Small Steps Big Wins©

Healing Through Psychedelics: Alex Abraham's Journey from Trauma to TriumphIn this gripping episode, Alex Abraham shares his heartbreaking yet inspiring journey of overcoming severe childhood trauma through unconventional therapeutic methods, primarily psychedelic therapy. He opens up about the significant challenges he faced, including severe pelvic pain and dissociative states resulting from suppressed memories of sexual abuse. Alex discusses the transformative impact of MDMA and psilocybin therapy, alongside other therapeutic practices like energy work, breath work, and talk therapy, all of which played pivotal roles in his healing journey. Joining the host, Alex delves into the creation of his forthcoming book 'Trauma and Ecstasy,' his motivations behind writing it, the adversities faced, and the hopes to help others through his story. The episode provides profound insights into the mind-body connection, the power of guided psychedelics, and practical steps for anyone battling deep-seated trauma.00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:14 Discussing the Book's Impact01:32 Personal Struggles and Overcoming Trauma02:40 Journey Through Various Therapies04:45 Realization and Healing15:23 Writing the Book: Trauma and Ecstasy21:36 Reconnecting with Emotions22:59 Advice for Trauma Healing24:05 Unexpected Challenges and Surprises25:22 Current Life and Therapeutic Work30:19 Daily Routines for Healing31:58 Impactful Books and Resources33:00 Downsides of Psychedelic Medicine37:27 Final Thoughts and Self-AwarenessForget everything you think you know about psychedelics. They’re not punchlines. They’re notparty favors for aging hippies. Instead, as Alex Abraham discovered, they are an innovativeapproach that can help heal trauma and chronic pain.Trauma and Ecstasy takes a long, hard look at pain, from the sudden unexplained pelvic floordiscomfort that afflicted Alex at the end of a trip abroad to the deeply rooted anxiety andshame of a childhood robbed of innocence. In this “warts and all” memoir, Alex takes you onhis journey of healing from sexual abuse while searching for answers to his health issues thattraditional medicine failed to explain or treat.Trauma and Ecstasy is quite likely the most engaging, positive, and uplifting memoir ofsurviving childhood sexual trauma you’ll ever read. It offers the hope of real help for healingfrom the emotional and physical aftermath of abuse and chronic pain.Final Author BioAlex Abraham has spent years researching, exploring, and experiencing firsthand thetherapeutic treatment options for healing from childhood sexual abuse. Psychedelics andintegration therapy forever changed his life. When not educating other survivors about thebenefits of psychedelics, Alex enjoys traveling the world and experiencing new foods. Aconnoisseur of food truck fare, he lives in Austin, Texas.alexabraham1122 on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/alexabraham1122/If you have enjoyed my podcast, visit my website at⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.suesaller.com/⁠⁠⁠.

Jon Ostenson: Unlocking Non-Food Franchising PotentialIn this engaging episode, Jon Ostenson, a franchise consultant based in Atlanta, Georgia, shares his fascinating journey from the corporate world to becoming an avid supporter and participant in the franchise industry. Jon discusses his pivotal moment as president of ShelfGenie, which spurred his interest in franchising, particularly non-food sectors. He explains the advantages of non-food franchising, such as lower investments, fewer employees, and higher margins. Jon highlights the importance of following a franchise system and sheds light on the balance between being entrepreneurial and fitting within a structured model. He also offers insights into the process of finding and selecting a franchise, the financial aspects of franchising, and the potential for success and common challenges faced by new franchise owners. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or someone looking to diversify their investments, this conversation is packed with valuable advice and practical steps for getting involved in the franchising world.00:00 Introduction and Excitement for the Conversation00:22 Jon's Journey into Franchising01:14 Understanding Non-Food Franchising02:06 Advantages of Non-Food Franchising02:38 Taking Small Steps Towards Big Wins03:34 Overcoming Limiting Beliefs04:28 Qualities of a Good Franchisee06:46 The Importance of Following the System16:18 Balancing W2 Jobs with Franchise Ownership18:32 Challenges in Buying Existing Businesses22:45 Curating Franchise Opportunities23:23 Begin with the End in Mind24:44 Finding the Right Franchise27:17 Franchise Success Rates and Challenges30:23 Financial Considerations for Franchising32:45 Balancing Franchise Ownership and Personal Life39:35 Partnerships in Franchising41:09 Final Thoughts and AdviceJon is the CEO of FranBridge Consulting, an Inc. 5000 company, and he is a top .1% franchise consultant. He is also the bestselling author of the book, ‘Non-Food Franchising’. Jon draws on his experience as a former Inc. 500 Franchise President and Multi-Brand Franchisee in helping his clients select their franchise investments. Jon is a frequent contributor on franchising for publications such as Forbes, Inc., and Bloomberg.You can reach out to Jon at:https://franbridgeconsulting.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonostenson/https://www.facebook.com/JonOstenson1/https://twitter.com/Jon_OstensonIf you have enjoyed my podcast, visit my website at⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.suesaller.com/⁠⁠⁠.

