Chasing Dreams with Aimee J.

It’s Episode 100 and my guest is Dr. Freeman Hrabowski. Since 1992, he has been the president of MY university, UMBC (the University of Maryland, Baltimore County). He is a consultant on science and math education to national agencies, universities, and school systems. He was named one of the 100 Most Influential People in the World by TIME in 2012. With philanthropist Robert Meyerhoff, he co-founded the Meyerhoff Scholars Program in 1988, which is open to all high-achieving students committed to pursuing advanced degrees and research careers in science and engineering, and advancing underrepresented minorities in these fields. He is a much sought-after speaker, a busy man, a mentor, a friend, and I am blessed to have him as a guest for this 100th episode. Thanks, Doc, for coming on the show!

God’s Minute, by Dr. Benjamin Elijah Mays: “I have just a minute, only sixty seconds in it. Forced upon me, can’t refuse it; didn’t seek it, didn’t choose it, but it’s up to me to use it. I must suffer if I lose it, give an account if I abuse it. Just a tiny little minute, but eternity is in it.”

GRIT is the Word:

Do I want to be excellent? How do I go about doing it? Each person makes decisions every day that affect the path they take. We all have chances and choices that determine our destiny. To be excellent, it takes a strong sense of self, grit, and hard work. Many young people today don’t understand what it means to have passion, resilience, and to never give up.

TWEET: “Choice, not chance, determines your #destiny. What will you choose? #Dreams and #values.”

High Expectations:

What do you do when obstacles come? Dr. Hrabowski explains the importance of teaching students how to learn and how to succeed, but it can’t stop there. We have to teach them how to fail. We all get knocked down by life and we have to know how to deal with those experiences. The worst thing is NOT to fail, but to fail to strive to be better than you thought possible. He shares his love for innovation in education in going against tradition.

TWEET: Every person needs to develop a strong sense of self that says, “I can do this.”

Be a Champion:

What does it mean to be a champion for someone? It goes beyond mere mentorship, but includes giving back by being an example. Every student needs a champion, an advocate, and we need to give opportunities to shine for people of ALL backgrounds, not just people who are just like us. Part of the challenge is how to groom champions of all backgrounds, who will be those advocates for young students.

TWEET: :”Attitude, #passion, and #grit are the things that will make a difference.”

Guest Recommendation: ONE action for a dream chaser to take—“Ask the question of yourself, ‘What am I learning that’s different?’ Take the time to identify people you admire and hear their stories. Stories enlighten and inspire.”

Dreams by Langston Hughes (1926)

Hold fast to dreams

For if dreams die

Life is a broken-winged bird

That cannot fly.

Hold fast to dreams

For when dreams go

Life is a barren field

Frozen with snow.

OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE:

• [2:06] Encouraging high excellence
• [4:21] Passion for math
• [5:46] The four pillars in Dr. Hrabowski’s TED talk
• [9:46] How to change mindset and perspective in education
• [13:50] Building the culture of collaboration
• [15:02] Finding students’ strengths with “big picture” questions
• [18:50] Mentorship
• [22:22] Building trust between educators and students
• [23:56] Hunger for the next level
• [25:36] Technology advances at UMBC
• [27:32] ONE action for a dream chaser to take

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

Jeff Brown is the host and creator of the Read to Lead podcast, a top-ranked business and career podcast in iTunes. He spent 26 years in radio, and for 6 of those years he co-hosted an award-winning and nationally syndicated morning show. Using his background and talents, Jeff’s mission is to help you bridge the gap between intentionality and implementation. He does this through public speaking, mentoring, teaching, and most often through the Read to Lead podcast. Jeff is a firm believer in the mantra, “Leaders read and Readers lead.”

TWEET: “Getting the #job wasn’t as difficult as keeping the job.” @theJeffBrown

Changing paths:

How do you react when circumstances force you to change what you THOUGHT was your path? It’s something many dream chasers face, and it’s important to be aware when new opportunities present themselves. Jeff shares how he went from studying to be a music teacher to an “accidental” radio career. It all started with a crash course and led to his first radio job over 30 years ago!

