Make it Brave

When it comes to being brave, are you stalling or are you starting?

You can't think your way into bravery. To be brave, you have to put our ideas into action. Today, I talk about why that can be so hard to do, along with some practical ways to push past that fear and get started.

CONNECT WITH THE SHOW

You're invited to join the brand new Make it Brave Community on Facebook to get support and encouragement as you work to live a braver life. I hope you'll join us there!

Don't forget to follow the show on Instagram or Facebook to get updates about the show and more inspiration to help you Make it Brave through the week. I love connecting with listeners. Drop by and say hello!

Thanks for listening! And just remember, whatever you do today, don't forget to make it brave!

Stan Smith is a talented marketer who has started multiple businesses. He's a writer and author of the book, Born to Blog. And he's also a black man living in America. And in today's episode, Stan shares what that is what makes him bravest of all.

Stan recently started the Next Step Coalition, where he's helping people have productive conversations about race and then take action on how to become anti-racist. Stan is doing valuable, heavy and important work with this group.

Stan is a dear friend, trusted colleague and one of the smartest people I know. This was such a powerful conversation with valuable insight on what it means to be Black in America. If you listen to no other episode on this show, I hope you'll listen to this one. It's that important.

CONNECT WITH STAN & HIS WORK

• Next Step Coalition
• Next Step Coalition Facebook Group
• Next Step Coalition on Twitter
• Next Step Coalition on Facebook

RESOURCES MENTIONED ON THE SHOW

• Born to Blog
• Brené Brown's interview with Ibram Kendi
• White Fragility by Robin DiAngelo

SHARE YOUR FEEDBACK

Enjoying the show? Share your feedback by leaving a five-star review on iTunes. Your feedback helps others discover the show. Plus, I'll give you a shout out on an upcoming episode!

CONNECT WITH THE SHOW

You're invited to join the brand new Make it Brave Community on Facebook to get support and encouragement as you work to live a braver life. I hope you'll join us there!

Don't forget to follow the show on Instagram or Facebook to get updates about the show and more inspiration to help you Make it Brave through the week. I love connecting with listeners. Drop by and say hello!

Thanks for listening! And just remember, whatever you do today, don't forget to make it brave!

Maria Tan has never fit in or conformed to what her family and society expected of her. And as a result, she's faced a lot of harassment and discrimination throughout her life.

As a child, her own family made fun of her for being fat, which was something that was not acceptable for female children to be in the Philippines.

When she was in school, her own teachers talked about her behind her back to other teachers and students for being an outspoken leader.

And in college, she was often referred to as an "overseas worker" in Chinese, which was a discriminatory word used to describe many Filipinos.

And these are just a few examples. Maria will share many more during our conversation.

Yet, through it all, Maria has maintained a positive attitude and goes through life with humility and grace. She now owns the misfit title with pride and coaches entrepreneurs throughout the world and reminds them, through her own lived experience, that you don't have to fit in. And that, in fact, being a misfit is beautiful.

CONNECT WITH MARIA

To learn more about Maria and her work as a business coach, please check out her website.

Maria has graciously put together a free resource for listeners of the show about how to adopt a CEO mindset and integrate it into your life. You can grab your copy here.

To connect with Maria on social media, here are all of the places you can find her:

• Facebook
• Instagram
• Pinterest
• LinkedIn
• Twitter

SHARE YOUR FEEDBACK

Enjoying the show? Share your feedback by leaving a five-star review on iTunes. Your feedback helps others discover the show. Plus, I'll give you a shout out on an upcoming episode!

CONNECT WITH THE SHOW

You're invited to join the brand new Make it Brave Community on Facebook to get support and encouragement as you work to live a braver life. I hope you'll join us there!

Don't forget to follow the show on Instagram or Facebook to get updates about the show and more inspiration to help you Make it Brave through the week. I love connecting with listeners. Drop by and say hello!

Thanks for listening! And just remember, whatever you do today, don't forget to make it brave!

Have you ever changed a strongly held value or belief system? Or, have you ever changed your mind on something you've always believed to be true?

For today's guest, Melissa Greene, she has done that many times over. And Melissa credits her constant growth and evolution to her willingness to be curious and gain a deeper understanding about the world around her.

But, Melissa wasn't always this way. She grew up in a conservative, evangelical household in Florida. She believed that her upbringing as a Southern Baptist was the "right" way of doing life and believing in God. But as she gained exposure to other thinking and ideas, her worldview and beliefs changed too.

