Raise Your Own Bar Podcast

Ever wondered how to balance financial savvy with the joy of celebrating life's milestones? In our latest episode, I had the pleasure of sitting down with the incredible DeOnah Norfleet – accounting manager, serial entrepreneur, and master of both budgeting and celebrating your life!

DeOnah's journey is a testament to the power of strategic planning and the importance of savoring life's wins. We dive into:

* The Entrepreneurial Grind: DeOnah shares her insights on navigating the entrepreneurial landscape and building a successful business.

* Budgeting Brilliance: Learn practical tips for getting your finances on track, so you can build the life you truly desire.

* Celebrating Success: Why everyone deserves to celebrate their achievements, big or small, and how to do it right!

DeOnah’s passion for helping others achieve financial freedom and create unforgettable moments is truly inspiring. This episode is packed with actionable advice and a dose of pure positivity!

Ready to transform your finances and celebrate your journey? Reach out to DeOnah today!

#Podcast #NewEpisode #Entrepreneur #Budgeting #FinancialFreedom #CelebrateYourLife #PersonalFinance #LifeGoals #PlanningToWin

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit raiseyourownbar.substack.com

Imagine juggling a full college course load, managing a fast-paced restaurant, and coaching a high school football team. That's just a typical week for 18-year-old Kameron Downes, my guest on episode 19.

Kam, a 2024 high school graduate and college freshman pursuing a Computer Information Systems degree, demonstrates an incredible work ethic. He balances the demanding responsibilities of a being a manager at Wendy's with his passion of coaching his former high school football team, all while being a full-time student.

In our discussion, Kam shares how important positive role models have been in shaping his path, emphasizing the power of mentorship from coaches and family to help navigate life's challenges. Kam delivers powerful advice to young people striving for their goals, providing actionable insights on perseverance and self-belief. He also offers valuable perspectives to older generations on how to effectively support and empower the youth of today.

After talking with Kam, I have a lot of hope in the next generation. I think the kids are gonna be alright!

Thanks for being a guest on the show, Kameron, and for sharing your journey with us!

#CollegeStudent #GenZ #Youth #TheKidsAreAlright #FutureLooksBright #LifeAdvice

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit raiseyourownbar.substack.com

In episode 18, I got to interview Travis “Sky” Turner. Travis is a serial entrepreneur, motivational speaker, life coach, and unofficial preacher.

Travis has been through a lot of hard knocks in life, including addiction and incarceration. He is now helping people better themselves through his outreach and transitional housing programs so they can step into their greatness!

In our conversation, we talk about loving yourself, staying true to who you are and who you want to be, and the importance of being mindful of who you are influencing in your real life.

Thanks for being a guest on the show, Travis, and for sharing your journey with us!

Check out the song Black-Sky Never Clock Out on Spotify.

Get Motivational content from his Tiktok- 1flysky and Instagram 1flysky

#Podcast #NewEpisode #StepIntoGreatness #OvercomeHardship #Resiliency #Influencer #KnowBetterDoBetter #LetsTalk #RaiseYourOwnBar

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit raiseyourownbar.substack.com

In episode 17, I got to interview one of the Navy’s newest ensigns, Jenny Lake.

Jenny was the first in her family to go to college and she started her career in Human Resources. After 9 years working in the field, she decided she wanted to pursue a dream she has had since she was a teen—joining the military. She became a Naval commissioned officer last year.

In our conversation, we talk about pursuing our dreams, refusing to live with regrets, and staying persistent when times get tough.

Thanks for being a guest on the show, Jenny, and for sharing your journey with us. I can’t wait to check in with you in a year or two to see how the Navy has impacted you!

#Podcast #NewEpisode #Military #USNavy #Learning #Development #Resiliency #PursueYourPurpose #FollowYourDreams #LetsTalk #RaiseYourOwnBar

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit raiseyourownbar.substack.com

In episode 16, I had the opportunity to sit down with David Scott, cofounder of To Your Door LLC. Dave has had a lot of interesting experiences in his life, from being home schooled, performing stand up comedy (how we met), to being incarcerated.

Dave shares some of his journey from getting in trouble with the law to starting a business--both in the pursuit of bringing medical cannabis to the market for people dealing with chronic pain or health conditions. He shares insight into his prison stint and finding his way back to his purpose, legally.

Right as he was finishing serving three years for selling marijuana, Alabama changed their laws to allow for its medical use for the first time. Dave saw his opportunity to continue pursuing his vision and he formulated a business plan.

Fast forward almost 4 years, and Dave is now the co-owner of To Your Door LLC, Alabama's first legal cannabis delivery service. He is now fulfilling his dream of helping people with natural products he believes in—this time on the right side of the law.

