The Robyn Graham Show a Podcast for Christian Women - Become Calm, Confident, and Consistent

 

Man Plans and God Laughs is just one line of humor in Tommy’s book of survival.  

 

W. Thomas Smith, aka Tommy, is a graduate of St. Louis College of Pharmacy, my alma mater.   He began his career as the operations director of Corum Health Services, a long-term care facility in St. Louis.  

 

After a life altering battle with meningococcemia and bacterial meningitis, he enrolled in Law school at St. Louis University in 2002 and graduated in 2005 with a Juris doctorate degree and a certificate in health law.  

 

He then went to work at St. Louis College of Pharmacy from 2005 to 2008 before he became the director of the online master’s program in pharmaceutical outcomes at the University of Florida from 2008 to 2015.  

 

In 2015 Tommy joined Manchester University’s pharmacy program as the assistant dean for assessment and accreditation and in 2017 was appointed dean.  

 

Tommy is active in several professional organizations and has served as chair of AACP’s Health Disparities and Cultural Competence Special Interest Group and completed their Academic Leadership Fellows Program. 

 

He has also been very involved with the Health Law Section of the American Bar Association and has been appointed to the Food and Drug Administrations nonprescription drugs advisory committee.   

 

He is an author, speaker and leader in areas such as pharmacy law, cultural competency, health disparities, bioethics and disability law. 

 

During our conversation Tommy goes deep into his experience others with disabilities and inspires the masses every day! 

 

Tommy uses humor and grace to move through his life.  He truly believes the impossible is possible and is living proof of it.  

 

Tommy’s Book Recommendations

 

Normal People by Sally Rooney

Leadership in Turbulent Times by Doris Kearns Goodwin

 

To learn more about Tommy visit The Manchester University website. 

 

Follow him on Twitter: @WTSPharmDJD

 

Connect with Tommy on LinkedIn.

 

To learn more about your host, Robyn Graham, click HERE.  

 

To learn about The Brand Insider by Robyn Graham, click HERE.  

 

To connect with me, Robyn Graham:

Website | Instagram | LinkedIN | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | Pinterest

 

I love an alliteration.   In this episode I have a really good one for you…the 5 W’s of personal branding.  Collectively, the who, what, when, where and why of your brand can make a huge difference in how you connect with your ideal audience, grow your client base and make more money. Set your business up for success by learning and applying the 5 W's of personal branding.

I love an alliteration.   In this episode I have a really good one for you…the 5 W’s of personal branding.  Collectively, the who, what, when, where and why of your brand can make a huge difference in how you connect with your ideal audience.

Let’s dive in and learn more!

When thinking about starting a business, building a personal brand or rebranding, you must think about the 5 W’s.

Let’s take a better look at each one, starting with:

Who

The first decision you have to make is “who”.  Who is your ideal client, who is the audience for which you can solve a problem?  You should know everything about your ideal client. What they do, what problem they need a solution for, and what characteristics they cherish in a person or service provider.

Getting to Know Your Ideal Client

 

You should know if they appreciate value and like quality products and services, or do they prefer a bargain? Below is a list of sample questions to ask yourself about your ideal client.

• Do they drive a Ford or a Lexus?
• Where do they shop?
• Do they drink coffee or tea or both?
• How about the size of their company, are they a small to mid-size business owner, an entrepreneur, or working in corporate America?
• What values and personality characteristics do they cherish?
• Do they lack self-confidence?
• Are they overwhelmed and need someone to provide help and guidance?
• Is he/she a parent?
• How old are they?
• Are they in network marketing?
• What is their budget, large or a small? Are they a start-up company?
• Are they selling products or offering a service?
• Do they prefer designer handbags, or do they purchase what they find on sale?
• Are they living a healthy lifestyle?
• Do they exercise?
• What beverage do they prefer; wine, beer, or martinis?

Give Her a Name

You should know so much about your ideal client that you have named them. If you are struggling to identify your ideal client, think about all of the clients you have served over the years that you have been in business. Compile a list of similar traits that they have and bingo, you are on your way to having a complete description of your ideal client.

