Failing Forward

Craig Chavis Jr. dreamed of becoming an NFL player, and he was good enough to give it a shot until an injury in college ruined everything. As an entrepreneur, Craig has two failed businesses under his belt and a string of rejection letters from corporate America. And yet, the author and business consultant is endlessly optimistic.

On episode 91, Craig shares how he realized he could be his own worst enemy or his best friend, and why choosing the latter has made all the difference. He also talks about his book “Burdens of a Dream,” how he opened the first craft Pisco distillery in Peru, and advice for finding a career opportunity that fits.

Show Notes:

- “Burdens of a Dream” is available on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Burdens-Dream-Actionable-Creative-Entrepreneur/dp/1647460212/

- Learn more about Craig’s work: https://www.cre8ivecraig.com/

Steven Kampmann and his wife, Judith, were expecting and building a home when he got the call that he was being fired from the Newhart show. The former writer and producer on WKRP in Cincinnati thought his time in show biz was probably over, so he started writing a screenplay without any expectations. Four years later, it became Stealing Home, which Steven also directed.

On episode 90, Steven tells us about his latest project, The Dreams Course Podcast, which he hosts with one of his sons. He explains the inspiration for the show and dives deep into the journey to discover the inner self. He also shares five principles to feed your inner life from his coaching program, The Dreams Course.

Show Notes:

- Listen to The Dreams Course Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-dreams-course-podcast/id1532417265

- Learn more about Steven’s coaching program, The Dreams Course: https://www.thedreamscourse.org/dreamcourse

- Read about Alex Kerten: https://parkinson-gk.com/about/

Like many high-achievers, Karen Bankston had a full life. She was successful in her career, held advanced degrees, had a family, and knew her strengths. But a nagging feeling wouldn’t go away. She wondered: Where was her joy?

On episode 89, the retired hospital executive and nurse explains how she found her answer by learning to separate her identity from her accomplishments. Karen also shares her leadership lessons.

Show Notes:

- Listen to Will Smith on Jay Shetty’s podcast On Purpose: https://jayshetty.me/podcast/owning-your-truth-and-unlocking-the-power-of-manifestation/

Kathryn Burmeister had struggled with depression and anxiety before, but it never was so bad as when she felt abandoned by her law partner. She reached out for help and shortly there after decided to start her own law firm.

On episode 88, Kathryn shares her career journey from law-obsessed high school student to business owner. This same journey also inspired Kathryn to write a book, "Overcoming Addiction to the Status Quo." She tells us what status quo means to her, how to find true happiness and why she believes we all can be heroes.

Show Notes:

- Learn more about Katheryn’s book: https://kathrynfburmeister.com/shop-2/

- If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, 24/7 confidential help is available. Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.

Dr. Lisa Larkin knew life could be a bumpy ride even before she was diagnosed with breast cancer while going through a divorce. Patients of hers had told her cancer was a gift, but she didn’t understand until she found some gifts of her own.

On episode 87, Lisa tells us about those gifts, including why she started Ms.Medicine, a national practice model of women’s health trained providers. She also shares the tragic stories of losing both her parents, and how hardship has taught her to be less judgmental.

Show Notes:

- Learn about Ms.Medicine here: https://msmedicine.com/

Pharmacist Regina Sih-Meynier had it all: a prestigious high-paying job, a nice home, a marriage, and the ability to travel and afford luxuries. She was fulfilling the model minority stereotype thrust upon Asian-Americans and Asian immigrants. But all her successes felt like Golden Handcuffs until she dared to break out of them.

On episode 86, Regina shares how she left the corporate world behind to start Oh Universe, her intuitive life coaching company. That journey involved connecting with her inner authentic self and voice, and now she helps her clients do the same. Regina also discusses how to leave your ego narrative, or Egon, behind, how to find what brings you joy, and how the inner authentic voice relates to manifestation.

Show Notes:

- Check out Oh Universe and download Regina’s three-step framework here: https://www.oh-universe.com/

When he was a kid, Dave McGillivray dreamed of being a professional athlete, but soon he faced the painful reality that it wasn’t in the cards. He started running, and his passion led him to start DMSE Sports, a race and event management company that runs logistics for 30-plus annual events, including the Boston Marathon.

On episode 85, Dave shares why he doesn’t believe in failure and how he’s bounced back from life’s inevitable setbacks. While in-person races are temporarily canceled, Dave has pivoted his business in an incredible way and continues to serve others. He also tells us what it was like on the day of the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing and returning to the starting line once again.

Show Notes:

- Read Dave’s memoir, The Last Pick: The Boston Marathon Race Director’s Road to Success: https://www.amazon.com/Last-Pick-Marathon-Directors-Success/dp/1594864225

- Learn more about DMSE Sports: https://www.dmsesports.com/

One of the first lessons Terrance Bacchus learned about money came at the expense of his job. Growing up in inner-city Boston, Terrance learned a lot about sacrificing for his future success. Now, he helps other people learn how to reach their goals as a financial coach.

On episode 84, Terrance shares how his childhood informed his attitude about money, practical tips from his book and how to think about sacrifice. He also discusses the racial wealth gap and the importance of giving back.

Show Notes:

- Learn about Bacchus Empowered Coaching: http://www.terrancebacchus.com/

- Find out about Terrance’s book, "Financially Empowered: Achieving Success Through Sacrifice" here: http://www.terrancebacchus.com/author/

- Read about "Rich Dad Poor Dad" here: https://www.richdad.com/

Kyla Woods has never been afraid to be her full authentic self. Knowing her boundaries and personal values have helped her chart a successful career path and make decisions about when to move on. Of course, she’s faced hard times just like everyone else.

On episode 83, Kyla tells us about choosing gratitude in the face of grief and processing the current racial justice movement as a Black woman. Although she had never been interested in civic positions in the past, she realized she could make an impact on the criminal justice system by helping to build a community engagement program in the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office.

Show Notes:

- Learn more about Crowd or Camera, Kyla’s communications consulting firm: https://crowdorcamera.com/

The people in our lives we spend a lot of energy thinking about often have something to teach us. That’s one lesson author Deborah Burns knows to be true. When she was a child, Deborah idolized her often-absent mother. Later, Deborah became the mom she needed.

On episode 82, Deborah shares the gifts that came from her complicated relationship with her mother, including her memoir, "Saturday’s Child." She also tells us about her forthcoming book, "Authorize It!" And building a new career after stepping away from her full-time position.

Show Notes:

- Check out Deborah’s books, Saturday’s Child and Authorize It! (available this April) here: https://deborahburnsauthor.com/