In this From Fear to Fire interview, Heather Hansen O’Neill speaks with Eleni Kelakos about charisma as an innate quality rooted in authenticity and presence, not performance. Eleni describes charismatic presence as a dynamic life force that draws people in when we are fully present, grounded, and real. Through her experiences as an actress and speaker, she explains how fear and self-doubt can dim this natural spark, and how reconnecting to the moment allows charisma to re-emerge naturally.

The conversation also reframes fear as a powerful teacher rather than a limitation. Eleni shares practical tools for accessing charisma, including grounding the body, regulating breath, setting intention, and shifting limiting beliefs. She emphasizes that people feel our energy before they hear our words, and that true influence comes from emotional alignment and connection. Ultimately, the interview highlights that charisma is strengthened through practice, self-awareness, and the courage to show up fully, even in life’s most challenging moments.

This is the place where real people share real challenges. Where you can find a common bond and uncommon wisdom through their stories. Use tips from the breakthroughs of others to jump-start your success. Speaker, author, adventurer, and host Heather Hansen O’Neill takes you on the journey from fear to fire.  Today, we explore how charisma is an innate, learnable presence that grows when we meet fear with authenticity, self-awareness, and intentional connection.

Eleni Kelakos CSP®, The Speaker Whisperer®, uses performance techniques to help executives worldwide be more relatable and magnetic as speakers and leaders. When she’s not coaching individuals or facilitating training at companies like GM or Allstate, Eleni practices what she preaches, empowering audiences with her signature keynote presentations.

A graduate in both Theater Arts and Semiotics from Brown University, Eleni is a past president of the National Speakers Association of Michigan. She has recorded four critically acclaimed CDs of original songs, and released three award-winning, bestselling books: Touch The Sky, Claim The Stage, and Charismatic Presence.

Website: The Eleni Group

LinkedIn: Eleni Kelakos, CSP

Visit the home page of my website and sign up for my 5 Ways To Minimize Stage Fright, Amp Up Your Presence, And Wow Any Audience free ebook.

“Charisma is a sparkle in people that money can’t buy. It’s an invisible energy with visible effects.” ~Marianne Williamson

Finding Humanity: The Evolution of Sales is out now. Check it out here!

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In this episode of From Fear to Fire, financial educator and bestselling author Bill Cates joins Heather Hansen O’Neill to explore how many of us stop robbing ourselves of lasting wealth by uncovering and transforming the hidden beliefs that subtly sabotage our financial success. Drawing on insights from his book The Hidden Heist, Bill explains that the real barriers to financial freedom aren’t income or opportunity; they’re the unconscious money stories, scarcity thinking, and misinformation that shape our decisions and limit our potential.

Bill and Heather dive into how awareness, education, and disciplined habits can help listeners challenge outdated beliefs, embrace long-term thinking, and make smarter financial choices. By recognizing and rewriting the internal narratives that quietly rob you of confidence and opportunity, you can build greater financial freedom and peace of mind.

This is the place where real people share real challenges. Where you can find a common bond and uncommon wisdom through their stories. Use tips from the breakthroughs of others to jump-start your success. Speaker, author, adventurer, and host Heather Hansen O’Neill takes you on the journey from fear to fire.  Today, we explore how changing limiting money beliefs and learning how money truly works can reduce fear, build discipline, and create lasting financial freedom.

Bill believes that everyone deserves to make educated financial decisions that are in their best interest. He has turned this belief into his mission—to bring financial education to as many people as he can reach.

For over 30 years, Bill has helped financial professionals and businesses move from incremental growth to exponential growth by: communicating more compelling value, balancing digital and human marketing strategies, multiplying their best clients through referrals, and targeting profitable niche markets.

Bill is the author of seven books, the founder of The Cates Academy for Relationship Marketing, and the host of the acclaimed Top Advisor Podcast, ranked in the top 5 percent of podcasts worldwide. Bill was inducted into the Professional Speakers Hall of Fame in 2010.

Website: Bill Cates | Referral Coach

LinkedIn: Bill Cates, Unlocking Exponential Growth

Bill’s newest book is The Hidden Heist: Stop Robbing Yourself of Lasting Wealth – An Irresistible Tale of Financial Redemption.

