Hi Dreamers and Doers! We believe you are NEVER too young to be a dreamer and NEVER too young to do your dream.

This week's episode is with Kristin Garcia. Kristin serves as the NEW Startup Specialist for the AXIS. In this role Kristin supports community members through programs and pre-accelerator curriculum throughout the district. Prior to joining Francis Tuttle Technology Center, Kristin worked at the OU Tom Love Innovation Hub and has over 15 years in higher education and startup experience between Oklahoma, Texas and California. With a Masters in Organizational Development and a certification in professional development is now focused on business development and growth for the Oklahoma City metro. Kristin is a native of San Antonio, TX and a proud Army Brat who has traveled the world. She currently lives in Norman with her husband Chris Aguilar, and their two dogs Bandit and Penny.

Key Takeaways:

- Leaders eat last, they take care of the needs of others first

- On your journey to discovery, you will change your mind

- Try new things to discover what you can do

For more, visit our shownotes at https://loveworksleadership.blog/2021/09/20/episode-77-innovation-and-development-with-kristin-garcia/

Brian Ruttman joined Moore Norman Technology Center as superintendent/CEO on July 1, 2019. During his first 90 days, he has focused on taking Moore Norman from “great to greater” by building relationships inside and outside of the organization and by exploring new areas of opportunity like aerospace. Brian joined Metro Technology Center in 2003, where he held numerous positions including Chief Officer, Executive Officer, and Associate Superintendent. Brian is described by his peers as an innovator and a team builder. Brian has a strong desire to see CareerTech as a leader in workforce development and as a driving force behind economic growth. Additionally, he is active with several community organizations, education foundations, and youth sport organizations. He credits his involvement with these organizations for allowing him to connect individuals and businesses with programs and services available through the technology centers.

Hi Dreamers and Doers! We believe you are NEVER too young to be a dreamer and NEVER too young to do your dream.

This week's episode is with Tom Cole. Tom is a fifth-generation Oklahoman, a resident of Moore, and has a significant background of service to his home state of Oklahoma. Currently serving in his tenth term, Cole was first elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2002. He is an ardent supporter of a strong national defense, a tireless advocate for taxpayers and small businesses, a leader in promoting and funding biomedical research and the foremost expert in the House on issues related to Native Americans and tribal governments.

Key Takeaways:

For more, visit our shownotes at https://loveworksleadership.blog/2021/09/13/episode-76-dreams-take-work-with-congressman-tom-cole/

Ranna Bigdely is a healthy cooking instructor and herbalist. She is a first generation American, born in Stillwater, Oklahoma to Iranian immigrants. Ranna hopes to inspire people to cook at home by teaching classes featuring local and organic seasonal ingredients. As an herbalist, she uses food and medicinal herbs to stay connected with her nomadic ancestors. Her goal is to educate and familiarize others with the natural foods that would bring them together and keep them healthy. She focuses on food synergy and balance in her classes and helps those who seek overall wellbeing and connection. Ranna has taught classes to large groups and small in-home classes, written articles, been in podcasts, and given private one on one consultations.

Owner and Operator of Garden Tales, Shawn Jones started the business with his family in the midst of the coronavirus shutdown in March 2020 as a backyard garden project. The entire family started the garden that operates to this day. The garden consists of a variety of tomatoes, hot peppers, bell peppers and many other things like cucumbers, strawberries, blackberries, and they’re even growing a lemon tree! Many things are to come year after year with Garden Tales. But one must first try to believe!

Hi Dreamers and Doers! We believe you are NEVER too young to be a dreamer and NEVER too young to do your dream.

This week's episode is with Zohaib Begg. Zohaib is a 8 year old from Ashburn, VA who has always had a great sense of appreciation and admiration for doctors and nurses. After spending a lot of time as a patient at an area hospital, he wanted to find a way to support the folks who were so helpful to him. Zohaib had the clever idea to reach out to local hotels to secure protective gear for frontline medical workers. Since the start of the pandemic, Zohaib has helped 18,000 front line workers. He was named a Youth Ambassador for the Off the Charts foundation based on his efforts since the start of the pandemic. His motto is that you can make a difference at any age.

Key Takeaways:

- You’re never too young to make a difference

- Dream big and do what you dream

- Being kind and positive is contagious

For more, visit our shownotes at https://loveworksleadership.blog/2021/09/06/episode-75-you-are-never-to-young-to-make-a-difference-with-zohaib-begg-and-isma-zubair/

Carol Bauman is a wife and mother and all that jazz. She’s a desperate wanna-be farm girl flying by the front of her apron. She has a full plate and her cup is overflowing with life and all that one can pack in 24 hours. BUT, she’s constantly THANKFUL for her family, their land of opportunity and the God that reigns over it all. Owner of Sandy River Ranch in Norman, Oklahoma she co-hosts the annual Farm Girl Fair that features a day on the farm with over 50 local crafters, collectors and artists as well as food trucks, Farmhand Pub, live music, pony rides and a Farm Kid Fair.

Sisters, Izzy and Kaylee run Snow Flow that features over fifteen snow cone flavors as well as a selection of homemade treats and fresh lemonade.

Hi Dreamers and Doers! We believe you are NEVER too young to be a dreamer and NEVER too young to do your dream.

