Speaking From The Heart

Pushing yourself to become the best version of yourself oftentimes means being outside of your comfort zone and creating value with encountering a wide variety of people to help you along. By having strong relationships and making connections along the way, you lead yourself into a positive, fulfilling life that can create purpose and drive.

In the final part (Part 2) of our interview, Kris Pool expands upon how her personal experiences, particularly as it relates to Toastmasters and her involvement with the ABWA (American Business Women's Association) and IAAP (International Association of Administrative Professionals) equipped her with the skills needed to excel, and how it taught her the values of priority and enduring commitment to be successfully.

Guest Bio

Kris Pool is an 18-year veteran of Toastmasters; she has earned the Distinguished Toastmaster award three times and is working on her fourth.

Kris belongs to 3 Toastmasters clubs and is actively involved. She was the 2023 Spring Conference 2023 Chair for District 35 (Wisconsin and UP Michigan) and is the Social Media Coordinator (specifically for Facebook) for the District, a Club Coach, and she set a personal goal to visit a club in each state by the end of June; she has 6 more to go.

Kris has been employed since September 2021 with the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development as an Employment and Training Specialist at the Sheboygan County Job Center. She is definitely putting her Toastmasters skills into practice daily in this role and loving every minute of it!!

Kris will celebrate 22 years of marriage to Troy in October. She has zero kids or pets (which gives her plenty of time for Toastmasters), enjoys reading, cooking, eating, and vacationing in Gatlinburg, TN.

Kris' Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2026673897344845/?ref=bookmarks

Kris' Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/kris.pool.1

@poolkris on Instagram

@KrisPoolDTM on Twitter

• https://www.tedxtaftavenue.com/ - TEDx is a grassroots initiative, created in the spirit of TED’s overall mission to research and discover “ideas worth spreading.” TEDx brings the spirit of TED to local communities around the globe through TEDx events. These events are organized by passionate individuals who seek to uncover new ideas and to share the latest research in their local areas that spark conversations in their communities. TEDx events include live speakers and recorded TED Talks, and are organized independently under a free license granted by TED. Learn more about this particular TEDx event and register if you are interested in attending!
• https://www.iaap-hq.org/ - The International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP) is a non-profit professional association serving the administrative profession. IAAP is dedicated to helping office and administrative professionals advance their career in a demanding and ever-changing business environment. Check out their website for more information about connections, conferences, and additional resources!
• https://www.abwa.org/ - The mission of the American Business Women’s Association is to bring together businesswomen of diverse occupations and to provide opportunities for them to help themselves and others grow personally and professionally through leadership, education, networking support and national recognition. Learn about the work of the ABWA and how to check out membership with the organization among other resources.
• https://www.toastmasters.org - Want to learn about how Toastmasters can create more fulfilling communication and leadership experiences while being a positive, supporting environment? Check out this website to learn more about you can start your journey, and find a club closest to you by clicking on the "Find A Club" link on the top of the page.

Visit Our Website: https://speaking-from-the-heart.captivate.fm/

Visit Our Business Website: https://www.yourspeakingvoice.biz

Support The Mission Of The Business! Donate Here: https://speaking-from-the-heart.captivate.fm/support

Intro/Outro By: Michael Dugan, Podcast Host: Voice4Chefs

Have you ever wanted to be part of a career in which you continually helped others advance in their career? Imagine doing all of this...not only having a background working at a prison, but taking your experiences where you continue to work directly with ex-prisoners, and so many more!

In Part 1 of a two part interview, Kris Pool discusses the importance of career planning and the vast resources that she offers in her position and how she got to be where she is today. She will share numerous personal anecdotes that will help to demonstrate how you can jumpstart your career again, no matter what stage you are at, by putting into perspectives the realities of the current job market and how to approach it effectively.

Guest Bio

Kris Pool is an 18-year veteran of Toastmasters; she has earned the Distinguished Toastmaster award three times and is working on her fourth.