“Do not save what is left after spending, but spend what is left after saving.” ~Warren Buffett

Finding Humanity: The Evolution of Sales is out now. Check it out here!

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In this episode of From Fear to Fire, Fabienne Fredrickson explores how women can leverage both inner wisdom and external support to grow successful businesses without burning out. She explains that many high-achieving women rely too heavily on masculine “push” energy such as constant striving and overworking, while neglecting feminine energy rooted in intuition and collaboration. Fabienne emphasizes that sustainable success comes from learning to leverage a balanced blend of both, allowing women to build businesses that align with their purpose and values.

Fabienne also highlights the unconscious patterns that lead women to overgive, undercharge, and exhaust themselves. Her message is clear and practical: leverage delegation, leverage boundaries, and leverage action to move through fear. By shifting from a martyr mindset to a visionary identity, women can reclaim their time, lead with confidence, and create success that supports both their professional goals and personal well-being.

This is the place where real people share real challenges. Where you can find a common bond and uncommon wisdom through their stories. Use tips from the breakthroughs of others to jump-start your success. Speaker, author, adventurer, and host Heather Hansen O’Neill takes you on the journey from fear to fire.  Today, we talk about how women can leverage balance, self-worth, and support systems to overcome fear, prevent burnout, and build sustainable success in business and life.

Our guest today is a woman whose work has changed the lives and businesses of thousands of women around the world.

Fabienne Fredrickson is a transformational business coach, author, and mentor who has spent more than twenty-five years helping women step into their highest potential in business. As the founder of Boldheart.com, Fabienne has built a global community of women entrepreneurs who are creating 6- and 7-figure businesses while reclaiming their freedom, their time, and their sense of purpose. Her approach blends practical strategy with deep inner work, uniting business growth with mindset, nervous system regulation, and feminine leadership.

Please join me in welcoming a true catalyst for women’s awakening and empowerment, Fabienne Fredrickson.

Website: Bold Heart

LinkedIn: Fabienne Fredrickson

Be sure to check out her book, The Leveraged Business, and her podcast, The Fabienne Show.

“We must begin to reclaim the lives we thirst for- and stop reinforcing the tyranny we were dictated. The structure we uphold is the one that will prevail.” ~Trista Hendren

Finding Humanity: The Evolution of Sales is out now. Check it out here!

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In this episode of From Fear to Fire, host Heather Hansen O’Neill speaks with disability advocate, educator, and author Jenna Udenberg about lived experience, leadership, and the true meaning of Accessibility and Inclusion. Jenna shares her journey as a lifelong wheelchair user and founder of the nonprofit Above and Beyond With U, emphasizing that accessibility is not about checking boxes or meeting minimum ADA requirements. Instead, it requires involving disabled people from the very beginning so spaces, systems, and decisions reflect real human needs rather than assumptions.

Jenna also reframes disability as a neutral part of the human experience, explaining that barriers are most often created by environments and attitudes, not bodies. She encourages organizations and leaders to move beyond good intentions and take intentional action rooted in Accessibility and Inclusion across workplaces, education, and community spaces. Her message is clear: when people feel welcomed, safe, and valued, everyone benefits, and that awareness is what helps individuals and organizations truly move from fear to fire.

This is the place where real people share real challenges. Where you can find a common bond and uncommon wisdom through their stories. Use tips from the breakthroughs of others to jump-start your success. Speaker, author, adventurer, and host Heather Hansen O’Neill takes you on the journey from fear to fire.  Today, we explore how true accessibility and inclusion are achieved by centering disabled voices, challenging assumptions, and intentionally designing spaces, systems, and cultures where everyone can belong and thrive.

Jenna Udenberg is a lifelong resident from the Northshore of Minnesota and is a former music educator of 19 years. She has used a manual wheelchair since the age of 8 due to Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis. Jenna is a 2017 Blandin Foundation Community Leader, a 2020 Bush Fellow, and a 2025 Shannon Leadership Institute Fellow. Writing for the Lake County Press in her column, Local View from 4 foot 2, inspires vulnerability and the sharing of lived experiences from the seated perspective.

