Author: Paul Gichia

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The Leadership Spark

Sara Causey:

The Leadership Spark

Feeling trapped in a stagnant career, Sara found herself at a crossroads. A documentary on Dag Hammarskjöld reignited her creativity, leading her to write about his leadership and eventually publish a children’s book designed to inspire introverted and highly sensitive kids.

Bio

Sara Causey is the owner of Causey Consulting LLC and the author of Decoding the Unicorn: A New Look at Dag Hammarskjöld, a compelling exploration of how one of history’s most inspiring leaders mastered the art of quiet leadership.

With a background in HR, staffing, and leadership development, Sara brings a unique perspective to Hammarskjöld’s timeless legacy, making his lessons accessible to leaders, entrepreneurs, and change-makers today.

Her work shines a light on humility, accountability, and the importance of fostering inclusion and cultural sensitivity in leadership. Through her writing, Sara inspires others to lead with purpose and compassion, helping them unlock their full potential.

Topics

  • How discovering a historical figure reignited Sara’s passion for writing.
  • Balancing a creative career while recovering from burnout.
  • The power of storytelling in leadership.
  • How introverted and highly sensitive children can thrive with the right support.
  • Learning to follow your passion and trust your calling.
  • Overcoming the fear of change when pursuing a creative path.
  • The impact of leadership lessons from historical figures on modern life.
  • How self-reflection and alignment lead to professional success.
  • The importance of resting and stepping away from hustle culture.
  • Navigating career crossroads and finding your true purpose.

Guiding Questions

  • What was it about Dag Hammarskjöld’s life that captivated you so deeply?
  • Can you walk us through the moment when you realized writing was your next step?
  • How did your background in staffing and HR prepare you for the creative work you’re doing now?
  • What challenges did you face while transitioning from corporate work to writing and publishing?
  • What’s the story behind your children’s book, and why did you choose to focus on introverted children?
  • How have you learned to balance your work ethic with taking care of yourself?
  • How do you deal with the overwhelming pressure of creating and staying productive while maintaining alignment with your values?
  • What leadership lessons from Dag Hammarskjöld stand out to you the most, and how do they apply today?
  • What does “alignment” mean to you in both your personal and professional life?
  • In a world that values constant hustle, how did you redefine success for yourself?

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Unseen, Unstoppable

Michelle Steiner:

Unseen, Unstoppable

Growing up with dyscalculia and other learning disabilities, Michelle struggled with school, self-doubt, and societal expectations. Despite the obstacles, she found a path to success and now helps others do the same.

Bio

Michelle Steiner lives with an invisible disability. From the start many people have told her she could not go to college, get her bachelor’s degree, get published or have the job she wanted. She has been able to do all of that and more. Michelle graduated from Slippery Rock University with a bachelor’s degree in Community Programing. She has articles published on The Mighty, Non-Verbal Learning Project, Dyscalculia Blog, The Reluctant Spoonie, Kalopina Collective, Imagine the World as One Magazine, and Word Gathering. Her photographs were featured in Word Gathering Independent and Work Ready. She works as a paraeducator in a school with students with disabilities. She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband and two cats.

Topics

  • Overcoming the stigma of learning disabilities
  • Dyscalculia: More than just being “bad at math”
  • The importance of self-advocacy in education
  • How to navigate college with a learning disability
  • Strategies for building confidence despite setbacks
  • The underestimated power of accommodations in education
  • Finding success outside of traditional expectations
  • How learning disabilities impact social experiences
  • Turning struggles into strengths: The mindset shift
  • Encouraging resilience in students with disabilities

Guiding Questions

  • What was your experience growing up with a learning disability?
  • Can you share a moment when you realized you had to advocate for yourself?
  • How did you overcome the discouragement from educators who doubted you?
  • What specific strategies helped you succeed in college despite dyscalculia?
  • How has your perspective on your disability changed over time?
  • What are some common misconceptions about learning disabilities?
  • How do you help others who are facing similar challenges?
  • What role did writing play in shaping your confidence and identity?
  • What advice would you give to students struggling with self-doubt?
  • How can schools and workplaces better support individuals with learning disabilities?

