Finding The Upside

Sometimes the most powerful transformations start with a simple question: “Remember who you wanted to be?” In this episode of Finding the Upside, I sit down with ONE TOUGH CHICK, Tara Gilvar, founder of B.I.G (Believe, Inspire, Grow), a global women’s empowerment organization that started in her living room with one email and a bumper sticker.

Tara shares her personal journey from political campaigns and advertising boardrooms to suburban motherhood, where she wrestled with identity, purpose, and the economic realities so many women face when choosing between career and childcare. What began as a quest to reconnect with her own ambition quickly grew into a powerful movement that has touched over 14,000 women across the globe.

We dive deep into how B.I.G helps women reclaim their voice, rediscover their purpose, and launch businesses, dreams, and legacies—often from a place of uncertainty or loss. Tara opens up about the real-life stories of women who found not just connection and confidence, but healing, courage, and even new life missions through this powerful sisterhood.

This conversation is about more than empowering women. It’s about systemic challenges, the brilliance sidelined by outdated structures in our country, and the cultural shift required to make space for women to fully thrive. From overcoming tragedy to inspiring policy change, Tara’s shares stories that illustrate how grassroots leadership and authentic community can change lives—one woman at a time.

Tune in for an honest, uplifting, and deeply inspiring conversation that will spark your own sense of possibility and remind you: there is power in gathering, in giving, and in remembering who you were always meant to be.

Here’s a quick look at what you can expect from today’s episode…

• [2:09] How Tara Went From Politics to Leading a Global Network

• [12:53] The Bumper Sticker That Created B.I.G. 

• [22:44] The Brilliance That Sits On The Sidelines

• [28:45] B.I.G.’s Mission is THIS

• [35:35] HOW You Can Connect with Tara

• [46:16] As Many People As You Impact, They Are Also Impacting Others

Episode Show Notes  

Tara Gilvar | Instagram

Tara Gilvar | Facebook

Tara Gilvar | LinkedIn

B.I.G. Believe Inspire Grow | Website

REVIVE & THRIVE 2025 – Get Ready to Transform!

Join us this June 6th and 7th at the Archer Hotel in Florham Park for another life-changing event. 2-days of transformation, connection, and empowerment. 

TICKETS ARE STILL AVAILABLE! Grab your seat at https://mariadr.com/event 

B.I.G. members get a special discount! Use code BIG30 at checkout to save.

Not a member? When you attend, you’ll also receive a 10% off code to join B.I.G. — a community that supports women entrepreneurs and professionals every step of the way.

Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | Instagram 

Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | Facebook⁠  

Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | LinkedIn 

Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | Website

Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | Youtube

Want to scale your business to the next level? GET SCORED NOW  My Scale Factor Formula™ Scorecard takes just 5 minutes and will give you a custom scorecard for your business. Get your Business Scale Ready Score HERE. 

Thanks for tuning into Finding The Upside! If you enjoy listening to our podcast, we would greatly appreciate it if you could take a moment to leave us a rating and review HERE. Your feedback is important to us and will help us improve our content and reach more listeners like you. Post a screenshot of you listening on Instagram & tag us @themariadr so we can thank you personally!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Finding The Upside podcast! Don’t miss out on future interviews with special guests plus bonus episodes! Follow now! 

Never miss a show…get the goods delivered directly to your inbox!  CLICK HERE and find “Email Me New Episodes” at the Bottom of the page.

In leadership and in life our greatest impact often comes when we dare to speak from the heart, even when it's uncomfortable. In this episode of Finding the Upside, I sit down with Tricia Brouk, award-winning director, former professional dancer, and founder of The Big Talk Academy, to explore what it truly means to be an influential voice in today's divided world.

From her early days dancing on New York’s biggest stages to her current focus, coaching thought leaders and TEDx speakers, Tricia shares the powerful story of how she found her purpose not in being center stage—but in helping others own theirs. We dive into her journey of writing The Influential Voice, a book born not from market demand, but from a deeply personal response to injustice and a longing to unite humanity through dignified discourse.