Kris belongs to 3 Toastmasters clubs and is actively involved. She was the 2023 Spring Conference 2023 Chair for District 35 (Wisconsin and UP Michigan) and is the Social Media Coordinator (specifically for Facebook) for the District, a Club Coach, and she set a personal goal to visit a club in each state by the end of June; she has 6 more to go.

Kris has been employed since September 2021 with the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development as an Employment and Training Specialist at the Sheboygan County Job Center. She is definitely putting her Toastmasters skills into practice daily in this role and loving every minute of it!!

Kris will celebrate 22 years of marriage to Troy in October. She has zero kids or pets (which gives her plenty of time for Toastmasters), enjoys reading, cooking, eating, and vacationing in Gatlinburg, TN.

Kris' Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2026673897344845/?ref=bookmarks

Kris' Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/kris.pool.1

@poolkris on Instagram

@KrisPoolDTM on Twitter

• https://www.jobcenterofwisconsin.com - Visit this website to learn about a wide variety of resources for job seekers (not just for state employment!) that is provided by the State of Wisconsin's Department of Workforce Development. In addition to being able to search for jobs, employers can post jobs and search for resumes, and a wealth of additional information about industries are available about the State of Wisconsin (and in some cases, beyond!)
• https://wisc.jobs/Pages/Welcome.aspx - Managed by the State of Wisconsin's Division of Personnel Management, this portal provides a wealth of information about applying for opportunities to work in various types of jobs. Whether it is working with natural resources, Indian Affairs, or dealing with other occupations of skills & trades, check out this website for your next career opportunity in Wisconsin!
• https://www.toastmasters.org/ - Want to learn about how Toastmasters can create more fulfilling communication and leadership experiences while being a positive, supporting environment? Check out this website to learn more about you can start your journey, and find a club closest to you by clicking on the "Find A Club" link on the top of the page.

Visit Our Website: https://speaking-from-the-heart.captivate.fm/

Visit Our Business Website: https://www.yourspeakingvoice.biz

Support The Mission Of The Business! Donate Here: https://speaking-from-the-heart.captivate.fm/support

Intro/Outro By: Michael Dugan, Podcast Host: Voice4Chefs

The age-old question of determining how we can best move forward through our lives with the fluctuating energy patterns and differing priorities can be extremely tedious and difficult! What if we are just overdoing it and need to rethink our "cares" in our lives? In this episode, we explore the various opportunities that we can start immediately (TODAY!) in order to start changing our mindset and cultivating more wholesome experiences in our lives, even if that means traveling across the country by car to do it!

Visit Our Website: https://speaking-from-the-heart.captivate.fm/

Visit Our Business Website: https://www.yourspeakingvoice.biz

Support The Mission Of The Business! Donate Here: https://speaking-from-the-heart.captivate.fm/support

Intro/Outro By: Michael Dugan, Podcast Host: Voice4Chefs

The word disability has been an overused term in our culture and has created a negative stereotype associated with the inability to overcome certain impairments. In this episode, Tracy Tienken discusses the importance of reframing the conversation by using the term, "differently enabled", which provides greater opportunities for bringing those of various backgrounds into the workforce and active contributors to society. Listen to the episode for a special gift that she is offering for ONLY 48 hours after the episode launch!

Guest Bio

Tracy is an entertaining and inspiring speaker whose focus is on (DEI) Bias specializing within the differently enabled community. This population is a richly diverse community that is often forgotten. She feels a strong calling to change that. She is currently available for speaking engagements and you can find her at [email protected] or [email protected].

• https://www.ada.gov/ - This website, provided the US Department of Justice's Civil Rights Division, contains a wealth of information pertaining to what it provides protection for differently enabled individuals, along with submitting a disability violation directly.
• You can purchase a copy of Judy Heumann's book, "Being Heumann", at the link above or other places where you purchase your books. (https://www.amazon.com/Being-Heumann-Unrepentant-Disability-Activist/dp/0807002801/ref=sr_1_1?crid=DWQDMN4BSOOP&keywords=judy+heumann+being+heumann&qid=1685283322&sprefix=judy+heuman%2Caps%2C105&sr=8-1)
• https://www.toastmasters.org/ - Learn more about how Toastmasters can improve your communication and leadership skills by visiting a local club (whether in-person, hybrid, or online!) by clicking on the "Find A Club" button on the provided link. Learn more about how it can improve your self confidence.

