Unconventional Leaders

Topics: Overcoming anger and using your voice in a positive way. Mutuality's role in respect How parents can teach their children consent. What is at the root of disrespect?   Show Notes: After getting a phone call that his younger sister had been raped, Mike Domitrz decided to dedicate his life to teaching the concept of "respect" in schools, businesses, and organizations all over the world. He shares a powerful story of how he and his family were able to shift the inevitable pain and anger they felt after this experience and pour their energy into "leading with love" and fighting to shift the way a culture views respect and consent. After two decades in this business, he has powerful insight of what we can do as leaders (and human beings) to create a culture of respect in our homes, teams, and relationships.   Connect with Mike: Website: www.CenterForRespect.com Social Handles: * www.Instagram.com/MikeRespects * www.FaceBook.com/MichaelDomitrz * www.FaceBook.com/CenterForRespect * www.YouTube.com/c/CenterFo

Sometimes we feel limited to only a few choices in life. We need to go to this school, get this degree, and take the best paying job we can find. Creating a life on your own terms seems far fetched. However, my friends... there ARE people out in the world who are able to use their gifts and talents in unconventional ways and live a life free and in control of their time.   I was super honored to connect with Michael Venn, and incredible Youtuber, English teacher, juggler, actor, (etc., etc.) about how he has used platforms like YouTube to build a brand and business around the kind of life that he wanted to live. I have been following Michael for a couple of years now and it was so cool to hear in his own words how he has shaped his career, his best Youtube tips, and a word of encouragement to listeners that it is “never too late.” Topics Discussed: How he transitioned from “no one is watching these videos” to seeing traction. Is it too late to start on Youtube? Creating an unconventional career on your own

One of the main reasons that I wanted to start this show was to spread the idea that those who have been through some of the hardest things, make the best leaders. It’s easy to discredit ourselves because of the struggles that we have had in our past. However, our story is often the thing that we can use to really influence others and make an impact. Omar Pinto joins us today and shares with us about his recovery journey from alcoholism and drugs and how he uses his story to make an impact in the lives of those around him. He said after his daughter was born, he had a “burning boat moment” and has not looked back. Omar shares his powerful story of recovery, forgiveness, and walking into his calling. Topics Discussed: What causes us to change? Letting go of anger and resentment. Why ‘Finding Your Voice’ is all about baby steps   Connect with Omar: https://omarpinto.com/ --   Join the Lab: HeatherParady.com/ContentLab   -- Connect with us! Facebook group: https://bit.ly/2lPut5A Website: heatherparady.com Su

What was the most monumental thing that you learned from a past failure? Maybe you discovered how you are able to handle pressure in heated conversations. Or maybe you realized the role of the important people in your life after a failed business venture. One of the biggest connections we have as people are the stories that we share out of our painful experiences.   Our guest this week, brand strategist and author of Rebel Brands and Human Always, Justin Keller joins us as we discuss how to use our hardships as life lessons we can learn from. Justin tells us that when he discovered the importance of personal relationships, he was able to help use his story to connect with other people. When we begin to understand the trials in our lives, we are able to use what we have learned to help leave an impact on those around us. Topics Discussed: The importance of establishing personal relationships Why discipline matters more than hustle Understanding hardship as a luxury to learn from Using our stories as leverag

Do you struggle with self-doubt? You know, that voice that tells you all the reasons why you should give up on your dreams? We all have self-limiting beliefs that inhibit us from reaching our goals. But what if there was a way we could rewire our brains into believing that we can achieve anything we put our mind to?   Our guest this week, 2x’s Olympic Medalist and owner of Fix Your Mindset LLC, Katherine Adamek shares with us how practicing meditation and self-awareness can bring you closer to reaching your goals.  Katherine tells us that when we are able to shift our mindset from constantly striving towards perfection to a mindset of gratitude, we are fully capable of connecting to our vision. When we realize that we do actually have the ability to change the world around us, then we are able to fully step into our callings. Resources Mentioned: My Stroke of Insight  TED Talk by Jill Bolte Taylor Vision Pursue Health and Fitness APP - promo code: KAC12 The 5 Second Rule book by Mel Robbins Katherine’s m

A multi-millionaire who has never had a job? This week we are talking with Tom Antion from Screw the Commute. He has been a professional speaker and entertainer since 1988 and shares with us about the most UNCONVENTIONAL businesses he has started and how he has been able to generate millions of dollars by thinking outside of the box. Tom shares some powerful tips and ideas for business owners on how to make more money by working SMARTER (not harder). We discuss residual affiliate programs, why you should announce what you are going to do before you do it, and how creating success gives you the power to make an IMPACT in the lives of others.   Grab Tom’s Two Freebies: His $27.00 ebook "How to Automate Your Business: The 7 Figure Guide to Handling Tons of Clients and Prospects without pulling your hair out."  PLUS a whitepaper "What I learned from doing 120 High-Quality Podcasts" https://screwthecommute.com/automatefree/   Topics Discussed: The importance of presenting your products with the BENEFITS first. Wh

