Author: Paul Gichia

Posted on

Leadership Beyond the Code

Shane Emmons:

Leadership Beyond the Code

Going from coding solo to managing 30 engineers overnight was a crash course in leadership for Shane Emmons. He quickly learned that success wasn’t about technical perfection—it was about fostering collaboration, aligning vision, and reducing fear-based decision-making

Bio

Shane Emmons is the Founder and CEO of Swept.AI, a company challenging the way we think about the management of artificial intelligence. With 25 years in the tech industry, Shane brings decades of deep expertise in data science and modeling, combined with 15 years of hands-on experience as a startup engineer and executive. His journey through the startup landscape includes early failures, 9-figure successes, and every waystation in between.

An active voice in technology discourse, Shane shares his rich insights through blogging and LinkedIn, focusing on critical issues such as AI ethics, organizational design, and technology and businesses strategies. At Swept.AI, he is at the forefront of developing advanced systems for validating and supervising AI agents, setting new benchmarks for ROI, reliability, and transparency in the field.

Shane’s leadership style is profoundly influenced by ‘teal’ thinking, which prioritizes adaptability, shared purpose, and self-management, a mindset cultivated under the mentorship of his long-time coach and friend, Dr. Keith Merron.

Topics

  • The transition from individual contributor to executive leadership
  • Why technical skills don’t make you a great leader
  • The role of fear in decision-making and how to manage it
  • How to lead through influence instead of authority
  • The importance of context-sharing in leadership
  • Lessons from managing an already-established team
  • How volunteering can develop leadership skills
  • Breaking down big goals to reduce stress and increase success
  • Why leadership is more about communication than execution
  • Learning to navigate office politics as a technical leader

Guiding Questions

  • What was the biggest challenge when you moved from engineer to executive?
  • How did your perspective on leadership change after managing a team?
  • Can you share a moment when you realized leadership wasn’t just about technical skills?
  • You mentioned fear plays a huge role in leadership—how did you learn to manage it?
  • What strategies helped you transition from “doer” to “influencer” in your company?
  • How do you approach making decisions when team members have different incentives?
  • What’s the hardest lesson you’ve learned about managing people?
  • Why do you believe volunteering can be a great leadership training ground?
  • How can leaders create a culture that allows for small failures without fear?
  • What advice would you give to someone moving from technical expert to business leader?

Interested in this guest’s story?

REQUEST THIS GUEST

Posted on

The Entrepreneur’s Leap

Mike Cassidy:

The Entrepreneur’s Leap

Many dream of leaving their 9-to-5 to start a business—but few understand the hidden pitfalls. Mike Cassidy made the leap from CEO to entrepreneur, learning first-hand what it takes to turn an idea into a sustainable business.

Bio

Sought out as an expert in entrepreneurship, Mike Cassidy has been a corporate CEO, a highly successful startup entrepreneur, angel investor, consultant, and award-winning lecturer on entrepreneurship. His experiences include many successful collaborations with organizations around the world.

Mike built his first startup company from the ground up, always with a focus on providing innovative, market-leading products—a critical strategy to continuously grow and sustain a company. Through these experiences (and thanks to many hard lessons learned!), he developed his breakthrough Be Different in What Matters® driving philosophy. Key strategies in this comprehensive approach include knowing What Matters to your customers, knowing your competitors better than they do, finding every opportunity to be Different, claiming a leadership position in your industry, and focusing on profitability every single day.

After selling his first startup, Mike became an angel investor involved in other startups and a consultant to other entrepreneurs. In addition, he served for fifteen years as a multi-award-winning lecturer in the Purdue University Certificate in Entrepreneurship and Innovation Program, which included exchange collaborations with other prestigious global universities. Thanks to these experiences, Mike understands entrepreneurs and their aspirations, noting “We are kindred spirits!”

Entrepreneurs value Mike’s uncommon mastery of the three essentials for business success: vision, execution, and profitability. He knows how to find market opportunities, create competitive advantage, and set the vision for success. He can then develop and guide highly effective teams to execute the vision with precision. He has the extraordinary capability to weave together these foundational elements to achieve profitability.