Within My Spokes: A Tapestry of Pain, Growth & Freedom is Jenna’s published memoir which you can find on the A&BWU website, on Amazon or wherever you find your books. In her free time, you can find Jenna outdoors on paved trails or fishing with friends, playing board and card games, as well as coaching the Robo Dweebs, a LEGO robotics team. Jenna is the founder of the non-profit, Above & Beyond With U, which works to increase accessibility and inclusion in Minnesota and beyond.

Website: Above and Beyond With U

LinkedIn: Above & Beyond With U

“Life is not just the passing of time. Life is the collection of experiences and their intensity.” ~Jim Rohn

Finding Humanity: The Evolution of Sales is out now. Check it out here!

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The episode features Eric Gee, creator of the Utopia 16 assessment and author of The Power of Personality. He explains how his work helps people understand their core values and motivations through four major personality packs—Gatherers, Hunters, Smiths, and Shamans. By recognizing these natural differences, Eric shows how individuals can reduce insecurity, improve relationships, and work more effectively with others.

Heather and Eric also explore how The Power of Personality applies in real life—from team dynamics to personal growth—using relatable stories and humor. The conversation encourages listeners to embrace who they are, accept both strengths and flaws, and “find their anchor” so they can move from fear to confidence in every area of life.

This is the place where real people share real challenges. Where you can find a common bond and uncommon wisdom through their stories. Use tips from the breakthroughs of others to jump-start your success. Speaker, author, adventurer, and host Heather Hansen O’Neill takes you on the journey from fear to fire.  Today, we explore how The Power of Personality helps people understand their unique traits and values to improve self-awareness, relationships, and personal growth.

Eric Gee has administered personality-based life coaching for more than twenty years. He built a successful education company that used his personality typing method to better the lives of more than twenty thousand students, parents, and teachers. As creator of the Youtopia Project website and the Youtopia 16 assessment, he has disseminated his method to over half a million users since the website’s creation in 2016. His book, The Power of Personality, is the culmination of decades of research and application.

Website: Youtopia University

LinkedIn: Eric Gee

Free online personality assessment HERE.

“If we learn to understand each other, we will have a better understanding of ourselves.” ~Sarah Gadon

Finding Humanity: The Evolution of Sales is out now. Check it out here!

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This episode of From Fear to Fire features Amy Lenius, Director of Group Coaching at Next Level University, who empowers people—especially women—to redefine success through clarity, emotional resilience, and deep self-worth. Amy shares her powerful journey from chronic illness to holistic healing, revealing how understanding the mind-body connection and honoring women’s cyclical nature can transform the way we approach goals, habits, and personal growth.

Listeners will learn Amy’s three core pillars—self-belief, self-worth, and consistency—and how these shape our capacity to grow, set boundaries, embrace discomfort, and achieve meaningful success. Through her relatable story and practical guidance, Amy shows how self-awareness and small daily actions help us build sustainable confidence and step into our most authentic, empowered selves.

This is the place where real people share real challenges. Where you can find a common bond and uncommon wisdom through their stories. Use tips from the breakthroughs of others to jump-start your success. Speaker, author, adventurer, and host Heather Hansen O’Neill takes you on the journey from fear to fire.  Today, we talk about how women can build self-belief, strengthen self-worth, and achieve aligned success through holistic awareness and consistent, sustainable habits.

I’m a speaker, coach, and the Director of Group Coaching at Next Level University. I help people (mostly women) redefine success in a way that feels deeply aligned through clarity, self-belief, emotional resilience, self-worth and sustainable daily habits.

Website: Next Level University

Facebook: Amy Lenius

“We need to accept that we won’t always make the right decisions, that we’ll screw up royally sometimes – understanding that failure is not the opposite of success, it’s part of success.” ~Arianna Huffington

Finding Humanity: The Evolution of Sales is out now. Check it out here!

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In this From Fear to Fire conversation, Vishrant shares his extraordinary transformation from gang leader and high-achieving publishing magnate to mystic. After a near-death experience at sea cracked his heart open, he realized love, not achievement, was the true wealth. He gave away his companies, walked barefoot across Australia, and committed fully to openness, presence, surrender, and heart. His Journey to Awakening became less about escaping fear and more about moving toward it consciously, dissolving the armor and conditioning that kept him closed.