Together, we unpack what it means to create belonging, build cultures rooted in empathy, and lead teams where every voice is heard. Tricia offers profound insight into the “trust recession” facing business and leaders today and the kind of capital that really counts: trust, relationship, and attention. Whether you're building a business, raising a family, leading an impact in your community or simply watching from the sidelines, this conversation will challenge you to rethink where your influence lies—and how you choose to use it.

Tune in for a heartfelt and deeply human conversation that will inspire you to lead with love, speak with intention, and remind you that your voice—exactly as it is—matters more than ever.

Here’s a quick look at what you can expect from today’s episode…

• [2:21] Trisha Brouk’s Journey

• [8:55] What It Means To Be An Influential Voice

• [30:41] Tricia Brouk’s Big Talk Academy

• [37:05] HOW You Can Model What’s Possible For Communities

• [49:02] NO ONE Can Learn From Someone They Don’t TRUST

• [55:34] HOW You Can Connect with Tricia

Episode Show Notes  

Tricia Brouk | Instagram

Tricia Brouk | Facebook

Tricia Brouk | LinkedIn

Tricia Brouk | Website

Tricia Brouk’s FREE on demand masterclass, COMMAND ANY ROOM.

Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | Instagram 

Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | Facebook⁠  

Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | LinkedIn 

Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | Website

Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | Youtube

Want to scale your business to the next level? GET SCORED NOW  My Scale Factor Formula™ Scorecard takes just 5 minutes and will give you a custom scorecard for your business. Get your Business Scale Ready Score HERE. 

Thanks for tuning into Finding The Upside! If you enjoy listening to our podcast, we would greatly appreciate it if you could take a moment to leave us a rating and review HERE. Your feedback is important to us and will help us improve our content and reach more listeners like you. Post a screenshot of you listening on Instagram & tag us @themariadr so we can thank you personally!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Finding The Upside podcast! Don’t miss out on future interviews with special guests plus bonus episodes! Follow now! 

Never miss a show…get the goods delivered directly to your inbox!  CLICK HERE and find “Email Me New Episodes” at the Bottom of the page.

Today, I want to slow things down and talk about something that’s been on my mind—legacy. Specifically, the legacy of women.

As Women’s History Month wrapped up, I found myself returning to this phrase we hear often: standing on the shoulders of giants. But how often do we really feel that? Do we pause long enough to name the women whose strength made our own possible?

In this episode of Finding the Upside, we’re honoring both the trailblazers in the spotlight and the everyday giants whose names may never appear in history books—our grandmothers, our mothers, our teachers, our friends. The ones who worked two jobs, spoke life into our potential, and reminded us we were strong when we felt anything but.

But this conversation isn’t just about looking back. It’s about what we do now. Because here in 2025, some of the progress we’ve fought so hard for is under threat—whether it’s reproductive rights, leadership representation, or simply being seen and heard in rooms where decisions are made.

Progress isn’t permanent. It has to be protected.

So let’s talk about what it really means to honor the women who came before us—not with a quote on social media once a year, but in how we live, lead, and lift each other up. If you’ve ever asked yourself, What kind of legacy am I leaving?—this one’s for you.

*To subscribe to the Personal Reflections Emails mentioned in this episode CLICK HERE and sign up at the bottom of the page.

Show Notes: *MDR Please see my comment down in the transcript* 

Here’s a quick look at what you can expect from today’s episode…

• [0:30] The Legacy of Women

• [1:57] Highlighting The Women Who Paved the Way

• [4:24]Progress is NOT Permanent. It has To Be Protected

• [6:26] What Kind Of Ancestor Do I Want To Be? 

Episode Show Notes 

Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | Instagram 

Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | Facebook⁠  

Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | LinkedIn 

Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | Website

Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | Youtube

Want to scale your business to the next level? GET SCORED NOW  My Scale Factor Formula™ Scorecard takes just 5 minutes and will give you a custom scorecard for your business. Get your Business Scale Ready Score HERE. 