Teaching entrepreneurs to excel in these critical know-hows is the subject of Mike’s comprehensive, groundbreaking book for entrepreneurs, The Profitable Entrepreneur: Your Practical, Essential Roadmap to Grow and Sustain Your Business. Mike is a consultant for all types of industries and business topics as well as a professional speaker on the topic of entrepreneurship.

In addition to his passion for entrepreneurship, Mike is a loving husband of fifty years and an aspiring rock guitarist. Learn more about Mike’s consulting and speaking services at www.FortressStrategyGroup.com, and you can order multiple copies of his book for your entire team at www.TheProfitableEntrepreneurBook.com.

Topics

  • Leaving Corporate Life for Entrepreneurship
  • Why Passion Alone Isn’t Enough to Succeed
  • The Hidden Pitfalls of Starting a Business
  • How to Validate a Business Idea Before Investing
  • The Psychology of Taking Risks in Business
  • Building a Strong Company Culture from Day One
  • Common Reasons Startups Fail (and How to Avoid Them)
  • The Importance of Market Research Before Launching
  • Lessons from Scaling a Business to 125 Employees
  • How to Differentiate Yourself in a Competitive Market

Guiding Questions

  • What inspired you to leave your CEO position and start your own company?
  • What were the biggest fears you had when making the leap to entrepreneurship?
  • You mention that many startups fail—what are some of the most common mistakes new business owners make?
  • How can someone validate a business idea before investing money into it?
  • What’s your take on the “follow your passion” advice for entrepreneurs?
  • How did you build a strong company culture with 125 employees?
  • What was the biggest challenge you faced in scaling your business?
  • If you were starting from scratch today, what would you do differently?
  • How can aspiring entrepreneurs tell if their idea has a real market demand?
  • What advice would you give someone who’s afraid to take the leap into business ownership?

Interested in this guest’s story?

REQUEST THIS GUEST

Posted on

Defying the Gatekeepers

Shelly Snow Pordea:

Defying the Gatekeepers

When Shelly was falsely accused of stealing intellectual property, she found herself up against powerful figures in the publishing world. What followed was a defining moment of self-advocacy, resilience, and a deep reckoning with her own worth.

Bio

Shelly Snow Pordea is a storyteller at heart. Whether through novels, nonfiction, or children’s books, she weaves words that connect, heal, and inspire. Her journey began with Tracing Time, a beloved time travel romance that continues to captivate readers, consistently ranking among the top in its category on Amazon Kindle.

A passionate advocate for recovery and resilience, Shelly speaks openly about her experience as a cult survivor, helping others find their own path to healing. Her personal story is also at the core of an upcoming dramatic series, which she is co-writing with her brother, actor Jon Snow. Together, they are bringing their lived experiences to life in a way that is both deeply personal and universally compelling.

Beyond fiction, Shelly’s heartwarming children’s book, The Hug Who Had No Arms, quickly became a favorite, debuting as a bestseller on Amazon. Through this charming story, she celebrates the beauty of differences and the many ways we can express love.

Her latest novel, The Cheating Wife, takes a raw and honest look at the emotional aftermath of toxic manipulation and control. Drawing from her own journey of breaking free from a cult, Shelly crafts a powerful story of resilience, self-discovery, and the strength it takes to reclaim one’s life.

Shelly is excited to debut the first book of her new Flight Risk Spy series, The Night We Met, in March of 2025, with three other books following within the year. 

Follow along on social media @shellysnowpordea for updates, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and more stories that touch the heart.

