Beyond The Quo

What if I told you 85% of your success comes from soft skills—not your resume. Here’s how to master connection, confidence, and courage to build a business that actually thrives.

In this episode of 'Beyond the Quo,' host Stacey Luces sits down with Jennifer Marquart, a key figure at the Greater Boca Raton Chamber of Commerce. Together, they delve into the importance of community engagement, networking, and fostering leadership within small business communities. 
Jennifer shares her insights on the transformative impact of local Chambers of Commerce, providing statistics and examples that illustrate their power in driving business success. Through personal anecdotes and professional advice, Stacey and Jennifer discuss the nuances of networking, the significance of structure, and the essence of maintaining a growth mindset. 

They also explore the value of personal and professional balance, including having mentors who challenge you and the importance of living with authenticity and courage. Join the conversation for a deep dive into redefining success, building genuine connections, and leading with purpose.

🎧 In this episode:
•        02:00 The Impact of Chamber Membership
•        05:07 Personal Stories and Networking Insights
•        09:40 The Power of Connections and Referrals
•        25:36 Courageous Leadership and Personal Growth
•        29:09 The Importance of Challenging Your Status Quo
•        31:35 Core Values in Business Ecosystems
•        37:53 Parenting Teenagers and Quality Time
•        49:17 Networking and the Value of Community

💡 Key Takeaways:
•        Connection is Currency: Being visible in your community is not optional—especially if you're a small business owner. Whether it’s coffee chats, leads groups, or ribbon cuttings, the Chamber gives you access to meaningful relationships that fuel your growth.
•        Structure Fuels Freedom: "It’s called netWORKing for a reason.” You can’t scale without discipline. The Chamber provides built-in structure that busy professionals need—containers, consistency, and community.
•        Growth Requires Discomfort: True development means stepping into rooms where you feel small at first. Like Stacey said: “Sometimes you feel small, but the Chamber has seen it all—and helps you grow faster, with GPS instead of wandering in the dark.”
•        Reputation Is Your Brand: “You are the face of your business.” Every interaction becomes your brand story. Kindness, reliability, and presence go further than logos and websites. Relationships convert—brands don’t.
•        Lead Yourself First: Courageous leadership isn’t just about managing a team. It starts at home, in your habits, and how you show up in your own life. From solo Zumba sessions to Kansas basketball road trips—leading yourself builds your leadership legacy.
You’ve already done the quo—now it’s time to go beyond.

🔥 Feeling inspired? Don’t keep it to yourself!
•        Subscribe, share and follow Beyond the Quo and I’d deeply appreciate your five-star rating so more people can listen and learn!
✨ Connect with Stacey Luces:
•        Free Global Community - Rising Beyond Power Collective: https://www.skool.com/risingbeyondglobalcommunity/about

📩 Connect with Jenifer:
•        LinkedIn: @boca_chamber @jenifermarquart
•        Website: https://www.bocaratonchamber.com/ 

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She Fired Her Abusive Husband, Buried the Love of Her Life, and Still Chose to Rise.

In this episode of Beyond the Quo, host Stacey Luces sits with Janet Orozco Feller, a seasoned entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience in founding, scaling, and selling multiple businesses. Janet shares her inspiring journey of resilience and reinvention, including navigating personal and professional challenges such as leaving an abusive relationship and coping with the loss of loved ones. 

She discusses her work as a business consultant at Assurance Business Concepts and as the host of the podcast Impulse Latino, which celebrates Hispanic entrepreneurs. Tune in to hear about Janet's experiences, her advice on separating personal and business credit, and the importance of living authentically and leading courageously.

