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Gratitude Through Hard Times

Chris Schembra

Chris Schembra is a dinner host, question asker, and facilitator. He's a columnist at Rolling Stone magazine, USA Today calls him their "Gratitude Guru" and he's spent the last nine years traveling around the world helping people connect in meaningful ways.

As the offshoot of his #1 Wall Street Journal Bestselling book, Gratitude Through Hard Times, he uses this podcast to blend ancient stoic philosophy and modern day science to teach how the principles of gratitude can be used to help people get through their hard times.

By finding the positive benefits from negative situations, and giving gratitude to them, listeners can develop the resilience and optimism needed to get through further trying times. Having used these principles to spark over 500,000 relationships through his workshops and his experiences, this podcast now aims to educate listeners across the world.

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  • #296
    Today · 45 min

    Nishat Mehta: Confident Humility

    "When something becomes a measurement, it stops becoming a good target." In a world obsessed with digital efficiency and quick fixes, the real currency of a meaningful life remains independent thought, presence, and intentional effort. In this episode of Gratitude Through Hard Times, host Chris Schembra sits down with Nishat Mehta, CEO of Lexitas. A Harvard-trained mathematician and computer scientist turned executive, Nishat breaks down how leaders can navigate rapid change by embracing dialectical thinking—holding two seemingly competing truths at the same time. From balancing bottom-line performance with human empathy to shifting parenting styles as children grow, Nishat shares key insights on Goodhart's Law, confident humility, and finding extraordinary meaning in ordinary moments. 10 Memorable Quotes: "The new normal is that it will just keep changing. It really comes down to the ability to accept the change yourself and then lead the change amongst those around you." — Nishat Mehta "Confident humility balances high confidence in one's ability to figure things out with low ego regarding one's own current knowledge." — Chris Schembra "When something becomes a measurement, it stops becoming a good target." — Nishat Mehta "Always find the extraordinary in the ordinary." — Chris Schembra "Everything is on a spectrum... the edges of the spectrum are rarely the right answer." — Nishat Mehta "Efficiency increases consumption if you're not careful." — Chris Schembra "The journey is far more important than the destination... if we are constantly changing, it's because we are succeeding at the things we needed to do before." — Nishat Mehta "We must step out of the tyranny of the 'or' and into the genius of the 'and'." — Chris Schembra "Great work is something you're supposed to do, but recognizing what might seem ordinary is worthy of extraordinary gratitude." — Nishat Mehta "Gratitude doesn't change your circumstances; it changes your capacity to carry them." — Chris Schembra 10 Key Takeaways: Practicing Confident Humility: Balancing low ego regarding current knowledge with high confidence in a team's adaptability to solve complex, unfamiliar problems. Overcoming Goodhart's Law: Why single metrics distort business outcomes, and how pairing competing targets (like quantity vs. quality) maintains operational integrity. The "Genius of the 'And'": Replacing rigid "either/or" tradeoffs with dialectical thinking that unites radical acceptance with proactive change. Navigating Shifts in Family & Parenting: Transitioning from physical, hands-on care for young children to emotional, social mentorship as they grow into independence. Understanding Jevons Paradox in Modern Work: Recognizing how efficiency gains from AI can be swallowed by routine busyness unless leaders intentionally safeguard time for human connection. Harnessing "Collective Effervescence": Leveraging physical experiences, shared sports, and community gatherings to foster genuine human harmony and connection. Lowering Barriers to Access Justice: Applying technology and low-level AI guidance to make legal support more affordable, equitable, and fair. Change Management as a Core Leadership Skill: Shifting focus from day-to-day tactical execution toward building organizational consensus and motivating teams through continuous evolution. Finding Extraordinary Meaning in Ordinary Moments: Cultivating daily awareness to appreciate quiet family routines and ordinary acts of care that are often taken for granted. Embracing the Business Journey Over Destinations: Accepting that strategic goals evolve naturally as progress is made, making the growth process the ultimate measure of success. About our Guest: Nishat Mehta is the Chief Executive Officer of Lexitas, a leading national provider of technology-enabled litigation services and an Apax portfolio company based in Houston, Texas. He stepped into the CEO seat on January 1, 2025, having originally joined the company as President and Chief Operating Officer in March 2024. Under his leadership, Lexitas is launching AI-enabled deposition analysis, expanding its eLaw case-tracking platform, and continuing to serve law firms, insurance companies, and corporations across all 50 states. Nishat brings more than two decades of leadership across data, analytics, and enterprise technology. He most recently served as President of Global Products and Solutions and Chief Product Officer at Circana (formed from the merger of IRI and The NPD Group), where he ran the firm's global media, analytics, e-commerce, software, and consulting divisions. Prior to Circana, he led the customer communications team at 84.51° (Kroger's data-science and personalization arm), directed strategic partnerships at dunnhumby, and spent 15 years at MicroStrategy. He also serves on the Board of Directors of The E.W. Scripps Company (NASDAQ: SSP) and on the Board of Advisors of Adelaide Metrics. Nishat holds a Bachelor's degree in Applied Mathematics and a Master's degree in Computer Science, both from Harvard University. He lives in New York with his wife, Shalini, and their three children. His guiding quote, from John Wooden: ability may get you to the top, but it takes character to keep you there.

  • #295
    August 19 · 56 min

    Ayla Nova: Yoga Nidra

    "Work-life balance isn't a thing... it's about work-life harmony." In a world obsessed with digital efficiency and quick fixes, the real currency of a meaningful life remains independent thought, presence, and intentional effort. In this episode of Gratitude Through Hard Times, host Chris Schembra sits down with Ayla Nova, founder of Yoga Nidra & Beyond and creator of The Peace in Rest Program. From navigating life-altering health crises and traumatic brain injuries to guiding listeners worldwide toward restorative sleep and mental clarity, Ayla breaks down the science, psychology, and spiritual practice of non-sleep deep rest (NSDR). She shares key lessons on managing internal tension, unlearning limiting beliefs, and using intentional stillness to unlock human intuition and creative genius. 10 Memorable Quotes: "Surrender to something bigger than yourself, lean into discipline to do positive work for our world, and you'll have the power to make the world a better place tomorrow." — Chris Schembra "Discipline is a ring on the door... when you show up for yourself in that way, then the opportunities start knocking." — Ayla Nova "We get so busy in the doing that we forget that the answer is being." — Ayla Nova "Yoga Nidra is true surrender, but it's also a practice for integrating your reality so that you can bring it out into the world when you're complete." — Ayla Nova "The present moment is flawless." — Ayla Nova "When you're being honest with yourself, where do you feel the tension in your body? And what would be the opposite of that experience?" — Ayla Nova "If AI helps you stand and run fast, and meditation helps you sit with your thoughts, Yoga Nidra is done laying down on the floor." — Chris Schembra "A leader's act of self-care means to be regulated from a capacity standpoint yourself so that then you can pour that capacity positively into others." — Chris Schembra "Learning is not differentiated... the hard thing that requires discipline is the unlearning part that comes from surrender." — Chris Schembra "Gratitude doesn't change your circumstances; it changes your capacity to carry them." — Chris Schembra 10 Key Takeaways: The Healing Power of Non-Sleep Deep Rest (NSDR): How Ayla used Yoga Nidra to heal and rebuild her life through severe health crises, loss of mobility, and a traumatic brain injury. Navigating the Tension of Opposites: Learning to hold space for contrasting internal states—such as uncertainty and trust—to discover a grounded middle path. Unlocking Intuition over Artificial Logic: Accessing Vijnanamaya Kosha (the inner wisdom body) through intentional rest to make creative decisions from intuition rather than forced analytical logic. Shifting from Reactive to Responsive Leadership: Regulating the nervous system to cultivate essential leadership traits: discernment, patience, clarity, and acceptance. Broadening the Cognitive Periphery: Stepping back from narrow, task-oriented focus to view broader data points, connect disparate ideas, and make wiser long-term strategic choices. The Metaphor of the Ground and Surrender: Using Savasana (corpse pose) to quiet the ego, let go of performative busyness, and reconnect with fundamental human truth. Reallocating Time with "Einstein Time": Overcoming the illusion of calendar scarcity by being fully present in current moments, effectively creating expansive time elsewhere. Integrative Mental Health Practices: Moving beyond passive escapism and digital input to engage in conscious rest that processes stored emotional tension. The Power of "Unlearning": Recognizing that modern growth requires unlearning old mental models through stillness before relearning new frameworks. Daily Discipline as Self-Trust: Embracing consistency and structured self-care routines to build deep internal trust and model integrity for others. About our Guest: Ayla Nova is a trauma-informed Yoga Nidra guide, teacher trainer, and the founder of Yoga Nidra & Beyond, a global platform for Non-Sleep Deep Rest (NSDR) that reaches listeners each week through her podcast, YouTube channel, and the Nova Nidra Community. Her work centers on the conviction that awareness is the key to remapping the mind and that deep rest is the doorway to nervous-system regulation, emotional healing, and radical self-acceptance. Through her signature Peace in Rest Program and 2026 Teacher Training, she certifies the next generation of Yoga Nidra guides. Ayla began her yoga journey in 2011 and earned her 200-hour yoga teacher certification in 2015 at Shri Kali Ashram in Goa, India, followed by trainings in Ashtanga and Kaula Tantra. In 2018, when diagnosed with a rare form of biphenotypic leukemia, she turned inward, making Yoga Nidra her therapy. She trained with the School of Sankalpa and in Integrative Restoration (iRest) with certified yoga therapist Barbara Eastham, and she is a lifetime Vedic Meditation practitioner. Today, Ayla lives and teaches in Calgary, Alberta, where her sessions are known for their trauma-sensitive framing, seasonal and archetypal themes, and sanctuary-like voice, guided by her refrain: rest well, be well.