Topics

  • How to stand up for yourself in a high-stakes professional situation
  • Overcoming self-doubt after a career setback
  • The hidden power dynamics in creative industries
  • The importance of intellectual property ownership for creatives
  • Transitioning from dependency on gatekeepers to independent success
  • The emotional toll of false accusations—and how to rebuild
  • Investing in yourself when the odds feel stacked against you
  • How to recognize and break free from undervaluing your own work
  • Finding resilience after professional betrayal
  • How creatives can protect their work and avoid exploitation

Guiding Questions

  • Can you take us back to the moment you first learned about the accusation against you?
  • How did you initially react, and what emotions did you experience during that time?
  • What gave you the courage to stand up for yourself in such a difficult situation?
  • Looking back, how do you think this experience changed your perception of your own value?
  • What were some of the biggest challenges you faced in the aftermath of the situation?
  • You mentioned going through a period of self-doubt—how did you pull yourself out of it?
  • What steps did you take to regain control of your career and financial stability?
  • What advice would you give to other creatives about protecting their intellectual property?
  • How did this experience shape your approach to working with clients today?
  • If you could go back and talk to yourself at the start of this ordeal, what would you say?

Interested in this guest’s story?

REQUEST THIS GUEST

Posted on

Success Beyond Wealth

Frank Agin:

Success Beyond Wealth

Frank Agin thought success was measured in wealth—until a simple comment from a client’s wife changed his entire perspective. In that moment, he realized he already had his reward and that true success isn’t about what we gain, but what we give.

Bio

Frank Agin works to empower small businesses to achieve more by helping them create dynamic professional relationships. He does this by operating a membership-based referral program (AmSpirit Business Connection) and shares insightful content via his podcasts, articles and book. Learn all about Frank at http://frankagin.com.

Topics

  • The unexpected wisdom that changed his perspective on success
  • Why true generosity isn’t about recognition or reward
  • How to find fulfillment in giving without expectations
  • The role of faith and unseen rewards in life’s journey
  • Shifting from a scarcity mindset to one of abundance
  • Redefining success beyond money and career achievements
  • Lessons in gratitude from those who face real hardship
  • The importance of perspective in navigating personal challenges
  • How our biggest insights often come from unexpected moments
  • Balancing ambition with contentment in a fast-paced world

Guiding Questions

  • Can you take us back to the moment that changed your perspective on giving?
  • How did that conversation reshape the way you approach generosity?
  • Why do you think people struggle with feeling unappreciated when they give?
  • What are some ways we can recognize the rewards we already have?
  • How did this shift in mindset impact your career and personal life?
  • In a world driven by achievement, how do we learn to embrace contentment?
  • What lessons can entrepreneurs and professionals take from your experience?
  • How do you balance ambition with gratitude for what you already have?
  • What role does faith or belief in unseen rewards play in your philosophy?
  • What advice would you give to someone feeling frustrated by giving without recognition?

Interested in this guest’s story?

REQUEST THIS GUEST

Posted on

Finding My True Self

Eileen Bild:

Finding My True Self

Eileen’s battle with fibromyalgia left her feeling lost and disconnected from her authentic self. But after embracing a path of healing that combined mind, body, and spirit, she not only regained her health but also uncovered her mission to help others ignite their inner light.

Bio

Eileen is CEO of Ordinary to Extraordinary Life/OTELproductions & OTEL Universe – A Universal Voice, Executive ROKU Channel Developer, Founder of The Core Thinking Blueprint Method, Breakthrough S.P.A.R.K. Coach, and Founding Member of JETSet Music Media,

She sparks people to see life through a higher perspective in order to thrive while being their authentic self. Her focus is on Core Thinking, the 3 C’s (Confidence, Courage, Clarity) and overcoming life’s adversities through strength with grace in order to achieve success in a way that is fulfilling and optimizes one’s potential.

Eileen & Trevor are building a legacy through their platform that gives others a voice for their passions, visions and dreams for their own life legacy. They welcome Partners & Alliances in the creative arts, media, and entertainment.

Authors, Publishers, Musicians, Promotors, Directors, Artists, Leaders, Entrepreneurs, Talk Show Hosts and Forward Thinkers are working together with Eileen and Trevor’s vision of a valued based world inspired by incredible talent, knowledge, collaborations, and growth through heart centered connections.

In addition to building a global web of ideas and business partnerships, OTEL Universe offers a variety of services that shines a light on those they serve.

Eileen is honored to work with Music and Entertainment Industry executives Jenny DuHaime and Tara Kye Maines as the JETSet Music Media Team. (J)enny (E)ileen and (T)ara, 3 Leaders, Digital Creators, and Influencers, have joined their talents to align themselves with likeminded industry professional collaboratives to deliver the best results for client’s campaigns.

