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In this episode of Pushing the Envelope, host James Gilman interviews Dr. Taunya Lowe, a dynamic mindset coach and leadership expert. 

Known as the "Riot Starter," Dr. Lowe dives into her passion for empowering individuals and organizations to break through barriers, develop leadership skills, and build positive, productive work cultures. 

The conversation covers a range of topics, including leadership development, organizational success, and personal transformation. 

Dr. Lowe offers practical insights into fostering human capital, handling adversity, and starting a “riot” of personal growth and positive change.

• Empowering Human Capital 

Dr. Lowe discusses how organizations should value their human capital by investing in their people, offering ongoing training, and creating a culture of learning. 

She emphasizes the importance of accountability and communication in retaining employees and fostering growth.

• Overcoming Leadership Challenges

 Dr. Lowe shares her own journey of navigating unskilled leadership and how it inspired her to become a better leader. 

She advocates for developing emotional intelligence, setting clear expectations, and being consistent in leadership.

• Practical Steps for Leaders 

One of the key takeaways is Dr. Lowe’s advice for leaders: "Stay started, stop stopping." 

She encourages leaders to make the decision to improve, extend grace to their teams, and incorporate simple practices like regular check-ins and leadership book discussions into their routine.

• Starting a Riot for Personal Growth 

Dr. Lowe introduces her "Riot Starter" philosophy, which encourages individuals to push back against limiting beliefs and societal expectations in order to achieve personal and professional transformation. 

This mindset is essential for anyone wanting to break through their current limitations.

• The Importance of Connection and Communication 

In both virtual and in-person environments, Dr. Lowe stresses the value of genuine connections. 

She offers practical suggestions for fostering relationships within teams, such as personalized onboarding processes, consistent one-on-one conversations, and informal team-building activities.

Dr. Lowe’s conversation offers practical insights for leaders and individuals alike, emphasizing the importance of continuous improvement, emotional intelligence, and authentic connection. 

Whether you’re an aspiring leader or seeking personal growth, this episode provides a roadmap for making meaningful, lasting change.

Remember, keep learning, thriving and pushing the envelope!

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In this episode of Pushing the Envelope, host James Gilman sits down with Dan Vasquenza, an entrepreneur, speaker, activist, and co-author of the book A Fabulous Curiosity. 

They discuss a range of topics from fatherhood and personal challenges to Dan's career journey and his work with Culture City, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting the sensory needs community. 

The conversation explores how personal experiences and setbacks have shaped Dan's career and life philosophy.

• From Humble Beginnings to Sports Media

Dan shares his unconventional career path, starting from a dream of being a garbage man as a child to working in sports media. 

His journey underscores the importance of perseverance and the value of unexpected opportunities.

• The Power of Resilience

Dan emphasizes the significance of pushing through discomfort and challenges. 

He recounts how personal loss and struggles fueled his determination, ultimately leading him to a successful career in radio and sports marketing.

• Advocating for the Sensory Needs Community

Dan talks about his involvement with Culture City, a nonprofit focused on making public spaces more inclusive for people with sensory needs. 

He highlights the importance of accessibility and the impact of creating environments where everyone feels welcome.

• Writing as a Form of Healing and Legacy

Discussing his contribution to A Fabulous Curiosity, Dan reflects on the therapeutic process of writing about fatherhood and the influence of his own father and stepfather. 

He encourages others to overcome self-doubt and embrace their potential.

• You Never Know Who's Watching

A recurring theme in the episode is the idea that you never know who might be inspired by your actions. 

Dan's story of how a charity event led to a major career opportunity illustrates the profound impact of living authentically and giving back.

The episode offers a deep dive into Dan Vasquenza’s life, exploring how personal experiences and a commitment to helping others have shaped his professional journey. 

His story is a testament to the power of resilience, the importance of inclusivity, and the unexpected ways in which our actions can influence others.

Remember, keep learning, thriving and pushing the envelope!

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In this episode, James Gilman hosts Michael Cupps, an expert in productivity and efficiency. Michael shares his journey from a farm boy in Texas to a technology leader, highlighting how his upbringing instilled a strong desire to improve processes. 

The conversation dives deep into modern workplace challenges, especially in the post-pandemic world, and explores strategies for enhancing productivity both on an organizational and personal level.

