masteryBuilding constituencies excited about possibilitySelf-confidence to navigate politics and complexityResilience to fail forward and course correct quicklyConnect with Lin CoughlinWebsite: www.greatcircleassociates.comEmail: [email protected] TakeawaysStart with possibility—paint a compelling future state firstLead with heart—relationships and trust drive 80% of successEmbrace disruptors—they're your organization's futureBuild multiple revenue streams for career resilienceCommunicate relentlessly—repeat your vision like building a brand🎧 Subscribe to Stay On Course wherever you listen to podcasts#Leadership #PurposeDriven #Transformation #CareerGrowth #Authenticity

The Truth About 2025: My Raw Review of Small Business RealityHost: Julie Riga | Episode Type: Solo EpisodeOverviewThis isn't your typical year-in-review episode. Julie Riga gets brutally honest about what 2025 really looked like as a small business owner: the hustle that led nowhere, the rejection that stung, the corporate friends who disappeared, and the Friday nights spent wondering if she should just get a "real job" again. But here's the twist: she's not quitting. In this raw, unfiltered conversation, Julie shares the unspoken truth about entrepreneurship, the non-negotiable realities of building a business, and why finding your purpose is worth every frustrating moment. If you're a business owner, leader, or anyone chasing a dream while wondering if you should give up, this episode is your permission to keep going.The Truth About 2025: My Raw Review of Small Business RealityWhat You'll Learn:Julie pulls back the curtain on her 2025: months of hustling with no results, feeling stuck, battling frustration and depression, and watching corporate connections fade away. This is the messy middle nobody talks about. But it's also a powerful reminder that transformation doesn't come from comfort zones, and legacy isn't built by quitting when things get hard.Key Topics:The Three Non-Negotiables of Small Business Success:Community Over Isolation - Why doing it alone guarantees you'll quitSales as Your Lifeline - 80% of your first two years is selling (no sugarcoating)The Pivot-Fast Mindset - Learn what doesn't work and change it immediatelyThe Reality Check:Why 2025 felt harder than previous yearsGetting real about depression, frustration, and wanting to quit every FridayThe corporate friends who disappeared and the strangers who stepped upWhat keeps Julie going despite the brutal journeyMemorable Quotes:"2025 kicked my butt. If it didn't kick your butt, let me know in the chat.""If you're not willing to say that 80% of my time in the very beginning is gonna be devoted to selling, just go get a job.""Complete strangers will help me first than some of the people I worked very closely with.""I am a catalyst for you to reach your next level of success."Key Takeaways:Don't do it alone - Community is essentialEmbrace sales reality or get a jobPivot fast, learn fasterNever get comfortable with your pipelineTake care of yourself through the brutal journeyRemember why you startedAbout Julie Riga:Julie specializes in helping leaders and business owners dig deep to understand their true purpose, facilitate that purpose in their lives, and break through to their next level of success with clarity and confidence.Services: One-on-One Coaching | Leadership Programs | Training Programs | Brand BuildingReady for transformation? Schedule a call with Julie and start facilitating your purpose.🎧 Subscribe to Stay On Course wherever you listen to podcasts 💡 Share with entrepreneurs who need to hear: "Don't give up"#StayOnCoursePodcast #PurposeDrivenLeadership #SmallBusinessReality #EntrepreneurMindset #LeadershipGrowth

No Followers Needed: How to Build a Six-Figure UGC BusinessGuest: Megan Collier, Content Creator & UGC CoachHost: Julie RigaAbout This EpisodeJulie sits down with Megan Collier, who built a six-figure User Generated Content (UGC) business in just 14 months starting with only 200 followers. Megan now helps GenXers and Boomers launch successful UGC careers, and she's here to break down exactly how everyday people can get paid by brands without any influencer status.What is UGC?User Generated Content (UGC) is when creators get paid by brands to create short-form video content (typically 30-60 seconds) without posting to their own social media. Instead, brands use this authentic content for their own ads, emails, websites, and marketing channels.In This Episode, We Talk About:The three essential ingredients for UGC success (hint: talent isn't one of them)Why age is actually an asset in this industry, not a barrierHow Megan landed her first deal within 10 days and what she did to make it happenThe exact