Eileen teaches Mindfulness Meditation, Mindfulness Leadership, Validation, Communication Skills, & Leadership Skills. She is a talk show host, published author, inspirational and keynote speaker, and internationally syndicated columnist.

Topics

  • Holistic healing and the mind-body connection
  • Overcoming chronic illness through self-discovery
  • The role of mindset in physical health
  • Learning to set boundaries for wellness
  • Detoxing the mind, body, and spirit
  • Finding purpose after personal hardship
  • The importance of self-care and receiving
  • Breaking free from societal expectations of women
  • The power of saying “no” to unhealthy influences
  • Personal transformation through nutrition and movement

Guiding Questions

  • Can you take us back to the moment you realized you needed to change?
  • What was it like navigating the early days of fibromyalgia with little medical recognition?
  • What were the key turning points in your healing journey?
  • How did holistic practices contribute to your recovery?
  • What role did mindset play in your transformation?
  • What was the biggest lesson you learned from this experience?
  • How did discovering your life’s purpose change the way you live?
  • What advice would you give to someone feeling stuck in their illness?
  • How do you help others find their own inner spark?
  • What are some practical ways people can realign with their true selves?

Interested in this guest’s story?

REQUEST THIS GUEST

Posted on

Rising from Rock Bottom

Mayim Vega:

Rising from Rock Bottom

Mayim Vega never expected that expanding her family would push her to the brink—physically, mentally, and emotionally. Struggling with a severe health crisis and strained relationships, she found healing through unconventional methods, ultimately emerging stronger than ever.

Bio

Married since 2003, she raises her own 7 children plus 2 adopted that she cares for. She loves speaking on a wide range of topics that she has personal experience and success with, including business, marriage, parenting, education, faith, nutrition, herbs, holistic health, and life coaching. Mayim’s insights unlock new possibilities for thriving in every aspect of life – health, wealth, relationships, and personal / spiritual.

Topics

  • Overcoming health crises through holistic healing
  • The impact of stress on the body and mind
  • Blended families and the challenges of adoption
  • How mindset coaching can transform relationships
  • The journey from burnout to balance
  • Alternative approaches to healing hypothyroidism
  • The power of nutrition and organ supplements for hormonal health
  • Resilience in marriage and navigating tough seasons
  • Homeschooling while managing a business and large family
  • Learning to embrace hardship as a path to growth

Guiding Questions

  • Can you take us back to that moment when you realized your health was in crisis?
  • What were some of the biggest challenges in bringing two adopted children into your family?
  • How did you navigate the stress and strain on your marriage during this time?
  • What role did holistic healing play in your recovery?
  • You’ve mentioned mindset coaching was a game-changer—how did it shift your perspective?
  • What were the most effective changes you made in your diet that helped restore your health?
  • What advice would you give to other parents blending families or adopting children?
  • How do you balance being an entrepreneur, homeschool mom, and wellness advocate?
  • What are some of the biggest misconceptions about healing hypothyroidism naturally?
  • If someone listening is feeling overwhelmed and at rock bottom, what would you say to them?

Interested in this guest’s story?

REQUEST THIS GUEST

Posted on

Turning Loss Into Purpose

Carrie Schmitt:

Turning Loss Into Purpose

Carrie Schmitt’s story of tragedy and transformation revolves around her son’s unexpected death from cancer. Determined to make a difference, she founded Love Like Jackson, a nonprofit that provides therapy for grieving children and families while spreading vital awareness about childhood cancer.

Bio

Carrie Schmitt originates from Iowa, and resides in St. Louis, graduated with a Psychology degree, mother of 2, wife to Mike, former surrogate, non profit founder, childhood cancer advocate and a coffee snob. Carrie prides herself on finding joy in the little things in life. She drives all over the country for her son’s ninja and delicious coffee. Carrie’s path took a hard left when her precious 7 year old son, Jackson, died leaving their family heartbroken and his younger sibling with debilitating anxiety.

This set a fire to Carrie and changed her path.

