Humans of Business (former Community Life)

Today my guest is Maria Soyka, a community enthusiast who loves circle singing and Latin dancing and is passionate about supporting people, enjoying nature, and having fun 🤩

From this episode, you'll know:

👉 what Maria loves the most about circle singing

👉 how Maria differs between thrilling and non-thrilling days

👉 what happened before and after Maria jumped off a waterfall

👉 how Maria finds a balance between being and doing

👉 why did Maria switch from not asking to ask for help... and so much more about Maria's life! 🤩

Meet Maria on social media:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariasoyka/

https://www.instagram.com/maria_soyka_

Timestamps:

(00:00) Meet Maria

(00:32) Discovering Circle Singing

(04:07) The Role of a Conductor

(06:02) Maria's Family Background

(09:12) Learning Piano and Family Influence

(12:55) The Importance of Asking for Help

(24:08) Thrilling vs. Non-Thrilling Days

(30:04) Jumping Off a Waterfall in Columbia

(37:48) The Balance Between Safety and Courage

(40:53) The Meaning of Dance

(43:54) Dealing with Stress

(47:51) Rapid Fire Questions

#community #communitymanager #communitybuilding

Today my guest is Paz Pisarski, a natural people magnet, a Co-Founder of The Community Collective, a community for community builders in Australia and New Zealand, and the multi-hyphenate achiever who loves to drink Chamomile tea and compose relaxation music 🤩

From this episode, you'll know:

👉 how Paz felt while performing in the Sydney Opera House

👉 differences between living in a big city and a small town

👉 what Paz grows in her garden

👉 why Paz wants to get a Dalmatian one day

👉 how Paz feels when starting something from scratch... and so much more about Paz's life! 🤩

Meet Paz on social media:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/paz-pisarski/

https://www.instagram.com/pazpisarski/

https://x.com/PazPisarski

Timestamps:

(00:00) Meet Paz Pisarski

(00:40) The Healing Power of Music

(05:05) The Suzuki Method and Early Music Journey

(10:54) Performing at Iconic Venues

(16:15) Family Influence and Entrepreneurial Spirit

(23:07) Life in a Coastal Town

(27:41) A New Beginning: Moving to Torbay

(29:04) Embracing Nature and a Slower Pace

(31:54) Social Dynamics: City vs. Small Town

(34:46) Dealing with Online Scams

(38:05) The Joy of Creating from Scratch

(42:50) Gardening Adventures and Tips

(49:20) Rapid Fire Questions

#community #communitymanager #communitybuilding

Today my guest is Cole Johnson, a human connection alchemist on a mission to shine a light on humanity and make the ordinary extraordinary, who vouches for amazing humans he meets and the value they are bringing to the world, and one of the most frequent and constant participants of Between Two Watercooler meetups 🤩

From this episode, you'll know:

👉 how the bachata dance entered Cole's life

👉 why Cole told himself that he would never run again

👉 how Cole felt when he met coyotes

👉 what Cole does when he gets lost

👉 how Cole lets his inner child out to play... and so much more about Cole's life! 🤩

Meet Cole on social media:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/colemjohnson1/

Timestamps:

(00:00) Meet Cole Johnson

(00:46) Cole's Marathon Journey

(01:45) Overcoming Dark Times

(04:40) The Power of Daily Choices

(07:30) Family and Personal Growth

(09:42 Discovering Bachata Dance

(12:55) Connection and Nature

(25:41) Inner Child and Self-Discovery

(35:06) Navigating Relationships and Loneliness

(41:18) Inspiration and Creativity

(47:37) Rapid Fire Questions

#community #communitymanager #communitybuilding

Today my guest is Claudia Cafeo, a passionate community builder and tech enthusiast who loves the sea, enjoys playing piano, football (or soccer) and video games, and playing in general, and prefers to be human, kind, and learn all life 🤩

From this episode, you'll know:

👉 what crazy experiences Claudia had in London

👉 the hardest part of coming to the UK from Italy

👉 what Claudia likes about ants

👉 why Claudia usually plays the piano in a minor scale

👉 what's Claudia's position in football (soccer)... and so much more about Claudia's life! 🤩

Meet Claudia on social media:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/claudiacafeo/

https://www.instagram.com/myanxietyandI_

Timestamps:

(00:00) Meet Claudia Cafeo

(00:50) Cultural Differences: Sicily vs. London

(04:56) Claudia's Family and Career Journey

(10:06) Passions and Hobbies: From Piano to Ants

(19:38) Reflections on Nature and Technology

(24:38) Understanding Anxiety and Coping Mechanisms

(25:51) Gaming as a Therapeutic Outlet

(27:52) Karate and Personal Discipline

(30:13) Travel and Tattoos: Symbols of a Journey

(32:06) Beliefs and Spirituality

(33:57) Football: Passion and Teamwork

(38:01) Reflections on Success and Learning

(42:09) Rapid Fire Questions

#community #communitymanager #communitybuilding

Today my guest is Lia Mladenova, a community builder and events facilitator who brings souls into communities, a yoga teacher, and an avid traveler who is deeply connected with the world and loves exploring different cultures and being in nature 🤩

From this episode, you'll know:

👉 backstory of Lia's 200% tattoo

👉 when Lia was a Belieber and what changed since then

👉 what does Lia miss about living in Vienna

👉 how much has Lia changed since childhood

👉 what is the cacao ceremony and its role in Lia's life... and so much more about Lia's life! 🤩

Meet Lia on social media:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/lia-mladenova/

https://www.facebook.com/liamladenova

https://www.instagram.com/liamladenova

Timestamps:

(00:00) Meet Lia Mladenova

(03:52) Facing Fears: The Spider Tattoo

(06:32) Family Background and Childhood Memories

(12:06) Books and Lifelong Reading

(18:35) Happiness and Self-Validation

(23:47) Fan Moments: From Justin Bieber to Ariana Grande

(25:27) Surprising Music Preferences

(29:46) Cultural Reflections on Music

(31:54) Travel Aspirations

(32:39) The Cacao Ceremony

(38:25) Returning to Bulgaria

(41:37) Embracing Change

(44:11) Rapid Fire Questions

#community #communitymanager #communitybuilding

Today my guest is Christian Ray Flores, a leader of the Tribe church community in Austin, Texas, who has been a pastor for 25 years, a professional singer with a successful career in the 90s, an entrepreneur who co-founded the Third Drive – venture development company, and an international man of mystery, who lived in four continents and speaks four languages 🤩

From this episode, you'll know:

👉 how often Christian goes on daddy dates with his daughters

👉 when was the first time Christian felt at home

👉 what language does Christian count on in his mind

👉 how Christian understood he wanted to become a singer

👉 why did Christian want to be the best... and so much more about Christian's life! 🤩

Meet Christian on social media:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/christianrayflores/

https://x.com/ChristianRay

https://www.instagram.com/christianrayflores/

Check Christian's professional resources:

https://www.christianrayflores.com/

https://www.xponential.life/score

Timestamps:

(00:00) Meet Christian Ray Flores

(00:45) Daddy Dates and Family Time

(04:51) Homeschooling and Education Philosophy

(13:08) Impact of Parental Divorce

(18:55) Early Life and Childhood Memories

(22:42) Maintaining Creativity Through Adversity

(26:42) Multilingual Upbringing and Cultural Exposure

(29:17) The Cognitive Benefits of Multilingualism

(32:28) Feeling at Home in America

(34:54) Discovering a Passion for Singing

(38:20) Breakdancing and Its Olympic Journey

(42:27) Stage Fright and Performance Anxiety

(44:58) The Drive to Be the Best

(49:29) The Role of Mentors in Personal Growth

(51:48) Rapid Fire Questions

#community #communitymanager #communitybuilding

Today my guest is Carrie Melissa Jones, one of the best community experts I know, whose speeches I try to always listen to and always learn something new from, and one of the kindest and helpful people in the community world I know, and a good friend of mine 🤩

From this episode, you'll know:

👉 what kind of sandwich Carrie would be

👉 how did Carrie fall in love with Dolly Parton

👉 what changed in Carrie's life after becoming a mother

👉 where would Carrie sit on a rollercoaster

👉 what Carrie feels most excited and energized about... and so much more about Carrie's life! 🤩

Meet Carrie on social media:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/carriemelissajones/

https://www.instagram.com/carriemelissajones/

https://x.com/caremjo

Timestamps:

(00:00) Meet Carrie Melissa Jones

(02:38) Carrie's Life Updates and Moving to a Farm

(05:13) The Importance of Interdependence

(07:02) Connecting with Nature and Mental Health

(11:04) Parenting and Community Building

(16:17) Rediscovering Playfulness and Silliness

(20:58) Challenges of Motherhood

(23:00) Surrendering Control and Time Management

(28:37) Dolly Parton: A Real-Life Superhero

(33:43) Personal Spiritual Practices and Nature

(36:23) Living in the Present and Future Planning

(38:41) Facing Fears and Personal Preferences

(39:55) Excitement About Community Building and AI

(43:25) Redefining Success and Personal Freedom

(46:20) Favorite Childhood Dish and Memories

(49:01) Future Aspirations and Community Impact

(53:57) Rapid Fire Questions and Pie Making

#community #communitymanager #communitybuilding

Today my guest is Jeff Bull, a Star Wars Tech and food geek, a baker, a hobby-hopper, and a great community expert who’s also a technology storyteller 🤩

