If you’re on the edge of making a big decision, this episode will give you the encouragement you need. Host Wendie Veloz wraps up Season 3 with an inspiring and heartfelt solo episode, reflecting on the power of personal growth in both business and life. Wendie recaps the lessons learned from personal experiences and guests as she closes out this season.  She offers invaluable insights on trust, alignment, and how social entrepreneurs can courageously step into new opportunities. 

Key Takeaways:

Trusting Yourself & Taking the Leap:

• Embracing uncertainty is key to unlocking new opportunities.

• Success often comes from trusting the process and stepping into the unknown.

The Power of Reflection:

• Reflecting on past seasons helps highlight growth, challenges, and lessons learned.

• Evaluating what worked and what didn’t provides clarity for future goals.

Alignment & Purpose:

• Making intentional choices leads to sustainable impact.

• Saying “yes” to the right opportunities requires discernment and courage.

Building Resilience:

• Entrepreneurship and social impact work require resilience and adaptability.

Making a career transition—whether by choice or circumstance—can feel overwhelming. In this episode, career coach and resume expert Scott Raether joins us to break down how to navigate career shifts strategically. Whether you’re transitioning out of federal service, shifting industries, or looking for your next opportunity, Scott shares practical insights on building a strong professional network, leveraging LinkedIn, and positioning yourself for success. This episode is a must watch for anyone looking for a new job in the 2025 job market.

Key Takeaways:

✅ Avoid Complacency: Don’t wait until you’re forced to change careers—start planning your next step now.

✅ Leverage LinkedIn for Networking: Your dream job may not be posted, but building genuine connections can unlock hidden opportunities.

✅ Become a Referral: Stand out from the competition by networking before you apply, so recruiters and hiring managers already know your name.

✅ Informational Interviews Matter: Get insider knowledge and warm introductions that set you apart in the hiring process.

✅ Give & Receive in Networking: Supporting others in your network helps build mutually beneficial relationships over time.

Inspirational Moments:

 [02:10] Scott’s Background: Helping Military Members Find Careers

[07:30] Common Mistakes in Job Searching & How to Avoid Them

[11:40] How to Use LinkedIn to Get Hired Faster [15:20] The Power of Relationship Building & Informational Interviews [24:15] Maintaining Your Well-Being While Helping Others [29:10] Why Recommendations & Referrals Matter on LinkedIn

Meet Our Guest - Scott Raether

Scott is a dynamic career coach, resume writer, and job search strategist with a passion for helping professionals navigate career transitions with confidence. With over two decades of experience in career development, recruiting strategies, and employment coaching, he specializes in empowering job seekers to implement a targeted job search approach.

As the founder of Career Cultivated, Scott offers a hands-on, results-driven approach to career coaching, blending personalized strategy with practical execution. His expertise spans working with transitioning military members, career pivoters, and professionals seeking advancement, providing them with the tools to stand out in competitive job markets.

💼 Connect with Scott on LinkedIn: Scott Raether

Inside Scoop:

Scott shared a game-changing tip: Stop blindly applying to jobs and start building real connections. Networking the right way can fast-track your career shift and open doors that job boards never will. If you're still relying on applications alone, you’re missing the most powerful tool in your job search—relationships.

Important Links:

🚀 Master Grants & Funding – Learn how to secure funding for your nonprofit: Grants Course 📚 Level Up Your Career & Business – Get templates & free resources: Wendie Veloz University 🎙 Listen to More Podcast Episodes: Podcast Homepage

Podcast audio/video management by Podcast Abundance. Find out more at www.podcastabundance.com/services

Peer recovery is more than just support—it’s a movement of lived experience transforming lives. In this episode, PerCila Zeno shares how peer recovery specialists bring hope, healing, and real-time resources to communities in need. From her own powerful journey through grief to becoming a state-approved trainer, PerCila highlights the crucial role of peer recovery in mental health, addiction services, and community wellness. We also dive into how embedding peer support in clinical and nonprofit spaces can break cycles of trauma and create sustainable change.

Key Takeaways:

• What is Peer Recovery? Learn how lived experience can create trust and healing in ways that clinical interventions alone cannot.

• Bridging the Gap in Services: Discover how placing peer recovery specialists in hospitals, clinics, and nonprofits ensures people receive support when they need it most.

• Overcoming Grief & Trauma: PerCila shares her personal journey of resilience and how she turned pain into purpose.

• Expanding Peer Recovery’s Reach: The importance of making peer support available in every household and underserved community.

• ✅ Sustainability in Service: How PerCila successfully integrates peer recovery into clinical and nonprofit models to ensure long-term impact.

Inspirational Moments:

🕒 [00:00] – Meet PerCila Zeno: A leader in peer recovery training and advocacy.

🕒 [04:02] – The personal loss that fueled her mission to help others heal.