Thanks for tuning into Finding The Upside! If you enjoy listening to our podcast, we would greatly appreciate it if you could take a moment to leave us a rating and review HERE. Your feedback is important to us and will help us improve our content and reach more listeners like you. Post a screenshot of you listening on Instagram & tag us @themariadr so we can thank you personally!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Finding The Upside podcast! Don’t miss out on future interviews with special guests plus bonus episodes! Follow now! 

Never miss a show…get the goods delivered directly to your inbox!  CLICK HERE and find “Email Me New Episodes” at the Bottom of the page. 

In this episode of Finding the Upside, I’m talking directly to my CEOs, founders, and visionary leaders who are still operating like it’s day one—doing all the things, grinding, juggling, and carrying the whole load. I recently heard a story from a former NFL player that hit me square in the heart—and it’s one I had to share.

He talked about the shift from high school ball to D1 college football to the pros—and the real evolution that happens at each stage. And it got me thinking… so many leaders are stuck playing high school ball in their business, when they should be building like pros.

This episode is your reminder (and maybe a wake-up call) that it’s time to let go of the “do it all” mindset and step into the level of leadership where real support, structure, and systems fuel your success.

IBecause if you’re still operating like a high schooler when you should be operating like a pro, something’s gotta shift.

Let’s unpack what it takes to move from scrappy solo operator who’s doing everything to supported, scalable CEO who relies on the teams that are there to support them—it’s the next step. Let’s go.

Here’s a quick look at what you can expect from today’s episode…

• [2:50] CEOs I’m Going To BE Real With You…

• [4:57] THIS is Unsustainable

• [6:12] If You Want To SCALE, You’ve Got To Stop Doing THIS 

• [7:57]Transformation Doesn’t Come From Doing More. It Comes From THIS

Episode Show Notes 

Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | Instagram 

Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | Facebook⁠  

Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | LinkedIn 

Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | Website

Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | Youtube

Want to scale your business to the next level? GET SCORED NOW  My Scale Factor Formula™ Scorecard takes just 5 minutes and will give you a custom scorecard for your business. Get your Business Scale Ready Score HERE. 

Thanks for tuning into Finding The Upside! If you enjoy listening to our podcast, we would greatly appreciate it if you could take a moment to leave us a rating and review HERE. Your feedback is important to us and will help us improve our content and reach more listeners like you. Post a screenshot of you listening on Instagram & tag us @themariadr so we can thank you personally!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Finding The Upside podcast! Don’t miss out on future interviews with special guests plus bonus episodes! Follow now! 

Never miss a show…get the goods delivered directly to your inbox!  CLICK HERE and find “Email Me New Episodes” at the Bottom of the page.

We’re in a moment of rising resistance—here in the U.S. and across the globe—and in this episode of Finding the Upside, I’m how we got here, what it means, and why it matters now more than ever.

From growing backlash against controversial decisions under Trump’s administration to Elon Musk’s grip on DOGE, federal contracts and agencies, people are waking up—and speaking out. Whether it’s Senator Cory Booker’s powerful 25-hour stand in the Senate, mass protests in the US, Germany or Serbia, or economic pushback through boycotts of companies walking away from DEI, one thing is clear: the power of the people is being reignited.

This episode isn’t about politics—it’s about participation. About showing up. About recognizing that when systems feel broken, the collective can push for change and demand something better.

If you’ve been watching the headlines and wondering, “What can I really do?”—this one’s for you. I’m discussing how resistance becomes momentum, shown in the actions we’ve seen, and how ordinary people are driving extraordinary change. Let’s go!

Show Notes: 

Here’s a quick look at what you can expect from today’s episode…

• [0:28] People Have Power.

