LIMITLESS with Maria

Let's talk about shame.

In light of the story coming out of Cornell, this episode explores a question every leader eventually faces: how do you lead when the situation is hard, the stakes are real, and fear is loud?

Maria walks through 3 tools every leader needs. They aren't just for leading your team or your business. They're for the moments when you have to make a tough choice and act from heart over fear.

Because shame was never meant to be the thing that keeps us in line. Love, compassion, and forgiveness lead us better.

A must-listen for every leader.

Connect at: www.mariaserbus.com

DM me on IG: @iammariacrystene

In this episode, Maria gets real discussing a common problem she's seen working with 100s-1000s of founders & entrepreneurs in the last 5 years in business.

Founders who - on paper look busy & things are fine, but deep down, you're actually dancing around your next LEGACY MOVE.

You haven't taken action on IT - yet. It's still on the someday one day list. Or you say "when I'm ready" or "once I Know More..." and you put it off.

But what if someday was nOW? What if today was the day you got really clear on your next legacy move and took action toward it?

Maria dives deep into what the REAL block is, and a way to move forward.

SNAG the Legacy Move CHecklist (what's your block) here for FREE: https://www.mariaserbus.com/legacy-move-checklist

Or join me inside this 4 week container: Your next legacy move - a 4 week program to breakthrough.

Join Now: https://www.mariaserbus.com/legacy-move

For the person who finds this audio - a visionary, leader, CEO, entrepreneur or founder on the edge of your next step.

Hear from the panelists at the Fearless Founder event (in Rochester MN hosted by Maria Serbus) as they share who they are, what they are passionate about and advice for someone just like you, waiting to take the next step, or just needing a little nudge and love.

We've got you. Your community has got you. But more importantly, you've got you.

You can connect with these panelists below and learn more about Soul on Fire living in purpose with Maria at:

www.mariaserbus.com

Speakers on today's audio:

Dr. Abby -https://rochestermnchiro.com/

Dr. Christine Beech - https://copiavia.com/

Julie Brock - https://juliebrock.substack.com/

Julie Herrera - https://rochestersbdc.com/

This event also supported the work at Recovery is Happening learn more at: https://recoveryishappening.org/support-recovery-is-happening/

This is the final interview of the Summer Soul on Fire Living series where I interview local (Rochester MN) area male founders & leaders on what it takes to live in purpose, on purpose - even when it gets messy.

The Rochester Football Club was founded in 2018 with 2 founders and now 3 co-owners today (Mo, Midhat, & Rafa) who have poured time, effort, energy and passion into this club. Today I go behind the scenes in interview with one of the owners & Club President, Midhat Mujić. Born in Bosnia, Mido and his family were displaced by war and relocated to Rochester, Minnesota in 2001.  Soccer has always been part of his life and he played through high school and colleague level, and then professionally in Sweden, Finland, Missouri, and with the Minnesota United reserves in 2016.

In 2018, Mido co-founded Rochester FC with longtime friend Muharem "Mo" Dedic, built around a player-first, community-focused model.  Mido brings the same energy, discipline, and player-first mentality that carried him through soccer in four countries to Rochester's kids — building a place where the next generation can grow, compete, and fall in love with the game just like he did.

Follow Midhat on IG - https://www.instagram.com/midhat.mujic

Follow the RFC youth Academy page:  https://www.instagram.com/rochesterfcminnesota/

Follow RFC page: https://www.instagram.com/rochesterfcminnesota/

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Connect with the host Maria Crystene

@iammariacrystene

and learn more about discovering who you are, why you're here and living in your purpose at:

www.mariaserbus.com

In this episode of Awaken with Maria, I sit down for an inspiring conversation with Steve Lange, longtime editor of Rochester Magazine and general manager of the Post Bulletin.

We explore how Steve’s winding career path—from math major and sailboats in Michigan to acclaimed writer and leader—has shaped his views on purpose, curiosity, and community impact. Steve shares invaluable lessons from decades in local journalism, what keeps him passionate about storytelling, and the importance of embracing mistakes and feedback in creative work.

