Unconventional Leaders

To do something outside of the box in your life and career, you are going to have to take risks (shocker right?). Although we say we want “x” with our lives, are we taking the necessary steps to get there? 

Today, I had the pleasure of speaking with J. Vladimir, an innovative artist who blends the world of editorial fashion photography with modern pop art. He shares his story of “burning the boats” to become a full-time artist, and why he advocates for “betting on yourself”. We also dig into his creative process and why changing your environment and habits is a necessity for your creativity.

ACCESS FULL SHOW NOTES HERE: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/22 

TOPICS FROM THIS EPISODE:

• How do you deal with two conflicting sides of yourself, where one is an ambitious planner and the other is a risk-taking creative?
• How to push yourself creatively (while still aiming to produce consistent work)
• Expanding our perspective by changing our environment 

Connect with J. Vladimir: https://www.jvladimir.com/ 

Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/

WATCH Episodes on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/heatherparady

Learning how to truly connect with others is a skill set. If you are providing a service, you have to invest time in learning human psychology and developing your communication skills to adapt to a variety of people. 

Today, I connected with Dr. Michael Sonick, an internationally-known, highly-regarded authority in the field of Dental Implantology and Periodontology. However, this conversation is not for dentists, it's for anyone who cares for and works closely with people. Dr. Sonick shares wisdom from over 40 years in a service-based business of how he has been able to foster deep relationships and provide exceptional service.

ACCESS FULL SHOW NOTES HERE: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/21 

TOPICS FROM THIS EPISODE:

• How to share your story vulnerably (and stop judging yourself!)
• How moving slower will help you make more money
• How to calm someone who is angry and keep your own emotions out of the way

Connect with Dr. Michael Sonick: https://www.michaelsonick.com/ 

Treat People, Not Patients: https://amzn.to/3wbpVh4 

Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/

WATCH Episodes on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/heatherparady

I read the book Storyworthy a couple of years ago, and it has been one of my “go-to” books on the art of storytelling. Today, I got to connect with its author, Matthew Dicks, who is an international bestselling author, columnist, playwright, teacher, and a beast in storytelling!

In this conversation, we dig into how to deliver your message in a way that sticks with the audience, as well as tactical tips on storytelling. One of the biggest takeaways we can carry from this conversation is that no matter how “boring” your life may seem, there is always a life-changing story to tell.

ACCESS FULL SHOW NOTES HERE: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/20 

TOPICS FROM THIS EPISODE:

• Why you should start your stories as close to the end as possible
• Why every story should begin with an action and location
• How to make yourself more interesting with countless stories to tell

Connect with Matthew Dicks: https://matthewdicks.com/ 

Buy ‘Storyworthy’ by Matthew Dicks: https://amzn.to/3wjSQQ1 

Pre-order ‘Stories Sell’ by Matthew Dicks: https://amzn.to/3ORyeVH 

Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/

WATCH Episodes on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/heatherparady

How do you stay focused on your mission, heart, and calling when you feel like you have to communicate it all in a world with an attention span of only 60 seconds?

Today’s guest is a content strategist for some of your favorite speakers and influencers, and she has built her platform training and guiding other leaders on how to effectively use social media. In this conversation, Nicky Saunders discusses a bit of tactics and a lot of philosophy when it comes to approaching your social media channels to have the greatest impact.

ACCESS FULL SHOW NOTES HERE: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/19

TOPICS FROM THIS EPISODE:

• Curating micro-content that represents the essence of the brand
• How to stay active and relevant online but still make space for quiet
• Playing and testing (when you have something to lose)

Connect with Nicky Saunders: https://www.deeperthanthebrand.com 

Follow Nicky on IG: https://www.instagram.com/thisisnickys/ 

Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/

WATCH Episodes on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/heatherparady

Pernilla Stryker is a complete powerhouse. A fitness influencer and charismatic content creator with the best abs I have ever seen. Literally, how does she do it?

Friends, it may not be what you think. I met her a few months ago and was super impressed with her energy and resolve to not only push herself outside of her comfort zone but also her dedication to helping others become the highest versions of themselves.

In this conversation, we explored how you can become more comfortable in your own skin and practice a mindset that enables you to push past limits you never thought possible. So, what does it really take to get in incredible shape? Her answer is something that will help you in every area of your life

ACCESS FULL SHOW NOTES HERE: https://www.heatherparady.com/episodes/18

TOPICS FROM THIS EPISODE:

• Merging self-kindness with an athlete's mentality and accessing strong resolve.
• Embodying the highest version of ourselves and shifting our identity
• Navigating relationships while pursuing personal growth and leveling up.

Connect with Pernilla Stryker: https://www.pernllla.com/ 

Follow Pernilla on Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/@pernillasworld 

Ask Heather a Question: www.heatherparady.com/ask 

Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/

WATCH Episodes on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/heatherparady

For the past several years, I have seen today's guest perform at a conference and have just been blown away not only by his talent but also by his ability to connect with a crowd. His name is Elec Simon. If you have seen him perform once, there is no chance that you could forget him.

