Gratitude Through Hard Times

"Anything will work again, as long as you unplug it long enough, even you." This simple principle serves as the heartbeat for reclaiming a life dedicated to authentic human depth. In a world optimized for digital efficiency and "frictionless" convenience, the true currency of a meaningful life remains the unscalable power of independent thought, presence, and intentional effort.

In this episode of Gratitude Through Hard Times, Ashleigh Spiliopoulou explores the growing cultural movement of "Friction Maxing" — the intentional reintroduction of effort, inconvenience, and presence into our daily routines. Ashleigh shares insights from her month-long experiment with deliberate inconvenience, including rawdogging a 24-hour flight to Australia and ditching her headphones on daily runs. Together, the conversation dives into the rise of mainstream AI infiltration, the psychological dangers of AI Psychosis and FOBO (Fear Of Becoming Obsolete), and why healthy friction is ultimately the secret weapon for nervous system regulation, creative clarity, and deep human connection.

Ashleigh Spiliopoulou is a freelance journalist and health writer specializing in women’s health, travel, and culture. A former heptathlete, her words have appeared in prominent publications including Condé Nast Traveller, Marie Claire, Women’s Health, Stylist, Dazed, and Glamour. She is also the Co-Founder of Sunnie Runners, an inclusive London-based run club, and SOLA, a supper club designed for women looking to build personal and professional connections. Built on a foundation of storytelling, her work advocates for the vital necessity of using creative friction to protect human meaning and connection.

"We are better together than we are apart." This conviction, rooted in the belief that human connection is the ultimate "turbocharger" for growth, serves as the foundation for navigating the complex world of global acquisitions. In an era where AI agents are rapidly automating the "logic" of business, the true differentiator remains the "unscalable" trust built over a shared meal and a glass of bourbon.

In this episode of Gratitude Through Hard Times, Chris Schembra takes the show on the road to The Stand in Manhattan for the debut of the "Lunch & Dinner" series. He sits down with Adam Famularo, who returns to the show for a second time. A seasoned leader who recently navigated the high-stakes acquisition of WorkFusion by UiPath, Adam joins Chris to move beyond the boardroom and explore how deep-rooted relationships and emotional intelligence are the only ways to win $100-million deals.

Adam returns to share a transparent look at the evolution of his career—from the intensity of "hypergrowth" to the strategic synergy of the "Better Together" philosophy. Together, Chris and Adam discuss why technology should never lead to isolation, arguing instead that the most successful "AI-forward" futures are those that prioritize the "Third Place" and the sacred, messy friction of in-person connection.

Adam Famularo is a visionary leader and multi-time founder recognized for his expertise in "hypergrowth" and scaling global technology companies. Appearing on the podcast for the second time, Adam is currently a key leader within the UiPath ecosystem following the acquisition of WorkFusion. He remains a steadfast advocate for "human-forward" leadership in the age of AI, proving that true success is a result of being "Better Together."

"Success shouldn't come at the cost of your soul—or your health." In an industry built on high-stakes pressure, Sophia Mullins is proving that peak performance and sustainable well-being aren't mutually exclusive; they are deeply interdependent.

In this episode of Gratitude Through Hard Times, Chris Schembra sits down with Sophia Mullins, Founder and CEO of Wall Street Wellness. Recorded live at a UBS conference, this conversation strips away the corporate veneer to explore the "reactive" journey of entrepreneurship. Sophia opens up about the stress-induced autoimmune diagnosis that forced her to pivot from a decade in investment banking and venture capital toward a mission of service.

Together, Chris and Sophia dismantle the myth that you have to choose between a lucrative career and a vibrant life, arguing that the greatest bet you can ever make is the one you take on yourself.

10 Memorable Quotes:

10 Key Takeaways:

About our Guest:

Sophia Mullins is the Founder and CEO of Wall Street Wellness, a consultancy and community that empowers high performers to live healthy, vibrant lives. With nearly a decade of experience in investment banking, private equity, and venture capital, Sophia bridges the gap between fast-paced career demands and science-backed well-being. Her work has been featured in Forbes, Fast Company, and PopSugar.

Connect with Sophia:

"Do unto others as you want to do unto you." This simple principle, fueled by a "tambourine shake" of high energy, serves as the heartbeat for a life dedicated to high-performance joy. In a world optimized for digital efficiency and "frictionless" isolation, the true currency of a meaningful life remains the "unscalable" power of gathering people together.

