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PODCAST EPISODE WITH TODD HENRY:

SUMMARY:

Todd Henry is the founder and CEO of Accidental Creative, a company that helps creative people and teams generate brilliant ideas. He regularly speaks and consults with companies, both large and small, about how to develop practices and systems that lead to everyday brilliance. Todd’s work has been featured by Fast Company, Fortune, Forbes, HBR.org, US News & World Report, and many other major media outlets. Todd’s book, The Accidental Creative: How To Be Brilliant at a Moment’s Notice offers strategies for how to thrive in the creative marketplace and has been called “one of the best books to date on how to structure your ideas, and manage the creative process and work that comes out of it” by Jack Covert, author of The 100 Best Business Books of All Time.

How Todd Henry got to where he is today: (2:39)

Todd studied marketing in college, then did a tutorial video in a music business class and ended up as a creative director for an organization where he grew and lead a team of people for several years. And in the midst of doing that, he was also connected with creative community in his home city to designed brand firms, designed agencies and others. As a leader, he kept his team engaged and creatively fresh. He performed research and investigated how leaders or highly productive and creative professionals produce consistently great work and get the best out of the people.  In 2005, he created a podcast to talk about “accidental creatives” and from that conversation he continue to grow and grow and that eventually lead him to launch a business where he worked with organizations to help them generate ideas, better manage their creative process and organizational rhythms which also lead him to create a book in 2007.  That book was entitled The Accidental Creative and 2013 he wrote Die Empty, his most recent book which will be launched on 2015.

Accidental Creative: (8:20)

Todd’s first book, The Accidental Creative: How To Be Brilliantat a Moment’s Notice offers strategies for how to thrive in the creative marketplace and has been called “one of the best books to date on how to structure your ideas, and manage the creative process and work that comes out of it” by Jack Covert, author of The 100 Best Business Books of All Time and founder of 800-CEO-READ. Todd says to focus in on your most critical work and to reclaim your attention. Develop stimulating relationships that will lead to creative insights.  Effectively manage your energy so that you are always ready to engage, and curate stimuli that help you stay mentally focused. Leverage your hours wisely and effectively to eliminate creativity drains.

Todd’s latest book Die Empty: (20:22)

Die Empty is a tool for people who aren’t willing to put off their most important work for another day. Todd Henry explains the forces that keep us in stagnation, and introduces a process for instilling consistent practices into your life that will keep you on a true and steady course.  The hard truth: sooner or later all of our tomorrows will run out, so how we choose to spend today is significant.  Each day that we postpone difficult tasks and succumb to the clutter that chokes creativity, discipline, and innovation results in a net deficit to the world, our organizations, and ourselves.

Unleash Your Best Work Every Dayunlocks the forces that cause even the brightest, most skilled people to become stagnant in their life and career, and introduces practices that help them build a body of work they can be proud of. It was named by the editors at Amazon.com as one of the best books of 2013.

Best Advice: 52:58

“Don’t take your best work grave with you.”

Links:

Todd Henry’s website

The Accidental Creative book (Amazon link)

Die Empty book (Amazon link)

@toddhenry

@beaccidental

Sign up for the Inspiration With Val newsletter (and the Carpe Diem Daily 12 Month Challenge) by texting VAL to 38470 - no spam, just inspiration!  Find more content like this, read blog posts, and learning more about Valiant Coaching at www.InspirationWithVal.com.

PODCAST INTERVIEW WITH  KIRSTEN ROSS

SUMMARY:

Kirsten E. Ross, MLIR, SPHR is known to many as the “Drama Free Queen”.  She’s the undisputed expert of transformation. Kirsten will move you from Resigned, Resentful and Overwhelmed to Focused, Engaged and Empowered.  She has provided individual and group coaching for privately held and family businesses and non-profits, and her insightful approach has helped leaders find their fuel, ignite their teams, speak with tenacity and become empowered in their lives and work.  Kirsten’s education and experience includes a Master’s Degree in Human Resource Management, Senior Human Resource Certification, the Coach Training Alliance curriculum, and over 20 years of hands-on Human Resources.  She authored the leadership books “Defeat the Drama!” and “From People Problems to Productivity” and has been featured as an expert for media such as: NBC Nightly News, Fox 2 News, National Public Radio, and for publications such as Entrepreneur Magazine, Working Mother Magazine and Crain’s.

