Send us a text

Meet Janis Milham--one of the most pivotal people in my career.  She is the co-founder of the leadership consulting firm, Questage. She was my hiring manager at Marriott International over 33 years ago, and she was the best boss I ever had.  She is naturally good at working with people, because she truly cares about others. She worked with Marriott for over 30 years, and recently retired. She advanced through the ranks, eventually becoming the Senior Vice-President & Global Brands Leader for Marriott Classic Select Brands.  She led the vision, strategy, and execution for all facets of global brand positioning, strategy, product design, guest experience programming and marketing for seven of Marriott’s 30 brands.

She was a pivotal person in hundreds of people's lives at Marriott as she managed, mentored, counseled and befriended everyone who worked for her.   She is passionate about helping others grow in their careers.  She co-founded the Marriott Headquarters Women's Leadership Networking Group, growing the organization to encompass over 100 participants.

Today, as an executive coach and mentor, she is impacting even more people's lives positively.  I like the idea that she is making her leadership skills available to more companies and individuals, since not everyone had the good fortune to land in her department at Marriott.  

Learn more about Janis at https://www.questage.com/about-questage/
and find her on Linked In at https://www.linkedin.com/in/janismilham/

Order Stephanie's new book Imagine More: Do What You Love, Discover Your Potential

Learn more at StephanieNelson.com
Follow us on Instagram @stephanie_nelson_cm
Follow us on Facebook at CouponMom

Send us a text

Jessica Patay is the Founder and Director of the organization " We Are Brave Together."  In our conversation, Jessica shares her family's story and how she decided to start supporting other mothers of children with disabilities by starting this organization.

We Are Brave Together is a nonprofit organization that provides respite, community, and resources for mothers caring for children of any age with disabilities, unique needs, or other medical or mental health challenges.

As a special promotion,  we will personally match any financial donation made to We Are Brave Together--to a maximum of $5,000.  No donation is too small.  Simply go to their website and make a donation, including a note that you heard about them on the Pivotal People podcast.   https://www.wearebravetogether.org/

We Are Brave Together provides resources, support groups (both in person and virtual) and retreats for members. 

Jessica's "Brave Together" podcast is a very popular podcast with great storytelling and discussions.  (https://www.wearebravetogether.org/podcast).   It's one of my favorite podcasts because Jessica does an excellent job producing episodes that are interesting and enlightening.   It has helped me understand the challenges that parents in these circumstances face.  Hopefully, the more we all learn, the more we can help others feel accepted and supported, rather than isolated and alone.

Find out more at  https://www.wearebravetogether.org/

Order Stephanie's new book Imagine More: Do What You Love, Discover Your Potential

Learn more at StephanieNelson.com
Follow us on Instagram @stephanie_nelson_cm
Follow us on Facebook at CouponMom

Send us a text

Meet Laura Smith, a bestselling author, a popular speaker and wise teacher.  She is an engaging storyteller and shares stories to point people towards Jesus. 

She has just come out with her new book "Restore My Soul: The Power and Promise of 30 Psalms" which is fabulous.  In today's conversation she shares her insights and background which inspires all of us to draw nearer to God for the peace and contentment we all desire.   You're going to love her.

More about this book from Amazon.com:

"The book of Psalms is full of wonderful passages that illuminate the intimate connection we get to have with our Father. Despite the chaos of our busy lives, the Father is frequently whispering to our souls to spend time with Him. As you read Restore My Soul: The Power and Promise of 30 Psalms you will receive revelation and insight from best-selling author Laura L. Smith on the beauty of connecting with God through His Word. Dive into the power of the Psalms and be inspired to praise God every day.

• Showcases 30 popular psalms and the timeless truths and emotions they reveal about our daily lives
• For women who are longing to deepen their faith
• Explores popular Bible themes to encourage you to participate in spiritual development

Laura has written over 10 books, including the runaway bestseller, "How Sweet the Sound: The Power and Promise of 30 Hymns."