Topics covered in this episode:

• Navigating career changes and finding purpose beyond your original plan

• The value of curiosity and passion over technical credentials in creative fields

• How local journalism builds community and adapts in the digital age

• Embracing feedback, learning from mistakes, and not letting fear stop you

If you enjoyed this conversation, please leave a review and subscribe to Awaken with Maria to catch future episodes!

Support Steve & his work - Grab a copy of the Rochester Magazine at area businesses or subscribe to the Post Bulletin.

[Learn More]

If you are ready to pursue your dreams and become a fearless founder, join Maria for the Fearless Founder event.

Connect at: www.mariaserbus.com

In this episode of Awaken with Maria, I sit down for an energizing conversation with Tim Nela. Tim is literally on the edge of his next breakthrough. Watch him... Tim is a dynamic entrepreneur who wears multiple hats—real estate agent, GM of Townies, champion pro wrestler, and community connector. We dive into his inspiring journey, from his early childhood in South Sudan and immigration to the United States, to building a vibrant, purpose-filled life today.

Topics we cover in this episode include:

• The power of adaptability and gratitude through major life transitions

• How to create real connections in business and leadership roles

• The courage to pursue new opportunities and say "yes" to what's truly fulfilling

• Balancing personal aspirations with family and community values

If this episode inspired you, please leave a review and subscribe to Awaken with Maria so you never miss an episode!

Meet the guest Tim Nela - Tim is a South Sudanese immigrant who is determined to make a difference in his community and leave a lasting legacy for his family. As a father, realtor, speaker, wrestler, trainer, actor, and friend, Tim possesses the unique ability to bring people together and create meaningful connections. 

His deep-seated passion for empowering others stems from his humble beginnings, where the uncertainty of the next day was a constant fear. Tim's ultimate mission is to help people tap into their own inner strengths and realize that they, too, possess a unique superpower. With Tim's unwavering support and encouragement, anyone can achieve their full potential.

Say hi on IG https://www.instagram.com/timnela/

Are you a fearless founder/leader ready to pursue your path and purpose more deeply? Join Maria for the Fearless Founder event or how to get into her world at www.mariaserbus.com

In this episode of Awaken with Maria, I sit down in person with Will Forsman, co-owner of Cafe Steam and Colorway Coffee Roasters, to find out what's really in the cup — and the decade-long journey behind it. We talk about his journey from dishwasher to multi-passionate entrepreneur running four café locations and a roasting business, and I ask the tough questions: his biggest fear, his deepest doubt, and the triumph that changed everything. We get into creative control, building intentional community, navigating imposter syndrome and financial stress through COVID-19, and what it really takes to stay true to yourself while your business — and responsibilities — keep growing.

About Will - Will Forsman's coffee journey began in 2013 with a dishwashing job and grew into nearly a decade in the industry, eventually leading him to found Colorway Coffee Roasters. He also co-owns Cafe Steam. Along the way, coffee has taken him around the world, built community, and shaped who he is today. He has a particular knack for finding sweet floral, bright fruit, butterscotch, and toffee notes in a cup. Outside the roastery, you'll find him fly fishing, blasting FIDLAR, or sneaking in a skateboard session between meetings.

Find Will & his team & an amazing cup of coffee & vibes at a Cafe Steam near you: https://www.ordersteam.com/

Your host Maria Crystene (Serbus) is a Speaker & Mentor to founders - helping them live in purpose, on purpose overcoming fear & doubt. Learn more at: www.mariaserbus.com and say hi on IG @iammariacrystene.

In this episode, Maria interviews Ron, an accomplished musician whose work has profoundly impacted Maria and many others. Maria first met Ron when he facilitated a beautiful sound meditation at a local yoga studio, to supporting his work online & continuing to use his music for grounding meditations. In this interview,we dive into Ron’s fascinating journey from rock drummer to musician and sound meditation facilitator, exploring how following one’s purpose can take unexpected and beautiful turns.

