Chasing Dreams with Aimee J.

Today’s Chasing Dreams podcast features another of Aimee’s good friends, and a very smart guy, Dr. Oliver J. Myers. Oliver is an Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Clemson University. His story is one of perseverance for the sake of his dream. He worked full time while working to earn three degrees over the course of 7 years. He is a graduate of the University of Maryland Baltimore County for all three degrees of Bachelors, Masters and Doctorate in Mechanical Engineering. Today you’re going to hear from a guy who knows what it takes to make things you want to happen, happen.

TWEET: Perseverance is required in life. You don’t have another choice ~ Dr. Oliver Myers

Disappointment doesn’t have to be a closed door.

Dr. Oliver Myers was working hard to get the degrees he wanted, but when he wanted to pursue a fellowship, he was denied the opportunity to even apply for the fellowship. As he was pursuing his PHd, a vital mentor left the program and he had to try to find a way forward without him. He tried a couple of options, and none of them worked. So he returned to the program and started again from square one. But he didn’t quit. That’s an amazing amount of determination, and you’re going to hear the kind of mindset that fueled that determination, on this episode of Chasing Dreams.

I would do it again, but I would tweak how I did it.

That’s what Dr. Myers says when asked if he’d make the same sacrifices if he had to do it all over again. In hindsight, he can see that there are things he could have done with greater discipline or more wisdom. But now that it’s all over, Oliver feels that he has to press on in spite of the things he would have changed. No regrets. That’s what he says.

TWEET: You have challenges, you have to overcome them. ~ Dr. Oliver Myers

Stay true to yourself and never give up.

Too many people let discouragement and difficulty push them away from fulfilling their desires. There’s no reason that has to happen. It will take hard work and an intentionality about life, but you can do it. Today’s guest is convinced of that, and Dr. Oliver Myer’s experience and success proves it. Listen to this episode to hear the many things he’s done in pursuit of his own dreams, and learn how you can apply some of his sage but simple advice to pursue your dreams.

If you want to grow, to learn, and to succeed, you have to be uncomfortable.

Growth happens because something unusual or challenging upsets the status quo. It’s uncomfortable when that happens, but you have to get used to it. So many people make it their goal in life to never be uncomfortable, and they’re the people who never grow beyond the point they’ve reached. Dr. Oliver Myers says that the only way you can grow is to become comfortable with being uncomfortable. Take it as a challenge. Determine that nothing will upset you and nothing will stop you. That’s how you learn. That’s how you succeed. That’s how you get the dreams you’re chasing.

TWEET: If you’re going to succeed, you have to become comfortable with being uncomfortable

OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE:

• [0:50] Aimee’s introduction of Dr. Oliver Myers.
• [4:10] Why Oliver worked his way through school instead of taking out loans.
• [8:00] The “calling” to be an engineer and how Dr. Myers pursued it from an early age.
• [8:40] The struggles Oliver has faced trying to get through his education
• [12:03] Losing his guide in the midst of his PHd program.
• [17:57] Dr. Myer’s involvement with the Seal-Fit program.
• [21:00] Advice about undergraduate students pursuing graduate degrees.
• [25:12] The work Dr. Myer is doing now, researching nano technologies.
• [28:30] The rapid fire game.
• [29:10] Oliver’s advice to those wanting to chase their dreams.

DR. MYER’S RECOMMENDATION:

Stay true to yourself. Don’t give up on your dreams. Go do

Today’s guest, and one of Aimee’s friends, is Zephan Moses Blaxberg. He’s the host of the Year Of Purpose Podcast where he interviews motivators and inspirational humans from all over the world who are living life on their own terms. That sounds like a ton of fun, doesn’t it? But it’s not where he began. He was a typical college grad who was dreaming about the great job he was about to go find. He did find that job, doing what he loved, but after a year or so the company was sold and was laid off. What happened then? You’ll get to hear the entire story on this episode of Chasing Dreams.

