Compass Stories

Veronica Sterling shares her transformative journey through Yosemite and Big Sur, highlighting lessons on resilience, acceptance, and choosing how to respond to life's unexpected challenges.

Keywords

personal growth, resilience, acceptance, Yosemite, Big Sur, life lessons, travel, injury, mindset, reflection

Key topics

Resilience and mindset during travel

Lessons from falling and injury in nature

Choosing how to respond to unexpected challenges

takeaways

You can carry pain and joy simultaneously.

Choosing your response is powerful in adversity.

Acceptance is key to moving forward.

Sound bites

"I fell hard, but I kept going."

"The pain comes with me, but so does the joy."

"We still get to choose what happens next."

Chapters

00:00 Exploring Big Sur: A New Adventure

01:55 Yosemite National Park: Beauty and Challenges

05:52 Lessons from Pain: A Journey of Reflection

09:12 Choosing Joy Amidst Struggles: Moving Forward

11:14 MASTER OUTRO.mp4

Resources

Yosemite National Park - https://www.nps.gov/yose/index.htm

Big Sur California - https://www.visitcalifornia.com/region/big-sur

www.veronicasterling.com

In this insightful interview, change expert Mark Stelzner shares his journey from aerospace engineering to transformation leadership, emphasizing the importance of curiosity, empathy, and courage in navigating change. Discover practical strategies for personal growth, organizational transformation, and preparing for the future of work amidst AI advancements.

KEYWORDS

change management, leadership, organizational transformation, AI, reskilling, personal growth, empathy, courage, future of work

KEY TOPICS

The importance of curiosity and continuous learning in change

Empathy and vulnerability as leadership strengths

Reskilling and adapting to AI-driven disruption

GUEST NAME

Mark Stelzner

GUEST BIO

Mark Stelzner is the founder and managing principal of IA, an advisory firm that helps organizations of all sizes and sectors achieve their transformation goals. With over 30 years of industry experience, Mark is a trusted advisor to C-level leaders, offering unbiased and candid guidance on complex and strategic initiatives.

As a recognized thought leader in the HR technology and transformation space, he has been featured across hundreds of major media, industry, podcast, webinar, and live event platforms.

Mark co-authors a monthly column on HR transformation for Human Resource Executive, has been named a Top 100 HR Technology influencer for seven consecutive years, and is passionate about fostering relationships, sharing insights, and creating value for his clients, partners, and peers.

SOUND BITES

"Leaders should show vulnerability and care."

"Celebrate lessons learned, not just successes."

"Momentum builds energy and confidence."

CHAPTERS

00:00 Navigating Change: An Introduction to Transformation

04:28 Mark's Journey: From Aerospace to Advisory

07:26 Curiosity and Values: The Driving Forces of Change

10:37 The Importance of Empathy in Leadership

13:42 Understanding the Customer: The Key to Successful Transformation

16:36 Bridging the Gap: Leaders and Their Teams

19:31 Vulnerability in Leadership: Balancing Strength and Humanity

22:35 Learning from Failure: The Path to Innovation

26:06 Empowering Open Communication and Prevention

27:25 Navigating the Evolution of AI: Hope and Concern

30:20 Reskilling for the Future: Adapting to Change

33:03 Finding Energy and Momentum in Change

37:08 Embracing Change: The Power of Curiosity

40:51 Taking Action: One Step at a Time

47:36 MASTER OUTRO.mp4

RESOURCES

IA Transforms -

https://iatransforms.com

Mark Stelzner on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/markstelzner/

Veronica Sterling shares her transformative experience in Kings Canyon National Park, exploring the giant sequoias, navigating weather challenges, and reflecting on the importance of connection and community in uncertain times.

Keywords

Kings Canyon, Sequoia National Park, giant sequoias, connection, community, travel, nature, resilience, personal growth

Key topics

The unique ecosystem of Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks

The importance of slowing down and engaging with nature

Lessons on connection and community during challenging conditions

Takeaways

Connection is a vital tool for moving forward in uncertainty.

Courage is about willingness to stay in motion despite doubt.

Shared experiences in difficult conditions foster a sense of community.

guest name

Sound bites

"Feeling small but connected to everything"

"Playing in the forest invites participation"

"In a group, trying to find our way together"

Chapters

00:00 Exploring Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks

07:46 Sharing Unique Experiences and Soundscapes

08:49 MASTER OUTRO.mp4

09:17 The Environment of Giant Sequoias

12:13 The Growth Journey of Sequoia Trees

Resources

www.veronicasterling.com

Kings Canyon National Park - https://www.nps.gov/seki/index.htm

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks (Official Site) - https://www.nps.gov/seki/index.htm

General Sherman Tree - https://www.nps.gov/seki/learn/nature/generalsherman.htm

In this uplifting conversation, Claire Edwards, speaker, author, and morning routine coach shares insights to guide our clarity in what truly matters and make space to pursue the passions in our life. If you’ve experienced disruption and are looking for ways to reorient yourself, Claire’s insight and encouragement will help you build new capacity to move forward.