About Kirsten Ross: (3:22)

Kirsten E. Ross was born and raised in Petoskey, Michigan, a small town near the Mackinac bridge. She has resided in the Detroit area as an adult but she still maintains those small-town values. Kirsten brings a unique blend of energy, insight and compassion to her work with clients. Her passion is helping  transform leaders and their relationships, create drama-free work zones, enhance customer loyalty, and improve profits.

How she fell into her own business: (4:18)

Kirsten said that the catalyst to start her own business was actually being in an abusive marriage. Ten years ago, she worked in the field of Human Resource when she was a stay at home mom for a period and her marriage became more and more abusive. She did some soul-searching and come up with a plan to get out, and to take care of herself and her two boys.

Trying to restore order in her marriage life: (5:55)

Kirsten Ross really tried everything, and nothing worked. After she got a call from each of her two sons’ teachers telling her that they were not happy in school, she was 100% certain that she needed to make a decision and start making a plan to end her marriage and leave.

Making the move to get out: (8:40)

Kirsten stayed 100% focused on her business as the catalyst to power the transition. Kirsten  got trusted advisers to help create a plan for her business and then she launched her business. And also decided that once she got out, she would take her two boys and create a home that’s filled with laughter. Her full focus was directed to what was in her control for herself and the two kids.

Best Advice: 40:29

“Speak your mind even if your voice shakes;  speak up and it know what you want.”

Links:

www.defeatthedrama.com

Defeat the Drama:  The Podcast

Defeat the Drama:  The Book

In today's episode, life coach Val shares one of her favorite strategies to creating your best month ever.

Learn more at www.InspirationWithVal.com. Sign up for the Carpe Diem Daily 12 Month Challenge by texting VAL to 38470.

Episode 92 with Marine and motivational speaker, Josh Bleill: Losing my legs in Afghanistan didn’t mean I had to give up my life.

Summary:

Josh Bleill was a Marine stationed in Afghanistan when a bomb explosion took both of his legs, and also the lives of many of his friends.  He now works as a motivational speaker for the Indianapolis Colts, and during this inspiring interview he shares how he recovered – both physically and mentally – from the accident.  Josh talks about the strategies and techniques he uses to put himself in the right mindset, and how he gets through tough times without giving up.

History and background  2:10

Born and raisedin Indiana, Josh had a great family growing up. He played a lot of sports most of his life.  And after 9-11, he felt a calling to join the marines. His grandfather and father had served before. So in 2003 he joined the Marine Corps, and in 2006 Josh got called to activated duty. He was in the middle of a tour in Irag and was stationed in Afghanistan when Josh was injured from a roadside bomb attack.   He lost two of his good friends in an instant and both of his legs, but he was still thankful to be alive. After a long recovery, Josh has a family now and has a new job with the Indianapolis Colts as a motivational speaker.

Losing Both his legs  6:40

A lot of emotions came over Josh after realizing he just lost both his legs.  He experienced a great deal of anger, sadness, and shock.   His faith was tested and he experienced a lot of guilt over the loss of his friends.

Getting better 10:30

There were a lot of people around Josh that helped him get better. He mentioned the staff and his physical therapist who kept encouraging him.  But it was really the guys and girls who were hurt before him that showed him that life does go on. Realizing that the world was just not going stop just because he felt sorry for himself, Josh realized that he had to get up each day to get his life back.

Life after the Marine Corp  13:00

After the Marine Corps, Josh didn’t know what to do. He was not sure what his next career could be, but he believed in his faith that there is a plan for him. Then the Colts owner offered him a job as a spokesperson for them and now Josh goes to different schools and organizations talking as a motivational speaker.

After 7 years 21:00

Things have changed for Josh after his injury, and all for the good. Physically his walking is good, he has a great job with the Colts, a wonderful wife,  and kids.  Josh also enjoys travel and talking to other people.

He doesn’t take a lot for granted anymore and notices the small things in life.  Josh also mentioned that his family is his greatest accomplishment and his work with the Indianapolis Colts keeps him going.