step-by-step process to get started, even if you've never created content beforeWhat equipment you actually need (spoiler: probably less than $50)Real student success stories, including a 52-year-old who made $11,500 in 63 daysHow to price your work so you're not leaving money on the tableWhy brands are desperately searching for GenX and Boomer creators right nowThe biggest mistakes new creators make and how to avoid themWhether UGC will survive in an AI and metaverse worldWhy This MattersIf you've ever thought "I'm too old for social media" or "I don't have enough followers to work with brands," this episode will completely change your perspective. Megan proves that the barrier to entry has never been lower, and the demand has never been higher.Who Should ListenGenXers and Baby Boomers looking for flexible incomeAnyone intimidated by traditional influencer marketingPeople seeking a side hustle with low upfront investmentAnyone who's ever wanted to work with brands but thought they needed thousands of followers firstGuest BackgroundMegan Collier discovered UGC in August 2022 while working full-time and needing a flexible side hustle. Within 14 months, she scaled her UGC business to replace her six-figure corporate income. Now she helps everyday people unlock this valuable income stream through her coaching platform.Connect with Megan CollierTikTok: @megan_ugcInstagram: @Megan_UGCWebsite: https://www.megancollierugc.comYou don't need followers, fancy equipment, or years of experience to start earning with UGC. You just need a willingness to learn, the confidence to know your worth, and the ability to have fun with it.🎧 Subscribe to Stay On Course wherever you listen to podcasts 💡 Share this episode with anyone exploring a new income stream or creative pursuitTo learn more about Julie Riga and her mission to help you stay on course and lead with confidence and clarity, visit:🌐 www.julieriga.com 🌟 Explore transformative coaching sessions at julieriga.com/lead 🔗 Connect with me on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/julierigaI'm Julie Riga—a leadership coach, speaker, certified trainer, author, voice actor, and proud host of the Stay On Course podcast. With over 20 years of experience in the pharma, biotech, and life sciences industries, I specialize in empowering high-achieving professionals to lead with clarity, purpose, and resilience.I work with:CEOs, Founders, and Executives who want to lead with authenticity and impactC-suite leaders and senior managers looking to improve executive presence and public speakingEntrepreneurs and business owners navigating growth, leadership challenges, and career fulfillmentHR and operations leader

Three Ingredients for Building Unbreakable Resilience: Lessons from a Firefighter's JourneyGuest: Gary Roberts - 20-Year Firefighter & Founder of Neurovus Host: Julie RigaOverviewJulie sits down with Gary Roberts, a 20-year Fort Lauderdale firefighter who transformed personal tragedy into mission. After losing his daughter to an opioid overdose on her 27th birthday, Gary created Neurovus, an AI-powered mental health platform combining biometrics, voice-driven AI, and evidence-based therapies to provide support before crisis hits.Gary shares three essential ingredients for building unbreakable resilience: consistency, continuous learning, and mental toughness. Whether you're an entrepreneur, leader, or anyone overcoming obstacles, this episode offers actionable insights on moving forward when life knocks you down.Three Ingredients for Building Unbreakable Resilience: Lessons from a Firefighter's JourneyAbout Gary RobertsGary is a 20-year veteran firefighter and founder of Neurovus. His journey includes breaking nearly every bone in his body, being stranded in Florida with nothing, building multiple fitness studios, and facing devastating loss. As a hazmat special operations team member, Gary combines fitness discipline, firefighting mental toughness, and compassionate understanding from profound personal loss.Fun Fact: Despite being a fitness professional, Gary's favorite food is strawberry cheesecake!The Three Ingredients for Resilience1. Consistency: Moving the Needle ForwardDo one thing daily to create momentumTake one step at a time (staircase principle)Track progress visuallyFocus on the end result, not difficulty2. Continuous Learning: Every Experience is EducationTreat failures as curves to overcome, not mistakesListen more than you speakBuild partnerships through genuine curiosityLearn from every experience3. Mental Toughness: Work Through What You Don't Want to DoPhysical and mental fitness work togetherFocus on post-completion feelingsThe 100 pull-ups principle: if you can do one, you can do 