Melissa started her career as a Christian music artist and for seven years, she sang as part of the contemporary Christian music group, Avalon. She then went on to pastor a church in Nashville that was widely publicized for its decision to become an LGBTQ-affirming congregation. And now she leads Imaginarium, a non-religious space that makes room for all of humanity and spiritual journeys.

My conversation with Melissa took place four weeks ago. It was in the wake of the news about Ahmad Arbery and Breonna Taylor. We couldn't have known when we recorded this that George Floyd's horrific murder would follow a couple of weeks later.

During our conversation, we spent a good deal of time talking about racial injustice and finding the courage to speak up, which is more important than ever. If you're someone who is struggling to understand or is looking for ways to help, I really hope you'll take the time to listen. Melissa offers some great perspective and wisdom that I think you'll find valuable.

I could have easily talked to Melissa for hours. I learned so much from our conversation and I just know you will as well.

Connect with Melissa Greene & Her Work

To learn more about Melissa's work, check out the Imaginarium website. You can also become part of the Imaginarium Facebook community here. Melissa's personal website is in progress, but here's where you can find it once it's live.

Here's the Time article we mentioned about Melissa's church becoming LGBTQ inclusive.

Here are the ways you can follow Melissa social media:

• Follow Melissa on Instagram
• Follow Melissa on Facebook
• Follow Melissa on Twitter

Here are the ways to connect with Imaginarium:

• Follow on Instagram
• Follow on Facebook
• Follow on Twitter

SHARE YOUR FEEDBACK

Enjoying the show? Share your feedback by leaving a five-star review on iTunes. Your feedback helps others discover the show. Plus, I'll give you a shout out on an upcoming episode!

CONNECT WITH THE SHOW

You're invited to join the brand new Make it Brave Community on Facebook to get support and encouragement as you work to live a braver life. I hope you'll join us there!

Don't forget to follow the show on Instagram or Facebook to get updates about the show and more inspiration to help you Make it Brave through the week. I love connecting with listeners. Drop by and say hello!

Thanks for listening! And just remember, whatever you do today, don't forget to make it brave!

During the past few weeks, you may have seen your social media feeds filled with outrage following the murder of Ahmaud Arbery and Breonna Taylor, two innocent young black people whose lives were taking far too soon.

But, you wouldn't have seen that from me. I stayed silent. And I now realize just how hurtful silence can be. Listen I share what I learned in the wake of these events and why it's so important to use our voices to speak out against injustice and racism.

RESOURCES MENTIONED

• Be the Bridge to Racial Unity
• Thrive Together Leadership Conference
• The Great Unlearn
• Here Wee Read

SHARE YOUR FEEDBACK

Enjoying the show? Share your feedback by leaving a five-star review on iTunes. Your feedback helps others discover the show. Plus, I'll give you a shout out on an upcoming episode!

CONNECT WITH THE SHOW

You're invited to join the brand new Make it Brave Community on Facebook to get support and encouragement as you work to live a braver life. I hope you'll join us there!

Don't forget to follow the show on Instagram or Facebook to get updates about the show and more inspiration to help you Make it Brave through the week. I love connecting with listeners. Drop by and say hello!

Thanks for listening! And just remember, whatever you do today, don't forget to make it brave!

One of the things I love about doing this show is that I get to highlight the many ways a person can be brave. And today's guest proves that you don't have to do massively heroic things––such as running into a burning building or performing a life-saving procedure in an emergency room––to be brave.

Sometimes, bravery can look a lot quieter. But that doesn't mean it's any less powerful or life-changing.

You see, for years, Sandra Booker had debilitating fear that kept her from meeting new people, leaving the house or even ordering a pizza. In fact, her fears would even make her physically sick.

For the longest time, she didn't realize that fear had such a hold on her life. But finally, with the help of her husband, she realized that she didn't have to live paralyzed by fear. That she had the power to make a change.

In our conversation, you'll hear about how she made this transformation and how she even went on to start her own virtual assistant company. Sandra's story reveals the power of everyday bravery, which is something I think we could all benefit from.

Connect with Sandra Booker

Here are a few places you can connect with Sandra and learn more about her work.