TWEET: If you’re looking for more, there is definitely a way to find it. Go out and let life surprise you

Finding the dream you want to chase isn’t always clearly defined at the beginning.

Zephan Moses Blaxberg, today’s guest, has held every job in the book - from pastry chef to working at the Apple Store Genius Bar. But working for other people (even Apple) wasn’t what he was cut out for. When someone challenged him that he was made for more, he founded a highly successful video production company that landed him opportunities that led to the White House and on set for a Netflix Original Series. His videos can be seen in football stadiums and on major TV stations across the United States. But as you can tell, his path there wasn’t a direct route, and he’s learned lots of lessons along the way. Hear this unbelievable journey of a go-for-it guy, on this episode of Chasing Dreams with Aimee J.

Taking time off to travel around the country without an expense.

After realizing that there was more to life than settling for the script that had been handed down to him, Zephan took a two month hiatus from life and his business. He decided to take a lifelong dream trip to California and spent the time couch-surfing and travel hacking his way around the country. When he got back, he put together “The Year Of Purpose” along with his book, Life Re-Scripted: Find Your Purpose & Design Your Dream Life Before The Curtains Close. You can hear how Zephan pulled off all of this and more in this conversation.

TWEET: Most of the time you have to take a chance in order to allow adventure to happen.

Rescripting his own life and where it led him.

The Adventures Zephan Moses Blaxberg has embarked upon eventually led him to the point of going through a deep personal examination of who he is as an individual. His decision moving forward was to rewrite his life, to make his life what he wanted it to be rather than what was expected either by him or by others. He started taking big action to make that happen. He planned and worked out the details to pull of a huge virtual summit. He created his podcast. He wrote a book. And in the process of all those projects he found himself becoming the person he wanted to be. His journey and attitude are amazing and you’ll love to hear how he got there, on this episode.

Another year to do even crazier and more exciting things.

Zephan Blaxberg is eager to see what the new year brings. He has plans that he’s working toward but he also knows that there are lots of amazing things ahead that he can’t plan… and he doesn’t want to overplan. It’s part of the adventure and live he wants to live to allow life to happen to him as he’s pursuing the things that are on his heart and mind. 2016 promises to be a big year for him, and Aimee is confident it will be. She’s seen the spark of life in him that pushes people to move forward and take life by the throat. Listen to this guy’s story. He’s contagious.

TWEET: One of the biggest keys to success is messing up ~ Zephan Moses Blaxberg

OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE:

• [0:50] Aimee’s introduction of her guest, Zephan Moses...

Most of the time the Chasing Dreams podcast highlights guests who have interesting journeys toward the fulfillment of their dreams. But for the end of the year Aimee decided to do something a little bit different. She invited her sisters to come on the show to turn the tables. They are interviewing her to give you a bit of the backstory behind, Aimee, the Chief Dream Chaser who keeps the Chasing Dreams podcast and brand rolling. You’ll likely be very surprised at all the things Aimee is skilled at and doing. So sit back, grab a warm drink, and get to know Aimee on this episode of Chasing Dreams.

TWEET: I want to leave an impact on the world, so it’s better than when I came into it ~ Aimee J.

Do you have a “day job” while chasing your dreams?

You’re not alone. In fact, most people start out chasing their dreams on the side while a full time job continues to provide the bulk of their income as the dream builds. Aimee is no different, though her full time job is something she truly loves. She’s working on the Chasing Dreams podcast and brand behind the scenes in her “off” time from her full time job. But doing that enables her to maintain the stability she wants in life while still adding things to her life that are enjoyable and fun for her to do! You can hear how Aimee thinks about that tension between work and dreams, on this episode.

A full time employee, owner of a software company, and podcast host - all at the same time.