What keeps Him going 29:40

Humor is a big part of Josh’s life. He enjoys a joke and hearing his kids laugh brings him happiness. Even the everyday humor of life or even his own occasional stupidity really brings joy into his life.

Where to find inspiration 31:30

Meeting other people and hearing their stories keeps Josh inspired. He loves when people come up to him and tell him what they’ve been through.

His role model 33:05

Josh’s role models are his father and grandfather. His grandfather was a soldier in World War 2;  he got shot and survived. His grandfather was the kind of guy who loves talking to people and hearing their stories which is inspiring to Josh.

About the Josh Bleill Book:

One Step at a time:

Josh Bleill tells people he had "one bad day". On October 15, 2006, while on a combat patrol in Fallujah Iraq, an IED (improvised explosive device) struck Josh's Humvee. The explosion tore through the vehicle killing two of his fellow marines and severely injuring Bleill and his best friend. Josh awoke five days later with the news of the loss of his two friends and both of his legs. One Step at a Time: A Young Marine's Story of Courage, Hope, and a New Life in the NFL follows his journey from his enlistment then on to active duty in Fallujah, through two years of rehab, and ultimately to his job as the community spokesman for the Indianapolis Colts. Readers will be inspired by his undying enthusiasm, infectious joy, and sense of humor. Everyone has had that "one bad day". Josh discovered that life begins when we embrace our bad days and keep going forward, one step at a time.

Links:

Twitter: @Josh Bleill

Facebook: Josh Bleill

Kevin Briggs is an army veteran and cancer survivor who is now know as as the "Guardian of the Golden Gate Bridge".  For decades, he was stationed on the Golden Gate Bridge where he stopped an estimated 200+ suicides that were about to take place.  During this candid interview, he talks about the lessons he has learned about life and death, and he imparts important advice for the listeners for how they can take better care of themselves as well as what to do if you see someone who may be suffering and in need of support.  Kevin's story is so moving and impactful that there are now a book and movie deal in the works.

Learn more at www.InspirationWithVal.com, and sign up for the Carpe Diem Daily 12 Month Challenge by texting VAL to 38470.

After receiving a frightening medical diagnosis, Dee William turned her life around and made many big changes - well, except for that one "tiny" change that changed her life in dramatic ways.  Dee discusses how one small change had a drastic impact on her life, how she overcame fear and obstacles, and the importance of gratitude.   She also talks about her unique perspective on herself, nature, her connection to the world, her relationships with others, and her view on possessions and how they have changed since the incident.  Lastly, Dee talks about an exercise the listeners can do to find their own unique "super power."

***

Episode 90 with Dee Williams: How to find your superpower

About Dee Williams 3:10

Dee was diagnosed with congestive heart failure a few years ago and made some big changes in her life. And one of this changes was actually, quite literally, very little. Dee talks about some very interesting and unique way that she made changes in her life.

For the last 10 years, Dee lived in a tiny house that is literally only 84 square feet.   She said she wanted to take a break, have more time and money for the things she really wanted to do.

Building the House  5:20

Dee studied architectural engineering in college so she knew the fundamentals on building a structure. She also did some research and had been reading a lot of books. She also tracked a friend, who actually built a “tiny” house and so she went to see it.  Dee said her formula for building the house was : “one part how to, two parts why not”. Her next step was selling all her stuff.

Overcoming Fear 12:20

Dee was blessed that she had a wonderful group of friends and family that was there for her to lean on during her diagnosis.  And without those people, she thinks she would not have maintained a sense of enjoying her life.

Living Inside a Tiny House 13:30

Living inside the house made Dee see and feel things differently. She started to see that she’s a part of something very powerful and that helped her see her place in the universe and how magnificent it is to be alive. She also gives us a brief tour of her “tiny” house, describing some details how it looks and how it feels.

Regrets and Other Stuff 29:30

Dee se’s her diagnosis as apart of her. She said her illness helped her in so many ways. She is just thankful that her life is so blessed. Dee’s parting advice to the listeners is a remarkable way of figuring out your own superpower.

Links:

Dee’s website

Find more podcasts and inspirational posts like this at www.InspirationWithVal.com. Sign up for the Inspiration With Val email newsletter by texting VAL to 38470.