If you are newly in business and aren’t sure, answer the questions above about the people you dream of working with. Identifying your niche will help you narrow the scope of your audience. You only want to focus your content on people who will respect and appreciate your service and/or product. All others will suck life out of you, and you will be working more hours, be more stressed, less happy and making less money. Identifying your “who” is imperative for a successful brand.

Likewise, let your audience know who you are through your visual and written content.  Tell your story on your website and social media sites so that you can build relationships with your audience.   People buy personalities not products and services.  Share your authentic “who” with the people you want to work with.

What

What problem do you solve for your ideal client?  Can your ideal clients quickly identify what you do?  What value do you provide? Express your visions for your company and the people you serve? What is your passion and is it obvious when you meet your audience for the first time? There should be no doubt in anyone’s mind what you do and who you serve if you want to grow your brand. Communicate this with clarity and consistency across your website and social platforms.

When

When did you start your business? What is your passion and when did you realize it? When did you find your niche? The “when” is all about the history of your business and how you communicate your expertise with your audience. Remember, there is a time and place for everything, so educating your audience on your years in the area of your expertise is going to win respect and appreciation.

Where

Where are your located? Do you have an in-home office, or do you work outside of your home? Where can your clients find you, in person or on-line? Let your audience know the specifics about your business and where they can find you. Can they meet you at local networking events? What organizations do you belong to that they might run into you?

If you work from home, what coffee shop do you frequent to get out of the house? You should have a website that is cohesive with your social media pages so that no matter where they find you, they will be able to get to know you, connect with you, engage with you and build the like and trust factor with you.

Why

Last but certainly not least! Why do you do what you do? Your why is one of the strongest emotional connectors to your audience. It isn’t just what you do, it’s why you do it. Have you ever heard the Ted Talk by Simon Sinek? If not, you should definitely listen because he nails the importance of why! People don’t care near as much about what you do as the reason why you do it.

My why is to serve others and help them build brands that stand out, make an impact and sell without selling all while having the luxury of being able to focus on my family first.

Communicating all 5 W’s to your ideal avatar is imperative for building the know, like and trust factor.   Be consistent with your content on all platforms from your website and your social media accounts so that your ideal audience will find you, engage with you, and eventually purchase from you or refer you.

Would you like help creating and elevating your personal brand?  Schedule a personal branding strategy session with Robyn.

To learn more about your host, Robyn Graham, click HERE.  

 

To learn about The Brand Insider by Robyn Graham, click HERE.  

 

To connect with me, Robyn Graham:

Website | Instagram | LinkedIN | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | Pinterest

 

I love an alliteration.   In this episode I have a really good one for you…the 5 W’s of personal branding.  Collectively, the who, what, when, where and why of your brand can make a huge difference in how you connect with your ideal audience.

Let’s dive in and learn more!

When thinking about starting a business, building a personal brand or rebranding, you must think about the 5 W’s.

Let’s take a better look at each one, starting with:

Who

The first decision you have to make is “who”.  Who is your ideal client, who is the audience for which you can solve a problem?  You should know everything about your ideal client. What they do, what problem they need a solution for, and what characteristics they cherish in a person or service provider.

Getting to Know Your Ideal Client

 

You should know if they appreciate value and like quality products and services, or do they prefer a bargain? Below is a list of sample questions to ask yourself about your ideal client.

• Do they drive a Ford or a Lexus?
• Where do they shop?
• Do they drink coffee or tea or both?
• How about the size of their company, are they a small to mid-size business owner, an entrepreneur, or working in corporate America?
• What values and personality characteristics do they cherish?
• Do they lack self-confidence?
• Are they overwhelmed and need someone to provide help and guidance?
• Is he/she a parent?
• How old are they?
• Are they in network marketing?
• What is their budget, large or a small? Are they a start-up company?
• Are they selling products or offering a service?
• Do they prefer designer handbags, or do they purchase what they find on sale?
• Are they living a healthy lifestyle?
• Do they exercise?
• What beverage do they prefer; wine, beer, or martinis?

