In this episode of Intentional Improvement, we sit down with James Silvas, international mindset specialist and founder of Be That 1%, to talk about what it really means to pursue purpose with resilience. James didn’t take the traditional route. He walked away from a college football opportunity, followed a spark he found in a psychology class, and leaned into a dream that didn’t come with a clear roadmap. 

James’s journey wasn’t easy. He started by charging just $20 for coaching and was even rejected by TEDx. But he didn’t give up. A surprise chance to speak at a Las Vegas day club gave him momentum, and he kept showing up for the life he believed in. Today, James helps people around the world build stronger mindsets and break through limits. If you stay committed and trust the process, it can truly lead to something great.

In this episode, you’ll learn about:

• The origin of his “Be That 1%” philosophy
• How pain can be a powerful teacher and separator of excellence
• The importance of betting on yourself, even without a clear path
• Effective leadership starts with listening first
• Building trust and honoring diverse perspectives
• How transparent leadership crucial for team trust and performance
• Why corporate culture struggles without quick feedback
• How preparedness meets adaptability 
• Mastery is a continuous journey of reinvention
• Coaching means adapting
• How journaling turns invisible thoughts into visible change
• Wisdom begins with humility
• The hidden cost of success
• How to be the 1% who do what 99% won’t
• Loving yourself means honoring your truth

About the Guest: 

James Silvas is an International Mindset Specialist and Peak Performance Coach who teaches athletes, leaders, and high-performing teams how to clear their minds, break through fear, optimize their performance, and enhance the quality of their personal and professional lives.

Connect with James Silvas:

Website: https://www.jamessilvas.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/james_silvas/

YouTube: www.youtube.com/@JamesSilvas

X: https://x.com/SilvasSpeaks

Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-that-1-podcast/id1330345445

About the show:

Intentional Improvement is hosted by Erica LeMarr. The podcast features guests who share their success stories, detailing their journey to greatness, personal development experiences, and origin stories—who they were before achieving success. Through these conversations, the podcast aims to inspire you by providing relatable stories that encourage growth and self-improvement for a better future.

Connect with Erica:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ericalemarr 

Email: [email protected] 

In this episode of Intentional Improvement, we sit down with Steven Cohen, host of the Millennial Millionaire podcast and co-founder of Sunder Energy. Steven’s journey from a modest upbringing in Las Vegas to building a solar energy empire is a story of grit, mindset shifts, and relentless faith. Though his family didn’t have much money, Steven believed in something greater. College showed him a new path, not the one he first imagined, but one filled with learning, growth, and hard work.

Steven’s journey wasn’t easy. He faced doubts and setbacks while building his career in sales and solar energy. But through it all, he held onto hope and kept moving forward. Today, he shares how believing in yourself and embracing challenges can lead to real success. This episode reminds us that our greatest strength lies in persistence and a hopeful heart.

In this episode, you’ll learn about:

• How real wisdom comes from lived experience
• How scarcity mindset blocks growth
• Why betting on yourself is the biggest challenge and key to success
• Your job isn't security
• How entrepreneurship grows you from the inside out
• Why most people die with their dreams
• Success is the steady pursuit of what truly matters to you
• What people will say at your funeral
• Healing yourself helps you heal others 
• Parents is the true essence of leadership
• The importance of social media presence for impact today
• The value of peace as a key ingredient to a fulfilling life

About the Guest: 

Steven Cohen is the co-founder of Sunder Energy, a top solar energy company in the U.S. He's an 8-figure sales leader and keynote speaker known for building high-performing teams, mentoring others in sales and leadership, and helping people grow in business and personal development.

Connect with Steven Cohen:

Website: https://sunderenergy.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/steven.cohen.566

YouTube: www.youtube.com/@stevencohen2832

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stevencohen/

Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/millennial-millionaire/id1655406812

About the show:

Intentional Improvement is hosted by Erica LeMarr. The podcast features guests who share their success stories, detailing their journey to greatness, personal development experiences, and origin stories—who they were before achieving success. Through these conversations, the podcast aims to inspire you by providing relatable stories that encourage growth and self-improvement for a better future.

Connect with Erica:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ericalemarr 

Email: [email protected] 

In this episode with Jeremy Christensen, I sit down with the founder and executive director of Freedom Classical Academy. Jeremy’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary—he went from growing up in a tiny town of just 250 people to securing millions in funding to build one of the top-performing charter schools in Las Vegas. Jeremy opens up about how his childhood experiences shaped his passion for education and fueled his drive to make a lasting impact. 

He shares the powerful story of starting his school from scratch, armed with only a dream and an unwavering determination. Despite facing countless challenges along the way, Jeremy never gave up. Instead, he turned each setback into the motivation to push forward. He also reveals how he discovered classical education and why it resonated so deeply with him, sparking his mission to offer a different kind of learning experience.