• Any Old Task, Sandra's virtual assistant company
• Follow Sandra on Instagram
• Virtual Assistant Studio, Sandra's program to help people launch and grow VA companies.
• Follow VA Studio on Instagram

SHARE YOUR FEEDBACK

Enjoying the show? Share your feedback by leaving a five-star review on iTunes. Your feedback helps others discover the show. Plus, I'll give you a shout out on an upcoming episode!

CONNECT WITH THE SHOW

You're invited to join the brand new Make it Brave Community on Facebook to get support and encouragement as you work to live a braver life. I hope you'll join us there!

Don't forget to follow the show on Instagram or Facebook to get updates about the show and more inspiration to help you Make it Brave through the week. I love connecting with listeners. Drop by and say hello!

Thanks for listening! And just remember, whatever you do today, don't forget to make it brave!

Many people cite their faith as a source of strength and courage. That's certainly the case for JJ Gutierrez.

But JJ wasn't always a Christian. Even though she was curious about God, she didn't grow up going to church or reading the bible. That came much later.

But when she looks back on her life, she definitely can see how God carried her through some extremely difficult circumstances. For instance, she had an tumultuous childhood from a mother who hopped from relationship to relationship. And at 18, JJ assumed the responsibility for her younger sister when her mother died of cancer.

It wasn't until she hit rock bottom and completely fell apart that she cried out to God for help. This led her on a journey of transformation from a life filled with fear and anxiety to one marked by faith.

And ever since, JJ has learned how to embrace and face her fears instead of running from them. She's even written a book on the subject, which we'll talk more about in our conversation.

JJ is a great example of how you don't have to let your circumstances or your upbringing define you. I think you'll be inspired by her story. I know I was.

Connect with JJ Gutierrez

You can learn more about JJ Gutierrez at her website, Chickening In. There you'll find her blog, products and other free resources.

Go here for all of the places you can buy JJ's new book, Chickening In: From Fear to Courageous Faith.

Follow JJ on Social Media

• Instagram
• Facebook

SHARE YOUR FEEDBACK

Enjoying the show? Share your feedback by leaving a five-star review on iTunes. Your feedback helps others discover the show. Plus, I'll give you a shout out on an upcoming episode!

CONNECT WITH THE SHOW

You're invited to join the brand new Make it Brave Community on Facebook to get support and encouragement as you work to live a braver life. I hope you'll join us there!

Don't forget to follow the show on Instagram or Facebook to get updates about the show and more inspiration to help you Make it Brave through the week. I love connecting with listeners. Drop by and say hello!

Thanks for listening! And just remember, whatever you do today, don't forget to make it brave!

Deb Palmer George had a difficult childhood. She was born in upstate New York to young parents who struggled to make ends meet. That's why, from a very young age, Deb had a longing to not just survive, but to thrive.

In our conversation, you'll hear how she went from working in retail to becoming a successful corporate HR executive and eventually going out on her own to become a coach and corporate trainer.

If you've ever wondered what it would be like to work with a business or life coach, this conversation will give you a good taste of what that experience would be like. Deb shares her wisdom about what keeps people from thriving and why fear holds us back. She also gives some great exercises and offers up some insight into how we can all thrive––even during these challenging times.

Deb Palmer George's Work

Deb is offering virtual professional development sessions on a wide range of topics including:

• Conscious Choosing in Adversity
• Conversational Intelligence Ⓡ building optimum relationships and results
• Whole Life Thriving Beyond Circumstances
• The Apollo 13 Attitude: practical ways to achieve breakthrough results

She is also giving virtual keynotes to kick-off town halls and team meetings. To learn more about Deb and her work, please visit her website.

Follow Deb on Social Media

• Instagram
• Facebook
• LinkedIn
• Twitter

Making it Good - Jessica Pantino

During this time, I think it's important to highlight the people who are making an impact with their kindness, courage, empathy and positivity.

And today, I want to give a shout out to my good friend, Jessica Pantino. Jessica is a nurse who left her travel nursing position to go work on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic in New York City.

She didn't have to go. She volunteered.

She told me that there are nurses who are married, pregnant and with kids who are serving in New York. And she thought if she could prevent just one of those people from having to do that, it would be worth it.

I am both scared for her and so very proud of her for her bravery. Her selfless act to go where her skills are needed most just speaks to her character and heart.

To Jessica and all of the nurses, doctors and healthcare professionals who are tirelessly working to fight this virus, I thank you for your selfless service. I am so grateful for how you are caring for people during this extremely difficult time. Thank you.