Give Her a Name

You should know so much about your ideal client that you have named them. If you are struggling to identify your ideal client, think about all of the clients you have served over the years that you have been in business. Compile a list of similar traits that they have and bingo, you are on your way to having a complete description of your ideal client.

If you are newly in business and aren’t sure, answer the questions above about the people you dream of working with. Identifying your niche will help you narrow the scope of your audience. You only want to focus your content on people who will respect and appreciate your service and/or product. All others will suck life out of you, and you will be working more hours, be more stressed, less happy and making less money. Identifying your “who” is imperative for a successful brand.

Likewise, let your audience know who you are through your visual and written content.  Tell your story on your website and social media sites so that you can build relationships with your audience.   People buy personalities not products and services.  Share your authentic “who” with the people you want to work with.

What

What problem do you solve for your ideal client?  Can your ideal clients quickly identify what you do?  What value do you provide? Express your visions for your company and the people you serve? What is your passion and is it obvious when you meet your audience for the first time? There should be no doubt in anyone’s mind what you do and who you serve if you want to grow your brand. Communicate this with clarity and consistency across your website and social platforms.

When

When did you start your business? What is your passion and when did you realize it? When did you find your niche? The “when” is all about the history of your business and how you communicate your expertise with your audience. Remember, there is a time and place for everything, so educating your audience on your years in the area of your expertise is going to win respect and appreciation.

Where

Where are your located? Do you have an in-home office, or do you work outside of your home? Where can your clients find you, in person or on-line? Let your audience know the specifics about your business and where they can find you. Can they meet you at local networking events? What organizations do you belong to that they might run into you?

If you work from home, what coffee shop do you frequent to get out of the house? You should have a website that is cohesive with your social media pages so that no matter where they find you, they will be able to get to know you, connect with you, engage with you and build the like and trust factor with you.

Why

Last but certainly not least! Why do you do what you do? Your why is one of the strongest emotional connectors to your audience. It isn’t just what you do, it’s why you do it. Have you ever heard the Ted Talk by Simon Sinek? If not, you should definitely listen because he nails the importance of why! People don’t care near as much about what you do as the reason why you do it.

My why is to serve others and help them build brands that stand out, make an impact and sell without selling all while having the luxury of being able to focus on my family first.

Communicating all 5 W’s to your ideal avatar is imperative for building the know, like and trust factor.   Be consistent with your content on all platforms from your website and your social media accounts so that your ideal audience will find you, engage with you, and eventually purchase from you or refer you.

Would you like help creating and elevating your personal brand?  Schedule a personal branding strategy session with Robyn.

To learn more about your host, Robyn Graham, click HERE.  

 

To learn about The Brand Insider by Robyn Graham, click HERE.  

 

To connect with me, Robyn Graham:

Website | Instagram | LinkedIN | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | Pinterest

 

Not your typical love story! MaryKay Meeks-Hank is a former nun who turned adjunct professor at LaSalle University where she taught on marriage and family, sociology of work, work and family and social movements.  She is now the Executive Director of Face to Face Germantown, human service organization offering free meals, health, legal and social services for the marginalized population.   Her deepest passion is for creating and sustaining meaningful relationships.

MaryKay Meeks-Hank is a former nun who turned adjunct professor at LaSalle University where she taught on marriage and family, sociology of work, work and family and social movements.  

 

She is now the Executive Director of Face to Face Germantown, human service organization offering free meals, health, legal and social services for the marginalized population.   Her deepest passion is for creating and sustaining meaningful relationships.   

 

Phase 1 

 

Mary Kay started her adult life thinking she wanted to become a nun.   She went to college for one year and then joined the Sisters of St. Joseph of Chestnut Hill.  Growing up in a traditional Catholic family, she had a strong sense of faith and spirituality.   She thought that joining the sisterhood was her path for life.  Until, she was on assignment and met someone that changed her life.  

 

Her now husband was a priest whom she was working for.   As Mary Kay was working for him and at the same time teaching him what she had learned from a spiritual perspective that he had not been talk the two fell in love.  

