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What if you didn’t have to quit your job to start living the life you actually want?

Seriously.

What if the dream you keep pushing to “someday” could begin… today?

In this episode, I sit down with Kate Volman, executive coach, certified Dream Manager, speaker, and author of Do What You Love, and we unpack something most people quietly struggle with:

They’re waiting.

Waiting for clarity.
Waiting for confidence.
Waiting for the “right time.”
Waiting for inspiration to strike.

And Kate gently but powerfully challenges all of it.

We talk about why “dream big” doesn’t have to mean yachts and Europe three times a year. Sometimes the dream is buying your first home. Getting out of debt. Writing 250 words a day. Learning piano at 40. Starting a podcast. Crocheting a baby blanket that takes eight years to finish and still counts.

This conversation goes deeper than motivation.

We explore:

•  How to figure out what you actually love when you feel completely unclear
•  The difference between purpose and passing interests
•  Why pursuing a dream matters even if you never achieve it
•  How to leave a job strategically without financial panic
•  The myth that inspiration just magically appears
•  Why mentorship and coaching accelerate everything
•  How to break big dreams into small, momentum-building steps
•  And why you do not need anyone else’s permission to begin

Kate shares the exact process she uses with clients, including the powerful “100 Dreams” exercise and how to narrow that list down to what truly matters right now.

And one of my favorite takeaways?

Inspiration doesn’t strike.

It shows up after you start.

If you’ve ever said, “I’ll do it when…”
If you’ve ever felt stuck between paying the bills and chasing the dream
If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s too late or too unrealistic

This episode is your nudge.

Your reminder.

Your permission slip.

Hit play.
Because the dream isn’t waiting for perfect conditions.
It’s waiting for you to move.

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Working with high-level clients isn’t about looking expensive.

It’s about being trustworthy when the stakes are high.

In this episode, I’m sitting down with Nora Lynch Smith, and if you’ve ever said (or secretly thought), “I want better clients… I just don’t know how to get into that room,” this conversation is for you.

Because Nora pulls back the curtain on what actually matters when you’re serving high-net-worth clients, the stuff most people don’t realize until they learn it the hard way.

Not the flashy branding.

Not the luxury buzzwords.

The tiny details. The unspoken expectations. The moments where one wrong move makes someone quietly decide they’ll never hire you again.

And we even get into a simple question she asks that completely changes the way clients experience you… and it’s so obvious you’ll wonder why more people don’t do it.

Here’s a taste of what you’ll learn in this episode:

• You’ll learn why high-level clients aren’t “hard”… but they are different.
• You’ll learn what they notice that most professionals miss.
• You’ll hear how Nora handles privacy, presentation, and communication so there are zero surprises.
• You’ll learn the real truth about “breaking into luxury” (and why some people chase it for the wrong reasons).
• And you’ll learn the mindset shift that helps you stop feeling intimidated and start showing up like you belong.

This one isn’t just for real estate.

If you’re in any service-based business, sales role, or leadership position where trust is currency, you’re going to recognize yourself in this conversation.

Hit play if you want to level up the kind of clients you attract, and the kind of professional you become in the process.

Because the difference is rarely talent.

It’s how you show up when nobody’s giving you a second chance.

How to connect with Nora:

Nora Lynch Smith, GRI, CRS, C2EX, ABR, CBR, SRS, RSPS, RENE, SRES, C-RETS, PSA, CRB
REALTOR®, Broker Associate
Gibson Sotheby's International Realty
 508-245-2626
NoraLynchSmithRealtor.com

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Most people think writing a book means you’ve crossed the finish line.
 The truth? It’s barely the starting gate.

In this episode of Success Through Connections, I sit down with Dr. Peggy McColl, a New York Times bestselling author, trusted advisor, and someone who has spent decades helping authors and thought leaders stop blending in and start being understood.

This conversation is about clarity.
 It’s about positioning.
 And it’s about making your message work for you, instead of you working endlessly to push it out into the world.

Peggy and I talk about what really happens after the book is written. Why most authors never see the impact or income they hoped for. And what it actually takes to turn ideas into visibility, influence, and sustainable opportunity.

