The Good, Bad, and Ugly of Business

Join us for a revealing conversation with Dr. Dimitri Thomas, an orthopedic surgeon, as he opens up about the challenges of burnout in medicine and shares invaluable insights on how to maintain balance and passion in a demanding profession.

In this captivating podcast episode, host Catryn Becker sits down with Dr. Dimitri Thomas, an esteemed orthopedic surgeon with a remarkable journey that spans from serving in the Army to pursuing his dream in sports medicine. Born in Sri Lanka and raised in Texas, Dr. Thomas shares the pivotal moments that shaped his career, including his deployment to Afghanistan after completing his residency. He explains why he chose orthopedics, citing the instant gratification and job security of helping people heal from injuries and get back to their active lives.

However, amidst the highs of his profession, Dr. Thomas candidly opens up about the pervasive issue of burnout in the medical field. He reflects on the pressure to work relentlessly and the lack of emphasis on business education for doctors, leading to a perception of martyrdom. Throughout the conversation, he emphasizes the importance of understanding finances and seeking balance in one's life to prevent burnout.

Delving into the complexities of his profession, Dr. Thomas discusses the ethical dilemmas he faces, such as using bone and cartilage from cadavers for transplants. He provides profound insights into the realities of surgery and the responsibility patients have in caring for their bodies. Moreover, he speaks passionately about treating coworkers with respect, highlighting the need for humility in the pursuit of excellence.

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Thomas experienced a shift in perspective, realizing that true medical heroes are often found in the ER. He emphasizes the value of leaving work at work and focusing on providing cutting-edge care to his patients without getting consumed by personal glory.

Overall, this interview offers a rare glimpse into the life of an orthopedic surgeon, sharing valuable lessons on navigating the challenges of medicine, avoiding burnout, and finding fulfillment in serving others. Join us as we gain invaluable insights from Dr. Dimitri Thomas' inspiring journey.

About Dr. Dimitri Thomas

Dr. Dimitri M. Thomas is a highly skilled orthopedist based in Kinston, North Carolina, with affiliations to prestigious hospitals like Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center and UNC Lenoir Healthcare-Kinston. Prior to his medical career, he excelled as a sprinter during high school and college, achieving an impressive 5th position in Texas for the 400m event and receiving the Texas All-State Scholar/Athlete Scholarship.

Dr. Thomas's journey also led him to serve as a U.S. Army Major, where he deployed to Afghanistan in 2014 as the orthopedic surgeon at a forward operating base in Ghanzi Province. There, he demonstrated his expertise in treating complex war injuries, showcasing his unwavering commitment to helping others.

After his 13 years of military service, he pursued a sports medicine fellowship in Missouri, further honing his skills and providing invaluable team coverage for the Mizzou Tigers athletic teams. Driven by his passion for assisting patients, Dr. Thomas chose to become a physician and specialized in orthopedics, finding joy in the immediate impact of his treatments and seeing patients regain their lives.

His clinical interests encompass various areas, including sports medicine, cartilage restoration, meniscus transplantation, osteotomy (bone realignment), ligament injuries, shoulder (rotator cuff and instability), and the innovative WALANT surgery for hand and wrist procedures.

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Embark on an extraordinary voyage with Jen Gaudet, as she shares her incredible transformation from sports medicine to  visionary leadership. Uncover the secrets to balancing ambition and femininity, learning from failures, and daring to dream big in this captivating episode. Click to listen now and unleash your own potential for success!

Host Catryn Becker discussed with Jen how she overcame immense challenges at the start of her career as one of the few women in her field. She shares how this experience instilled in her an unyielding work ethic, unwavering persistence, and a hunger to be the best. As she transitioned from sports medicine to coaching, investing, speaking on global stages, and even writing a book, Jen's journey proved to be a testament to saying "yes" to aligned opportunities and embracing the unknown.