It’s not easy to juggle so many things. In fact, when Aimee was asked what it’s like to do so many things, her immediate answer was, “exhausting.” But she was quick to communicate that it’s also worth it, and she wouldn’t change a thing. It’s part of the cost you have to pay if you’re serious about chasing your dreams, and Aimee serves as a great example of someone willing to do it. If you’re serious about your dreams, stop for a moment and ask yourself what’s holding you back from going for them. Is it laziness? Is it a lack of discipline? What can you do to put yourself in a place to get moving on those things? Hear how Aimee thinks about those things on this episode of Chasing Dreams.

TWEET: Dreams aren’t only about your career. Whatever it is, go for it! ~ Aimee J.

You’ve got to put your dream out there and go for it!

Aimee’s pursued many dreams in her life, only to find that the process of actually “chasing” them is part of what defines them. She’s been to college, law school, and has learned software engineering, which she loves. She’s now adding her podcast and online business efforts to that mix. It’s all of those things combined that have enabled her to know what she’s about and what she want’s to chase. So don’t be shy. Don’t hold back because you’re uncertain exactly what it is you want to chase. The process will define that and you won’t know until you get into it.

Tools you can use to help you chase your dreams.

One of the difficult parts of chasing a dream while the rest of life is going on is staying organized. To help her create systems, keep track of things she has to do, and make the most of her time, Aimee has a handful of great software tools that she feels she couldn’t do without. Among them are Google Drive, Evernote, Lastpass, and others. You can hear how she uses some of these on this episode, and why she feels it’s vital to have reliable tools that can help you chase your dream.

TWEET: Inspiration, motivation, and resources to help you chase your dreams, on this episode

OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE:

• [0:50] Introduction to this “special” episode for the Chasing Dreams show.
• [1:53] What Aimee did before she started the Chasing Dreams podcast.
• [4:12] Aimee’s dreams presently and how she connects her “day jobs” with her side projects, like podcasting.
• [8:27] At what point did the podcast come into the dreams?
• [11:30] Why it’s important to truly put your dream...

What should you do if you feel like you have so many dreams that you don’t know which to pursue first? Do you give up on some of them? Do you try to do all of them at once? Today’s guest might give you some things to think about when it comes to those difficult questions. Tina C. Williams is an entrepreneur, author, attorney, and educator. Her “day job” is running her company, TCecure LLC, which provides security, intelligence, and critical infrastructure protection services to clients. She is also a recently published author of a book of poetry titled L.I.F.E. (Living is for Eternity). As you can see, she’s pretty busy and has tons of dreams herself. Her perspective on dream chasing is one you’ll want to hear, on this episode.

TWEET: Making different dreams happen while you can, on this episode of #ChasingDreams

How did Tina’s book of poetry come about?

Tina’s been writing her poetry for years and just now it’s all come together in a self-published tome that she says is a dream come true. L.I.F.E. is a passion project that she’s worked on for a very long time. In this conversation she shares her process with Aimee, how she decided to self-publish, and why she went that way when there were other options available. If one of your dreams is to publish a book, you can go about it in a number of ways, and Tina’s path can give you plenty of inspiration and ideas to pursue your dream of authorship.

Carrying the weight of a number of areas of expertise.

Looking at Tina’s resume and qualifications, you’d think that she is a person who doesn’t really know what she wants to do with her life. She’s a certified computer technician in a number of areas of specialty, a lawyer, an author, and an entrepreneurial business owner. Why did she pursue all of those areas? It’s partly because she’s a multi-faceted, multi-talented person. But she also chases her dreams, no matter what. She doesn’t allow herself to be limited by the things that many people would - too much to keep track of, not enough time… you know, the normal excuses. Hear how Tina has chased all of these dreams on this episode.

TWEET: Running a business that others can depend on, on this episode of #ChasingDreams

It’s scary to run your own business.

Especially when employees are depending on you. Tina’s quick to point out that anyone wanting to start a business to support themselves is probably capable of doing it, but to take it the next level and begin hiring people is another thing altogether. She regularly feels the weight of the people within her business who depend on her and on her business to support them and their families. But she doesn’t shrink back from that responsibility. She loves that she can support others and make it possible for them to thrive, and she’s diligent to ensure that her business is organized and run in a way that enables it to be solid for their sake. Hear more of Tina’s insights into business and how she goes about running her company day to day, on this episode of Chasing Dreams.