Visit Our Website: https://speaking-from-the-heart.captivate.fm/

Visit Our Business Website: https://www.yourspeakingvoice.biz

Support The Mission Of The Business! Donate Here: https://speaking-from-the-heart.captivate.fm/support

Intro/Outro By: Michael Dugan, Podcast Host: Voice4Chefs

This episode will discuss the mission of the business, Your Speaking Voice LLC, to find our voice in this ever changing world, and how we can have unlimited possibilities. Through the unlimited options that we have through potential, the key to its unlocking already lies within us for being used. Embracing these dormant qualities are nothing short of a truly fulfilling life, whether in the personal or professional realm, but it is about being ready for the ever-changing world.

Visit Our Website: https://speaking-from-the-heart.captivate.fm/

Visit Our Business Website: https://www.yourspeakingvoice.biz

Support The Mission Of The Business! Donate Here: https://speaking-from-the-heart.captivate.fm/support

Intro/Outro By: Michael Dugan, Podcast Host: Voice4Chefs

WARNING: This episode discusses the importance of seeking help when it comes to domestic violence, which can impact anyone. Please make a plan to make sure you can leave safely, and consult local resources for ways to handle a crisis when it arises.

This episode, unintentionally, carries forward the discussion of Episode 7 by a story of perseverance regardless of the obstacles that are being faced. Listen to Michelle's personal and professional journey as she shares how one traumatic relationship turns into a story of blossoming growth, beauty, and the continuing mission to learn and grow. Learn how you can start to change your mindset by removing shame from the equation, and being your authentic, caring self by being self-determined by means available to you.

Guest Bio

Michelle, a Distinguished Toastmaster (the highest award bestowed upon an individual for communication/leadership achievement) is the current Division G Director for District 38 Toastmasters, and was recently elected as the District's Club Growth Director. A veteran of the United States Air Force, she has an impressive background in business development opportunities that have reached various areas of public/private development, and creating relationships through partnerships, reaching high-level sales goals with her team and providing support to various technical teams. Through her volunteering experience with the West Norriton Township Planning Commission, she helps to provide continuity on land use regulations, including zoning and subdivision controls, and working with County Planners to maintain continuity in local communities.

• https://www.thehotline.org/ - Learn to have a plan when it comes to escaping a domestic violence! This website provides a host of resources that you can utilize when learning more, and resources to start considering on your own. Safely connect with someone who can help you by calling, texting, or chatting live on the website, which has built-in safeguards from trackers for a secure experience.
• https://www.toastmasters.org/ - Learn more about how you can create communication and leadership opportunities by visiting a local club (whether in-person, hybrid, or online!) Use the "Find A Club" link on the provided link to visit as a guest with no obligation!

Visit Our Website: https://speaking-from-the-heart.captivate.fm/

Visit Our Business Website: https://www.yourspeakingvoice.biz

Support The Mission Of The Business! Donate Here: https://speaking-from-the-heart.captivate.fm/support

Intro/Outro By: Michael Dugan, Podcast Host: Voice4Chefs

WARNING: This episode discusses the importance of seeking help when it comes to sensitive topics such as depression, anxiety, and suicide. Please check out additional information at the National Institute of Mental Health (if in the United States) to learn more information and call 988 if you ever need assistance.

This episode wraps up the introduction of the podcast by discussing the final value of Your Speaking Voice LLC: determination. Combining on what was discussed in episodes 3 and 5, this feeling to persist regardless of the odds truly determines our ability to move forward through any type of goal we set for ourselves. Our podcast host talks about his own unique situation which transformed the journey he has been on the last 3 years as he has pursued new adventures through sheer grit and the willingness to expand his comfort zone and changing the thoughts he had about himself. By helping others, seeking hope by realizing self-confidence, and understanding what we have yet to unlock, nothing is impossible that we can achieve.

