RISE TO LEAD

Karen Gray’s path to coaching began in a rodeo arena, where helping her daughter build confidence uncovered Karen’s own need for healing. That journey grew into a passion for guiding others — from rodeo queens to corporate leaders — to find their voice and own the stage. Karen also shares how the stories we tell ourselves can distort reality — and how choosing better interpretations can shift everything. Confidence, she reminds us, starts with how you see yourself.

That moment of self-awareness Karen describes—seeing intimidation as a signal, not a stop sign—is powerful. It turns comparison into curiosity, and fear into fuel. By leaning into relationships that once felt daunting, she opened doors to growth and greater confidence. It’s a reminder that discomfort often points us toward expansion. And that insight naturally leads to a process: her VIP framework, which starts by reconnecting with what truly matters—our values, intentions, and purpose. In her upcoming book Chosen, Coach Karen Gray explores how childhood experiences—like being adopted and internalizing unspoken fears—shaped her and other people’s voice and their path back to self-trust and speaking up.

About Karen Gray:

Karen Gray from Texas is the CEO/Founder of Gray Legacy Coaching and President of Texas Business Women. Her journey—shaped by her adoption, trauma, and healing, taught her that our past doesn’t define our worth; it’s our choices that build our legacy. As a Professional Certified Coach, she is considered to be a secret weapon for executive women as she ignites unshakable confidence, empowering them to break through self-doubt and glass ceilings to claim their indisputable worth and value. Using her ViQ (Value Intelligence) Method and Energy Leadership principles, she intuitively guides women on a journey of mindset mastery. With over 30 years of leadership experience and 16 years of coaching, Karen helps women create lives and legacies filled with purpose, abundance, and joy.

www.CoachKarenGray.com 

www.GrayLegacyPartners.com

https://Facebook.com/KarenGrayCoach

https://Instagram.com/CoachKarenGray

www.linkedin.com/in/coachkarengray-confidence-and-leadership-coach

Podcast:  Rock Movers  (where ever you watch or listen to your favorite shows)

www.youtube.com/@coachkarengray

FREE SELF WORTH ARCHETYPE QUIZ: www.coachkarengray.com/self-worth-quiz

FREE E-Book “Unleash Your Inner Confidence” www.coachkarengray.com/free-resources

Greg Weinger from Oregon opens up about hitting a wall in senior leadership despite a stellar resume—and why achievement alone wasn't enough, especially as an introvert. He shares how executive coaching and Susan Cain’s Quiet helped him rethink what it means to lead. Introversion became not a weakness to fix, but a trait to understand and leverage. Greg describes mentoring introverts and learning to create space for their strengths. He highlights how engineering teams often process feedback differently—and why that matters.

Stillness isn’t weakness—it’s where power lives. Introverts can command a room without raising their voice. When silence is used with intention, it draws attention and earns trust. Presence—true, grounded presence—is a form of leadership that transcends volume. The real strength lies in responding, not reacting, even in tough conversations. This episode redefines power, and it may not be what you’ve been told. It will shift how you see leadership, personality, and team dynamics.

Greg shares communication strategies for introverts, highlighting the value of building one-on-one relationships and preparing in advance to earn respect and influence in group settings, and we also chat about the nuances of introversion, ambiversion, and personal growth.

About Greg Weinger

Greg Weinger has spent over 20 years proving that introverts and unconventional thinkers can thrive in leadership. A seasoned product and technology executive, he has helped scale startups 10X to $70M+ in revenue, leading teams that build market-leading digital products and drive business growth. A Stanford graduate, he studied English literature, creative writing, and software engineering—giving him a unique ability to blend technical expertise, storytelling, and strategic thinking to make complex ideas accessible and actionable.

