Breakthrough Takeaways

Overview:

After sustaining an injury that left him out of work for 500 days, Jerry Lund, 30-year first responder veteran and host of the Enduring Badge Podcast, contemplated taking his own life. After imagining his dad’s voice telling him it is not his time to go, he knew it wasn’t just his body that was broken, it was his mind too.  

 For Jerry, this experience made him passionate about self-improvement. He makes sure he puts something positive into his life every single day through meditation and working out. After years of neglecting his mental health, Jerry realized that for him to do his job best, he needs to be both physically and mentally fit.

 For those interested in pursuing a career in first responding or law enforcement, Jerry says you must take care of your demons first because it is vital to be of sound mind. He explains the difference between confidence and ego and suggests that confidence is the key to remaining safe on the job.  

 Tune in to this week’s episode of ValueVerse as Kawan and Jerry talk about the importance of self-improvement and vulnerability through tough times. Jerry reminds listeners that we need hardships to truly gain appreciation for our lives.  

 Quotes:

“If you handicap yourself mentally or physically, then you don’t have the life you really want.” (08:03- 08:07)

“Life is happening for me. Life is not happening to me.” (08:35-08:37)

“If you don’t have bumps in the road, how are you going to appreciate the things that are really great in your life?” (08:48-08:53)

Links:

Follow Jerry on Instagram

Listen to the Enduring Badge Podcast

Check out the ValueVerse Website 

Follow Kawan on Instagram

Podcast production and show notes provided by FIRESIDE Marketing

Overview:

Lindsey McCoy, co-founder of Plaine Products, is passionate about reducing human waste. After working in the Bahamas and seeing the visual effects of plastic, she was inspired to move back to the US and approach entrepreneurship in a sustainable way.

 Together, Lindsey and her sister have created Plaine Products, a company that offers refillable bath and body care products. With aluminum bottles, Lindsey’s products are able to ditch plastic all together. Over time, Plaine Products has saved over 250,000 plastic bottles from ending up in a landfill!

 In an industry that is relatively new and ever changing, Lindsey has learned that it is okay to not be perfect, as there is always room to be better. Humbling herself has allowed for her business to grow and expand in ways she never thought it would.

 On this week’s episode of ValueVerse, host Kawan and guest Lindsey, discuss how sustainability in business has room for not only the planet, but people and profit, too. 

Quotes:

“Every piece of plastic that’s ever been made is still on this planet.” (01:59- 02:03) 

“I have a real distaste for waste and for being inefficient.” (08:56-08:59)

“The goal is to work on your business, not in your business.” (21:30-21:32) 

Links:

Get your sustainable bath and body products from Plaine Products here

Follow Plaine Products on Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn

Like Plaine Products on Facebook and Pinterest  

Subscribe to Plaine Products on YouTube

Check out the ValueVerse Website 

Follow Kawan on Instagram

Podcast production and show notes provided by FIRESIDE Marketing

Overview:

Rachel Khona-writer and entrepreneur- has had a passion for words since she was a child. Over the course of several jobs with large publishers and magazines, Rachel could easily see the monotony within the industry. After being broken up with via sticky note, Rachel felt inspired to take her writing skills and create them into something that represents her best: non-conventional greeting cards.

For Rachel, the biggest piece of advice she would give to any one with aspirations to start a business is to stay true to yourself. Despite people giving her wrong advice or doubting her product, Rachel knew that nobody else could believe in her dream more than herself. She bravely took control of her business by cutting out things that were not working for her, allowing for her to spend more time doing tasks that highlight her strengths.  It was her boldness and loyalty to herself that has allowed for her to not only have a successful business online, but also sell her products in well-known stores, like Urban Outfitters, nationwide.

Join host Kawan and guest Rachel Khona on this episode of ValueVerse as they discuss the significance for entrepreneurs to be themselves but most importantly, trust their gut instincts!