We also unpack her Conscious Author AI Method Mastermind. Yes, it’s a mouthful. But the philosophy behind it is powerful. Conscious contribution. Intentional use of technology. And surrounding yourself with people who are actually taking action instead of sitting on ideas for years.

In this conversation, we cover:

• Why publishing a book is only a small fraction of the real work
• How authors and leaders can use AI ethically and authentically without losing their voice
• The biggest visibility mistakes that keep brilliant people stuck in obscurity
• How imposter syndrome quietly sabotages momentum, even after success
• Why stories, not credentials, are what make people truly understand your value
• How books can open doors to income, influence, speaking, and unexpected opportunities
• What it really means to “be the person who already has the outcome”

Peggy also shares deeply personal stories. From writing 28 books, to watching fiction ideas turn into film opportunities, to learning firsthand that success doesn’t come from knowing the work. It comes from doing the work.

If you’ve ever felt like you have something important to say, but you’re not sure how to say it clearly, confidently, or in a way that actually reaches people, this episode is for you.

Because success doesn’t happen in isolation.
 It happens through connection.
 And sometimes, the right conversation changes everything.

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It’s loud out there.
Everyone wants a prediction. A crystal ball. A hot take on where real estate is headed next.

So I did what any rational person would do.
I skipped the crystal ball and called Leigh Brown.

Leigh is one of those rare voices who cuts straight through the noise. Broker. Coach. Keynote speaker. Author. Truth teller. And someone who is not afraid to say the quiet parts out loud, with humor, heart, and a Southern accent that deserves its own microphone.

In this episode of Success Through Connections, Leigh and I get honest about what’s really happening in real estate right now, not the headlines, not the hype, but the behind-the-scenes reality agents and consumers are actually living through.

• We talk about the confidence crisis agents aren’t admitting out loud.
• Why negative headlines and lawsuits shook even the best professionals.
• How AI, Zillow, gurus, and shiny new tools are pulling people away from what actually works.
• What it really takes to earn trust in a skeptical market.
• Why “testing the market” often costs sellers more than they realize.
• And why today’s buyers want move-in ready homes, not HGTV fantasies.

We also go deeper than transactions.

Leigh shares the heart behind her new book, Next Is Now, and why waiting for the “right time” is often the very thing holding people back.

This conversation is equal parts practical, challenging, and refreshing.
 It will make you laugh.
 It might step on your toes.
 And it will absolutely make you think.

If you’re a real estate professional trying to find your footing again, a consumer trying to make sense of the chaos, or simply someone navigating big decisions in a noisy world, this episode is for you.

Hit play if you’re ready for honesty over hype.
Truth over trends.
And a reminder that your next step matters, because next is now.

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Most people think partnerships start in boardrooms.

This one started with a cancer diagnosis… a beach in Mexico… and a kid selling Chiclets.

In this episode of Success Through Connections, I sit down with Cami Parker, and let me tell you, this conversation goes places you don’t expect, but somehow feels exactly like where you’re meant to be.

Cami is an empowerment expert, cancer survivor, retired educator, mom, grandma, and the founder of Expedition Global, a purpose-driven travel company built on one powerful belief: when you experience the world with intention, both you and the world are changed forever.

What began as a personal wake-up call after cancer turned into a life-altering journey through Haiti, the Caribbean, Central America, Ireland, and beyond, rescuing trafficked children, empowering women to start businesses, and building sustainable community partnerships that don’t disappear when the trip ends.

And here’s the thing, none of it started with a master plan.

It started with listening to a nudge… saying yes to a connection… and doing the next right thing.

In this episode, we talk about:

• Why the most meaningful partnerships rarely start where you think they will
• How a life-altering moment can strip away what doesn’t matter and clarify what does
• The power of purpose-driven travel and why “helping” without listening can do more harm than good
• How women around the world are turning education, mentorship, and community into real income and independence
• Why you don’t need to be “ready” to start, you just need to start
• And how one simple connection can quietly change the entire trajectory of your life

This episode is raw, emotional, hopeful, and deeply human.

