Thoughts That Rock

In this episode, we talk with JOHN POULOS, who is the Co-Founder & President of DiscoverLink, a full-service training solution for the hospitality industry supporting over 350 restaurant brands.

THOUGHT #1

When You Find Your Passion, Share It.

THOUGHT #2

Don't Waste Your Love On Somebody, Who Doesn't Value It. 

- William Shakespeare

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JOHN POULOS'S BIO:

John brings more than 30 years of experience working with every facet of the foodservice industry to DiscoverLink, which he co-founded in 2003 and where he currently serves as President. He uses this vast industry expertise in his sales and account management role, understanding his clients’ biggest challenges and helping them develop and implement e-learning solutions that meet their needs. He also oversees DiscoverLink’s finance and accounting functions.

John was previously Vice President of Sales at the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF), where he worked with state restaurant associations and national chain customers on e-learning and training initiatives. Before joining the NRAEF he was Director of National Accounts and Research and Development for Grecian Delight, a maker of top-quality ethnic foods for the foodservice and retail markets. John’s thorough knowledge of the industry on every level is a key asset in helping clients implement an e-learning strategy that meets their needs cost-effectively.   

John Poulos has been a member of the Council of Hotel and Restaurant Trainers (CHART) since 2002 and was honored with the Spirit of CHART Award in 2015.

John’s passion for the restaurant industry is matched only by his love of America’s fine wines. He thinks it’s the perfect pairing of career and hobby, as any of his customers can attest. John is based in West Chicago, Illinois.

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In this episode,  we talk with KRISTY SAMMIS, who is the Founder & Chief Innovation Officer of the industry-leading, award-winning influencer marketing agency, CLEVER.

THOUGHT #1

When Someone Shows You Who They Are, Believe Them

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KRISTY SAMMI'S BIO:

Kristy Sammis is a pioneer of the influencer marketing industry, having worked to shape the space since its inception. She began developing brand-blogger partnerships in 2006, and founded CLEVER, the foremost influencer marketing agency in the US, in 2009. 

Developing creative influencer programs for brands such as Ford, Disney, Amazon, General Mills, and Unilever helped establish CLEVER as one of the Top 50 Fastest Growing Companies (Silicon Valley Business Journal). Kristy and her two co-founders were also named Top 40 Over 40 (Forbes, 2018), Top Women In Media (FOLIO: Magazine, 2015), and authored Influencer Marketing For Dummies. 

In 2019, Kristy took on the role of Executive Chair of the burgeoning Influencer Marketing Association (IMA), the only trade association dedicated to the practice of influencer marketing.

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In this episode, we talk with JOHNNY DAMON, who is a 2x All-Star, 2x World Champion, former Major League Baseball icon and philanthropist.

THOUGHT #1

Enjoy Life.

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JOHNNY DAMON'S BIO:

A MLB star for 18 seasons, Johnny is one of the most outstanding, respected and durable players in MLB history.  After winning the 2004 World Series with the Boston Red Sox and achieving legendary superstar status in New England, Johnny signed with the New York Yankees in 2006. In 2009, he won a World Series with the Yankees, joining Babe Ruth, to be the only full-time, everyday players to achieve World Series rings with both the Red Sox and Yankees. 
Johnny was a two-time All-Star and only 4 players in MLB History exceed Damon’s career totals for hits, runs, home runs and stolen bases. He had 2769 hits for his career, 55th all-time. 31st in Runs, 49th 2B’s. 

Johnny is that unique star athlete who has remained truly humble in the face of overwhelming popularity He also has that rare free spirit, enabling him to leverage his all-star performance over the past decade to become one of the most recognizable and popular players in MLB. A leader by example, Johnny is well-liked and highly-respected in the baseball community. Johnny established The Johnny Damon Foundation, a not-for-profit 501(c)3, to raise and donate funds to charitable organizations. The Foundation assists local and national programs that provide leadership and growth opportunities for disadvantaged children at risk.

Johnny resides in Orlando, FL with his wife Michelle and his eight children

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In this episode, we talk with speaker, author and consultant STEVE COCKRAM, the co-Founder of GiANT Worldwide, which is the fastest-growing (debt-free) technology company in the US that specializes in “People Intelligence."