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Leadership and Burnout

James Zeigler:

Leadership and Burnout

After decades of climbing the career ladder, James Zeigler found himself at the top of his game—and at the edge of losing it all. In his journey from near-death to recovery, James learned that true success requires balance, integrity, and a shift in how we handle stress.

Bio

James is a husband, father, grandfather, keynote speaker, author, and a friend to many.

He is a seasoned leader with over 35 years of experience in healthcare, specializing in

helping individuals achieve a harmonious blend of leadership and life through self-

awareness and the reduction of both internal and external bullying. His work focuses on

empowering people to build stronger, more effective relationships, both personally and

professionally, by enhancing their communication and listening skills.

Throughout his career, James has held significant leadership roles, including

owner/operator of a private speech-language pathology practice, assistant professor,

Chief Operating Officer, and Chief Executive Officer. He has managed organizations

with operating budgets of up to $800 million and led teams of over 4,000 Full-Time

Equivalent Employees (FTEE). A proud U.S. Air Force Veteran, James also served as a

Senior Executive Service Member in the Veterans Health Administration, where he

contributed to shaping policy and leadership within the federal government. He holds a

life appointment by the President of the United States of America.

As a keynote and inspirational speaker, James is passionate about guiding others to

discover their full potential. His mission is simple: to equip people with the confidence to “one another”, fostering kindness, collaboration, and respect. His vision is to reduce

bullying by coming alongside the accusatory voice within each of us and partnering,

paving the way for a safer, more compassionate world. James is also a certified

Professional Christian Leadership Coach trained by the Professional Christian Coaching

Institute and Coach Training Institute. Hot off the press in November 2024, James

released his book: Chemical Courage: Reframing the bully within for a healthier world.

In this book he carefully protects the identity of over 70 anonymous contributors who

shared stories of being bullied and gives a compelling message from a near death

experience of his own.

James is also an ordained minister, a budding author, and a lover of music. He enjoys

playing guitar and writing worship music, finding inspiration in the beauty of life, faith,

and service. He and his wife, Brenda have two grown children. They live in rural

Wisconsin, where they cherish time with their granddaughters and bird and squirrel

watching.

At his core, James believes that people are beautiful and have much to beheld—both

within themselves and in the relationships they cultivate. Through coaching, he helps

others discover this truth, enabling them to flourish with and for one another.

Topics

  • The impact of childhood trauma on leadership and life.
  • The role of stress in burnout and health crises.
  • Why truth-telling and integrity are key to leadership.
  • The importance of self-care and boundaries in high-stress roles.
  • The dangers of “grinding” without balance.
  • How to identify and manage your “inner bully.”
  • The psychology of stress and its physical toll (cortisol and inflammation).
  • The leadership lessons from military service and their application in civilian life.
  • The transformation from executive burnout to self-discovery.
  • The power of vulnerability and asking for help when needed.

Guiding Questions

  • What was the traumatic experience you faced in kindergarten, and how did it shape you?
  • You’ve mentioned the role of integrity in your life. Can you share a specific moment where that value guided you through a difficult time?
  • How did your military service influence your leadership style?
  • At what point did you realize that “the grind” was taking a physical and mental toll on you?
  • You had a life-threatening experience with a pulmonary embolism. How did that change your perspective on leadership and work-life balance?
  • What role did stress and cortisol play in your health crisis?
  • You mentioned a “truth-teller” mentality. How does that influence your approach to leadership and coaching?
  • What advice would you give to someone struggling with burnout in a leadership role?
  • How did your relationship with your family change during your high-pressure career?
  • Can you explain what you mean by “chemical courage” and how it relates to your personal story?