TWEET: “I’ve been #fired from almost every #radio #job I’ve had.” #Overcomer @theJeffBrown

The Reluctant Podcaster:

Do you have an idea you’ve been hesitant to try out? Jeff first had an idea about podcasting LONG before he had the nerve to jump into it. He knew he had skills to learn, plans to make, and research to do---and it took one step at a time. It turns out that losing one job opened the doors for him to launch into podcasting. He admits that it took some poking and prodding from others for him to take the leap, but podcasting has led him to coaching and teaching about creating content and honing interviewing skills.

TWEET: “It took poking and prodding from others to convince me to start #podcasting.” @theJeffBrown

Inspiring people:

Do you know how to REALLY listen? Jeff shares his personal experience in his mastermind group and how each person was able to share skills that helped the others. In your group or on your team, the two most important skills are being present and listening. Learn how to block out distractions and protect “sacred” time, and learn to listen and let the conversation flow. Jeff says that mastering these skills will make you a valuable part of your team!

TWEET: “I had to get over the mental hurdle of what “reading” really is.” @theJeffBrown

Guest Recommendation: ONE action for a dream chaser to take—“The baby steps you take now may not feel like they make a big difference, but over time, they add up and they will be impactful.”

OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE:

• [1:58] Sharing gifts, giving value, and impacting others
• [2:46] How Jeff’s radio career began by accident
• [5:33] Getting and keeping a job in radio
• [8:13] Fighting for a job he loved
• [9:51] How Jeff “clicked” with the fickle field of radio
• [12:02] Jeff’s sign to move on
• [13:50] The plunge into podcasting
• [18:13] Surround yourself with positive people who are smarter than you
• [22:07] Realizing it’s time to move on
• [24:50] Two rules for your group or team
• [28:36] Jeff’s mantra and how Read to Lead began
• [31:27] The podcast episodes, authors, and the books
• [34:37] What it means to “give yourself permission”
• [37:13] When you don’t feel ready or worthy: Take action!
• [40:19] Jeff’s ONE action for a dream chaser to take

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE:

Jeff’s Website

Jeff on Facebook

Jeff on Instagram

Jeff on Twitter

Jeff on

Tavon Mason is a former NFL wide receiver for the NY Jets. A graduate from Woodlawn High School in 1998 with Aimee J., he accepted a full athletic scholarship to attend The University of Virginia. In 2011, after retiring from two seasons in the NFL and one season with the Baltimore Mariners in the indoor football league, Tavon started coaching high school football at Woodlawn and started his Tavon Mason Loves the Kids Foundation.

Today he is a defensive backs coach at Stevenson University, works for Baltimore County Public School System, is the VP of the NFLPA Baltimore Chapter, and is a published children’s book author, with his debut book, Tavon Does It All, which released in 2015.

TWEET: “One thing that helped me was to just go and play the game I love.” @TMLTKF 

When you have doubts about your journey:

Have your dreams changed along the way? Tavon explains how things changed for him from high school to college, when football became a business. Sometimes, your long-term dreams have to adjust, and most people don’t see the behind-the-scenes work that helps you go from one level to the next. Tavon shares how he prepared himself and did whatever it took.

TWEET: “Keep punching and pushing---eventually that wall will fall down.” @TMLTKF

When you have to go to Plan B:

Despite your best efforts, things don’t always work out like you want them to. Tavon explains how to know when it’s time to move to something else. And remember, moving to something else is NOT the same as quitting. You can honor your dream by chasing it your own way.

TWEET: “Moving on to something else isn’t the same as #quitting.” @TMLTKF

Giving Back:

Have you been in a position to touch the lives of others? Tavon explains his personal experience with kids looking up to him and wanting to live through him. Tavon had a vision to give back, even though it took a while for him to realize his dream. He started his foundation in 2011 and was not afraid to “pound the pavement” to get others to join his vision.