Karan Narang: Unlocking the Five Freedoms: Transform Your LifeIn this engaging conversation, Sue dives into a conversation with Karan Narang, a seasoned coach with a background in real estate and financial freedom. Karan shares his journey from holding a W2 job to becoming a full-time coach after achieving success with short term and vacation rentals. He emphasizes the importance of the 'Five Freedoms' - financial, time, location, relational, and impact freedoms - and explains how his coaching program helps high-income professionals navigate these areas. Karan also opens up about the challenges and rewards of coaching, the importance of mindset, overcoming imposter syndrome, and the value of continuous personal growth. He also discusses his transformative experiences with Tony Robbins events, silent meditation retreats, and ayahuasca. This episode offers a deep dive into the philosophy and practicalities of achieving true freedom and fulfillment through real estate and personal development.00:00 Introduction and Greetings00:21 Journey to Coaching and Financial Freedom00:42 The Five Freedoms Explained01:47 Real Estate Success Stories03:49 Impact of Coaching and Future Plans06:24 Balancing Risk and Mindset in Real Estate17:30 The Importance of Being Coachable24:13 Overcoming Ego and Personal Growth29:07 Understanding the Temporary Nature of Emotions29:30 The Power of Consistent Meditation29:56 Embracing Abnormal Actions for Success30:30 The Importance of Silence and Meditation30:48 The Surrender Experiment by Michael Singer33:14 Learning to Let Go and Trust the Process34:36 The Role of Ego in Personal Growth40:48 The Comparison Trap and Finding True Happiness45:01 Challenges and Rewards of Coaching48:12 The Importance of Mindset in Achieving Freedom49:15 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome56:56 Balancing Objectivity and Emotion in InvestmentsIf you have enjoyed my podcast, visit my website at⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.suesaller.com/⁠⁠⁠.

The Distinctive Role of the COO with Sarah Guidus, CEO of Second in Command Academy

In this engaging conversation, Sarah Guidus, founder and CEO of Second in Command Academy, shares her journey from marketing director to the CEO of a million-dollar agency. Sarah discusses the crucial role of the COO (Chief Operating Officer), often known as the 'second in command,' emphasizing its importance in scaling and managing businesses. Listeners will gain insight into the various responsibilities of a COO, including project management, team leadership, and maintaining steady operations. The discussion also covers traits that embody an effective COO, from organizational skills to the ability to foresee ripple effects of decisions. Sarah provides practical advice for entrepreneurs on recognizing when it's time to hire and the essential qualities to look for in a second in command. She candidly shares her experiences and solutions to overcoming imposter syndrome and the significance of setting both tangible and emotional goals. This episode is a valuable resource for anyone looking to understand the dynamics between CEO and COO and the vital role of integrators in business growth.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:15 Sarah's Professional Journey

01:43 Understanding the COO Role

06:46 Key Traits of a Successful COO

12:33 The Yin and Yang of CEO and COO

16:43 Challenges and Solutions for COOs

23:11 Building the Second in Command Academy

28:25 Planning and Scheduling Trainings

29:03 Reflecting on Career Beginnings

29:48 Overcoming Limiting Beliefs

30:21 Creating Opportunities and Taking Action

34:33 Therapy and Coaching for Personal Growth

35:42 Goal Setting and Achieving Success

44:26 Imposter Syndrome and Professional Growth

47:21 Transitioning from COO to CEO

50:04 Advice to Younger Self and Final Thoughts

52:00 Podcast Questions and Closing Remarks

Sarah Guidas is the Founder and CEO of 2nd-In-Command Academy, a full resource for small businesses looking to either hire or invest in their Integrator. This is done through recruitment, an accessible Academy, and 1:1 containers. With 8+ years as a 2nd-In-Command at three $1M+ startups, Sarah has quadrupled another startup in its trailing 12 from year 2 to year 3 (6 months experienced 200% growth year over year, and the other 6 had an average growth of 182%), built a remote + international team from 2 to 50+ full-time employees - in less than 2 years, restructured a US department overseas resulting in a 76% decrease in salary cost, expertly prepared a 3.5-year company for acquisition + managed due diligence, and more. She then elevated from the COO to CEO role where she lead 50+ team members and gained a deep understanding of a Visionary's needs from their Integrator. This gave Sarah immense experience (and perspective) as to how important that #2 role is and what's required to not only be, but build, a high-performing 2nd-In-Command.