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Beyond the Summit

Kevin Strauss:

Beyond the Summit

A three-week NOLS expedition across Washington’s rugged landscapes gave Kevin the challenge of a lifetime. What he learned on this trip was more than just wilderness survival – it was about expanding his boundaries and discovering a new level of confidence.

Bio

Kevin R. Strauss, M.E. is an innovator, emotional health & wellness expert, and CEO of Uchi, a social app dedicated to strengthening relationships and improving behaviors. As a trained biomedical engineer with more than 75 patents, a book titled Innovate The 1%, and numerous peer-reviewed publications in spine, psychology, and human behavior, Kevin’s career has fueled his passion for understanding people and “why we behave the way we do.”

Kevin’s mission is simple: to make life easier and happier for everyone by supporting Formula 4 Wellness—physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual health. When he’s not developing solutions for balanced well-being, Kevin enjoys expedition backpacking, ballroom dancing, and is a 23-year, injury-free Ironman Triathlete and Coach.

Topics

  • The concept of the comfort, stretch, and panic zones.
  • Overcoming the urge to quit in extreme situations.
  • Lessons learned from wilderness survival.
  • The mental strength required for extreme outdoor adventures.
  • How physical endurance tests can reshape one’s mindset.
  • Applying lessons from NOLS to everyday life challenges.
  • The role of goal-setting in personal growth and endurance.
  • The power of discomfort in expanding personal limits.
  • How being uncomfortable in nature can lead to confidence.
  • The psychological journey of mountaineering and extreme outdoor expeditions.

Guiding Questions

  • What was going through your mind when you wanted to quit on day three?
  • Can you explain what the comfort, stretch, and panic zones are and how they played a role in your experience?
  • How did the conditions of the expedition push you mentally and physically?
  • What was your biggest takeaway from your experience at NOLS?
  • How did your perspective on personal limits change during the course?
  • What kept you going when it felt like you couldn’t take another step?
  • How did the concept of expanding your comfort zone apply to your life after the trip?
  • What was the most memorable moment of your NOLS journey, and why?
  • How did the physical challenges on the course translate to a mental shift in your everyday life?
  • What advice would you give to someone facing a challenge that seems too big to overcome?

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Leading with Purpose

Vrushali And Blossom:

Leading with Purpose

Vrushali had a thriving corporate career, financial security, and the freedom to indulge in anything she wanted—yet, something felt off. Realizing that material success wasn’t fulfilling, she set out to find deeper purpose and now mentors senior executives, ensuring they take action instead of being paralyzed by overwhelm.

Bio

I manage a wealth accountability mentorship program.

Do unto others as you would have them do unto you

I listen to worries, doubts, insecurities. Hold a safe space to get all this Eff onto paper. Then you think, wink, do a double blink. Crumple the paper and chuck it! Life gets so much brighter and better! When life gave me lemons, I went and exchanged the lemons!

Education qualification: UnderGrad Commerce degree

Corporate experience: Public sector operations, information security and internal audits. Female Employee of Choice for projects in West Yorkshire and Bristol.

Clinical experience: With celebrities’ most preferred Veterinarian in my city > Wealth and Wellness experience: with the most sought-after coach this side of the world recognised by NFNLP and Maia Kincaid > 2021 I began actively mentoring smart achievers who wanted to exchange frustration and time crunch for well deserved career promotions and family (pet) time.

Topics

  • Why financial success doesn’t always lead to fulfillment
  • Recognizing the early signs of burnout and dissatisfaction
  • The hidden cost of regret in high-level careers
  • How accountability mentorship helps executives take action
  • Work-life balance for ambitious professionals
  • The connection between pet ownership and leadership skills
  • How to stop overwhelm from sabotaging your progress
  • The difference between achievement and fulfillment
  • The mindset shifts necessary for true career satisfaction
  • Lessons from dogs: persistence, commitment, and unwavering support

Guiding Questions

  • Can you take us back to the moment you realized corporate success wasn’t fulfilling?
  • What was it about shopping that made you realize something was missing?
  • How did you transition from corporate life to an accountability mentorship role?
  • What are some of the biggest regrets you’ve seen executives face?
  • How does being a pet parent influence your approach to mentorship?
  • What are some small signs that someone might be headed toward burnout?
  • Why do high achievers struggle with taking action on personal goals?
  • What’s the difference between having a mentor and having an accountability coach?
  • How do you help executives make lasting changes in their careers and lives?
  • What advice would you give to someone who feels stuck but isn’t sure why?