  • #294
    August 13 · 47 min

    Nicolas Peluffo : Disconnecting into Awe

    In a hyper-connected world filled with constant noise, notifications, and performance, we often travel just to capture the photo rather than live the moment. But what happens when true luxury isn't about being seen—it's about the privilege of disappearing? In this profound episode, Chris Schembra sits down with Nicolas Peluffo, CEO of Awasi Lodges. With over two decades of experience across hospitality, real estate, and finance, Nicolas explores how Awasi’s carbon-neutral, Relais & Châteaux lodges in South America—from Patagonia and the Atacama Desert to Iguazú and Santa Catarina—provide the setting for guests to disconnect, surrender control, and reconnect with intrinsic human awe. Together, they discuss why time and space are the ultimate modern luxuries, how unscripted nature lowers cortisol and restores genius-level creativity, why hiring for attitude over aptitude is the secret to true hospitality, and how surrendering to the present moment unlocks our deepest clarity. 10 Memorable Quotes "You come to experience something unique, right? To be in awe. And that's the reason that makes you get there." — Nicolas Peluffo "A normal hospitality company says, 'We're your home away from home.' The way we approach it is: this is your best friend's home." — Nicolas Peluffo "We're hit by way too many distractions—noise, people, email, text... that makes it increasingly difficult for anyone to be human." — Nicolas Peluffo "We all need that connection with nature. We all need that disconnection from the noise and the things that are unimportant." — Nicolas Peluffo "We're not built to be in a seat, on a sofa, definitely not in a shopping mall." — Nicolas Peluffo "When looking for attitude versus aptitude, attitude always prevails. It's very difficult to teach someone to smile, but it's pretty easy to teach someone to use Excel." — Nicolas Peluffo "Smile, not because you were told to smile. Smile because this is what you were meant to do." — Nicolas Peluffo "Hospitality is unlike any other customer experience. I don't think any other business has the same level of vulnerability and surrender both ways." — Nicolas Peluffo "Surrendering for me is letting go of all those constraints that the world told us—that we need to be better, faster, cheaper." — Nicolas Peluffo "Forcing things into existence is not the best way of going about things... Flow happens when you surrender." — Nicolas Peluffo 10 Key Takeaways The Privilege of Disappearing: In an overstimulated society, true well-being comes from reaching places where you can become unreachable and step away from constant noise. Hyper-Customized Hospitality: Exceptional experiences are built around individual human pacing ("your pace, your space") with dedicated guides and private vehicles rather than rigid group itineraries. Space for Cognitive Genius: Slowing down in nature allows the brain to process internal insights, creating the mental space needed for breakthrough creativity and innovation. The Neurobiology of Awe: Immersing oneself in vast natural landscapes reduces cortisol, lowers inflammation, and shifts focus away from big egos toward prosocial connection. Unstaged and Unscripted Moments: Authentic human experiences cannot be transactional or manufactured; they flourish in unscripted interactions with nature and local cultures. Hiring for Heart and Energy: True hospitality cannot be scripted; organizations must hire people with an innate inclination to serve, prioritize attitude over skills, and cultivate genuine presence. The Power of the Smile: Emotional energy is transmitted instantly—even through a phone call—making authentic warmth and positive energy essential for meaningful human connection. The Vulnerability of Hospitality: Creating transformative experiences requires mutual trust and vulnerability between host and guest as people share meals, stories, and life moments. Surrender Before Power: Letting go of the need to control every outcome opens up flow, presence, and deeper alignment both in leadership and in personal life. Living Intrinsically vs. Extrinsically: Shifting from external validation (like social media approval) to intrinsic presence transforms a brief transaction into a lifelong memory. About Our Guest Nicolas Peluffo is the Chief Executive Officer of Awasi Lodges, a collection of carbon-neutral luxury lodges and Relais & Châteaux member set in South America’s most remote corners—including the Atacama Desert, Torres del Paine, Iguazú, and Santa Catarina. Bringing over 23 years of experience across hospitality, real estate, finance, and technology, Nicolas previously served as Founder and CEO of TRVLR and spent nearly seven years at Awasi's Santa Catarina property (formerly Ponta dos Ganchos) rising to General Manager. He served as President and Co-Founder of the Brazilian Luxury Travel Association (BLTA) and sat on the Board of Directors of Relais & Châteaux as Delegate for South America. A graduate of Harvard Business School's OPM program with certifications from Cornell University, Nicolas resides in Santa Barbara, California, leading Awasi’s conviction that time and space are the greatest of privileges. Learn more at awasiexperience.com.

  • #293
    August 7 · 53 min

    Janet Grondin : Reaching the High Ground

    We often think of groundbreaking innovation in terms of technology, spreadsheets, and complex engineering. But what happens when humanity's most ambitious moonshots—literally reaching for the stars and returning to the moon—depend entirely on the subtle, daily interactions of human connection and moral courage? In this powerful episode, Chris Schembra sits down with Janet Grondin, CEO of Stellar Solutions and former U.S. Air Force Colonel. Janet shares her journey from a small town in Iowa to directing teams of top engineers and advisors on humanity’s most critical space and defense missions, including NASA's Artemis program. Together, they explore the tragedy that shaped her childhood, how to lead with moral courage through delayed gratification, why true leadership means helping every employee find their "dream job," and why human vision—not AI—will always be the ultimate driver of high-ground innovation. 10 Memorable Quotes "You won't survive in our business if you don't work hard and have a solid ethical foundation." — Janet Grondin "When you do see someone who could use a hand, reach out and take action. Don't walk by that problem." — Janet Grondin "For you to operate maritime, terrestrial forces, really hold your nation secure, you do need the high ground of space." — Janet Grondin "Processes don't build systems. Paper doesn't build systems... People build systems. People have visions." — Janet Grondin "Very subtle, small human interactions can have outsized impact on the mission." — Janet Grondin "If leadership is lonely, you’re doing it wrong." — Janet Grondin "Mission success is paramount. People are paramount." — Janet Grondin "The connection is through the question, and then you have to be ready for the answer because it's not always the answer you want." — Janet Grondin "AI is not going to put those together and go, 'Hey, we should build a spaceship... to create diamonds and silicon.' Humans do that." — Janet Grondin "The work is done by people. And without people, I don't care what you're building, you're not gonna build much without people." — Janet Grondin 10 Key Takeaways The Ethical Foundation: High-stakes leadership requires an unshakeable ethical foundation and a commitment to leaving every environment better than you found it. Taking Action over Bystander Mindset: Real leadership means taking immediate action when you spot someone in need or identify a flaw in a critical system. The High Ground Advantage: Long-term security, communication, and economic innovation depend on securing and developing the "high ground" of low Earth orbit and lunar bases. Humans Build Systems, Not Spreadsheets: Technology and processes are just tools; the human connection between designers, builders, and leaders is the true "secret sauce" of complex mission success. Psychological Safety in Engineering: High-performing cultures require enough trust and moral courage for team members to raise flags when something isn't right without fear of dismissal. The "Dream Job" Culture: Regularly asking employees "Are you in your dream job?" builds deep alignment and ensures the company evolves in the direction of its people. Combating Productivity Paradoxes: Instead of letting efficiency gains get swallowed by routine administrative busywork, leaders must intentionally protect space for collaboration and connection. Intentional Community Building: Distributed and remote teams require intentional, high-touch connection points, from monthly one-on-ones to biannual retreats and collaborative strategy sessions. Human Vision vs. AI Execution: While AI excels at data sifting and routine tasks, original genius, cross-domain breakthroughs, and visionary courage remain uniquely human. Redefining Impact and Boundaries: True growth comes from recognizing you are a small, vital part of something much bigger than yourself—and expanding your sights beyond terrestrial boundaries. About Our Guest Janet Grondin is the Chief Executive Officer of Stellar Solutions, Inc., a woman-owned aerospace engineering services firm and Malcolm Baldrige Award winner serving intelligence, defense, civil, commercial, and international customers. Janet’s career spans three decades across the U.S. Air Force—where she retired as a Colonel—Fortune 500 defense contractor Northrop Grumman, and now Stellar Solutions. Winner of the 2022 Women in Aerospace Leadership Award, she serves as Chair of the National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA) Space Division. Janet holds a B.S. magna cum laude in Aeronautical Engineering from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and master’s degrees from AFIT, the Air War College, and the Air Command and Staff College. She resides in Reston, Virginia with her husband Pat. Learn more at stellarsolutions.com.