Amazon link:
https://www.amazon.com/Restore-My-Soul-Promise-Psalms/dp/1640701621/

Find more about Laura's work and contact her through her website:
https://www.laurasmithauthor.com/
Follow her on Instagram: @laurasmithauthor

Order Stephanie's new book Imagine More: Do What You Love, Discover Your Potential

Learn more at StephanieNelson.com
Follow us on Instagram @stephanie_nelson_cm
Follow us on Facebook at CouponMom

Send us a text

Join in on a great conversation with Brett Smith, Professor of Entrepreneurship at Miami University of Ohio as we discuss business and faith.  Brett is a leading expert in the area of Social Entrepreneurship--starting and building profitable private businesses that address social issues.  It's an intriguing topic that has incredible potential to change the world.  We discuss how we can use our faith, skills, talents and creativity to help others while employing people profitably.

Brett is a successful entrepreneur, professor, fundraiser, and a builder.  Just as he started and grew successful businesses in the private sector, he has gone on to build academic programs to foster research and courses in Entrepreneurship, including Social Entrepreneurship.

Brett is a respected expert in his field and has spoken to the United Nations and the Nelson Mandela Foundation.  He has been interviewed by major media outlets like CNN, Time, Business Week, MSNBC and many more.

Learn more about Brett:
LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/smithbrettr/

Miami University Entrepreneurship program: https://www.miamioh.edu/fsb/academics/entrepreneurship/index.html?

Order Stephanie's new book Imagine More: Do What You Love, Discover Your Potential

Learn more at StephanieNelson.com
Follow us on Instagram @stephanie_nelson_cm
Follow us on Facebook at CouponMom

Send us a text

Meet my good friend and brilliant author, David Dingess.  He is a husband, father, Sunday School teacher and an all-around great guy.  Everybody loves him, and I'm thrilled to be able to share him with all of you. 

 David has written a fabulous new book, "Where Are You: God's Questions that Need to be Answered."   In this episode, we discuss his book's message and how we can all listen to and understand God's questions in our lives.  David's down to earth teaching style makes it easy for all of us to learn, understand, and apply God's word to our everyday lives and real situations.

You can follow David's regular teachings and insights on his Word of Truth Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/word_of_truth__/
@word_of_truth

You can order his new book at Amazon for as little as 99¢ for the Kindle version: https://www.amazon.com/Where-Are-You-Questions-Answered/dp/B09TDPTDRQ/

**If you enjoyed this episode, please write a quick review or rating on your podcast platform so that it will be easier for other listeners to find.  Thanks so much!

Order Stephanie's new book Imagine More: Do What You Love, Discover Your Potential

Learn more at StephanieNelson.com
Follow us on Instagram @stephanie_nelson_cm
Follow us on Facebook at CouponMom

Send us a text

**If you enjoyed this episode, please write a quick review or rating on your podcast platform so that it will be easier for other listeners to find.  Thanks so much!

I picked up Kristen Welch's book "Rhinestone Jesus" a few months ago as an easy read on a long airline trip.  I had no idea how that book would change my perspective.  When I got home from the trip, I found Kristen's website and asked if she would come on our podcast to talk about her book and her incredible experience in founding Mercy House Global. She was kind enough to say yes, and we hadn't even launched our podcast yet.

Meet Kristen Welch.  Her book cover says it best:

"Rhinestone Jesus is the spiritual adventure story of one woman who went from living a safe, "good-girl" faith that didn't cost much, to realizing that God was daring her to say yes to a deeper, more authentic way. This book throws the doors wide open for any woman who's ever thought of herself as "just a mom."  Say yes to God right where you are--and stand amazed at your your life will shine."

Do yourself a BIG favor and order Kristen's book HERE. You can find it on Amazon or any online bookseller.  

