Chris Schembra is a dinner host, question asker, and facilitator. He's a columnist at Rolling Stone magazine, USA Today calls him their "Gratitude Guru" and he's spent the last nine years traveling around the world helping people connect in meaningful ways. As the offshoot of his #1 Wall Street Journal Bestselling book, Gratitude Through Hard Times, he uses this podcast to blend ancient stoic philosophy and modern day science to teach how the principles of gratitude can be used to help peopl ...
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Chris Schembra Podcasts
Dive deep into the decisions that define our lives. This podcast is about owning your path, making fearless choices, and embracing bold moves to shape your future. With inspiring guests and candid conversations, we explore how to lead with confidence, overcome obstacles, and redefine what's possible. Tune in to hear real stories, raw insights, and empowering advice to help you take charge and boldly create the life you envision.
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Brought to you by ImpactEleven, hear from the world’s top thought leaders and experts, sharing tipping point moments, strategies, and approaches that led to their speaking career success. Throughout each episode, host Josh Linkner, #1 Innovation keynote speaker in the world, deconstructs guests’ Mic Drop moments and provides tactical tools and takeaways that can be applied to any speaking business, no matter its starting point. You'll enjoy hearing from some of the top keynote speakers in th ...
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The Power of Gratitude: Why Slowing Down Creates Real Connection with Chris Schembra
34:44
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34:44What if slowing down was the secret to speeding up? In this bold and vulnerable conversation, Chris Schembra opens up about his struggles with imposter syndrome, listening, and curiosity, and how those very challenges have become tools for connection and transformation. Chris shares how gratitude isn’t a magic fix but a practice of perspective that…
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Swapnil Shinde: Strength Training for the Heart
47:01
47:01
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47:01Episode Summary In this special episode of Gratitude Through Hard Times, host Chris Schembra sits down with Swapnil Shinde, a three-time entrepreneur and the co-founder and CEO of Zeni, the AI-powered finance platform transforming how startups manage their financial operations. Swapnil’s journey is a story of resilience, risk-taking, and relentless…
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How to Rebuild After a Career Shock and Come Back Stronger with Rich Bishop
26:45
26:45
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26:45What do you do when the ground shifts beneath your feet, when your career suddenly takes a turn you didn’t see coming? In this powerful episode of Bold Moves, Confident Choices, host Courtney Turich sits down with Rich Bishop to explore how to navigate unexpected change, find strength in reflection, and build resilience when life doesn’t go as plan…
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Seth Dechtman: The Heart of a Coach
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1:07:47Episode Overview What does it mean to live a life worth talking about? In this deeply moving and soul-stirring episode of Gratitude Through Hard Times, host Chris Schembra invites us into an extraordinary conversation with Seth Dechtman, a man whose journey has been defined not by fame or fanfare, but by grit, love, listening, and legacy. The story…
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Why Your Comfort Zone Is Holding You Back (and How to Leave It) with Melissa Cohen
29:30
29:30
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29:30What happens when burnout pushes someone to their breaking point? Melissa Cohen knows that moment all too well, and the bold moves she made afterward transformed her life. In this powerful conversation with Courtney, she shares the messy, honest truth about stepping outside your comfort zone and rebuilding confidence after setbacks. By saying “yes”…
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Hurt People Heal People: The Mindset Shift That Can Transform Your Life with Stephen Oommen
25:54
25:54
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25:54What if the very things that once made someone feel like an outsider could become their greatest strengths? In this powerful conversation, Stephen Oommen shares how growing up without belonging to any "tribe" taught him adaptability, empathy, and the ability to step into anyone's world. From facing racism and identity struggles to transforming defe…
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Let Go of the Plan: Melissa Glick’s Audacious Journey
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27:15
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27:15“I took a $15 receptionist job, and ended up the CEO.” Melissa Glick’s story flips the founder script. In this episode, she shares how one unexpected move sparked a bold journey of business success, personal growth, and life-saving decisions. From scaling a company to taking control of her health, Melissa shows that trusting yourself is the boldest…
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Be You, Be the Leader with Enrique Acosta Gonzalez
21:02
21:02