🎧 In this episode:

•        02:30 Personal Challenges and Resilience

•        06:17 Reinvention and New Beginnings

•        11:36 Community Support and Healing

•        14:02 Balancing Business and Personal Life

•        20:18 Navigating Emotional Challenges

•        21:51 Embracing Hispanic Heritage

•        25:26 Empowering Women in Midlife

•        33:42 Building Business Credit

•        36:15 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

💡 Key Takeaways:

•        Reinvention is a Necessity, Not a Luxury: Life doesn’t go in a straight line. Reinvention often follows pain, loss, or transition—but it’s also a powerful choice that allows us to reclaim purpose, identity, and agency.

•        Your Story Is a Survival Manual for Someone Else: Janet’s openness about abusive relationships, grief, and career pivots is proof that vulnerability is a leadership trait. Her story gives others permission to reimagine their own.

•        Healing Sometimes Requires Simplicity: After loss, Janet chose a 9–5 job—not because she lacked ambition, but because she needed space to grieve and heal. Sometimes survival means scaling back, not pushing harder.

•        Separate Your Business from Your Identity (and Credit Score): Building true business credit under an EIN is a vital move for long-term sustainability, especially for entrepreneurs who blur personal and professional boundaries.

•        Leading Courageously Begins Internally: Leadership isn’t just about teams or titles. It’s about making bold personal decisions, setting boundaries, and choosing authenticity—even when it's scary.

You’ve already done the quo—now it’s time to go beyond.

🔥 Feeling inspired? Don’t keep it to yourself!

•        Subscribe, share and follow Beyond the Quo and I’d deeply appreciate your five-star rating so more people can listen and learn!

✨ Connect with Stacey Luces:

•        Free Global Community - Rising Beyond Power Collective: https://www.skool.com/risingbeyondglobalcommunity/about

📩 Connect with Janet:

•        LinkedIn/Instagram: @janetorozcofeller

•        Tune in to Impulso Latino on YouTube, Facebook, Twitch

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What if I told you winter is always coming—and here’s how you crisis-proofing your business? From pandemic pivots to economic dips, this episode is your toolkit for building a resilient, adaptive, and integrity-driven business model.
In this episode of 'Beyond the Quo,' host Stacey Luces delves into the intricate aspects of business and personal development with guest Michael Piccoli, a serial entrepreneur, digital marketing strategist, and business leader who has built, acquired, and grown multiple companies—including the powerhouse agency, On Target Digital Marketing.
Together, they explore navigating business uncertainties, fostering resilience, and redefining success. Michael shares insights from his 20-year journey in building and growing various companies, emphasizing the importance of integrity, adaptability, and strong company culture. They also discuss the critical role of community involvement, personal branding, and maintaining integrity with oneself. Whether you're a business leader or aspiring entrepreneur, this episode offers actionable strategies for not just surviving, but thriving in a constantly changing landscape.
🎧 In this episode:
• 00:32 Navigating Uncertainty in Business
• 03:28 The Importance of Company Culture
• 04:39 Hiring for Fit and Passion
• 08:49 Diversifying Revenue Streams
• 14:38 Leveraging Technology and Building a Tribe
• 24:40 Navigating Shiny Object Syndrome
• 26:28 The Importance of Relationship Vision
• 39:27 Personal Branding and Integrity
• 47:57 Ethical Leadership

💡 Key Takeaways:
• "Stick to the Plan, Not Your Mood" - Michael dropped this golden mantra early on, reminding entrepreneurs that resilience is a daily decision—not a mood. He embodies the grit it takes to keep showing up, even when the path gets rocky.
• Culture Over Competence: A standout moment was Michael's take on hiring: "You can upskill competency, but you can’t teach fit." His leadership is rooted in values-first hiring—and firing—that prioritizes culture over credentials.
• Diversify to Survive (and Thrive): From relying too heavily on automotive clients to strategically broadening industry reach, Michael shares how diversified revenue streams saved his business from market whiplash—and how listeners can apply the same shift.
• Integrity in Leadership (and Marriage): A raw and refreshing discussion about personal integrity, not just in business but in relationships. Michael shares how aligning personal and professional values has strengthened both his marriage and leadership style.
• Community as a Catalyst: Whether mentoring young entrepreneurs or serving on nonprofit boards, Michael proves that giving back isn’t just a feel-good add-on—it’s foundational to meaningful leadership and long-term growth.