Her faith has guided her every step of the way.

One thing you’ll know about Tina in a very short matter of time is that she’s unafraid to speak about her faith, one of the most important things in her life. She says that her Christian faith has enabled her to keep her bearings when thousands of things were coming at her and has supplied the grace she’s needed to carry the very heavy burdens that have been entrusted to her. She’s thankful for the wisdom and strength her faith provides every day. When you’re chasing your dreams, it’s important to have something bigger than you to hold onto, and Tina’s story is an example of why that is. You can hear more of Tina’s faith journey into authorship and the business world on this episode of Chasing Dreams.

TWEET: What do you do when you seem to have too many dreams? Find out on this episode

OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE:

• [0:49]...

Dozie Onunkwo, Ph.D. is an entrepreneur and scientist from Riverdale, MD, who obtained a Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering from Purdue University in Dec. 2010. While working 3 years as a biomedical engineer, he pursued his passion for entrepreneurship and fitness by founding BN Shape, a worldwide fitness lifestyle brand that promotes the pursuit and maintenance of a healthy, fit community while encouraging the individuals who thrive within it. He now runs BN Shape full-time and recently joined neurotechnology startup, Neuro Vigor, as a scientific and business expert. This conversation is about Dozie’s journey from Ph.D. student to entrepreneur and the successes he’s experienced because of his hard work.

TWEET: Build your business by learning as you move forward, on this episode of Chasing Dreams

Success comes from being willing to do things that others aren’t will to do.

That’s what Dozie Onunkwo says of the way he started his clothing and fitness business. When he got the idea and knew that he wanted to pursue it, he started exploring how to do the things he had in mind. It took a long time and lots of research. He had many sleepless nights because he was busy working, building his business. Clearly, he was chasing a dream that he was convinced he should be chasing and he was willing to do the things it took to get there. How committed are you to your dreams? What are you willing to do in order to see them happen? Get a shot of inspiration on this episode of Chasing Dreams with Aimee J.

Taking his personal skills and applying them to his dream.

Being Ph.D. student, Dozie Onunkwo knew how to do research. He knew what it took to get to the bottom of a question or problem. He took those researching skills and combined them with perseverance to begin researching his business. He learned how to pick good products based on market research. He learned how to design his clothing line the way he wanted it to be. He put together every piece of his business by leveraging his existing skill set into the new environment of entrepreneurism. You’ll enjoy hearing how Dozie did it, on this episode.

TWEET: Leverage existing skills to maximize new opportunities, on this episiode of Chasing Dreams

Why you must learn how to deal with failure.

Every dream is going to have its setbacks. Every time you chase your dream you’re going to take steps that seem right at the time, but turn out to wrong. Those disappointments and failures are going to be a reality of your dream chasing journey, so you’ve got to know to deal with them. Today’s guest, Dozie Onunko says that one of the main skills that entrepreneurs need to develop is the ability to accept failure, learn from it, and put those lessons to work for you. You can hear Dozie’s advice about facing failure, on this episode.

The importance of getting rid of negativity in your life.

When Aimee asked Dozie Onunko, her guest today, what he would recommend to people who are out there chasing their dreams, he gave this powerful advice: Remove all negativity from your life. It sounds like common sense. We all know that negativity can drag you down. But he took it farther to say that you might have to get yourself away from negative people - friends, family members, other people you love - simply because they are not yet capable of supporting you in the pursuit of your dream in the way you need. It’s a powerful piece of advice that is only a taste of what Dozie has to share from his story, so make sure you listen to this episode.

TWEET: Ruthlessly remove all negativity from your life ~ Dr. Dozie Onunkwo, on this episode

OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE:

• [1:05] Aimee’s introduction to her guest, Dr. Dozie Onunkwo.
• [3:40] The benefits...

