Working Towards Our Purpose

A thought that I had recently inspired this episode.   The concept of choosing what we are known by others.  Connecting with people who have recently resonated with my journey, has brought me to the realization that we have the ability to shape our own narrative. From transitioning out of a corporate job to pursuing more meaningful work, to doing more music projects, I reflect on how my decisions and authenticity have impacted how I am perceived by those around me.  It's my second solo episode, and I'm still working through the uncomfortableness of it.  Thanks for listening!
 
✨ FREE GUIDE: Soften Your Inner Critic in 7 Days: A Guide to Stop Getting In Your Own Way

📍 Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction 
00:33 – Reflections & Listener Connections
01:13 – Choosing What You’re Known For
02:17 – Sharing Your Story and Connecting with Others
04:00 – Energy, Identity, and Deciding Your Narrative
04:54 – Listener Stories: Resonance and Impact
06:27 – How Honest Storytelling Inspires Others
07:04 – Validation, Confidence, and Finding Purpose
08:19 – The Power of Being Uncomfortable 
09:19 – Music Passion
10:27 – Taking Action on Your Goals & Being Seen for Your Passions
11:29 – Self-Perception vs. Others’ Perception
12:13 – You Can Choose to Reinvent Yourself
12:59 – Closing Thoughts and How to Connect Further
13:48 – Closing

 💡Key Takeaways

In this episode you'll learn:

How to choose what you are known for
The power of deciding your identity 
How to use vulnerability to foster genuine connection
How to invest your energy in your passions
How to push through the uncomfortable 
How to seek more fulfillment 
How to connect with others

 🚀 Start Here If You’re New

1. Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: How to Trust Your Success as a High-Achiever | EP 45

2. Overcoming Others' Expectations: 3 Stages to Living an Authentic Life | EP 48

3. Should You Quit Your Job? How to Know When it’s Time for a Career Pivot | EP 39

 👥How To Connect

Workingtowardsourpurpose.com

Watch on YouTube

Substack

Instagram

LinkedIn

WTOP Merch

Feedback Form WTOP.com

A business that was built during the pandemic to allow health care workers to have a little bit of self care. 

Today I sit down with Dimitri Cotman, the founder of Zenith Point Candles, as he shares his inspiring story of building a successful business from the ground up. From the challenges of starting a new business without any prior business knowledge to the importance of community support and self-care, Dimitri's journey is a testament to the power of determination and purpose. Join me as we delve into Dimitri's entrepreneurial endeavors, his passion for creating high-quality products, and the meaningful impact his business has had on his community. Get ready to be inspired by Dimitri's perseverance, personality, and insight into the world of entrepreneurship.

Bio:
Dimitri Cotman was raised New Haven, CT in a home where education and church were prioritized. His parents instilled in him the importance of excelling in school and attending church regularly. Dimitri also grew up with his grandfather and spent a lot of time in a homeless shelter supporting his community.  From an early age he used his personality to brighten peoples days and make connections.  A skill that he took with him when he started his own business Z.Nith Point Candles, where he hand crafts candles, body butters, bath balms, and room sprays. 

✨ FREE GUIDE: Soften Your Inner Critic in 7 Days: A Guide to Stop Getting In Your Own Way

📍 Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction
00:33 – Meet Dimitri Cotman: Founder of Zenith Point Candle
01:12 – Early Life, Education, and Family Influence
04:01 – High School & College Journey: Facing Challenges and Growth
07:38 – Exploring Nursing and Healthcare Inspiration
09:52 – Starting Zenith Point Candle: From Hobby to Business
13:53 – Growth, Self-Care Inspiration & Product Line Expansion
16:19 – Finding the Right Price: Transforming Hobbies Into Business
19:05 – Creating Candle Scents & Expanding Product Lines
21:03 – The Collab Program: Learning and Building Community
25:21 – The Importance of Community Support in Business
29:07 – Overcoming the Challenge of Selling & Vending
32:11 – Getting Into Retail Stores: The Wholesale Journey
37:38 – Biggest Challenges in Launching a Small Business
41:12 – Defining Purpose: Personal Reflections on Mission & Meaning
42:46 – Where to Buy Zenith Point Products & Connect with Dimitri
43:28 – Closing Thoughts & Gratitude