During our conversation, we talk about a variety of things. We both share candidly about our difficulties of communicating with ADHD, dealing with mental health issues, and the importance of connecting with your own emotions to work through them instead of pushing them away. We also discuss the value of small talk for building real connections.

Thanks for being a guest on the show, Dave, and for sharing your journey with us!

#Podcast #NewEpisode #Resiliency #Redemption #Entrepreneur #MedicalMarijuana #PursueYourPurpose #FollowYourDreams #LetsTalk #RaiseYourOwnBar

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This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit raiseyourownbar.substack.com

In episode 15, I had the opportunity to sit down with Josh Allen, a career Airman who has served in the security forces for almost 2 decades. He takes an active role in leading and mentoring young airmen in his career field and enjoys sharing what he’s learned.

When it comes to leading with empathy when things go awry, Josh summed things up in saying, “Trust that nobody comes to work trying to do a bad job.” Everyone is trying their best, even if they might need some additional guidance or support.

We discuss the value of leadership through service to others in and outside of the military. We talk about how important it is to take care of your people, trust in your leaders, and follow the process to increase the likelihood of mission success.

Thanks for being a guest on the show, Josh, and for helping me and many others raise the bar through your leadership!

#Podcast #NewEpisode #Leadership #Coaching #ServiceToOthers #USAirForce #Wisdom #Motivation #TeamManagement #LetsTalk #RaiseYourOwnBar

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit raiseyourownbar.substack.com

In episode 14, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Marc Bynum, an IT professional and Army veteran with a work/life balance that many of us strive for. He balances his day job with creative endeavors like film and theater production plus helping people in his community.

We talk about the importance of having hobbies, learning to enjoy the journey as much as the destination, and helping people raise the bar in simple ways when you see them struggling. We discuss the need to know how to think and touch on the Six Thinking Hats model. We also talk about my ongoing personal battle with imposter syndrome and how it is holding me back in a way that is ironic and laughable.

Thanks for being a guest on the show, Marc, and for helping me and many others raise the bar through all that you do!

If you want to see his creative work, check out the two horror films he produced, Gangsters and Zombies 2 and 3, as well as the documentary, Last Breath of Freedom, available on Tubi.

#Podcast #NewEpisode #Purpose #Leadership #Coaching #FindingPurpose #CreativeHobbies #Filmmaker #EnjoyTheJourney #Imposter Syndrome #LetsTalk #RaiseYourOwnBar

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit raiseyourownbar.substack.com

Episode 13 is our first #AskMeAnything session where I answer the questions you and other listeners have sent in.

I touch on what Raise Your Own Bar means to me, my coaching journey, and how to refocus on your goals after a setback or extended break. I also answer the thoughtful question many of us might have as we anticipate Thanksgiving with our families, "How can I bridge the divide with people that have different beliefs?"

If you have a question or topic you want me to cover, send it my way!

#RaiseYourOwnBar #Podcast #NewEpisode #AskMeAnything #QandA #BeABridge #SuccessMinded

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit raiseyourownbar.substack.com

In episode 12, I had the pleasure of interviewing my fellow classmate at Coach 2 Reach who has been training with me for the past 6 months to become an International Coaching Federation (ICF) associate certified coach, Senthil Pandian.

Senthil operates out of Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India and travels all over to help others raise their bars in business! He works for Stanford Seed where he provides advisory services to small business owners with the overall mission to help get people out of poverty through their entrepreneurial endeavors.

Thanks for being a guest on the show, Senthil, and for helping me and many others raise the bar through all that you do!

#Podcast #NewEpisode #SmallBusiness #India #Leadership #Coaching #ICF #EntrepreneurialJourney #LetsTalk #RaiseYourOwnBar

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit raiseyourownbar.substack.com

In episode 11, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Fathia Hardy, director of the Office of Professional Continuing Education (OPCE) at the University of Alabama-Huntsville (UAH).

She's an educator, an actress, and a dedicated mom of two. We discussed a variety of topics, including finding your why, leading with passion, and the importance of representation in inspiring the next generation.

Fathia's passion for education shines bright when we talk about all the wonderful programs that she helps bring to life for Huntsville's diverse workforce through her work at UAH.

She contributes much of her success to her strong support system. With her family, her team, and her community behind her, Fathia is a catalyst for positive change in no matter what she’s doing.

Check out all the great classes offered through OPCE at UAH and read more about Fathia in her bio.

If you want to see her on stage, you’re in luck! Fathia and her daughter will be performing together this month in the Fantasy Playhouse’s rendition of The Wizard of Oz.

Thanks for being a guest on the show, Fathia, and for helping me and many others raise the bar through all that you do!

#Podcast #NewEpisode #Business #Education #PerformanceArts #Leadership #EntrepreneurialJourney #LetsTalk #RaiseYourOwnBar

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit raiseyourownbar.substack.com