Working Towards Our Purpose

Working Towards Our Purpose

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Working Towards Our Purpose episodes

  • How to Monetize Your Creativity: A Guide to Artistic Entrepreneurship with Raheem Nelson | E20

    In today's episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with my friend Raheem Nelson, a talented artist and entrepreneur from New Haven. Raheem takes us through his artistic journey, from his early days as a cartoonist and illustrator all the way to having his art featured in Time Square in NYC. Join us as we explore Raheem's experiences with finding sustainable income as an artist, the power of having a job for financial support, and not being afraid to try new things. Get ready to be inspired as we uncover the secrets of creativity, entrepreneurship, and fulfilling your purpose in life!

    Raheem Nelson is a New Haven-born and raised artist who discovered his passion for art at an early age. Growing up with a love for comic books and cartoons, he began creating his own comics during grade school. As he entered high school at Aces ECA on Audubon Street, his artistic abilities started to flourish, especially in the areas of oils and life drawing. This led him to further his education at the School of Visual Arts in New York City, where he focused on cartooning but found that oil painting had the most significant impact on him. During his foundation year at college, he had the opportunity to explore various art forms, just like at ECA, and it was during the oil painting courses that he truly honed his skills and developed a familiarity with working on canvas. Now, Raheem creates his art digitally using his iPad and takes pride in incorporating his New Haven roots into his work, showcasing his unique perspective as an artist.

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


    📍 Timestamps:

    00:00 – Meet Raheem Nelson
    01:21 – Raheem’s Artistic Journey: From New Haven to NYC
    03:43 – Deciding on Art School & Early Influences
    05:10 – Returning to New Haven and Building a Career
    07:27 – Life After College: Finding Work as an Artist
    10:46 – Balancing Day Jobs and Creativity
    13:08 – Landing a Purpose-Aligned Job at Milford Arts Council
    16:12 – What is Graphic Recording?
    18:04 – How Raheem Started with Graphic Recording
    21:56 – The Power of Social Listening Murals & Community Engagement
    24:27 – Embracing NFTs as an Artist
    27:03 – The Story Behind the Solange Painting & NFT NYC
    32:59 – The Value of Trying New Things and Entrepreneurial Spirit
    39:13 – Transferable Skills and How Comic Books Influence Raheem’s Work
    40:08 – Defining Purpose and Aligning Happiness with Work
    42:22 – What’s Next for Raheem & How to Support His Work
    43:54 – Closing


     💡Key Takeaways

    In this episode you'll learn:

    How to use your community in your art
    How to build an art career 
    How to balance creativity with financial stability 
    How to cultivate business skills as an artist 
    How to get funding through grants
    How to find opportunities through community
    How to define purpose and alignment  

     

     🚀 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 Raheem:

    • Raheem's website
    • Follow Raheem on IG Arts page & Fashion Page
    • Follow Milford Arts Council
    45 min
  • How to Build Resilience in a New Business: Overcoming the Mental Challenges of Entrepreneurship with Dave Phelan | E19

    Today my guest Dave Phelan shares his entrepreneur journey from working in the corporate world, to starting his own startup app, to pivoting to a successful consulting business.  Dave is an entrepreneur who grew up outside Philadelphia and studied business at Susquehanna University. After college, he started working at an engineering firm but always had a desire to start his own business. Together with his college friend Phil, they came up with the idea for an app called Loople. The app aimed to provide users with information about daily specials offered by bars and restaurants. They left their day jobs to focus on building the app, which gained over 50,000 users, but after two years the app didn't achieve their desired monetization goals, so they decided to pivot in a new direction. 

    Dave and his partner Phil used what they learned developing their own app to help other small businesses do the same.  Founders Approach combines US-based project managers & talented global developers to bring businesses ideas to life without compromising on quality or value.  Dave also opens up about the difficulties of quitting his job and the extreme highs and lows of entrepreneurship. Join us as we dive deep into Dave's inspiring story and uncover the lessons he learned along the way.   