In the 12 years since she wrote this incredible book, Kristen has founded and grown her nonprofit Mercy House Global, a nonprofit organization that rescues girls in Kenya and empowers them by supporting their fair trade businesses.  Visit www.mercyhouseglobal.org to learn more.  Its mission is stated on the site:

Mercy House exists to engage, empower and disciple women around the globe in Jesus’ name. We provide for the rescue of pregnant girls in Kenya and provide a home for them. We empower their families and many others with dignified work so we can redeem future generations. We do this by engaging those with resources to say yes to the plight of women in poverty by empowering women around the world through partnerships and sustainable fair trade product development.

Order Stephanie's new book Imagine More: Do What You Love, Discover Your Potential

Learn more at StephanieNelson.com
Follow us on Instagram @stephanie_nelson_cm
Follow us on Facebook at CouponMom

Send us a text

**If you enjoyed this episode, please write a quick review or rating on your podcast platform so that it will be easier for other listeners to find.  Thanks so much!

Meet my friend, Hamilton Winters.  He has written a great book called "The Art of Everything" which shares real-life, entertaining and inspiring stories that he compares to stories from the Bible.  Hamilton is kind, funny and wise beyond his years.  I enjoyed our conversation and his perspective, and I'm sure you will too.  

Hamilton's story is inspiring, and he isn't even 30 yet!  He is one of the most amazing young men I've ever met. Hamilton's purpose in life is to light fires in others, encouraging and inspiring them to pursue their passions and professions while staying grounded in their true purpose through Christ.

Originally from Northeast Louisiana, Hamilton Winters now resides in Atlanta, Georgia. An award-winning speaker and author, Hamilton is a graduate of the University of Louisiana at Monroe (BBA, Marketing) and the University of Mississippi (MBA) and current student at Dallas Theological Seminary.

Hamilton works with North Point Ministries in Atlanta and is the author of the new book "The Art of Everything: connect your story to History." In recent years, Hamilton co-founded one of Atlanta's fastest growing flight schools, NSPIRE Aviation, and worked as a marketing strategist for Liger Partners serving a range of clients from local boutiques to multi-billion dollar conglomerates. With an extensive background in the fields of branding, marketing, sales, operations, graphic design, and public speaking, Hamilton has provided valuable insight for businesses and leaders across the United States. In his free time, Hamilton is an avid traveler, creative writer, and occasional skydiver.

Throughout the past decade, Hamilton has visited 26 countries on 5 continents. He is an Eagle Scout and co-leads a men's small group Bible study in the Buckhead neighborhood of Atlanta. 

Order Stephanie's new book Imagine More: Do What You Love, Discover Your Potential

Learn more at StephanieNelson.com
Follow us on Instagram @stephanie_nelson_cm
Follow us on Facebook at CouponMom

Send us a text

**If you enjoyed this episode, please write a quick review or rating on your podcast platform so that it will be easier for other listeners to find.  Thanks so much!

Meet Illana Raia. She is an author of the bestselling book, "The Epic Mentor Guide: Insider Advice for Girls Eyeing the Workforce from 180 Boss Women Who Know."  She is also the founder and CEO of Etre Girls, a mentoring program for young women.  The Etre Girls program encourages girls to ask who they want to be, and then  finds ways for them to connect with mentors in all professions to ask questions.  Check out their website and find out how girls can get involved.  https://www.etregirls.com/

I wish this program had existed when I was a young girl.  In our conversation, Illana shares how her bestselling "Epic Mentor Guide" book is a logical extension of her Etre Girls program.  It includes 180 questions written by young girls, answered by leaders in many professions. including famous celebrities and well-known leaders.
 
I loved this book because the wise advice and perspective from the mentors is helpful for all of us.  The book is written in an easy-to-read format and it's a fun read.

From Amazon:
Imagine if you found the perfect mentor before you actually started work? Now imagine you could ask her anything. The Epic Mentor Guide matches questions from girls eyeing and entering the workforce with answers from 180 boss women already there.

Wondering what it’s like to be the first female coach or general manager of any men’s professional sports team? Ask Nancy Lieberman or Kim Ng.  Want to know what Veronica Beard thinks you should wear to work, why Tyra Banks over-prepares for every meeting, how Haben Girma graduated Harvard Law School deaf and blind, or what Bobbi Brown wants you to do when you hear the word no at work?  Order your copy from Amazon and find out!