If you’ve ever felt a pull toward something bigger…
If you’ve ever wondered whether your passion could actually matter…
If you’ve ever felt stuck waiting for permission, clarity, or the “right time”…

This conversation is your reminder that connections are rarely convenient, but they are always powerful.

Hit play.
Let this one move you.
And don’t be surprised if it changes the way you see your own connections — and what’s possible because of them.

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What if the biggest opportunities in your business aren’t obvious yet—but they’re already quietly unfolding?

Before the headlines. Before the hype. Before everyone else jumps in.
That’s where this conversation begins.

In this episode of Success Through Connections, I sit down with someone who has a rare front-row seat to economic shifts, business trends, and community momentum—Karen Brune Mathis, Editor at Large of the Jacksonville Daily Record. And let me tell you, this is one of those conversations that makes you pause, lean in, and start seeing your own city (and your own business) differently.

Karen and I talk about how real opportunity shows up early, through subtle signals like money changing hands, leadership shifts, zoning plans, and development patterns most people overlook. We use Jacksonville as our case study, but the lessons apply no matter where you live or do business.

In this episode, we unpack:

• How to spot economic and business trends before they hit the headlines
• What redeveloping malls, downtown revitalization, and major infrastructure projects really mean for small and mid-sized business owners
• Why “money changing hands” is one of the clearest signals that momentum is real
• The ripple effect of big projects (like stadiums, universities, and mixed-use developments) on everyday businesses—from real estate to florists to service providers
• What most business owners misunderstand about chambers of commerce—and how to actually leverage them for real growth
• How to become a reporter’s go-to resource in your industry
• Why connections—not capital—are often the real competitive advantage

There’s wisdom here for entrepreneurs, leaders, and anyone who wants to stay ahead of change without chasing every shiny headline. Karen brings calm clarity, deep institutional knowledge, and practical insight—and together we connect the dots between community, opportunity, and relationships.

If you want to think more strategically, see around corners, and position your business where growth is headed, not where it’s already been, this episode is for you.

🎧 Hit play and start paying attention differently.

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Would you confidently invite someone into your office right now… or would you quietly shut the door and suggest coffee instead?

Clutter has a funny way of sneaking up on us. One stack of papers turns into five. One “I’ll deal with that later” pile becomes background noise. And before you know it, your workspace is quietly stealing your focus, your time, and—yes—your sanity.

In this episode of Success Through Connections, I sit down with Denise Bibeault, professional office organizer and owner of peacefulplaceswithdenise.com, to have a refreshingly honest (and judgment-free) conversation about what clutter is really costing us—and how to take back control without feeling overwhelmed.

This isn’t about perfection. It’s about intention.

In this episode, we talk about:

• Why clutter isn’t just messy—it’s expensive (missed bills, missed opportunities, missed focus)
• The biggest organizing mistake people make before they even start
• How to design your office around how you actually work (pilers vs. filers, paper people vs. digital)
• Simple habits—like a weekly 15-minute reset—that can completely change your productivity
• The emotional side of clutter and how to let go without guilt
• Why buying organizing bins too early might be making things worse
• How creating space can unlock creativity, clarity, and calm

One of the most powerful moments in our conversation comes when Denise shares a deeply human story about helping a client let go of an item tied to grief—and how organization is often less about “stuff” and more about giving ourselves permission to move forward.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by your office, frustrated by paper piles, or stuck in a cycle of “I’ll get to it later,” this episode will meet you exactly where you are—and show you a better way forward.

Hit play and discover how creating space in your office can create space in your mind.
 Because success doesn’t happen in isolation—it happens through intentional connections, systems that support you, and environments that help you thrive.

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AI isn’t coming for your job… but complacency might be.
 And in a world moving at warp speed, the real advantage isn’t knowing everything about AI, it’s knowing how to use it intentionally.

In this episode of Success Through Connections, I sit down with leadership strategist, executive coach, and AI advisor Leila Ansart to cut through the noise, the fear, and the overwhelm surrounding AI—and get very real about what it actually takes to stay relevant, confident, and ahead of the curve.