Her non profit, Love Like Jackson, is her heart’s work providing resources to families whose child has died. Carrie is a lover of words and was changed by the words of her therapist, Glen Doherty, who says if you replace the word “hard” with “important,” it changes how you approach things.

Topics

  • The emotional impact of childhood cancer on families
  • Turning grief into advocacy and action
  • The importance of providing therapy for children who’ve lost a sibling
  • How losing a child changes your perspective on life
  • Creating a nonprofit from personal tragedy
  • Raising awareness for underfunded childhood cancer research
  • Kindness as a tool for healing and resilience
  • Coping with anxiety and grief in the aftermath of loss
  • The emotional toll of surrogacy in the face of personal loss
  • The power of community support for grieving families

Guiding Questions

  • What was the moment when you realized that Jackson’s illness was more than just a leg pain?
  • How did you manage to balance being a surrogate with what your family was going through?
  • Can you talk about the first steps you took after Jackson passed away, and how you decided to start Love Like Jackson?
  • What were some of the biggest challenges you faced when starting your nonprofit?
  • How did your personal grief shape the way you advocate for childhood cancer research today?
  • What role did therapy, both for your son and yourself, play in your healing process?
  • How do you manage to spread kindness despite the immense pain you’ve been through?
  • What advice would you give to other parents facing a similar loss?
  • How has your view of kindness and empathy evolved since Jackson’s death?
  • Can you share some of the ways that Love Like Jackson has impacted other families?

Interested in this guest’s story?

REQUEST THIS GUEST

Posted on

The Power of Pause

Jason Tremblay:

The Power of Pause

After years of running a multimillion-dollar business, Jason faced an unexpected mental health crisis during the pandemic. Through this challenging experience, he discovered the power of mindset and coaching and now helps others find balance amidst the chaos of modern life.

Bio

From Resilience to Leadership: A Journey of Transformation

At just 19, I stepped into the world of sales, not knowing it would become the foundation of a 24-year career. My entrepreneurial spirit led me to establish a successful consumer electronics business, which I ran for 16 years. The journey wasn’t without challenges—there were setbacks and struggles that tested my resilience and shaped my approach to leadership. In 2023, I exited the business, but the following year brought an even greater personal challenge. I was diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) in 2024, a moment that forced me to confront my mindset and embark on a journey of intense mental work to rebuild my confidence, purpose, and vision.

This transformation gave me the clarity to channel my energy into helping others. With the guidance of mentors like Dan Lok, Alex Mandossian, Richmond Dinh, Tony Kay, and Mary Morrissey, I developed the 5P Leadership Blueprint—a proven framework that helps men in business master their mindset, overcome obstacles, and lead with clarity, balance, and purpose. My mission is to show others that even the toughest challenges can be the catalyst for a more empowered and impactful life.

Topics

  • Managing mental health while running a business
  • The impact of COVID on entrepreneurship and mental wellness
  • Overcoming burnout: Jason’s personal story
  • The role of mindset in business success
  • Why anxiety is rising in today’s fast-paced digital world
  • Finding balance in the age of social media and constant stimulation
  • The importance of self-awareness in overcoming mental health challenges
  • E-commerce and the challenges of building a business during uncertain times
  • How to use vibrational energy and mindfulness practices in business
  • From business owner to business coach: A journey of self-transformation

Guiding Questions

  • Jason, you went through a major shift in your life after experiencing a mental health crisis. What was that process like for you?
  • How did you come to understand the link between anxiety and the fast-paced digital world we live in?
  • Can you talk about the moment when you realized it was time to step away from your business and focus on your mental health?
  • What is the biggest misconception people have about anxiety and its impact on business owners?
  • You mentioned the power of mindset work. How can someone start developing a healthier mindset, especially if they’re facing anxiety?
  • How does the rapid pace of technology and social media affect our mental health, and what can we do to manage it?
  • What does it mean to “shift your vibration,” and how can that help someone in their personal or professional life?
  • You’ve transitioned into coaching—what was that experience like, and how has it shaped your perspective on business?
  • Can you share more about the role of e-commerce in your journey and how you’ve used it to fuel your growth?
  • What advice do you have for people who feel overwhelmed by everything happening in the world and need to regain control over their mental well-being?