You’ve already done the quo—now it’s time to go beyond.
🔥 Feeling inspired? Don’t keep it to yourself! Subscribe, share and follow Beyond the Quo and I’d deeply appreciate your five-star rating so more people can listen and learn!
✨ Connect with Stacey Luces:
• Free Global Community - Rising Beyond Power Collective: https://www.skool.com/risingbeyondglobalcommunity/about

📩 Connect with Micheal:
• LinkedIn/Instagram: @ontargetdigitalmarketing
• Website: www.WinAtOnTarget.com

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What if I told you five minutes a day could radically change your leadership, your parenting, and your peace?

In this episode of Beyond the Quo, host Stacey Luces chats with Elzie Flenard, host of Enterprise Now and founder of Podcast Town. Together, they explore the concepts of redefining success, living authentically, and leading courageously. Elzie shares his journey of self-mastery, resilience, and stepping into purpose on his own terms.
From wearing multiple professional hats to balancing entrepreneurship with parenting, this insightful conversation offers valuable strategies on navigating life's twists and turns. Tune in for practical tips on maintaining work-life harmony, embracing curiosity, and overcoming fear to achieve true success. Self-mastery isn’t about perfection—it’s about presence. And it starts with just one small, honest moment at a time.
🎧 In this episode:
• 03:28 From Technician to Entrepreneur
• 05:58 Balancing Family and Entrepreneurship
• 11:26 The Importance of Self-Mastery and Personal Growth
• 18:44 Overcoming Friction
• 19:12 Recognizing and Realigning with Your True Self
• 23:04 Parenting in the Digital Age
• 29:02 Embracing Dreams and Overcoming Fear
• 35:00 Daily Practices for Self-Mastery

💡 Key Takeaways:
• Redefining Success Requires Courage—and Curiosity: Most of us were handed a script: climb the ladder, reach the title, achieve the milestone, and then we’ll feel fulfilled. But many find that when they “arrive,” something still feels missing. Elzie’s journey reminds us: success isn't one-size-fits-all—it’s seasonal, evolving, and should align with our core values.
• Self-Mastery is the Foundation of Authentic Leadership: Before you can lead others—your team, your family, your community—you must lead yourself. Elzie's concept of “Five-Minute Mastery” offers a daily practice to build internal clarity, heal from old patterns, and reclaim personal power. Mastering you changes everything.
• Balance is a Myth—Aim for Harmony: Especially in midlife and parenthood, striving for perfect “balance” only creates stress. Elzie offers a refreshing lens: focus on harmony. Be fully present where you are, whether it’s with your work or your child’s dance recital. Seasons shift—so should your energy and attention.
• Your Dreams Are Still Valid: One of the most poignant lessons? Don’t become your child’s dream killer. When we dismiss or downplay others' dreams—especially our own—we diminish possibility. Whether your dream is to start a business, play guitar, or reinvent your second act, midlife is not too late. It’s right on time.
You’ve already done the quo—now it’s time to go beyond.
🔥 Feeling inspired? Don’t keep it to yourself!
• Subscribe, share and follow Beyond the Quo and I’d deeply appreciate your five-star rating so more people can listen and learn!
✨ Connect with Stacey Luces:
• Free Global Community - Rising Beyond Power Collective: https://www.skool.com/risingbeyondglobalcommunity/about

📩 Connect with Elzie:
• LinkedIn/Instagram: @elzieflenardiii
• Website: www.podcasttown.net/ 

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What if the key to raising confident kids is first healing your own self-doubt? We explore how modeling confidence, emotional regulation, and core values can transform not just our children—but ourselves.