This is not a hype-filled “AI will save us all” conversation.
 It’s practical. It’s human. And it just might change how you think about your career, your leadership, and your future.

What we dive into in this episode:

• Why most people are asking the wrong question about AI—and how that fear is holding them back
• The mindset shift that separates people who feel threatened by AI from those who thrive with it
• How leaders can create trust, curiosity, and accountability in a fast-changing, tech-driven world
• The real reason people feel overwhelmed by AI tools (and how to focus without burning out)
• Powerful, real-life examples of using AI as a thinking partner—not just a writing tool
• What “future-proofing” your career actually looks like (hint: it’s not learning every new tool)
• The one action you can take today to reclaim 20% of your time—and redirect it toward your best work

Along the way, we talk leadership scars, bad bosses, abundance mindset shifts, over-eager AI “interns,” and why curiosity might be the most underrated leadership skill of our time.

If you’ve ever wondered:

• Am I falling behind?
• How do I keep up without burning out?
• What does AI mean for my role, my team, or my business?

This episode is your permission slip to breathe, and your playbook to move forward with confidence.

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What if the reason 2025 looked exactly like 2024… had nothing to do with motivation, and everything to do with habits?

In this episode of Success Through Connections, I sit down with longtime friend and legendary business coach Doug Wilder for a conversation that might completely change how you think about growth, networking, and what it actually takes to create a better year ahead. And fair warning—this isn’t about hype, hustle, or overnight wins. This is about the small, unsexy habits that quietly compound into massive results.

Doug has spent over 30 years coaching hundreds of professionals, from CPAs and attorneys to executives and entrepreneurs, and today, he pulls back the curtain on what really separates people who stay stuck from those who move forward year after year.

In this episode, we talk about:

• Why your daily habits, not big goals, determine whether 2026 looks different than 2025
• The real difference between vision, mission, and goals—and how to stop overcomplicating all three
• How to network without being “slimy” (and the one behavior that kills opportunities instantly)
• Simple, doable networking habits that don’t overwhelm you, even if you hate networking
• Doug’s powerful concept of habit stacking (and his surprisingly intense morning routine)
• Why measuring effort—not results—is the secret to staying consistent
• The one habit Doug believes everyone should start with (hint: it starts in your bedroom)
• How connections, not cold pitches, open doors you didn’t even know existed

We also share real stories, laugh about gray hair, call out bad LinkedIn behavior, and unpack why asking for help is one of the most underused success strategies out there.

If you’ve ever said:

• “I don’t have time to network”
• “I’m doing the work, but I’m not seeing results”
• “I want next year to be different, but I don’t know where to start”

…this episode is your sign.

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What if getting featured in the media wasn’t about luck… but about leverage?

In this episode of Success Through Connections, I sit down with PR strategist Russell Trahan to pull back the curtain on what actually gets you noticed by editors, journalists, and decision-makers, and spoiler alert: it’s not shouting your credentials louder or waiting until you’re “big enough.”

Russell is the owner and president of PRPR and the author of Sell Yourself Without Saying a Word (yes, that title alone should make you lean in). With decades in the publicity game and a jaw-dropping 100% client placement track record, he knows exactly how experts, authors, speakers, and consultants can position themselves as the go-to authority in their industry, without sounding salesy, desperate, or self-promotional.

In this episode, we talk about:

• Why strategic publicity beats self-promotion every single time
• What editors really care about (and why most pitches miss the mark)
• The biggest mistakes professionals make when trying to get media attention
• Why you actually need PR before you’re famous—not after
• How articles, not ads, create instant credibility with decision-makers
• The surprising truth about AI-written content and how to keep your voice human
• How consistent visibility turns your name into a trusted brand
• Why defining your target audience is the real power move in PR

We also get into memorable analogies (hello, Wrigley Gum during WWII), behind-the-scenes pitching strategies, and real-world examples of how one article can lead to speaking gigs, book sales, SEO wins, and long-term authority.

If you’re a nonfiction author, speaker, coach, consultant, or anyone who wants to stop being the best-kept secret in their industry,this episode will change how you think about visibility, credibility, and growth.

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