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21:02What if the biggest thing holding you back… is the version of yourself you’re pretending to be? In this episode, Enrique Acosta Gonzalez gets radically real about his journey from a siloed, boxed-in Navy leader to a fully integrated, truth-speaking mentor and coach. From cultural identity struggles to a wake-up call from his own wife, Enrique share…
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Letting Go to Level Up: Ashley Cox on Pivoting with Purpose
28:05
28:05
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28:05What if your boldest move starts with walking away from who you used to be? In this episode, Courtney sits down with Ashley Cox, a powerhouse leadership coach, author, and former corporate HR expert who left behind the title “HR Ashley” to rediscover what truly lights her up. From corporate burnout to founding Sprout HR and growing into a leadershi…
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What Agents Really Want (ft. Brittanny Kreutzer and Jeff Bigelow)
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43:08
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43:08Guest Bios: Brittanny Kreutzer started The Speaker Exchange Agency with a background in sales and a love for the speaking industry. She was given a taste of the speaking industry while interning in college for Nancy Lauterbach, a past speakers bureau owner. Upon graduation from college she began a successful career selling radio space and developin…
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Episode Summary In this powerful, emotionally resonant episode of Gratitude Through Hard Times, host Chris Schembra sits down with one of the world’s most respected thought leaders on human-centered performance: Ryan Estis. Ryan isn't just a keynote speaker or former Fortune 500 Chief Revenue Officer. He’s a guide for leaders navigating complexity,…
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The Courage to Walk: Purpose Over Position with Nadine Lavigne
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24:02
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24:02What happens when your gut says this isn’t right, but your career says stay? Nadine Lavigne had climbed the corporate ladder at top global companies… until one bold decision changed everything. In this powerful episode, Nadine and Courtney get real about what it means to lead with authenticity, the cost of staying silent, and why leaving comfort is…
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Stagecraft and Self-Doubt (ft. Dr. Rebecca Heiss)
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40:36Guest Bio: Dr. Heiss is a stress expert dedicated to transforming our fears into fuel we can use through her T-minus 3 Technique. Her research has been designated "transformative" by the National Science Foundation. When she's not on a stage, she is happiest when hiking or surfing with her two spoiled rotten dogs Guinness and Murphy. Takeaways: Fea…
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Why "Be Bold, Be Confident, Be You" Is More Than a Motto
6:40
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6:40Have you ever realized you weren’t fully you until much later in life? That was me. In this solo episode, I’m sharing the truth behind my motto: “Be bold, be confident, be you.” I take you behind the scenes—from Shark Tank to scaling a medical device territory from zero to millions—and what it taught me about identity, courage, and showing up authe…
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Why You’re One Breath Away From Self-Belief with Robyn Engelson
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25:17
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25:17What happens when you look in the mirror and say “I love you”? For many of us, it’s uncomfortable, even emotional. But for Robyn Engelson, it’s the foundation of real self-trust. In this episode, Robyn shares the 3 daily practices that changed her life—from mirror mantras to breathwork to brain-dump journaling, and how those simple habits helped he…
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Episode Description In this electrifying episode of Gratitude Through Hard Times, Chris Schembra sits down with transformational speaker, coach, and author Juan Bendana, whose new book Confident by Choice is poised to reshape how we think about courage, action, and self-belief. This conversation dives deep into a liberating truth: confidence isn’t …
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Turning Rejection Into Rocket Fuel (ft. Jia Jiang)
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37:44
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37:44Guest Bio: Rising to notoriety with his most-viewed TED Talk (top 200 out of 60,000), “What I Learned from 100 Days of Rejection,” which became the basis for his bestselling book and #1 audio book, Rejection Proof: How I Beat Fear and Became Invincible Through 100 Days of Rejection, Jia Jiang has become the world's foremost expert on rejection. A t…
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Adaptability Is Your Superpower — Here’s How I Learned It
8:58
8:58
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8:58What if fear wasn’t a stop sign, but a signal that I’m standing on the edge of growth? In this solo episode, I open up about my bold decision to leave my dream home in Charlotte and embrace a new chapter in Asheville. I reflect on my journey through 16 moves in 23 years, the emotional rollercoaster of big decisions, and how adaptability has shaped …
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How Cancer Inspired a Game-Changing Medical Device with Kate Dilligan