We will be giving a free copy of "The Epic Mentor's Guide" to the first 100 people who subscribe to the Pivotal People newsletter. Once you've confirmed your email subscription, we will email you to ask for mailing details.  We will keep this offer active through May 25th.  Sign up for the newsletter here:  https://stephanienelson.com/podcast/

Connect with Etre Girls 
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/Etregirls/
Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/etregirls/

Order Stephanie's new book Imagine More: Do What You Love, Discover Your Potential

Learn more at StephanieNelson.com
Follow us on Instagram @stephanie_nelson_cm
Follow us on Facebook at CouponMom

Send us a text

**If you enjoyed this episode, please write a quick review or rating on your podcast platform so that it will be easier for other listeners to find.  Thanks so much!

Meet my friend, Sherry Hoppen.  She is an author, speaker, wife, mother, friend and encourager to millions.  You are going to love her honesty, insight, wisdom and sense of humor.  I met her a few months ago at a workshop and have since read her amazing  book, "The Sober Cycle," listened to her great podcast "She Surrenders" and had the great privilege of chatting with her on our Pivotal People podcast.  I wish she lived down the street to chat with over coffee.  This is the next best thing.

Sherry talks about her own story of addiction and recovery--in the context of being a faithful Christian.  She doesn't sugar coat it and shares her insights on how it developed, how it impacted her friends and family, and how she eventually surrendered it all to God.  She reminds us of Ephesians 3:20:  God can do immeasurably more than we ask or imagine.

She never intended to talk about this with strangers--but God had different plans. Today Sherry has a website and program called "She Surrenders" that helps all of us understand how God can take anything from us and use it for good. 

Find her website:  https://www.shesurrenders.com/

Instagram:  @shesurrenders_sherry

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

She Surrenders podcast (on all platforms):
https://www.shesurrenders.com/podcast

Order Stephanie's new book Imagine More: Do What You Love, Discover Your Potential

Learn more at StephanieNelson.com
Follow us on Instagram @stephanie_nelson_cm
Follow us on Facebook at CouponMom

Send us a text

**If you enjoyed this episode, please write a quick review or rating on your podcast platform so that it will be easier for other listeners to find.  Thanks so much!

Tim Schurrer is the author of the new book, "The Secret Society of Success: Stop Chasing the Spotlight and Learn to Enjoy Your Work (and life) Again."  I read it, loved it, and recommend it to anyone who would like to love their career instead of dreading their job. You can pre-order the book here--it will be released on May 17th:   https://tinyurl.com/2p92yz2j

You don't have to wait until May 17th--you can download the first 2 chapters of his book FREE here: https://www.buildawinningteam.com/free

Get links to Tim's website, podcast and book here: https://linktr.ee/timschurrer

Tim Schurrer knows what it takes to build a winning team. 

He spent almost a decade of his career launching two brands— StoryBrand and Business Made Simple—as COO alongside New York Times bestselling author Donald Miller.

In that time, Tim and the team accomplished the following:

– Grew the business from $250K to $16.5M in annual revenue.

– Generated more than 20 million podcast downloads.

– Launched multiple bestselling books and on-demand video courses.

– Produced dozens of events, from a 2,400-person conference to a 5,500-person livestream.

– And, most importantly, built a culture where people loved their work and would do whatever it took to help one another and their customers win.

Before his time at StoryBrand and Business Made Simple, Tim worked at TOMS as well as Apple Inc. He is the host of the Build a Winning Team podcast, where he offers listeners actionable advice as he interviews some of the top leaders in business.
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/build-a-winning-team-with-tim-schurrer/id1618921345

Tim lives in Nashville, Tennessee, with his wife, Katie, and their two kids.

Order Stephanie's new book Imagine More: Do What You Love, Discover Your Potential

Learn more at StephanieNelson.com
Follow us on Instagram @stephanie_nelson_cm
Follow us on Facebook at CouponMom