Dream Big with Big Dreamers

How do you build a career that spans five decades, multiple industries, and countless reinventions — and still stay excited about what’s next?

In this episode of Dream Big with Big Dreamers, host Donna Serdula sits down with Ron Levine, President of Graphic Press Inc., classic car entrepreneur, memorabilia collector, and lifelong storyteller. With over 50 years of experience across printing, music, media, and business, Ron shares the defining moments that shaped his career — from his first sales pitch in the 1970s to walking away from toxic clients and building decades-long business relationships.

🎯 In this engaging and candid conversation, you'll hear:

How persistence, humor, and self-respect helped Ron close his first big account — by walking away from the wrong one

Why relationship-building has always been his most valuable sales strategy

The difference between being a vendor and a problem-solver

How credibility by association (from Clio Awards to The Rolling Stones) helped him grow his business

What it means to keep dreaming — even at 79, taking up stand-up comedy at Second City

Whether you’re building a legacy, navigating a pivot, or just getting started, Ron’s timeless insights on resilience, personal branding, and human connection are a masterclass in long-term success.

📌 Topics: Relationship selling, career reinvention, entrepreneurship, client management, creative longevity, authenticity in business, personal legacy

Special Guest: Ron Levin.

What if the key to managing anxiety while achieving big dreams came down to three simple words: gratitude, curiosity, and joy?

In this inspiring episode of Dream Big with Big Dreamers, host Donna Serdula speaks with Dr. Robyn Graham—author, speaker, podcast host, and founder of the Purpose to Results Method. Robyn brings a unique blend of science, strategy, and soul to help women in leadership (and their families) navigate anxiety, burnout, and overwhelm—while still showing up powerfully in their lives and careers.

🎯 In this conversation, you’ll learn:

Why anxiety is rising—and how to regulate your nervous system in a hyper-connected world

The #1 mindset shift high-achievers can make to move from fear to clarity

How to align your goals with your values and purpose for sustainable results

Why faith, stillness, and connection are essential leadership tools

A simple 3-word mantra—Gratitude. Curiosity. Joy.—that can transform your mindset today

Whether you're leading a team, growing a business, or raising a family, Robyn’s wisdom offers practical tools and heartfelt encouragement for building a life that’s both high-achieving and heart-aligned.

📌 Topics Covered: Anxiety in high achievers, emotional regulation, parenting with purpose, personal reinvention, values-based leadership, women in business, nervous system support, spiritual resilience, authenticity

Special Guest: Dr. Robyn Graham.

What does it take to build a lasting creative career — and stay relevant in an ever-evolving industry?

Monika’s story spans continents and career reinventions — from immigrating to the U.S. as a teenager to becoming one of the most sought-after visual artists in the industry. With over two decades of experience, she shares what it takes to stay inspired, build client connection through empathy, and take big risks in business when others play it safe.

🎯 In this powerful conversation, you’ll learn:

How to stay creatively relevant in a saturated and competitive space

Why persistence and emotional intelligence are more important than raw talent

How saying “yes” to uncertainty helped her land a $13K opportunity most others turned down

How to lead with empathy and connect deeply with clients

Why legacy isn’t about fame — it’s about the daily impact we make on others

Whether you’re a creative entrepreneur, corporate leader, or emerging artist, Monika’s perspective on lifelong growth, joy in the craft, and the value of resilience will stay with you long after the episode ends.

📌 Topics: Creative entrepreneurship, resilience, leadership through empathy, personal brand, career reinvention, visual storytelling, women in business

Special Guest: Monika Demel.

What does it take to lead real transformation — and earn the trust of people through times of change?

With 20+ years of experience in professional services and consulting, Brian shares the practical and deeply human approach that’s guided his career — from early mentorship in boutique consulting firms to leading high-performing teams at scale.

💡 In this conversation, you'll learn:

Why authenticity and extreme candor are the foundation of high-trust leadership

How to diagnose and fix underperforming teams and operations without boiling the ocean

The power of listening, transparency, and modeling collaboration

How Brian builds engagement—reaching a 97% employee engagement rate

What his personal brand of leadership looks like in action

Whether you're leading a team, pivoting your organization, or working on your own leadership journey, Brian’s insights offer a clear, values-driven roadmap for real impact.

📌 Topics: Organizational turnaround, executive leadership, people-first strategy, employee engagement, culture transformation, performance improvement

Special Guest: Brian Bark.

What does it take to reinvent your career — and your life — when the world says "play it safe"?

Mary Kay shares her non-linear journey through industries — from high fashion to healthcare, from event strategy to substitute teaching — all while staying anchored in humor, grit, and a deep sense of mission. She opens up about:

Why resilience is a muscle we all need to build

How to turn a "no" into powerful redirection

Lessons from navigating the pandemic with grace and strategy

Why your lived experience is your most valuable career asset

The dream she's still chasing — and why she won't stop until it's realized

This is a must-watch for professionals and executives navigating transitions, seeking inspiration, or craving permission to pursue what's next — even if it’s not on the “official path.”

📌 Key Themes: Career pivoting, professional reinvention, resilience, leadership, women in business, executive inspiration, purpose-driven work

Special Guest: Mary Kay Owen.