  • #292
    August 4 · 41 min

    Human Leadership with Paul Mersino

    "Work-life balance isn't a thing... it's about work-life harmony." In a world obsessed with digital efficiency and quick fixes, the real currency of a meaningful life remains independent thought, presence, and intentional effort. In this episode of Gratitude Through Hard Times, Paul Mersino, President and CEO of Butzel, breaks down why true leadership requires excellence, mentorship, and continuous improvement. From starting as a young student guided by a transformative professor to steering a historic law firm as it approaches its 175th anniversary, Paul shares key lessons on leading with heart, embracing work-life harmony, and surrounding yourself with a team that pushes you to aggregate daily marginal gains. 10 Memorable Quotes: "If you could do everything just 1% better... and you aggregate up all of those little marginal gains, think of how much further you're going to be ahead." "You are who you are when nobody is watching. And that's integrity." "Iron sharpens iron, and steel sharpens steel." "If people turned off cable news and social media and looked next door at their neighbors, they'd realize the world is actually a pretty good place." "Work-life balance isn't a thing... it's about work-life harmony." "Moving fast isn't necessarily a threat or too big of a risk—you either get it right fast or find out sooner so you can adjust." "History's innovation is just history repeating itself looking different." "You can be a zealous advocate and a zealous competitor and still do it professionally like a gentleman or a lady." "Inspecting excellence is about focusing less on what's going wrong and elevating more of what's going right." "Gratitude doesn't change your circumstances; it changes your capacity to carry them." 10 Key Takeaways: The Life-Changing Power of Mentorship: How a dedicated professor founding a mock trial team sparked a passion that launched a multi-decade career in law. Inspecting Excellence and Marginal Gains: Focusing on daily 1% improvements across all operations to create compounding, unstoppable progress over time. The "PR Problem" of Human Kindness: Recognizing that real-world kindness hasn't declined—our perception of it has been distorted by negative media cycles. Embracing Work-Life Harmony: Moving past the rigid trade-offs of "work-life balance" to build a synergistic lifestyle where professional passion and personal fulfillment energize each other. Radical Candor and Psychological Safety: Cultivating a team culture so tight and trusting that colleagues can give direct, honest feedback without destroying relationships. Combatting AI Isolation with Connection: Addressing employee anxiety around AI by intentionally using saved time for deeper mentorship, cross-functional collaboration, and human presence. Respectful Dissonance and Tactical Empathy: Setting ego aside in high-stakes negotiations and trial advocacy to find common ground and convert adversaries into friends. Honoring Legacy Through Shared History: Building firm culture by constantly communicating history, values, and traditions across generations and remote offices. The 3 Pillars of Trustworthy Communication: Over-communicating openly, speaking candidly, and actively soliciting feedback to continuously grow. Leading with Integrity: Embracing the mindset that true professional success is defined by how you act when no one is watching. About our Guest: Paul M. Mersino is the President and CEO of Butzel, one of the oldest and most respected law firms in the United States, currently celebrating its 170th anniversary and approaching its 175th. Appointed to the CEO role in March 2023, he sits on the firm's Board of Directors and previously served as Chair of Butzel's Litigation Practice Department, overseeing the firm's commercial litigation attorneys and strategic growth. A commercial litigator by trade with nearly two decades of experience, Paul handles complex commercial litigation and "bet-the-company" matters spanning contract disputes, trade secrets, automotive supplier disputes, construction, and First Amendment litigation. He is admitted to practice before every level of Michigan state court, multiple U.S. District and Circuit Courts, and the Supreme Court of the United States. In addition to advising and sitting on the boards of several startup companies to help them navigate early-stage legal needs, Paul serves as a Trustee of the Butzel Charitable Trust and sits on the Board of Directors of the Detroit Regional Chamber. His leadership has earned him extensive recognition, including DBusiness magazine's Detroit 500, Crain's Detroit Business "Who's Who" and "40 Under 40," Michigan Lawyers Weekly's "Up and Coming Lawyers," a Detroit Business "30s in Their 30s" honoree, and a Michigan Super Lawyer. Paul holds a B.B.A. from Northwood University (2005) and earned his J.D. magna cum laude from Ave Maria School of Law (2008), where he served on Law Review and won a state moot court championship. Beyond his practice, he is deeply committed to community service, youth sports coaching, and his most cherished role as a dedicated husband and father.

  • #291
    July 25 · 40 min

    Colleen Joyce: Community as the New Competition

    "I don't live well in the box because the box is not made for entrepreneurs." In a world obsessed with digital efficiency and quick fixes, the real currency of a meaningful life remains independent thought, presence, and intentional effort. In this episode of Gratitude Through Hard Times, Colleen Joyce, CEO of Lawyer.com, breaks down why community is the new competition and how proactive resilience drives real growth. From starting in a green, part-time role to rising to CEO, Colleen shares key lessons from her mentor Gerry Gorman on leading with heart, leaning into an unstructured life, and surrounding yourself with people who challenge you to build something bigger than yourself. 10 Memorable Quotes: "I don't live well in the box because the box is not made for entrepreneurs." "In the world, a lot of luck matters." "Community is the new competition." "We suffer more in imagination than in reality." "You can't connect the dots looking forward, but you can only connect the dots looking backwards." "I lead with love, and it's kind of weird to say that in a business setting, but I truly care." "I'd rather have a small piece of a big pie than a big piece of a small pie." "There's no value in what's been said. There's only value in what's been unsaid." "Wisdom can't just be taught. It must be earned by getting through hard times." "Progress over perfection." 10 Key Takeaways: Betting on the Non-Linear Path: How saying "yes" to a part-time opportunity without a traditional corporate roadmap opened the door to building an eight-figure powerhouse. Inquisitive Empathy and Radical Candor: Balancing deep care for team members with the accountability needed to deliver direct, honest performance feedback. Competition as Collaboration: Embracing aspirational competitors, learning from industry adversaries, and bringing competing voices together to elevate the entire ecosystem. The "Give Maxing" Philosophy: Countering isolation and hardship by gathering people, asking thoughtful questions, and actively extending gratitude. The Trap of Jevons Paradox: Recognizing that time saved by AI tools often gets swallowed by routine busyness unless leaders intentionally reallocate it toward human connection. Unlocking Untapped Potential: Pushing past comfortable boundaries to help team members tap into their unsaid thoughts and internal genius. Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: Accepting that leading through rapid industry changes requires living in the present while continuously learning as technology evolves. Surrendering Control to Foster Growth: Giving up micro-management to allow team members the freedom to make mistakes, learn, and step into leadership roles. The Power of Intentional Disconnection: Practicing small daily habits—like stepping away from digital devices—to remain fully present for family and community. Abundance Mindset vs. Scarcity: Rejecting the idea that success is a zero-sum game, choosing instead to build partnerships that lift all participants faster. About our Guest: Colleen Joyce is the CEO of Lawyer.com, the #1 U.S. lawyer matching service and online legal directory. Over the past decade, she has helped transform Lawyer.com from a simple concept into an eight-figure legal powerhouse, growing the company's revenue by more than 20% in 2024 alone. She rose to the CEO seat by way of Senior Vice President of Lawyer Services and then President, and today leads the strategy, technology, and partnerships that connect consumers with qualified attorneys across every practice area and jurisdiction in the country. Colleen is also the Co-Founder of the Lawyer Growth Summit, a national conference that brings attorneys, legal technologists, and industry thought leaders together to share the strategies driving real growth in modern law firms. She is a sought-after keynote speaker, mentor, and podcast host, and her leadership has been featured in Authority Magazine's "Female Disruptors" and "Leading with Heart" series and recognized by Marquis Who's Who. Before her legal-industry career, she served as Director of Marketing and Publicity at PopStar.com (a subsidiary of World Media Group), producing celebrity content for a global audience and covering red carpets, press junkets, and awards shows. Colleen holds a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts and Sciences from the University of Illinois, where she graduated magna cum laude. She is based in Basking Ridge, New Jersey, and describes herself first and foremost as a proud mama. Her guiding mantra: progress over perfection.

  • #290
    July 20 · 1 hr 4 min

    Tyler Dickerhoof: The Things We Hide

    Philosophical Hook We often treat professional drive, relentless intensity, and self-reliance as badges of honor. But what happens when our greatest leadership strengths are actually walls we built to hide our deepest pain? In this powerful episode, Chris Schembra sits down with leadership coach and author Tyler Dickerhoof to discuss his new book, The Things We Hide. Tyler opens up about the tragic childhood loss of his younger brother, Joel, and how that single event led him to build a 25-year defensive wall of extreme intensity. Together, they explore how to break through the four walls of insecurity—intensity, inactivity, insensitivity, and isolation—to transition from a defensive, lonely "bulldozer" into a truly connected, impact-driven leader. 10 Memorable Quotes "My brother had died and it was an accident. I was fourteen and Joel was three." — Tyler Dickerhoof "Where we get in trouble is when we start to depict other people's interpretation of value as our own. And that's where everything goes awry." — Tyler Dickerhoof "I don't tell that story because I don't think it has value. I didn't understand that that manifestation of hiding those things was creating a barrier in my ability to connect." — Tyler Dickerhoof "Instead of it showing up at the bottom of a bottle or drugs... it was my intensity." — Tyler Dickerhoof "Intensity is a bulldozer. A bulldozer will clear a path, but it's going to leave carnage. And in a human sense, that carnage is relationships." — Tyler Dickerhoof "If you want to level some land, great, but I'm not gonna go hang out with you... because I was always on to the next thing." — Tyler Dickerhoof "If leadership is lonely, you’re doing it wrong." — Tyler Dickerhoof "I was marooned on an island because I thought I had to do it all... But I was the one that held the keys to the lifeboat." — Tyler Dickerhoof "When we're looking in the mirror, it looks real good. But then someone sits across from us and says, 'Hey, your face is flipped around the other way.'" — Tyler Dickerhoof "Too often we think impact is monumental... Joel was thirty-four months old when he died. His life made an impact." — Tyler Dickerhoof 10 Key Takeaways The Shield of Intensity: Extreme drive and work ethic can often be subconscious survival mechanisms built to mask grief, trauma, or insecurity. The "Bulldozer" Trap: While intensity clears paths and gets things done in business, it leaves a trail of damaged relationships if left unchecked. The Valuation Crisis: Real security begins when you stop adopting external definitions of success and start grounding yourself in your intrinsic value. The Four Walls of Insecurity: Leaders protect themselves through four distinct defensive mechanisms: Intensity, Inactivity, Insensitivity, and Isolation. The Illusion of Lonely Leadership: Loneliness at the top is not an inevitable byproduct of leadership; it is a self-imposed prison created by our unwillingness to be vulnerable. Windows vs. Mirrors: Leading effectively requires looking through a "window" to see how your actions affect others, rather than just looking in a "mirror" of your own intentions. Tech-Enabled Isolation: In the age of AI, we must be careful not to use productivity tools to further isolate ourselves, but rather to buy back our time for genuine human connection. The Power of the Round Table: High-level growth happens in layers when you surround yourself with a diverse group of peers who can pressure-test your perspectives. The 5 R's of Mindset: Maintaining a healthy leadership attitude requires a daily cycle of Routine, Reset, Remember (or Not), Realistic alignment, and constant Repetition. Redefining Impact: True, lasting impact isn't measured by scale or longevity, but by the depth of meaning we bring to the lives of those we touch. About Our Guest Tyler Dickerhoof is a keynote speaker, leadership coach, and host of The Tyler Dickerhoof Show. As the founder of Impact Driven Leader and developer of the Awaken the Leader Within framework, he helps executives and entrepreneurs grow in influence without losing their humanity. Tracing his leadership roots back to his agricultural upbringing, Tyler holds a degree from Cornell University and is based in Spokane, Washington. Learn more at tylerdickerhoof.com.