• [2:58] “Our Country Is In Crisis” - Senator Cory Booker  

• [10:04] There Has Been a Lot Of THIS Instead Of Strong Leadership 

• [11:57] It’s Time To Get Involved 

Episode Show Notes 

Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | Instagram 

Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | Facebook⁠  

Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | LinkedIn 

Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | Website

Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | Youtube

Want to scale your business to the next level? GET SCORED NOW  My Scale Factor Formula™ Scorecard takes just 5 minutes and will give you a custom scorecard for your business. Get your Business Scale Ready Score HERE. 

Thanks for tuning into Finding The Upside! If you enjoy listening to our podcast, we would greatly appreciate it if you could take a moment to leave us a rating and review HERE. Your feedback is important to us and will help us improve our content and reach more listeners like you. Post a screenshot of you listening on Instagram & tag us @themariadr so we can thank you personally!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Finding The Upside podcast! Don’t miss out on future interviews with special guests plus bonus episodes! Follow now! 

Never miss a show…get the goods delivered directly to your inbox!  CLICK HERE and find “Email Me New Episodes” at the Bottom of the page.

We’re busting one of the biggest myths in business—that you have to choose between profit and principles. Spoiler: you don’t. In this episode of Finding the Upside, I’m digging into what it really looks like to scale with soul.

You’ve heard me say it before—growth doesn’t have to come at the expense of your values. But too often, companies get stuck in the false choice between doing good and doing well. It doesn’t have to be either/or.

So what does it take to build a business that’s wildly successful and deeply rooted in purpose? I’m breaking it all down—from the power of clear values and ethical partnerships to transparency, expanded impact metrics, and real community connection.

We’re looking at standout examples like 4Ocean, Newman’s Own, and Patagonia—companies proving that mission-driven models aren’t just feel-good strategies—they’re smart business.

If you’ve ever wondered whether your business can make a big impact and big revenue, this one’s for you. Let’s rethink growth. Let’s talk about scaling with soul.

Show Notes: 

Here’s a quick look at what you can expect from today’s episode…

• [1:05] These Two Things Go Hand in Hand

• [1:38] THIS is Completely FALSE! 

• [2:12] Scaling with Soul

• [5:05] WHY Foundational Principles Start To Slip

• [5:42] Successful Companies That Contribute To Social Responsibility

Episode Show Notes 

Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | Instagram 

Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | Facebook⁠  

Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | LinkedIn 

Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | Website

Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | Youtube

Want to scale your business to the next level? GET SCORED NOW  My Scale Factor Formula™ Scorecard takes just 5 minutes and will give you a custom scorecard for your business. Get your Business Scale Ready Score HERE. 

Thanks for tuning into Finding The Upside! If you enjoy listening to our podcast, we would greatly appreciate it if you could take a moment to leave us a rating and review HERE. Your feedback is important to us and will help us improve our content and reach more listeners like you. Post a screenshot of you listening on Instagram & tag us @themariadr so we can thank you personally!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Finding The Upside podcast! Don’t miss out on future interviews with special guests plus bonus episodes! Follow now! 

Never miss a show…get the goods delivered directly to your inbox!  CLICK HERE and find “Email Me New Episodes” at the Bottom of the page.

In PART 2 of this 2-part episode series of Finding the Upside, I’m joined by I continue my conversation with Julie McManus, a seasoned leader whose journey spans five continents, countless industries, and a powerful evolution from “corporate tough” to authentically human.

Julie opens up about the career twists she never saw coming—from the excitement of global consulting to the devastation of an unexpected layoff. We dive deep into how she rebuilt her confidence, learned to lead with heart, and embraced the power of simply saying yes—even when the next step was unclear.

This episode isn’t just about career resilience—it’s about owning your worth, navigating the complexities of being a woman in leadership, and breaking the outdated mold of what strong leadership looks like. Julie shares hard-won insights on self-worth, the gender pay gap, and how we can begin shifting workplace cultures that reward hierarchy over humanity.