In this episode of Beyond the Quo, host Stacey Luces sits down with Erin Tarr—bestselling author, confidence coach, and sought-after speaker—to explore the complexities of building meaningful relationships, parenting young adults, and cultivating confidence in both youth and adults.
Erin introduces her Social Sweet Shop framework, a game-changing approach to understanding relationships—identifying true connections, avoiding toxic dynamics, and fostering intentional friendships. Together, they unpack strategies for parenting with core values, navigating regrets, and leading with confidence in our personal and professional lives.
Whether you're raising teenagers, leading a team, or working through personal growth, this episode offers powerful insights on redefining success, living authentically, and leading courageously.


🎧 In this episode:
• 01:58 Parenting Young Adults: Challenges and Strategies
• 04:18 Core Values and Family Dynamics
• 12:47 Building Confidence in Teens and Ourselves
• 18:35 The Social Sweet Shop Framework
• 24:23 Building Deep Friendships
• 25:01 Identifying True Friends
• 29:59 Impact of Toxic Relationships
• 35:53 Navigating Hard Conversations with Kids
💡 Key Takeaways:
• Parenting Young Adults is About Coaching, Not Control – Learn how to guide without micromanaging, ensuring your kids develop autonomy and confidence.
• Relationships Need Intention & Clarity – Erin’s Social Sweet Shop framework helps identify who belongs in your inner circle and who doesn’t.
• Confidence is Built Through Action – Growth happens when we step into discomfort and model resilience for the next generation.
• Your Energy Affects Your Relationships – Boundaries, self-care, and emotional regulation impact how we connect with others, including our kids.
• It’s Never Too Late to Repair Relationships – Whether with children, friends, or colleagues, showing up with humility and curiosity can transform connections.
You’ve already done the quo—now it’s time to go beyond.
🔥 Loved this episode?
• Subscribe, share, and leave a 5-star review so more people can join the conversation!
• Join our free global community: Rising Beyond Power Collective https://www.skool.com/risingbeyondglobalcommunity/about

✨ Connect with Stacey Luces:
🌍 Website: staceyluces.com/podcast
📍 Instagram: @stacey.luces
Stacey Luces is a reinvention strategist, leadership coach, and keynote speaker dedicated to helping high-achieving women break free from burnout, redefine success, and lead authentically. As the founder of The Living Beyond Movement, she empowers women to step into their power, embrace their purpose, and create lives of impact and fulfillment.
✨ Connect with Erin Tarr:
📍 Website: erintarr.com
📍 Instagram: @erintarrspeaks
📍 LinkedIn: Erin Tarr, Confidence Coach

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What if moms doing it all comes at a life-altering cost. The invisible load, the mental weight, the constant pressure to be everything to everyone. Let’s have a real conversation about leadership, community, and why asking for help is an act of strength, not weakness.

In this special episode, Stacey Luces sits down with Demetra Ganias, host of MomCast and a renowned public speaking coach, media trainer, and advocate for empowering women through storytelling. As the face of MomCast, she amplifies the voices of mothers nationwide, fostering connection and support. 
Demetra also represents The Local Moms Network, a platform created by moms, for moms—dedicated to providing resources, social engagement, and time-saving guides to help moms balance it all. Because when moms are supported, families and communities thrive.
Together, Stacey and Demetra dive into the realities of modern motherhood, leadership, and redefining success—sharing personal stories and insights on balancing career aspirations, family life, and personal fulfillment.

💡 Key Takeaways:
1.        Success on Your Terms – It’s not just about career milestones or parenting perfection. True success aligns with your values and fulfillment.
2.        The Power of Community – Having a strong support system—your personal “Board of Directors”—prevents burnout and fuels growth.
3.        The Mental Load is Real – From invisible labor at home to leadership responsibilities, sharing the load is key to balance.
4.        Lead Yourself First – Authentic leadership starts with setting boundaries, prioritizing well-being, and modeling courage.
5.        Hustle vs. Alignment – Success isn’t just about achievement—it should feel as good as it looks.