100Practice breathing techniques for decompressionTeach loved ones to ask for "help" not present "problems"First Responder RealityGary reveals harsh truths: no formal mental health training, "suck it up" culture, 24/7 alertness, constant worst-case thinking, high divorce rates, and PTSD indicators. First responders live in perpetual readiness, impacting home life.Key Quotes"It's not how hard you get punched down, it's how many times you get back up.""Think of the end result first, not what you're doing to get there.""Resilience becomes part of you, not an obstacle to overcome."The Neurovus SolutionInnovative platform using biometric integration, voice-driven AI, and evidence-based therapies for proactive mental health support—designed for first responders and high performers.Connect with GaryWebsite: www.neurovus.com Instagram: @GRoberts_PIR Email: [email protected] TakeawaysConsistency beats intensityLearn from failuresMental and physical health connectVisualize end resultsResilience is built through persistenceYour story determines outcomesSeek help before crisisTake one step at a timeLegacy: Honoring Gary's daughter and Julie's father, whose teaching "seven times down, eight times up" captures resilience.🎧 Subscribe to Stay On Course#StayOnCourse #Resilience #MentalToughness #FirstResponders #Leadership

This episode marks an exciting milestone for the podcast. After launching in 2022, the show has officially begun charting on Apple Podcasts, and the momentum is just getting started. The focus for this year is clear and ambitious becoming a Top Ten podcast in the Entrepreneurship category.Listeners are invited into the Before I Lead community on Skool, a free space designed for small business owners who want greater visibility, stronger leadership skills, and real connection. The community offers weekly networking and conversations centered on growing and leading a business with intention.The heart of the podcast is learning directly from small business owners and experts who share their real world ingredients for success. Topics include marketing, sales, lead generation, podcasting, social media visibility, and using speaking as a powerful accelerator for business growth.This episode also highlights the importance of visibility through podcasting and stages both local and virtual, along with a behind the scenes look at attending Podfest in Orlando to deepen conversations around podcast monetization and audience growth.Rooted in legacy, the podcast continues to honor the influence of Julie’s father, Ennio Riga, whose mentorship and impact shaped generations. His legacy inspires the mission to help others share meaningful messages that create transformation.The episode closes with insight into the Before I Speak program, which supports emerging speakers in building confidence, presence, and a powerful internal story before stepping onto any stage.This podcast exists to educate, inspire, and equip listeners to grow intentionally, lead boldly, and stay on course as they build businesses and legacies that matter.To learn more about Julie Riga and her mission to help you stay on course and lead with confidence and clarity, visit:🌐 www.julieriga.com 🌟 Explore transformative coaching sessions at www.beforeilead.com 🔗 Connect with me on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/julierigaI'm Julie Riga—a leadership coach, speaker, certified trainer, author, voice actor, and proud host of the Stay On Course podcast. With over 20 years of experience in the pharma, biotech, and life sciences industries, I specialize in empowering high-achieving professionals to lead with clarity, purpose, and resilience.I work with:CEOs, Founders, and Executives who want to lead with authenticity and impactC-suite leaders and senior managers looking to improve executive presence and public speakingEntrepreneurs and business owners navigating growth, leadership challenges, and career fulfillmentHR and operations leaders seeking strategic development tools and confidence coachingMany of my clients come to me when they feel stuck, overwhelmed, or out of alignment. They’re looking to:Boost leadership clarity and overcome self-doubtDevelop executive presence and master public speakingReignite their purpose and unlock their full potentialBalance career ambition with personal fulfillmentStay resilient in high-pressure environmentsWhether you're a tech founder, a service-based business owner, or a corporate executive ready to elevate your leadership game, my programs—including Before I Lead, Before I Speak, Before I Sell, and Before I Calendar—are designed to help you take action, grow sustainably, and leave a lasting legacy.Discover your purpose. Stay on Course. Leave a Legacy.