 💡Key Takeaways

In this episode you'll learn:

How to build a small business
How to turn a skill into a business 
How to join community for support 
How to self care as a business owner
How to navigate business challenges 
How to get product into a retail store
How to find meaning by helping community

 🚀 Start Here If You’re New

1. Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: How to Trust Your Success as a High-Achiever | EP 45

2. Overcoming Others' Expectations: 3 Stages to Living an Authentic Life | EP 48

3. Should You Quit Your Job? How to Know When it’s Time for a Career Pivot | EP 39

 👥How To Connect

Workingtowardsourpurpose.com

Watch on YouTube

Substack

Instagram

LinkedIn

WTOP Merch

Feedback Form WTOP.com

Connect with Dimitri:

• Shop Z.Nith Point Candle
• Follow Z.Nith Point on IG
• Follow Z.Nith Point on FB

From selling insurance to learning how to grow mushrooms, Patrick Blanchette has found purpose in his work.  He is founder of Union City Farms, a gourmet mushroom farm.  After I read an article online where Patrick was quoted in saying, ”I could literally do my entire job without thinking” I knew I had to reach out and have him on the podcast.  We talked about how he found meditation which led him to leaving his career in insurance and finding purpose in growing mushrooms.  Patrick emphasizes the negative impact of processed food and chemicals on our collective consciousness and shares how changing our diet can improve sustainability and well-being. He also delves into the healing properties of psilocybin mushrooms, the importance ignoring negative thoughts, and the expansion of his mushroom shop. In this episode we explore the power of purpose, holistic living, and the positive impact of following one's heart.

Bio: Born as a twin, Patrick Blanchette has always been competitive, leading him to a career in sales. He started off selling Kirby vacuum cleaners, which gave him valuable experience in talking to people and learning sales. This led him to explore different sales options, eventually landing him in the insurance industry. While it was fun at first, Blanchette started asking the bigger questions in life like why are we here, and what is our purpose.  That led him to believe selling insurance wasn't his reason for being here.  That's when he quit and started looking for his purpose.  He found it in mushroom farming and opened Union City Farms, a grower of gourmet mushrooms. 

✨ FREE GUIDE: Soften Your Inner Critic in 7 Days: A Guide to Stop Getting In Your Own Way

📍 Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction
00:34 – From Insurance Industry to Mushroom Farmer
01:10 – Early Life, Home Life, and Path to Insurance
02:11 – The Challenges and Successes in Insurance Sales
03:39 – Why Patrick Left His Insurance Career for Purposeful Living
04:31 – Discovering Mindfulness, Meditation, and Spiritual Growth
05:26 – Using Meditation for Personal Transformation and Business Growth
07:02 – Making the Leap: Transitioning from Career to Farming
09:52 – Facing Fears and Embracing Change
12:23 – The Power of Alone Time, Meditation, and Following Your Heart
16:22 – Why Mushrooms? Choosing a Niche for Sustainable Agriculture
20:46 – Building Union City Farm and Exploring Mushroom Varieties
25:19 – Lifelong Learning: Reading, Documentaries, and Growth
28:01 – Reflections on Education, Learning, and Personal Passion
29:44 – What to Expect at Union City Farm’s Storefront
31:38 – Farmers Markets, Community, and Future Expansion Plans
33:10 – The Health Benefits of Mushrooms and Cooking Inspiration
36:51 – Defining Purpose & Spreading Love Through Food
38:06 – Psychedelics, Healing, and the Future of Mushrooms
40:26 – How to Visit and Connect with Union City Farm
41:06 – Closing

 💡Key Takeaways

In this episode you'll learn:

