In this episode of Finding Purpose, I sit down with Carl Michel—bestselling author, world-class public speaker, coach, and mentor. Carl has dedicated his life to empowering young people to find their voice, particularly through his work in the New York public school system. Growing up as a Haitian-American in Stanford, CT, Carl experienced firsthand the challenges of navigating identity, peer pressure, and finding a sense of direction in a fast-moving world. Early on, he found himself falling into the trap of following the wrong crowd, making choices that didn't serve his future. But through key mentorships, self-reflection, and an unwavering commitment to personal growth, Carl transformed his life from a follower to a leader.

Today, Carl uses his journey of resilience and self-discovery to guide and uplift others. Whether through public speaking, coaching, or writing, his work is centered around helping young people step into their potential, embrace leadership, and break limiting mindsets. He believes that success is not just about individual achievement but about creating opportunities for others to rise alongside you. In this conversation, Carl shares the pivotal moments that shaped his path, the importance of mentorship and collaboration, and how finding his voice has allowed him to empower thousands of students, professionals, and aspiring leaders.

We discuss: 🔥 Growing up in Stanford, CT, and the challenges he faced as a Haitian-American 🔥 How early mentorship and guidance helped him transition from being a follower to a leader 🔥 The power of finding your voice and helping others do the same 🔥 His experience as a bestselling author and how writing shaped his journey 🔥 The importance of personal development and how to stay consistent in self-improvement 🔥 The lessons learned from overcoming obstacles and building a purpose-driven life 🔥 The impact of his speaking engagements in schools and how they transform students' lives

🔗 Connect with Carl Michel: 📘 His Best Selling Book: 365 Hip Hop: Daily Motivational Quotes 🌐 https://youngexekutive.com/ 📸 Instagram: @youngexekutive

🙌 Support the Show: If Carl's journey resonated with you, please subscribe, rate, and review the Finding Purpose Podcast on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Your support helps us continue sharing powerful stories like Carl.

👉 Follow us on Instagram: @findingpurposepod 💬 Have a story of purpose to share? Connect with Adam on Instagram or e-mail [email protected]

🚀 Your lowest moments don't define you—what you do after them does. Tune in, be inspired, and remember: your story isn't over. 🎧

In this episode of Finding Purpose, I sit down with Alessandra Cortina, founder and CEO of the Cortina Law Group based in Westchester. Alessandra's journey is one of resilience, ambition, and breaking generational expectations. Growing up in a traditional Italian family, she was surrounded by the entrepreneurial spirit from a young age, watching her parents build a restaurant business from the ground up. But while family values and a strong work ethic were ingrained in her, she also faced the challenge of carving out her own path in a world full of strong opinions and expectations.

Alessandra shares how she unexpectedly discovered her passion for law, the struggles of balancing law school, career, and family milestones, and the pressure of being the eldest child in a close-knit Italian household. We explore how she found her voice amidst the noise of tradition, built a thriving legal practice, and learned to navigate the ever-changing landscape of modern business. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a professional looking for inspiration, or someone struggling to define your own path in life, this conversation is packed with wisdom and insights.

We discuss: 🔥 Growing up in an Italian-American family and how it shaped her values 🔥 How entrepreneurship runs in her blood and the lessons learned from her family's restaurant business 🔥 The decision to become a lawyer and the hurdles of law school and bar exams 🔥 Managing family expectations vs. personal aspirations 🔥 The power of finding your own voice in a world full of opinions 🔥 The evolution of modern business practices and why many traditional mindsets struggle to adapt 🔥 Her journey from human resources at Morgan Stanley to launching her own law firm

🎙️ One of my favorite takeaways from this episode: Alessandra reminds us that finding our purpose often requires filtering out the noise—especially from those who love us most but may project their own fears onto us. Learning to stand firm in our own decisions, even when met with resistance, is key to creating a life that truly aligns with our values.

Connect with Alessandra Cortina: 🌎 Website: www.thecortinalawgroup.com 📸 Instagram: @thelawyerista

👉 If you loved this episode, please leave a review and share your biggest takeaway!