TWEET: “Something will always happen to tell you to sit your butt down.” @TMLTKF

Guest Recommendation: ONE action for a dream chaser to take—“Sit down and write out your goals. Work on them one goal at a time. Go 100% at it.”

OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE:

• [3:40] The dream of the NFL
• [6:20] The change from high school to college football
• [9:30] Staying positive
• [10:55] Finally making it to the NFL
• [12:20] Why leave pro football?
• [15:55] Moving to something else is NOT quitting
• [18:26] Giving back
• [21:00} Does Tavon sleep?
• [24:25] Take care of yourself first
• [27:00] Changing the mindset
• [29:00] Still giving back—with Tavon’s book
• [31:17] More books coming from Tavon
• [32:52] More ideas about what’s upcoming from Tavon
• [38:34] Making your own path
• [42:20] ONE action for a dream chaser to take

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE:

Tavon on Facebook

Tavon on Twitter

Tavon on Instagram

Tavon Does It All by Tavon Mason

Tavon’s Website 

TWEETS YOU CAN USE:

TWEET: “Be yourself and continue to push and great things will come.” @TMLTKF

TWEET: “Increase the love and decrease the hate.” @TMLTKF

https://youtu.be/UisO6si4KJw

As a nationally touring college circuit speaker, award-winning standup comedian, and certified life coach, Elaine Williams provides public speaking coaching advice to both beginning and experienced speakers, helping them deliver engaging videos and presentations with ease. Her focus on real skills enables speakers to overcome their nerves to deliver content that connects and entertains audiences so they stop and click or stand and clap. 

TWEET: “#Comedy made my life make sense for the first time.” @elainetweets

The One Consistent Thing:

What do I do with my pain? It’s a question we all have to answer when hard times come, and we know they do come to all of us. Elaine explains the relief she felt in using her personal pain to help others. After growing up in a very dysfunctional family, facing many problems, Elaine found musical theater to be the one consistent thing in her life. Musical theater has something for everyone, and it became a great outlet for her and is the passion she credits for saving her life.

TWEET: “All of this #pain was so I could help others.”@elainetweets

Finding Gold:

Do you find it hard to talk about the tough times in your life? It’s talking about them that can help change the attitudes of others. Dealing with hard issues takes bravery, but sharing your experiences can help others realize they aren’t alone in their difficulties. Elaine says that “the gold is found in the things that were most horrific for you.”

TWEET: 

When you don’t feel “good enough”:

How much attention do you pay to the advertising around you? For most of us, the answer is probably that we notice it WAY more than we should. Most advertising tells men and women that we aren’t good enough. The scary part is that these messages that imply our failure come at us from every direction and at lightning speed. Elaine shares how she endeavors to change the attitudes of the college students she addresses. Just remember, we are all flawed and imperfect—even the people we see in advertisements.

TWEET: “Be careful who you’re emulating.” @elainetweets

Guest Recommendation: ONE action for a dream chaser to take---“One of my mentors talks about baby steps. Every dream starts with small steps. If you want to be an actor or a comedian, then go take a class. Give yourself permission to start the journey.”

OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE:

• [1:25] Elaine’s story of searching
• [7:10] The lightbulb moment: how comedy led to the college circuit
• [12:35] Being a testament to tough times
• [15:50] Never say never!
• [18:45] The picture of ideal life that isn’t always reality
• [21:07] How each generation struggles
• [23:55] Why you shouldn’t strive for perfection
• [25:45] Accepting that you don’t need to be hard on yourself
• [29:05] Women supporting women
• [32:20] How we get caught up in reactions
• [34:35] Elaine’s ONE action for a dream chaser to take

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE:

Elaine’s website - Claim your free gift, Elaine’s Story Connect Tool, at www.captivatethecrowd.com/gift 

Elaine on Twitter

Elaine on Facebook

Elaine on LinkedIn

TWEETS YOU CAN USE:

TWEET: “Because we see #perfection all around us, we forget that we are all flawed and #imperfect.” @elainetweets

TWEET: “ #Women don’t have to compete with each other for the caveman anymore.” @elainetweets

TWEET:

Dani Jones is an artist, writer, children’s book illustrator, and comics creator. She is the author and illustrator of the picture books, Monsters VS. Kittens, and the sequel, Dinosaurs VS. Puppies. She also created the webcomic My Sister the Freak. For more than ten years, she’s worked as a freelance artist, drawing for books, magazines, apps, and games. She loves what she does and she’s here to tell us all about it!