The Impact of Hybrid Work
Michael emphasizes that hybrid work remains a major challenge for many businesses. He discusses the importance of using data to make informed decisions about whether employees should work from home or the office, rather than relying on outdated management practices.

Balancing Technology and Human Productivity
While technology, such as Zoom and automation tools, can boost productivity, Michael warns that it can also have unintended consequences. He stresses the need to measure both human and automated outputs to ensure the right balance.

Time Management Insights
Michael introduces his book Time Bandit and shares a practical approach to time management. He distinguishes between tasks and habits, advocating for prioritization and habit tracking to improve daily productivity.

Efficient Meetings
One of Michael’s strategies for better workplace efficiency is to shorten meetings. He suggests scheduling 25- or 50-minute meetings instead of the usual 30 or 60 minutes to give people time to reset between calls.

Automation and Delegation
Michael encourages leveraging automation tools like ChatGPT and task delegation to optimize workflows. He also highlights the power of forming habits to automate certain behaviors mentally.

 This episode of Pushing the Envelope offers valuable insights into productivity, time management, and the challenges of modern work environments. 

Michael Cupps shares practical advice on how to improve both personal and organizational efficiency, making it a must-listen for anyone looking to optimize their workflow. 

Remember, keep learning, thriving and pushing the envelope!

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In this episode of Pushing the Envelope, host James Gilman welcomes Bryan Coley, the founder and chief creative officer of Reel Experiences.

The conversation dives deep into Bryan's unique journey from the film industry to developing a creative business model that uses movies as a tool for corporate training and personal development.

Through Reel Experiences, Bryan has helped companies and individuals discover insights about themselves and their teams by analyzing their favorite movies.

A Leap of Faith:

Bryan discusses his transition from a stable job at Turner Broadcasting to launching a nonprofit theater company. Despite the challenges, he followed his passion for storytelling and helping others through creative expression.

The Power of Movies:

Bryan shares how movies are not just entertainment but powerful tools that reflect personal stories. By analyzing top 10 movie lists, people can uncover deeper insights into their own lives and relationships.

Reel Experiences – A Unique Approach

Through Reel Experiences, Bryan helps companies like Chick-fil-A and Home Depot enhance team dynamics by using movies to explore themes of character, conflict, and growth. His approach allows teams to connect on a deeper level by sharing their personal stories through film.

Overcoming Impostor Syndrome

Bryan recounts a story about a long-time employee who felt out of touch with younger team members. By relating to a character in Anchorman, the employee had a breakthrough, realizing his value as a mentor to the team.

Finding Your Story

Bryan emphasizes the importance of self-reflection and understanding one’s personal narrative. He believes success comes from recognizing and aligning with your unique strengths and story, rather than chasing external validation.

Explore more about Bryan’s work and discover how movies can change your perspective 

Remember, keep learning, thriving and pushing the envelope!

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In this episode of Pushing the Envelope, host James Gilman sits down with Steve Knudsen, a seasoned professional with a diverse career spanning corporate America, non-profit work, and now business development. 

The conversation delves into overcoming challenges, the importance of personal growth, and building meaningful connections throughout one's career.

Key Points Discussed:

1. The Power of Leaning In
Steve shares how he learned the value of facing challenges head-on rather than avoiding them. This mindset shift allowed him to build stronger relationships and achieve better results in both his personal and professional life.

2. Moving for Growth
Steve recounts his numerous relocations across the U.S., highlighting the role that adventure, faith, and community played in making these transitions successful and enriching for his family.

3. Prioritizing Passion and Service
Throughout his career, Steve found fulfillment in roles that allowed him to leverage his strengths for the greater good, particularly in non-profit work. His advice: "When you love something, it's not hard to invest in it."

4. Building Lasting Connections
Steve emphasizes the importance of deep, meaningful relationships. He offers practical advice on networking and connecting with others, particularly in a professional setting where empathy and listening are key.

5. Navigating Leadership in Education
As a member of the Gwinnett County Board of Education, Steve discusses the challenges of serving a rapidly growing and diverse community, focusing on keeping the needs of the students at the forefront of decision-making.

This episode encourages listeners to embrace challenges, pursue their passions, and invest in relationships. Steve's insights remind us that success often comes from leaning into adversity and finding ways to serve others.

Remember, keep learning, thriving and pushing the envelope!

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In this episode of Pushing the Envelope, host James Gilman welcomes Jinnie Lee Schmid, an experienced management consultant and certified grief recovery coach. 