Greg is the author and host of Powerful Introvert, a Substack publication and podcast dedicated to helping introverts unlock their leadership potential. A sought-after speaker, he challenges outdated leadership norms and explores how organizations can create inclusive leadership structures that embrace diverse working styles.

www.linkedin.com/in/gregoryweinger/

www.instagram.com/powerful_introvert

https://powerfulintrovert.substack.com/

www.youtube.com/@powerfulintrovert

Discipline doesn’t have to feel like a dirty word. In this energizing conversation, martial arts master Jason Flame from California joins me to explore what discipline really means –and how it can become a supportive structure rather than a source of pressure. We talk morning routines, personal "shoulds," belt systems, and Jason’s 75 Hard experience. We get into what it actually takes to follow through – especially when no one's pushing you. It's a real look at building discipline on your own terms, without the clichés.

Jason shares how an unexpected moment launched his lifelong teaching career—and how stepping up without overthinking shaped his path. We explore the balance between consistency and adaptability, especially when life throws curveballs. From teaching kids to leading teams, Jason highlights the importance of meeting people where they are. And yes, even martial arts instructors need a flexible mindset.

Jason’s journey from a young entrepreneur to a seasoned business consultant underscores the power of mentorship and community engagement. By investing in relationships and giving back, he has cultivated a thriving business that serves as a pillar in his community.

About Jason Flame:

Jason Flame, owner of Moorpark Karate & Krav Maga in Moorpark, California, began his martial arts journey in 1985 and opened his first school in 1996. He holds an 8th Degree Black Belt in American Tang Soo Do, 2nd Degree Black Belt in Krav Maga, and Black Belts in both Ketsugo Ju Jitsu and Combat Hapkido. Since 2010, he has worked as a martial arts business consultant. At age 38, he pursued his dream of becoming a pro wrestler, competing with Millennium Pro Wrestling from 2013–2019, becoming a Triple Crown Champion and Hall of Famer. Jason is active in his community, serving on several boards and supporting local events. He and his wife Jackie became partners in Country Harvest Restaurant in 2021. He also hosts the Master Motivation podcast. Born and raised in the Conejo Valley, Jason moved to Moorpark in 1993, where he now lives with Jackie and their children, Madyson and Mason.

https://linktr.ee/JasonFlame

www.facebook.com/MasterJasonFlame?mibextid=wwXIfr

www.instagram.com/masterjasonflame

www.linkedin.com/in/jasonflame

www.youtube.com/@mastermotivationpodcast?si=izv9BGzhDHYp_Aiv

I talk with T Scott about why traditional mindset advice often falls flat—and what actually works. He shares how he transitioned from a 26-year real estate career to launching Sisu Vida, a groundbreaking platform that applies the science of mind shifting to real-world challenges. T Scott opens up about his desire to have deeper impact, especially after witnessing rapid transformations through Mind Shifting. Mind Shifting was developed by Stevie Kent—go to https://www.mindshifting.net for more information.

We explore why T Scott built a “gym membership for the mind” and how it went from an idea to a fully-fledged service over the course of 9 months.

T Scott shares how his original approach — designed for entrepreneurs and sales professionals—grew into 45+ diverse roadmaps that support people across all walks of life. We talk about the limiting beliefs that shape our identities, and how much of that programming happens before we even realize it. From navigating trauma to unlocking confidence in social settings or public speaking, T Scott explains how Sisu Vida helps individuals reconnect with their inner strength — not by becoming someone new, but by uncovering who they’ve always been.

We discuss what sales leaders should stop doing — including common mistakes that hurts motivation. T. Scott shares why understanding your people matters more than perfecting scripts.

About T Scott (Todd Hall)

T Scott from Arizona is the Founder and CEO of Sisu Vida – The Elite Mind & Body Rewiring Accelerator, a revolutionary platform helping entrepreneurs, sales professionals, and high performers permanently overcome mental roadblocks and unlock their peak potential. After decades in real estate and personal development, T Scott cracked the code on identity-based transformation—eliminating the need for books, seminars, or expensive coaching. Through his six-method mind-shifting system, he helps clients rewire limiting beliefs, eliminate toxic habits, and activate unshakable discipline, confidence, and focus—often in as little as 10 minutes. Sisu Vida offers 24/7 unlimited access to expert guidance, providing fast, permanent change for the price of a gym membership.