In this episode of Finding Purpose, I sit down with Nick Coletti—founder of Greenwich Special Education Advocates and host of The Sped Space Podcast. Nick is dedicated to helping families navigate the complexities of special education, ensuring that children receive the resources and support they need to thrive. Through his advocacy work, he empowers parents with knowledge, breaks down misconceptions about special education, and pushes for a more inclusive and understanding system.

We discuss: 🔥 Nick's personal journey from struggling in school to becoming an advocate 🔥 The IEP (Individualized Education Plan) process and why parents must understand it 🔥 The stigma surrounding special education and how to shift the narrative 🔥 The importance of teacher and parent collaboration in supporting students 🔥 How parents can advocate for their children's needs in the school system 🔥 The role of special education law (IDEA - Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) in ensuring fairness 🔥 Why having a strong community and support system makes all the difference

🎙️ One of my favorite takeaways from this episode: Nick reminds us that special education isn't about limitations—it's about providing the right tools to help every child succeed. Advocacy, awareness, and proactive involvement can create a transformative impact on a child's educational journey.

Connect with Nick Coletti: 🌎 Website: www.greenwichseadvocates.com 📩 Email: [email protected] 📸 Instagram: @colettinick

👉 If you loved this episode, please leave a review and share your biggest takeaway!

In this episode of Finding Purpose, I sit down with the inspiring Vinny Brusco—host of The Council of Dudes podcast, founder of the Agora Social Club, and leader of men's personal growth communities in Westchester County. Vinny and I explore the importance of mindset, personal growth, and how finding community can transform your journey toward purpose.

We discuss: 🔥 The challenges of maintaining a strong mindset in everyday life 🔥 The importance of creating intentional spaces for men to connect and grow 🔥 How personal development, fitness, and discipline play a role in building resilience 🔥 The difference between balance and harmony in life 🔥 Vinny's experience with Brazilian jiu-jitsu and how it shaped his confidence 🔥 Why vulnerability is a superpower and how embracing it leads to deeper relationships 🔥 The creation of the Agora Social Club and its mission

🎙️ One of my favorite takeaways from this episode: Vinny reminds us that finding our purpose is about following the golden thread—that feeling deep inside that calls us toward something greater, even when it's not fully clear. No matter the noise around us, staying true to that pull will always lead to fulfillment​Vinny Brusco Transcript.

Connect with Vinny Brusco: 🌎 Website: www.agorasocialclub.com 🎧 Podcast: The Council of Dudes (Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and Rumble) 📸 Instagram: @vinnybrusco

👉 If you loved this episode, please leave a review and share your biggest takeaway!

Welcome back to the Finding Purpose Podcast! In this episode, Adam sits down with Rob Costomiris, a highly respected entrepreneur and President of The Mioym Group. Rob is deeply involved in real estate, investments, and business growth while also being a strong advocate for supporting local communities and emerging entrepreneurs.

What You'll Learn in This Episode: 🔹 Rob's entrepreneurial journey—from humble beginnings to leading successful ventures. 🔹 The importance of community engagement and why Rob prioritizes supporting small businesses and up-and-coming professionals over mainstream influencers. 🔹 Lessons from Rob's early career as a DJ and stockbroker—how those experiences shaped his business mindset. 🔹 The value of relationship-building and authentic networking in business. 🔹 Insights into real estate investments and navigating today's market. 🔹 Rob's love for Italian culture and how family traditions influence his business approach. 🔹 The power of consistency and social media engagement in business growth.

🎙 Key Quotes from Rob: 💬 "I decided that instead of liking posts from celebrities who will never notice, I'd rather support people in my network who are working hard and building something real." 💬 "The key to success is showing up, staying consistent, and surrounding yourself with people who elevate you."

🔥 Don't Forget To: ✅ Subscribe to Finding Purpose Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube ✅ Leave a rating & review to help us reach more listeners! ✅ Follow @FindingPurposePodcast for behind-the-scenes content and updates!

📩 Have a guest suggestion or want to collaborate? DM me on Instagram or email me at [email protected]

Summary: In this episode of The Finding Purpose Podcast, I sit down with Larry Dix, a seasoned entrepreneur, podcaster, and founder of Apex Truss. From humble beginnings in Texas to building a successful business empire, Larry's journey is a testament to the values of hard work, resilience, and the power of integrity.