THOUGHT #1

To Truly Be Effective, Regularly ReCharge, ReFuel & ReFocus

THOUGHT #2

Sustained Exhaustion is Not a Rite of Passage; It’s a Mark of Stupidity - Jason Fried 

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STEVE COCKRAM'S BIO:

Steve is an international speaker, best selling author and consultant to top- level executives and their teams around the world. He is the co-founder of a company called GiANT that specialises in “People Intelligence”. GiANT are currently the fastest growing, debt free tech company in the US. He is a subject matter expert on personality, organisational leadership, interpersonal communication and intentional multiplication. He is the co-author of 3 Books - The 100X Leader, 5 Leadership Voices and 5 Gears, all published by Wiley. 

Steve has been married to Helen for 27 years and they have 3 gorgeous girls - Izzy (20), Megan (16), Charlotte (9). He has a long standing addiction to Test Match Cricket and Harewood Downs Golf Course is his spiritual home. He loves walking, watching movies and eating long dinners with good friends.

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In this episode,  we talk with CHRISTINA MARTIN, who is a nationally-winning Hip Hop Dancer, American Ninja Warrior Athlete, Fitness Trainer for Kids & Adults, Keynote Speaker and the Executive Director of the Type Zero Foundation, a Central Florida non-profit for diabetes.

THOUGHT #1

It's the Courage to Continue that Counts 

THOUGHT #2

Strategic Quitting is the Secret of Successful Organizations 

- Seth Godin  

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CHRISTINA MARTIN'S BIO:

As someone who loves dancing and tackling ninja obstacles, Christina Martin is ready for it all in the name of diabetes support!  

She is a professional dancer, fitness trainer for kids and adults, and founder of a Central Florida non-profit organization for diabetes that she started as a teenager, Type Zero Foundation. 

Christina dances with nationally-winning hip hop crew, TheSQUAD, and has competed against the rest of the world while living with type 1 diabetes (T1D). 

She was invited on Season 11 of NBC’s TV show, “American Ninja Warrior,” as the first female with T1D on the show! 

While also studying sport and exercise science as a full-time student at the University of Central Florida, her goal is to help individuals and families feel stronger with diabetes. 

Through Christina’s determination to live a healthy lifestyle with T1D, she is now a motivational speaker, advocate for the diabetes community, and wants to help each of us learn to live an exceptional life worth fighting for.

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In this episode, we talk with CHRIS STUART, the President & CEO of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, one of America’s fastest-growing real estate brokerage networks with 50,000+ agents and 1,450+ offices.

THOUGHT #1

When Your Outgo Exceeds Your Intake, Your Upkeep Becomes Your Downfall - Bill Earle

THOUGHT #2

Most of Us Spend Too Much Time on What is Urgent and not Enough Time on What is Important – Stephen R. Covey

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CHRIS STUART'S BIO:

Chris Stuart was appointed CEO of HSF Affiliates LLC and CEO and President of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices in January 2019. Previously, he was COO for HSF Affiliates LLC overseeing Franchise Sales, Marketing and Technology among other work groups and responsibilities.

Stuart joined HSF Affiliates in 2015 and assumed leadership of Franchise Sales a year later. In 2017, he was named senior vice president of Business Development and Operations and by 2018, he oversaw the daily operations of most departments.

Prior to his arrival at HSF Affiliates, Stuart was part of the executive leadership team at Intero Real Estate Services in Silicon Valley. At Intero, he was chartered with growing and managing Intero’s franchise company and was involved in various corporate initiatives including technology strategy, leadership development and training, agent recruitment and more.

Notable Accomplishments:

- Named to RIS Media’s 2019 Class of Real Estate Newsmakers 

- 2020 Swanepoel Top 200 Recognition

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In this episode, we talk with BROCK BLAKE, the Founder & CEO of Lendio, which is the largest online marketplace of business loans in the U.S., facilitating over $10 Billion in loan approvals for small businesses.

THOUGHT #1

Remember Who You Are (You're a Blake!)

THOUGHT #2

If You Find Yourself Cutting Corners, Go in a Circle Instead

― Benny Bellamacina

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BROCK BLAKE'S BIO:

Brock Blake is the CEO and founder of Lendio, the largest online marketplace of business loans in the U.S. 

Brock believes that access to capital should be simpler and quicker for small business owners, and he’s built a successful company around solving this problem. Brock leads the team that has facilitated over $10B in loan approvals for small businesses. 

An Inc. 500 CEO, national keynote speaker, Forbes columnist, and Utah’s Emerging Executive of the Year, Brock’s dedication extends far beyond the boardroom. He has shaped a superior company culture with a humble and hungry team that is passionate about driving results and giving back. 

For every new loan facilitated on Lendio’s marketplace platform, Lendio Gives, an employee contribution and employer matching program, provides a microloan to a low-income entrepreneur around the world through Kiva.org. 