This week we are talking about how (and why) to go LIVE on social media (even as an introvert). We have storyteller and live stream expert Vanessa Lane joining us as she shares her journey of being in the video industry and falling in love with the power of live video. As someone who classifies herself as an “introvert”, Vanessa talks to us about how ANYONE can go live regardless of personality or tools. She gives practical tips about how we can be more professional in our live videos and connect better with our audiences. You can connect with Vanessa at: http://www.viewitdoit.com/   Topics Discussed: How (and why) to Go Live How to “use your voice” as an introvert Practical lighting and sound tips. Using non-verbals in video   Connect with Vanessa: Website Facebook LinkedIn Instagram Youtube   -- Join the Lab: HeatherParady.com/ContentLab   --   Connect with us! Facebook group: https://bit.ly/2lPut5A Website: heatherparady.com Social: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.yout

When was the last time you were truly present in a conversation with someone else? Can you remember a time where you just sat down with someone and truly listened to their story without trying to figure out what’s for dinner simultaneously? In this day and age, it is often a lot harder to truly engage and connect with those around us. Luckily, there are simple ways we can better connect with the people in our lives. Our guest this week, host of The Ginni Show, Ginni Saraswati joins us by sharing the importance of following your own version of what happiness and success looks like to you. Ginni also talks about her early start with working the night shift on a popular radio talk show. We talk about the importance of making your guests feel important by the way we listen to each other stories.   Topics Discussed: The art of listening to other people The importance of making people feel important Finding your version of happiness How to be a better podcaster/interviewer Learning how to follow the path that you

Imagine a world where keyboards cease to exist and we communicate strictly through augmented reality. Sound too far fetched and futuristic for ya? Well, the future may not be so far away after all. With devices like Alexa Voice making it easier to find information and do simple commands, we are currently living in a world where we are relying more on technology than ever before. So how can we use this to our advantage? Our guest this week, co-founder of Pragmatic and voice experience expert, Scot Westwater shares with us how voice technology is helping shape our businesses and the world around us. Scot explains that when we optimize our content using voice technology and flash briefing, we are putting our brands ahead of the game. Topics Discussed: How to optimize your content for voice technology Why the tone of your brand matters to your audience Using voice technology to answer FAQs for your website How to utilize Alexa voice for your business or brand How to optimize your SEO content for longtail info

Are you an author and need creative ways to market and sell your book? We are continuing our Unconventional Leaders series with two-time author Megan Starbuck who shares with us some awesome tips on how to move BEYOND digital marketing and find creative ways to sell our products. The inspiration for this came when Megan decided to cut back on the time she was spending on social media and make room for the things in her life that really mattered. She encourages us that we CAN have success without being glued to our phones. Sounds good, doesn’t it!? Topics Discussed: Not getting “stuck” in your own industry. Creative ways to sell your self-published book. How to break social media addiction. Connect with Megan: Website Pinterest Twitter   --  

So often we allow our failures to dictate who we are as people. We may make mistakes in our business but that doesn’t mean that we are a failure. Sure, we may not always make the best decisions or always have the right answers, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t keep striving for success.   Our guest this week, coach and therapist Julia Kristina shares how to turn our struggles into teachable moments and why it’s okay to suck. Often times our brains aren’t able to discern between actual threats and potential threats so we begin to play small. But, Julia tells that when we embrace our shortcomings and start taking ownership for our failures, we stop allowing our failures to define who we are.     Topics Discussed: Understanding the difference between a real threat and a perceived threat How to turn your struggles into teachable moments for your audience Why we need to share our stories with other people How to embrace failure and let yourself suck The importance of a good self-talk Connect with Julia Kristi

Have you ever felt like something was missing in your life? Maybe you struggle with finding friendships or maybe you’ve never been a part of something greater. But, what if the perfect opportunity to cultivate what you felt was missing was literally inside of you the whole time? What if the missing piece has been you all along? Our guest this week, owner of Love Everywhere, Ashley Reale wants to spread the message of hope and kindness. After spending her childhood feeling unloved by her family, Ashley has since been on a mission to spread love everywhere she goes. Since starting her business, Ashley has been able to cultivate communities who have been able to share kindness from all over the world.     Topics Discussed: How we can achieve greatness when we chase our dreams Why we shouldn’t worry so much about what other people think about us How simple acts of kindness can make a huge difference in the world Why we need to make the conscious decision to choose kindness daily How to become what you are lackin

Today I share a little spiritual rant with you. I think spirituality places a huge role in our lives, but sometimes I avoid talking about it. In this episode, I share a little of my background with you and my thoughts on spirituality and the role it places in unconventional leadership. Would love your thoughts! Connect with us in our Facebook group and let us know what you think. Facebook group: https://bit.ly/2lPut5A --   Connect with us! Website: heatherparady.com Social: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/heatherparady   --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/unconventionalleaders/message