www.sisuvida.comwww.tscottelite.com

www.facebook.com/toddshall.realestate/

www.facebook.com/groups/1403457227001879

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www.linkedin.com/in/toddshall12/

www.instagram.com/t_scott_elite/

https://x.com/TScottElite

www.tiktok.com/@tscottelite

Creating Harmony, Not Balance

Scott Ferguson returns for a powerful conversation about living and leading with harmony. He breaks down why “balance” can be misleading—and how tuning the different parts of our lives, like instruments in a jazz band, creates true harmony. From coaching athletes to executives, Scott shares how small adjustments can lead to big transformations. We talk about the trap of living in the past, the power of imagination, and how faith over fear fuels progress. He reminds us that goals follow standards—and when you raise yours, more options open up.

From Unsolicited Pitches to Powerful Daily Habits

Scott and Regina explore the fine line between helpful outreach and annoying cold pitches. They also swap favorite daily practices—including hydrogen water—and how these tools support focus, hydration, and energy. Scott shares what’s helped him prepare for intense speaking schedules, and Regina ties in her own health experiences post-dengue and malaria. A fun, honest look at what works, what doesn’t, and how leaders choose wisely.

How Volunteering, Pets, and Speaking Gigs Intersect

Scott shares how his travel routine goes far beyond hotel check-ins and keynote speeches. He talks about volunteering at pet shelters between gigs and the joy and other benefits he gets from it, highlighting how leadership isn’t just about professional achievements, but also about making a meaningful impact in unexpected ways. We also explore how dogs reflect their humans and why they can be surprisingly good character judges. This leads to a deeper discussion on leadership qualities—how compassion and the ability to connect with others are vital to leading effectively.

About Scott Ferguson:

L. Scott Ferguson is The ‘GAP’ Coach. a passionate Mindset Conditioning Coach, Lifestyle Optimizer, and host of the globally top-ranked Time To Shine Today Podcast. His mission is simple but powerful: to make sure no one ever feels like they have no one.

With vast life experience and a knack for connecting on a deep level, he believes everyone knows what they want; they just don’t know how to talk themselves into it. Every challenge you are going through the remedy is there as well, through Scott’s curiosity he works with his clients to help them lean into their ultimate human potential.

His podcast and coaching sessions are packed with actionable knowledge nuggets to help individuals and teams reach their fullest potential.

A United States Navy Veteran, Scott is also a real estate ‘junky’, wannabe golfer, beach lover, Jiu Jitsu practitioner, and fur-baby rescuer. Rooted in alife of service and intentional living, Scott’s energy and insights inspire growth and connection at every turn.

www.TimeToShineToday.com

www.TimeToShineToday.com/LinkedIn

www.TimeToShineToday.com/yt

www.facebook.com/timetoshinetoday

www.instagram.com/timetoshinetoday

www.TimeToShineToday.com/podcast

The Role of Behavior, Belief and the Energy of Money

What if your next breakthrough hinges on how you interpret your earliest experiences? In this thought-provoking episode, I sit down with behavioral strategist Hugh Massie from Georgia (U.S.) to explore how our wiring—formed by age three—influences how we lead, decide, and handle money.

We talk about money as energy, not just math, and how stress reveals the thoughts that either limit us or push us forward. Hugh shares why exponential growth can feel easier than small steps—and how clarity comes when we strip away distractions.

The Power of Self-Awareness, Compassion, and Strategic Leadership

We also dive deep into the connection between self-leadership and effective team leadership. We discuss how self-awareness impacts leadership growth and how confronting personal challenges and past experiences helps build trust within teams. Hugh emphasizes that compassion is a crucial leadership trait, and we explore how understanding ourselves allows us to better understand others. We also talk about how financial behavior, leadership styles, and innovation drive organizational success, and why understanding these dynamics is key to creating lasting value.

About Hugh Massie

Hugh Massie from Georgia (originally from Australia) is the Executive Chairman and Founder of DNA Behavior International – the Behavior and Money Insights Company. As a Titan 100 CEO and widely recognized Behavioral Solutions Architect, Hugh Massie addresses every opportunity and challenge from the proven perspective of “behavior makes money”. With his unique analytical approach, Hugh helps growth-minded leaders create an Exponential Future by building “category king” people-centric businesses, and in the process, enhance financial decision-making, culture, and performance.