Today’s guest is Tony Woodall. Tony is involved in so many different things, it’s really mind boggling. He’s a man of different talents. He’s an Electronic Content Management Specialist, a blogger, a speaker, a podcaster, and author of “The 9 Steps To Successful Goal Achievement: The How To Guide For Goal Setting Success!” One of Tony's first passions is helping people succeed and improve their careers and lives. He created a training program, “GoalGetting, Don't Just Set'em, Get'em” as a way to share the skills needed to set goals effectively, use techniques to change the negative, limiting beliefs and thoughts in the subconscious mind and turn them into goal-achieving, success-oriented, positive beliefs and thoughts that will allow you to Get The Goals You Set! You’ll enjoy this conversation. Tony’s a great guy!

TWEET: The 9 steps to achieving any goal, on this episode of #ChasingDreams with Aimee J

What are limiting beliefs and why are they so difficult to overcome?

Whether you’ve heard the term “limiting beliefs” or not, they’ve impacted your life to a great degree. To simply define the idea, limiting beliefs are the things you believe that are not true, but you live as if they are. The reason these beliefs are so powerful is because you accept them without question and they dictate what you will do, attempt, or follow through on. They’re incredibly difficult to overcome because you don’t see them. It takes a lot of work to recognize them, identify them, and begun “unprogramming” yourself from that wrong belief. Tony Woodall helps people overcome limiting beliefs all the time and he’s going to unpack the concept of overcoming them, on this episode of Chasing Dreams.

TWEET: Your #LimitingBeliefs are showing! Find out how to overcome them on this episode

To accomplish your goals you’ve got to be clear on WHAT it is you want to achieve.

And by clear, today’s guest means CRYSTAL CLEAR. So clear that you can write it down. Why is writing it down so important? Because if you can’t write it down, you won’t be dedicated to exactly what it is. You won’t be able to know when you’ve accomplished it. You won’t experience the exhilaration and confidence that comes with accomplishing your goal. But you’ve also got to determine some sort of realistic timeframe for achieving it. Notice the word “realistic” in there. You can’t make a goal to become a millionaire and tie it into a one week timeframe. You’ve got to be smart about it, setting a time limit that is both realistic but challenging. Tony Woodall is an expert on this stuff, so be sure you take a listen to his explanation of these vital aspects of goal setting.

After you know WHAT you’re going for, you’ve got to determine HOW you’re going to get it.

Some people call this an “action plan.” Others consider it to be the steps that make up the goal. No matter what you call it, you’ve got to systematically figure out how you’re going to move toward your goal. Doing this gives you tangible steps you can take, day by day, to move you toward the goal. It’s a great part of what will keep you motivated as you slog through the grind of getting things done. It’s an important aspect of seeing your goal come to fruition right before your eyes as you do things every day to make it happen. Without this vital piece, you’re sure to miss the goal altogether. Find out more on this episode as Aimee J chats with Tony Woodall about his “9 Steps to Successful Goal Achievement.”

The motivation piece of every goal: the WHY.

You remember the kid in your neighborhood who always asked, “Why?” Then when you told him, he asked, “Why?” again! You know, that kid was on to something important. Knowing exactly and clearly “why” you are going for the goal you are is the foundational thing that will keep you motivated every day as you do the hard work of overcoming obstacles, beating down roadblocks, and ignoring the negative voices so that...

Today’s guest is Frank J. Sileo, PhD. He’s a NJ licensed psychologist and the Founder and Executive Director of The Center for Psychological Enhancement in Ridgewood. In his practice, Frank works with children, adolescents, families and adults. Since 2010, he has been consistently recognized as one of NJ’s top kids’ doctors. He is an author of five children’s books, including “Sally Sore Loser: A Story about Winning and Losing.” That book was a Gold Medal recipient of the prestigious Mom’s Choice Award. His fifth children’s book,m “Don’t Put Yourself Down in Circus Town: A Story about Self-Confidence” was just released in February of 2015. Dr. Sileo is chasing his dreams by helping people deal with the problems life throws their way - from children to adults. You’ll hear his story on this episode of Chasing Dreams.