Most B2B deals don’t die because of price — they die in rooms you’re never invited into.

In this episode of Dream Big with Big Dreamers, host Donna Serdula sits down with Mark Phinick, B2B deal acceleration coach, former IBM and HCL sales leader, and founder of Let’s Make It Rain. Mark pulls back the curtain on how to turn stalled deals into signed deals — not by convincing harder, but by equipping internal champions to speak the language of the C-suite.

💼 Whether you're a founder, sales leader, or AE, you'll learn:

📌Why most demos fail to drive executive urgency

📌How to write proposals that “walk into the boardroom” without you

📌What separates sellers who close from those who get ghosted

📌The difference between interest and a real, funded deal

📌The 3 essential elements of a forwardable proposal

📌How to shift from volume to velocity without hiring more reps

📈 Real-world wins include six-figure deals closed in days (not months), with no discounts — and no follow-up needed.

This conversation will change how you think about sales, internal alignment, and what it really takes to move from stuck to unstoppable.

About Mark Phinick:

🎧 Tune in and discover why magic in sales happens when you help your buyer win.

Special Guest: Mark Phinick.

Sponsored By:

• Career Accelerator : You’ve worked hard to get where you are. But in today’s fast-changing world, hard work alone isn’t enough. Careers stall. Opportunities pass by. Technology threatens to replace what once made you valuable.

Links:

• Mark's Website, Let's Make It Rain

In this inspiring episode of Dream Big with Big Dreamers, host Donna Serdula sits down with serial entrepreneur and CEO of TotalBrokerage, Michael Mosseri—a builder of businesses, a seeker of challenges, and a man who quite literally rose from the flames.

Michael shares how a childhood accident involving a gasoline explosion became a defining moment in his life, igniting not just a passion for solving problems, but a deeper curiosity that fuels every leap—be it off a pirate ship or into a new company.

He unpacks the journey of moving from survival mode to a place of freedom and alignment, the role of coaching and community in achieving greatness, and what soaring truly means in life and business.

Whether you're a startup founder, a curious creator, or someone just starting out—this conversation will remind you that you don’t have to be fearless, just curious enough to start.

Key themes include:

🔴 Turning adversity into fuel

🔴 The power of curiosity and consistency

🔴 Building meaningful companies with values at the core

🔴 Redefining success: from metrics to meaning

🔴 Why asking for help is a strength, not a weakness

"Start. Start small. Start now." — Michael Mosseri

Special Guest: Michael Mosseri.

In this enlightening episode of "Dream Big with Big Dreamers," host Donna Serdula welcomes the inspirational life coach Amit Sood. Dive into a conversation that navigates the realms of self-expression, personal growth, and achieving ultimate fulfillment. Amit shares his transformational journey from a high-powered career in sales and marketing to a life dedicated to helping others unlock their fullest potential.

Listeners will find motivation as Amit explains the concept of living an authentic life true to oneself, breaking free from societal norms and self-imposed limitations. He delves deep into the idea of self-awareness, how vital it is in recognizing where you are at present, and how to use this understanding as a launching pad for future growth.

Amit's words resonate deeply with those struggling with conformity and the fear of embracing their true selves. Listeners can expect to learn about the importance of self-expression and how finding one’s true voice can lead to unprecedented levels of creativity and fulfillment. Amit discusses vision boards, emotional healing, and radical forgiveness as essential tools for personal and professional transformation.

The episode also touches on Amit's experiences living around the world and how these diverse cultural insights have shaped his coaching philosophy. Whether you're an entrepreneur, a leader, or someone on a journey of self-discovery, Amit’s strategies for freeing oneself from the 'corporate cage' will be particularly impactful.

Tune in to hear compelling anecdotes, actionable advice, and visionary strategies that will empower you to honor your true self, heed your heart’s calling, and take bold steps towards your dreams. This episode is a must-listen for anyone ready to break barriers and achieve extraordinary success.

Special Guest: Amid Sood.

Welcome to another inspiring episode of 'Dream Big with Big Dreamers'! Today, we have the privilege of hosting Marlo Ricketts Green, a seasoned HR executive with a rich background spanning over two decades. Marlo’s career journey is a testament to the power of resilience, authenticity, and continuous personal and professional growth.

Episode Highlights:

🚀 Marlo's Journey into HR: From marketing to HR, driven by a desire to improve workplace behaviors.

Join us as Marlo shares her profound insights into leadership and the human side of HR. This episode is packed with actionable advice and inspiring stories that will resonate with professionals at all stages of their careers.

Special Guest: Marlo Ricketts Green.

In this episode of 'Dream Big with Big Dreamers,' host Donna Serdula welcomes Rich Diekmann, founder of MDSI, to explore the world of recruitment. Rich shares his vast experience in executive search for technology sales, the importance of long-term relationships with candidates, and the evolving dynamics of recruiting. The discussion covers how recruiters operate, the significance of well-crafted LinkedIn profiles, and effective interview strategies. Rich provides valuable tips for both job seekers and recruiters on building networks, approaching potential opportunities, and closing interviews successfully. Tune in to gain an insider's perspective on navigating the job market and fostering professional connections.

0:00 Rich Deakman

Special Guest: Rich Deakmann.