How to reach out to Sarah:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahlguidas/Instagram: sarahguidas_2ndincommand

Spotify:  https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/smallstepsbigwinspodcast

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSmallStepsBIGWinsPodcast

Do you need to find a personal coach? ⁠⁠https://www.personalcoachfinder.com

To learn more about Sue, visit  ⁠⁠https://suesaller.com

And remember, life doesn’t get better by chance, it gets better by choice! 

Have an awesome day, friends!

In this insightful conversation, Jeff shares practical strategies and real-world experiences from his unique journey transitioning from an accounting major and CPA to a lawyer, and eventually a successful CEO in the manufacturing industry. Jeff and Sue discuss the importance of curiosity, communication, and empathy in navigating different roles, leadership environments, and industry challenges. They dive into the intricate relationship between law and business, emphasizing the significance of culture and mentorship in achieving organizational success. With actionable advice on networking, problem-solving, and creating a dynamic workplace culture, Jeff’s wisdom caters not only to aspiring lawyers but also to business professionals seeking growth and fulfillment. He offers practical advice and actionable steps for enhancing organizational culture, networking, and mentorship across various fields. Don't miss this opportunity to learn how small steps can lead to significant achievements and build a successful, people-centric organization.00:00 Introduction and Initial Thoughts00:42 Jeff's Unique Career Path02:15 Transitioning from Law to Business03:33 Communication Challenges in Business04:39 Understanding Employee Perspectives09:18 The Importance of Company Culture21:24 Mentorship and Its Impact36:23 Top Three Qualities of an Outstanding CEO40:40 Empathy vs. Sympathy: Understanding the Difference41:50 The Role of a Chief Happiness Officer42:52 Happy News: Building Company Culture44:39 From Associate to Ambassador: Writing the Book46:28 Timeless Skills for Law Firm Associates53:15 Networking and Relationship Building57:39 Challenges and Insights in Business and Law59:40 Recommended Books and Final ThoughtsAt the beginning of his career, Jeff Baldassari practiced law at the national firm BakerHostetler. Jeff has served as a President & CEO for 21 years at two manufacturing companies. He has been a client of legal services across a multitude of practice areas. His unique career path has given him the opportunity to see and experience the practice of law as both a provider and a recipient.You can reach out to Jeff at any of the following::www.fromassociatetoambassador.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffbaldassari/https://www.instagram.com/fromassociatetoambassador/https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555148354528If you have enjoyed my podcast, visit my website at⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.suesaller.com/⁠⁠⁠.

Innovating from the Inside Out: Unlocking Your Authentic Leadership with Adele DiMarcoIn this engaging podcast episode, Sue sits down with Adele DiMarco, founder of Yinovate, to discuss innovative leadership. Adele delves into her 20-year journey of guiding organizations and leaders to operate from their heart and soul, ultimately revealing their highest truths and purpose. The conversation explores the importance of tapping into one's authentic self, the transformative power of self-reflection, and the critical role of alignment in organizations. Adele introduces the 'flow model' and emphasizes the significance of gratitude, vision setting, and holistic approaches in fostering personal and organizational growth. This episode is a profound exploration of becoming your best self and leading with intent and authenticity.00:00 Introduction and Excitement for the Podcast00:27 Adele DeMarco's Background and Yin Ovate01:14 The Heart and Soul of Organizations02:14 Challenges in Discovering Authentic Leadership04:02 Framework for Organizational Alignment06:13 Holistic Approach to Team Dynamics12:14 Defining and Achieving Alignment15:56 The Journey to Authentic Self17:09 Barriers to Authenticity and Overcoming Them23:07 The Power of Vision and Gratitude30:31 The Power of Gratitude and Pride32:09 Understanding Ego and Self-Worth34:39 Celebrating Wins Without Losing Drive36:46 The Impact of Words on Reality39:18 Harnessing Fear and Excitement41:57 Rewiring for Higher Vibrations45:36 Navigating Life's Unexpected Turns51:14 The Messy Middle and Faith in the Process55:23 Reflections on Divorce and Childhood ImpactReach out to Adele at:[email protected]://www.yinovate.com/

Redefining Life: Jeanne Collins' Transformative Journey from Corporate to Design with Inner Peace

In this episode, Jeanne Collins shares her journey of leaving a successful corporate career to pursue her passion in interior design. Fired from her high-ranking advertising sales role in 2020, Jeannie faced the challenges of reinvention at 50, creating a business that integrates interior design with personal well-being. She discusses how she helps clients cultivate their internal peace through their external surroundings and shares the story behind her book, 'Two Feet In.' Jeanne also dives into the importance of inner peace over happiness, her experiences with personal development and mindset, and her unique approach to design that balances aesthetics with improving quality of life. This episode is packed with inspiration, practical advice, and the emotional highs and lows of a transformative life journey.