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


    📍 Timestamps:

    00:00 – Introduction 
    01:08 – Dave’s background: growing up, college, and first steps in business
    03:05 – How Dave got into app building and founding Loople
    05:38 – Overcoming challenges without a tech background
    07:43 – Transitioning from corporate to startup life: struggles and excitement
    11:05 – The importance of having a co-founder and support system
    13:01 – Working with friends as business partners: lessons learned
    17:10 – The pivot from Loople to Founders Approach
    20:07 – Letting go of a failed idea and finding new direction
    22:24 – Client acquisition and the power of networking
    26:20 – Starting the podcast "Why I Quit": inspiration and impact
    31:07 – Defining success as an entrepreneur
    34:28 – Current business challenges and the quest for sustainability
    36:58 – Excitement for the future and new entrepreneurial ventures
    38:30 – Closing thoughts


     💡Key Takeaways

    In this episode you'll learn:

    How to startup an app
    How to build a business with a partner
    How to pivot and grow a sustainable business 
    How to define your own success as an entrepreneur
    How to get word of mouth clients and referrals 
    How to connect entrepreneurs 

     

     🚀 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 The Dave:

    • Founder Approach
    • Listen to his podcast Why I Quit (listen to the episode I was on!!)
    • Connect with Dave on LinkedIn
    40 min
  • Building an Unconventional Business: How to Take Risks and Define Your Own Success with Dan Barletta | E18

    Dan Barletta is one of the founders and owners of the mobile cafe, The Jitter Bus.  Serving the New Haven community for almost 8 years now, the blacked out bus with artwork on it is a familiar site to locals.  An idea that came from witnessing a ice cream truck and a love for coffee, The Jitter Bus started out as a simple idea.  Through some hard work, perseverance, and learning some hard lessons, The Jitter Bus has become a staple downtown New Haven. 


    In this episode we talk about Dan's struggle with college and how a coffee shop on wheels gave him a purpose.  We discuss what it was like to bring the idea to fruition, how they survived the pandemic, and their future plans of expanding to a brick and mortar coffee shop.  We covered a lot in this episode but what I didn't mention was how good their dirty chai lattes are.  If you've never had coffee from The Jitter Bus, you need to go check them out!    
     

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


    📍 Timestamps:

    00:00 Introduction 
    00:56 Dan’s Background: Growing Up & College Experience
    02:39 Discovering Coffee Shops & Early Work Experiences
    05:08 The Birth of the Jitterbus Idea
    6:28 Starting the Business & Launching Kickstarter
    07:25 Choosing a Bus & The Build-Out Process
    08:58 Forming the Partnership & Business Planning
    10:29 Navigating City Regulations & Finding a Location
    11:29 The First Year in Business: Challenges & Lessons Learned
    13:43 Building a Following & Early Marketing Efforts
    16:47 Navigating the COVID-19 Pandemic
    19:56 Returning to Business: Recovery & Student Impact
    21:28 Adapting to Seasonal Shifts & Event Work
    22:20 The Farmers Market Opportunity
    24:45 Seven Years in Business – Reflections & Growth
    25:33 Making the Leap: Going Full-Time with Jitterbus
    27:19 Plans for the Future: Brick & Mortar Dreams
    28:38 Finding Support & Resources: Small Business Development
    32:31 Real Estate in New Haven & Finding the Right Location
    33:13 Dan’s Role in Business Finances
    34:18 Hiring, Company Culture & Looking Ahead
    36:03 Defining Success & Finding Purpose
    39:16 Where to Find the Jitterbus & Closing Remarks


     💡Key Takeaways

    In this episode you'll learn:

    How to start an unconventional business
    How to define your own success
    How to overcome the challenges of entrepreneurship
    How to build a brick and mortar coffee shop
    How to run a business with your friends 

     

     🚀 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 The Jitter Bus:

    • The bus can be found on corner of Hillhouse Ave. and Grove St. in downtown New Haven M-F and the Wooster Sq. farmers markets Sat mornings
    • Follow The Jitter Bus on IG
    • thejitterbus.com
    41 min
  • The Psychology of Connection: Why Vulnerability is the Key to Authentic Success with Karolyn Johnson | E17

    Karolyn Johnson is a devoted mother and passionate therapist. Despite not having a background in psychology, she made the bold decision to pursue a career in therapy after accepting her people person superpower. I met Karolyn a few years back when she was looking for someone to edit her new podcast and have had the opportunity to work with her ever since.  She believes in staying curious and invested in life, constantly evolving and learning. Alongside her partner Raya, she owns a group practice called Connected, Seen, & Heard which aims to create authentic connections and foster transformative experiences for individuals looking for healing and growth. Through their practice, they offer individual, couples, and family therapy, as well as in-person workshops, trainings, and events to bring people together with genuine connection.

