Lets Have This Conversation

  A significant majority of American employees feelwork pressure, with studies showing figures like 80% reporting"productivity anxiety," and high percentages experiencingstress, burnout, and the need to "perform" being busy, especiallywith younger workers feeling it more intensely, leading to exhaustion andimpacting well-being,  Deloitte reports.

Michael Dugan is the author of "Turning Snowflakes IntoDiamonds" and creator of the Becoming Diamond Framework. With over 20,000hours of experience as a professional trainer from the world's largestautomotive group, Michael teaches individuals how to transform pressure intopower, master emotional intelligence, and thrive in an era defined by AI andconstant change. His mission is to help others stay calm, confident, andunshakable under pressure.  For over 20years, I have been teaching people how to perform under pressure. Not intheory, but in the trenches of real business and leadership. With more than20,000 hours locked as a professional trainer for the largest auto group on theplanet, I've learned that success comes down to belief. That's what inspired mybook, Turning Snowflakes to Diamonds. We're living in a time where AIautomation is rewriting the rules, and people are losing their sense ofcertainty and values. My mission is to help people rediscover their trueselves. Even when the world feels like it's changing too fast. Through myBecoming Diamond framework, I teach emotional mastery, effective communication,and self-belief, and how to transform life's pressures into personal power. I'vetrained thousands of people to stay calm, confident, and unshakeable when itmatters most. If your someone who is looking for a conversation that ismotivational, relevant, and deeply human, this is it! I help people see thatpressure isn't their enemy. It's the most incredible opportunity to evolve.

Get the Book: https://www.amazon.ca/Turning-Snowflakes-into-Diamonds-PRESSURE-ebook/dp/B0FQJLZ67Z  

Follow: @turning__snowflakestodiamonds

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  Serial entrepreneurs drive significant economicimpact in the U.S., with firms generating 67% higher sales anddisproportionately boosting job growth, despite making up only about 3.5% ofbusiness owners, while overall small businesses are booming (5.2M newapplications in 2024), average nonemployer revenue hovers around $58k, andmillions of one-person companies are hitting the million-dollar mark, showingvaried revenue landscapes, Shopify reports.

Entrepreneur Paul Shrater is currently the owner or co-owner of over a dozencompanies and brands in various sectors, including e-commerce, third-party logistics/fulfillment,contract packaging in food and beauty, promotional products, foodservicedistribution, joint ventures, supplements, homeopathics, art, and TikToktalent/brand management. The companies span 3 buildings that total approximately.100k sq. ft.  He is a graduate of the acclaimed Wharton School ofBusiness, a speaker at national conferences in the areas of e-commerce, and hasappeared in numerous national television and print media.

From 1995 to 2004, Shrater worked in the film and televisionindustry, with offices on the Sony lot, and highlighted by selling anaction-comedy script based on Shrater's original idea for over a milliondollars. 

Shrater is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania’sacclaimed Wharton School. 

He has spoken at several national conferences, such as theIRCE, IRCE Focus, B2B Online, B2B Connect, and B2B Multichannel Summit; locallyat EDC, Hub 101, 805 Startups, and VC Innovates.

He has participated as a judge in venture competitions andhas guest lectured at universities on topics such as e-commerce, supply chainmanagement, and change management.  He has authored a blog for WhartonMagazine and has been an adjunct faculty member at California LutheranUniversity, where he taught an experiential class in integrated marketingcommunications. 

Shrater has also appeared on such networks as CNBC and beenquoted in such publications as Forbes and USA Today. 

He consults with companies in various industries, includingdigital streaming, alternative advertising platforms, ESG, and more. 

LinkedIn @PaulJ.Shrater

Discover More: Minimusfulfillment.biz

Learn More: Minimusproducts.biz

Get Digital: https://digitalcommerceagency.com/

For more information: https://paulshrater.com/ 

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  Royalty's children are among a growinggroup of children who have lost a parent or sibling. A 2023 report fromJudi’s House – an organization that advocates for grieving kids and families –found that one in 12 kids will lose a parent or sibling by age 18. Since thepandemic, the rate has continued to increase.