In this episode of Gratitude Through Hard Times, Chris Schembra sits down with Christine Angles, a powerhouse Allstate agency owner and community builder from Gainesville, Virginia. While Christine is a leader in the insurance world, this conversation strips away the professional accolades to explore the raw, essential need for fun, wit, and "inconvenient" kindness.

Christine shares a vulnerable and celebratory look at her journey—from the legacy of her mother, Linda, to the intentional "grace" required to navigate a 12-year career gap. Together, Chris and Christine dismantle the myth that technology can replace presence, arguing that the "Business by Party" philosophy and the act of welcoming others into your sacred space are the only real antidotes to our modern epidemic of disconnection.

10 Memorable Quotes:

10 Key Takeaways:

About our Guest: Christine Angles is a dedicated entrepreneur and leader who runs a top-performing Allstate agency in Northern Virginia. Built on the "Business by Party" philosophy, her work proves that excellence is achieved through genuine human connection. A committed volunteer and "connector," Christine advocates for the power of "earned connection" and the vital necessity of leading with kindness and wit in the modern workplace.

"Whatever it is you want most in the world right now is what you need to give." This simple but profound realization, sparked during a silent meditation retreat, serves as the heartbeat for a movement dedicated to reclaiming our shared humanity. In a world optimized for digital efficiency, the true currency of a meaningful life remains the "un-scalable" power of human connection.

In this episode of Gratitude Through Hard Times, Chris Schembra sits down with Aaron Hurst, the visionary CEO of the US Chamber of Connection and founder of the Taproot Foundation. While Aaron is a titan of the pro bono world, having catalyzed billions of dollars in social impact, this conversation strips away the professional accolades to explore the raw, essential need for friendship and community.

Aaron shares a vulnerable look at his own journey—from the "epiphany of 50" to navigating the profound grief of losing his mother, Bonnie. Together, Chris and Aaron dismantle the myth that technology can replace presence, arguing that the "low barrier to laughter" and the intentional act of welcoming others are the only real antidotes to our modern epidemic of isolation.

10 Memorable Quotes:

10 Key Takeaways:

About our Guest: Aaron Hurst, CEO & Founder Aaron Hurst is a social entrepreneur, author, and the visionary leader behind the US Chamber of Connection. As the founder of the Taproot Foundation, he is credited with creating the $15 billion pro bono service market, engaging tens of thousands of skilled volunteers to help nonprofits thrive. Aaron’s work is deeply influenced by his family’s legacy in the Peace Corps and the Aspen Institute, driving his lifelong commitment to civic infrastructure.

A sought-after speaker and executive coach, Aaron is the author of The Purpose Economy. He resides in a world where he continues to advocate for the power of "earned connection" and the vital necessity of prioritizing humanity in the modern workplace. He is a devoted advocate for the "initiators" of the world, helping them build the bridges that keep us all connected.

"Culture is defined by how we treat each other when nobody’s watching." This philosophy, forged in the fires of firefighting and high-stakes football, has driven the growth of one of the Pacific Northwest’s most successful independent luxury real estate firms.

In this episode of Gratitude Through Hard Times, Chris Schembra sits down with Nick Schleckaway, the CEO and founder of Amherst Madison. While Nick is a titan of the real estate industry, this isn't a conversation about market trends or interest rates. This is a visceral exploration of "Earned Connection"—the intentional effort required to build a sense of belonging in a world that has traded physical presence for digital convenience.

Nick shares a vulnerable look at his own "hard week," discussing the weight of leadership when key team members move on and how he leans on the "lifeboat" of his family to stay afloat. Together, Chris and Nick dismantle the myth of hybrid culture, arguing that true innovation isn't found in a Zoom call, but in the friction of being together.

10 Memorable Quotes:

1. "Culture is how we treat each other when nobody's watching."
2. "My family is my lifeboat; when the professional waters get choppy, they keep me from sinking."
3. "Hybrid is not where you work. It’s how you work."
4. "Convenience is the enemy of connection."
5. "Culture doesn't happen in a recorded town hall; it happens in the unscripted moments."
6. "You can’t lead a 1099 workforce with a W2 mindset."
7. "The office isn't just a place to work; it’s where trust is traded."
8. "Leadership is defined by what you are willing to put up with."
9. "We are trading meaningful friction for frictionless isolation."
10. "If you want to scale belonging, you have to shrink the room."