Beyond the Game: How One NBA Player Transformed Adversity Into ImpactGuest: Gary Forbes, Former NBA Player, Published Author & Founder of Soul Survivors Host: Julie RigaOverviewIn this inspiring episode of the Stay On Course podcast, host Julie Riga sits down with former NBA player Gary Forbes to explore what happens when life takes you beyond the game you thought would define you. Gary shares his powerful journey from professional basketball to purpose-driven entrepreneurship, revealing the three essential ingredients that transformed his challenges with Type 1 diabetes into a platform for empowering others. This conversation is a masterclass in authentic leadership, resilience, and creating meaningful impact through intentional living.Beyond the Game: How One NBA Player Transformed Adversity Into ImpactAbout Gary ForbesGary Forbes is a former professional basketball player who spent time in the NBA and played for 13-15 different teams across various leagues worldwide. Since retiring six years ago, Gary has evolved into a purpose-driven entrepreneur, published author, and advocate for children with chronic health conditions. Through his platform Soul Survivors, he's created a children's multimedia platform that empowers kids through storytelling, health literacy, and inclusion.Fun Fact: Gary's favorite food is Asian cuisine—especially American Chinese sesame chicken and anything Korean his partner makes.The Three Ingredients for Success1. Mindset: Building Your FoundationEstablishing a strong foundational mindset shapes how you interpret every challengeLearning that one bad moment doesn't define you"How you do one thing is how you do everything" - Coach Travis Ford2. Optimism: Finding the Silver LiningBelieving there's always a silver lining in every situationUnderstanding adversity as preparation for your purposeThe "aha moments" that reveal why you went through challenges3. Consistency & Sticktoitiveness: The Power of CommitmentDoing mundane, repetitive work consistently every single dayThe 10,000-hour rule: Gary became a professional twice (athlete and author)Getting 1% better every day creates an extraordinary lifeMemorable Quotes"Your present situation is not your final destination.""No testimony without a test.""Everything that we can touch, feel started with a thought. If your thoughts become reality, so think good things.""You have 100% chance to do anything you want in life.""All work is easy work—it's just work."Key MomentsHow a fourth-grader was inspired to try out for basketball despite Type 1 diabetesGary's daily NBA routine: 7am workouts to late-night skill sessionsThe journey from dreaming of a 15-20 year NBA career to discovering true purposeCreating Soul Survivors to gamify health and wellness for childrenThe mindset shift: Even Steph Curry only makes 4 out of 10 shotsSoul Survivors PlatformGary's multimedia platform provides empowerment and encouragement for children with chronic health conditions, helping students, educators, and hospitals improve cultural competency through inclusion and health literacy. The Soul Survivors app launches next month, inspiring kids to see themselves as superheroes.Key TakeawaysEstablish a strong mindset foundation—it shapes everythingThere's always a silver lining; transformation is always possibleSuccess comes from consistent daily action and dedicationYour authentic journey inspires others by living your best lifeLet go of self-imposed limitations—your mind creates your realityConnect with Gary ForbesSoul Survivors Platform: thesolesurvivors.comSocial Media: YouTube, Twitter, Instagram, FacebookConnect with Julie RigaPodcast: Stay On Course PodcastPrograms: Before I LeadWebsite: julieriga.com/lead🎧 Subscribe to Stay On Course wherever you listen to podcasts 💡 Perfect for anyone ready to transform adversity into opportunity#Leadership #PurposeDriven #Transformation #Resilience #AuthenticGrowth