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


    📍 Timestamps:

    00:00 Introduction
    00:34 Background and Journey Into Therapy
    04:00 Transitioning from Sales to Therapy: Taking the Leap
    07:36 Facing Fears and Making Career Changes
    10:17 Head vs. Heart: Making Authentic Decisions
    14:05 Finding Authenticity in Career and Life
    18:18 Building a Business With a Partner: Trust & Growth
    23:20 The Value of Passion Projects and Working With a Business Coach
    28:15 The Power of Connection: Why It Matters
    32:02 Vulnerability and Connection: How They Relate
    36:18 Creating and Participating in Community
    41:01 What’s Next for Karolyn & Connected Seen and Heard
    43:19 How to Connect With Karolyn & Closing Remarks


     💡Key Takeaways

    In this episode you'll learn:

    How to find purpose in career transitions 
    How to find authentic connections 
    How to overcome fear and pursue passion 
    How to be vulnerable 
    How to collaborate instead of compete 
    How to build a business around human connection
    How to engage the 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 Karolyn:
    Connected seen and heard website
    Connected Seen and Heard IG
    Connecting the Collective Podcast

    45 min
  • How to Network Without the Anxiety: Building Authentic Connections with Vanessa Moreno | E15

    Today I sat down with Vannesa Moreno who was born and raised in Bogota, Colombia, moved to the United States when she was 14, and is now a business owner, a mom, and an active member of the local entrepreneur community of New haven.  She owns Your CBD Store in North Haven, she's a Knownpreneur graduate, an active networker, and last year she was awarded the emerging leader for the Quinnipiac Chamber of Commerce.
     
    Vanessa opened her own CBD store in North Haven over three and a half years ago, but before that worked as a sales administrator at a tire recycling company, where she experienced stress, anxiety, and panic attacks. Through the suggestion of a friend she discovered the benefits of CBD products for her own well-being, which led her down the path to an opportunity to open her very own store.  She took the opportunity to open her own franchise when it came and has been growing as an entrepreneur ever since.

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


    📍 Timestamps:

    00:00 – Introduction
    00:59 – Vanesa's background 
    02:45 – Early career ambitions and how plans changed
    07:12 – Leaving a full-time job for entrepreneurship
    10:40 – The process of opening a CBD franchise and available resources
    13:32 – The importance of asking for help as an entrepreneur
    14:16 – How networking changed everything
    17:49 – Advice for newcomers to networking and stepping out of your comfort zone
    21:20 – CBD education: myths, facts, and how it supports mental health
    24:05 – The role of therapy and mental health in entrepreneurship
    26:46 – Continued learning as a business owner
    28:58 – Defining success in life and business
    30:55 – How to connect with 
    32:26 – Closing thoughts


     💡Key Takeaways

    In this episode you'll learn:

    How to transition from a corporate job to a business owner
    How to break stereotypes as an immigrant 
    How to focus on mental health 
    How to network as an introvert
    How to have a voice as a women in a male dominated space 
    How the CBD industry has changed 
    How to get support as a business owner

     

     🚀 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 Vannesa:

    • YourCBDstore on Facebook
    • Find Vannesa on LinkedIn
    • Follow YourCBDstore on IG


    Connect with me:

    • Subscribe to my Substack
    • Follow me on IG
    • pleasantpodcasts.com
    • If you would like to start your own podcast you can download my free Podcast Launch Roadmap to help you get started
    34 min
  • E15 A Quick Check-In

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


    📍 Timestamps:

    00:00 – Kendall’s Background: Education, Early Career, and Transition to Startups
    05:24 – Comparing Corporate vs. Startup Culture
    10:23 – Marketing Roles Explained: Sales Support, Brand Building, and Digital Strategy
    14:15 – Is Social Media Necessary for Every Business?
    19:15 – Identifying Target Markets and Brand Identity for Small Businesses
    21:20 – Copywriting: Art, Data, and Iteration in Messaging
    24:44 – Refreshing Branding & The Role of AI and ChatGPT in Marketing
    32:35 – Startup Skills vs. Corporate Specialization
    33:18 – How Kendall Joined Box and the Early Days of the Startup
    38:09 – Testing Models, Pricing, and Customer Segments at Box
    41:55 – Balancing Data and Gut Feeling in Business Decisions
    45:33 – How to Connect with Kendall and Box
    46:16 – Episode Wrap-Up and Closing Remarks


     💡Key Takeaways

    In this episode you'll learn:

    How to work in a startup and wear many hats
    How to create effective marketing strategies 
    How to know your target audience 
    How to reach your audience with authentic marketing 
    How to use digital marketing 
    How to lean into data to make decisions 
    How to balance gut instincts with market research
    How to build a company identity with brand foundations  

     🚀 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

    5 min
  • How to Market Your Business Authentically: Navigating Personal Brand and Identity with Kendall Egan | EP 14

    Today I sat down with Kendall Egan co-founder of Boxx, a startup that creates pre-fab work from home pods.  She has spent most of her career working in various aspects of marketing, including many startups, and owning her own marketing consulting agency.  We got into the vast field of marketing and talked about what areas are important for small businesses and startups.  This episode is like a mini masterclass in marketing.  Kendall is an expert in her field and shared a lot of her knowledge with us.  I will be taking some of the lessons learned back to my own business with a deeper understanding of what marketing is and can be.   