TWEET: A successful psychologist and children’s author, on this episode of #ChasingDreams

How a successful psychologist began writing children’s books.

Dr. Frank Sileo liked to write when he was younger but as his career developed he lost the time and reason behind the writing. When he began working with children in his psychology practice be noticed that the power of stories and some of his therapy modalities geared around storytelling were powerful ways to help children sort out their feelings and receive help. That’s when he got the idea to write books for children that taught about important issues in their lives. His books have been well received and many children and parents have told him the great benefit they have been. You can hear how he went about being published and what he hopes his books will accomplish, on this episode of Chasing Dreams.

What did it take to become a published children’s author?

There are many popular answers to a question like this - dedication, hard work, talent, etc. - and none of them are any less true in Dr. Frank Sileo’s case, but he adds the quality of persistence to the mix. He was determined to get his books published because he knew the good they could do for many children, so he kept sending out manuscripts and making contact with publishers until he found one who would publish his work. If you’re a Dream Chaser who’s eager to have your own writing published, Frank’s story could give you a great shot of encouragement, so be sure to listen.

TWEET: What it took to become a successful children’s author, on this episode of #ChasingDreams

The serious lack of self-confidence in our culture.

It’s hard to say what the source of our self-confidence crisis is, but it’s very evident that it exists. Adults, as well as children, seem plagued with a lack of confidence in their abilities. Dr. Frank Sileo deals with the confidence issues people struggle with in his psychology practice every day. He believes that with the right help everyone can overcome a low or sagging self-confidence to become a blessing to the world around them. In this episode of Chasing Dreams Dr. Sileo shares his thoughts on the difference that every person can make to their family, friends, and the world if they can find the strength to confidently be who they’ve been made to be.

A recommendation for all you Dream Chasers: Journaling.

One of the tools that Dr. Frank Sileo uses in his psychology practice that he believes can be of great benefit to every person is the practice of journaling. It’s an opportunity to unscramble the millions of thoughts you have everyday, getting them out on paper so you can look at them and process what they mean. Dr. Frank recommends that you do not editorialize or censor yourself when you journal, but that you just write. As a famous minister once said, “Thoughts disentangle themselves when they flow from the lips or fingertips.” Dr. Frank couldn’t agree more. Hear his advice on how to get started journaling on this episode of Chasing Dreams, with Aimee J.

TWEET: Learn how...

Today’s podcast episode is motivated by Aimee’s desire to have all of her listeners hear her guest’s story. Kara Gott Warner, Creative Knitting Magazine Executive Editor, and host of Power Purls Podcast, began her career designing knitting patterns in 2002. Her designs have been published in several magazines, including: Creative Knitting, Vogue Knitting, Family Circle Easy Knitting and Interweave Knits. Kara has a background as a technical illustrator, working with craft book publishers such as Random House, Lark Books, Sterling Publishing and F+W. Kara first joined Annie's Publishing in 2008 as knitting book editor, and then in 2010 signed on as Executive Editor of Creative Knitting Magazine and Annie’s knitting publications. Through Power Purls Podcast, Kara's mission is to dig deep and ask those burning questions about what turned her guests on to the “two sticks and fiber,” in the first place, and what keeps their needles moving!

TWEET: If you just focus on one small aspect of your industry, it’s going to be hard ~ Kara Gott Warner

The negative power of pigeonholing yourself.

When Kara Gott Warner began working full time as editor of Creative Knitting Magazine, she became aware of the ease with which knitters could pigeonhole themselves. To her, it seemed that too many would lump themselves into a certain skill category and feel that they were unable to move from there. Kara felt that the categories needed to be broader, so she created new categories to enable people to more easily move from one to the next without as much fear of stepping out of their comfort zone. Isn’t that a great parable for life? We all too easily think of ourselves in one set way when the reality is that each of us has the ability to grow, mature, and increase in skill so that we are not today what we were tomorrow. Hear more of Kara’s insights on this episode.