🕒 [07:11] – The role of peer support in breaking cycles of trauma and isolation.

🕒 [14:33] – Making peer recovery accessible in rural and under-resourced areas.

🕒 [20:44] – Resilience in action: Turning adversity into sustainable impact.

🕒 [26:13] – Redefining success: Helping others as the greatest reward.

Meet Our Guest - PerCila Zeno

PerCila Zeno is a state-approved peer recovery trainer, entrepreneur, and advocate for trauma-informed care. She has built a career dedicated to expanding access to peer recovery specialists, ensuring that no one has to navigate life’s toughest moments alone. As the founder of Zeno Wellness Group and Zen Life Wellness Foundation, she integrates mental health services and peer support to bridge the gap for those who need it most. Her book, I Am Healing: The 7 Secrets to Wellness and Self-Care, offers a transformative approach to self-awareness and emotional well-being.

📍 Website: The Healing Partner

📍 Clinical Services: Zeno Wellness Group

📍 Nonprofit Work:That Zen Life Wellness Foundation

Inside Scoop:

Peer recovery is about meeting people where they are—literally. PerCila and her team work in communities where access to mental health care is nearly nonexistent. From rural Virginia to underserved urban neighborhoods, she’s breaking barriers by embedding support in places where people already seek help. Her vision? A world where every home has access to peer recovery, so no one has to face their struggles alone.Important Links:

🌱 Get courses, templates and more at our online store- Learn Grow Thrive: https://learngrowthrive.wendieveloz.com

📚 DIYers Dream – Explore FREE resources & templates: https://wendieveloz.com/university

🎙 Listen to more episodes: https://wendieveloz.com/podcast

Podcast audio/video management by Podcast Abundance. Find out more at www.podcastabundance.com/services

Leaving a stable federal or corporate job to become your own boss is a huge leap, but host Wendie Veloz is here to show you how to make the transition successfully. In this episode, Wendie shares the 5 Ms of Making Your Own Money, a framework designed to help you navigate the emotional and strategic shifts necessary for building a thriving, mission-driven business. Wendie opens up about her journey—how managing emotions, shifting her money mindset, and embracing mentorship played a crucial role in her success. If you're ready to break free from the traditional work model and create your own income, this episode will give you the insights and motivation to get started.Key Takeaways:

Manage Big Emotions: Leaving a stable job comes with self-doubt and fear. Learn how emotional resilience can set you up for long-term success.Manage Your Money & Mindset: A fixed paycheck mentality doesn’t work in business. Learn how to reframe money as energy and flow.Monetize Yourself: Your skills are valuable! Identify what you’re great at and create an offer that aligns with your mission.Make Your Brand: Stand out in the crowded marketplace by crafting a brand that speaks directly to your ideal clients.Mentorship Matters: You don’t have to do it alone. Find mentors and coaches who can help you build confidence and momentum.Inspirational Moments:

[00:00] – Introduction: Wendie shares her transition from a federal career to entrepreneurship.[05:45] – The emotional challenges of leaving a stable job and stepping into the unknown.[14:20] – How shifting your money mindset impacts your business growth.[21:35] – The importance of branding and messaging in business success.[29:10] – The power of mentorship and why investing in coaching accelerates results.Meet Our Host- Wendie V.Wendie Veloz is a social impact strategist, coach, and consultant with over 20 years of experience helping communities and entrepreneurs create sustainable change. As the founder of Wendie Veloz Enterprises, LLC she empowers businesses and nonprofits to drive meaningful, lasting impact. Wendie combines her background in government funding, nonprofit services, and social entrepreneurship to develop innovative solutions aligned with her clients' missions.Our website: https://wendieveloz.com/podcastLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendievelozInstagram: https://instagram.com/wendievelozInside Scoop:

Wendie doesn’t just talk about entrepreneurship—she lives it. Leaving a federal job wasn’t just about making money on her own; it was about creating a business that aligned with her purpose and allowed her to serve others on her terms. This journey wasn’t always easy—but Wendie discovered that mentorship, branding, and a solid strategy are the key to building confidence and momentum.If you’re a former Fed dreaming about going all-in on your business, this episode is for you. Wendie breaks down how to make the transition without losing your mind—so you can start monetizing your expertise today and break the golden handcuffs.Important Links:

🚀 Join the Social Impact Level Up Collective for community and support: https://wendieveloz.com/collective

📚 DIY your success—Explore free resources & templates in our University: https://wendieveloz.com/university

🎙 Listen to more podcast episodes: https://wendieveloz.com/podcast

Just in time for Valentine's Day, Christy Floriani, founder of Freadom Promotions, shares her love for literacy and her journey as a social entrepreneur. With over 30 years of experience in family services and a master’s degree in social work, Christy brings a wealth of knowledge to the conversation, discussing how literacy has the power to transform lives and communities. Through Freadom Promotions, Christy directs 100% of profits from promotional product sales to impactful literacy initiatives. She also shares her personal love story, where her passion for social impact intersected with finding her life partner, Brian, founder of Bernie’s Book Bank. 