 

This was not something that either of them too, lightly.  There was much discernment and a lot of consideration and advice seeking before the two decided to leave their lives as a nun and priest.   

 

 

Phase 2 

 

The two were eventually married and now have two grown daughters. During the first few years of marriage Mary Kay finished her degrees.   She worked in the foster care system for many years and then became an adjunct professor at LaSalle University.   

 

Thirteen years ago a friend from Sisters of St. Joseph reached out to her and asked her to interview for the Executive Director role at Face to Face.   She got the job and is still their serving the marginalized population of East Germantown, a suburb of Philadelphia.   

 

Thoughts from Mary Kay 

 

Mary Kay leads the staff and volunteers of Face to Face to treat the guests with respect that is simply their due.   “Mutuality is probably the least understood, but most significant of the values.  We interact in a way that evidences our belief that the humanity we share far outweighs all the differences society may construct.”

 

“Just as Queen Elizabeth has no more idea of the lives we live than we do of the desperately poor.”

 

The guests at Face to Face are an array of people, some who have made poor decisions, have been victims of circumstances or have mental illness.   Many of the lives are the result of inner generational poverty.  

 

Many of the same bad choices are made in upper and middle class families but there is a safety net, there is family and there is money and resources.   When you don’t have resources or access to good treatment you can’t move forward. 

 

The crack epidemic ruined urban black America. Entire families were using crack, not just the young, but the parents, the grandparents and the great grandparents.  It kept communities form functioning prosperously. 

 

Now we hear about the opioid crisis.  It doesn’t tend to affect black communities as much as white and Hispanic communities.  The opioid crisis is considered a health crisis where the crack crisis was a criminal justice problem.  

 

Mary Kay is an example that anyone can start a journey and then change directions while still fulfilling their passions and serving the population they are called to serve.  

 

To learn more about Mary Kay and Face to Face

 

Website: www.facetofacegermantown.org

Facebook: @facetofacegermantown

Instagram: @facetofacegermantown

LinkedIn: MaryKay Meeks-Hank

Twitter: @facetofacegermantown

 

Learn more about your host, Robyn Graham, click HERE.  

 

To learn about The Brand Insider by Robyn Graham, click HERE.  

 

To connect with me, Robyn Graham:

Website | Instagram | LinkedIN | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | Pinterest

 

 

MaryKay Meeks-Hank is a former nun who turned adjunct professor at LaSalle University where she taught on marriage and family, sociology of work, work and family and social movements.  

 

She is now the Executive Director of Face to Face Germantown, human service organization offering free meals, health, legal and social services for the marginalized population.   Her deepest passion is for creating and sustaining meaningful relationships.   

 

Phase 1 

 

Mary Kay started her adult life thinking she wanted to become a nun.   She went to college for one year and then joined the Sisters of St. Joseph of Chestnut Hill.  Growing up in a traditional Catholic family, she had a strong sense of faith and spirituality.   She thought that joining the sisterhood was her path for life.  Until, she was on assignment and met someone that changed her life.  

 

Her now husband was a priest whom she was working for.   As Mary Kay was working for him and at the same time teaching him what she had learned from a spiritual perspective that he had not been talk the two fell in love.  

 

This was not something that either of them too, lightly.  There was much discernment and a lot of consideration and advice seeking before the two decided to leave their lives as a nun and priest.   

 

 

Phase 2 

 

The two were eventually married and now have two grown daughters. During the first few years of marriage Mary Kay finished her degrees.   She worked in the foster care system for many years and then became an adjunct professor at LaSalle University.   

 

Thirteen years ago a friend from Sisters of St. Joseph reached out to her and asked her to interview for the Executive Director role at Face to Face.   She got the job and is still their serving the marginalized population of East Germantown, a suburb of Philadelphia.   

 

Thoughts from Mary Kay 

 

Mary Kay leads the staff and volunteers of Face to Face to treat the guests with respect that is simply their due.   “Mutuality is probably the least understood, but most significant of the values.  We interact in a way that evidences our belief that the humanity we share far outweighs all the differences society may construct.”