Don’t be afraid to chase your dreams!

Dani has heard the question countless times, and you may have wondered the same thing: Can art actually make a living? When Dani graduated from college, she decided to jump right in and MAKE it happen for her. She knew that making a living from her art would take full effort, but it’s all she wanted to do. She shares how she stepped out of her comfort zone to chase her dreams.

TWEET: “Making #decisions is the most important thing, because they’re not going to be made for you.” @danidraws

Figuring out the next steps:

Have you felt the confusion of not knowing what the NEXT STEPS are? If you choose to be a doctor, lawyer, or teacher, then the path is set for you and you know what to expect. On the contrary, if you choose ART, like Dani, there is NO set structure to follow. You have to make your own decisions. Dani shares how she called an art director of a magazine, stepped out of her comfort zone, and landed her first job.

TWEET: “#Work on one thing at a time. Just keep working.” @danidraws

Find your corner:

How do you figure out exactly WHERE you belong? Being a successful artist isn’t about competing with other artists for work. It’s more about carving out a place for yourself. It’s about perseverance, pursuing your own things, and finding out what you like to do most. Dani’s advice is to find your corner, set your goals, step out of your comfort zone, and KEEP GOING!

TWEET: “You won’t get anywhere if you don’t do the things that scare you.” @danidraws

Guest Recommendation: ONE action for a dream chaser to take: “Make a goal. Make the decision. Give it a try.”

OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE:

• [1:10] Dani’s strong female characters in her web series
• [2:50] Making a living from art: Is it possible?
• [5:10] Art: Where there is no clear path to take, but endless possibilities
• [8:05] Stepping out of your comfort zone
• [9:00] Networking and making contacts
• [10:03] Dani’s FAQ section on her website, a go-to for artists
• [11:03] The idea for My Sister the Freak
• [13:53] Staying out of a rut
• [15:48] A typical day for Dani
• [17:50] How long projects take to finish
• [20:20] How one job leads to another
• [21:45] Being comfortable where you are
• [23:15] Ups and downs for artists
• [25:10] Competing with yourself and carving your own place
• [26:40] Finding your niche
• [27:50] Steps for artists to take
• [32:50] Different avenues for artists to make a living
• [36:20] Dani’s ONE action for dream chasers to take

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE:

Dani’sWebsite (Aimee’s Note: Check out her FAQ section; it’s a great read!)

Dani’s How to Find an Illustrator Guide

Dani on Twitter

Dani on Instagram

Dani on Tumblr 

Dani on Facebook

TWEETS YOU CAN USE:

TWEET: “You’ll have ups and downs through your entire #career, so you have to prepare for them.”...

Meet my new friend Azuka, who grew up in Nigeria, West Africa, and later moved to the US. He writes self-development books and travels worldwide to motivate people to follow their passion and live their dreams to the fullest capacity. He takes selfie photos to promote unity, ignite friendships, foster togetherness, and put smiles on people’s faces. He believes this endeavor makes people feel good about life and promotes a sense of love among all races and ages. Azuka is a Beverly Hills Book Award Winner and a fire-brand Motivational Speaker who inspires people to follow their passion and make positive changes to their lives. He is always under construction and believes in achieving BIG things with faith in the power and goodness of the Most High. Join me for Azuka’s inspiring story!

TWEET: Join us to find out why you should #live full and die empty as @zubby34 explains!