From this episode, you'll know:

👉 how many lightsaber battles did Jeff have

👉 the backstory of Jeff's compass tattoo

👉 how Jeff's homemade pizza differs from delivery

👉 the story of getting two sibling kittens instead of one

👉 what was the latest hobby Jeff hooped off of... and so much more about Jeff's life! 🤩

Meet Jeff on social media:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffbulltech/

https://www.instagram.com/jbthejedi/

https://x.com/jeffbulltech

https://www.tiktok.com/@jbthejedi

Timestamps:

(00:00) Meet Jeff Bull

(01:02) Balancing Life and Mental Health

(04:48) The Power of Laughter

(06:35) Dads and Star Wars Jokes

(09:33) Nostalgia and Family Visits

(15:17) Childhood Memories and Adventures

(21:09) Live Every Day in April (LIDA) Program

(26:01) Gaming Adventures in Zelda

(27:55) Exploring the Joy of Building in Tears of the Kingdom

(30:03) Discovering and Integrating Your Passions into Work

(32:37) Navigating the Journey of Self-Discovery

(36:44) Hobbies and Passions: From 3D Printing to Woodworking

(40:18) The Story Behind Adopting Two Kittens

(44:11) The Meaning Behind Jeff's Compass Tattoo

(52:59) Rapid Fire Questions

#community #communitymanager #communitybuilding

Today my guest is Blue Arauz, a transformative community dynamo who inspires people with his creativity and passion for the work that he does, a retired host of a food show, Crave GFL, and Craft Beer Ambassador for Greater Fort Lauderdale, the life of the party, a Cuban kid from Miami, and the literal definition of 'If you love what you do, you never work a day in your life' 🤩

From this episode, you'll know:

👉 how did Blue fall in love with food

👉 top 3 positions on Blue's list of best coffees in Chicago

👉 how Blue feels about real winter

👉 what does it mean for Blue to call someone a friend

👉 where is Blue's passion for buildings from... and so much more about Blue's life! 🤩

Meet Blue on social media:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/bluearauz/

https://www.instagram.com/blue_arauz

Timestamps:

(00:00) Meet Blue Arauz

(01:07) Journey to Becoming a Food Show Host

(05:30) Blue's Love for Food and Culinary Adventures

(09:01) Family Background and Early Influences

(11:44) Work Ethics and Life Lessons from Parents

(15:38) Childhood Memories and Love for Building

(17:54) Passion for Architecture and Photography

(20:13) Exploring New Cities Through Food and Coffee Shops

(24:12) Moving to Chicago: A New Chapter

(28:19) Experiencing Real Seasons

(30:50) Top Coffee Spots in Chicago

(34:32) Nightlife and Event Planning

(39:51) Friendship and Community Building

(47:01) Unexpected Moments and Life Changes

#community #communitymanager #communitybuilding

"Community isn't just about connection—it's about demonstrating real business impact and value, which is the key to long-term success."

In this episode, we discussed how effectively integrating community initiatives with business strategies can lead to significant cost savings, drive growth, and enhance customer engagement, in particular:

👉 How to align community goals with business objectives to drive growth and ROI.

👉 Actionable strategies for assessing the impact of community initiatives.

👉 Importance of storytelling in showcasing community success to leadership.

👉 Building relationships across departments to ensure community efforts are visible.

👉 Leveraging community feedback for continuous business improvement.

Join Yurii Lazaruk, the Community Consultant, and Chris Catania, an award-winning enterprise community-building expert with more than 20 years of experience, in connecting community goals with business goals to drive business growth!

Connect with Chris and Yurii on Linkedin:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/christophercatania/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/yurii-lazaruk-community-consultant/

Timestamps:

(00:00) Meet Chris Catania

(00:58) Defining Community Goals

(01:40) Connecting Community Goals with Business Goals

(03:57) Building ROI Models for Community Impact

(06:11) Community's Role in Cost Savings

(08:46) Community's Role in Business Growth

(13:00) Collaborating with Different Teams

(26:23) Storytelling and Measuring Community Impact

(30:41) Addressing Challenges and Negative Feedback

#communityROI #communitybuilding #businessgrowth