Luck is when preparation meets opportunity.

It’s common nowadays for people to talk about the impossibility of overnight success and today’s guest, Kara Gott Warner agrees. Her journey from an unhappy financier to editor of Creative Knitting Magazine was almost a decade long. She attributes the success she’s experienced to constant motion in the same direction. She wasn’t standing still. She was moving toward what she wanted, preparing herself, learning, growing in the skills it would take to become what she wanted to be. In this episode Kara unpacks her thoughts about how that happened in her own journey and gives some advice about the importance of preparing yourself for the future while you’re waiting for the opportunities to come.

TWEET: I was on a trajectory I didn’t like and my husband encouraged me to quit ~ Kara Gott Warner

When you truly care about something you just can’t quit.

Kara Gott Warner had a reintroduction to knitting in her early 20s. It became a place of solace and personal therapy for her at the end of a hard or busy day. She fell in love with knitting and began designing patterns of her own. But it wasn’t long before she realized that she wanted to somehow make her love for knitting into a career. That might sound crazy because knitting doesn’t sound like a very lucrative business niche, and it’s not. But Kara didn’t care about that. Her desire was to always have knitting be near the center of her life and that included her work. So she set out in that direction and never looked back. Even though hard times came, she didn’t allow herself to become discouraged because she cared about knitting so much. Aimee does a great job of drawing out Kara’s story and the lessons she’s learned on her way to the top, so be sure you listen in to this inspiring episode.

Looking back, what things would you change?

Most of us have missteps or regrets of one kind or...

In today’s episode of “Chasing Dreams” Aimee is chatting with Elizabeth Varghese, a woman who’s chasing her dream of serving the community at the UMMA Center, an education and training facility located in one of the poorest communities in the metro Chicago area. Along with working hard to help students progress along their educational and career paths at UMMA, Elizabeth is an active member of the Indian Orthodox Church where she spends most of her time and dedicates most of her talents. Along with dancing, traveling, coloring and lollygagging with friends, she enjoys spending time in the service of others. You’ll enjoy hearing Elizabeth’s story of moving from a business management education into a life of full time service to her community.

TWEET: From a business management degree to a community service career

A business management degree that took a turn for the better.

When today’s guest on Chasing Dreams, Elizabeth Varghese, graduated from college it was a business management degree that she held in her hand. She was happy to have her degree but wasn’t sure what it would mean in terms of her future work. Through a string of events, including a trip to India, Elizabeth became convinced that she needed to do something a bit unorthodox by stepping outside her intended career path to “give back” to the community in some way. In this episode you’re going to hear that story and how Elizabeth has become a full time employee at the UMMA Center, an educational facility in the heart of the city. Chasing your dreams doesn’t always mean you build bigger and better things in the culture’s eyes. Sometimes it means you find a place you can serve.

The trip that changed everything.

Elizabeth Varghese had graduated college and decided to go on a trip to India, the land her family was from. As she visited the northern regions of that vast country she saw conditions that people were living in daily that were far below poverty levels in the United States. Her heart went out to the people she saw there and something inside her stirred. She knew that she wanted to do something to help. But being engaged to a wonderful man back in the U.S. told her right away that her desire may need to be channeled in a different direction. When she returned from her trip Elizabeth heard about the UMMA Center and walked in to volunteer. What happened was not what she expected but exactly what her heart was telling her she should do. Hear her story on this episode.

TWEET: Chasing the dream of helping her community, with Elizabeth Varghese

Service for the sake of people, not results.