EPISODE 89 WITH BEA ARTHUR

SUMMARY:

Bea Arthur is the founder and CEO of Pretty Padded Room, which provides online therapy to women on their own time and in their own space. Through a secure, custom-built platform, their service connects clients with an all-women team of licensed therapists anytime and anywhere. Pretty Padded Room conducts online sessions via video chat or Digital Diary, which is an interactive journal that lets clients have written consultations with their therapist of choice.  Pretty Padded Room (PPR) transforms traditional therapy into an experience that is convenient, low-cost, and completely confidential.

Bea Arthur worked in various different jobs in different industries, and nothing was a good fit until she found the field of therapy.  After one failed business, she bounced back and took her second business on the popular TV show “Shark Tank” – only to be ridiculed and dismissed by the Shark Tank panel.  After the initial disappointment and embarrassment, Bea bounced back stronger than ever and now she not only runs a successful business but she has been featured everywhere from Entrepreneur Magazine to NPR.  Now, Bea Arthur is a successful therapist, entrepreneur, and women’s advocate. She has worked with several demographics including adolescents, addicts in recovery, couples in crisis, and victims of domestic violence. Her passion for the field of psychotherapy led her to start two wellness-based businesses and a private counseling practice, all before the age of 30.

About 4 Bea Arthur: 3:19

Bea Arthur  studied Management Communication at Emerson College in Boston for undergrad and has a dual masters in Counseling and Clinical Psychology from Columbia University. She was and raised in Houston, TX.

Personal and Professional Experience that took where she is today:

While Bea was in grad school, she babysat and some of the moms she worked with would sometimes pay extra just to talk to her after the day was done – they missed talking to other grown ups.  So Bea got the idea to start a social club for stay-at-home moms and started looking for a beautiful brownstone to give on-site childcare and grown up playdates for the moms. It was called MeTime and the purpose was to provide little escapes from their  little ones. They said it was a great idea and even found an investor but right when she  graduated in 2008 and was ready to launch, the economy crashed.

Bea Arthur’s investor encouraged her to wait because the women she was targeting were the wives of all the men who had just been laid off during the recession, but she went ahead anyway because she was 25 years old and overly confident. Then, the business failed and Bea became extremely depressed and in debt. She wanted to talk to a therapist but she was broke and didn’t know where to find someone good. Then she remembered an article that did a profile about a store in Japan where you can walk in, buy plates, and break them to release stress. She wanted something like that but with less collateral damage, and thus, Pretty Padded Room was born!

About her business Pretty Padded Room 19:43

Bea has built her passion project, Pretty Padded Room, into an innovative international company that has helped thousands of people all over the world receive therapy online. She is now a prominent figure in the entrepreneurial and women in tech communities where she regularly consults with new startups, runs a popular private practice in New York City, and is making her mark on media. This bold businesswoman has been named one of the Top CEOs to follow on Twitter, has an active speaking schedule, and has become the go-to girl for all things emotional and entrepreneurial.

Toughest thing she faced:  28:42

There’s been a lot of things that were tough on Bea because she wanted to have a counselling company but ended up running a tech platform with no money, no team, and no background in programming. The learning curve was very steep and she  stumbled a lot; that was really hard on her  confidence and she doubted herself daily, but she can’t imagine doing anything else.

The next thing about Bea Arthur. 43:48

Bea Arthur just hired seven amazing new therapists and she is excited to really expand her online presence for the next quarter. They have also rebuilt the entire back end  of the website so they are  finally in a position to scale the way they need to. She is also a coveted speaker on a lot of issues related to millennial women so she’ll be doing events to address the unique needs of the 20- and 30-something woman in transition.

Bea Arthur’s great advice: 46:45

Bea Arthur said, “You have to have a short memory and a long vision for what you’re trying to create in your business and your life. You’re going to get knocked down a lot but none of that will matter if you know where you’re going.”

Links:

Website:   www.PrettyPaddedRoom.com

Facebook:  facebook.com/prettypaddedroom

Twitter:  @prettypaddedrm

Learn more at www.InspirationWithVal.com and sign up for the Inspiration With Val email list (and the Carpe Diem Daily 12 Month Challenge!) by texting VAL to 38470.