10 Key Takeaways:

1. The 1099 Culture Challenge: Building culture for independent contractors is fundamentally different from employees; it requires creating an environment people choose to enter rather than one they are paid to stay in.
2. The Performance Gap: There is a direct correlation between physical office presence and professional success; agents who show up in person consistently outperform those who stay remote.
3. Convenience vs. Connection: Companies often mistake "easy" interactions (like virtual happy hours) for real culture. True belonging requires "earned connection," which often involves the effort of physical proximity.
4. The "Lifeboat" Strategy: During professional trials, leaders must identify their personal anchors—for Nick, it is his wife Megan and children Charlotte and Beau—to maintain perspective.
5. The Myth of Hybrid: Hybrid work should not be viewed as a location, but as a methodology. Without intentionality, hybrid often defaults to total disengagement.
6. Friction as a Tool: Meaningful relationships require "friction"—the effort of travel, the risk of face-to-face conversation, and the lack of a "mute" button—to develop depth.
7. Scaling via Intimacy: To impact a large organization, leaders should focus on frequent, intimate, small-group gatherings rather than infrequent, massive corporate events.
8. Trust as Currency: In high-stakes industries like real estate, trust is the primary currency. That trust is built faster through non-verbal cues and "hallway talk" than through digital screens.
9. Leading by Example: A leader's primary job in culture-building is modeling the behavior they want to see, especially when it comes to showing up and being present.
10. Human-Centric Real Estate: Despite the rise of AI and digital platforms, real estate remains a deeply human, referral-based business that relies on local community ties.

About our Guest: Nick Schleckaway Founder & CEO, Amherst Madison

Nick Schleckaway is an entrepreneur, executive coach, and the visionary leader behind Amherst Madison, Idaho’s top luxury real estate brokerage. A former firefighter and captain of the Boise State University football team, Nick brings a unique blend of "grit and grace" to the corporate world. Under his leadership, Amherst Madison has become one of the fastest-growing independent firms in the United States, known for its high standards and unique culture.

Nick’s perspective on resilience is shaped by his background in emergency services and his upcoming book on company culture. He is a devoted father and husband, residing in Boise, Idaho, where he continues to advocate for the power of physical presence and authentic human connection in the modern workplace.

Stats drive scores, but stories stir souls." This philosophy, born in the radio booths of Singapore and driven by a transition from comfort to total disruption, has delivered over $2 billion in transformational impact for global executives.

In this episode of Gratitude Through Hard Times, Chris Shambra sits down with Jay Kiew, a world-renowned keynote speaker, author, and change strategist who has navigated the halls of power at firms like Deloitte and TELUS. But this isn't a conversation about corporate efficiency or digital roadmaps. This is a deep dive into "Change Fluency"—the adaptive capacity to translate life’s most difficult disruptions into our greatest opportunities.

Jay shares his raw and inspiring journey as a half-blind cancer survivor who "lost it all" before finding his true calling. We explore how change isn't something that happens to you, but something that can happen through you when you move from a mindset of survival to one of co-creation and possibility

1. "Stats drive scores, but stories stir souls."
2. "Change fluency is the individual's adaptive capacity to translate challenges into opportunities."
3. "Our greatest innovation isn't what we create, but how we create together."
4. "If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together." 
5. "The goal isn't to control change but to sit in it with fluidity."
6. "Transformation doesn't have to be scary or happen to you, but instead it can happen through you."
7. "The language of change is the only language that will matter in an era of AI."
8. "He held space for me when I couldn't hold space for myself."
9. "Shift your focus from what is present to what is possible."
10. "The world is going through a hard time, but you can write the playbook to get through it." 