In this episode, you’ll learn about:

• The power of questioning what you believe is possible
• How new environments can shift your perspective
• The difference between modern and classical education
• Why classical education focuses on self-actualization and timeless values
• What it truly means to be human
• The impact of including God in education
• The peace that comes from trusting God's plan
• The legal, cultural, and emotional challenges of launching a school
• What happens when you ignore God's call
• The surprising relationship between pain and leadership
• How classical education fosters true freedom
• Why Jeremy fills his cup to pour out hope and love
• The value of spiritual discipline when facing hard truths

About the Guest: 

Jeremy Christensen is a small-town kid who never imagined a future in education. After a life-changing mission trip to Brazil and an unexpected start in a charter school, he found his calling. Today, he’s the CEO and Executive Director of Freedom Classical Academy, where he leads with heart, purpose, and a strong belief in character-driven education.

Connect with Jeremy Christensen:

Website: https://www.freedomclassical.org/staff

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremy-christensen-6901614/

About the show:

Intentional Improvement is hosted by Erica LeMarr. The podcast features guests who share their success stories, detailing their journey to greatness, personal development experiences, and origin stories—who they were before achieving success. Through these conversations, the podcast aims to inspire you by providing relatable stories that encourage growth and self-improvement for a better future.

Connect with Erica:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ericalemarr 
• Email: [email protected] 

In this episode of Intentional Improvement, I’m joined by Craig Tann, an extraordinary leader, business owner, and mentor who has led his team of just 140 agents to achieve over $1.3 billion in real estate sales. Craig shares the story behind the success, beginning with his middle-class upbringing in Long Island and tracing his path to becoming the broker of one of the most respected real estate firms in Las Vegas.

We talk about the early days of uncertainty, the discomfort of stepping into sales as an introvert, and the mindset it takes to face rejection and risk head-on. He believes that success isn’t just about the numbers. It’s about who you become in the process. If you’ve ever felt stuck, feared failure, or wondered if you have what it takes to step into something greater, this conversation will speak directly to you. Take the time to listen today.

In this episode, you’ll learn about:

• How getting comfortable with rejection can change your entire business
• The impact of shifting your inner dialogue on building confidence
• Why setting standards is key to building the right team
• What makes a great salesperson?
• How pressure can be a privilege for empathetic leaders
• The dangers of unrealistic expectations in business
• The pitfalls of comparing your progress to others
• How church leadership can teach business growth skills
• Is there truly a work life balance?
• The tough decision to let go of underperforming agents
• The need for higher standards in hiring
• The value of enjoying the journey and reflecting on progress
• The power of the pause

About the Guest: 

Craig Tann is a trusted name in Las Vegas real estate, with over 22 years of experience helping people find their perfect homes. He’s the founder of Huntington & Ellis, a real estate agency known for great service and trusted results. He’s also known for his professionalism, deep knowledge of the market, and the genuine care he shows to every client, agent, and fellow broker he works with. 

Connect with Craig Tann:

Website: https://huntingtonandellis.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/huntingtonandellis/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/huntingtonandellis

YouTube: www.youtube.com/@huntingtonandellis

About the show:

Intentional Improvement is hosted by Erica LeMarr. The podcast features guests who share their success stories, detailing their journey to greatness, personal development experiences, and origin stories—who they were before achieving success. Through these conversations, the podcast aims to inspire you by providing relatable stories that encourage growth and self-improvement for a better future.

Connect with Erica:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ericalemarr 
• Email: [email protected] 

In this episode of Intentional Improvement, I sit down with luxury photographer and studio owner Jacqueline Andrea—a woman whose story is a masterclass in resilience and reinvention. Born and raised in Guatemala, Jacqueline walked away from a life she had built to protect her children and create a safer future. With nothing but courage, a camera, and a dream, she transformed herself from a stay-at-home mom in a new country into one of Las Vegas’s most sought-after photographers.

Jacqueline opens up about what it truly means to start over—from surviving a marriage that offered little support to stepping fully into her power as a businesswoman, creator, and mother. Her story is raw, real, and a reminder that betting on yourself can change everything. If you've ever wondered if you're capable of more, this episode will show you what's possible when you stop waiting and start living with purpose.