🎧 In this episode:
01:12 Redefining Success & Leadership
02:56 Balancing Motherhood & Career
07:52 Navigating Parenting Challenges
19:23 Community & Authentic Parenting
32:51 The Loneliness Epidemic Among Moms
35:35 Midlife Awakening & Identity
50:24 Redefining Success & Self-Care
56:08 Empowering the Next Generation
Join the Conversation!
What resonated with you the most? Drop a comment below!
Subscribe for more empowering discussions on leadership, success, and thriving beyond expectations.
Turn on notifications so you never miss an episode!

Stacey Luces is a reinvention strategist, leadership coach, and keynote speaker dedicated to helping high-achieving women break free from burnout, redefine success, and lead authentically. As the founder of The Living Beyond Movement, she empowers women to step into their purpose, embrace their power, and create a life of impact and fulfillment.
Stay Connected:
Follow Stacey Luces:
staceyluces.com/podcast
Instagram: @stacey.luces

Find Your Local Moms Network:
thelocalmomsnetwork.com
Instagram: @thelocalmomsnetwork

Follow Demetra Ganias:
Instagram: @demetraganias
ganiasmedialab.com

👉 Tag a mom who needs to hear this! Let’s build a stronger, more empowered community together. 💪✨ #BeyondTheQuo #MomLife #Leadership #WorkLifeBalance #EmpoweredWomen

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What If I Told You A Harsh Truth: No One Is Coming to Save You—It’s Time to Decide!
In this episode of Beyond the Quo, host Stacey Luces welcomes Julie Allyson, a decision strategist with over 30 years of experience in healthcare and leadership. They discuss the importance of making bold choices and living without regrets, leveraging Julie's 'You Decide' framework for self-awareness, intentional goal setting, and transformative action. Julie shares insights from her own life, including becoming a mother at 16 and overcoming significant challenges. They emphasize the power of perspective, setting non-negotiables, and building a supportive tribe. Julie and Stacey also offer advice for those feeling stuck or overwhelmed, focusing on small, actionable steps toward change. Whether you're looking to make a big leap or small shift, this conversation is packed with inspiration and practical tips for anyone ready to go beyond the status quo.

🎧 In this episode:
•        01:33 The Power of Messy Action
•        03:18 A Journey of Accountability and Friendship
•        06:01 You Decide Framework: Making Life's Tough Decisions
•        10:21 Core Values and Decision Making
•        18:36 Perspective and Passion in Leadership
•        24:42 Scrappiness and Success
•        35:16 Inner Gremlins and Self-Sabotage

💡 Key Takeaways:

• Success Comes from Messy Action, Not Perfection – Waiting for the perfect moment is the fastest way to stay stuck. Julie emphasizes that real growth happens when you take action, even when things aren’t perfect. Learning happens in motion, and success is built through trial, error, and refining as you go.
• Your Decisions Shape Your Life—You Hold the Power – Julie’s You Decide framework highlights that the most successful people take ownership of their choices. Whether it’s leaving corporate, setting boundaries, or pivoting careers, transformation begins when you stop letting fear or external expectations dictate your path. No one is coming to change your life for you—you have to decide.
• Who You Surround Yourself With Matters—And It’s Never Too Late to Reinvent – The people in your circle either elevate you or hold you back. Surrounding yourself with ambitious, supportive people can push you 10% forward, while negative energy can pull you down by 30%. More importantly, reinvention isn’t just for the young—it’s available to anyone ready to claim it. Whether you’re in your 40s, 50s, or beyond, your next chapter is yours to design. The key is to start.
  