How to change your career 
How to overcome the fear of change 
How to pursue passion over profit
How to start a sustainable farming business 
How to benefit health from eating mushrooms
How to intentionally live
How to know where your food comes from
How to use meditation to make better decisions 

 🚀 Start Here If You’re New

1. Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: How to Trust Your Success as a High-Achiever | EP 45

2. Overcoming Others' Expectations: 3 Stages to Living an Authentic Life | EP 48

3. Should You Quit Your Job? How to Know When it’s Time for a Career Pivot | EP 39

 👥How To Connect

Workingtowardsourpurpose.com

Watch on YouTube

Substack

Instagram

LinkedIn

WTOP Merch

Feedback Form WTOP.com

Book recommendations
Dr. Joe Dispenza - Breaking The Habit of Being Yourself: How to Lose Your Mind and Create a New One
Pema Chödrön - Taking the Leap: Freeing Ourselves from Old Habits and Fears

Connect with Patrick:

• Follow Patrick on IG
• Follow Patrick on FB
• Go to Union City Mushroom Farmhouse

Are you someone who think's they can't meditate? If you are, you better tune in to this episode with Kobéy Smith.  As someone who used to believe the same, Kobéy might just be the guy to get you to rethink what meditation is.  We talked about the stigma of what people think it is, and what it actualy can be.   We also discuss his entrepreneurial journey and the power of failing and pivoting and not giving up.  Lastly Kobéy is a podcaster too, and we both agreed on the importance of authenticity in the podcasting world.

Bio: Kobéy Smith is a certified meditation instructor, mental health advocate, and small business support specialist with the Greater New Haven Chamber of Commerce. Whether it's through his expertise in mental health or business, Kobéy is dedicated to using his skills to advance the well-being of those around him.  As the founder of Kobéy Enterprises, he is always evolving his business and he learns and grows.  Kobéy is also a podcaster, his show Chattin' with Kobéy can be found on all streaming platforms. 

✨ FREE GUIDE: Soften Your Inner Critic in 7 Days: A Guide to Stop Getting In Your Own Way

📍 Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction
00:55 Kobey Smith's Background and Motivations
02:22 Early Life, School Experiences, and Influences
06:24 Discovering Meditation & Mental Health Journey
10:41 Meditation Advice for Beginners
14:08 Self-Care and Wellness for Entrepreneurs
17:45 The Story Behind Kobey Enterprises
24:38 Supporting Local Business Through the Chamber of Commerce
30:48 Starting "Chatting with Kobe" Podcast
35:09 Challenges & Authenticity in Podcasting
40:09 Defining Purpose & Giving Back
44:53 What's Next for Kobey and How to Connect
47:03 Closing Remarks

 💡Key Takeaways

In this episode you'll learn:

How to picot in business
How to use meditation to overcome anxiety 
How to use mindfulness practices everyday 
How to break the stigma of mental health struggle
How to have self care for entrepreneurs 
How to get involved with your chamber of commerce 
How to network with purpose
How to cultivate a growth mindset

 🚀 Start Here If You’re New

1. Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: How to Trust Your Success as a High-Achiever | EP 45

2. Overcoming Others' Expectations: 3 Stages to Living an Authentic Life | EP 48

3. Should You Quit Your Job? How to Know When it’s Time for a Career Pivot | EP 39

 👥How To Connect

Workingtowardsourpurpose.com

Watch on YouTube

Substack

Instagram

LinkedIn

WTOP Merch

Feedback Form WTOP.com

Connect with Kobéy:

• Follow Kobéy on IG
• Chattin' with Kobéy Podcast
• Connect on LinkedIn

This summer, the powder ridge mountain of Connecticut will be the home of the first annual Transcend yoga and wellness Festival, and today I sat down with Allie O'kane, the creator and founder of this amazing event. Allie shares her inspiring story of pursuing her passion for yoga, holistic healing, and above all helping others. She discusses the challenges of balancing a 9to5 job with her endeavors, her journey with different types of yoga, and bringing her vision for the Transcend Fest to life. Join me as we delve into Allie's transformative journey and learn how she is working towards her purpose.