Elizabeth Varghese admits that one of the hardest parts of the work she does at the UMMA center is waiting to see the results of the love and concern she pours into the lives of those who come into the center. And sometimes she never gets to see any fruit from her efforts. But the dream she’s chasing is not about seeing the results, it’s simply about serving people in ways that matter. The education and training her work provides for those who live in poverty or difficult circumstances is doing exactly that. So even though she doesn’t always see the changes in people’s lives that she is hoping for, she’s accomplishing exactly what she set out to do. Elizabeth’s perspective is refreshing, so be sure you get a dose of it for yourself by listening.

How could your dreams be used to serve others?

Whether you’re making music or painting portraits, teaching children or serving in a community center like Elizabeth Varghese, your dream should in some way be about helping others. Even business ventures can be structured in a way that people are being served. What is your dream and how does it relate to being a blessing to the people it will touch? You are the only one who can ask that question and make its answer become a reality. That’s what the Chasing Dreams...

Today’s guest on “Chasing Dreams” is Loretta Veney. Loretta is a 30 year security professional who teaches and provides security assessments and security management and operations training courses for a variety of clients and universities. She's been an instructor at Webster University in St. Louis for 17 years. But Loretta has done much more than that in pursuit of her dreams. She is also an author of a book, "Being My Mom's Mom,” published in 2013. The book outlines the journey Loretta walked alongs her mother as she battled dementia. As a result of her experience and her book Loretta has toured the country and has spoken about her book for a national memory care chain and for the Alzheimer's Association. But there’s so much more to Loretta. Her contagious enthusiasm and zest for life are obvious in this conversation. You’ll want to hear the interaction on this episode.

TWEET: Dealing with dementia, a touching story on this episode of Chasing Dreams

Writing a book about a personal and painful journey.

When Loretta Veney’s mother was diagnosed with dementia, it was like the world stood still. She had already seen some of the signs of the condition but wasn’t prepared for something so definitive. The path she walked was something nobody could really be ready for, but she walked it with bravery and strength for the sake of her mother. Loretta was already skilled at keeping a journal of sorts and she decided to chronicle her mother’s journey through dementia and to outline the steps she had to take in becoming her caretaker and guardian. The result is Loretta’s book, “Being My Mom’s Mom,” a heartfelt and touching look into the path of a family dealing with an unchanging reality. Hear Loretta’s hopeful recounting of the journey, on this episode.

A hobby turned to a business. Every Dream Chaser’s dream!

Loretta Veney has always loved building art and structures with LEGO bricks in her spare time and her love for this simple kids’ toy took her further than she ever dreamed. As an instructor at Webster University she also uses LEGO bricks as tools for learning in almost all of her classes. But she didn’t stop there. She's become a certified LEGO Serious Play facilitator through which she teaches LEGO Art to kids, and uses LEGOs to teach emergency planning to security and emergency management students. There’s so much more to Loretta’s story and the way she’s maximized her interest in something as simple as a toy into a business and beyond. Aimee’s got the whole story for you on this episode, so make sure you listen.

TWEET: How Legos have translated into a consulting and coaching business

LEGO Serious Play as a business opportunity.

LEGO Serious Play is a business-improvement, problem solving, and communications tool which is lots of fun!! Loretta Veney is a certified LEGO Serious Play facilitator and trainer and has used her skills and LEGOS in 2, 4 or entire day workshops where participants use LEGO bricks and their creativity to improve teamwork and communications. The work Loretta gets to do as a Serious Play facilitator is some of the most rewarding things she does. She’s seen companies and families discover more about each other and about the inner workings of their relationships and has been honored to be a part of it. It’s an intriguing idea, isn’t it? It’s also one of the most unique ways you’ll ever hear of someone chasing their dreams. Loretta’s got lots to share, so do what you can do listen to her conversation with Aimee.

Multiple streams of income: a great idea for every Dream Chaser

Some people who are true Dream Chasers seem so busy you wonder when they even sleep! Loretta Veney is one of those people. She says it’s not that she’s driven or has a hard time saying, “No” to things, it’s that she’s committed to developing multiple income streams for herself, and part of what is required to do that is a serious investment of time....