They discuss Jinnie's diverse career, insights into change management, and passion for helping people through grief. 

The conversation touches on her personal and professional journey, the importance of adaptability, and the value of self-investment.

Key Points Discussed:

1. A Multifaceted Career Journey
   • Jinnie shares her career path from working in politics to becoming a training and development specialist and later a management consultant. She highlights her experiences at Accenture, small boutique firms, and her current role in internal consulting at Georgia Power.
2. The Power of Adaptability
   • Jinnie emphasizes the importance of being adaptable in various work environments. She discusses how her challenging childhood helped her develop this skill and how it has been crucial in her consulting career.
3. Balancing People and Processes in Change Management
   • Through examples from her work, Jinnie explains how successful change management involves both optimizing processes and supporting people. She underscores the need for organizations to focus on employee culture to navigate changes effectively.
4. The Role of Coaching in Professional Growth
   • Jinnie talks about the significant impact coaching can have on personal and professional development. She discusses her approach to coaching, which includes focusing on mindset, confidence, and practical behavior changes.
5. Addressing Grief in the Workplace
   • As a certified grief recovery coach, Jinnie highlights the importance of addressing grief and emotional well-being in the workplace. She explains how unresolved grief can affect performance and the necessity for businesses to support their employees through effective resources and understanding.

This episode provides valuable insights into Jinnie Lee Schmid's extensive experience in management consulting and grief recovery coaching. 

Her unique perspective on change management, the importance of adaptability, and the power of addressing emotional well-being in the workplace offers listeners practical advice for both personal and professional growth.

Tune in to hear Jinnie's inspiring journey and gain insights into how to navigate change and support emotional health in the workplace.

Remember, keep learning, thriving and pushing the envelope!

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In this episode of Pushing the Envelope, James Gilman sits down with Wil Smith, the owner of a dojo in Brazelton, to discuss his journey and the valuable lessons he has learned from running his business and teaching martial arts. 

Wil shares how his dojo has become a community hub, and he reflects on his evolution from a 17-year-old trying to avoid school to a successful business owner and mentor.

Key Points:

1. Building a Community Hub Wil's dojo has grown into more than just a karate studio; it has become a central part of the community. The dojo serves as a place where people come together, fostering a sense of belonging and support.
2. Lessons from Early Struggles Wil recalls the early years of his business, marked by hard work and perseverance. Despite the initial challenges and financial struggles, the experience taught him the importance of discipline and delayed gratification.
3. Impact of Authentic Leadership Wil emphasizes the value of authenticity in leadership. By being genuine and relatable, he has built strong, trust-based relationships with his students and their families, which has been crucial to the dojo's success.
4. Adapting During COVID-19 The pandemic posed significant challenges for the dojo, but Wil and his team adapted by moving classes online and maintaining strong communication with students and parents. This adaptability and resilience helped the dojo emerge stronger from the crisis.
5. Fostering Personal Growth in Students Wil shares inspiring stories of students who have overcome personal and academic challenges through martial arts. He highlights the importance of creating a supportive environment where students can achieve their potential and gain confidence.

Wil Smith's journey from a young entrepreneur to a respected community leader highlights the importance of hard work, authenticity, and adaptability. 

His dojo not only teaches martial arts but also provides a supportive space for personal growth and community building. 

Wil's experiences and insights offer valuable lessons for anyone looking to build a successful and impactful business.

Remember, keep learning, thriving and pushing the envelope!

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In this episode of Pushing the Envelope, host James Gilman interviews Corey Baker, a delivery professional at Perimeter Office Products and the founder of several impactful non-profits. 

Corey shares his journey from overcoming personal hardships to helping others through his organization, Mendable, and other community initiatives. 

Their conversation covers Corey's inspiring life story, the significance of mental health awareness, and the power of creating supportive communities.

The Beginnings of a Friendship 

James and Corey recount the serendipitous encounter that led to their friendship and collaboration. Their bond was cemented when Corey demonstrated quick thinking and a helpful attitude during a mishap at the Perimeter Office Products warehouse.

Overcoming Adversity 

Corey opens up about his challenging upbringing, losing both parents at a young age, and the difficulties he faced growing up. Despite these hardships, he transformed his life through education and positive actions, becoming a mentor for others.

Founding Mendable 

Corey discusses the creation of Mendable, a mental health awareness group initially started on the Clubhouse app. Mendable provides a safe space for individuals to share their struggles and receive support from a community of empathetic listeners.