Hugh’s purpose is to support people worldwide to optimize the alignment of their natural “hard-wired” talents and financial behaviors to make quantum leaps for creating an Exponential Future with reduced stress. Thereby enabling greater happiness, more success and improved health for longer.

Applying the pioneering behavioral finance research Hugh has undertaken since 2001, his moonshot goal is to commercialize DNA Behavior’ AI-driven BeSci Tech Platform so that by 2030 fully it informs over 1 billion people annually on how to enhance their decision-making and relationships for increasing life, financial and business longevity by 30 or more years. Hugh partners with clients to create an Exponential Future by developing trail-blazing financial behavior apps for building the “New BeFi Economy” impacting all key areas of life, finance and business.

www.dnabehavior.com

www.boyswithoutfathers.org

www.linkedin.com/in/hughmassie

www.facebook.com/hugh.massie

www.instagram.com/hughmassie

www.youtube.com/@behaviorallysmart

Twitter: @HughMassie

What does it take to lead from a place of deep awareness, presence, and purpose?

In this episode, I sit down with Ron Stotts from Washington to explore how emotional healing, inner child work, and conscious self-reflection shape our ability to lead meaningfully. We talk about how early patterns—often formed in childhood—shape adult behaviors, and how leaders can break those cycles by tending to what’s been buried.

From emotional backlog to whole-brain thinking, we unpack the path toward becoming a more evolved, intentional leader—one who creates impact by being fully present, curious, and connected.

What happens when leaders stop looking outside and start tuning in?

Ron shares how dissolving the illusion of separation and reconnecting with breath leads to wholeness, presence, and real leadership. We explore how modern leaders often disconnect from their inner wisdom and what shifts when they begin to breathe, feel, and heal. He says: “The only thing I ever need to do is breathe, be curious, and present.” This isn’t just philosophy—it’s the path to genius-level leadership and meaningful business transformation.

About Ron Stotts:

Ron is a three times bestselling author with a PhD in psychology and a Dr. of Chiropractic. He's explored the depths of ancient wisdom and the latest in psychological, neurological studies, and leadership as he guides entrepreneurs and executives into the highest levels of conscious leadership.

www.facebook.com/ron.stotts.50

www.linkedin.com/in/dr-ron-stotts-14143236

www.youtube.com/@dr.ronstotts

The Communication Shift Leaders Need

Connecting with others starts with understanding yourself—how you communicate and how you prefer to receive information. Amos shares how tools like DISC profiling can help you adapt your style to better connect with different personalities. But beyond frameworks, true connection comes from being real, telling stories, and most importantly—listening. Not just hearing words, but actively engaging, responding, and showing that you care. Even in a virtual world, body language and energy matter. If communication is just about pushing a message without considering the other person, connection is lost.

Vulnerability Creates Direct, Honest Conversation

Vulnerability plays a crucial role in leadership, fostering real connections and growth. Amos shares how acknowledging mistakes and seeking team input builds trust. He highlights the importance of direct, honest conversations—whether in leadership, relationships, or letting an employee go.

Avoiding tough discussions only delays the inevitable and limits learning opportunities. A great example from youth soccer coaching shows the power of clear communication: identifying where someone is, where they need to be, and working together to bridge the gap. Leaders must ensure their message truly lands and give people space to find solutions before making decisions.

Growing up in Lemasters, Pennsylvania, his first job at Snider's Elevator taught him grit and the power of relationships. Those early days also sparked his curiosity about leadership, watching how trust, respect, and effective communication could inspire people.

His career path, from humble beginnings to leading operations across the U.S., was anything but linear. Along the way, he faced challenges like resistance to change and misaligned teams, yet those obstacles shaped his leadership philosophy—one built on influence, empathy, and helping others to reach their potential.