  • #289
    July 8 · 49 min

    Cris Burnam: Curiosity Maxing

    "In business, you're either moving forward or you're going backward. There's no treading water." This core philosophy, passed down from serial-entrepreneur parents, has driven Chris Burnham and his family to transform a single storage location into a multi-billion-dollar global enterprise. Yet, despite overseeing vast international real estate holdings, the heartbeat of the company remains rooted in humor, local family values, and an endless appetite for innovation. In this episode of Gratitude Through Hard Times, host Chris Schembra sits down with Chris Burnham, President of StorageMart, to discuss the human foundation behind exponential growth. Burnham reflects on his early career moves—from studying Japanese business dynamics in 1980s Tokyo to walking away from corporate commodity trading—and shares how embracing curiosity, family unity through high-stakes deals, and a signature dose of wit helped shape brands like Manhattan Mini Storage. Together, they explore what it takes to navigate business setbacks, empower the next generation, and raise true "Renaissance men" in a rapidly changing world. 10 Memorable Quotes: "In business, you're either moving forward or you're going backward. There's no treading water." "I realized that I had to do things for myself, and that maybe climbing the corporate ladder was not the career path for me." "Ganbatte means go get it... attack, charge." "If you ask me what one of my deepest fears are, it's retirement 'cause I'm not sure I can handle that." "That feeling that you wake up in the morning and you can hardly wait to get to work—that's what keeps me going." "We got on the airplane... and as I was leaving, I got a phone call: 'Deal's off.' We stopped off at a gas station, bought a 12-pack, and drank it on the way home, strategizing about what comes next." "Laughter is one of the most essential parts of life... I try to find humor in everything." "I don't have to invent anything. I just have to innovate what's there and make it the best it can be." "I always go back to curiosity, 'cause that tells me that it's somebody who knows how to learn." "I wanted them to be able to fight a battle on the front line, come home and write a sonnet, paint a picture, or climb a mountain." 10 Key Takeaways: The Dreamer and the Realist Dynamic: How balancing big-picture curiosity with grounded realism creates the ideal environment for testing and executing ideas. No Treading Water: Why staying static in business or personal life eventually leads to decline, and why navigating obstacles requires constant forward motion. The 'Ganbatte' Mindset: Channeling the Japanese ethos of active drive and fierce determination when confronting major career turning points. The Power of Family Wingmen: Relying on familial trust and unity during high-stakes business reversals rather than retreating into isolation. Cheeky Brand Differentiation: How turning a dry, functional product into a memorable experience through bold, satirical local advertising builds massive brand equity. Innovation Over Invention: Recognizing that long-term enterprise growth often comes from refining and elevating existing models rather than starting from scratch. Curiosity Maxing as a Core Skill: Framing critical thinking, awareness, and reverse-engineering as essential human traits in an automated economy. Proactive Resilience: Developing the mental agility and endurance needed to bounce back quickly when major deals fall through at the eleventh hour. Wandering and Competitive Research: Understanding that true market intelligence comes from physically stepping into customer experiences and actively listening. Raising Renaissance Leaders: Fostering multi-faceted capability in the next generation—combining hard work, intellectual depth, and artistic appreciation. About Our Guest: Chris Burnham is the President of StorageMart, the world’s largest privately and family-owned self-storage company. Over a 40-year family legacy in the self-storage industry, Burnham and his family have scaled the business from a single location to over 250 properties worldwide, overseeing more than $8 billion in real estate transactions. Known for preserving local, values-driven leadership while scaling exponentially, StorageMart’s footprint includes iconic regional brands such as New York City’s Manhattan Mini Storage. A former Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year recipient, Chris studied agricultural economics and spent his early academic years studying Japanese business in Japan before working as a commodity trader at Cargill. He later rejoined his family business to help lead its global expansion. Dedicated to mentorship, customer satisfaction, and continuous innovation, Chris lives and works alongside multiple generations of the Burnham family.

  • #288
    July 2 · 1 hr 12 min

    Samantha Wolfson: The Awkward Pause

    "Those who can't do are good hype men for others." This simple principle serves as the heartbeat for a life dedicated to authentic human depth. In a world optimized for digital efficiency and "frictionless" convenience, the true currency of a meaningful life remains the unscalable power of independent thought, presence, and intentional effort. In this episode of Gratitude Through Hard Times, Chris Schembra explores the growing cultural movement of human connection, proactive resilience, and the universal language that unites us. Samantha Wolfson shares insights from her personal journey, including navigating a life-changing career evolution since moving to Amsterdam in 2017, executing intense top-tier tech launches at Wieden+Kennedy, and the long road to paying forward the lessons of grit and character learned from her father, Steven. Together, the conversation dives into how we show up for others, the power of surrounding ourselves with people who challenge us, and how leaning into creative outlets outside the boardroom can fundamentally alter our perspectives. 10 Memorable Quotes: "He is the reason I have become a pit bull in some areas and can be very soft in others because I see that is how he can both engage and react to the people around him." "Never did I think that could actually become such a quintessential part of my career." "I want every woman that's coming to not know each other. Just bring a bottle of wine and I will cook the food." "You don't have to trade a life that looks good on paper for a good life around the dinner table. It's an and, not or." "The moment you stop is when you'll fall into the trap of thinking you can do it all by yourself." "Growth starts at those points of like, 'Ooh, I don't know how I feel about that.'" "Who's at the table is as important as who's not at the table." "There's no value in what's been said. There's only value in what's being unsaid." "Community is the hardest thing to build because there is, for the most part, not crazy financial gain behind it." "Hard work breeds luck, and I definitely live by that." 10 Key Takeaways: The Test of Truth Tellers: Why surrounding yourself with an executive team and community that pressure-tests your ideas is infinitely better than building an inner circle of enablers. Six is the Gate: Understanding the tactical benefit of keeping meetings and gatherings to exactly six women so that everyone has an active voice, safety, and a real seat at the table. The Transition from Analog to Digital: How navigating high-intensity tech rollouts like the Ray-Ban Meta glasses exposed the deep human exhaustion behind the corporate digital push. Dismantling Structural Silos: Breaking away from transactional networking by designing spaces where professionals connect over shared human truths rather than industry metrics. The "Three-Letter Word" Framework: Cultivating deep conversation by refusing to counter someone's story with your own anecdote, choosing instead to simply ask "why?" to uncover what is unsaid. Grit at the Dinner Table: Reclaiming the narrative of hard work by looking to foundational role models, including Steven Wolfson's lessons on listening, character formation, and absolute abundance. The Tyranny of the OR vs. The Genius of the AND: Learning that world-class leadership requires balancing binary traits, integrating logical business goals with emotional human connections. Failing Fast with Guidance: Why moving forward through a community's hard times and "imperfect dinners" under strong internal resolve is the only real vehicle for long-term relational success. The Core Value of Peer Review: Recognizing that even in an automated, AI-driven environment, verified human connection and peer-reviewed credibility remain irreplaceable. Mudita and Pro-Social Gratitude: Shifting away from keeping score to actively finding joy in the achievements of others, which ultimately drives collective organizational momentum. About our Guest: Samantha (Sam) Wolfson is the founder of & the Table, a global dinner platform that brings ambitious women together around a shared meal. The platform operates on a distinct format: six women who have never met, three courses, one host-chosen theme, and a strict rule that everyone shows up completely alone. What began in 2022 as just five open spots at her Amsterdam apartment quickly went viral, drawing more than 500 applications in its very first open round. Today, & the Table has built a robust global presence, empowering more than 75 hosts in over 10 countries, spanning from Nigeria to Spain to Hungary. A Philadelphia native, Sam studied Media, Culture, and Communications at New York University before launching into the music industry, where she spent years on the road producing branded sponsorships for major music festivals across Mexico, Australia, and beyond as an account manager at LiveStyle, Inc. After falling for Amsterdam during a work trip, she relocated there permanently in 2017 and transitioned into advertising. She served as an Account Director at world-class agencies Wieden + Kennedy and TBWA\NEBOKO, leading global campaigns for heavyweights like Airbnb, Samsung, Ray-Ban, and Adidas. Before scaling & the Table into a full platform, she honed the concept as "Sam's Dinners"—her personal hosting practice designed to meet other women and build deep connections in a new city. Outside of her dinner platform, Sam is also the co-founder of the card game WHAT ARE THE ODDS, and frequently shares her insights as a speaker at events like the Self-Made Summit in the Netherlands. She currently lives in west Amsterdam with her partner and her dog.