In this episode, you’ll learn about:

• Starting over with nothing and finding the courage to keep going
• Redefining "networking" to make it feel authentic
• How differing expectations in relationships can affect personal growth
• The most important part of my business is customer service
• The impact of body posture on your image
• How to overcome the tension of being in front of the camera
• The impact of positive self-talk on how you pose and feel
• How to be a happy person
• Shifting your inner dialogue can lead to peace and resolution
• How quickly can you adapt to change
• The struggles of being overly optimistic 

About the Guest: 

Jaqueline Andrea is a luxury photographer and studio owner in Las Vegas, known for her elegant portraits and bold journey from Guatemala to success. As a former stay-at-home mom, she worked hard, built strong relationships, and turned her passion for photography into a successful business. Today, she’s known for her warm energy, creative eye, and ability to make anyone feel confident in front of the camera.

Connect with Jaqueline Andrea:

Website: https://www.jaquelineandrea.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/a_photographer_who_dances

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaqueline-andrea-3365b066/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jaquelineandreaphotography/

About the show:

Intentional Improvement is hosted by Erica LeMarr. The podcast features guests who share their success stories, detailing their journey to greatness, personal development experiences, and origin stories—who they were before achieving success. Through these conversations, the podcast aims to inspire you by providing relatable stories that encourage growth and self-improvement for a better future.

Connect with Erica:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ericalemarr 
• Email: [email protected] 

In this episode of Intentional Improvement, originally featured on the High Performance Hub Podcast, Erica steps into the spotlight as a guest, sharing her inspiring journey that began at the age of 10. Determined to buy Pokemon cards, she took matters into her own hands, starting with free dog-walking and later earning her first $5 a week. Erica’s early hustle became the foundation for her future success in business.

Erica's journey wasn't without challenges. She struggled with identity and the pressure to prove herself. It wasn't until a transformative spiritual journey that she shifted from anger to peace and purpose. Erica powerfully shares the importance of shifting your mindset, embracing self-worth, and breaking free from negative thoughts. Her journey is a testament to the strength that comes from inner growth and the profound impact it can have on your success. 

In this episode, you’ll learn about:

• How a childhood need sparked an entrepreneurial spirit
• Pain can be a powerful motivator, but not sustainable
• External success means little without inner peace
• The impact of positive thinking and reframing limiting beliefs
• How a single thought can evolve into a personality trait
• The importance of embracing vulnerability 
• How eliminating "try" transforms your mindset
• The difference between working hard and providing value
• Personal growth is the real lesson in entrepreneurship
• How focusing on fundamentals leads to excellence

About the show:

Intentional Improvement is hosted by Erica LeMarr. The podcast features guests who share their success stories, detailing their journey to greatness, personal development experiences, and origin stories—who they were before achieving success. Through these conversations, the podcast aims to inspire you by providing relatable stories that encourage growth and self-improvement for a better future.

Connect with Erica:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ericalemarr 
• Email: [email protected] 

In this episode of Intentional Improvement, host Erica LeMarr sits down with mountaineer and athlete Kayla Perez, who shares her incredible story of climbing Mount Everest despite having a lung infection. Kayla opens up about the mental and physical endurance required to achieve such a feat and how pushing past pain became her gateway to growth and purpose.

She discusses how her journey started during the COVID-19 pandemic, when she chose to face her fear of heights and take action instead of staying stuck in complacency. With raw honesty, Kayla recounts moments of doubt, setbacks from pulmonary edema, and the power of internal dialogue that kept her moving toward the summit—both literally and metaphorically.

In this episode, you’ll learn from Kayla about:

• How to get comfortable with discomfort
• The role of internal dialogue in overcoming fear
• Why remembering your “why” is key to pushing forward
• Using suffering as a tool for self-discovery
• The importance of self-discipline and physical challenge
• How to train your brain by physically changing your state
• Turning your mountain into a reference point for growth

About the Guest: 

Kayla Perez is a mountaineer, athlete, and motivational figure who made headlines for conquering Mount Everest while battling a lung infection. Her journey is one of courage, resilience, and an unshakable belief that the impossible can be done. Whether she’s pushing her physical limits or helping others find their metaphorical mountain, Kayla lives by the principle that your circumstances don’t define you—your mindset does.

Connect with Kayla Perez:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/misskayperez 

About the show:

Intentional Improvement is hosted by Erica LeMarr. The podcast features guests who share their success stories, detailing their journey to greatness, personal development experiences, and origin stories—who they were before achieving success. Through these conversations, the podcast aims to inspire you by providing relatable stories that encourage growth and self-improvement for a better future.

Connect with Erica:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ericalemarr 
• Email: [email protected] 

In this episode of Intentional Improvement, host Erica LeMarr sits down with Rasheeda Clark, the President of Flynn Group, to talk about what it means to keep pushing—even when no one claps for you. Rasheeda opens up about her journey of showing up for herself, building a business from the ground up, and learning to keep moving forward without waiting for validation from others.