Sometimes our circumstances inhibit us from living the life that we want to live. Maybe there were defense mechanisms you developed growing up that you are now having to unlearn. Or maybe you have made mistakes in the past that you are changing for the betterment of your family. However, despite all of the odds, you are still able to rise above whatever life throws at you. Our guest this week, entrepreneur and host of the Underdog Empowerment, Zachary Babcock shares how he was able to overcome the challenges of his past. To once being a convicted felon to now a successful entrepreneur, Zachary has been able to rise above his past mistakes in order to be the best father figure for his children. Not only has he been able to show up for his kids, but he is also using his story to help the underdogs share their stories to get the respect they deserve.   Topics Discussed: The importance of sharing your underdog story How to take back the ownership of your own life The importance of being vulnerable with your stor

Mark Black is a Heart and Double-Lung Transplant Recipient – turned – 4- Time Marathon Runner. A resilience expert, coach, and author, Mark helps people “Break Through” their challenges, limitations and his programs provide the tools to transform your adversity into your competitive advantage. In this episode, we talk about the importance of living on purpose, how to teach your kids about failure, and why we should take advantage of every day given to us.   Grab Mark’s free ebook: www.markblack.ca/freebook   Topics Discussed: What is resilience and why does it matter? How to take more risks and overcome the fear of failure How to make an impact just by being you   Connect with Mark: Website Instagram Facebook LinkedIn Twitter --  

Have you ever struggled with hope? Maybe you struggle with anxiety due to traumatic experiences in your life. Maybe you struggle with depression even if nothing seems wrong in your life. Dealing with mental health issues can leave us feeling empty because they tell us lies about our worth and value. However, there is a way out. When we allow ourselves the ability to ask for help, we can rely on hope for the future. Our guest this week, author of Struggling with Serendipity and lifelong disability advocate, Cindy Kolbe, shares with us how we are able to cope through depression and anxiety. Cindy shares with us the message of hope through the story of her daughter’s injury. Cindy explains the importance of asking for help and makings sure that our friends and family are aware of how we are feeling and what we are going through. When we are vulnerable with those around us and ask for help, we are able to hold on to hope. There is great power in sharing your story.   Struggling with Serendipity video https://www.

This week we are talking with author, speaker, and comic Lisa David Olson. Lisa shares with us how she has used comedy to not only cope with a traumatic childhood but also to connect with those around her. She has a powerful message about why sharing your story MATTERS and how we can use pain from the past to find new purpose and serve those around us.  We also dig into improv techniques and how we too can use comedy to make others feel comfortable and enjoy even mundane work days. Make sure to connect with Lisa using the links below!   Connect with Lisa: Website Grab her book Facebook --  

Have you ever wanted to start a business but weren’t sure what you were passionate about? Maybe you had an idea to pursue something great but never stepped up because you were afraid of what the critics might say. For most of us, it is easier to play small because we aren’t having to sacrifice our time and energy towards something that may or may not be successful in the long run. But when it comes to time and dedication, we are capable of so much more than what we give ourselves credit for. Our guest this week, author and entrepreneur, Tony Whatley, shares his experiences of starting businesses and showing up, even when times get hard. Tony tells us that when we play small or allow self-limiting beliefs to take over our mindset, we lose the ability to show up in our businesses. When money becomes our end-goal, we aren’t able to keep going because we lack the purpose and passion for our endeavors. During our conversation, Tony explains that when we begin to get vulnerable and uncomfortable within our business

We have been spending a lot of time on this show talking about mental health. WHY? Isn’t this show about leadership? Isn’t it about making an impact and building great things? Yup...that’s exactly why we need to talk about mental health.  Being a leader doesn’t make you any less human if anything it actually exposes our humanity. On the way to building your business, organization, or however, you are wanting to make an impact in this world, you are going to face levels of anxiety and this thing we call imposter syndrome. In this interview, therapist Julia Kristina joins us to share a few tips on how we as leaders can cope with the anxiety that inevitably comes with leading. Previous Interview with Julia: https://www.heatherparady.com/episode007/   Topics Discussed: Perfectionism’s  role in impostor syndrome How to use gratitude to overcome insecurity Mental toughness   Connect with Julia Kristina: Youtube Website 10 Minute Mindfulness Meditation Facebook Twitter --  

Do you struggle with wanting to connect with your audience but don’t know how? Maybe you have a story to tell the world but you fear rejection. Maybe you are afraid of having open and honest conversations because it’s hard to be vulnerable with strangers online. The truth is, there is power in sharing your story with others. Not only does it get easier to share the hard trials of heartache and brokenness, but sharing your story with others gives them permission to share their story. Your vulnerability could help someone share their story of growth and triumph.   Our guest this week, director and producer, Bryan Elliot, shares with us his adoption story and why it is important to have open and honest conversations. Bryan tells us that when we are able to share our stories with other people, we are able to connect on a deeper level. Sure, there are parts of our story that are very personal to us that we aren’t quite ready to share with the public. But, when we allow ourselves to step out of our comfort zones an