  • #287
    June 29 · 49 min

    Phillip Greer: The Underdog Approach to Life

    "The best man on the floor is actually a woman." This simple principle serves as the heartbeat for a life dedicated to authentic human depth. In a world optimized for digital efficiency and "frictionless" convenience, the true currency of a meaningful life remains the unscalable power of independent thought, presence, and intentional effort. In this episode of Gratitude Through Hard Times, Philip Greer explores the growing cultural movement of human connection, proactive resilience, and the universal language that unites us. Philip shares insights from his personal journey, including navigating a life-changing career evolution since joining the firm in 2005 as a software engineer, building the company's first content management system, and the long road to paying forward the lessons of grit learned from his mother, Sherry. Together, the conversation dives into how we show up for others, the power of surrounding ourselves with people who challenge us, and how leaning into creative outlets outside the boardroom can fundamentally alter our perspectives. 10 Memorable Quotes: "There was no position that was beneath her, but also no position was the ceiling." "Sometimes they say no because systems are built that way, but that doesn't mean the answer is no." "The bookkeeping of benefits is simple. It's all an expenditure. We give for the sake of giving. We do not keep score." "I have so much belief that if we keep saying the bad ones, the good ones will come to the top." "The more you congratulate others, the more they'll end up congratulating you." "The best man is a woman, and it's her right there." "Limitations are what created limitless belief." "I want to be able to solve problems that people say can't be solved." "We must step out of the Tyranny of the or and step into the genius of the and." "Just go out there and congratulate some people today." 10 Key Takeaways: The Test of Truth Tellers: Why surrounding yourself with an executive team and community that pressure-tests your ideas is infinitely better than building an inner circle of enablers. Eight is the Gate: Understanding the tactical benefit of keeping meetings and task forces to eight people or less so that everyone has an active voice and a seat at the table. The Transition from Analog to Digital: How leveraging a software engineering background allowed Philip to modernize a global data platform away from fax machines and phone calls. Dismantling Structural Silos: The strict rule that task forces must pull from multiple departments—such as research, engineering, sales, and finance—to achieve true cross-pollination. The "Tuesday Talks" Framework: Cultivating a transparent culture through monthly, small-group touchpoints that openly address what's working, what's failing, and high-level strategy. Grit on the Factory Floor: Reclaiming the narrative of hard work by looking to foundational role models, including Philip's mother breaking barriers in military transit and heavy manufacturing. The Tyranny of the OR vs. The Genius of the AND: Learning that world-class leadership requires balancing binary traits, integrating logical business goals with emotional human connections. Failing Fast with Guidance: Why moving forward and making quick mistakes under strong mentorship is a better vehicle for success than remaining frozen by the fear of limits. The Core Value of Peer Review: Recognizing that even in an automated, AI-driven environment, verified human connection and peer-reviewed credibility remain irreplaceable. Mudita and Pro-Social Gratitude: Shifting away from keeping score to actively finding joy in the achievements of others, which ultimately drives collective organizational momentum. About our Guest: Phillip Greer is the CEO of Best Lawyers, the oldest and most respected peer-review resource for top talent in the legal profession. He has driven the company's continual evolution since joining in 2005, originally as a software engineer. By tapping into his engineering background, he built the company's first content management system and led the transition, in his own words, "from analog to digital." He was named President in 2013 and CEO in 2018. Under Phil's leadership, Best Lawyers has solidified its reputation as a market leader and innovator, processing millions of peer-review votes each year and powering rankings that are syndicated by partner publications including the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, Handelsblatt in Germany, and the Australian Financial Review. He has led international expansion strategies that bring Best Lawyers recognition to attorneys and firms in markets including the United States, Canada, Australia, Spain, and Germany. Phil is a graduate of Augusta University and is based in North Augusta, South Carolina. A lifelong musician, he writes and performs music with his family (most recently with his daughter) and is a frequent supporter of his son's musical theater and dance productions. His perspective on leadership and disruption has been featured in Authority Magazine's "Meet The Disruptors" series and on Gina Rubel's "On Record PR" podcast, where his episode was the #1 downloaded of 2023.

  • #286
    June 25 · 52 min

    Chris Caldwell: The Inconvenient Path of Gratitude

    "At the end of the day, that's what we do. I mean, that's our job... we're professional helpers." This simple principle serves as the heartbeat for a life dedicated to authentic human depth. In a world optimized for digital efficiency and "frictionless" convenience, the true currency of a meaningful life remains the unscalable power of independent thought, presence, and intentional effort. In this episode of Gratitude Through Hard Times, Chris Caldwell explores the growing cultural movement of human connection, healing, and the unexpected ways community anchors our lives. Chris shares insights from his personal journey, including navigating his rise from a part-time teller to the CEO of a historic community bank, the critical behind-the-scenes support of his wife Bettie, and his deep-seated commitment to paying forward success through active volunteerism. Together, the conversation dives into how we show up for others during challenging times, the power of people who challenge us, and how a chance commitment to local service can bring an entire community to life. 10 Memorable Quotes: "If there’s an opportunity to be part of a conversation about gratitude... sign me up. I’m all for it." "When you understand that your job is to do more than just take a deposit to make a loan—it is to be an integral part of our community—that’s when we excel our best." "At the end of the day, that’s what we do. I mean, that’s our job... we’re professional helpers." "I can’t force others, I can’t change others, but I can have the courage to change how I show up, and the wisdom to know the difference." "If you don't take care of your customers, someone else will." "There are people out there that are willing to give up their time, the most expensive thing we have, and volunteer." "She is my biggest cheerleader. I wouldn't be where I am today without her support." "We want to make sure that we're there for them through the good times and the bad times." "Community is in our name, so we better do it right." "Go thank someone in your life, but do it the inconvenient way. Sit down and write a letter rather than just clicking a button to sending a gift card." 10 Key Takeaways: The Character Test of Leadership: Why surrounding yourself with people who challenge you and say the hard things is infinitely better than building an inner circle of enablers. The Evolution of a Community Banker: Understanding the stark reality of early career growth, where starting as a part-time teller teaches you the foundational value of frontline human interactions. The Power of Behind-the-Scenes Support: Recognizing the profound impact of spouses and loved ones whose quiet, proactive baseline contributions keep leaders grounded and supported. Active Volunteerism vs. Writing a Check: Dealing with the heart-centered shift from merely donating money to physically getting out into the field, proving that true community connection requires active presence. The Value of Leading by Example: Processing the realization that you cannot force a charitable mindset onto others; instead, you must consistently model the behavior to inspire your team. Balancing the Old and the New: Reclaiming the narrative around technological advancement by ensuring digital innovation (like AI) never replaces the human desire to "see and be seen" by someone you trust. Sympathy vs. Presence: Learning that showing up for a community in crisis requires skipping transactional interactions and simply sitting with people to understand their immediate needs. Bypassing the Corporate Script: A look at how unexpected, vulnerable bonds form when leaders choose to skip fiscal policy talk and instead lean directly into conversations about human gratitude. The Inconvenient Path of Gratitude: How breaking past personal convenience to write a handwritten letter rather than sending a digital gift card can fundamentally alter the energy of a relationship. The Micro-Intervention of Trust: How breaking past systemic corporate barriers to prioritize local relationships allows a business to become a true sanctuary for the people it serves. About our Guest: Growing up with a deep appreciation for local connection shaped the foundation of Chris Caldwell's work ethic and sense of purpose. As a dedicated leader in the banking industry with over 30 years of experience, he learned early the value of hard work, resilience, and the tradition of contributing to what you build together. Those early experiences—alongside holding advanced degrees in history from Manchester and Ohio Universities and an MBA from Anderson University—instilled in him a deep appreciation for perseverance, lifelong learning, and creating a meaningful life rooted in community. After entering the financial workforce, Chris discovered a lasting passion for connecting with people within the community banking space across Indiana and Vermont. What began as an early career in commercial banking and business consulting evolved into a fulfilling leadership path, culminating in his role as President and CEO of Community Bancorp and Community National Bank. Dedicated to being both a steward and advocate for the regions he serves, Chris actively believes relationships are at the heart of meaningful work. Outside of his career, he stays involved in his community by serving on the boards of the Green Mountain United Way and Manchester University, championing a culture of gratitude as a core leadership practice, and enjoying life in Newport, Vermont, with his wife Bettie.

  • #285
    June 25 · 43 min

    Sandra Lopez: Delulu Soul Searching

    "You are always a student, never a master." This simple principle serves as the heartbeat for a life dedicated to authentic human depth. In a world optimized for digital efficiency and "frictionless" convenience, the true currency of a meaningful life remains the unscalable power of independent thought, presence, and intentional effort. In this episode of Gratitude Through Hard Times, Sandra Lopez explores the growing cultural movement of human connection, healing, and the unexpected ways we tune back into our personal truths. Sandra shares insights from her personal journey, including navigating a high-stakes executive career at tech giants like Intel, Adobe, and Microsoft, confronting a pivotal 360-feedback review that labeled her a "robot," and utilizing the forced pause of the COVID-19 pandemic to embark on a radical road of self-discovery through Kabbalah. Together, the conversation dives into how we show up for our teams with deep empathy, the power of using technology as a contrarian force, and how choosing a messy, non-traditional path allows leaders to trade superficial ego validation for lasting, soul-led growth. 10 Memorable Quotes: "Business is business, and you keep your personal life separate." "Until, you know, maybe two years into, uh, my management, I got my 360 feedback, and, feedback is a gift." "One of my team members said, 'I don't know Sandra. She seems to be like a robot.'" "A good leader delivers results, but how do you become a great leader? And the great leader is the understanding that we are all humans." "The greatest gift that I get isn't my bonus. It's the little emails that I get..." "I'm 53 and I would say most of my lifespan, was probably giving gratitude very superficially." "Am I doing this for my ego or am I doing this for my soul? And that's a very hard transition actually." "The soul responds to the soul. So when, if you're starting your own business and you really focus on what's the soul of the company... Humans are gonna respond to that." "The moments, the hardest moments of my life was when I saw exponential growth." "Be delusionally... Be delusional about finding your soul. How's that? DeLulo" 10 Key Takeaways: The Character Test of Feedback: Why embracing uncomfortable 360-degree reviews and extracting truth from critical peer assessments is infinitely better than building an inner circle of enablers. Good vs. Great Leadership: Understanding the stark reality of corporate metrics, where delivering OKRs only makes you a good leader, while a great leader prioritizes the unscalable human-to-human capacity. The Hidden Debt of the Ego: Recognizing the profound impact of modern business systems and digital platforms like LinkedIn, which function as machines engineered to feed external images rather than internal truths. The Evolving Rules of Tech: Dealing with the modern reality of AI engagement, choosing to use technology strictly as a contrarian tool to challenge strategic blind spots rather than a superficial echo chamber to validate existing bias. The Value of Trailing Humans: Processing the bittersweet realization that while tools can assist operations, chatbots lack a conscience, meaning true personal breakthroughs require stepping away from screens to converse with a real human being. Remembering COVID's Gift: Reclaiming the narrative around global and personal hardships by extending genuine gratitude to a crisis that forced a necessary internal pause and deep ancestral self-discovery. Systemic vs. Soul Presence: Learning that showing up authentically requires skipping rigid, traditional expectations of how leaders "should" live or format their personal partnerships and spaces. Sitting in the SAVERS Routine: A look at how intentional daily habits form resilience, utilizing quiet mornings dedicated to silence, gratitude, visualization, exercise, contrarian reading, and scribing. Certainty and Intuition: How dialing into your core intuition prompts people to pause, providing an unshakeable confidence that overrides logical fears when making massive career pivots. The Micro-Intervention of the Zag: How breaking past a commoditized, fast-paced, and highly automated corporate landscape to bring the purposeful messiness of the soul back into business is the ultimate competitive advantage. About our Guest: Growing up with a relentless work ethic shaped the foundation of Sandra Lopez's purpose-driven approach to leadership. Guided by the personal philosophy that "you are always a student, never a master," she learned early that true wisdom requires a lifelong commitment to unlearning, learning, and continuously putting one foot in front of the other, no matter how grueling the path becomes. Raised to appreciate the delicate balance between high-stakes profit metrics and a deep responsibility to give back, those early values instilled in her a lasting dedication to community advocacy, representation, and leading with radical transparency. After entering the technology workforce, Sandra discovered a deep passion for driving corporate transformation at an elite level, spending over twenty years holding executive and leadership roles at iconic global brands including Intel, Adobe, and serving as the former CMO of Microsoft Advertising. What began as a traditional path focused on hard business outcomes evolved into a fulfilling calling as the CEO of Ambi Ventures, where she partners with ambitious businesses to provide elite fractional CMO services, advisory expertise, and investments. Dedicated to being an active advocate for Latina executives across America and serving as a co-chair for the World Economic Forum's AR/VR Model Commission, Sandra believes that integrating empathy and humanity into corporate spaces is at the heart of meaningful growth. Outside of her advisory career, she stays actively involved in exploring diverse spiritual and mindfulness practices like Kabbalah, prioritizing intentional morning routines, and inspiring the next generation of leaders to look past the ego to connect deeply with their soul's true purpose.

