Choose Your Perspective

Rita Ernst the Positivity Influencer and organizational psychologist dedicated to “igniting positivity @ work that delivers retention, cost savings & performance

About Rita:

• An Amazon best‑selling author, known for Show Up Positive, aimed at helping individuals and teams show up with optimism and purpose

• Founder of Ignite Your Extraordinary, a consulting practice focused on aligning happiness and productivity to foster positive, high-performing workplace cultures

• Over 25 years of experience in organizational psychology, offering speaking engagements, workshops, and bespoke consulting to repair toxic cultures and boost engagement—often delivering measurable results within 30–90 days.

• Hosts “The Story I’m Telling Myself” podcast, delving into mindset transformation, overcoming limiting beliefs, self-worth, and grief—often featuring guests like psychologists, coaches, and diversity advocates

Patrick helps technology and finance leaders pioneer change within their organizations. He guides leaders at the point in their careers where the next step isn't about gaining more expertise - but making the leap to true self-understanding.His coaching and training approach is built on 25 years of experience in the finance industry, where he served as technology manager director leading teams of engineers around with world.Additionally, he's a certified mindfulness teacher with many years of teaching and personal practice.Before his corporate and coaching career, Patrick spent years as a touring rock musician, recording with Stiff Records and performing across the U.S. and Europe. That experience taught him more about presence, improvisation, and leading in uncertain conditions than any leadership book ever could. It’s a background that gives him a unique lens into creativity, resilience, and human connection—qualities he tries to bring into every coaching conversation.

Sam is a serial entrepreneur turned spiritual seeker, keynote speaker, certified breathwork facilitator, and #1 bestselling author of SOUL/Life Balance. Based in Santa Cruz, California, Sam is on a mission to redefine the traditional concept of work-life balance by emphasizing the importance of nurturing one's inner self—a concept he calls "SOUL/Life Balance" .Instagram+8samkabert.com+8Untether Your Life+8samkabert.com+2ZEN Hustlers+2Instagram+2

In his early 30s, Sam achieved significant business success, founding ventures like SwagWorx and Clone Yourself University, and earning recognition as one of Silicon Valley’s “40 Under 40” . Despite these accomplishments, he experienced a profound sense of emptiness, leading him to explore deeper aspects of personal fulfillment. This journey included practices like yoga, meditation, and plant medicine ceremonies, notably with Ayahuasca, which catalyzed his transformation from a work-centric lifestyle to one focused on inner well-being .Medium+2ZEN Hustlers+2sessions-cron.shrm.org+2samkabert.com+1Medium+1

Sam now dedicates his work to promoting mental health and mindfulness, particularly within professional environments. Through his keynote speeches, workshops, and coaching sessions, he introduces audiences to the principles of SOUL/Life Balance, offering practical tools to manage stress and cultivate self-awareness . His approach integrates breathwork techniques, such as the 4-7-8 method, to help individuals anchor themselves in moments of overwhelm .Medium+1booktopspeakers.com+1samkabert.comLinkedIn

In addition to his speaking engagements, Sam is the host of the Soul Seekr podcast, where he delves into topics related to personal growth, spirituality, and mental wellness. His book, SOUL/Life Balance, provides a framework for individuals seeking to align their professional ambitions with their inner values and well-being .ZEN Hustlers+3Untether Your Life+3Medium+3founderreports.com+9samkabert.com+9samkabert.com+9

To learn more about Sam Kabert's work or to engage with his resources, visit his official website at samkabert.com. You can also follow him on Instagram at @samkabert for insights into his teachings and practices.

Draft

Marques Ogden is a former NFL offensive lineman who has reinvented himself as a motivational speaker, business coach, and author.

We spoke about the power of grit and the importance of constantly choosing your perspective throughout life.

Selected by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the sixth round of the 2003 NFL Draft and went on to play for several teams, including the Jaguars, Baltimore Ravens, Buffalo Bills, & Tennessee Titans.

After retiring from professional football, Marques founded Kayden Premier Enterprises, a construction company based in Baltimore, Maryland. The business experienced rapid growth but ultimately collapsed. This period marked a significant turning point in his life a moment when he had to choose his perspective.

Determined to rebuild, Marques transitioned into motivational speaking, sharing his experiences to inspire others.

Ogden is also a 3-time best-selling author, with works including "Sleepless Nights" and "The Success Cycle," & also hosts the podcast "Authenticity with Marques Ogden"

Marques's journey from NFL success to financial ruin and his subsequent resurgence, emphasizes the importance of humility, grit, and growth and above all the power of choosing your perspective!

Steve Spiro is a dynamic keynote speaker, published author, and the creator of The Master Connector Show . Once a shy and introverted individual, Steve’s personal journey is a powerful testament to transformation and resilience. His early life was shaped by financial hardship and quiet struggle, but those challenges ignited a deep ambition to build a better future.

After co-founding an advertising company in New York City right out of college, Steve discovered his true path through the discipline of martial arts. Earning a 4th-degree black belt in Karate and a 1st-degree black belt in JuJitsu, he not only transformed physically but also experienced profound mental and spiritual growth. This journey laid the foundation for his passion in mentorship, personal development, and connection.

Today, Steve is known as “The Master Connector,” inspiring individuals—especially introverts—and sales professionals to break out of their shells and build authentic, agenda-free relationships that drive real growth. His mission is to shift people from scarcity to abundance by fostering deeper human connection in both life and business.

Whether on stage, on screen, or in conversation, Steve leads with heart, purpose, and the unshakable belief in the power of paying it forward.

Learn more or connect with Steve at spiro-global.com

I had the pleasure of having Tara Hoffman on the Podcast. Tara is an acclaimed author and has written several books including "A Wild thought...a Calm Mind" Where she shares her perspective on the power of nature & animals. In the podcast we discuss how we can find perspective, simplicity and pure beauty in life with the help of the natural world around us. We take a deep dive on how in many ways we must connect to our natural surroundings and animal friends in order to truly choose our perspective and live a beautiful and easy life.

Tara's book:https://www.amazon.com/Wild-Thought-Calm-Mind-Animal/dp/B096TN7KGQ

Today I had the pleasure of interviewing Mitch Rosen. An incredible man who dedicated 26 years of his life to the police force and went onto become an acclaimed artist and writer

Mitch's artistic journey began young, with color pencils in hand at the age of 6. But it wasn't until after his 2006 retirement from the Port Authority Police Department that art truly took center stage. Trading the tools of law enforcement for an arsenal of colored pencils, Mitch developed a hyper-realistic style focused on capturing the quiet moments within New York's bustling heart.

His meticulous use of color, shading, and texture allows him to bring urban landscapes to life, replicating the intricate details of the city while also capturing the subtle emotions of his portrait subjects.

Whether it's a peaceful scene amidst the chaos of a street corner or a contemplative expression on a stranger's face, Mitch's art reveals a deep understanding of the city's rhythm. He strives to showcase New York's multifaceted nature, offering viewers a unique perspective that balances the city's frenetic energy with moments of quietude and reflection. Through his artwork, Mitch invites you to experience a different side of New York, one where peace and beauty can be found amidst the urban symphony.

Megan is an entrepreneur and a podcast host who chose her perspective in life and decided to make a big career change during a life changing moment. She has since dedicated herself to empowering women in entrepreneurship. Starting SelfStartHER, she provides a platform that includes a community and podcast that is aimed at supporting female entrepreneurs. The Self StartHER podcast features interviews with women who have built businesses from scratch, offering practical tips and strategies.

I know everyone will take something away from my conversation with Megan and will be inspired to Choose Their Perspective!

Today I discuss how you and I can stop overthinking