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The Weight of Change

Auriel Wetherall:

The Weight of Change

Living with diabetes and obesity, Auriel’s darkest moments made her question her future. But through gradual lifestyle changes and the support of two long-time friends, she not only lost weight but also gained a renewed sense of self-worth, eventually becoming a source of inspiration for others.

Bio

At the age of 38 I had a do or die moment that if I was still single at the age of 40 I would end my life.

I gave it one last push to lose weight and revamp my appearance. Fast forward 13 years later, I am happily married to a wonderful husband and have a fantastic step-daughter. I’m no longer overweight.

I now coach other diabetics to live an epic life with diabetes.

Topics

  • Overcoming the stigma of diabetes and obesity
  • The importance of self-image in personal transformation
  • Navigating emotional health alongside physical health struggles
  • How support systems can make or break a transformation journey
  • Setting achievable goals for long-term health
  • The psychological challenges of living with a chronic illness
  • Overcoming fears related to health and aging
  • How small, consistent changes can lead to big results
  • The role of gratitude in sustaining motivation
  • Using personal struggles to help others (e.g., diabetes coaching)

Guiding Questions

  • What was the pivotal moment when you realized you needed to make a change in your life?
  • How did your close friends play a role in your transformation?
  • How did you overcome the fear of failure during your health journey?
  • Can you talk about the importance of setting small, achievable goals for long-term success?
  • What are some of the biggest mental hurdles you had to overcome in terms of body image?
  • How did your perspective on health change after being diagnosed with diabetes?
  • What advice do you have for people who are just starting their weight loss or health journey?
  • How did you maintain motivation during the slow progress of your transformation?
  • How did journaling and gratitude practices contribute to your mental and emotional growth?
  • Could you share more about the challenge you’re working on and how it ties into your overall goals?

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Dangerous Curves Ahead

Nathan Turner:

Dangerous Curves Ahead

Nathan Turner built a thriving business with a couple of Curves gym franchises—until the economy flipped his plans upside down. Forced to pivot, he stepped into the world of real estate, where an unexpected twist led him to an even bigger opportunity.

Bio

Nathan Turner is known across the US as “The Canadian Note Guy”. Having run several businesses, including fix and flip real estate, he discovered mortgage notes in the US in 2009 and has since become a leader in the industry in the private investment sector. He is the President of Earnest Inc. and manager of the US-based Earnest Investing LP note fund where he actively manages assets for accredited passive investors. He is also the owner and host of the Diversified Mortgage Expo, a leading annual note conference.

Topics

  • How Economic Downturns Can Create Unexpected Opportunities
  • The Realities of Business Ownership and Knowing When to Pivot
  • Lessons from Losing It All: What Failure Teaches About Success
  • How to Transition from One Industry to Another Successfully
  • The Power of Cash Flow: Why It’s the Key to Financial Stability
  • Real Estate Investing Without the Hassle of Being a Landlord
  • Entrepreneurial Mindset: Problem-Solving Your Way to Success
  • Lessons from Scaling, Selling, and Rebuilding a Business
  • How to Identify and Adapt to Market Shifts
  • Overcoming Fear and Taking Calculated Risks in Business

Guiding Questions

  • What was the moment you realized your gym businesses weren’t going to survive?
  • How did you decide that real estate was the next move?
  • What was the hardest part of shifting industries?
  • What’s one mistake from the Curves days that helped you succeed later?
  • What’s the biggest myth about real estate investing that people get wrong?
  • How did you discover mortgage investing, and what makes it different?
  • What advice would you give someone who just had a major business failure?
  • What lessons did losing your business teach you about money?
  • What was your mindset like during the transition?
  • How do you assess risk in business now versus back then?