  • #284
    May 28 · 42 min

    Abigail Beach: Angel Numbers

    "So many things about our life are numbers." This simple principle serves as the heartbeat for a life dedicated to authentic human depth. In a world optimized for digital efficiency and "frictionless" convenience, the true currency of a meaningful life remains the unscalable power of independent thought, presence, and intentional effort. In this episode of Gratitude Through Hard Times, Abigail Beach explores the growing cultural movement of human connection, healing, and the unexpected ways numbers anchor our lives. Abigail shares insights from her personal journey, including navigating a life-threatening placental abruption at age 22, the heartbreaking loss of her daughter Rayleigh, and the long road to paying forward the anonymous blood transfusions that saved her life. Together, the conversation dives into how we show up for others during grief, the power of people who challenge us, and how a chance moment sharing "angel numbers" at a housing innovation conference brought an entire auditorium to life. 10 Memorable Quotes: "I thought to myself, I can't say that I'm true to myself if I don't take this opportunity and run with it." "She said the things that I didn't wanna hear." "You don't wanna be in a room surrounded by a bunch of yes people." "The world needs more truth tellers, and sometimes the truth hurts." "So many things about our life are numbers." "Had it not been from them, or for them, I would've died." "There are people out there that are willing to give up their time, the most expensive thing we have, and volunteer." "It was sad that we had to bond over such a horrific incident, but it was nice to know I wasn't alone." "This is terrible, but I'm gonna sit in your grief with you." "The last thing we wanna do is be pitied. We just wanna be able to talk about our kid." 10 Key Takeaways: The Character Test of Ambers: Why surrounding yourself with people who challenge you and say the hard things is infinitely better than building a leadership team or inner circle of enablers. Eight is the Gate: Understanding the stark reality of critical health metrics, where dropping past a specific threshold means fighting a silent battle to survive. The Hidden Debt of 11 Transfusions: Recognizing the profound impact of anonymous blood, platelet, and fibrin donors whose proactive community contributions keep strangers alive. The Evolving Rules of Giving: Dealing with the heartbreak of a rare medical deficiency that temporarily blocked paying a life-saving gift forward until industry donation guidelines shifted. The Value of Trailing Volunteers: Processing the bittersweet realization that sometimes local giving organizations are entirely booked and busy, proving the baseline goodness of local communities. Remembering Rayleigh: Reclaiming the narrative around infant loss by keeping her alive through favorite family stories, including her reactions to Irish dancers in utero. Sympathy vs. Presence: Learning that showing up for a grieving parent requires skipping heavy looks of pity and simply giving them space to discuss their child openly. Sitting in the Grief: A look at how unexpected bonds form, such as crying with a local veterinarian during a standard animal wellness checkup over shared maternal loss. Angel Numbers and Synchronicity: How arbitrary moments on a clock or unexpected digital encounters prompt people to pause and realign their daily outlook. The Micro-Intervention of Yes: How breaking past personal discomfort to share vulnerable personal histories can fundamentally alter the energy of a room. About our Guest: Growing up in a farming community shaped the foundation of Abigail Beach's work ethic and sense of purpose. As the daughter of a third-generation fruit farmer — and now married to a third-generation farmer myself — she learned early the value of hard work, resilience, and the family tradition of contributing to what you build together. Raised alongside three sisters by parents who never questioned their ability to get the job done, those early experiences instilled in her a deep appreciation for perseverance, family, and creating a meaningful life rooted in community. After entering the workforce through a traditional 9-to-5 role, Abigail discovered a lasting passion for connecting with people within the multifamily industry. What began in leasing and property management evolved into a fulfilling career in marketing, where she currently focuses on digital marketing, customer service, and building authentic human connections. Dedicated to being both a steward and advocate for the communities she serves, Abigail believes relationships are at the heart of meaningful work. Outside of her career, she stays actively involved in her community by volunteering with the local little league, enjoying the outdoors with her family, and raising children to see barriers as challenges they have every capacity to overcome.

  • #283
    May 26 · 45 min

    Ashleigh Spiliopoulou: Deliberate Inconvenience

    "Anything will work again, as long as you unplug it long enough, even you." This simple principle serves as the heartbeat for reclaiming a life dedicated to authentic human depth. In a world optimized for digital efficiency and "frictionless" convenience, the true currency of a meaningful life remains the unscalable power of independent thought, presence, and intentional effort. In this episode of Gratitude Through Hard Times, Ashleigh Spiliopoulou explores the growing cultural movement of "Friction Maxing" — the intentional reintroduction of effort, inconvenience, and presence into our daily routines. Ashleigh shares insights from her month-long experiment with deliberate inconvenience, including rawdogging a 24-hour flight to Australia and ditching her headphones on daily runs. Together, the conversation dives into the rise of mainstream AI infiltration, the psychological dangers of AI Psychosis and FOBO (Fear Of Becoming Obsolete), and why healthy friction is ultimately the secret weapon for nervous system regulation, creative clarity, and deep human connection. 10 Memorable Quotes: "In a world of frictionless design, what if we friction maxed a couple things to add a little bit of meaning back into life?" "The more efficient and outsourced we get through really well-designed technology, the more it feels like life is kind of evaporating from us." "Why would I think for myself when AI could think for me?" "Frictionless isn't bad in every scenario." "The process was so beautiful, and then the result was so satisfying." "AI has so much potential and brilliance for so many areas of our lives, but it shouldn't be designed to replace our brain." "It's not necessarily teaching people something new. It's reminding them, this is how you used to live." "First we need to unlearn." "It's rebellious. It's so fun." "Anything will work again, as long as you unplug it long enough, even you." 10 Key Takeaways: The Origin of Friction Maxing: Exploring Catherine Jezer-Morton's January 2026 article in The Cut magazine that sparked a mainstream conversation on adding intentional effort to life. The Falsehood of Frictionless Relationships: Reflecting on Esther Perel's cultural work and how eliminating interpersonal friction directly fuels the loneliness epidemic. The Threat of Cognitive Decay: How outsourcing daily thought processes to technology results in a tangible feeling of your brain disintegrating. Understanding AI Psychosis: Confronting the psychological danger of over-trusting automated companions until you completely lose trust in your own mind. Dismantling FOBO: Analyzing the "Fear Of Becoming Obsolete" and how surrendering creativity and discernment to AI attacks our baseline human self-worth. The No-Headphone Run: Why leaving audio stimulation at home forced a deeper focus on surroundings, leading to a fresher, more imaginative brain. The Gesture of Friendship: How exchanging a frictionless voice note for a handwritten letter to Boston reestablished a visceral, emotional sense of connection. Rawdogging a Flight: The profound creative clarity that emerged from enduring a 24-hour flight to Australia completely detached from movies, podcasts, or Wi-Fi. Unlearning for a 180 World: Recognizing that surviving the modern technological landscape requires us to actively unlearn automatic habits to relearn how to think. Architected Attention: Understanding that tech companies deliberately engineer frictionless designs solely to fork over your attention, money, and will. About our Guest: Ashleigh Spiliopoulou is a freelance journalist and health writer specializing in women’s health, travel, and culture. A former heptathlete, her words have appeared in prominent publications including Condé Nast Traveller, Marie Claire, Women’s Health, Stylist, Dazed, and Glamour. She is also the Co-Founder of Sunnie Runners, an inclusive London-based run club, and SOLA, a supper club designed for women looking to build personal and professional connections. Built on a foundation of storytelling, her work advocates for the vital necessity of using creative friction to protect human meaning and connection.