Throughout the interview, he teaches that awakening is not reserved for extreme life decisions. It is accessible moment to moment when we choose vulnerability over defense, surrender over resistance, and service over selfishness. Leaders and everyday humans alike can start right where they are by practicing openness, listening to intuition, tuning into energy instead of noise, and remembering that real strength is in the yin or the softness, not force. This path of presence is how we shift from fear to fire and from fear to love. The Journey to Awakening is a continual unraveling of what blocks the heart so we can serve, connect, and lead through humanity.

This is the place where real people share real challenges. Where you can find a common bond and uncommon wisdom through their stories. Use tips from the breakthroughs of others to jump-start your success. Speaker, author, adventurer, and host Heather Hansen O’Neill takes you on the journey from fear to fire.  Today, we talk about the Journey to Awakening by choosing openness, surrender, and love over fear, resistance, and ego, in order to transform how we live, lead, and experience life.

Vishrant is a contemporary mystic and enlightened spiritual teacher from Perth, Australia. A former publishing magnate who retired at 28, he turned toward the spiritual path after encountering Osho’s teachings and experiencing a life-changing near-death event at sea. His journey led him to give away his businesses, walk barefoot across Australia for four years, and study naturopathy and psychotherapy. Blending Advaita clarity with the way of the heart, Vishrant now guides others toward awakening through direct experience, presence, and surrender.

Website: Vishrant

YouTube: Vishrant

Free Guided Meditation and free Spiritual Mechanics eBook

“We all take different paths in life, but no matter where we go, we take a little of each other everywhere” ~Tim McGraw

Finding Humanity: The Evolution of Sales is out now. Check it out here!

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In this episode of From Fear to Fire, Heather Hansen O’Neill interviews musician, writer, and educator Matthew Check, whose creative journey weaves together bluegrass music, writing, and self-discovery. His memoir, What Would Philip Roth Do?, embodies a Spirit of Vulnerability, blending humor, honesty, and raw emotion as he reflects on sobriety, relationships, and personal growth. Check shares how writing demanded discipline and courage while music offered a space for expression and connection.

He speaks openly about using humor to navigate pain, facing fears in love and creativity, and transforming past struggles into authentic art. Through his story, Check highlights that the path to purpose often begins with vulnerability, the willingness to reveal our truth, learn from failure, and keep showing up with heart.

This is the place where real people share real challenges. Where you can find a common bond and uncommon wisdom through their stories. Use tips from the breakthroughs of others to jump-start your success. Speaker, author, adventurer, and host Heather Hansen O’Neill takes you on the journey from fear to fire.  Today, we talk about embracing creativity, recovery, and authenticity through a Spirit of Vulnerability that transforms personal challenges into purpose and art.

Matthew Check is originally from Newtown, Pennsylvania. After nearly two decades in New York City, he now resides in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Matt’s musical journey is marked by a fusion of genres and themes. He coined the term “jewgrass” to describe his innovative blend of bluegrass and Jewish liturgical music, as heard on The Bluegrass Kabbalat Shabbat Experience. His versatility is further showcased through his work with the Emmy-nominated band Gangstagrass and his collaboration with Grammy-winning artist Joanie Leeds on the 2019 album Sterling.

In his solo work, Matthew draws inspiration from the introspective folk and pop-rock sounds of the 1970s. His 2022 album Without a Throne explores deeply personal narratives, including his journey toward sobriety, most poignantly in the track “Old Wooden Floor.” Recorded live in Nashville, the album captures the raw and authentic essence of his songwriting.

Matthew’s debut memoir, What Would Philip Roth Do? (Parentheses Press, 2025), continues this spirit of vulnerability and self-examination. The irreverent coming-of-age story follows his misadventures as a young Jewish educator and banjo player in mid-2000s New York City—teaching Hebrew in a messianic community, navigating relationships, and searching for identity and meaning in a city of contradictions.

Matt’s commitment to authenticity and emotional depth runs through both his writing and music, earning him recognition in Billboard, PopMatters, and Americana UK. #matthewcheck

Website: Matthew Check Music

LinkedIn: Matthew Check

“The true beauty of music is that it connects people” ~ Roy Ayers

Finding Humanity: The Evolution of Sales is out now. Check it out here!