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From Victim to Victor

Elizabeth Louis:

From Victim to Victor

From enduring abuse at home to navigating the weight of self-pity, Elizabeth had every reason to feel defeated. But when she started asking different questions—shifting from “Why me?” to “What now?”—her entire perspective, and life, transformed.

Bio

For the past eight years, Elizabeth has worked with high-performing Christian entrepreneurs, professional athletes, and corporate and small business leaders, helping them align their professional success with their faith in Christ. She specializes in helping Type-A believers strengthen their identity in Christ, develop a Christ-centered mindset, and integrate faith into every aspect of their lives to achieve peace, alignment, and purpose.

Elizabeth serves as a trusted Executive Performance Coach, partnering with individuals and organizations to craft tailored solutions that enhance leadership, improve culture, and address complex performance challenges, all grounded in Biblical principles. Her clients have achieved extraordinary results, including:

  • Helping an entrepreneur raise $1.3M in 90 minutes after their first session.
  • Supporting a financial advisor to increase their closing rate by $4M a month within three sessions.
  • Guiding a real estate development company to a $1B valuation.

Elizabeth also helps Christian high performers overcome fear, heal past traumas, fine-tune goals, and cultivate mental freedom by shifting perspectives and deepening their relationship with God. She notes that most clients experience radical transformation in as little as three sessions.

To learn more, visit ElizabethLouis.com or follow her on social media @iamlizlouis.

Topics

  • Overcoming a victim mindset and stepping into victory
  • How faith and psychology work together in healing trauma
  • Recognizing and breaking free from self-pity
  • The power of perspective: reframing painful experiences
  • Learning to separate the sin from the person
  • Finding peace beyond traditional therapy methods
  • How childhood trauma shapes adult mindsets (and how to change them)
  • Why asking “Why me?” keeps you stuck
  • Developing resilience through faith and hardship
  • Spotting and overcoming limiting beliefs in yourself and others

Guiding Questions

  • Can you take us back to your childhood and share what it was like growing up in your home?
  • When did you realize that your victim mindset was holding you back?
  • What was the turning point in your journey from self-pity to victory?
  • How did your experience in Africa change the way you saw your past?
  • You mention that faith played a big role in your healing—how did that unfold?
  • How do you balance psychological research with spiritual principles in your approach to healing?
  • What are some of the most common mindset traps that keep people stuck in their pain?
  • You talk about separating the sin from the person—can you explain what that means and why it’s important?
  • What are some practical steps people can take to start shifting their mindset?
  • What would you say to someone who feels like their past trauma will always define them?

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Strength in Unexpected Leadership

Yocheved Belsky:

Strength in Unexpected Leadership

Yocheved Belsky stepped into a leadership role few her age would take on—leading a school where every decision felt like a battle. Facing constant roadblocks, she learned how to cut through red tape, fight for students, and stand her ground in the world of education politics.

Bio

If you say, “Jump,” I’ll ask, “Why?” Let’s challenge the status quo.

Yocheved Belsky is the founder and CEO of Clear Square Group, an organization focused on providing educational consulting for institutions, schools, and organizations. When clients requested helpfully utilizing pandemic-related EANS funding for school services, Yocheved launched M²Learning to help non-public schools and their students succeed despite the pandemic.

Yocheved has over 20 years of experience in the educational services industry as a charter school superintendent, service provider, key consultant, and K-12 educator. As a nonpublic school educator and charter school superintendent, Yocheved spearheaded one of the earliest online school programs in the country. In her work as a third-party service provider and educational consultant, she has created many government-funded educational programs and brought them to the market for different school models.

Yocheved is passionate about making sure all students receive the services they need to succeed in school. Through managing conflicting stakeholders, assessing educational needs, securing funding, and driving compliance measures, Yocheved and the M²Learning team provide an all-encompassing approach to help students succeed.