Brock’s most important accomplishments come from being a husband and a father of four children.

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In this episode, we talk with ERIK BAYLIS, the owner of the Chicago-based restaurant group, Big Onion Hospitality, which is known for their creative concepts and exceptional food…but we also know him as an industry leader, cancer survivor and a great philanthropist.

THOUGHT #1

You Have the Choice on How to Live Your Life; I Chose to Never Have a Bad Day

THOUGHT #2

The Truth does not Change According to Our Ability to Stomach It 

- Flannery O'Connor 

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ERIK BAYLIS' BIO:

Erik Baylis is the owner of the Chicago-based restaurant group, Big Onion Hospitality. The group is known for their creative concepts and exceptional food. He is the Founder & President of the non-profit organization Never Had A Bad Day Foundation, which provides grants to families undergoing pediatric cancer treatment. With over 18 years of experience in the hospitality industry, he is looked up to as an industry leader on a national level.  Mr. Baylis has been called the modern-day Bill Veeck for his cutting-edge and original marketing ideas.

Mr. Baylis believes in taking action to move the industry forward. He does so by serving on numerous Chicago neighborhood boards helping to shape the community at a local level. Additionally, he is a Board Member for the Illinois Restaurant Association. By pushing for change and improvements to legislation, he helps to strengthen the hospitality industry for all.

His life experiences and natural ability to connect with others tied with his willingness to help others, has led him to a new passion of motivational speaking and restaurant marketing consulting. Mr. Baylis is known for his tenacious work-ethic and has a reputation for fully committing to his projects.  

Mr. Baylis is married and has two sons. His lifelong passion for wrestling and mentoring is continued through coaching his neighborhood’s youth program. He firmly believes he has never had a bad day in his life. This philosophy is the cornerstone of his beliefs. It shapes how he leads his day-to-day life and how he operates his business. 

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In this episode, we talk with JEREMY RYAN SLATE, who is an entrepreneur, public speaker and a Top 100 podcast host with his show, "Create Your Own Life Podcast", which helps people create life on their own terms at a world-class level.

THOUGHT #1

Things Will Take More Time and Effort Than You Can Ever Imagine

THOUGHT #2

If You Get Tired, Learn to Rest, Not to Quit 

- Banksy

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JEREMY RYAN SLATE'S BIO:

Jeremy Ryan Slate is the founder of the Create Your Own Life Podcast, a show to help people create life on their own terms at a world-class level. 

He studied literature at Oxford University, and is a former champion powerlifter turned new media entrepreneur.  

At the age of 19, Jeremy had a near death experience as a routine surgery led him to receive last rites from a priest.  He recovered and graduated with his masters degree into one of the worst job markets in history. He ended up working 16 hour days painting houses and managing a gym.  When he landed his “dream job” as a teacher, he quickly realized it was not what he wanted to be doing with his life. That's when his entrepreneur journey and the Create Your Own Life Podcast was born.

The Create Your Own Life Podcast aims to bring world class people to help mentor his audience to create life on their own terms.  It has been downloaded over 2.5 million times. Jeremy has interviewed over 500 entrepreneurs he greatly admires including Grant Cardone, Danica Patrick, Seth Godin, Tucker Max and Robert Greene.  He’s also a featured writer for Influencive and Business.com. 

After his success in podcasting, Jeremy Slate and his wife, Brielle Slate, founded Command Your Brand Media to help entrepreneurs hone their message and impact thousands with the power of storytelling.

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In this episode, we talk with JASMIN BRAND who is an entrepreneur, community change agent and a thought leader in media, culture, brand strategy and startups

THOUGHT #1

Does Your Audio Match Your Visual?

THOUGHT #2

Reality is Always Kinder than the Stories We Tell About It 

- Byron Katie 

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JASMIN BRAND'S BIO:

Jasmin Brand is an entrepreneur, community change agent and a thought leader in media, culture, brand strategy and startups.

She is the founder of The Start, a creative agency and digital publisher specializing in culturally rich content and experiential events. She brings close to a decade of executive experience in tech-driven, marketing strategy and digital publishing to the Texas media landscape and recently served as CEO of the region’s first platform dedicated to the Dallas-Fort Worth startup scene.

In late 2019, she joined Dallas-based startup Unwined Live, a social platform and media agency dedicated to re-imagining the food, wine and travel industries using technology. She is an investor and currently serves as head of global marketing and strategy.

Some of Jasmin’s accolades include:

Jasmin launched Her Texas, the first ever digital ecosystem for women who live, work and play in Texas.

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