Through trial and error, he developed strategies to double market shares and foster collaboration in complex environments. Today, as a certified Trainer, Coach, Speaker, and DISC consultant, he draws on these experiences to guide others. He helps leaders overcome fear, build trust, and drive meaningful change. His mission is to share actionable insights grounded in his own transformation, proving that no matter where you start, success is possible with resilience and the right tools.

www.mccoyleadership.com

www.linkedin.com/company/mccoy-maxwellspeaker/

www.facebook.com/MccoyMaxwellSpeaker

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mccoy-leadership/id1775762788

Turning Vision into Collective Action

Leadership guides activities toward meaningful goals. In communities, leaders act as the "conscious mind," turning scattered efforts into clear projects. Nkumu Katalay applies this both in community work and in his artistic projects — a revolving group shaped by his vision and changing musicians. This flexible structure mirrors New York’s fast pace, teaching him to guide without rigid control. His Lifelong Project Band trains new leaders while sharing Congolese culture. By treating his band as a project, Nkumu fosters both musical and personal growth through shared vision and collaboration.

Leading with Clarity, Adapting with Grace

Nkumu emphasizes treating performances with professionalism — showing up early, coordinating attire, and adjusting to each venue and its audience.

He balances guiding his group while allowing for individual expression. Managing diverse personalities and adjusting to different settings — from Harlem's Shrine to the Apollo Theater — strengthens his leadership. Even during his return to Kinshasa after 28 years, he gathered local musicians to create new music, showing how his leadership transcends borders and continues to connect communities.

About Nkumu Katalay:

Nkumu Katalay is an artist, speaker, multi-instrumentalist, and social activist committed to promoting humanity.

Born in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, he now lives in New York. Nkumu emphasizes the significance of Congolese cultures in modern history and founded the musical group "Life Long Project," which highlights positive narratives of Congolese culture through music and educational initiatives. He also established an Afro-Congolese dance program, offering weekly dance activities throughout New York for all ages in schools, businesses, and cultural centers.

For Nkumu, music is a means to navigate the world and unify his identity's fragments. He is fascinated by musical notes and rhythms, exploring their movements and patterns alongside human cultures. He believes that musical notes are cultural fragments in sound, and their interactions create music, similar to how cultures seek alternative expressions. His musical journey is deeply rooted in the Congolese "Mbonda" or "Ngoma" (drum) and dance traditions.

www.nkumukatalay.com

www.facebook.com/share/1BTE8PTNdh/

www.instagram.com/nkumukatalay/

www.youtube.com/@nkumukatalay

In this episode of RISE TO LEAD, I talk with Coach Clarence Ferguson about discipline, mindset, and personal growth. He shares why weighing yourself daily builds awareness, the power of consistency, and how small habits lead to big results. We discuss taking ownership, adapting to challenges, and learning from failure instead of fearing it.

Coach Clarence emphasizes that understanding the deeper "why" behind our actions is essential, whether it's related to habits or goals. He shares how uncovering the root causes, such as trauma or emotional protection, can shift behavior. Discipline is not effortless, and maintaining habits requires setting realistic goals and self-reflection. He advises checking in with others and reassessing goals consistently, while forgiving oneself for falling short. Self-punishment is counterproductive and erodes self-esteem, so focusing on progress is key.

We also discuss the power of questions over affirmations in unlocking new possibilities. Asking questions can help reframe beliefs, making them more aligned with achievable outcomes.

About Clarence Ferguson:

Coach Clarence is a visionary leader who is transforming the lives of men and women over 40, assisting them to live their absolute best lives. He's a true embodiment of what it means to conquer the three fundamental pillars of life: fitness, finance, and mindset.

Clarence Ferguson, the dynamic CEO of "Fit Over 40 with Coach Clarence." Clarence doesn't just lead a tribe; he nurtures a community of individuals who are determined.

https://linktr.ee/clarencemfergusonjr

www.linkedin.com/in/clarencef/

www.youtube.com/@CoachClarence

www.facebook.com/ClarenceMFergusonjr/

www.instagram.com/clarencemferguson/

Fit Over 40 withCoach Clarence