Do You Know Someone Making an Impact?

Do you have someone you would like to recognize right now? Is there someone you know who is making a positive impact during this pandemic? I would love to hear about it and highlight them on the show. You can send your stories to [email protected] or to makeitbrave.com/contact.

SHARE YOUR FEEDBACK

Enjoying the show? Share your feedback by leaving a five-star review on iTunes. Your feedback helps others discover the show. Plus, I'll give you a shout out on an upcoming episode! CONNECT WITH THE SHOW

You're invited to join the brand new Make it Brave Community on Facebook to get support and encouragement as you work to live a braver life. I hope you'll join us there!

Don't forget to follow the show on Instagram or Facebook to get updates about the show and more inspiration to help you Make it Brave through the week. I love connecting with listeners. Drop by and say hello!

Thanks for listening! And just remember, whatever you do today, don't forget to make it brave!

Judging and shaming is easy. Especially right now when we love calling people out for not social distancing, not working hard enough during quarantine or not having a picture perfect Zoom background.

But empathy? SO much harder. But it's also much more powerful and valuable.

While empathy has always been valuable, it's more important now than ever. In a time when we are feeling more disconnected than ever, empathy is the thing that can draw us closer together and help us emerge from the pandemic stronger.

SHARE YOUR FEEDBACK

Enjoying the show? Share your feedback by leaving a five-star review on iTunes. Your feedback helps others discover the show. Plus, I'll give you a shout out on an upcoming episode!CONNECT WITH THE SHOW

You're invited to join the brand new Make it Brave Community on Facebook to get support and encouragement as you work to live a braver life. I hope you'll join us there!

Don't forget to follow the show on Instagram or Facebook to get updates about the show and more inspiration to help you Make it Brave through the week. I love connecting with listeners. Drop by and say hello!

Thanks for listening! And just remember, whatever you do today, don't forget to make it brave!

Creativity and innovation is in Beth Synder's DNA. That's why she's started THREE creative businesses, including 1Canoe2, a successful paper goods and gift company and Hemlock Goods, an artisanal bandana company.

There are just so many interesting facets to Beth's story. You'll hear about how she's pivoting her retail-focused business amidst the pandemic and how she's even starting a new business right now.

Plus, we discuss how she has navigated various challenges in her life––from a devastating break up of her business partnership to a health scare when a tumor was discovered on her pancreas. And, as you'll hear in today's interview, she's not just made it through these things, she's actually grateful for them.

If you want to learn more about starting a creative business, how to be a better leader or how to find the opportunities amidst this challenging time, you'll want to listen to my conversation with Beth. She has so much wisdom to share.

GOOD WORK - Marj Tieman and Erin McKeage

During this time, I think it's important to highlight the people who are making an impact with their kindness, courage, empathy and positivity.

And today, I want to give a shout out to my mom, Marj Tieman, and my sister, Erin McKeage. When the pandemic hit and the recommendation came to start wearing masks, my mom and sister snapped into quick action… not to make a buck, but to donate them to local places that were scrambling to provide them. They donated them to the local hospital, to the school's food service workers who were still handing out free lunch. They've made donations to the nursing home, to my nurse friend who is serving on the front lines in New York City.

They eventually started selling their masks, but for every set of masks they sell, they make another batch to donate to a place that needs them.

I am so proud of my mom and sister for seeing a need and using their skills to fill it. It fits perfectly with the theme of today's show and finding ways to serve customers and they are definitely doing that.

To my mom, sister and all of the makers out there who are providing these products to the many people who need them right now, thank you!

Do you have a story like this to share? This is the perfect opportunity to give a shout out to the people who are making our world better right now. You can send your Making an Impact stories to [email protected] or to makeitbrave.com/contact.

SHARE YOUR FEEDBACK

Enjoying the show? Share your feedback by leaving a five-star review on iTunes. Your feedback helps others discover the show. Plus, I'll give you a shout out on an upcoming episode!CONNECT WITH THE SHOW

You're invited to join the brand new Make it Brave Community on Facebook to get support and encouragement as you work to live a braver life. I hope you'll join us there!

Don't forget to follow the show on Instagram or Facebook to get updates about the show and more inspiration to help you Make it Brave through the week. I love connecting with listeners. Drop by and say hello!

Thanks for listening! And just remember, whatever you do today, don't forget to make it brave!