With over 20 years of experience performing and wowing crowds of up to 25,000 – with the off-Broadway and touring productions of 'Stomp', on global music tour stages, and on NBA courts – Elec Simon knows a thing or two about creating energy and being a vessel for powerful messages. In today's conversation, we are diving into how we capture the hearts of the audience, navigate the tricky world of entrepreneurship, and how to stay rooted in our spirituality and relationship with God.

ACCESS FULL SHOW NOTES HERE: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/17 

TOPICS FROM THIS EPISODE:

• Connecting with strangers (even when some won't like you!)
• The game of entrepreneurship and how to stay grounded in your values
• What to do when you feel God is silent

Connect with Elec Simon: https://elecsimon.net/ 

Follow Elec on IG: https://www.instagram.com/elecsimon/ 

Ask Heather a Question: www.heatherparady.com/ask 

Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/ 

WATCH Episodes on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/heatherparady

What does it really take to get your creative work in front of more people and make a real living from your craft? Some say not to worry about the money, but how can you stay true to your art while still moving the ball forward?

Today, I connected with Chad Lawson, an American pianist and composer, who found that sweet spot between the business side of music and creating work that he is truly passionate about. In this conversation, he breaks down the exact steps he took in the early days to build his business, a unique way that he stays connected in the music industry, and why he is grateful he spent the first 20 years as an independent artist, because of all the business lessons he learned.

ACCESS FULL SHOW NOTES HERE: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/16 

TOPICS FROM THIS EPISODE:

• Creatives: You Must Make Money While You Sleep (Residual Income)
• Land More Opportunities by Doing This One Thing
• How Do Artists Balance 'Going After the Money' and 'It's About the People'?
• Tactical Tips on How to Strengthen Connections and Build Your Network

Buy ‘Make Art Make Money’ by Elizabeth Hyde Stevens: https://amzn.to/3Sl5hDz 

Buy ‘Trust Me, I’m Lying’ by Ryan Holiday: https://amzn.to/48VHtM7 

Connect with Chad Lawson: https://www.chadlawson.com/ 

Follow Chad on IG: https://www.instagram.com/chadlawson/ 

Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/

WATCH Episodes on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/heatherparady

Is being yourself truly 'enough'? What if there were multiple versions of you that you could access to perform at your best, depending on the situation? I recently shared a video on this topic and received some skepticism (fair pushback) regarding the idea of creating an 'Alter Ego'.

In response, I reached out to Todd Herman, a performance coach and author, who has assisted world-renowned athletes and leaders in tapping into their superpowers through an Alter Ego. In this episode, we explore your questions about authenticity and peak performance. Join us as we dive into the benefits of an alter ego, the impact of visualization and having a 'board of directors' for your life, and how you can fully embrace your authentic self.

ACCESS FULL SHOW NOTES HERE: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/15 

TOPICS FROM THIS EPISODE:

• Is the Ego Bad? Understanding the Difference Between an Unhealthy Ego and Your Alter Ego.
• Why Play and Imagination are Key to Peak Performance.
• Developing a Board of Invisible Advisors to Aid You in Decision Making

Connect with Todd Herman: https://toddherman.me/ 

Alter Ego by Todd Herman: https://amzn.to/3HlNTIH 

Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/

WATCH Episodes on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/heatherparady

Is unforgiveness harming your business? Keeping you back from fulfilling your goals and ambitions? This is not an easy question, and one that would be easy to dismiss, but I challenge you to lean in and hear this story.

Today, Amy Lacey, serial entrepreneur, joins us to talk about the impact of forgiveness on your mental health and success. Amy is in the top 1% of all female business owners and confidently shares in this conversation about how the inner work has led to her success. But as Amy says, 'Forgiveness is a choice, and healing is a process.'

ACCESS FULL SHOW NOTES HERE: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/14 

TOPICS FROM THIS EPISODE:

• Breaking unhealthy patterns and healing trauma
• Unforgiveness manifesting in sickness
• How unforgiveness can impact your business

Connect with Amy Lacey: https://heyamylacey.com/ 

Follow Amy on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heyamylacey/ 

Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/

WATCH Episodes on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/heatherparady

Are you at a point in your life where you are questioning your purpose? Dealt with a blow to your dreams and plans – and you don’t even know what to do anymore?

Today, I connected with Able Heart, Philadelphia based-singer, songwriter and producer, who shares with us how he managed to get back up after his Amateur US Olympic snowboarding career came to an abrupt halt due to an injury.

He eventually found his solace in music and now shares his spirituality with his audience by intentionally creating specific frequencies within his music.

ACCESS FULL SHOW NOTES HERE: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/13

TOPICS FROM THIS EPISODE:

• How to get back up from a major career shift (snowboarding to music)
• The innate spark of talent (coupled with hard work)
• Manifesting and the frequency of music 

Connect with Able Heart: https://www.ableheart.co/ 

Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/ 

WATCH Episodes on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/heatherparady