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The podcast episode features Diana Fritz, a resilient executive leader, cancer thriver, and advocate for authenticity and positive impact. Speaking with host Heather Hansen O’Neill, Diana shares her powerful journey from battling a rare eye cancer to embracing her “unique imperfection” with gratitude and strength. Her book Uniquely Imperfect, Uniquely Qualified reflects how adversity can open doors to empathy and influence. Losing her eye became a lesson in resilience and compassion, helping her show others that what we see as imperfections can actually be what qualifies us to connect and inspire.

Throughout the interview, Diana discusses leadership, self-awareness, and the courage to ask for help. She emphasizes “leading with influence, not just a title,” focusing on trust, care, and service. Her practical mindset shifts, such as changing “I have to” into “I get to,” remind listeners of the power of gratitude and choice. Diana’s message of authentic imperfection celebrates the beauty of embracing who we truly are and using our challenges to make a meaningful difference.

This is the place where real people share real challenges. Where you can find a common bond and uncommon wisdom through their stories. Use tips from the breakthroughs of others to jump-start your success. Speaker, author, adventurer, and host Heather Hansen O’Neill takes you on the journey from fear to fire.  Today, we talk about Diana Fritz’s journey of resilience, leadership, and embracing authentic imperfection, the podcast highlights how she transforms personal adversity into purpose and inspiration for others.

Diana Fritz is a dynamic executive leader, cancer thriver, and passionate advocate for authenticity, resilience, and positive impact. With over 25 years of experience spanning executive leadership, operations, human resources, business planning, and technology, Diana has built a reputation for fostering teamwork, driving organizational health, and leading with influence, not just a title.

A member of the Maxwell Leadership Executive Program, a Corporate Facilitator, and a Certified DISC Consultant, Diana is dedicated to empowering individuals and organizations through open, engaging, and values-driven leadership. Her mission is to create a meaningful impact and ensure every person she encounters feels valued.

Beyond her professional achievements, Diana is a devoted wife, mother, and committed volunteer. She thrives on sharing insights about leadership, resilience, and navigating challenges with authenticity.

Website: GRIT Leadership

LinkedIn: Diana Fritz

“There is nothing more rare, nor more beautiful, than a woman being unapologetically herself; comfortable in her perfect imperfection. To me, that is the true essence of beauty” ~Steve Maraboli

Finding Humanity: The Evolution of Sales is out now. Check it out here!

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In this episode of From Fear to Fire, Heather shares how the power of retreat helps leaders step away from daily pressures to find clarity and renewal. Retreats create space for reflection, self-awareness, and vision while giving leaders the chance to reignite passion and model wellbeing for others. Even a short retreat can unlock breakthroughs and set a stronger direction forward.

She also explains how the power of retreat strengthens teams by building trust, collaboration, and cultural alignment. Unlike regular meetings, retreats immerse groups in experiences that inspire connection, purpose, and lasting change. Leaders and teams return with renewed energy, clear priorities, and a deeper sense of humanity.

This is the place where real people share real challenges. Where you can find a common bond and uncommon wisdom through their stories. Use tips from the breakthroughs of others to jump start your success. Speaker, author, adventurer, and host Heather Hansen O’Neill takes you on the journey from fear to fire. Today, we talk about the power of retreat and how stepping away from daily demands creates clarity, connection, and transformation for both leaders and teams.

Heather is the host of the From Fear to Fire podcast as well as a best-selling author, igniter of inner flame, and an international keynote speaker and change strategist. Her specialty is in helping individuals and organizations consciously transform their behaviors for peak performance.

Website: Heather Hansen O’Neill

Social media accounts:

Reach out to Heather at: [email protected].

Find her new TEDx HERE

Want to dive deeper? Check out Finding Humanity book, explore The Humanity of Sales show on YouTube, and watch the powerful DisruptHR talk.

“Within you there is a stillness and sanctuary to which you can retreat at any time and be yourself.” ~Hermann Hesse

Finding Humanity: The Evolution of Sales is out now. Check it out here!

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