EPISODE 88: DAN MILLER

Summary:

Dan Miller is the President of 48 Days LLC and specializes in creative thinking for increased personal and business success. He believes that meaningful work blends our natural skills and abilities, our unique personality traits, and our dreams and passions. Dan is active in helping individuals redirect careers, evaluate new income sources, and achieve balanced living. He believes that a clear sense of direction can help us become all that we are designed us to be.

Dan is the author of the New York Times bestselling book “48 Days To The Work You Love”, “No More Dreaded Mondays” and “Wisdom Meets Passion”. He has been a guest on CBS’ ‘The Early Show,’ MSNBC’s ‘Hardball with Chris Mathews,’Moody MidDay Connection, and the Dave Ramsey Show. Dan has spoken at the White House Christian Fellowship, and is in high demand at national conferences speaking on aging and changes in the workplace as well as at universities and churches.  Over 130,000 people have subscribed to his weekly newsletter, his 48 Days Podcast consistently ranks in the top 3 under Careers on iTunes, and the 48Days.net business community is viewed as an example around the world for those seeking to find – or create – work they love.  Book Dan to speak or check out 48 Days products at www.48Days.com.

Committed to personal priorities, Dan and his wife Joanne are approaching their 45th anniversary and have 3 world-changing children and 12 amazing grandchildren.

About Dan Miller 3:10

Dan Miller was raised in rural America on a dairy farm. He holds a Master's degree in Psychology, and he feels much of his success in helping others find life direction draws heavily from his background in business. For more than 30 years, Dan Miller's passion for personal and organizational transformation has motivated individuals and organizations to create lasting change. Dan uses proven, results-based interventions and follow-up reinforcement strategies that focus on improving performance. He is personally and professionally committed to the theory and practice of Continuous Improvement.

Dan began his professional career on a clean-up crew and worked his way up through the ranks to become front-line supervisor, safety director, human resources manager, and corporate trainer for North America’s largest hardwood manufacturing company.  During these early years, he developed his passion for--and expertise in--innovative and cost-saving ways to enhance safety, accident prevention, efficiency, and effective performance.

Prior to forming his own company in 1997, Dan directed training and organizational development for a human resources association with more than 400 member companies. He designed leadership, communication, and safety skills curricula and annually taught 150 courses.

As a professional speaker, Dan presents innovative and life-changing concepts at conferences, organizations, government agencies, and associations. His entertaining, energetic, and content-rich presentations captivate audiences and consistently receive top ratings. Dan is an active professional member of the National Speakers Association.

Creating a life plan: 5:15

Dan Miller believes that meaningful work blends our natural skills and abilities, our unique personality traits, and our dreams and passions. Dan is active in helping individuals redirect careers, evaluate new income sources, and achieve balanced living.

48 Days To The Work You Love. 10:11

Dan Miller specializes in creative thinking for increased personal and business success. The mission of his book is to foster the process of imagining, dreaming and introspection, to help people find their calling and true path, and to translate that into meaningful, purposeful and profitable daily work...within 48 days!

Links:

www.48days.com

www.48days.net

48 Days Podcast

Dan Miller on Twitter:  @48daysteam

Get more inspirational content like this - podcasts, blog posts, and more - at www.InspirationWithVal.com.  Sign up for the Inspiration With Val email newsletter by texting VAL to 38470 - no spam, just inspiration!

PODCAST EPISODE 87 WITH RUDY REUTTIGER:

SUMMARY

Daniel “Rudy” Ruettiger was born in Joliet, Illinois.   He spent one year in the United States Navy following high school.  Rudy worked for a power plant before applying to Notre Dame.  Due to marginal grades, he completed his early college work at Holy Cross College before finally being accepted to Notre Dame in 1974.   Following his time at Notre Dame and the release of the movie “Rudy” in 1993, Rudy has served as a motivational speaker, traveling the country inspiring others through his story of determination.