Following the death of his 35-year-old brother and facedwith the emotional toll of grief, artist Preston Zeller delves into a year-longproject to paint every day through Intuitive and abstract painting to processgrief and share his process with others. Along the way, this opens the door tonew conversation, ultimately raising the question of why grief isn't better addressedin Western culture?  As a culmination tothis year of painting, the 365 paintings are assembled into a massive 10 ft. x20 ft image to represent a year of grief and further spur conversations overthis important subject. When I directed The Art of Grieving, I witnessedfirsthand how creative action can transform loss, and it’s reflected in my ownwalk through grief after losing my brother. As someone who’s both felt andfilmed those powerful moments, I would love to share that journey with youraudience and spark meaningful conversation around hope, healing, and faith.

For over 15 years, I’ve been a believer and growth executivehelping scale businesses from zero to successful exits, while also buildinginnovative technology in the faith-tech space. My current focus is Psalmlog, anAI-powered app designed to help Christians quickly discover God’s guidance inlife’s hardest moments, a solution directly shaped by research with hundreds ofbelievers. With much of today's world rooted in real stories that connect tech,business, and the human journey, I think I’d fit right in.

I’m grateful for the chance to serve nearly 7,000faith-driven leaders and entrepreneurs online, but I’m even more interested inhonest conversations.  He joined me thisweek to have a conversation about hope, healing, grief, and gratitude.

For more information: https://theartofgrievingfilm.com/

Discover More: https://psalmlog.com/

Follow @PrestonZeller

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Scoliosis affects approximately 2-3 percent of thepopulation, representing an estimated six to nine million individuals in theUnited States. While scoliosis can develop during infancy or early childhood,the primary age of onset is between 10 and 15 years, affecting both gendersequally. However, females are eight times more likely than males to progress toa curve magnitude requiring treatment. Each year, scoliosis patients accountfor over 600,000 visits to private physician offices, with an estimated 30,000children requiring bracing and 38,000 undergoing spinal fusion surgery,according to the American Association of Neurological Surgeons.

Dr. Mark Morningstar has dedicated his career toadvancing care for children with scoliosis and their families. He holds aDoctor of Chiropractic degree from Palmer College of Chiropractic and a PhD inHealth Services Management from Concordia University. Dr. Morningstar possessesthree board certifications: the American Clinical Board of Nutrition, theAmerican College of Spine Physicians, and the American Association ofIntegrative Medicine.

With his extensive qualifications, Dr. Morningstar developedan integrated scoliosis management program recognized internationally. He hasauthored over 60 peer-reviewed publications and contributed innovativeexercises and equipment for scoliosis management. His work has receivednational recognition, including features on The Sister Wives.

Over the past two decades, Dr. Morningstar has sought torefine scoliosis care by emphasizing the underlying condition rather thanfocusing solely on spinal curvature, minimizing discomfort and side effects,and ensuring pediatric patients maintain a high quality of life. As a foundingmember of the Society on Scoliosis Orthopedic and Rehabilitation Treatment(SOSORT)—established in 2005 in Milan, Italy—he collaborates with leadingprofessionals worldwide to advance non-surgical, exercise-based treatments suchas the ScoliSMART BootCamp.

One of few chiropractic physicians triple board certified inchiropractic medicine, integrative medicine, and naturopathic medicine, Dr.Morningstar provides comprehensive strategies for managing complex spine andneurological disorders, including Scoliosis, Fibromyalgia/Chronic FatigueSyndrome, and Lyme disease.

By integrating chiropractic rehabilitation, chiropracticneurology, functional medicine, kinesiotaping, and spinal orthoses, Dr.Morningstar has achieved notable outcomes in patient recovery and healing. Hehas multiple publications in peer-reviewed biomedical literature and iscurrently authoring books related to scoliosis and healthy living.