1. Defining Change Fluency: It is the "language of change" required as we head into the space of artificial intelligence.
2. The Four Change Mindsets: Your reaction to disruption depends on whether you view change as a threat or opportunity, and whether you are proactive or stuck.
3. Active Presence: True leadership requires leaning in to observe non-verbal cues and naming emotions rather than just being a passive observer.
4. The Power of Co-Creation: Based on the concept of Ubuntu, the episode explores why working together yields superior, more sustainable results despite the time and emotional complexity involved.
5. Strategic Foresight: To discover what is possible, leaders must combine scenario planning with "futurist thinking" to see threats and opportunities from different vantage points.
6. Strategy as Sacrifice: Design thinking requires the courage to say "no" and cut off current business units or emotional attachments to focus on one North Star.
7. The "What If?" Framework: Innovation begins with the ability to ask hypothetical questions that challenge current constraints, a skill Jay learned from his father during difficult times.
8. Relational Gratitude: Jay highlights the importance of individuals like Brian Chang, who provide empathetic space during "dark moments" without being deflective.
9. Sitting in the Tension: Change Fluency isn't about control, but the capacity to sit in complexity and uncertainty with fluidity.
10. Human-Centric Innovation: Digital disruption is a people opportunity; leaders must bridge the gap by helping team members find personal attachment to their mission.

Founder & CEO, Change Fluent

Jay Kiew is a multifaceted entrepreneur, keynote speaker, author, and expert in organizational and behavioral change. With 15 years of experience in organizational transformation and innovation strategy, he has driven over $2 billion in transformational impact across hundreds of organizations and top executives. He is the author of Change Fluency: Nine Principles to Navigate Uncertainty and Drive Innovation, which serves as the framework for his global consulting and keynote engagements.

Jay’s perspective on resilience and change is deeply rooted in his personal journey as a half-blind cancer survivor; diagnosed with retinoblastoma as an infant, he underwent the removal of his left eye. After immigrating to Canada from Asia and growing up in Vancouver, he became the world's youngest Distinguished Toastmaster at the age of 19. Today, he is a father of two daughters and lives in Brooklyn with his Shiba Inu, Brooklyn. Jay is renowned for his ability to help leaders move from a mindset of certainty to one of curiosity, teaching them to "speak the language of change" in an increasingly complex and uncertain world.

"You’re going to be okay." These five simple words from a 98-year-old grandmother became the cornerstone of a leadership philosophy that has driven over $20 billion in revenue influence.

In this episode of Gratitude Through Hard Times, Chris Shambra sits down with Sandy Hogan—a powerhouse revenue leader who has held the helm at tech giants like Cisco, Rackspace, VMware, and LivePerson. But this isn't a conversation about go-to-market strategies or revenue multiples. This is a deep dive into the "Graceful Disruption" of the self.

Sandy shares her incredibly raw journey from a childhood as the daughter of Yugoslavian immigrants to a mid-career health crisis that forced her to "bet on herself." We explore how resilience isn't just a buzzword, but a protective layer formed in the fires of hard work and immigrant sacrifice.

"It’s a protective layer, not a punitive layer that’s unfolding."

"You can get through anything your heart and mind determines you truly can."

"Progress is the touchdown."

"Work ethic and your attitude. Everything falls into place, never perfectly, but those two are everything."

"I didn't control the circumstances around me, but I choose every day what I do about it."

"Trust is a little overused and undervalued. It has to be earned."

"Mindset leads, always—as a leader, as a human."

"I need you [Younger Sandy] as a partner to walk with me on the rest of my journey."

"What this world needs are... more emotionally regulated adults that aren't running around like little babies."

"I can be in pain physically or emotionally... but boy, I get back up very, very quickly."

Reframing the Past: What we often label as "childhood wounds" can be reframed as a "protective layer" that builds the resilience needed for future leadership.

The "Elder" Gap: The modern world lacks "maternal/paternal" figures who provide emotional regulation. We need leaders who can say, "You're going to be okay," to calm the collective chaos.

Immigrant Work Ethic: Success isn't just about the title; it’s about bringing your best self and knowing you aren't taking shortcuts.

Self-Gratitude: We often thank our mentors and families, but rarely think to thank our "younger selves" for the grit they showed during hard times.

Moving from Sacrifice to Self: There comes a moment where you must stop working solely to honor the sacrifices of others and start working in honor of yourself.

Mindset Over Reactivity: "Graceful Disruption" is the shift from letting change happen to you, to having an intentional impact on the change.

Trust via Friction: Meaningful trust isn't built on convenience; it is earned through "inconvenient" moments of friction and accountability.

The Power of Intent: In an era of instant gratification, the most powerful tool a leader has is the ability to pause and ask, "Why the heck am I doing this?"