 

“Just as Queen Elizabeth has no more idea of the lives we live than we do of the desperately poor.”

 

The guests at Face to Face are an array of people, some who have made poor decisions, have been victims of circumstances or have mental illness.   Many of the lives are the result of inner generational poverty.  

 

Many of the same bad choices are made in upper and middle class families but there is a safety net, there is family and there is money and resources.   When you don’t have resources or access to good treatment you can’t move forward. 

 

The crack epidemic ruined urban black America. Entire families were using crack, not just the young, but the parents, the grandparents and the great grandparents.  It kept communities form functioning prosperously. 

 

Now we hear about the opioid crisis.  It doesn’t tend to affect black communities as much as white and Hispanic communities.  The opioid crisis is considered a health crisis where the crack crisis was a criminal justice problem.  

 

Mary Kay is an example that anyone can start a journey and then change directions while still fulfilling their passions and serving the population they are called to serve.  

 

To learn more about Mary Kay and Face to Face

 

Website: www.facetofacegermantown.org

Facebook: @facetofacegermantown

Instagram: @facetofacegermantown

LinkedIn: MaryKay Meeks-Hank

Twitter: @facetofacegermantown

 

Learn more about your host, Robyn Graham, click HERE.  

 

To learn about The Brand Insider by Robyn Graham, click HERE.  

 

To connect with me, Robyn Graham:

Website | Instagram | LinkedIN | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | Pinterest

 

 

Ryan Manion has dedicated her life to supporting our nation’s military, veterans, and families of fallen heroes. She is inspired by the character, leadership, and sacrifice of her brother 1st Lt Travis Manion, USMC, who made the ultimate sacrifice in the Al Anbar province of Iraq while drawing fire away from his wounded comrades on April 29th, 2007. Ryan is the co-author of the newly released book, The Knock at the Door, Three Gold Star Families Bonded by Grief and Purpose.

Ryan Manion has dedicated her life to supporting our nation’s military, veterans, and families of fallen heroes. She is inspired by the character, leadership, and sacrifice of her brother 1st Lt Travis Manion, USMC, who made the ultimate sacrifice in the Al Anbar province of Iraq while drawing fire away from his wounded comrades on April 29th, 2007. Ryan is the co-author of the newly released book, The Knock at the Door, Three Gold Star Families Bonded by Grief and Purpose.  
Serving as the President of Travis Manion Foundation since 2012, Ryan leads a national movement focused on assisting veterans and families of the fallen to take the next step in their personal journeys and inspiring the next generation of leaders. As a highly regarded advocate for the military community, Ryan has been invited to address national audiences on numerous occasions—including Good Morning America, CBS this Morning, CNN, The Today Show, Fox News and many more.
Carrying on the legacy of her brother Travis, Ryan continues to lead a life of service to others.
This was most notably recognized in 2015 when she was selected to receive the President’s
Lifetime Achievement Award for Volunteer Service. Ryan served on the Advisory Committee at Arlington National Cemetery and remains committed to their mission. As a leader in the Veteran Non-Profit sector, Ryan serves on the Advisory Boards of the Global War on Terror Memorial Foundation and With Honor. 

 

Some additional accolades include:

● 2018 Bush Institute Stand-To Veteran Leadership Fellow
● 2018 Sage Foundation Charity Pioneer 
● 2017 United States Naval Academy Honorary Graduate 
● 2016 HillVets 100 list
● 2014 Joseph D. Helton, Jr. Award for Leadership
● 2013 Hillier (Ignite) Warrior for Warriors Award

Ryan resides in Doylestown, PA with her husband and three children, Maggie Rose, Honor and Travis Brendan. Ryan continues to serve her local community by serving as a Township Supervisor since elected in 2011. While responsibilities of this position are focused on deciding issues of public safety, growth management, environment, etc., Ryan most appreciates the personal connection with those within the community she is able to directly serve. 