For more information: https://scoliosispractice.com/

Email: [email protected]

https://www.backgenius.com/

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According to the Government of Canada In Ontario, teens(youth 13-24) make up a significant portion of the homeless population (around12-20%), often experiencing hidden homelessness or using transitional housingmore than shelters, with reasons primarily stemming from family conflict, trauma,and mental health issues, leading to high rates of first-time homelessnessbefore age 16 and overrepresentation of Indigenous and 2SLGBTQI+ youth.Statistics show youth homelessness is undercounted but deeply impactful, withmany facing significant barriers and adverse experiences. 

The Windsor Residence for Young Men (WRYM) supportsyouth ages 16-24 as they leave homelessness behind to build new lives.  WRYM provides a supportive, functional family atmosphere, delivers individualcounselling, and teaches basic life skills.  WRYM helps youth experiencinghomelessness integrate into the community and reconnect with extended family orindependent living, as well as education and employment.  We supportactive citizenship, not dependence, and we follow up with our residents as theybecome active citizens.  We work together to end homelessness.

Selena Cosme is an aftercare and outreach worker for the organization, and shejoined me this week to tell me more about how this vitally importantorganization is working to end homelessness across Windsor-Essex and provideyoung men in our local community with a brighter future.

For more information: https://www.wrym.ca/

Email: [email protected]

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Can Faith impact our buying decisions, behavior at work,and cause us to take an inclusive approach to living life?   I’llreturn to this question in just a moment, but first.   I wantedto provide some statistical data to support our conversation.

74% of Leaders: Surveyed leaders state that anincreasing focus on trust and transparency—core components of organizationalclarity—is very or critically important for success. 92% of CEOs agreethey must cultivate unprecedented levels of personal and organizationaladaptability, often citing clarity as the foundation for navigating currentmarket chaos, according to Deloitte. 

Mike Harts, the founder and CEO of Harts Centered Coaching& Speaking, is a Speaker, Success Coach, and Saint Ambrose University(Davenport, IA) graduate with a degree in Communication and Theology. He bringsa practical approach to helping people achieve their highest calling anddestiny in life, based on over 15 years of experience in speaking and coaching.Mike believes it is our God-given obligation to live each day as if it were ourlast and to make the most of the time we have on this planet! Mike talks andcoaches at organizations, schools, and churches all around the world, both inperson and virtually, to help people achieve their life goals and objectives.His dynamic personal coaching style suits the needs of any individual seekingto turn their ambitions into reality. He joined me this week to tell me more.

YouTube: @HartsCenteredCoaching&Speaking

Follow: @mikehartsnow

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A lot of employees feel disconnected from their bosses and managers, and it’sputting a real damper on workplace morale, CNBC reports.

Forty-six percent of employees across the U.S. say theirbosses only somewhat or rarely understand their contributions at work,according to the April 2025 Workplace Perception Gap Survey from HRplatform The Predictive Index, which sampled 1,000 workers acrossdifferent industries, age groups, and job levels.

Justin M. Riordan is a keynote speaker, author, andentrepreneur known as the anti-guru of emotional intelligence. A designer bytraining and a builder by nature, he founded the award-winning Spade and ArcherDesign Agency before turning his focus to human design—how people intentionallybuild emotionally intelligent companies, relationships, and lives.Through The Relationable Toolkit, Justin teaches simple, repeatabletools that start the shift from fear to freedom, helping leaders reconnect withwhat truly matters.

START THE SHIFT WITH JUSTIN M. RIORDAN:

·        Shift success from feeling heavy to feelingfulfilling

·        Shift leaders toward designing a culture with a clearintention

·        Shift entrepreneurs toward clarity, connection,and freedom

·        Shift emotional intelligence into practicalskills anyone can use

For more information: https://www.justinmriordan.com/

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Approximately 59% of Americans say thathappiness—specifically the ability to spend money on things that bring themjoy—is the most important benchmark of success. This desire to achievefinancial happiness is so strong that roughly three-quarters of Americans (73%)report they would give up social media or forgo tickets to major events (76%)if it meant achieving this state, according to Empower.