Radical Agency: While we cannot control external turbulence (like health crises or market shifts), we have absolute power over our choice of response.

Momentum Through Movement: Perfection is the enemy of progress. The goal is "momentum through movement," not waiting for the perfect conditions.

Founder & CEO, BozQ

Sandy Hogan is a passionate, seasoned transformation architect and award-winning executive, renowned for orchestrating strategic go-to-market transformations, delivering more than $20 billion in revenue influence. With more than two decades at the helm of industry powerhouses like Cisco, VMware, Rackspace, and LivePerson, plus agile engagements with high-growth startups, Sandy has earned a reputation for turning hype into measurable results; building Customer for Life revenue engines that deliver tangible, lasting outcomes.

Her track record is underscored by multiple industry recognitions, including CRN’s “Top 100 Executives” and “Power 100 Women of the Channel,” as well as accolades for channel leadership and ecosystem innovation. She is known for pioneering frameworks such as the Customer-for-Life GTM model, the Digital Outcomes Approach, and orchestrating multi-billion-dollar ecosystems—initiatives that have been adopted as benchmarks by both Fortune 100s and ambitious startups alike.

Sandy’s philosophy centers on "Graceful Disruption," blending operational rigor with empathy to confront hard truths and drive transformation that sticks. Whether leading high-stakes 100-day turnarounds under private equity pressure or steering multi-year industry pivots that redefine entire market landscapes, she brings authentic honesty about the political, emotional, and organizational realities beneath large-scale change.

Teams and audiences praise Sandy for her combination of strategic clarity, pragmatic real-world perspective, and the ability to demystify the complexities of transformation through stories that inspire meaningful change. Her workshop sessions are ideal for conferences and forums seeking candid insights into navigating market disruption, cultivating high-impact partner ecosystems, and scaling sustainable Customer-for-Live growth systems that deliver lasting impact.

Sandy inspires leaders to tackle transformation with courage, clarity, and the operational discipline to move from vision to execution—and she does it with a grace that makes even the most uncomfortable change possible.

In a special role-reversal episode, host Chris Schembra steps into the hot seat as the interviewee, with award-winning strategist and Culture Changers host Allison Hare leading the conversation. Reflecting on a decade of building human connection, Chris explores why we are entering a new cultural chapter—shifting from the Knowledge Era to the Wisdom Era.

The conversation explores the internal shifts required to lead in a world being reshaped by AI. Chris discusses the transition from maternal energy—focused on empathy and nurturing—to a paternal energy that emphasizes resilience, agility, and the strength to face uncertainty. This episode is a deep dive into the friction of human connection, revealing why presence and intimacy are the most valuable currencies we have in an automated world.

Chris also shares his personal journey with Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), offering a raw look at how behavioral skills can help us “go first” into vulnerability. It is a powerful reminder that while technology can provide answers, only human wisdom can provide meaning.

Explore more: This conversation builds on three prior Culture Changers episodes where Allison Hare interviewed Chris Schembra on Gratitude, Intimacy & Trust (BDSM and the Boardroom), and Therapeutic Healing (Ketamine Therapy).

The Shift to the Wisdom Era
As AI takes over the Knowledge Economy, human value will be defined by wisdom—the ability to make sense of lived experiences and apply them to future outcomes.

Earned Connection
Real connection isn’t a given; it is earned through the three pillars of Presence, Coherence, and Intimacy.

The Power of “Going First”
Presence is inconvenient and often creates friction. Leadership requires the willingness to be the first to step into vulnerability.

Maternal vs. Paternal Energy
While maternal energy provides comfort, paternal energy provides the resilience and backbone needed to navigate high-stakes uncertainty.

DBT as a Leadership Tool
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy isn’t just for crisis; its skills in distress tolerance and interpersonal effectiveness are essential for modern leadership.

The Friction of Intimacy
We often avoid deep connection because it is inconvenient. Overcoming this internal resistance is the key to psychological safety.

Moving Beyond the Cult of Trauma
Constant focus on past injustice can weaken our willpower muscle. Growth requires agility and forward motion.

Coherence in Contradiction
Success in the new era demands a both/and mindset—the ability to hold opposing truths at once.

Social Health as a Priority
In an era of isolation, prioritizing human connection is a necessary act of cultural and organizational healing.