 

The Interview Highlights 

 

Ryan worked alongside her mother, Janet, at the Travis Manion Foundation for approximately 18 months before her mother passed away.   The board of directors for the foundation then appointed Ryan President of the organization.  

 

Talk about big shoes to fill!  To help her fill her mom’s shoes, Ryan hired really smart people to work alongside her.  She is very humble and doesn’t take credit for the organization but gives all credit to her mom for laying a foundation for success.  

 

The organization supports military veterans and their families.   So many people want to give and serve and honor the men and women who have served and sacrificed for our country.   

 

The Hero’s Run, which was started as a grassroots effort with approximately 500 people participating, now occurs in 90 places across the world with more than 70,000 people showing up to run and support first responders and veterans.  Robyn ran the 1st Hero's run with her daughter in the jogging stroller and remembers the passion and emotions associated with the event. 

 

 

One of the reasons Ryan wrote the book, “The Knock at the Door” was to show the real side of her.   She is in the public eye a lot and appears to be so strong, not shedding tears for her brother, Travis or her the loss of her mom.   People asked her how she does it and as a result of all of the questions she wanted to tell her story and her journey.  Ryan and her co-authors, Amy and Heather wanted to show that their stories didn’t end with the knock at the door.  Their stories were just beginning.   

 

Ryan believes that setting goals to get through each day after a major life event occurs is key.  Setting small goals and thinking about today and not next year is important.  It helps to think about tomorrow but no further into the future.  When you go through a traumatic event or loss you have to set small goals at first.  

 

Setting intentional goals is the key.  One has to be comfortable with the fact that life is not a sprint.  And it’s important to remember that failure is a bruise, not a tattoo.  It’s the little failures that have the power to set us back, so mindset is important.   Each day is a new day and an opportunity to be the best we can be. Tomorrow is a new day to turn the setbacks around.  

 

When we realize that life is a series of successes and failures and that a success is just around the corner, the failures and setbacks don’t hurt as bad.  The best way to honor those we’ve lost is to not give up but be the best version of ourselves.  

 

The Travis Manion Foundation is an empowerment organization.  The organization helps provide opportunities for men and women who served in the military to help educate our youth on the importance of character and gives an opportunity for continued service, even without their uniforms. 

 

Fifty-five percent of veterans say they feel disconnected to community when they return to civilian life.  Through the program, volunteers have talked to more than 350,000 students across the US.   One third of kids do not have a positive role model or, example, of good character in their lives.   The veteran volunteers can positively influence the children to become men and women of good character.  

 

Ryan’s Book Recommendations

 

Brothers Forever by Tom Manion

 

The Knock at the Door, Three Gold Star Families Bonded by Grief and Purpose by Ryan Manion, Heather Kelly, and Amy Looney Heffernan

 

Ryan’s Favorite Quote

“If not me, then who.” ~ Travis Manion 

 

Learn more about or connect with Ryan

 

Website

The Travis Manion Foundation 

Instagram

 

To learn more about me, your host, Robyn Graham, click HERE.  

 

To learn about The Brand Insider by Robyn Graham, click HERE.  

Ryan Manion has dedicated her life to supporting our nation’s military, veterans, and families of fallen heroes. She is inspired by the character, leadership, and sacrifice of her brother 1st Lt Travis Manion, USMC, who made the ultimate sacrifice in the Al Anbar province of Iraq while drawing fire away from his wounded comrades on April 29th, 2007. Ryan is the co-author of the newly released book, The Knock at the Door, Three Gold Star Families Bonded by Grief and Purpose.   Serving as the President of Travis Manion Foundation since 2012, Ryan leads a national movement focused on assisting veterans and families of the fallen to take the next step in their personal journeys and inspiring the next generation of leaders. As a highly regarded advocate for the military community, Ryan has been invited to address national audiences on numerous occasions—including Good Morning America, CBS this Morning, CNN, The Today Show, Fox News and many more. Carrying on the legacy of her brother Travis, Ryan continues to lead a life of service to others. This was most notably recognized in 2015 when she was selected to receive the President’s Lifetime Achievement Award for Volunteer Service. Ryan served on the Advisory Committee at Arlington National Cemetery and remains committed to their mission. As a leader in the Veteran Non-Profit sector, Ryan serves on the Advisory Boards of the Global War on Terror Memorial Foundation and With Honor. 