Bio: Allie O'kane is a certified yoga teacher with a passion for holistic healing. After completing her 200-hour training in Vinyasa and power yoga, she went on to gain certifications in reiki and crystal healing. Allie discovered Kundalini yoga and found it to be the perfect fit for her teaching style. Now certified at 500 hours, she focuses on teaching Kundalini yoga and offering astrology readings, crystal healing, and reiki. Always eager to expand her knowledge, Allie continues to seek out new certifications and opportunities for growth in her practice.

✨ FREE GUIDE: Soften Your Inner Critic in 7 Days: A Guide to Stop Getting In Your Own Way

📍 Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction
01:10 - Allie’s Background: Childhood, Education & First Steps
02:27 - Navigating College, Early Career, and Discovering Yoga
04:31 - Love of Movement: Cheerleading, Yoga, and First Experiences
06:25 - Tips for Beginners Starting Yoga
07:27 - What Is Kundalini Yoga?
08:47 - Moving Energy, Flexibility & Mindset in Yoga
09:35 - Allie’s Journey into Reiki & Crystal Healing
11:20 - Real Results of Energy Healing
12:10 - Exploring Astrology and Allie’s Approach
13:35 - Planetary Herbalism & Medical Astrology
14:57 - Transcend Fest: What Is It & How It Began
16:21 - Classes, Lectures & Unique Offerings at Transcend Fest
17:36 - Building Festival, Teamwork & Teacher Community
20:57 - Community Impact & Welcoming Newcomers
21:31 - Circles, Support Spaces, and Novel Experiences
22:24 - Logistical Challenges: Building the Festival & Future Plans
24:35 - Purpose: What Does It Mean To Allie?
26:42 - Finding True Calling: The Kundalini Shift
28:04 - How to Join Allie’s Yoga Courses
29:30 - Private Instagram Community & Virtual Classes
32:36 - Looking Ahead: Festivals & Goals for 2024
33:20 - Final thoughts 

 💡Key Takeaways

In this episode you'll learn:

How to discover purpose through wellness
How to create a yoga festival in Connecticut 
How to integrate astrology in holistic wellness
How to build community and connection
How to make yoga accessible to beginners 
How to find and live your purpose

 🚀 Start Here If You’re New

1. Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: How to Trust Your Success as a High-Achiever | EP 45

2. Overcoming Others' Expectations: 3 Stages to Living an Authentic Life | EP 48

3. Should You Quit Your Job? How to Know When it’s Time for a Career Pivot | EP 39

 👥How To Connect

Workingtowardsourpurpose.com

Watch on YouTube

Substack

Instagram

LinkedIn

WTOP Merch

Feedback Form WTOP.com

Connect with Allie:

• Follow Allie on IG
• Learn more about Transcend Yoga and Wellness Fest
• Allie's Kundalini Yoga membership group 

Today I reflect on the one year anniversary of the podcast and the 3rd year anniversary of me deciding to leave the corporate life.  I talk a little bit about my journey of entrepreneurial challenges, redefining how my business serves me, and how embracing my authenticity will lead me to my next step. In this shorter episode I take an introspective dive into my own path towards purpose.

✨ FREE GUIDE: Soften Your Inner Critic in 7 Days: A Guide to Stop Getting In Your Own Way

📍 Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction 
00:56 – Podcast Anniversary Reflections
01:39 – Quitting Corporate & Life Changes
01:54 – Celebrating Milestones & Personal Growth
02:41 – The Realities of Running Pleasant Podcasts
04:32 – The Entrepreneurial Journey & Lessons Learned
05:07 – Finding Fulfillment in Part-Time Work
06:39 – Rethinking What Work & Purpose Mean
08:07 – Redefining Pleasant Podcasts & Future Direction
10:18 – Being Open to New Opportunities
11:35 – Embracing Authenticity & Helping Others
12:57 – Looking Ahead: Goals for the Podcast & Substack
13:42 – Closing Remarks