Interested in this guest’s story?

REQUEST THIS GUEST

Posted on

From Darkness to Light

Nikki Serenity:

From Darkness to Light

At 17, Nikki Serenity found herself alone across the country, abandoned by the person she trusted most. Facing homelessness, emotional abuse, and deep depression, she had to decide whether to sink or fight for a new life.

Bio

The first thing that comes to mind in the spiritual world is the time I realized God was the real deal when I heard Him speaking to me at church. I could also talk about how I got demons to stop startling me awake every morning weeks straight.

Topics

  • Overcoming childhood bullying and rejection
  • The hidden struggles of teenage depression and self-harm
  • How emotional abuse rewires self-perception
  • Surviving unexpected homelessness as a teenager
  • The power of faith in mental health recovery
  • Breaking free from toxic relationships
  • The psychology of self-worth and confidence-building
  • Transforming trauma into personal and professional success
  • Rewiring negative thought patterns for long-term happiness
  • How gratitude and mindset shifts create new opportunities

Guiding Questions

  • Can you take us back to the moment when you realized your long-term relationship was turning toxic?
  • What was it like navigating homelessness as a 17-year-old across the country?
  • How did your experiences with bullying and rejection shape your early self-perception?
  • What were the biggest turning points in your journey to healing?
  • You mentioned that depression and attention can be addictive—how did you break that cycle?
  • How did finding faith play a role in your transformation?
  • What were some of the most effective mindset shifts that helped you overcome self-doubt?
  • After everything you went through, what gave you the courage to step into the world of modeling and media?
  • What advice would you give to someone who feels stuck in a cycle of depression or self-hatred?
  • Looking back, what would you tell your younger self during your darkest moments?

Interested in this guest’s story?

REQUEST THIS GUEST

Posted on

Guided by Purpose

Jeff Patterson:

Guided by Purpose

Jeff Patterson’s journey as a meditation teacher spans over three decades. In his practice, he discovered three key principles—finding a strong personal “why,” committing to consistency, and the importance of having a guide—that he believes can transform one’s meditation experience.

Bio

Jeff Patterson has been practicing martial arts for the past 36 years, learning from highly skilled masters across seven countries. He has achieved black belt equivalency in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Eskrima, Muay Thai, Kenpō, Tai Chi, and Qigong. Deeply committed to the meditative arts, Jeff has studied their historical, philosophical, and health aspects, which led him to a transformative realization about the concept of yielding. His mission is to share his knowledge with others, having witnessed the profound impact his teachings have had on thousands of students. Jeff has authored three books, created two audio courses, and produced hundreds of videos on Tai Chi and Qigong, aiming to help others achieve their personal goals.

Topics

  • Developing a personal purpose for meditation.
  • How consistency shapes meditation practice over time.
  • The importance of mentorship in spiritual practices.
  • Overcoming common obstacles to starting and maintaining a meditation practice.
  • The mental and physical benefits of meditation.
  • How to find a meditation guide that aligns with your needs.
  • Building a meditation habit that lasts.
  • The role of meditation in reducing stress and anxiety.
  • The connection between mindfulness and overall health.
  • Meditation for athletes and enhancing performance.

Guiding Questions

  • What motivated you to start meditating, and how did that initial “why” influence your practice?
  • You mentioned consistency as a key to success—what does that look like in a daily meditation routine?
  • Could you share more about the ancient stone cutter story and how it relates to meditation?
  • How do you guide someone who is struggling with consistency in their meditation?
  • What advice do you have for someone new to meditation who doesn’t see immediate results?
  • What are some common misconceptions people have about meditation?
  • Why do you believe having a guide is essential for a meditation practice?
  • How can someone make meditation feel less like a chore and more like a rewarding habit?
  • What personal transformation have you experienced through your decades of meditation practice?
  • How does meditation help in stressful situations, and could you share any real-life examples?

Interested in this guest’s story?

REQUEST THIS GUEST