This week's episode is with Tiffney Laing. Tiffney is the founder of Bevy & Dave; an award-winning educational toy company devoted to changing the narrative of Black history and building leaders through fun and engaging learning tools designed for preschool- elementary age students. For many years she was frustrated with the presentation of Black history in school textbooks and teaching materials as the focus is always on slavery and oppression. With the belief that what we learn at a young age shapes and impacts our worldview and level of achievement. After her daughter was born, Tiffney was reminded that children learn through play; soon after, she launched Bevy & Dave to serve as teaching tools for parents and teachers alike to share Black history through the lens of self-leadership, which focuses on achievements and contributions to our society. Tiffney has been recognized among industry peers and featured in various media platforms, including GMA3 "Second Act Showdown." Good Morning America with Strahan, Sara, and Keke and MSNBC with Stephanie Ruhle. Within Bevy & Dave’s first exhibition year, its flagship toy, the “History Makers Puzzle Block Set (HMPBS),” was a finalist for Toy of the Year Award, Rookie category, and is the winner of the 2018 Product of the Year Award by Creative Child Magazine and the 2018 Family Choice award. Prior to Bevy & Dave, Tiffney served in higher education developing student leaders as an administrator and instructor of leadership studies.

Key Takeaways:

- If we have a brain, why not use it for the positive

- Focus is important but don’t ignore the dream in your heart

- Find the freedom to be creative on your own terms

For more, visit our shownotes at https://loveworksleadership.blog/2021/08/30/episode-74-becoming-extraordinary-with-tiffney-laing/

Hal was born in Ardmore, Oklahoma and went to school in Oklahoma City where he was a junior Rotarian and was exposed for the first time to the business world. He attended UCO and OU studying marketing and finance and then began his career in the restaurant industry while attending OU and a restaurant on Campus Corner.

Hal has held C-level leadership, often as the CEO, President, or owner, for restaurants and corporations that include Steak & Ale, Pillsbury, Haagen Daz Ice Cream, and Chili’s Restaurants, Outback Steakhouse, On the Border, and Krispy Kreme. In June 1992, he founded Hal Smith Restaurants along with Hank Kraft, David Brauckmann and Mike Rogers. HSR is a restaurant management company headquartered in Norman, Oklahoma responsible for these restaurant concepts: Charleston’s Restaurant, Red Rock Canyon Grill, Mahogany Prime Steakhouse, Ted’s Café Escondido as a partner to Ted Curtis, Louie’s Bar & Grill, Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar & Grill, Hefner Grill, The Garage, Upper Crust, Pub W, Jimmy B’s, Notorious Pie, Neighborhood Jam, The Library Bar and Grill, Mama Roja, and Hollie’s.

Lexie Winters is a 12 year old entrepreneur, owner of Mooi (Pronounced "moy") Mooi is an all-natural and organic skincare business that sells exfoliation scrubs and body butters.

Lexie's Exfoliation Scrubs are used to remove dead skin and moisturize dry skin. They come in different scents like Sweet Orange and Lavender.

Her Body Butters are used to moisturize dry skin and then give your skin a protective layer against UV rays. They come in scents like Coconut and Vanilla. I also have one that smells like shea butter.

Lexie started Mooi because she wasn't getting a good result when I used store bought beauty products. She didn't like the chemicals in them and it was hard to find stuff that works great. Mooi only uses all-natural ingredients and no harmful chemicals are in the products.

Hi Dreamers and Doers! We believe you are NEVER too young to be a dreamer and NEVER too young to do your dream.

This week's episode is with Lt.Wayland Cubit. Lt. Wayland started his law enforcement career in 1996. He studied Criminal Justice Administration at the University of Oklahoma, Police Science at Oklahoma State, and Family Studies at Southern Nazarene. He has a passion for serving youth in at-risk communities. He established the Family Awareness and Community Teamwork (FACT), which is a youth outreach program focusing on mentorship, building character, and empowering at-risk youth. The program reduced juvenile delinquency and involvement with the criminal justice system and earned him the title of Master Mentor. He volunteers as a facilitator and trainer of Effective Police Interactions with Youth.

Key Takeaways:

- Stick to the game plan

- Keep caring no matter what

- Add value to people and the community

For more, visit our shownotes at https://loveworksleadership.blog/2021/08/23/episode-73-love-works-with-lt-wayland-cubit/

Scott Martin was born and raised in Tulsa, Scott is a proud Oklahoman. After high school he attend the University of Oklahoma. With a political science degree in hand, Scott dove headfirst into public service, spending 11 years working in municipal government. He furthered his public service career by living out a dream and was honored to be elected to the Oklahoma House of Representatives for six terms. He was the epitome of a citizen legislator; working in community banking while serving in the legislative. Since June of 2017 Scott has led Norman’s premiere business advocacy organization, the Norman Chamber of Commerce.

Scott and his wife are the proud parents of four amazing children. Between church and ballfields; the entire family enjoys the outdoors, adventure, and an active lifestyle.

Andy Sherrer serves as Community Market President for First United Bank in Moore and Norman, Oklahoma where he leads a team of First United bankers that work to provide banking and wealth management solutions for clients throughout the Oklahoma City metro.

Andy's educational background includes a Bachelor of Science in Marketing from Oklahoma State University, M.B.A. with a Finance and M.I.S. concentration from the University of Oklahoma, and the Wharton Leadership Certificate from ABA Stonier Graduate School of Banking.

Andy has served as the Chairman of the Norman with the Oklahoma Chamber of Commerce, Chairman of Norman with the Oklahoma Planning Commission, adjunct faculty member of the Price College of Business at the University of Oklahoma, an ABA Stonier Graduate School of Banking faculty capstone administrator, member of the Oklahoma Governor’s Business Roundtable, Chairman of the Moore-Norman Technology Center School Board, and as a Norman Regional Health Foundation Board President-Elect.

Andy has been awarded as the Mentor of the Year for the Price College of Business at the University of Oklahoma and the “Best Norman Banker”.

Andy currently lives in Norman with his wife, Megan, daughter, Sheridan, and son, Jackson.