Larry is also the host of the Born or Made Podcast and an author, using his platforms to share insights, inspire growth, and connect with other entrepreneurs. His thoughtful approach to storytelling and mentorship makes this conversation a must-listen for anyone seeking purpose and direction.

Larry shares stories from his early days, working as a young boy in South Texas, to navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship, including building a truss manufacturing company during a recession. Through his experiences, Larry emphasizes the importance of owning your challenges, maintaining a positive attitude, and fostering authentic relationships in both life and business. Key Moments:

• Larry's upbringing in Texas and how his early jobs instilled a strong work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit.
• The pivotal moments that led Larry to pursue his dream of business ownership, including lessons learned during the Savings and Loan Crisis.
• The importance of integrity and how transparency with partners and clients built long-lasting trust and success.
• The mindset needed to overcome internal obstacles, maintain resilience, and embrace inspiration in the face of challenges.
• Larry's transition into podcasting and writing, and how he's using his platforms to inspire and connect with other entrepreneurs.

Exclusive Content: Larry provides insights into how his personal values and family life influenced his business journey and his passion for creating a lasting legacy for future generations.

Summary: In this special episode of The Finding Purpose Podcast, I sit down with Wilfred La Salle, founder of La Salle Productions and a visionary independent filmmaker with a mission to tell stories that matter. Hailing from humble beginnings in the Bronx, Wilfred shares his inspiring journey of resilience, determination, and the unwavering pursuit of his purpose. From escaping the struggles of his environment to creating impactful films, Wilfred's story is a testament to the power of self-belief and creativity. This episode also features an exclusive, never-before-seen trailer for Wilfred's upcoming 2026 release, The Veteran—a gripping film exploring themes of the opioid crisis, homelessness, mental health, and the forgotten heroes of our society. What You'll Learn in This Episode: Wilfred's early life in the Bronx and how films like Rocky shaped his perspective and inspired his storytelling. The lessons he learned from working in corrections at Rikers Island and how those experiences influenced his creative vision. How Wilfred transitioned from a secure job to pursue his purpose in filmmaking, driven by the belief that passion outweighs financial security. The importance of vulnerability and authenticity in art, and how Wilfred channels his emotions into his work. The critical role of mental health in storytelling and the need to bring greater awareness to societal issues, including the struggles faced by veterans. The creative process behind The Veteran and its mission to bring attention to societal issues with empathy and impact.

Exclusive Content: Stay tuned for a special preview of The Veteran's trailer, a moving glimpse into a story that promises to inspire and challenge perspectives. Connect with Wilfred La Salle: Website: www.LaSalleProductions.com Social Media: Search "Wilfred La Salle" on all platforms

Episode Summary: Adam sits down with the inspiring Shania Jay, a dynamic entrepreneur and community builder with roots in Trinidad and a global perspective. From her beginnings as a "by-the-books" student to becoming a thriving entrepreneur navigating the online space, Shania's story is one of resilience, transformation, and an unwavering commitment to purpose.

Shania opens up about her journey through hustle culture, her decision to embrace faith, and the lessons she's learned about self-acceptance and authenticity. She shares how traveling the world has shaped her outlook on life and how her evolving mindset has allowed her to approach entrepreneurship and relationships with grace and intention.

This episode dives deep into topics like overcoming the need to conform, finding identity in a fast-paced world, and discovering the power of grounding oneself in gratitude and faith. Shania's reflections are as relatable as they are inspiring, making this a must-listen for anyone seeking purpose and balance in their lives.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

How Shania transitioned from traditional career paths to online entrepreneurship during the pandemic. The importance of breaking free from hustle culture and embracing intentionality. How travel and cultural experiences have shaped Shania's perspective on work and life. The role of faith in guiding her decision-making and personal growth. Practical advice for finding purpose by tuning out external pressures and embracing authenticity. Key Moments in the Episode:

Shania reflects on her early days navigating identity as the only US-born member of her Trinidadian family. The challenges and lessons of hustle culture and how it led her to rediscover balance. The transformative impact of travel and exposure to new cultures on her mindset. Shania's recent journey into faith and how it has clarified her purpose and decision-making. Her plans to launch a community-driven project focused on spreading love and positivity. Keywords for YouTube: Shania Jay, Finding Purpose Podcast, personal growth, faith and entrepreneurship, authenticity, hustle culture, breaking barriers, online entrepreneurship, resilience, cultural identity, building community, purpose-driven life, self-discovery, intentional living, personal transformation, gratitude, balance in life, finding purpose, new year inspiration.