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


    📍 Timestamps:

    00:00 – Kendall’s Background: Education, Early Career, and Transition to Startups
    05:24 – Comparing Corporate vs. Startup Culture
    10:23 – Marketing Roles Explained: Sales Support, Brand Building, and Digital Strategy
    14:15 – Is Social Media Necessary for Every Business?
    19:15 – Identifying Target Markets and Brand Identity for Small Businesses
    21:20 – Copywriting: Art, Data, and Iteration in Messaging
    24:44 – Refreshing Branding & The Role of AI and ChatGPT in Marketing
    32:35 – Startup Skills vs. Corporate Specialization
    33:18 – How Kendall Joined Box and the Early Days of the Startup
    38:09 – Testing Models, Pricing, and Customer Segments at Box
    41:55 – Balancing Data and Gut Feeling in Business Decisions
    45:33 – How to Connect with Kendall and Box
    46:16 – Episode Wrap-Up and Closing Remarks


     💡Key Takeaways

    In this episode you'll learn:

    How to work in a startup and wear many hats
    How to create effective marketing strategies 
    How to know your target audience 
    How to reach your audience with authentic marketing 
    How to use digital marketing 
    How to lean into data to make decisions 
    How to balance gut instincts with market research
    How to build a company identity with brand foundations  

     🚀 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 Kendall Egan:

    • Boxx website
    • Follow Kendall on LinkedIn
    • Follow Boxx on IG
    • Kendall's email: [email protected]
    47 min
  • How to Find Purpose in the Pain: Overcoming Adversity and Healing Through Art with Saint Phifer | E13

    Saint Phifer is a unique abstract artist from Norwalk Connecticut that transforms simple concepts into meaningful saturated pieces of art that sparks the consciousness.  Through his artwork you can learn the origin and history of the subject as well as about his inspiration and story.  I met Saint recently at an art show here in New Haven where he was a panelist speaker and also displayed some of his work.  I resonated with a lot of what he said and after the show we had a great conversation that led to this interview.

    In this episode we talked about so many different things from how he first became an artist after struggling with his mental health to losing his corporate job which allowed him to further pursue his art and create everyday.  You can tell by the way he explains his work that art is what he is meant to do and I got to learn more about his creative process, and his outlook on life in this interview. 

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


    📍 Timestamps:

    00:00 - Introduction
    03:01 - Incorporating family, culture, and storytelling into his art
    04:08 - The influence of SAINT's mother and personal philosophy
    06:27 - Exploring curiosity and creativity in art
    08:44 - Shifting perspectives and remaining a lifelong student
    10:07 - The dart vs. feather analogy for focus and decision making
    11:39 - Leaving corporate life and finding true purpose
    12:23 - Growing up different, finding confidence, and staying authentic
    14:42 - SAINT discusses mental health and healing through creativity
    17:37 - The benefits of meditation, solitude, and self-care
    20:44 - The importance of saying no and staying focused
    22:28 - SAINT’s approach to meditation and being present
    24:58 - Selfishness as self-care and showing up as your best self
    26:53 - Building artistic community and connecting with Wabi Gallery
    29:11 - Networking vs. genuine conversation in the arts
    32:34 - SAINT’s definition of success
    34:51 - Valuing time, relationships, and saying no
    36:28 - What’s next for SAINT and how to connect with him

     💡Key Takeaways

    In this episode you'll learn:

    How to turn pain into art
    How to tell your story with art
    How to use curiosity as a driver for creativity 
    How to redefine success
    How to find your voice in art
    How to incorporate self care into your work
    How to keep creativity sustainable 
    How to support local artists

     

     🚀 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 Saint Phifer:

    • Follow Saint Phifer on IG
    • Follow WABI Art on IG
    38 min
  • How to Find Balance and Reduce Stress Using Tai Chi with Shirley Chock | E12

    Today I spoke with Shirley Chock owner of Aiping Tai Chi School.  Before being a business owner, she had a very successful career in finance working for startups, the city of New York, and at Yale University before walking away from her high profile job with a pension, benefits, and early retirement, to take over owning the Aiping Tai Chi School. 