Quotes:

“Follow your own gut instincts, just because something has been done before, doesn’t mean you have to keep doing it.” (9:10-9:14)

“You need to rest in order to get the ideas and get the creativity.” (18:08-18:10)

“You gotta have chutzpah to light it up.” (21:31-21:32) 

Links:

www.rachelkhona.com

www.crimsonandcloverstudio.com

Follow Rachel on Instagram

Follow Crimson and Clover on Instagram

Check out the ValueVerse Website 

Follow Kawan on Instagram

Podcast production and show notes provided by FIRESIDE Marketing

Overview:

After getting a job in a hospital she once was a patient of, Paris Prynkiewicz felt drawn to launch her podcast, Crooked Illness,  to share her story in hopes to inspire others to eliminate the stigma surrounding mental health. 

At 19 years old, Paris was given a diagnosis of Bipolar I after she was hospitalized. But after graduating college a few years later with her degree in psychology, and working in that same hospital, she saw things in two lights. It wasn’t until then that she recognized the stigmas had led her to live a life full of guilt and fear.  Her diagnosis made her completely afraid to be around others and accept herself. To overcome her greatest fear, she felt it was necessary to bring awareness to the community about mental health with the use of not only her story, but the stories of others as well. 

For Paris, her go-to strategies to maintain her mental happiness are to practice gratitude and move her body every single day.  Consistently taking some time to examine all the things and people she has in her own life leaves less room for negative self-talk. These habits have helped her shift her focus and energy to gain clarity so she can crush her goals instead of being crushed by her old limiting beliefs. 

Tune in to this week’s episode of ValueVerse for a genuine and open conversation surrounding one of today’s most talked about conversations. Mental health is without a doubt a conversation that everyone needs to be having. Paris graciously reminds listeners that we all have struggles and “it’s okay and normal to not have everything figured out.” There is no better time than now to take charge of your own happiness! 

Quotes:

“Look at the things you have already been able to do, and look at the places you’ve gone, the people you’ve met..  look at the people already in your life.” (12:01-12:08) 

“When we shift our energy and our focus on the things we do have, it helps us get in a better place and get in a better mindset in order to get our goals crushed this year instead of being crushed by our limiting beliefs.” (12:28- 12:44) 

“It’s normal and it's okay to not have everything figured out.” (13:57-13:59)

“To move away from being more problem focused to more solution focused, the biggest part of that is making these things in our life that are helping us grow a habit and eliminating things that are hurting us or holding us back.” (17:44-18:02)

Links: 

Follow Paris on Instagram

Get Paris’ Free 28 Gratitude Journal on Facebook 

Check out the ValueVerse Website 

Follow Kawan on Instagram

Podcast production and show notes provided by FIRESIDE Marketing

Overview: 

“It's almost criminal that anybody would be embarrassed by who they work for,” says Dan Edds, managing consultant and author of Leveraging the Genetics of Leadership . A conversation with an employee embarrassed to work for her company triggered Dan to pursue his passion: improving  senior leadership. In this episode of ValueVerse guest, Daniel Edds takes listeners through his journey of discovering the keys to a successful work environment by examining how high performing companies approach the concept of leadership.

For Dan, he compares leadership to DNA, both of which are networks of systems unique to each person or place. High producing work environments all have one thing in common: solid leadership at the top level. It is simply not possible to create a sustainable workforce based out of fear.  

Whether you are a four-star general in the military, a CEO of a hospital, or an elementary school principal, it doesn't really matter. Dan tells Kawan anybody can create work-place excellence by using their leadership properly; all it takes is starting with a singular idea to cultivate cultural DNA.

Tune in to episode five of ValueVerse to hear guest Dan Edds explain the necessary components of a happy workplace and how you and your company can design your own DNA to give everyone the best opportunity to be successful. 