🎧 Listen Now: Join Adam and Shania as they unpack her journey and uncover insights on living authentically, embracing purpose, and finding balance. Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all major platforms!

Episode Summary: Kick off 2025 with an inspiring conversation with Maria Rodriguez, a powerful entrepreneur and trailblazer. Maria joins Adam to reflect on her journey from a shy, bullied child in a traditional Mexican household to a successful business owner and motivational speaker. Through resilience, faith, and self-awareness, Maria transformed her challenges into stepping stones toward purpose and growth.

In this heartfelt episode, Maria opens up about her early struggles, the trials of young motherhood, and the pivotal moments that defined her path. She discusses the importance of emotional healing, breaking generational cycles, and cultivating self-awareness as a foundation for success.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

Maria's Upbringing and Early Struggles: Growing up in a large, traditional family and navigating grief, loss, and poverty. The Role of Resilience: How Maria survived bullying, trauma, and immense responsibility to emerge as a leader. Breaking Generational Cycles: Her dedication to emotional healing and teaching her children self-awareness to foster a healthier family dynamic. Entrepreneurial Lessons: Maria shares her journey from working in the restaurant industry to building a thriving cleaning business. Faith and Self-Awareness: How leaning into faith and doing inner work shaped her into the woman and mother she is today. Key Moments in the Episode:

Maria's reflections on surviving in a large family and finding solace in reading magazines as a child. The transformative experience of becoming a mother at 17 and its impact on her purpose. Her journey through various industries, from restaurants to fitness, to finally starting her own business. The moment she realized the importance of emotional healing and sought guidance from mentors. Insights into building a successful business, from market research to pricing, and her vision for the future.

Episode Summary: In this special solo episode, Adam reflects on a transformative year, sharing lessons learned from personal experiences, meaningful relationships, and the incredible journey of hosting The Finding Purpose Podcast. This heartfelt conversation explores themes of resilience, introspection, balance, and purpose, offering listeners an inside look at Adam's personal growth and his vision for 2025.

What You'll Hear in This Episode:

Reflecting on Relationships and Growth: Adam shares how working with organizations like the In-Service Foundation and the Carlos Redon Foundation deepened his understanding of purpose and opened doors to meaningful connections.

Lessons from Recovery: Drawing from his own sobriety journey, Adam discusses how embracing vulnerability and detaching shame from his story have allowed him to advocate for mental health and substance abuse recovery.

Key Podcast Highlights: Adam revisits some of the most impactful guest stories from 2024, including:

Alessia Adler's reflections on family dynamics and parenting. Dave Regina's journey with faith and resilience. Tony Pec's lessons on family values and building meaningful relationships. Rob Tracz's powerful story of overcoming loss and finding balance. The Importance of Balance: Adam explores how navigating imbalance in his career, podcasting, and personal life has given him clarity on what matters most moving forward.

Vision for 2025: With the motto "Everything is Perfect," Adam outlines his goals for the new year, including expanding the podcast, diving deeper into the podcasting space with PodPopuli, and embracing new challenges with an attitude of acceptance and growth.

Key Takeaways:

Investing in relationships is one of the most impactful ways to grow personally and professionally. Vulnerability and storytelling are powerful tools for healing and connection. Resilience and balance are not about perfection but about navigating life's challenges with purpose and intention. A Note from Adam: "I want to thank each and every one of you for being part of this journey. Your support, encouragement, and engagement have made The Finding Purpose Podcast one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Here's to embracing everything that 2025 has to offer with gratitude, courage, and the belief that everything is perfect."

🎧 Listen to this special episode now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all platforms. Don't forget to rate and review to help grow this incredible, purpose-driven community!

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