This month's conversation centers around control, conflict, and how they are catalysts and barriers to change. We shy away from conflict and move towards comfort where we feel in control often robbing us of the opportunity to change. Sometimes the unexpected or even unwanted are the best catalysts for the change we need. Join our conversation with Jon Huckins, author, guide, and founder of Journey Home.

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Choosing to change is hard enough, it's made harder when we have to choose it over and over again. It can be even harder when those around us don't fully understand that change and yet, when grounded in our why we find ourselves changing for the better. Join us in this week's episode as we talk with Mirabel Fonyuy Umenei about choosing change and staying on the path.

In this episode, we chat with Kristin Ekkens, Founder and Chief Culture Designer of Exponential Inclusion. Kristin and I talk about the barriers and tools of change. Not only that, we discuss how exponential change is possible and the potential future that opens up.

Resources in the podcast:

Join me in this episode of Engaging Gray where we connect with Kirk Eklund about navigating change. Kirk discusses the common barriers he encounters, tools for overcoming them, and how he personally navigates change. Even when that change is brought about by unwelcome and unexpected feedback.

Connect with Kirk here!

In this week's episode of Engaging Gray we talk with Carl Erickson. Carl is the  Founder and Executive Chairman of Atomic Object, a custom software design and development company. He is the Co-founder of Mader Mill, a sawmill in Indiana, and Chairman of Michigan Capital Network. Carl didn't begin his career wanting to be a businessman, he began by being a professor. Carl shares his story of launching to the exit of a successful company and the important lessons he learned about how important knowing his grounding philosophy was and how staying true to your core can be both a challenge but is also essential for building something successful, that you also actually like. 

Resources mentioned in this week's podcast:

In this episode, we talk with Adrian "AB" Butler about how he has defined and found success and focus. Sometimes we believe our careers have to be linear, but AB's story helps illuminate how when we allow ourselves to explore our passions while remaining focused on what matters most to us we can find not only fulfillment but success as well. Join AB and me for a fun and enlightening conversation about how being multifaceted can lead to freedom. 

Resources mentioned in this podcast: 

In this week's episode of Engaging Gray, we hear from Kim Bode with over 15 years of experience in being not only a leader but also a business owner and founder. Kim's authenticity and transparency about the highs and lows of leadership, especially as a woman business owner, is refreshing and enlightening. Kim talks about lessons she's learned over her tenure as a leader, tips and tools she's picked up, and advice she would have for those starting out. If you're up for a fun and freeing conversation take a listen! 

Resources mentioned in the podcast:

In this week's episode, we talk with Andy Soper about how he has created a career that to many may seem unorthodox and yet it's exactly what works for him and his family. We discuss how he identified what was most important to him, how he created a career around those things, and the benefits and challenges that have come with that. Andy is honest and matter of fact while simultaneously inspiring and encouraging us to find better ways of living. Lives that are set on fire for what we believe in. 

Resources mentioned in this podcast: 

Father Greg Boyle - Home Boy Ministries 

In this week's episode, we talk with Lauren VanKeulen, CEO of AYA Youth Collective, about how remembering and showing our humanity in leadership not only frees us but those around us as well from the unrealistic and unhealthy expectations we sometimes have. Lauren shares with us her leadership journey from starting an organization with $11,000 to growing that be a $2.5 Million dollar organization serving close to 500 youth a year. Lauren shares honestly about the highs and lows of leadership, how having the right team makes all the difference, and specific strategies and practices she uses to stay grounded and energized for her work. 

Resources mentioned: 

- AYA Youth Collective

- Brene Brown

- Shannon Cohen's Podcast

- AYA Youth Collective Event on April 21st