  

You’ve already done the quo—now it’s time to go beyond.
🔥 Feeling inspired? Don’t keep it to yourself!
•        Subscribe, share and follow Beyond the Quo and I’d deeply appreciate your five-star rating so more people can listen and learn!
✨ Connect with Stacey Luces:
•        Free Global Community - Rising Beyond Power Collective: https://www.skool.com/risingbeyondglobalcommunity/about

📩 Connect with Julie:
•        IG: @julieallysondecides
•        Website: julieallyson.com

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What if I told you the job you thought was your forever was just your starting point? Learn how this former teacher went from shaping young minds to shaping personal brands—proving that success is meant to evolve. 
In this episode of Beyond the Quo, host Stacey Luces interviews Daniel Wakefield, a former high school science teacher turned headshot photographer, coach, and entrepreneur. Daniel shares his inspiring journey and how the skills he acquired in his previous career laid the foundation for his new ventures. They discuss the challenges and rewards of navigating such a significant career pivot, the concept of 'expression coaching' in photography, and the importance of building a 'Hype Tornado' around your business. Daniel also delves into the importance of teaching foundational business skills and personal integrity to his children and how they can shape their future. Tune in to gain actionable insights on overcoming self-doubt, embracing messy action, and redefining personal and professional success.

🎧 In this episode:
•        00:51 From Classroom to Camera: Career Shift
•        04:25 The Leap into Entrepreneurship
•        06:17 Building a Business from Passion
•        13:17 Networking and Sales Strategies
•        25:41 The Importance of Authenticity in Photos
•        32:07 The Concept of Hype Tornado
•        39:55 Creating a Lasting Legacy

💡 Key Takeaways:

• Your Skills Are More Transferable Than You Think - Daniel’s journey from high school science teacher to headshot photographer, coach, and entrepreneur highlights how skills from one chapter of life can build the foundation for something new. Many professionals feel trapped in their careers but don’t recognize they have more options than they think.
• Curiosity & Resourcefulness Are Key to Growth - Daniel didn’t have a business background when he started Top Tier Headshots. Instead of feeling paralyzed by not knowing everything, he remained curious, sought mentors, and figured it out along the way. The ability to ask questions, seek advice, and take action—even imperfect action—accelerated his success.
• The Hype Tornado: Creating Business Momentum - A successful brand doesn’t just rely on good service—it’s about creating hype and momentum.
  
  

You’ve already done the quo—now it’s time to go beyond.
🔥 Feeling inspired? Don’t keep it to yourself!
•        Subscribe, share and follow Beyond the Quo and I’d deeply appreciate your five-star rating so more people can listen and learn!

✨ Connect with Stacey Luces:
•        Free Global Community - Rising Beyond Power Collective: https://www.skool.com/risingbeyondglobalcommunity/about

📩 Connect with Daniel:
•        LinkedIn/Instagram: @ toptierheadshots
•        Website: DanielWakefield.co

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What if your need for perfectionism and self-abandonment go hand in hand? Many high-achievers have built their success by prioritizing everyone else’s needs over their own. But what happens when the validation fades? Burnout, chronic stress, and a feeling of emptiness that no promotion or paycheck can fill.
In this episode of Beyond the Quo, host Stacey Luces sits down with Dr. Kelly Kessler, a licensed physical therapist and transformation coach, to explore how self-abandonment and perfectionism sabotage success. Through Kelly's personal journey and professional expertise, discover how to reconnect with your inner strength, prioritize self-worth, and transform chronic stress into inner peace. Kelly shares actionable strategies for tuning into your body, setting boundaries, and navigating the emotional complexities of personal growth. This episode is a heartfelt conversation on redefining success, maintaining integrity with oneself, and finding the courage to live authentically.