Quotes:

“Its almost criminal that anybody would be embarrassed by who they work for.” (03:10-03:18)

“The key ingredient to organizational excellence and long-term performance comes down to leadership.” (05:36-05:41)

“A system always..always produces more than the sum of its parts.” (14:17-14:21) 

“Every organization can design their own DNA that gives them the very best opportunity to be successful.” (14:50 -14:59)

“If you have a system, you can coach anybody to the requirements of that system; in doing so you ensure their success.” (29:35- 29:43)

Links: 

Read more about Dan 

Buy Dans’s book Leveraging the Genetics of Leadership  on Amazon 

Follow Dan on LinkedIn 

Check out the ValueVerse Website 

Follow Kawan and ValueVerse on Instagram

Podcast production and show notes provided by FIRESIDE Marketing

Overview

As an introvert, Samantha Yardley-internationally published fitness author, finds comfort in using written words to evoke her emotions. On this episode of ValueVerse, Samantha shares with Kawan that the most important role in her success is being time conscious.

For Samantha, she tries to “actively be a little selfish.” After all, she is the only person who can truly look out for herself. As a former “yes” person, Samantha found herself wasting a lot of time and money trying to be liked by others. By putting herself at the top of her priority list, she has been able to take control of her life and overcome her fears while freeing herself from the worry of what others may think of her.

Knowing she only has this one life to live, Samantha is purposeful about what she does with her time and who she spends it with. She has found triumph in surrounding herself around people who stand for the same ideas she does.

Tune in to this episode of ValueVerse to hear Samantha Yardley share the importance of the use of time and people in order to crush your goals!

 Quotes:

“I always try to allow my biggest fear to be regret, and not the fear of failure or being judged.” (05:08-05:13)

“You need to overcome the feelings of panic that don’t actually mean anything at all.” (09:34-09:38)

“Why do tomorrow what you can do today.” (11:41-11:43)

“If you stand for something it is going to align you with people who are on the same level and who you want to be spending your time with.” (19:02-19:09)

“Don’t be afraid to be disliked, It doesn’t really matter. It’s just an opinion, it doesn’t affect your life.” (20:19-20:24)

 Links:

www.samanthayardley.com

Instagram: @samanthajyardley

www.thevalueverse.com

Instagram: @valueverse @thevalueverse 

Podcast production and show notes provided by FIRESIDE Marketing

Overview:

As a performer since birth, Helen Blondel, talented American singer, and professional belly dancer knows the importance of individuality among creatives. In this episode of ValueVerse Helen shares with listeners how she used this year to reconnect with her true self.

“Never lose sight of your individuality” has been Helen’s main takeaway this year. With extended time off from her corporate job due to the pandemic, Helen realized how much she had lost touch with her true passions. Creating content she thought would appease her followers was no longer working for her. Taking time to reflect made Helen realize how precious life is and has reconnected her with love for herself and what she loves to do.

For her, Helen says taking time out of her day to do something she enjoys has been the best change she has implemented in her daily routine.

Tune in to hear Helen’s perspective of the importance of individuality and learn how you can use your passions to leverage your own happiness.

Quotes:

“Never lose sight of your individuality” (05:44-05:47)

“We cannot be happy doing something if we are not being ourselves.” (07:22-07:26)

“Just because I am working in a full-time position for another company doesn’t mean that I have to give up what I am passionate about.” (16:41-16:49)

“There’s really no use in forcing yourself to come up with an idea because that idea won’t feel organic.” (21:14-21:22)

Links:

To get Helen's book and course, visit www.helenblondel.com

Instagram: @helensingerdancer

TikTok: @helensingerdancer

Youtube: Helen Blondel

www.thevalueverse.com

Instagram: @valueverse @thevalueverse 

Podcast production and show notes provided by FIRESIDE Marketing

Overview:

A true jack of all trades, Josh Wilson has just about done it all. From wrestling alligators, fighting fires, delivering babies, to running successful businesses, Josh wants to be known the most for being a man of faith and devoting his life to humanity. On the third episode of ValueVerse, Josh Wilson discusses something most people dread talking about: failures.