Throughout the conversation, Jen provides invaluable insights on how to dream big, even when the destination is unclear. She recounts a powerful story of sharing her mission of quality healthcare, clean water, and nutrient-rich food on stage, and the incredible support and connections she received as a result. Jen's experiences have taught her that sometimes, it's not just about the "how," but rather the unwavering commitment to the "why" that fuels transformative change.

Moreover, Jen dives into the importance of embracing femininity without sacrificing ambition. Reflecting on her own journey, she reveals that finding balance between her personal and professional life has been a challenge, and she encourages women to own their femininity unapologetically. Alongside this, Jen emphasizes the significance of surrounding oneself with supportive and growth-oriented individuals, setting boundaries, and letting go of those who don't align with your vision. Her advice on building a community of like-minded people who inspire and challenge you to reach new heights serves as a guiding light for any aspiring leader. 

Tune in to this episode to uncover Jen Gaudet's incredible journey, learn from her failures, and discover how to cultivate resilience, authenticity, and ambitious dreams in your own life.

About Jen Gaudet

With an illustrious background of 20 years in sports medicine, working with elite athletes, Jen discovered the common foundational pillars that set apart the truly exceptional from the great in both sports and business. As an accomplished Success Strategist, Transformational Life Coach, and International Best Selling Author, she empowers her clients to become the CEOs of their lives and businesses, merging human performance with business strategy and tactics.

As the host of the television show "Power CEOs: the truth behind the business," Jen brings her insights as a Human Performance Specialist to guide individuals towards peak performance. Her coaching approach focuses on dialing in the fundamentals of physiology, mastering mindset, and embracing high-performance habits to enhance focus and productivity. She fearlessly challenges her clients to step into the next level personally and professionally, enabling them to optimize their impact on the world.

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• Book - Over My Dead Body: The Art of Saying No

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In the captivating second part of our interview with Dr. Joseph Nantomah, The Black Mentor, we uncover the secrets to true success and wealth-building. Discover the power of investing in yourself and uplifting others, as he challenges conventional beliefs and shares the keys to duplicating your success.

As we navigate through the wisdom-packed conversation, you'll be inspired to embrace a mindset of gratitude and value-giving, understanding that success isn't just about being number one but leaving a positive impact on everyone you encounter. Dr. Nantomah shares profound reflections on love, its energy, and how it shapes both our personal and professional lives. As you immerse yourself in the captivating stories and life lessons, you'll realize that success is predictable, and it lies in what you build over time, not just quick wins. Don't miss this chance to explore the depths of wisdom and vision from The Black Mentor, propelling you towards a life of fulfillment, purpose, and unstoppable growth.

About Dr. Joseph Nantomah, aka The Black Mentor

Dr. Joseph Nantomah has become a notable and sought after millionaire investor from Africa.  In 2016, Nantomah and his family emigrated from Africa to Milwaukee, Wisconsin with less than $5,000.  With the help of mentors, he built real estate assets currently valued at over $23 million and growing.  Dr. Nantomah owns and operates 16 businesses as a Real Estate Investor, Serial Entrepreneur, and Life Coach.  In 2022, he was nominated as “Top Inspirational Entrepreneur of the Year” by the International Association of Top Professionals.

See Dr. Nantomah in person at his African-American Wealth Conference, held in Las Vegas, Nevada from September 29th to October 1st, 2023.  Links are below for other upcoming events.  

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Discover the awe-inspiring journey of Dr. Joseph Nantomah, also known as The Black Mentor, who rose from the slums of Nigeria to become a successful entrepreneur in America. Embrace the wisdom of self-confidence, discipline, and the power of giving back as he shares valuable insights on building wealth and leaving a positive legacy.

In this captivating two-part podcast, we bring you an exclusive interview with the remarkable Dr. Joseph Nantomah, a living embodiment of resilience and success. From humble beginnings in the slums of Nigeria, he defied all odds to become a thriving entrepreneur, affectionately known as The Black Mentor. In this first part, Dr. Nantomah delves into the core principles that guided him on his journey, offering invaluable insights that will inspire and empower you.