Topics covered in this episode:

• Ron’s personal and musical journey, including his time as a rock drummer and his evolution into sound meditation

• The distinction between Western and Indian classical music, and how tuning and musical structure create different meditative experiences

• Overcoming fear, embracing failure, and staying authentic while pursuing your passion—even when it's outside the mainstream

• Navigating career transitions, balancing a “day job” with creative purpose, and advice for living your purpose

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to Awaken with Maria and leave a review—it means so much and helps others find these inspiring conversations!

About the Guest:

Ron is an IT professional by day and musician by night, channeling his passion for sound into his ambient music project, ShaamaaHS. Through Tuvan Throat Singing, Bansuri Flute, Evocative Mantra, and Subtle Symphonic Soundscapes, Ron creates immersive meditative sound experiences designed to relax, restore, and reconnect listeners to their own inner wisdom.

Learn more at: www.shaamaahs.com& follow him on IG [here]

Connect with Maria - living in your purpose on purpose

www.mariaserbus.com

In this episode, Remi, a powerhouse creative director, and I dive into how building a brand is about so much more than just a logo or colors—it's about creating a world for your clients to step into and embody. Remy shares her journey from graphic design in the corporate world to leading her own creative business and highlights the transformative work of helping women infuse their intuition and identity into their branding and business.

Topics Covered:

• Why your brand is more than just your colors and logo—it's about creating an immersive world and identity.

• How to extract your unique genius and bring it into your brand through creative direction.

• Remy’s entrepreneurial journey, her experience in corporate London, and how she embraced her disruptor identity.

• The importance of inner work, boundaries, and tapping into intuition as a founder, especially for female entrepreneurs.

If you enjoyed this conversation, please subscribe to Awaken with Maria and leave a review! Your feedback helps more listeners discover inspiring conversations like this one.

About today's Guest: Remi Gutteridge is a Creative Director, brand strategist, and founder of Disruptive Studios. She helps high-level female founders build brands that don’t just look disruptive, but move people, drive serious revenue, and leave a lasting legacy. Over the last 8 years, she’s scaled two multiple six-gifure businesses and helped women go from “just another coach” to the face of something respected, remembered, and in-demand

Follow Remi on IG & DM for more! @remigutteridge

If you are ready to live in YOUR purpose, on purpose: www.mariaserbus.com

I have been listening to Dr. Michael Lennox and his morning astrology videos for the last 3+ years... And today it is truly an honor to announce him as a guest on the AWAKEN with Maria podcast.

We dive deep into his personal journey from corporate life to becoming a renowned psychologist, astrologer, and dream interpreter. Our conversation is full of wisdom on finding purpose, working with dreams, and understanding how astrology can be a powerful tool for both self and collective growth.

Topics covered in this episode include:

• The unfolding of life purpose and how every chapter in life serves a reason

• Dr. Michael Lennox’s story of integrating spirituality, dreams, and astrology into his life’s work

• The practical use of dreams as a tool for shadow work and personal growth

• How to approach astrology as a contextual tool for understanding life and current collective energies

If you found this conversation valuable, please leave a review and subscribe to the podcast to stay updated on future episodes!

Meet the guest:Dr. Michael Lennox is a psychologist, astrologer, and leading expert in dreams and dream interpretation. He holds a Master's and Doctorate in Psychology from The Chicago School, with a doctoral dissertation on Astrology and Personality published by Lambert Academic Publishing. Dr. Lennox is the author of four books on dreams, including Dream Sight and his most recent, Psychic Dreamer, and has made hundreds of radio and television appearances — including on NBC's Emmy award-winning Starting Over. He hosts the Conscious Embodiment podcast and leads a worldwide practice based in Southern California, offering classes in astrology, shadow work, and spiritual self-inquiry.

Connect with Dr. Michael: @drlennoxdreams

Enroll in the Shadow Class (05/23): [Learn More]

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Connect with Maria & say hello on IG: @iammariacrystene

Book Maria as a speaker for your next event or conference or dive deeper into the purpose work at: www.mariaserbus.com