GUEST BIO

Claire Edwards is a Morning Routine Writer & Speaker who helps ambitious 9-5ers unlock work/life balance with a powerful morning routine.

She has helped over 900 people through her workshops and workbooks and built a community of over 3,800 people across different platforms. She has hosted her signature Morning Routine Workshop at companies like Sherwin Williams, JM Smucker, Marzetti, and more.

Her TEDx talk, titled "What's Your Yellow?" will be published this summer 2026. It challenges us to expand our identity beyond work, one hobby and one morning at a time.

Claire is a firm believer that there is no “perfect morning routine,” just the perfect morning routine for you! Her morning looks like a 5:30am wakeup to journal alongside her dog Maisy, and work on her speaking & writing before heading to her 9-to-5 supply chain job.

KEYWORDS

morning routines, personal development, work-life balance, passion, habits, productivity, self-growth, entrepreneurship, community, purpose

KEY TOPICS

Building sustainable morning routines

The concept of anchor activities for self-check-in

Overcoming self-doubt and fear of judgment

The importance of community and connection

Evolving your passions over time

"Plan your morning based on who you're waking up for."

CHAPTERS

00:00 Introduction to Claire Edwards

04:44 The Importance of Morning Routines

07:50 Building a Supportive Morning Routine

10:50 Finding Passion and Purpose

13:46 Navigating Life's Disruptions

16:48 The Journey of Self-Discovery

19:41 Work-Life Balance Perspectives

22:31 The Evolution of Passion Projects

25:30 Overcoming Awkwardness in Pursuing Passions

40:10 Finding Your Community

42:56 The Power of Accountability

46:05 Overcoming Self-Doubt

50:02 Embracing Change and Evolution

53:27 Dreaming Bigger

57:35 Creating Space for Passions

01:01:44 Establishing a Morning Routine

01:06:22 Surprising Connections Through Vulnerability

01:13:25 MASTER OUTRO.mp4

RESOURCES

Claire Edwards | Substack

Claire Edwards | LinkedIn

Veronica Sterling shares insights on supporting friends through grief, emphasizing the importance of connection, presence, and empathy, set against the backdrop of her trip to Death Valley National Park.

Keywords

grief support, emotional connection, friendship, empathy, mental health, personal growth

Key topics

Steps to support a grieving friend

The importance of listening and following the lead

The role of being a witness in healing

Common pitfalls like saying 'at least'

Practical actions to show support

Takeaways

Start before you're ready to connect.

Follow the griever's lead and listen.

Be a witness to their pain without trying to fix.

Avoid minimizing phrases like 'at least.'

Actions speak louder than words—offer practical help.

Sound bites

"Avoid phrases like 'at least'—they dismiss pain."

"Apologize if you misspoke or feel you took a misstep."

"When unsure, make the connection through actions."

Chapters

00:00 Exploring Death Valley's Unique Landscape

06:14 Supporting a Grieving Friend: Practical Steps

09:00 MASTER OUTRO.mp4

Resources

www.veronicasterling.com

In this heartfelt interview, Christopher Littrell shares his personal journey through grief, recovery, and the power of human connection. He discusses how courage, faith, and community have helped him navigate life's peaks and valleys, offering insights for those facing their own challenges.

GUEST

Christopher Littrell is a retired law enforcement officer with almost 20 years of experience serving in the Pacific Northwest, including time on a regional SWAT team. He is also a U.S. Air Force veteran, where he served in Security Forces, building a foundation in leadership, discipline, and service.

Throughout his career, Chris specialized in critical incident response, investigations, and officer wellness, gaining firsthand experience in high-stress environments that shaped his approach to leadership and resilience.

Today, Chris is the founder of Gravity Consulting and Training, where he equips leaders and organizations with practical tools in leadership development, emotional intelligence, communication, and wellness. He is also the host of the Gravity Podcast and the author of Echoes from the Street: A Police Officer’s Journey Through Trauma, Recovery, and Redemption, where he shares powerful lessons from his career and personal journey of growth.