Discover the transformative power of self-confidence and discipline as essential stepping stones to achieving your dreams. Dr. Nantomah shares his philosophy on wealth-building, emphasizing that it's not just about making money but creating a lasting impact through giving back to others. Prepare to challenge your mindset as he shatters the concept of "small business" and reframes it as "growing business," shedding light on the power of thinking big.

Tune in as we explore the secrets of thinking like an entrepreneur, seeing with the mind rather than the eyes, and how acting on information is the key to becoming that very information. Learn the profound distinction between being broke-minded and achieving true financial freedom. This interview will ignite your passion, leaving you with a newfound clarity on success, wealth, and the fulfillment that comes from blessing others. Don't miss this incredible opportunity to gain life-changing insights from The Black Mentor himself.

About Dr. Joseph Nantomah, aka The Black Mentor

Dr. Joseph Nantomah has become a notable and sought after millionaire investor from Africa.  In 2016, Nantomah and his family emigrated from Africa to Milwaukee, Wisconsin with less than $5,000.  With the help of mentors, he built real estate assets currently valued at over $23 million and growing.  Dr. Nantomah owns and operates 16 businesses as a Real Estate Investor, Serial Entrepreneur, and Life Coach.  In 2022, he was nominated as “Top Inspirational Entrepreneur of the Year” by the International Association of Top Professionals.

See Dr. Nantomah in person at his African-American Wealth Conference, held in Las Vegas, Nevada from September 29th to October 1st, 2023.  Links are below for other upcoming events.  

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• African American Wealth Conference

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Nadia Asghar, a Pakistani living outside Toronto, Canada, shares her transformative journey from aspiring to be a doctor to finding her purpose in social work and spirituality. Overcoming feelings of inadequacy, Nadia emphasizes the value of coaching and how it helped her live authentically. Her unshakable faith and deep connection with God led her from fear to love, inspiring her to bring others closer to God through love, transcending religious boundaries. 

Nadia's unwavering faith and profound spirituality have been pivotal in her personal evolution. Raised in a Muslim family, she recounts how stories of a vengeful God once kept her distant from a deeper connection. However, her perspective on faith transformed over time, and she now believes that spirituality transcends religious confines and is rooted in unconditional love. Nadia's journey from fear to faith is underscored by the realization that we are blessed with countless unseen gifts, and nurturing a loving relationship with God can provide immense strength and solace in life's trials.

Now a life coach, Nadia's mission is to guide others towards a purpose-driven life, helping them see the world from a fresh perspective. Through her own experiences, she emphasizes that living in alignment with one's purpose energizes rather than drains, and that fostering a deeper connection with faith can lead to a life of fulfillment and abundance. Her inspiring story serves as a beacon of hope for those seeking spiritual growth and a renewed sense of purpose in their journey of self-discovery.

About Nadia Asghar

Nadia is passionate about bringing her clients out of fear and breaking the patterns caused by generational trauma.

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In this episode, host Catryn Becker sit down with Brandi Jo Newman, a former professional golfer turned non-traditional financial planner and retirement specialist. With a family background in banking, oil & gas, and real estate, Brandi Jo's unique journey has led her to a passion for financial literacy and a refreshing approach to managing money.

Inspired by the legendary golfer Jack Nicklaus, Brandi Jo shares how intuition and creativity play pivotal roles in both golf and finance. Through her unique insights and dedication to financial literacy, she empowers listeners to reassess their financial decisions, embrace their value, and approach their financial futures with newfound confidence. Join us for an inspiring conversation on financial empowerment and the secrets money holds when we view it through the lens of intuition.

About Brandi Jo Newman

Money is a tool to build the life you truly want to live. Eleanor Roosevelt once said, “the purpose of life is to live it, to taste experience at the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experiences”.

Traditional retirement planning separates you from your money. Rarely does a traditional financial advisor teach you how you can enjoy your current income and still save for retirement with less risk and market uncertainty.

Brandi Jo  teaches her clients how to leverage their capital and even their debt to become financially independent.  She helps you retire early and have more income during your retirement years.