“My AHA Moment”:

Have you had that AHA moment when you realized what your purpose is? Azuka’s moment came when he realized he could live out what his mother had seen in him at a young age. She told him he had a “gift,” that she saw him doing great things, talking to people and counseling them. When he finally bought into what she saw, he began developing and fine-tuning his craft, reading books, working harder, and putting himself “out there.” He shares how he combined awareness and commitment to achieve his goals.

TWEET: “Nothing could stop me from pursuing my #dreams.” @zubby34 #chasingdreams

Being a BOLD, action person:

Have you ever been led to approach a stranger and ask a seemingly ridiculous question? Azuka shares the amazing story of how he approached a stranger in Nigeria about opportunities in America. His wildest dreams came true and he ended up with a Visa to go to the US through a series of very unusual events. What was the key? Taking the initiative, and, as he says, “The rest is history.”

TWEET: “No one will #believe in you if you don’t believe in yourself.” @zubby34

Letting go of Negative Energy:

What kind of people surround you? Do they see the possibility in you? Azuka shares what he’s encountered in today’s young people; they have dreams, but they lack the belief, the force, and the guidance to BELIEVE they can do it. They want to dream, but they are surrounded with negative energy from negative people. Listen to some great advice as Azuka explains how he ONLY allows positive people to influence his life!

TWEET: “If you hang around a negative person, you will show those traits.” @zubby34

Guest Recommendation: ONE action for a dream chaser to take—“Believe in yourself. Believe you can do it. Believe you have the power, capacity, and energy. Don’t worry about how it will all come together. Get out there and live whatever dream and passion you want to bring to the earth.”

OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE:

• [2:03] How I met Azuka and where he gets his desire to help people find their passion
• [3:39] Azuka’s role as a motivational speaker
• [5:45] How Azuka came to the US
• [15:07] Starting out in the US—working at Wendy’s!
• [18:54] Opportunities and experiences
• [21:00] How Azuka’s message is received
• [23:00] The next generation: Are they dreamers?
• [25:54] Azuka’s supportive network of positive people
• [31:43] Feeding off Azuka’s energy: NO time for negativity
• [33:41] Azuka’s emotional return to Nigeria
• [38:22] Azuka’s ONE action for dream chasers
• [41:31] Last words of advice from Azuka

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE:

Azuka on Instagram

Azuka on Twitter

Azuka on

As we approach Episode 100, I’ve decided to make THIS one a reflective one, instead of waiting for 100. It’s amazing just how far we’ve come and how far we will go! I’m constantly amazed! Since September 2015, we’ve had 28,887 downloads! We have listeners from many other countries; it’s mind-boggling and thrilling at the same time. Join me as we take a look back—and a look ahead!

TWEET: “When one listener is helped, that’s all that matters to me.”

Looking ahead:

How can I help you MORE in living your dream? I’m not just asking; I really want to know! Visit the website and take the survey there so I can get your feedback. I want to help you chase and achieve your dreams. Remember, you CAN chase more than one!

TWEET: “If you have a #dream, chase it!”

Recently, I asked for listeners to give me their top words or phrases that can motivate others. Here are the top five responses:

• No
• “Whether you think you can or can’t, either way, you’re right!” ---Henry Ford
• Progress is measured from 0, not 100
• “Begin with the end in mind.” –Stephen Covey
• YOU are your only limit

OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE:

• [0:00] Why this episode, and why now?
• [4:52] Looking back at what worked and what didn’t
• [6:30] Feedback from the survey
• [8:09] You can have more than one dream!
• [10:02] Top five answers to my Facebook question
• [21:25] Go chase your dreams---and take my survey!
• [22:43] Thanks to each listener!

TAKE THE CHASING DREAMS SURVEY:

data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://chasingdreamshq.com/cdsurvey&source=gmail&ust=1496875220094000&usg=AFQjCNGNCEete_MyveKUne141EY2cYHv6A">chasingdreamshq.com/cdsurvey

TWEETS YOU CAN USE:

TWEET: “ANY step you take toward your #dream is progress.”

TWEET: “Start thinking in ‘the CANS’ and not ‘the CAN’Ts’!”

https://youtu.be/XuZwmNWLBGQ