Inspirational Moments:

Meet Our Guest - Christy Floriani:

Christy Floriani is a mom, business owner, and passionate advocate for literacy. With over 30 years of experience in family services and a master’s degree in social work, Christy is on a mission to address the literacy crisis in the U.S. Her company, Freadom Promotions, is a social enterprise that channels 100% of its profits toward literacy initiatives, empowering communities to thrive through education. Beyond her professional work, Christy’s personal story of love and purpose inspires others to redefine success and make meaningful contributions to the world.

Website: Bernie’s Book Bank

Website: Freadom PromotionsLinkedIn: Christy Floriani

Christy Floriani’s journey combines the power of love, literacy, and social impact. From her roots in social work to her current role as a social entrepreneur, Christy believes in lifting others up through education and purpose-driven action. Her company, Freadom Promotions, makes it easy for businesses to make an impact through their purchasing decisions. 

Podcast audio/video management by Podcast Abundance. Find out more at www.podcastabundance.com/services

Jean Wright, sales confidence coach and author of Selling Your Confidence, discusses how women can redefine their approach to sales and embrace their authentic selves.

Drawing from her vast experience in sales and coaching, Jean shares practical strategies to overcome fear, build confidence, and approach sales as a way to serve and connect.

Together, Jean and I explore the emotional and practical sides of sales, from understanding your worth to leveraging networking and authenticity. This episode is perfect for social entrepreneurs, nonprofit leaders, and small business owners who want to break free from sales anxiety and unlock their full potential.

Key Takeaways:

Sales as Service: Reframe your mindset around sales by viewing it as a way to help others and provide value rather than focusing on the fear of rejection.

Confidence is Key: Learn how to build confidence by embracing your authentic self and focusing on the relationships you’re creating with potential clients.

Charge What You’re Worth: Jean highlights the importance of recognizing your expertise and experience, ensuring you set prices that reflect your value.

Authenticity Over Formulas: Avoid rigid sales scripts; instead, focus on genuine conversations and understanding the needs of your clients to build lasting relationships.

Inspirational Moments:

Meet Our Guest - Jean Wright:

Jean Wright is on a mission to empower women and solopreneurs alike to tap into their unique strengths and become more confident in their sales abilities.

A seasoned professional with a four-decade sales career spanning industries like personnel agencies, sports entertainment, television, print, and digital media, Jean attained management-level positions through her sheer dedication and exceptional customer service.

Jean coaches female entrepreneurs who are new to selling or feel stuck when it comes to asking for the business. By creating impact and transforming their mindset around selling, Jean empowers women to develop authentic relationship-building skills and helps them approach sales with greater confidence.

Website: Selling Your Confidence

LinkedIn: Jean Wright

Inside Scoop:

Jean’s story of building her sales confidence began with selling Girl Scout cookies and evolved into a mission to empower other women. She believes sales should feel natural and fulfilling rather than intimidating.

Jean’s coaching helps entrepreneurs align their sales strategies with their personal values, creating authentic connections and better serving their clients.

Important Links:

Discover more episodes: Social Impact Level Up Podcast

Bill Correll, an experienced leader in the nonprofit sector, to discuss the key elements of driving social impact. Bill shares his journey from working in nonprofit operations to becoming an advocate for cultivating sustainable organizational growth. Together, Wendie and Bill unpack the vital role of community building, strategic leadership, and passion in fueling the work of changemakers. This episode serves as a guide for social entrepreneurs and nonprofit leaders seeking to build long-lasting impact while staying aligned with their mission and values.

Key Takeaways:

Inspirational Moments:

Meet Our Guest - Bill Correll:

Bill Correll brings years of expertise in nonprofit operations, fundraising, and organizational development. As an advocate for sustainable growth in the social impact sector, Bill focuses on empowering organizations to maximize their resources and build lasting connections within their communities. His work has helped countless nonprofits achieve their missions while maintaining alignment with their values and goals.

Website: https://pds2k.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bill-correll-8983941

Inside Scoop:

Bill believes that changemakers can amplify their impact by focusing on collaboration, strategic leadership, and clear communication. His practical insights are rooted in years of experience working with nonprofit organizations to overcome funding challenges and build resilient teams. Bill encourages leaders to remember that their passion and purpose are the driving forces behind lasting change.