Visit Our Website: https://speaking-from-the-heart.captivate.fm/

Visit Our Business Website: https://www.yourspeakingvoice.biz

Support The Mission Of The Business! Donate Here: https://speaking-from-the-heart.captivate.fm/support

Intro/Outro By: Michael Dugan, Podcast Host: Voice4Chefs

This fantastic episode features the intersection of physical fitness and crushing goals by taking a whole new approach to the fitness industry: human connection. Noah Snyder, owner and entrepreneur of Ark Fitness, demonstrates how a homegrown gym, despite all the different careers he has, allowed his calling for helping others to become a reality and create a community that deeply cares about each other and the results they receive through a small membership base, but receiving major returns on investment not through funding, but by relationships and connections made along the way.

Guest Bio

After graduating high school, Noah attended HACC (Harrisburg Area Community College) for a few semesters, but quickly realized college was not for him. He began working in various industries such as the car business, retail, restaurant industry, banking, and even IT consulting until he discovered my true passion was being an entrepreneur and starting my own business in the health and fitness realm. Ark Fitness, open since August 2022, has over 13,000 square feet of space in downtown Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania that serves clientele looking for physical fitness and receives, in turn, a human connection that has driven results that have shaken the fitness industry at its core.

Noah's Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/arkfitclub

@arkfitclub on Instagram

• https://www.arkfitclub.com/- Check out the awesome opportunities that Ark Fitness provides in the local Mechanicsburg, PA community, and learn more about their way of transforming the physical into positive, human-driven results. You can also learn more about Next Generation Personal Training which operates a robust program for clients through science-based approaches to delivering results.

Visit Our Website: https://speaking-from-the-heart.captivate.fm/

Visit Our Business Website: https://www.yourspeakingvoice.biz

Support The Mission Of The Business! Donate Here: https://speaking-from-the-heart.captivate.fm/support

Intro/Outro By: Michael Dugan, Podcast Host: Voice4Chefs

Do you have trouble overcoming the voices in your head saying that you are not good enough? Are they telling you something else that is downright negative? In this episode, we examine the importance of having confidence, the 2nd value of the business that our podcast host has started, and how changing the inputs into our minds can be a game-changer for making strides in the right direction. Creating the right script, and thinking about the relationships (covered in Episode 3) can start to help you in your personal and professional attitude for the future.

Visit Our Website: https://speaking-from-the-heart.captivate.fm/

Visit Our Business Website: https://www.yourspeakingvoice.biz

Support The Mission Of The Business! Donate Here: https://speaking-from-the-heart.captivate.fm/support

Intro/Outro By: Michael Dugan, Podcast Host: Voice4Chefs

In this interview, listen to how Tricia has overcome many medical setbacks to continue being persistent in creating value not only in herself, but in others that she interacts with through her career, her friendships, and her "stubbornness" to defy the odds. By having boats that are ready to set sail, especially with the relationships that we build with others, but looking at the bigger picture of how we can make changes to our outlook in our lives and being content and fulfilled with what we are set out to do.

Guest Bio

Tricia Renzi is a Rehabilitation Specialist with the United Cerebral Palsy organization, with her office located in Camp Hill, PA. Tricia is an over comer. God rescued and healed her from many obstacles. She hopes to use these experiences to help others see hope in times of trouble.

• https://ucp.org/- Learn more about how you can participate in this amazing organization through volunteering and donating to their mission, 'To be the indispensable resource for individuals with cerebral palsy and other disabilities, their families, and their communities."

Visit Our Website: Speaking From The Heart website

Visit Our Business Website: https://www.yourspeakingvoice.biz

Support The Mission Of The Business! Donate Here: Support Speaking From The Heart

Intro/Outro By: Michael Dugan, Podcast Host: Voice4Chefs