Topics

  • The Reality of Running a Charter School
  • School Choice: What It Really Means
  • The Politics of Education Reform
  • Navigating Bureaucracy & Cutting Through Red Tape
  • Leading with Mission Over Ego
  • What It’s Like to Face Public Scrutiny
  • Advocating for Special Needs Students in Public Education
  • The Strength & Resilience Behind Leadership
  • Lessons in Crisis Management & Problem-Solving
  • How Young Leaders Can Step Into Big Roles

Guiding Questions

  • What led you to take on such a big leadership role so young?
  • What was the biggest challenge you faced as a charter school superintendent?
  • How did you handle the political pushback and union resistance?
  • What are some misconceptions people have about charter schools?
  • Can you share a moment where you almost gave up? What kept you going?
  • How did this experience shape your leadership style today?
  • What did you learn about resilience through this journey?
  • What advice would you give to someone stepping into a leadership role they didn’t expect?
  • How can parents and communities advocate for better education options?
  • What would you say to critics of school choice?

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Becoming Unbreakable

Juli Madacey:

Becoming Unbreakable

When Juli’s husband blindsided her with divorce, she was left penniless and alone in a new city. But what seemed like the end was actually the beginning of an incredible transformation.

Bio

Juli Madacey is the Co-Founder of Fabulous Beyond 40, where she and her business partner, James Ellis, inspire women over 40 to navigate a healthier menopause journey so they can get their sparkle back and feel like themselves again.

Juli is a Certified Holistic Health Practitioner, Master Health Coach, Menopause Coaching Specialist, and Certified Personal Trainer dedicated to empowering women in their health journeys. With a deep understanding of the unique challenges women face, Juli combines her expertise with a compassionate, client-centered approach.

Juli’s path to becoming a health coach stemmed from her personal struggles with weight and health. Disenchanted with one-size-fits-all diets and misleading health advice, she embarked on a quest for knowledge. This journey led her to holistic methods that embrace the complexity of individual health, moving beyond mere weight loss to a comprehensive understanding of well-being.

At the heart of Juli’s philosophy is the belief that mindset is a powerful catalyst for physical transformation. Through small, manageable daily practices, she guides her clients in redefining their relationship with their bodies and food. Her approach is not about quick fixes, but sustainable, personal health journeys.

Known for her humour and empathy, Juli’s clients often describe her as their “Personal GPS” — a testament to her skill in navigating the intricate pathways of health and wellness. She believes in making health a joyous journey, not a rigid goal.

Juli’s question to you: “What kind of life do you want to live?” She invites you to explore this with her, as you journey towards a healthier, happier you.

You can connect with Juli through her website, on Facebook, on LinkedIn, and on Instagram

Topics

  • Rebuilding your life after unexpected loss
  • The financial impact of divorce and how to recover
  • Why independence is the greatest gift you can give yourself
  • Breaking free from people-pleasing and reclaiming your voice
  • How betrayal can be the catalyst for self-discovery
  • The emotional rollercoaster of divorce and how to navigate it
  • Turning heartbreak into a journey of personal growth
  • How societal expectations keep women stuck in unhappy relationships
  • The power of adventure and pushing your own limits
  • Overcoming financial devastation and creating a new future

Guiding Questions

  • Can you take us back to the moment you got that life-changing phone call?
  • What were the biggest emotional and financial challenges you faced right after the divorce?
  • How did your mindset about relationships and independence shift through this experience?
  • What were some of the first steps you took to rebuild your life?
  • How did your upbringing influence the way you handled this situation?
  • What was the turning point when you realized you were going to be okay?
  • What role did adventure and personal challenges (like skydiving and marathons) play in your healing?
  • What advice would you give to someone feeling lost after a major life upheaval?
  • How did this experience change the way you view money and financial security?
  • Looking back, what are you most proud of about the way you handled this chapter of your life?

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