 💡Key Takeaways

In this episode you'll learn:

How to leave a corporate job for fulfillment
How to build a meaningful business
How to balance work, life, and income
How to redefine success
How to use failure to learn
How to value authenticity 
How to evolve a business

 🚀 Start Here If You’re New

1. Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: How to Trust Your Success as a High-Achiever | EP 45

2. Overcoming Others' Expectations: 3 Stages to Living an Authentic Life | EP 48

3. Should You Quit Your Job? How to Know When it’s Time for a Career Pivot | EP 39

 👥How To Connect

Workingtowardsourpurpose.com

Watch on YouTube

Substack

Instagram

LinkedIn

WTOP Merch

Feedback Form WTOP.com

In this episode I spoke with author, speaker, founder of the nonprofit Pajama Program, and someone who was featured on Oprah, Genevieve Piturro.  I was so inspired by her book Purpose, Passion, and Pajamas, that I had to have her on the podcast.  We had such an inspiring discussion I'm really excited to share this episode.  Genevieve takes us on a journey from her traditional Italian upbringing to her successful corporate career and ultimately to the moment of realization that led her to create a lasting impact through following her heart and leaving behind a successful career.  We explore the power of following one's passions and uncovering one's purpose, the impact of trusting the process, and the importance of finding support from your people. Listen as Genevieve shares her wisdom and experiences, inviting us to reflect on discovering our own unique purpose and inspiring change, no matter how daunting it may seem.

Genevieve Piturro was born into a loving Italian-American family, where she felt the pressure to uphold traditions. However, she had a different calling in life. After working in a successful corporate career, Genevieve had an encounter with a group of children living in a homeless shelter, which changed the trajectory of her life. She founded the non-profit organization "Pajama Program," which provides new pajamas and books to children in need.  She has since dedicated her life to helping those less fortunate. Genevieve's story is a testament to following one's passion and making a difference in the world.
 
✨ FREE GUIDE: Soften Your Inner Critic in 7 Days: A Guide to Stop Getting In Your Own Way

📍 Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction
00:55 Genevieve’s Early Life and Italian Family Traditions
02:55 Building a Corporate Career and Listening to the Heart’s Voice
04:00 First Experiences with Children in Shelters
05:58 The Birth of Pajama Program
07:05 Heart vs. Head: Making Purpose-Driven Decisions
10:01 Balancing Corporate Life with a Calling
13:03 Finding Support and Facing Skepticism
15:07 The Moment Genevieve Left Corporate for Purpose
18:00 Embracing “Selfishness” for Positive Impact
20:18 Sharing Purpose and Inspiring Others to Change
22:28 Advice for Starting on Your Purpose Path (“Jumper” vs. “Slider”)
25:23 The Power of Human Connection
27:27 Purpose, Legacy, and The Power of One Another
28:42 Trust, Coincidence, and Manifesting Purpose
31:25 Vision Boards, Meditation, and Getting on Oprah
34:17 Key Books and Resources That Influenced Genevieve
37:54 What’s Next: Speaking Engagements & Spreading Inspiration
39:32 What Does Purpose Mean to You?
42:32 Closing Remarks

💡Key Takeaways

In this episode you'll learn:

How to listen to your heart over your head
How to go from a corporate career to starting a nonprofit
How to harness the power of human connection
How to overcome fear and self doubt
How to manifest with a vision board 
How to make a change
How to be honest and self reflect
How to evolve your purpose through curiosity 

 🚀 Start Here If You’re New

1. Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: How to Trust Your Success as a High-Achiever | EP 45

2. Overcoming Others' Expectations: 3 Stages to Living an Authentic Life | EP 48

3. Should You Quit Your Job? How to Know When it’s Time for a Career Pivot | EP 39

 👥How To Connect

Workingtowardsourpurpose.com

Watch on YouTube

Substack

Instagram

LinkedIn

WTOP Merch

Feedback Form WTOP.com

Connect with Genevieve:

• Genevieve's Book: Purpose, Passion, and Pajamas
• Pajama Program
• Genevieve's website 
• Follow Genevieve on IG
• Watch Genevieve on Oprah
• Exercise to find your purpose 

In today's episode of Working Towards Our Purpose, I sat down with Alex Angeloff, owner of Remedy Co and The Cultured Cafe. Alex shares his journey from a background in drug dealing and spending time in prison to founding a craft CBD company, and later opening a cafe that specializes in fermented foods.  We talk about personal growth, healthy eating, and the impact of aligning values with actions. Join me for an insightful and inspiring conversation as we delve into Alex's path to purpose-driven entrepreneurship.

Alex Angeloff grew up in Westville in New Haven and comes from a long line of pharmacists. He bounced around from college to college before finally deciding to quit attending and going all in on his CBD business.  He now has multiple employees that help him run his CDB store in Wallingford and his health cafe in New Haven.
 
✨ FREE GUIDE: Soften Your Inner Critic in 7 Days: A Guide to Stop Getting In Your Own Way

📍 Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction 
00:54 Alex’s Upbringing and Early Influences
04:56 School, Creativity, and Skepticism of the Medical System
07:36 Arrest, Incarceration, and Growth Mindset
11:55 Managing Mindset in Adverse Situations
16:41 Aligning Work with Personal Values
18:07 Life After Incarceration & The Road to Entrepreneurship
20:51 Discovering CBD and Starting The Remedy Co.
24:36 Building the Business & Overcoming Hurdles
26:08 Going Full-Time with The Remedy Co
29:12 Opening a Physical Storefront
32:46 Hiring & Transitioning to a Team
32:55 The Idea and Vision Behind The Cultured Cafe
36:44 Food Philosophy & What Makes the Cafe Different
41:02 Sourcing, Nutrition, and Food Transparency
42:17 Authenticity in Business & Social Media Approach
48:02 Where to Find Alex & His Businesses
50:47 Closing Remarks

 💡Key Takeaways

In this episode you'll learn:

How to grow a passion into a business
How to overcome adversity of being incarcerated 
How to build a purpose driven business 
How to have a commitment to authenticity 
How to scale a small business
How to have action over paralysis

 🚀 Start Here If You’re New

1. Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: How to Trust Your Success as a High-Achiever | EP 45

2. Overcoming Others' Expectations: 3 Stages to Living an Authentic Life | EP 48

3. Should You Quit Your Job? How to Know When it’s Time for a Career Pivot | EP 39

 👥How To Connect

Workingtowardsourpurpose.com

Watch on YouTube

Substack

Instagram

LinkedIn

WTOP Merch

Feedback Form WTOP.com

Connect with Alex:

• Cultured Cafe
• Follow Alex on IG
• The Remedy Co.
• Cultured monthly membership boxes

In this episode of Working Towards Our Purpose I talk to my friend Chelsea Paquin about journey from finding her footing in various marketing career paths, to navigating the challenges of van life, to embracing her passion for astrology. Chelsea reflects on her transition from traditional employment to freelancing after getting fired from a job.  She also talks about her experiences living in a van with her boyfriend for the past 4 years, and her deepening interest in astrology.  We explore the importance of being open-minded and the impact astrology has had on our personal growth. We discuss Chelsea's podcast "The Moon in Your Mind" and how she is transitioning from doing it with a cohost to going solo.  Chelsea gives various 1:1 astrology readings and has just opened up her very own membership! Links below!
 