🎧 In this episode:
•        01:20 Understanding Self-Abandonment
•        03:34 The Impact of Perfectionism
•        07:29 The Importance of Self-Integrity
•        14:21 Tuning into Your Body
•        24:16 A Moment of Realization
•        26:57 Transformational Shifts
•        28:54 Embracing Discomfort
•        39:35 Owning Your Power

💡 Key Takeaways:

• Your body keeps score—even if you ignore it. Ignoring stress, neglecting rest, and silencing your needs leads to serious health consequences. Autoimmune issues, chronic pain, hair loss, your body will keep sending signals until you listen.
• Success isn’t just about achievement, it’s about alignment. We chase external milestones hoping they’ll bring happiness, only to find ourselves exhausted and unfulfilled at the finish line. True success comes from aligning your actions with your values, not society’s checklist.
• You will grieve as you grow. As you set boundaries and choose yourself, some relationships will shift—or end. Not everyone will celebrate your evolution, and that’s okay. Growth requires letting go of what no longer serves you.
• The smallest shifts create the biggest transformations. Healing doesn’t happen overnight. It starts with small, intentional choices—breathwork, hydration, movement, saying no when you mean it. The key is consistency, not perfection.

You’ve already done the quo—now it’s time to go beyond.
🔥 Feeling inspired? Don’t keep it to yourself!
•        Subscribe, share and follow Beyond the Quo and I’d deeply appreciate your five-star rating so more people can listen and learn!

✨ Connect with Stacey Luces:
•        Free Global Community - Rising Beyond Power Collective: https://www.skool.com/risingbeyondglobalcommunity/about

📩 Connect with Kelly:
•        LinkedIn/Instagram: @drkellykessler
•        Website: optimalyouhealthandwellness.com 

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What if your past experiences—no matter how painful—were preparing you for your true purpose? 
In this episode of Beyond the Quo, host Stacey Luces delves into the type of courage, leadership and authenticity it takes to tackle the alarming issue of human trafficking, a $150 billion criminal industry affecting over 27.6 million people globally. 

Stacey is joined by Alex Ortiz, the Director of Development and Human Trafficking Regional Advocacy at the FLITE Center, a transformative organization providing education, housing, and employment resources to vulnerable youth. Alex’s journey from corporate leadership to nonprofit advocacy is a powerful testament to what it means to redefine leadership—not as a climb to the top, but as a commitment to lifting others up. His personal experiences with trauma and abuse fuel his passion for making a tangible impact.

Together, they discuss the importance of awareness, advocacy, and systemic change to support and protect these at-risk groups. Tune in to understand the scale of the problem and how community efforts can make a difference.

🎧 In this episode:
•        01:46 The Reality of Human Trafficking in the U.S.
•        06:35 Alex's Journey and Career Transformation
•        23:13 Supporting Vulnerable Youth: How You Can Help
•        29:24 Empowering Nonprofit Leaders: A Retreat Experience
•        30:21 Leading Courageously: Self-Leadership and Volunteering
•        32:52 Matriarchal Influence: Strength and Empathy
•        40:40 Finding Purpose: Nonprofit Work and Personal Growth

💡 Key Takeaways:

• Human trafficking is a $150 billion criminal industry, impacting over 27.6 million people worldwide. Vulnerable youth, especially those in foster care and the LGBTQ+ community, are at an alarmingly higher risk.
• Many people assume human trafficking is a distant issue, but it happens in plain sight, even in affluent communities. Increased awareness, community engagement, and strategic interventions—such as placing informational signs in public spaces—are essential in combating the crisis.
• Beyond financial donations, people can contribute through the "Essential Home Kits" program, mentorship, volunteering, and spreading awareness. Small acts of engagement—whether through advocacy, community involvement, or simply staying informed—can make a profound difference.

You’ve already done the quo—now it’s time to go beyond.
🔥 Feeling inspired? Don’t keep it to yourself!
•        Subscribe, share and follow Beyond the Quo and I’d deeply appreciate your five-star rating so more people can listen and learn!

✨ Connect with Stacey Luces:
•        Free Global Community - Rising Beyond Power Collective: https://www.skool.com/risingbeyondglobalcommunity/about
•        Website: www.staceyluces.com/podcast

📩 Connect with Alex Ortiz:
•        LinkedIn: @trulyalexortiz
•        Website: flitecenter.org
•        Instagram: @flitecenter

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.