00:00 Introduction and Catching Up

01:10 Jeannie's Corporate Journey

02:30 Pursuing a Passion for Interior Design

03:16 Starting a New Business

03:59 Facing Doubts and Finding Support

06:50 Writing the Book

10:02 Therapeutic Writing and Personal Growth

14:40 The Two Feet In Philosophy

18:31 Wellness-Led Interior Design

28:30 Choosing Fabrics for Interior Wellness

29:50 Designing for Movement in a Room

31:10 Transforming a Client's Space: A Success Story

35:30 The Impact of Colors on Interior Spaces

36:47 Finding Purpose and Inner Peace

39:30 Navigating Career Shifts and Friendships

43:29 Manifesting Desires and Signs from the Universe

55:14 Creating a 'Do Not Disturb' Space for Wellness

57:22 Conclusion and Contact Information

Facebook Book: https://www.facebook.com/jeanne.collins.ct

Facebook Business: https://www.facebook.com/jermardesigns

Instagram Book: https://www.instagram.com/jeanne_collins_ct/

Instagram Business: https://www.instagram.com/houseofjermar

Spotify:  https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/smallstepsbigwinspodcast

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSmallStepsBIGWinsPodcast

Do you need to find a personal coach? ⁠⁠https://www.personalcoachfinder.com

To learn more about Sue, visit  ⁠⁠https://suesaller.com

And remember, life doesn’t get better by chance, it gets better by choice! 

Have an awesome day, friends!

In this episode of Wednesday Wisdom, Sue emphasizes the importance of recognizing and celebrating our unique amazingness. She shares personal anecdotes about feeling unremarkable despite numerous accomplishments such as being a mom, teacher, and podcaster. She encourages listeners to acknowledge the small acts of kindness and service they perform daily, as these contribute to their amazingness. The episode advocates for taking moments to celebrate personal achievements, no matter how minor they may seem, and reminds everyone that they are unique and irreplaceable. Listeners are also encouraged to share this positive message with friends to help spread the notion of self-appreciation and collective support.

Empowering Leadership: From Classroom to Entrepreneurship with Cheri Dixon

Join Sue as she sits down with Cheri Dixon, a former school principal turned leadership coach, author, and TV host, to discuss her inspiring journey. Cheri shares her background in education, her challenges and triumphs in turning around failing schools, and the impact of Hurricane Harvey and the pandemic. Discover how she navigated a career shift from education to entrepreneurship, her strategies for staying focused despite ADHD, and her passion for empowering women leaders. Cheri also delves into her work on autism awareness, her books, podcast, and exciting TV and documentary projects, providing a wealth of insights for personal and professional growth. This episode is a deep dive into leadership, resilience, and the power of saying yes to life’s opportunities.

00:32 Journey into Education and Leadership

02:25 Challenges and Growth in Leadership

04:55 Transition to Entrepreneurship

08:33 Daily Routines and Focus Strategies

11:17 Decision to Leave Education

15:39 New Ventures: Writing and Media

19:27 Documentary on Autism

29:39 Diagnosing Autism in Schools

30:25 Surprising Insights from the Documentary

33:09 Support Services for Adults with Autism

35:31 Challenges and Costs of Autism Care

38:32 Advice for Working with People with Autism

44:49 Upcoming Books and Personal Reflections

51:47 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

Cheri Dixon is the owner of Cheri Dixon Consulting LLC, which she started after leaving a 28-year career in public education. Cheri loved the work she did with turnaround schools and continues to take that work into the business world, helping businesses scale their organizations to the next level. In addition, Cheri believes that the leader is crucial to any organization and supports leaders to develop their skills to strive for excellence in this global society.

Cheri's contact information:

https://www.facebook.com/cheri.dixon.35/

https://www.instagram.com/cheridixonconsulting/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/cheri-dixon-38938b244/

https://www.cheridixonconsulting.com

Spotify:  https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/smallstepsbigwinspodcast

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSmallStepsBIGWinsPodcast

Do you need to find a personal coach? ⁠⁠https://www.personalcoachfinder.com

To learn more about Sue, visit  ⁠⁠https://suesaller.com

And remember, life doesn’t get better by chance, it gets better by choice! 

Have an awesome day, friends!

In this episode, I dive deep into the transformative power of podcasting with Marc Picard. We explore the idea of valuing every single listener, no matter the size of your audience, and redefine what success means in the podcasting world. Marc and I reflect on how even just 25 or 50 downloads represent real people who can amplify your message. We discuss how podcasting success should be measured by the connections made, the impact on social media, and personal growth from guest interactions, rather than just numerical goals.