Important Links:

Podcast audio/video management by Podcast Abundance. Find out more at www.podcastabundance.com/services

Explore what it means to redefine success and align your purpose with your talents. Sairan Aqrawi shares her journey of balancing a thriving engineering career with her passion for coaching, helping individuals uncover hidden talents and turn them into opportunities for fulfillment and impact. This insightful conversation touches on finding clarity, maintaining well-being, and the steps needed to build a life and career that align with your soul's purpose. Sairan’s perspective will inspire listeners to rethink success as progress, not perfection, and to discover the beauty of committing to their passions.

Beyond my technical expertise, I am passionate about leadership development. I have a proven track record of empowering individuals and teams through training and mentorship, fostering the next generation of leaders in our industry. My commitment to nurturing strong leadership skills has been instrumental in shaping the careers of many, guiding them to achieve their full potential.

Instagram: www.linkedin.com/in/sairan-aqrawi-m-sc-993bb61a3

LinkedIn: https://www.instagram.com/sairanaqrawi/?hl=en

Host Wendie Veloz takes you a reflective journey about legacy-building as social entrepreneurs and nonprofit leaders. In this special solo episode, Wendie introduces her Dollars, People, Time, and Donations (DPTD) framework—a powerful tool designed to maximize impact and sustainability for businesses and nonprofits alike. Wendie shares insights from her entrepreneurial path, lessons learned, and how aligning your energy with your mission is the key to sustainable success. If you're ready to rethink how you invest your resources in 2025, this episode is a must-listen.

Key Takeaways:

The Meaning of Legacy:

The DPTD Framework Explained:

Energetic Alignment and Growth:

Building Sustainable Collaborations:

Inspirational Moments:

[00:00] – Wendie asks, "What will your legacy be?" and shares how her birthday inspired this reflective episode.[05:22] – Cedric Scott’s story about honoring his mother through a STEM scholarship.

[10:35] – Wendie explains how her DPTD framework helps nonprofits and businesses maximize resources.[20:15] – Insights into balancing wins and losses from 2024, and Wendie’s intentional goals for 2025.

Wendie Veloz is a social impact strategist, coach, and consultant with over 20 years of experience helping communities and entrepreneurs create sustainable change. As the founder of Wendie Veloz Enterprises, LLC she empowers businesses and nonprofits to drive meaningful, lasting impact. Wendie combines her background in government funding, nonprofit services, and social entrepreneurship to develop innovative solutions aligned with her clients' missions. 

Inside Scoop:

Wendie Veloz’s DPTD framework offers a fresh perspective for nonprofits and social enterprises seeking to balance financial sustainability and mission-driven impact. By focusing on diverse revenue streams, strategic time management, and leveraging community resources, organizations can operate more effectively. Wendie emphasizes prioritizing well-being and intentionality while cultivating collaborations to ensure long-term success.

Important Links:

Podcast audio/video management by Podcast Abundance. Find out more at www.podcastabundance.com/services

Ashley Wynn-Grimes, a healthcare professional turned cannabis consultant shares her journey into holistic wellness and entrepreneurship. Ashley combines her expertise in nursing with her passion for education and advocacy, helping individuals and organizations explore the therapeutic potential of plant medicines. From client consultations to co-organizing events like Elevate HER Worth, Ashley and host Wendie V. are on a mission to empower women entrepreneurs and create a supportive community for healing and growth. 

Key Takeaways:

Inspirational Moments:

[00:12] – Ashley introduces her journey from nursing to cannabis consulting and her passion for holistic wellness.[04:48] – The founding of Elevate HER Worth and its focus on supporting women entrepreneurs.

[15:22] – Ashley discusses the importance of education in destigmatizing cannabis and empowering individuals.[27:05] – Personal stories from Ashley’s consultations and how they’ve helped clients achieve better health outcomes.[35:40] – The role of community events in creating a ripple effect of healing and empowerment.

Meet Our Guest - Ashley Wynn-Grimes:

Ashley Wynn-Grimes is a passionate cannabis consultant and healthcare professional, dedicated to empowering individuals through holistic wellness and education. She collaborates with dispensaries and provides personalized client consultations, helping people discover the therapeutic potential of cannabis. As a community advocate, Ashley co-organizes events like Elevate HER Worth, designed to uplift women entrepreneurs and promote healing in a supportive environment. Ashley also offers free resources to ensure access to valuable knowledge for all.

Inside Scoop:

Ashley Wynn-Grimes’s unique approach combines her professional background in healthcare with her mission to make holistic wellness accessible to everyone. Her emphasis on cannabis education not only empowers clients but also fosters acceptance and understanding in the broader community. With Elevate HER Worth, Ashley amplifies the voices of women entrepreneurs, providing them with opportunities to thrive while healing within a supportive network. Through her work, Ashley demonstrates how aligning values with business practices can lead to meaningful success and lasting community impact.

Important Links:

Podcast audio/video management by Podcast Abundance. Find out more at www.podcastabundance.com/services