The Impact of Community Support 

The episode highlights several success stories from the Mendable community, including individuals who found life-changing support and even love through the platform. Corey's genuine dedication to helping others shines through these narratives.

Future Aspirations 

Corey shares his plans for the future, including the development of the Mendable app, which aims to offer real-time support based on users' stress levels, and organizing an international mental health awareness conference in Atlanta.

This episode of Pushing the Envelope with Corey Baker delves into his remarkable journey of resilience and dedication to helping others. 

From overcoming a tumultuous past to creating Mendable, Corey exemplifies the power of community support and the importance of mental health awareness. 

His story is a testament to the impact one individual can have on the lives of many, making this episode both inspiring and thought-provoking.

Remember, keep learning, thriving and pushing the envelope!

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In this episode of "Pushing the Envelope," host James Gilman welcomes Brandon Lee, founder of Fist Bump and co-host of "Mastering Modern Selling." 

They discuss Brandon's journey from launching startups to becoming a leader in leveraging LinkedIn for business growth. 

Key topics include the importance of maintaining humanity in sales, the pitfalls of over-relying on automation, and practical strategies for building genuine relationships online. 

The conversation provides valuable insights for creating a successful sales pipeline, enhancing personal and company brands, and retaining top talent by fostering meaningful connections.

Key Points

Blending Technology and Humanity in Business

Brandon emphasizes that while technology can enhance business processes, it's crucial to maintain human elements. He notes, "Technology should support the human, helping them be more efficient without removing humanity from our communication."

Leading and Inspiring Teams

Effective leadership is about inspiring and respecting team members. Brandon shares, "Respect is key. You can't get respect if you don't give it."

Balancing Family and Career

Brandon discusses the challenges of balancing a demanding career with family life. He advises, "When I'm home, I give my family my full attention. There's grace when I'm busy because I've been present when it matters."

Standing Out in the Market

In a crowded marketplace, authenticity is vital. Brandon highlights, "The riches are in the niches. The more authentic you are, the more you attract your ideal audience."

Importance of Continuous Innovation

Brandon encourages businesses to embrace innovation, stating, "If we're not focused on innovation, the world's going to pass us by quickly."

Brandon Lee shares his journey and insights on integrating technology with human touch, leading teams with respect, balancing family and career, and the importance of authenticity and innovation in business. 

His advice is particularly valuable for those looking to enhance their sales strategies and build meaningful connections.

Remember, keep learning, thriving and pushing the envelope!

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In this special 4th of July episode of Pushing the Envelope, host James Gilman reflects on the podcast's journey and the core theme of resilience. 

Celebrating both Independence Day and the milestone of over 25 episodes, James shares inspiring stories from past guests who have faced and overcome adversity.

Key Points:

1. The Power of Adversity James highlights how adversity is a constant in every business and personal endeavor. He emphasizes the importance of pushing through challenges and shares stories of guests who exemplified resilience.

2. Jeremy Porter's Determination Jeremy Porter, who runs a racetrack in North Georgia, started his business during an economic downturn. Despite losing investors, he persevered and found creative solutions to succeed, showcasing the importance of determination.

3. Michael Lloyd's Comeback Michael Lloyd of Dope Coffee faced the devastation of his coffee shop due to a hurricane. Instead of giving up, he relocated to Atlanta and rebuilt his business, illustrating the strength of adaptability and perseverance.

4. Lessons in Curiosity James discusses insights from Carl Libbe of Get More Curious, who emphasizes the value of asking better questions and understanding team dynamics. This approach can lead to improved communication and outcomes in any organization.

5. Inspiration from Non-Profits James mentions the inspiring work of non-profit leaders like Jennifer Guynn of Pebble Tossers and Julian Arias of Junior Achievements. Their dedication to making a positive impact serves as a reminder of the good happening in communities.

This episode underscores the importance of reflection and resilience, encouraging listeners to appreciate their achievements and persist through challenges. 

James shares how the podcast has grown and the valuable lessons learned from diverse business leaders, aiming to inspire and motivate his audience.

Thank you for joining this special episode of Pushing the Envelope. For more inspirational stories and business insights, stay connected with us on LinkedIn and keep striving for excellence in your endeavors. 

Happy 4th of July!

Remember, keep learning, thriving and pushing the envelope!

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