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In this captivating podcast episode, host Catryn Becker delves into a thought-provoking question: Is success the key to happiness, or is happiness the key to success? Joining her are the remarkable Dr. Gwendolyn Dolske, a philosophy professor, and Rudy Salo, a municipal bond attorney, who co-host the enlightening podcast "The Good is in the Details."

The conversation kicks off by addressing the notion that many people struggle to find happiness in their lives. The guests highlight how society often becomes entangled in the pursuit of busyness and productivity, mistakenly believing that success and financial gain are the ultimate markers of a good day. However, Gwendolyn and Rudy suggest that genuine fulfillment comes from meaningful connections and personal growth, with money and success naturally flowing as byproducts of such endeavors. They encourage listeners to reframe their aspirations, focusing on what they genuinely want to excel at, rather than obsessing over the constant "doing."

Delving deeper, the episode explores the link between failure and happiness. The guests emphasize that those who appear more successful have likely experienced more failures along the way. They discuss the importance of seeking feedback from friends and family, emphasizing the need to overcome the fear of starting and instead embracing the mindset of continuous improvement.

Another fascinating topic discussed is society's perception of creativity. Gwendolyn and Rudy adopt a broad perspective on creativity, highlighting its presence in every aspect of our lives. They stress the significance of developing skills to question the assumptions behind our existing knowledge. The conversation touches on the transferable skills acquired through endeavors like building a syllabus or creating a podcast, illustrating how sharing ideas fosters personal and collective growth.

Furthermore, the episode explores the benefits of podcasts, both as a listener and as a guest or host. Gwendolyn and Rudy explain the value of engaging with diverse perspectives and the joy of sharing knowledge. They emphasize the podcast medium as a powerful tool for pursuing knowledge and connecting with people.

Join Catryn Becker, Dr. Gwendolyn Dolske, and Rudy Salo as they navigate the intricate relationship between success and happiness, challenge societal perspectives on creativity, and uncover the transformative power of podcasts. Tune in to this thought-provoking episode of "The Good is in the Details" to gain valuable insights and inspire personal growth.

About Dr. Gwendolyn Dolske  -  Philosophy Professor at CalPoly, Pomona

Dr. Gwendolyn Dolske is a dynamic professional who bridges the realms of higher education and the podcasting platform. As the creator and producer of the popular podcast "Good Is In The Details," she has successfully established a strong connection between academia and the broader public. With a diverse skill set encompassing lecturing, editing, curriculum development, and public speaking, Dr. Dolske brings a wealth of expertise to her endeavors.

Driven by a passion for education, Dr. Dolske seeks to empower individuals by offering intellectual engagement and thought-provoking content. Her ability to craft compelling narratives and engage listeners in meaningful dialogue has garnered her a loyal following within and beyond academic circles. By embracing the podcasting medium, she has tapped into a powerful platform for sharing knowledge, challenging perspectives, and connecting with diverse communities.

About Rudy Salo  -  Partner at Nixon Peabody LLP Law Firm

Rudy Salo serves as counsel on a broad range of community impact financings involving governmental entities, transportation systems, educational institutions, cultural institutions and entertainment venues. His practice includes advising lenders in structuring various lending facilities throughout California and the United States, often involving real estate or other collateral. Mr. Salo also has experience advising new mobility companies and is the co-host of Good Is In The Details Podcast and a Transportation Contributor to Forbes.com. 

His experience involves financings related to transportation, including significant experience in funding transportation projects with a variety of funding sources. These projects include serving as counsel on numerous Bay Area Toll Authority toll road financings; serving as bond/disclosure counsel to Caltrain, the oldest running train west of the Mississippi; representing banks in providing credit facilities and loans to various transit agencies; and representing the USDOT as a lender in the financing of the extension of the 91 Express Lanes into Riverside County, California; the Dallas Area Rapid Transit’s Orange Line extension; the financial restructuring of the South Bay Expressway (State Road 125) toll road in Southern California upon its emergence from bankruptcy and the sale and financing of the sale of State Road 125. Mr. Salo also has significant experience in education, utility and museum financings.