Dr. Nicholas E. Michels CFP™  is more than a financial expert; he’s a guide,teacher, and public speaker who helps clients align their finances with whatbrings joy, fulfillment, and a legacy of abundance. With a career spanningthree different decades, he has empowered thousands to achieve financialfreedom, eliminate stress, and build purposeful wealth.

With a Doctorate in Business Administration, Nick is thefounder of Michels Family Financial. He combines his expertise as a CertifiedFinancial Planner™, Certified Private Wealth Advisor™, and a National SocialSecurity Advisor.

Beyond finance, Nick is a devoted husband, father, andpassionate advocate for giving back through his family’s foundation, TheMichels Corporation, which supports youth education, missions, and families inneed.

For More Information: https://richbychoicebook.com/

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A Gallup survey released earlier this year,indicates that only 35% of Americans retain confidence in the judicial system,representing a 24% decline over the past four years.

Confidence in the Supreme Court is sharply divided alongparty lines; Gallup reports that 71% of Republicans express trust in theinstitution, compared to just 24% of Democrats.

Christine E.Ohenewah provides insights at the intersection of law, human behavior, andmasculinity studies through her Men’s Rea™ framework, which makes complexconcepts of identity, masculinity, and personal empowerment both accessible andengaging. Ms. Ohenewah, an accomplished Lawyer, Humanist, and Professor,integrates law, social sciences, and humanities with a focus on personalevolution. Originally from Accra, Ghana, she has dedicated herself tointellectual inquiry as a means of advancing personhood.

Ms. Ohenewah's academic credentials include a Juris Doctorfrom Cornell Law School and advanced degrees in Sociology and InternationalRelations from Columbia University and the University of Chicago. She alsoholds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and American Studies fromMacalester College and has pursued studies in Pan-African philosophy at Oxfordand Harvard.

After beginning her career in white-collar criminal defenseat a major law firm in New York City, Ms. Ohenewah transitioned to academia,where she now teaches courses in Criminology, Sociology, and Ethics. She isdevoted to creating environments that empower students who often feelmarginalized to reclaim their agency. Her students frequently describe her as atransformative educator who encourages honesty and challenges conventionalthought.

In 2025, Ms. Ohenewah established the Elizabeth TweneboahFoundation, initiating efforts to found a university focused on intimate,rigorous, and liberatory education. Her pedagogical approach combines Socraticdialogue, legal reasoning, and reflective practice to foster intellectualinnovation and transformation.

For Professor Ohenewah, building an academy grounded intruth and humanistic advancement is her life’s work—an institution designed towelcome new creators and inspire personal growth.

For additional information, visit https://www.etfny.org/

LinkedIn: @ChristineE.Ohenewah

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Entrepreneurial clarity is a deep, focused understanding ofyour business's "why" (purpose), "what" (vision, goals, offerings),and "how" (strategy, actions), leading to aligned decisions,confident execution, and consistent growth, moving beyond confusion topurposeful direction and impact. It's the difference between feeling lost andhaving a clear roadmap for success, involving self-awareness, strategicplanning, and the ability to articulate a compelling narrative for yourself andyour customers.

Meanwhile, according to LinkedIn, 53% of CEOs reportthat strategy development is their number one priority. 71% of thedifference between high and low performing organizations can beattributed to CEO strategic clarity and cultural alignment.

Adam Smith is a Director at A-Game Consultancy, where he focuseson High-performance coaching for founders and Business Owners. Transformingtheir mindset, health, and relationships to improve performance in business andfulfillment at home.

 Founders hire him to fixtheir habits and upgrade their mindset to increase their profits, create morefreedom, and be more present at home.  Hejoined me this week to tell me more.

For more information: https://agameconsultancy.com/

LinkedIn: @AdamSmith

Follow: @A-GameConsultancy

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