 

Some additional accolades include: ● 2018 Bush Institute Stand-To Veteran Leadership Fellow ● 2018 Sage Foundation Charity Pioneer  ● 2017 United States Naval Academy Honorary Graduate  ● 2016 HillVets 100 list ● 2014 Joseph D. Helton, Jr. Award for Leadership ● 2013 Hillier (Ignite) Warrior for Warriors Award

Ryan resides in Doylestown, PA with her husband and three children, Maggie Rose, Honor and Travis Brendan. Ryan continues to serve her local community by serving as a Township Supervisor since elected in 2011. While responsibilities of this position are focused on deciding issues of public safety, growth management, environment, etc., Ryan most appreciates the personal connection with those within the community she is able to directly serve. 

 

The Interview Highlights 

 

Ryan worked alongside her mother, Janet, at the Travis Manion Foundation for approximately 18 months before her mother passed away.   The board of directors for the foundation then appointed Ryan President of the organization.  

 

Talk about big shoes to fill!  To help her fill her mom’s shoes, Ryan hired really smart people to work alongside her.  She is very humble and doesn’t take credit for the organization but gives all credit to her mom for laying a foundation for success.  

 

The organization supports military veterans and their families.   So many people want to give and serve and honor the men and women who have served and sacrificed for our country.   

 

The Hero’s Run, which was started as a grassroots effort with approximately 500 people participating, now occurs in 90 places across the world with more than 70,000 people showing up to run and support first responders and veterans.  Robyn ran the 1st Hero's run with her daughter in the jogging stroller and remembers the passion and emotions associated with the event. 

 

 

One of the reasons Ryan wrote the book, “The Knock at the Door” was to show the real side of her.   She is in the public eye a lot and appears to be so strong, not shedding tears for her brother, Travis or her the loss of her mom.   People asked her how she does it and as a result of all of the questions she wanted to tell her story and her journey.  Ryan and her co-authors, Amy and Heather wanted to show that their stories didn’t end with the knock at the door.  Their stories were just beginning.   

 

Ryan believes that setting goals to get through each day after a major life event occurs is key.  Setting small goals and thinking about today and not next year is important.  It helps to think about tomorrow but no further into the future.  When you go through a traumatic event or loss you have to set small goals at first.  

 

Setting intentional goals is the key.  One has to be comfortable with the fact that life is not a sprint.  And it’s important to remember that failure is a bruise, not a tattoo.  It’s the little failures that have the power to set us back, so mindset is important.   Each day is a new day and an opportunity to be the best we can be. Tomorrow is a new day to turn the setbacks around.  

 

When we realize that life is a series of successes and failures and that a success is just around the corner, the failures and setbacks don’t hurt as bad.  The best way to honor those we’ve lost is to not give up but be the best version of ourselves.  

 

The Travis Manion Foundation is an empowerment organization.  The organization helps provide opportunities for men and women who served in the military to help educate our youth on the importance of character and gives an opportunity for continued service, even without their uniforms. 

 

Fifty-five percent of veterans say they feel disconnected to community when they return to civilian life.  Through the program, volunteers have talked to more than 350,000 students across the US.   One third of kids do not have a positive role model or, example, of good character in their lives.   The veteran volunteers can positively influence the children to become men and women of good character.  

 

Ryan’s Book Recommendations

 

Brothers Forever by Tom Manion

 

The Knock at the Door, Three Gold Star Families Bonded by Grief and Purpose by Ryan Manion, Heather Kelly, and Amy Looney Heffernan

 

Ryan’s Favorite Quote

“If not me, then who.” ~ Travis Manion 

 

Learn more about or connect with Ryan

 

Website

The Travis Manion Foundation 

Instagram

 

To learn more about me, your host, Robyn Graham, click HERE.  

 

To learn about The Brand Insider by Robyn Graham, click HERE.