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Contact Rudy Salo: 

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Do you ask God, The Universe, or a Higher Power for signs?  Whether you are asking for your personal or professional life, most people have looked to a higher power at some point for guidance.  In this episode, host Catryn Becker chats with former NICU nurse Hope Taylor about the signs she was given that lead her to her current profession as a member of the IV Society as well as the state of modern healthcare in America.

Hope first tells us how she worked with the littlest babies in the hospital as a NICU nurse.  She describes the burnout she felt and longed for a new opportunity when a spot with the IV Society popped up.  The IV Society is a premier concierge service providing IV infusions of vitamins in the comfort of your own home, office, hotel, or event in Houston and surrounding areas. 

From there the conversation flowed to discussing the current state of healthcare and how modern western medicine typically only addresses the symptoms rather than the whole person and the root cause.  Hope discusses her belief in aligning mind, body, and spirit.

If anyone is interested in learning more about IV infusions, Hope also shares a few of her favorite testimonials.

About Hope Taylor - The IV Society

A hustler at heart, Hope Taylor cares deeply about helping others to live their best life through IV infusions, clean makeup, and CBD products after spending many years as a NICU nurse.  

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Have you felt bored in your corporate job?  Even if there is nothing wrong with the job, the company, or your coworkers, you feel like there is more you could and should be doing.  Guest Frank Iglesias felt the same.  In this episode, he chats with host Catryn Becker how he moved from IT consulting into real estate investing and fix & flips with his company, Working With Houses.

Frank describes his entrepreneurial journey and the incredible role that coaching has had in his success.  Listen as he describes how he got into real estate investing (REI) and shares some behind the scenes stories of what it is like to be a fix and flipper - the stuff that they don't show on HGTV!  He also lets us in on what he looks for when hiring people.

Please subscribe to this channel to hear more great interviews like this one!   If you would like to be considered for an interview, please reach out to Catryn.

About Frank Iglesias - Managing Partner of Working with Houses

Frank is one of the founders and Managing Partners of Working With Houses, LLC. An Atlanta area Real Estate Investment Company, Working With Houses works primarily in the Residential Renovation Industry repairing and updating properties to bring value back to our neighborhoods that have been devalued by the recent housing crisis. Frank has been involved in this industry for the last five years in which tremendous change has brought much volatility. He has been able to adapt to the times to grow in the midst of this volatility. With a background in Education and Information Technology, Frank has been able to successfully help several people with their Atlanta Real Estate needs and continues to do so daily.

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• YouTube

Thank you for reading down this far!  Here is information on the percussion instrument discussed - The Marimba!  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marimba 

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Do you ever feel like you are wasting your life in pointless meetings?  So did Dario De Santis, the CEO and co-founder of Tweelin, the world’s first Artificial Intelligence (AI) virtual assistant that allows you to avoid the avoidable 1:1 meetings in your calendar.  In this episode, host Catryn Becker chats with Dario about the founding of Tweelin and how it can be used to declutter your life.

With Tweelin, workers have the chance to become more productive while working less overtime.

• They spend less time coordinating people’s availability. No texting back and forth, no 1:1 meeting scheduling.
• They have more time to focus. Their calendar has less 1:1 meetings (usually 40% of the total meetings) because they transform them into impromptu conversations.
• They make decisions faster. Workers talk in an impromptu fashion today, rather than scheduling calls in the future.
• They have a better work-life harmony. Workers get more things done by focusing during work hours and don’t need to work overtime on their individual tasks.

Listen to the episode to learn more ways to declutter your life and save your sanity.

About Dario De Santis - Chief Executive Officer of Tweelin

Long-termist visionary technology Product Leader and Entrepreneur, with a strong passion for improving people's productivity through innovative solutions. 

In-depth experience managing the entire life cycle of innovative Software-only and HW+SW products, both B2B and B2B2C. Strong educational foundation doing groundbreaking graduate study work in the domains of Computer Science, Networks and Management, topped off by an MBA from the most selective and top-rated international business school in Italy.

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