  • #282
    April 23 · 59 min

    Adam Famularo: The Power of the Hydra

    "We are better together than we are apart." This conviction, rooted in the belief that human connection is the ultimate "turbocharger" for growth, serves as the foundation for navigating the complex world of global acquisitions. In an era where AI agents are rapidly automating the "logic" of business, the true differentiator remains the "unscalable" trust built over a shared meal and a glass of bourbon. In this episode of Gratitude Through Hard Times, Chris Schembra takes the show on the road to The Stand in Manhattan for the debut of the "Lunch & Dinner" series. He sits down with Adam Famularo, who returns to the show for a second time. A seasoned leader who recently navigated the high-stakes acquisition of WorkFusion by UiPath, Adam joins Chris to move beyond the boardroom and explore how deep-rooted relationships and emotional intelligence are the only ways to win $100-million deals. Adam returns to share a transparent look at the evolution of his career—from the intensity of "hypergrowth" to the strategic synergy of the "Better Together" philosophy. Together, Chris and Adam discuss why technology should never lead to isolation, arguing instead that the most successful "AI-forward" futures are those that prioritize the "Third Place" and the sacred, messy friction of in-person connection. 10 Memorable Quotes: "We are better together than we are apart." "The power of the hydra is much greater than the individual heads." "You don't sell a hundred-million-dollar deal on logic. You sell it on emotion." "The goal is to keep building, keep growing, and keep helping." "If you can connect those dots, the world becomes a better place." "You have to have a network of people who believe in you." "Tomorrow can be better than yesterday." "Step out of the rat race and into this new way of living." "This gives people permission to just be more human." "Success, fulfillment, and purpose—that is the playbook." 10 Key Takeaways: The Power of the Hydra: How the acquisition of WorkFusion by UiPath creates a "turbocharged" entity that is stronger than the sum of its parts. The "Lunch & Dinner" Philosophy: Why taking the podcast "on the road" to a comedy club and restaurant reflects the "Never Eat Alone" strategy for building deep trust. Emotional vs. Logical Selling: Understanding that while AI handles the data, major enterprise decisions are won through human networks and belief. The 90-Minute Reflection: The value of a 20-year relationship with an executive coach and the discipline of monthly reflection sessions. Verticalized AI Agents: A deep dive into how specialized technology is being used to fight financial crimes and global "bad actors." The "Better Together" Mindset: Shifting from a "me vs. you" competitive stance to a collaborative ecosystem that benefits the entire industry. The "Third Place": Celebrating environments like The Stand that offer a "home away from home" for connection without the barriers of membership fees. Permission to be Human: Why even the most successful tech founders must prioritize family, wellness, and vulnerability to avoid burnout. The ROI of Legacy: Reflecting on past successes not as endpoints, but as the "connective tissue" that fuels future partnerships. Anti-Isolation: Why we must resist the "frictionless" trend of remote work in favor of the meaningful, face-to-face interactions that drive innovation. About our Guest: Adam Famularo is a visionary leader and multi-time founder recognized for his expertise in "hypergrowth" and scaling global technology companies. Appearing on the podcast for the second time, Adam is currently a key leader within the UiPath ecosystem following the acquisition of WorkFusion. He remains a steadfast advocate for "human-forward" leadership in the age of AI, proving that true success is a result of being "Better Together."

  • #281
    March 12 · 18 min

    Sophia Mullins: Taking the Bet on Yourself

    "Success shouldn't come at the cost of your soul—or your health." In an industry built on high-stakes pressure, Sophia Mullins is proving that peak performance and sustainable well-being aren't mutually exclusive; they are deeply interdependent. In this episode of Gratitude Through Hard Times, Chris Schembra sits down with Sophia Mullins, Founder and CEO of Wall Street Wellness. Recorded live at a UBS conference, this conversation strips away the corporate veneer to explore the "reactive" journey of entrepreneurship. Sophia opens up about the stress-induced autoimmune diagnosis that forced her to pivot from a decade in investment banking and venture capital toward a mission of service. Together, Chris and Sophia dismantle the myth that you have to choose between a lucrative career and a vibrant life, arguing that the greatest bet you can ever make is the one you take on yourself. 10 Memorable Quotes: "My life path was to use the things that brought me pain as a purpose of serving others." "I really backed into the fact that I wanted to be an entrepreneur." "Success is taking a bet on yourself." "You have to choose the mission every day." "My life would not be nearly as vibrant or fun or fulfilling without my support system." "I want to distill my experiences into something helpful for other people." "Balance the desire to serve with the practical nature of running a lucrative business." "I came to the realization of my mission at age 30." "It’s your world. Go explore." "If the only thing holding you back is taking the bet on yourself, take the bet." 10 Key Takeaways: The Reactive Entrepreneur: Understanding how personal crises—like a health diagnosis—can serve as the ultimate catalyst for a professional pivot. The Daily Choice: Why mission-driven work isn't a "one-and-done" decision, but a commitment you must renew every morning. Pain as a Compass: How the most difficult seasons of your career often contain the blueprint for your greatest service to others. The "Bet on Yourself" Philosophy: Overcoming the fear of leaving a traditional "safe" path to build something authentic. Vibrant Success: Redefining "high performance" to include physical health, emotional vibrancy, and genuine joy. The Power of Support: Sophia’s tribute to her partner as the "rock" that makes her professional output possible. Service vs. Scale: The delicate art of balancing a heart for service with the necessity of running a profitable consultancy. The 30s Realization: Highlighting that finding your true calling and pivoting your career path at age 30 is right on time. Science-Backed Resilience: How Sophia uses her finance background to create wellness frameworks that speak the language of high-performers. The Human Heart in Business: A reminder that even in high-pressure financial environments, the most impactful work happens when we lead with humanity. About our Guest: Sophia Mullins is the Founder and CEO of Wall Street Wellness, a consultancy and community that empowers high performers to live healthy, vibrant lives. With nearly a decade of experience in investment banking, private equity, and venture capital, Sophia bridges the gap between fast-paced career demands and science-backed well-being. Her work has been featured in Forbes, Fast Company, and PopSugar. Connect with Sophia: Website & Substack: Wall Street Wellness Instagram: @wallstreetwellness LinkedIn: Sophia Mullins

  • #280
    March 4 · 37 min

    Christine Angles: Business by Party

    "Do unto others as you want to do unto you." This simple principle, fueled by a "tambourine shake" of high energy, serves as the heartbeat for a life dedicated to high-performance joy. In a world optimized for digital efficiency and "frictionless" isolation, the true currency of a meaningful life remains the "unscalable" power of gathering people together. In this episode of Gratitude Through Hard Times, Chris Schembra sits down with Christine Angles, a powerhouse Allstate agency owner and community builder from Gainesville, Virginia. While Christine is a leader in the insurance world, this conversation strips away the professional accolades to explore the raw, essential need for fun, wit, and "inconvenient" kindness. Christine shares a vulnerable and celebratory look at her journey—from the legacy of her mother, Linda, to the intentional "grace" required to navigate a 12-year career gap. Together, Chris and Christine dismantle the myth that technology can replace presence, arguing that the "Business by Party" philosophy and the act of welcoming others into your sacred space are the only real antidotes to our modern epidemic of disconnection. 10 Memorable Quotes: "I want work to be fun." "I really do believe that self-care is a form of giving." "Don’t be a wallflower. Make sure you participate." "Life's not an 'or,' it’s an 'and.'" "Business by party." "You can do a boring job like insurance in a fun way." "Give yourself some grace." "I like you because I love you in spite of." "Find extraordinary in the ordinary." "If you’ve changed one person’s whole world, you've done enough." 10 Key Takeaways: The Legacy of Linda: How a single mother working full-time on a school board provided the blueprint for a life of service and visibility. Business by Party: Why integrating personal joy into professional networking creates deeper, more resilient business bonds. The ROI of Community Deposits: Reflecting on how a lifetime of showing up for neighbors creates a safety net of support during personal health crises. The Power of the 12-Year Gap: Validating the choice to prioritize family and proving that "success" doesn't have to happen all at once. The Connection Venn Diagram: A breakdown of the three pillars of a great life: Fun (energy), Funny (wit), and Nice (kindness). The "Inconvenient" Host: Why the effort of cleaning your house and buying food to invite people in is the most sacred act of connection. The 3-Hour Pity Party: A practical lesson in emotional regulation—allowing yourself time to feel disappointment before choosing to celebrate others. The Intentional "No": Learning to set boundaries so that when you say "yes" to a community project, you can be 100% present. Anti-Optimization: Why we must trade "frictionless" digital interactions for the meaningful, sometimes messy friction of physical presence. The "Good Person" Affirmation: Using simple visual cues to combat imposter syndrome and remember your inherent value. About our Guest: Christine Angles is a dedicated entrepreneur and leader who runs a top-performing Allstate agency in Northern Virginia. Built on the "Business by Party" philosophy, her work proves that excellence is achieved through genuine human connection. A committed volunteer and "connector," Christine advocates for the power of "earned connection" and the vital necessity of leading with kindness and wit in the modern workplace.