    We talked about the importance of Tai Chi in her life and how it's much more than internal martial arts, but more of a way of being.  Using it to help cope with stress and the ups and downs of life.  Shirley has not only figured out how to run the tai chi school, but then also has figured out how to keep going when a global pandemic shut down her business completely.  Instead of taking it at a loss, she used the opportunity of rest to figure out how to become even more impactful and reach a wider audience than she already had, by taking her classes to the Twitch platform, allowing her to monetize quickly and keep the school going.  She became Twitch's first affiliate to stream international martial arts, quickly reached 55k followers on TikTok, and has over 100k on IG.

    I'm really excited about this conversation as I resonated with so many things Shirley spoke about, but the one that stands out to me the most is when we were talking about the difference between passion and purpose.  Shirley believes that we are here on this earth for a bigger purpose and it's up to us to figure out what that is.  Listen along as we discuss all things live and business.
     
    ✨ FREE GUIDE: Soften Your Inner Critic in 7 Days: A Guide to Stop Getting In Your Own Way


    📍 Timestamps:

    00:00 – Introduction
    01:30 – Shirley’s Early Career in Finance
    07:11 – Discovering Tai Chi & Dual Passions
    09:09 – Decision to Take Over the Tai Chi School
    13:38 – Making the Leap: Leaving Finance for Tai Chi
    18:08 – Entrepreneurship: Planning and Purpose vs. Passion
    24:44 – Listening To Yourself & Tai Chi as a Secret Scroll
    29:30 – Teaching Tai Chi & Building an Online Presence
    34:04 – Content Creation Mindset Shift
    41:15 – Growing a Global Community
    44:26 – How to Connect with Shirley and What’s Next
    46:27 – Closing Remarks 

     💡Key Takeaways

    In this episode you'll learn:

    How to make a career transition 
    How to follow your purpose and passion
    How to make an exit strategy to leave corporate America 
    How to shift your mindset for success
    How to engage an online community 
    How to grow an audience and brand online 

     

     🚀 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 Shirley:

    • Aiping Tai Chi Website
    • Follow her on IG
    • Follow her on TikTok
    • Follow her on Twitch
    48 min
  • The Psychology of Focus: How to Balance Multiple Businesses and Maintain Momentum with Michael Shawn Carbaugh | EP 11

    Today I sat down with Michael Shawn Carbaugh, who is a dedicated pastor, talented musician, and successful entrepreneur who understands the power of Community. He graduated with a degree in music and a minor in bible study. Michael embarked on a unique journey that combined his passions for music, ministry, and community building. As a pastor at Pond Hill Baptist Church, he takes on various roles, including leading music programs and working with young adults. Michael's entrepreneurial spirit led him to co-found Unison Games Cafe located in Hamden, CT, a welcoming space where people come together to enjoy games, coffee, and community. 

    We also talked about his new multi-use studio space in the works, that is going to include podcast, music, and lessons studio spaces!  We covered so many topics from the importance of time management in entrepreneurship, to getting a deal on your rent, to some advice on what it takes to have a business partner.

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

    📍 Timestamps:
    00:00 – Welcome & Introduction to Michael Shawn Carabaugh
    00:54 – Michael’s Background: Education and Music Journey
    05:16 – Launching Unison Games Cafe: From Community to Brick & Mortar
    08:50 – The Challenges and Process of Opening a Physical Store
    11:57 – Going Into Business with a Partner: Communication & Trust
    15:41 – Balancing Multiple Ventures and Time Management Strategies
    20:00 – The Importance of Focus, Flow State, and Avoiding Distractions
    25:46 – Introduction to Unison Studios: Vision for a Multiuse Space
    32:30 – Finding the Right Space and Mutually Beneficial Agreements
    33:45 – What Does Purpose Mean to Michael? Community, Faith & Impact
    37:01 – What’s Next? How to Support Michael’s Ventures
    38:29 – Final Thoughts

     💡Key Takeaways

    In this episode you'll learn:

    How to balance creativity with being a pastor 
    How to turn a love into a business
    How to manage your time and still be productive 
    How to get into a creative flow state
    How to run a business with a partner
    How to build community 
    How to find purpose
    How to build something new

     🚀 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 Michael Shawn:

    • Unison Games Café
    • Unison Studios
    • Unison Church
    • Pond Hill Church
    40 min

About Working Towards Our Purpose

From the publisher's feed

What if the problem isn’t your job, but the version of yourself you had to become to succeed in it? Corporate jobs don’t trap us because they’re evil. They trap us because they slowly teach us to disconnect from ourselves. If you're in corporate America and your life looks successful on paper but feels empty in practice, you’re not alone.