KEYWORDS

grief, recovery, human connection, courage, faith, mental health, resilience, loss, healing, life lessons

KEY TOPICS

The importance of human connection in healing

The role of faith in coping with grief

Courage as a contagious force

Navigating peaks and valleys of life

The impact of community support during trauma

CHAPTERS

00:00 The Importance of Human Connection

06:00 Courage and Its Contagious Nature

11:25 Navigating Grief and Joy

17:22 The Journey of Change and Surrender

23:21 Supporting Grievers: The Role of Friends

29:07 Navigating Grief and Community Support

37:39 The Importance of Presence in Grief

41:07 Faith and the Struggle with Loss

45:55 Finding Strength in Endurance Sports

52:28 The Power of Apology and Connection

RESOURCES

Christopher Littrell, MBA | LinkedIn

Chris Littrell Facebook

Echoes from The Street Book on Amazon

Gravity – Captivating audiences

Veronica shares her journey of traveling through national parks in her vintage Airstream, exploring themes of pursuing dreams, embracing change, and the power of connection.

keywords

Travel, Dreams, Change, Connection, Inspiration, National Parks, Airstream, Personal Growth

key topics

Pursuit of dreams and personal growth

The role of disruption and change in life

The importance of connection and starting before you're ready

guest name

sound bites

"This desert is a wild wilderness."

"Believe your dream is worth the leap."

"There is so much more to explore."

Chapters

00:00 Exploring Mojave National Preserve

05:56 Navigating Life's Changes and Dreams

06:40 MASTER OUTRO.mp4

resources

National Park Service - https://www.nps.gov/

Veronica Sterling's Website - https://veronicasterling.com

We realize a need for change, but how do we get started? How do we tackle self-doubt? In this conversation, Matt shares his story as he navigates growth through sobriety, wellness pursuits, and building a business that fulfills a purpose.

Matt McManus was born and raised in Cincinnati. He went away briefly to attend Mississippi State University and majored in marketing.  After he graduated, he worked as a golf professional for 4 years before turning to the financial services industry.  Eventually he helped co-found and is currently one of the partners at Triplecrown Wealth Management.  His focus is on working with first responders and delivering actionable financial advice viewed from a lens of wellness.  He lives on the west side of the city with his wife Sarah and their 4 kids. 

Matthew McManus RICP Friend to 1st Responders | LinkedIn

Triplecrown Wealth Management

Veronica's Interview on Pension Protectors Podcast:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pension-protectors-s3e10-life-lessons-from-hospice/id1731409954?i=1000754833552

• Matt’s story of addiction and recovery
• The relationship between mental, physical, and financial wellness
• Techniques for overcoming self-doubt and cravings
• The importance of setting clear goals with a "start ugly" mindset
• Building resilience through faith, purpose, and community

Veronica shares her reflections on hope, disruption, and the journey of healing during her travels through New Mexico. She explores how hope acts as a guiding lantern in difficult times and offers practical ways to activate hope in our lives.

Keywords

hope, healing, disruption, personal growth, motivation, mental health, journey, inspiration

Key topics

The role of hope in navigating disruption

Practical ways to activate hope

The paradox of pain and hope in healing

guest name

Sound bites

"Hope is like holding up a lantern in the dark"

"Hope is a decision to activate"

"I am moving forward anyway"

Chapters

00:00 Exploring Bandelier National Monument

10:12 MASTER OUTRO.mp4

10:40 Valles Cauldera Forest Hike_ Birds_Wind_Footsteps 05.19.26.mp3

Resources

Bandelier National Monument - https://www.nps.gov/band/index.htm

Los Alamos National Laboratory Museum - https://www.lanl.gov/about/visiting/index.php

Valles Caldera National Preserve - https://www.vallescaldera.gov/

I am talking to Amy Scalia. She is a Cincinnati-based entrepreneur, founder of Local Creator Studio, and co-founder of PS Never Give Up. She’s built her work around storytelling - not just as a creative tool, but to help people feel seen, connected, and less alone in the messy middle of their experiences.

In this conversation, Amy shares what it feels like to live through heartache without losing hope – and she shows us how hope can help build our life into something bigger than we ever expected.

KEYWORDS

storytelling, entrepreneurship, fertility, chronic illness, hope, community, vulnerability, personal growth

KEY TOPICS

• Amy's journey from media to entrepreneurship
• The importance of vulnerability and sharing the messy middle
• How hope sustains us through challenges
• The intersection of chronic illness and fertility
• Building community and support through storytelling

SOUND BITES

"Always choose hope because until it's over, it's not over."

"I didn't think I could be this much of a family person."

"Finding purpose through pain helps you move forward."

CHAPTERS

00:00 The Birth of a Podcast Dream

02:01 Amy's Journey into Media and Entrepreneurship

04:30 The Power of Storytelling in the Digital Age

07:03 Embracing the Messy Middle

09:04 Navigating Fertility Challenges

16:34 Choosing Hope in Difficult Times

19:31 Self-Care and Expanding Capacity

33:01 Embracing Health and Longevity

36:01 The Journey of Motherhood

42:00 Finding Purpose Through Pain

RESOURCES

Amy's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/amy_scalia/

Local Creator Studio - https://localcreatorstudio.com/

PS Never Give Up Foundation - https://psnevergiveup.org/