  • #279
    February 25 · 53 min

    Aaron Hurst: Engineering Humanity

    "Whatever it is you want most in the world right now is what you need to give." This simple but profound realization, sparked during a silent meditation retreat, serves as the heartbeat for a movement dedicated to reclaiming our shared humanity. In a world optimized for digital efficiency, the true currency of a meaningful life remains the "un-scalable" power of human connection. In this episode of Gratitude Through Hard Times, Chris Schembra sits down with Aaron Hurst, the visionary CEO of the US Chamber of Connection and founder of the Taproot Foundation. While Aaron is a titan of the pro bono world, having catalyzed billions of dollars in social impact, this conversation strips away the professional accolades to explore the raw, essential need for friendship and community. Aaron shares a vulnerable look at his own journey—from the "epiphany of 50" to navigating the profound grief of losing his mother, Bonnie. Together, Chris and Aaron dismantle the myth that technology can replace presence, arguing that the "low barrier to laughter" and the intentional act of welcoming others are the only real antidotes to our modern epidemic of isolation. 10 Memorable Quotes: "Whatever it is you want most in the world right now is what you need to give." "Humanity is what binds us. It's what we create together." "I focus on connection, not conversion." "The act of welcoming is a fundamental human right." "Friendship isn't a luxury; it's the infrastructure of a healthy society." "We have traded meaningful friction for frictionless isolation." "You can’t scale belonging without shrinking the room." "My mother had a 'low barrier to laughter,' and that was her greatest gift to the world." "The modern world is designed for capital, not for people." 10 Key Takeaways: The Reciprocity of Need: Aaron’s breakthrough realization that if you lack friendship, you must become a friend; if you lack grace, you must extend it. The 1099 Connection Challenge: Much like the real estate world, building community in a "gig" economy requires creating environments where people choose to belong. The "Epiphany of 50": A deep dive into Aaron’s personal turning point and how hitting a milestone age forced a re-evaluation of what "success" actually looks like. Legacy of Service: Exploring Aaron’s family roots—from his grandfather’s blueprint for the Peace Corps to his mother’s spirit of care—and how legacy shapes our mission. Diffusion of Innovation in Social Change: Why focusing on the "initiators" (the 15-20% who naturally build community) is more effective than trying to convert the cynical. Low Barrier to Laughter (LBL): The importance of humor and play as tools for resilience, inspired by the life and memory of Bonnie Hurst. Welcoming as a Design Principle: The philosophy behind the US Chamber of Connection—making "welcoming" a measurable and intentional act in every organization. The Myth of Digital Community: Why a Zoom call can never replace the "meaningful friction" of physical presence and shared meals. The Grief of Losing a North Star: Aaron reflects on the "hard time" of losing his mother and how her values continue to guide his work today. Human-Centric Infrastructure: A call to action for leaders to prioritize social health over mere capital accumulation to ensure a sustainable future for the next generation. About our Guest: Aaron Hurst, CEO & Founder Aaron Hurst is a social entrepreneur, author, and the visionary leader behind the US Chamber of Connection. As the founder of the Taproot Foundation, he is credited with creating the $15 billion pro bono service market, engaging tens of thousands of skilled volunteers to help nonprofits thrive. Aaron’s work is deeply influenced by his family’s legacy in the Peace Corps and the Aspen Institute, driving his lifelong commitment to civic infrastructure. A sought-after speaker and executive coach, Aaron is the author of The Purpose Economy. He resides in a world where he continues to advocate for the power of "earned connection" and the vital necessity of prioritizing humanity in the modern workplace. He is a devoted advocate for the "initiators" of the world, helping them build the bridges that keep us all connected.

  • #278
    February 18 · 57 min

    Nick Schlekeway: Convenience vs. Connection

    "Culture is defined by how we treat each other when nobody’s watching." This philosophy, forged in the fires of firefighting and high-stakes football, has driven the growth of one of the Pacific Northwest’s most successful independent luxury real estate firms. In this episode of Gratitude Through Hard Times, Chris Schembra sits down with Nick Schleckaway, the CEO and founder of Amherst Madison. While Nick is a titan of the real estate industry, this isn't a conversation about market trends or interest rates. This is a visceral exploration of "Earned Connection"—the intentional effort required to build a sense of belonging in a world that has traded physical presence for digital convenience. Nick shares a vulnerable look at his own "hard week," discussing the weight of leadership when key team members move on and how he leans on the "lifeboat" of his family to stay afloat. Together, Chris and Nick dismantle the myth of hybrid culture, arguing that true innovation isn't found in a Zoom call, but in the friction of being together. 10 Memorable Quotes: "Culture is how we treat each other when nobody's watching." "My family is my lifeboat; when the professional waters get choppy, they keep me from sinking." "Hybrid is not where you work. It’s how you work." "Convenience is the enemy of connection." "Culture doesn't happen in a recorded town hall; it happens in the unscripted moments." "You can’t lead a 1099 workforce with a W2 mindset." "The office isn't just a place to work; it’s where trust is traded." "Leadership is defined by what you are willing to put up with." "We are trading meaningful friction for frictionless isolation." "If you want to scale belonging, you have to shrink the room." 10 Key Takeaways: The 1099 Culture Challenge: Building culture for independent contractors is fundamentally different from employees; it requires creating an environment people choose to enter rather than one they are paid to stay in. The Performance Gap: There is a direct correlation between physical office presence and professional success; agents who show up in person consistently outperform those who stay remote. Convenience vs. Connection: Companies often mistake "easy" interactions (like virtual happy hours) for real culture. True belonging requires "earned connection," which often involves the effort of physical proximity. The "Lifeboat" Strategy: During professional trials, leaders must identify their personal anchors—for Nick, it is his wife Megan and children Charlotte and Beau—to maintain perspective. The Myth of Hybrid: Hybrid work should not be viewed as a location, but as a methodology. Without intentionality, hybrid often defaults to total disengagement. Friction as a Tool: Meaningful relationships require "friction"—the effort of travel, the risk of face-to-face conversation, and the lack of a "mute" button—to develop depth. Scaling via Intimacy: To impact a large organization, leaders should focus on frequent, intimate, small-group gatherings rather than infrequent, massive corporate events. Trust as Currency: In high-stakes industries like real estate, trust is the primary currency. That trust is built faster through non-verbal cues and "hallway talk" than through digital screens. Leading by Example: A leader's primary job in culture-building is modeling the behavior they want to see, especially when it comes to showing up and being present. Human-Centric Real Estate: Despite the rise of AI and digital platforms, real estate remains a deeply human, referral-based business that relies on local community ties. About our Guest: Nick Schleckaway Founder & CEO, Amherst Madison Nick Schleckaway is an entrepreneur, executive coach, and the visionary leader behind Amherst Madison, Idaho’s top luxury real estate brokerage. A former firefighter and captain of the Boise State University football team, Nick brings a unique blend of "grit and grace" to the corporate world. Under his leadership, Amherst Madison has become one of the fastest-growing independent firms in the United States, known for its high standards and unique culture. Nick’s perspective on resilience is shaped by his background in emergency services and his upcoming book on company culture. He is a devoted father and husband, residing in Boise, Idaho, where he continues to advocate for the power of physical presence and authentic human connection in the modern workplace.

  • #277
    February 15 · 52 min

    Jay Kiew: Stories That Stir Souls

    Stats drive scores, but stories stir souls." This philosophy, born in the radio booths of Singapore and driven by a transition from comfort to total disruption, has delivered over $2 billion in transformational impact for global executives. In this episode of Gratitude Through Hard Times, Chris Shambra sits down with Jay Kiew, a world-renowned keynote speaker, author, and change strategist who has navigated the halls of power at firms like Deloitte and TELUS. But this isn't a conversation about corporate efficiency or digital roadmaps. This is a deep dive into "Change Fluency"—the adaptive capacity to translate life’s most difficult disruptions into our greatest opportunities. Jay shares his raw and inspiring journey as a half-blind cancer survivor who "lost it all" before finding his true calling. We explore how change isn't something that happens to you, but something that can happen through you when you move from a mindset of survival to one of co-creation and possibility 10 Memorable Quotes: "Stats drive scores, but stories stir souls." "Change fluency is the individual's adaptive capacity to translate challenges into opportunities." "Our greatest innovation isn't what we create, but how we create together." "If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together." "The goal isn't to control change but to sit in it with fluidity." "Transformation doesn't have to be scary or happen to you, but instead it can happen through you." "The language of change is the only language that will matter in an era of AI." "He held space for me when I couldn't hold space for myself." "Shift your focus from what is present to what is possible." "The world is going through a hard time, but you can write the playbook to get through it." 10 Key Takeaways: Defining Change Fluency: It is the "language of change" required as we head into the space of artificial intelligence. The Four Change Mindsets: Your reaction to disruption depends on whether you view change as a threat or opportunity, and whether you are proactive or stuck. Active Presence: True leadership requires leaning in to observe non-verbal cues and naming emotions rather than just being a passive observer. The Power of Co-Creation: Based on the concept of Ubuntu, the episode explores why working together yields superior, more sustainable results despite the time and emotional complexity involved. Strategic Foresight: To discover what is possible, leaders must combine scenario planning with "futurist thinking" to see threats and opportunities from different vantage points. Strategy as Sacrifice: Design thinking requires the courage to say "no" and cut off current business units or emotional attachments to focus on one North Star. The "What If?" Framework: Innovation begins with the ability to ask hypothetical questions that challenge current constraints, a skill Jay learned from his father during difficult times. Relational Gratitude: Jay highlights the importance of individuals like Brian Chang, who provide empathetic space during "dark moments" without being deflective. Sitting in the Tension: Change Fluency isn't about control, but the capacity to sit in complexity and uncertainty with fluidity. Human-Centric Innovation: Digital disruption is a people opportunity; leaders must bridge the gap by helping team members find personal attachment to their mission. About our Guest: Jay Kiew Founder & CEO, Change Fluent Jay Kiew is a multifaceted entrepreneur, keynote speaker, author, and expert in organizational and behavioral change. With 15 years of experience in organizational transformation and innovation strategy, he has driven over $2 billion in transformational impact across hundreds of organizations and top executives. He is the author of Change Fluency: Nine Principles to Navigate Uncertainty and Drive Innovation, which serves as the framework for his global consulting and keynote engagements. Jay’s perspective on resilience and change is deeply rooted in his personal journey as a half-blind cancer survivor; diagnosed with retinoblastoma as an infant, he underwent the removal of his left eye. After immigrating to Canada from Asia and growing up in Vancouver, he became the world's youngest Distinguished Toastmaster at the age of 19. Today, he is a father of two daughters and lives in Brooklyn with his Shiba Inu, Brooklyn. Jay is renowned for his ability to help leaders move from a mindset of certainty to one of curiosity, teaching them to "speak the language of change" in an increasingly complex and uncertain world.

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