✨ FREE GUIDE: Soften Your Inner Critic in 7 Days: A Guide to Stop Getting In Your Own Way

📍 Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction
00:47 Chelsea Paquin
01:59 The Journey Into Van Life
03:36 Transitioning Careers and Freelancing
07:12 Early Career: College and First Marketing Jobs
10:28 Moving for Work and Adjusting to New Places
12:10 Freelancing, Remote Work, and Upwork Experiences
16:16 Working for a Small Remote Company
18:57 Balancing Passion and Day Jobs
21:21 Building and Living in the Van
25:12 Adjusting to Minimalism and Small Space Living
27:58 Van Life Community and Changes Over Time
30:35 Will Van Life Ever End?
34:48 Problem Solving and Life Lessons from Van Living
35:02 Starting With Astrology
37:24 Changing Perspectives on Astrology
41:41 Astrology as Guidance and Personal Growth
43:12 Launching The Moon in Your Mind Podcast
45:32 The Future of the Podcast and Creative Freedom
49:37 Where to Follow Chelsea and Wrap Up

 💡Key Takeaways

In this episode you'll learn:

How to transition to living in a van
How to overcome setbacks to finding your purpose
How to build skills that transfer
How to actually live in a van
How to start a podcast with your friend
How to get into astrology
How to leverage side gigs to pursue multiple passions
How to be achieve personal development with open-mindedness

🚀 Start Here If You’re New

1. Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: How to Trust Your Success as a High-Achiever | EP 45

2. Overcoming Others' Expectations: 3 Stages to Living an Authentic Life | EP 48

3. Should You Quit Your Job? How to Know When it’s Time for a Career Pivot | EP 39

 👥How To Connect

Workingtowardsourpurpose.com

Watch on YouTube

Substack

Instagram

LinkedIn

WTOP Merch

Feedback Form WTOP.com

Connect with Chelsea:

• Chelsea's website
• Follow Chelsea on IG
• Winter Wellness Membership
• The Moon and your Mind Podcast
• Get an astrology reading by Chelsea

Derek Okley is an educator, business strategist, coach, and author who uses podcasting as a means to empower individuals and showcase the incredible work being done by ordinary people in their communities. He was initially inspired to pursue a career in education after witnessing the positive impact of his mentor in the special education department at a school in Brooklyn. This led him to work in a dropout prevention program where he absorbed valuable lessons and experiences. Seeking new challenges, Derek ventured into applying the knowledge he had acquired and spent several years teaching in East New York, Brooklyn. 

In this episode Derek shares his journey of following intuition, embracing change, and finding success in unexpected places.  Derek let's his curiosity lead him to making connections that lead him to finding her purpose.  He got into podcasting in the early days, and now teaches kids to podcast.  We talk about so many different things in this episode, but most of all I appreciate Derek's energy and motivational way of speaking.  Tune in to hear his whole story and all of the wisdom he shares!
 
✨ FREE GUIDE: Soften Your Inner Critic in 7 Days: A Guide to Stop Getting In Your Own Way

📍 Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction
00:54 – Background and early career in education
02:07 – Lessons learned and pivotal career moments
06:09 – Childhood interests and creativity through sewing
08:26 – The role of curiosity and following intuition
14:54 – Transitioning from corporate jobs to purposeful work
24:41 – Navigating change and alignment in career choices
28:24 – The importance of community, networking, and authentic connections
37:29 – Launching Behind the Wheel Podcast and embracing new media
41:59 – Coaching, storytelling, and helping others with podcasting
45:11 – Closing thoughts 

💡Key Takeaways

In this episode you'll learn:

How to make a career transition 
How to follow your intuition
How to lead with curiosity
How to have authentic storytelling 
How to use a podcast
How to network with your local community 
How to align values and work
How to have effective communication in business

 🚀 Start Here If You’re New

1. Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: How to Trust Your Success as a High-Achiever | EP 45

2. Overcoming Others' Expectations: 3 Stages to Living an Authentic Life | EP 48

3. Should You Quit Your Job? How to Know When it’s Time for a Career Pivot | EP 39

 👥How To Connect

Workingtowardsourpurpose.com

Watch on YouTube

Substack

Instagram

LinkedIn

WTOP Merch

Feedback Form WTOP.com

Connect with Derek:

• Derek's website
• Follow Derek on IG
• Behind the Wheel Podcast
• Download Derek's Book "Mine Ur Own Business"