Tune in for an honest, empowering conversation that will remind you of your strength, challenge you to rethink how you lead, and inspire you to show up fully—just as you are.

Here’s a quick look at what you can expect from today’s episode…

• [0:21] Many Women Experience Difficulty In Gaining Respect In The Workplace

• [8:56] Everyone Should Have An Equal Seat At The Table

• [14:14] THIS is A Constant Battle

• [27:45] Julie’s Biggest Life Lesson Is…

Episode Show Notes  

Julie McManus | LinkedIn

Julie McManus | Website

Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | Instagram 

Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | Facebook⁠  

Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | LinkedIn 

Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | Website

Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | Youtube

Want to scale your business to the next level? GET SCORED NOW  My Scale Factor Formula™ Scorecard takes just 5 minutes and will give you a custom scorecard for your business. Get your Business Scale Ready Score HERE. 

Thanks for tuning into Finding The Upside! If you enjoy listening to our podcast, we would greatly appreciate it if you could take a moment to leave us a rating and review HERE. Your feedback is important to us and will help us improve our content and reach more listeners like you. Post a screenshot of you listening on Instagram & tag us @themariadr so we can thank you personally!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Finding The Upside podcast! Don’t miss out on future interviews with special guests plus bonus episodes! Follow now! 

Never miss a show…get the goods delivered directly to your inbox!  CLICK HERE and find “Email Me New Episodes” at the Bottom of the page.

In leadership, as in life, the path is rarely straight—and sometimes the greatest growth comes from the moments that challenge our resilience the most. In this 2-Part episode series of Finding the Upside, I’m joined by Julie McManus, a seasoned leader whose journey spans five continents, countless industries, and a powerful evolution from “corporate tough” to authentically human.

Julie opens up about the career twists she never saw coming—from the excitement of global consulting to the devastation of an unexpected layoff. We dive deep into how she rebuilt her confidence, learned to lead with heart, and embraced the power of simply saying yes—even when the next step was unclear.

This episode isn’t just about career resilience—it’s about owning your worth, navigating the complexities of being a woman in leadership, and breaking the outdated mold of what strong leadership looks like. Julie shares hard-won insights on self-worth, the gender pay gap, and how we can begin shifting workplace cultures that reward hierarchy over humanity.

Tune in for an honest, empowering conversation that will remind you of your strength, challenge you to rethink how you lead, and inspire you to show up fully—just as you are.

Here’s a quick look at what you can expect from today’s episode…

Episode Show Notes  

Julie McManus | LinkedIn

Julie McManus | Website

Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | Instagram 

Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | Facebook⁠  

Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | LinkedIn 

Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | Website

Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | Youtube

Want to scale your business to the next level? GET SCORED NOW  My Scale Factor Formula™ Scorecard takes just 5 minutes and will give you a custom scorecard for your business. Get your Business Scale Ready Score HERE. 

Thanks for tuning into Finding The Upside! If you enjoy listening to our podcast, we would greatly appreciate it if you could take a moment to leave us a rating and review HERE. Your feedback is important to us and will help us improve our content and reach more listeners like you. Post a screenshot of you listening on Instagram & tag us @themariadr so we can thank you personally!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Finding The Upside podcast! Don’t miss out on future interviews with special guests plus bonus episodes! Follow now! 

Never miss a show…get the goods delivered directly to your inbox!  CLICK HERE and find “Email Me New Episodes” at the Bottom of the page. 

The first cup of coffee is MAGIC - anyone with me?  Well, in today’s episode of Finding the Upside, I am exploring the small yet significant rituals that begin our days—not just as mundane routines, but as foundational practices that bring us calmness and peace. What does the morning coffee ritual and other personal routines offer?  For me, they are more than just comfort; they provide a necessary pause in a fast-paced life.

You've probably heard about the power of simple pleasures—those moments of calm, not extraordinary, but rooted in the most ordinary parts of our day. Perhaps too often we overlook these routines, dismissing them as trivial. But I think they are in fact vital to our emotional and psychological state.