The Value of Inconvenience
The most human acts—showing up, listening deeply, being present—don’t scale, and that’s exactly why they matter.

• “The knowledge economy is dying… what human beings need next is the Wisdom Era.”
• “Wisdom is the ability to make sense of things and apply experience to future outcomes.”
• “Presence is inconvenient. It is the friction of the human experience.”
• “We’ve focused so much on empathy that we’ve lost our agility.”
• “Intimacy is the opposite of isolation, but it requires courage.”
• “DBT taught me how to make things go right, not just analyze what went wrong.”
• “Your answer matters less than your presence.”
• “You can’t automate wisdom.”
• “Social health is the great healing opportunity of our time.”
• “Tomorrow can be better than yesterday if you do it the right way.”

Chris sits down with Adam Famularo, CEO of WorkFusion, in a rainy New York City as the holiday season begins. Adam shares his unconventional path from elite Spartan racer to technology executive, and how endurance, resilience, and gratitude shaped his approach to leadership. His journey is a reminder that meaningful careers are rarely linear—and that growth often comes from overcoming challenges rather than avoiding them.

The conversation centers on human-centric leadership in an AI-driven world. Adam explains why technology should exist to elevate people, not replace them, and how a “giver” mindset, genuine curiosity, and gratitude have guided his success. Rather than chasing outcomes, he focuses on helping others thrive—trusting that success follows naturally.

Chris and Adam also explore what leadership looks like during times of crisis, including the responsibility to prioritize people over business when it matters most. Adam reflects on using gratitude as a tool for resilience and the importance of acknowledging the support systems—at work and at home—that make high-level leadership possible.

This episode is a powerful reminder that everyone matters. From mentors and teammates to the people we encounter every day, Adam reinforces that real impact comes from empathy, appreciation, and leading with humanity—no matter how advanced the technology becomes.

• Prioritize People Over Technology: While technology budgets often dwarf human-centric spending, the true value of automation is to empower humans to do more meaningful work.
• The Power of a "Giver" Mindset: Success often comes as a byproduct of helping others achieve their goals rather than pursuing success directly.
• Lead with Genuine Curiosity: To build strong relationships and align with others, one must be curious about what drives and motivates people.
• Gratitude for Support Systems: High-level success, such as running a company and serving on multiple boards, is only possible with a strong support system at home.
• Gratitude is a Tool for Resilience: Giving and expressing thanks can be used to improve a situation, rather than waiting for circumstances to improve before being grateful.
• Embrace Obstacles: Career and life paths are rarely straight lines; the ability to overcome challenges and objections is a primary thread of a meaningful life.
• The Importance of Human-Centric AI: Successful AI adoption involves giving technology human-like traits, such as names and personas, to help employees feel like it is part of the team.
• Caring for People in Crisis: Leadership means putting business on hold to ensure the safety and wellbeing of employees and their families during global conflicts.
• Acknowledge Mentors: Success is a journey where influential people—from coaches to business leaders—play critical roles in shaping an individual's path.
• Value Every Role: Every person, regardless of their job title—from a security guard to a CEO—plays an interesting role in your life and deserves appreciation.

• "Smart people can smell BS a mile away."
• "Getting human every now and then is a good thing for us."
• "We talk too much about technology and not enough about the human."
• "Technology was always about automation... and enabling people to use their minds and doing things that really matter to them."
• "If you help enough people in this world get what they want, you will ultimately get what you want without of course looking for it."
• "Everybody is a person at the end of the day. They're all driven by something."
• "It's very easy to do good by others, even if it's just smiling and saying hi and thank you."
• "You don't have to wait for things to be good to give. You can use giving as a way of making things good."
• "Luck is when hard work meets opportunity."
• "There is no easy path, there's no easy buttoning... [it's] about overcoming major obstacles in career and life."

Adam Famularo is a veteran technology leader and entrepreneur with over 28 years of experience.

• Current Role: CEO of WorkFusion, a company focused on "ending boring work" by deploying AI digital workers to fight financial crime and money laundering.
• Previous Experience: Formerly the CEO of Erwin Inc. (acquired by Quest Software) and held executive roles at Verizon and CA Technologies.
• Background: A former elite Spartan racer who applies an endurance mindset to the boardroom. He is also a dedicated father, son, and friend who prioritizes people above all else