For Josh, he has learned the most valuable lessons from his failures; without them, he would not have found his success. A couple of unsuccessful businesses and a recession left Josh unable to provide for his growing family and contemplating whether he could keep on with life. Completely down and out on himself, Josh reluctantly accepted a job that did not fulfill his mission. His entrepreneurial spirit is not a force to be reckoned with and he soon accepted what he was truly meant for.  Josh grasped how essential it was for him to stay true to himself and his belief systems.

However, Josh knows the most important aspect of his success lies in the relationships he has with others. Stacking his team with people who are not “yes men”, tell him the truth, and bring their own strengths, has been the ultimate key to his success.

Tune in to episode three of ValueVerse for an honest conversation regarding the difficult realities most entrepreneurs face. Host Kawan and guest Josh Wilson discuss in detail how failures can be converted to triumphs.  

Quotes:

“To break through, I had to be broken to the point where I couldn’t pick myself back up.” (07:46-07:52)

“I’d rather have truth than a pat on the back.” (12:26-12:28) 

“If it doesn’t line with my mission or who I am, I got to start saying no and start removing those things from my life.” (15:27-15:33)

“Discover your superpower, run with it, surround yourself with people who are not like you and can do things that you can’t do.” (25:05-25:15)

Links: 

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuabrucewilson/ Podcast - https://uncensoredadviceformen.com/

www.thevalueverse.com

Instagram: @valueverse @thevalueverse 

Podcast production and show notes provided by FIRESIDE Marketing

Overview:

Oumar Dieng, speaker and coach, knows better than most on how to be resilient. After his home was attacked and destroyed, and he was separated from his family, Oumar traveled through refugee camps to make his way to safety in America. Not knowing how to speak any English, Oumar defied all odds and found success as an entrepreneur in his new home. In episode one of ValueVerse, Oumar shares his life story and gives suggestions on how to be resilient in all aspects of life. 

While Oumar and Kawan discuss many factors, for Oumar, the key to resilience is in the ability to be flexible. Without it, Oumar would never have survived the chaos of his early life. Once he settled in America, Oumar quickly realized the true power of flexibility. Not only was he able to overcome the biggest challenges in his personal life but being flexible allowed him to dominate in the business world as well.

Tune in to the premier episode of ValueVerse to hear how Oumar Dieng found success despite all odds. He will share tips with listeners on how to harness the power of resilience and positive thinking in order to shed limiting beliefs in both everyday life and in business.   

Quotes:

“Life is testing us every single day and based on how we react and adapt to those challenges we become more resilient, and we become stronger” (5:36- 5:47)

“Whatever challenge you’re facing right now, understand that the way you deal with that challenge will determine whether you crumble or attack the challenge and feel better about your personal abilities” (7:25-7:43)

“Sometimes it takes a shift in mindset, for not only your personal life, but for your business to explode” (23:23-23:30)

“In terms of avoiding mistakes, start small rather than going big and making a huge mistake that you can’t afford to make” (28:14-28:24)

Links:

To see more of Oumar and what he is up to, make sure to visit www.oumardieng.com Check out more episodes with Oumar on his Podcast The Motivational Voice Podcast at www.oumardieng.com/episodes

www.thevalueverse.com

Instagram: @valueverse @thevalueverse 

Podcast production and show notes provided by FIRESIDE Marketing

Do you want more out of your life, relationships and to enhance your personal journey?  ValueVerse is for the person who is interested in applying the philosophies of entrepreneurs, thought leaders and influencers to their everyday lives!  Did you ever meet someone that had a powerful impact on your life? You didn’t see them coming and it changed the trajectory of your life either because they gave you a piece of knowledge, challenged your perspective or introduced you to someone or something. ValueVerse is meant to bring you the latest business stories and strategies that can help you get ahead in your business and move forward on the road to personal mastery.