Learn what it's like to pour into a vision that others can’t yet see, and how she stayed motivated through silent seasons. Rasheeda and Erica explore the emotional weight of being the “strong one,” the power of prayer and persistence, and the mindset needed to keep going when the world feels quiet. This honest conversation is for anyone navigating self-doubt, setbacks, or feeling overlooked on the road to success.

This episode will teach you:

• How to stay focused when support is lacking
• Why your “why” has to be stronger than external opinions
• The importance of consistency during unseen seasons
• How to handle emotional burnout as a high-achieving woman
• The value of faith, prayer, and spiritual grounding
• How to move forward even when you feel forgotten
• What it looks like to choose purpose over applause

About the Guest: 

A multi-state business owner and powerhouse woman of faith, Rasheeda continues to show up with resilience and intentionality—even when the support is scarce. Her journey reminds others that purpose doesn’t need permission.

Connect with Rasheeda Clark:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rasheeda-c-5b949043 

About the show:

Intentional Improvement is hosted by Erica LeMarr. The podcast features guests who share their success stories, detailing their journey to greatness, personal development experiences, and origin stories—who they were before achieving success. Through these conversations, the podcast aims to inspire you by providing relatable stories that encourage growth and self-improvement for a better future.

Connect with Erica:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ericalemarr 
• Email: [email protected] 

In this episode of Intentional Improvement, host Erica LeMarr sits down with Carletta O’Neal, the owner of Capelli Salon in Las Vegas, to discuss the power of resilience, self-belief, and taking action despite challenges. Carletta shares her journey from overcoming obstacles to building a successful business, and the mindset shifts that helped along the way.

Learn how embracing discomfort, pushing past self-doubt, and staying committed to your vision can make all the difference in achieving personal and professional success. Carletta also offers insights on staying motivated and creating opportunities even when the odds seem stacked against yo

This episode will teach you:

• Why self-belief is the foundation of success
• How to push through fear and uncertainty
• The importance of hard work and persistence
• Why waiting for the “right time” holds people back
• How to take control of your mindset and future
• Simple strategies for building confidence and momentum
• How setbacks can become stepping stones to greater success

About the Guest: 

Carletta O’Neal is the owner of Capelli Salon in Las Vegas, a thriving business that has grown into a go-to destination for top-tier hairstyling and beauty services. With years of experience in the industry, Carletta has built a brand centered around excellence, passion, and perseverance. Her journey from challenges to business success serves as an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs and professionals looking to make their mark.

Connect with Carletta O’Neal:

Instagram: @capellisalonlasvegas

Facebook: Capelli Salon

About the show:

Intentional Improvement is hosted by Erica LeMarr. The podcast features guests who share their success stories, detailing their journey to greatness, personal development experiences, and origin stories—who they were before achieving success. Through these conversations, the podcast aims to inspire you by providing relatable stories that encourage growth and self-improvement for a better future.

Connect with Erica:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ericalemarr 
• Email: [email protected] 

In this episode of Intentional Improvement, host Erica LeMarr sits down with Dominique Bertoncini, also known as Dom the Hypnotist, to discuss the power of hypnosis and how it can rewire your subconscious mind for success. Dom shares his journey from struggling financially to discovering hypnosis and using it as a tool to create life-changing transformations.

Learn how hypnosis works, why it’s not just for stage performances, and how your subconscious mind controls more of your success (or failure) than you realize. Dom explains why people get stuck in limiting beliefs and how to use hypnosis techniques to remove mental roadblocks, shift your mindset, and attract abundance into your life.

This episode will teach you:

• How subconscious beliefs shape your financial and personal success
• The real science behind hypnosis and how it works
• Why people unconsciously resist success and self-sabotage
• How sleep hypnosis can reprogram your mind overnight
• The hidden fears that block people from achieving their goals
• How hypnosis can be used for business growth, sports performance, and personal breakthroughs
• Practical steps to start changing your mindset today

About the Guest: 

Dominique Bertoncini, widely known as Dom the Hypnotist, is a certified hypnotist and performance coach. He specializes in helping entrepreneurs, athletes, and high-achievers break through subconscious blocks to maximize their potential. His work focuses on using hypnosis to remove limiting beliefs, accelerate success, and improve overall well-being.

Connect with Dominique Bertoncini:

Instagram: www.instagram.com/dom.the.hypnotist 

YouTube: http://youtu.be/0K5WuJ0N3RQ 

Website: DomTheHypnotist.com 

About the show:

Intentional Improvement is hosted by Erica LeMarr. The podcast features guests who share their success stories, detailing their journey to greatness, personal development experiences, and origin stories—who they were before achieving success. Through these conversations, the podcast aims to inspire you by providing relatable stories that encourage growth and self-improvement for a better future.

Connect with Erica:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ericalemarr 
• Email: [email protected]