For anyone who hasn’t seen the classic movie “Rudy”, Rudy Ruettiger grew up in a poor town outside Chicago.  He was told over and over that he wouldn’t amount to anything, but he proved the naysayers wrong and – after lots of hard work – he beats the odds and got into Notre Dame.  Rudy’s dream was to play Notre Dame football, and though he was not a ‘natural’ at the sport, his persistence, drive, and work ethic lead to him not only playing but being the first person to be carried off the field by their teammates at Notre Dame.  

In this interview, Rudy Ruettiger talks about everything from inspiration to overcoming obstacles and offers actionable tips for the listeners who want to succeed at their dreams.  If you have ever felt like your dreams were impossible or that you have insurmountable obstacles in your way, this is the podcast you need to hear!  Rudy firms believes that if he can accomplish his dreams, anyone can.

About Rudy Ruettiger:  5:00

Rudy Ruettiger was born in 1948 in Joliet, Illinois into a lower class family of steel mill workers. Upon graduating from high school, Rudy worked at a power plant both before and after serving in the Navy. After losing his best friend in an industrial accident at the plant, Rudy decided to no longer waste time by putting off his dreams. He set out for the University of Notre Dame with hopes of one day playing football for the Fighting Irish.

After getting admitted into Holy Cross Junior College in South Bend, Rudy spent his time studying and working as a groundskeeper at Notre Dame's Knute Rockne Stadium. During his time at Holy Cross, Rudy learned that he suffered from a mild case of dyslexia, which may have contributed to his previous academic struggles. He worked around his disorder and received good grades during his two years at Holy Cross.

It took Rudy three semesters to be granted acceptance into Notre Dame as a transfer student. He almost didn't make it because Notre Dame does not accept seniors as transfer students. Rudy then won a spot on the scout team, against whom the varsity team ran its plays. Through two years of hard work, he earned the respect of the Fighting Irish players and coaches, and in the last home game of his senior year, Rudy dressed for the game. During the last moments of the game, Rudy tackled the Georgia Tech quarterback.  Rudy Ruettiger later received his bachelor's degree in sociology from Notre Dame in 1976.

Rudy’s Life on the big screen: 14:00

The movie “Rudy” inspired thousands of people with its message of not giving up, getting up when you get hit hard, keep moving forward, don’t listen to the naysayers, persevere no matter what, and be persistent.

MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKER: 27:35

Rudy entertains international corporate audiences with a unique, passionate, and heartfelt style of communicating. He reaches school children, university students, and professional athletes with the same enthusiasm, portraying the human spirit that comes from his personal experiences of adversity and triumph. His captivating personality and powerful message of "YES I CAN" stays with his audiences forever. Rudy's opening remarks receive thunderous applause and standing ovations from audiences of 200 to 20,000 people who emotionally chant "RU-DY, RU-DY!"

About the 4 C’s He lives by: 30:18

1. Commitment – Despite being told time and again that he could never be accepted as a Notre Dame student due to his poor grades (much less become a member of their football team because of his small size), Rudy never let anyone or anything stop him from achieving his dream. In the end he succeeded and showed the world and other men that no matter what limitations others place on you, your life is in your hands and you can achieve what you dream of.

2. Character – Rudy’s dreams didn’t end on the football field at Notre Dame. He believed that his story could inspire others so he worked for a decade to learn what he needed to know about the movie business and kept knocking on doors and telling his story until Hollywood made a movie about his life.

3. Courage – Rudy Ruettiger had been literally knocked down hundreds of times on the football field leaving him bloodied and bruised. Yet, each time he was knocked down – often by much larger players – he kept getting up and fighting back. This is a clear example that you don’t need to be a big man “physically” to be an alpha male.

4. Contribution – Rudy continues to help others achieve their goals through his speeches, training seminars, interviews and scholarship programs.

Best Advice: 37:09

“Steady the course.”

Links:

Rudy Ruettiger’s website

Rudy Ruettiger’s YouTube channel

Though she is the former America's Miss District of Columbia 2012 pageant winner, Sarah Hillware was once unhealthy and overweight as a girl.  As a result, she started a nonprofit called Girls Health Ed in order to help positively impact the health and self esteem of girls around the planet.  Sarah's passion and drive will surely inspire you to act against any injustices you see, and to dream bigger while changing the world.  As a two-time TEDX spaker, Sarah also provides actionable advice that listeners can take to improve their public speaking abilities.