So I am exploring this question -- what are those things that bring calm and are the small things that are the root of what keeps us centered, grounded and ready to take on whatever comes our way? That's exactly what we're diving into today.

Show Notes: 

Here’s a quick look at what you can expect from today’s episode…

• [1:01] Why is the First Cup of Coffee Magical? 

• [2:38] How I Find Calm - My Go To’s

• [5:10] Don’t Underestimate The Power of THIS

• [5:42] It’s Small Habits and Rituals That We Lean On 

Episode Show Notes 

Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | Instagram 

Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | Facebook⁠  

Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | LinkedIn 

Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | Website

Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | Youtube

Want to scale your business to the next level? GET SCORED NOW  My Scale Factor Formula™ Scorecard takes just 5 minutes and will give you a custom scorecard for your business. Get your Business Scale Ready Score HERE. 

Thanks for tuning into Finding The Upside! If you enjoy listening to our podcast, we would greatly appreciate it if you could take a moment to leave us a rating and review HERE. Your feedback is important to us and will help us improve our content and reach more listeners like you. Post a screenshot of you listening on Instagram & tag us @themariadr so we can thank you personally!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Finding The Upside podcast! Don’t miss out on future interviews with special guests plus bonus episodes! Follow now! 

Never miss a show…get the goods delivered directly to your inbox!  CLICK HERE and find “Email Me New Episodes” at the Bottom of the page.

Encore episode…Today we’re revisiting an inspiring conversation with Mandy Keene on how to break through personal barriers and unlock growth. So often, the biggest thing standing in our way is ourselves—the beliefs we hold, the stories we tell, and the patterns we’ve adopted. We’re bringing this episode back because the insights Mandy shares are just as powerful today as ever. 

Why is it that we often struggle to attain what we desire?  Many times, the answer lies within ourselves - things we believe, stories we have adopted.  And unlocking that is the secret to breaking through and harnessing our own personal growth. Today, my special guest Mandy Keene talks with me about how you can get out of your own way. Mandy is a personal empowerment coach and for 23+ years she has helped hundreds of entrepreneurs, athletes and pioneering innovators master their own self-discovery.  Mandy uses personality assessments to help her clients understand themselves and gain a deeper understanding of what is blocking them from moving forward. We discuss how she uses these tools, the methods she uses and how she has helped so many of her high-profile clients.  Tune into this episode to listen in on this intriguing conversation.

Show Notes: 

Here’s a quick look at what you can expect from today’s episode…

• [01:00] : Mandy’s Journey to becoming a Personal Empowerment Coach

• [01:40] : Growing Up here Self-Help Was Mandy’s religion

• [21:58] : The Strawberry Shift: Mandy’s Framework when Teaching Coaches

• [46:33] : Supporting Each Other like a Group of Penguins 

• [50:32] : Social Media & Connection is like the bar where you go to order

• [54:32] : The Transformation that comes from the use of Support Groups

• [01:32:08] : The Penguin in the Desert

Mandy Keene | Instagram 

Mandy Keene | Facebook 

Get access to Mandy’s personality assessments HERE! 

Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | Instagram 

Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | Facebook⁠  

Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | Website

Want to scale your business to the next level? GET SCORED NOW  My Scale Factor Formula™ Scorecard takes just 5 minutes and will give you a custom scorecard for your business. Get your Business Scale Ready Score HERE. 

Thanks for tuning into Finding The Upside! If you enjoy listening to our podcast, we would greatly appreciate it if you could take a moment to leave us a rating and review HERE. Your feedback is important to us and will help us improve our content and reach more listeners like you. Post a screenshot of you listening on Instagram & tag us @themariadr so we can thank you personally!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Finding The Upside podcast! Don’t miss out on future interviews with special guests plus bonus episodes! Follow now! 

Never miss a show…get the goods delivered directly to your inbox!  CLICK HERE and find “Email Me New Episodes” at the Bottom of the page.