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35:58
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35:58When Kate Dilligan found a lump in her breast in a friend’s shower, she had no idea it would lead to a life-altering diagnosis—and a career-defining mission. As a breast cancer patient, she realized how critical it was to keep her identity, her privacy, and her dignity throughout treatment. That experience led her to launch Cooler Heads, the compan…
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How Childhood Memories and Big Risks Built a Toy of the Year with Kevin and Laurie Lane
28:39
28:39
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28:39How far would you go to build your dream? For Kevin and Laurie Lane, it started with a childhood love for castles—and a $60,000 leap of faith. In this episode, we uncover the story behind Create A Castle, the viral beach toy that turned heads on Shark Tank and beyond. From a split mold inspired by wedding cake pans to showcasing their product live …
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Why Kat Hurd Left a Dream Job to Help Women Thrive in MedTech
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28:24
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28:24What happens when you walk away from a thriving career to bet on yourself? For Kat Hurd, it meant leaving a high-profile role in medical device sales to coach and empower women in the same industry. In this episode, she opens up about the boldest decision of her life—and why it changed everything. Kat shares what it takes to thrive in spaces not bu…
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From Loss to Legacy: Danielle Cobo’s Journey to Unstoppable Grit
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26:08
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26:08"What legacy will you leave behind?" In this episode, Danielle Cobo opens up about the life-altering moment that inspired her to write her own obituary—and how that reflection became a blueprint for leading a meaningful, purpose-driven life. From personal tragedy to career reinvention, Danielle’s story is a masterclass in resilience. When perfectio…
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What Happens When You Finally Choose Yourself with Amber Brown
27:14
27:14
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27:14What if the most powerful move you could make was to pause? In this transformative episode, Amber Brown shares how stepping away from a life of constant achievement helped her reconnect with her true purpose. From breaking up with burnout to realigning her entire identity, Amber opens up about what it really takes to slow down, sit in the stillness…
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The Leap That Changed Everything: From Finland to Founder with Doug Skoke
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27:32
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27:32What would you do if everything on the outside looked fine—but inside, you were crumbling? Doug Skoke opens up about his boldest choices: leaving a high-paying job that didn’t align, moving to Finland without a plan, and launching his own company, LFG Now. In this powerful conversation, Doug shares how emotional intelligence, introspection, and rad…
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Episode Summary In this riveting and deeply personal conversation, Chris Schembra sits down with Grace Smith — one of the world’s most respected hypnotherapists and the founder of the #1 hypnotherapy brand in the world — to explore how hypnosis can unlock peak performance, emotional clarity, and authentic leadership in the modern workplace. Chris o…
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In this deeply moving and insight-rich episode of Gratitude Through Hard Times, host Chris Schembra welcomes Sara Hardwick, the Community Relationship Strategist at the Gift•ology Group and steward of the late John Ruhlin’s enduring legacy. What begins as a conversation about gifting quickly unfolds into a masterclass in human connection, spiritual…
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What if your inner critic isn’t the enemy—but a misdirected inner coach waiting for the right conversation? On today’s soul-shifting episode, Chris Schembra sits down with licensed clinician and Wall Street Journal bestselling author Britt Frank to explore the untapped potential of your internal world. Britt’s new book, Align Your Mind, blends Inte…
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How to Make Life-Altering Decisions Without Regret with Mark Holden
26:31
26:31
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26:31What would happen if you finally trusted yourself to take the leap? In this episode, Courtney dives into an empowering conversation with Mark Holden, a leader who knows firsthand what it means to make bold, life-changing choices. From stepping into the unknown to conquering self-doubt, Mark shares his journey of pushing past fear and embracing the …
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The Confidence Code: Unlocking Your True Potential with Allison Walsh
28:17
28:17
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28:17What if the only thing standing between you and success is your own self-doubt? In this episode, Courtney sits down with powerhouse Allison Walsh to dive deep into the mindset shifts that lead to bold moves and confident choices. From battling imposter syndrome to building an unstoppable personal brand, Allison shares her journey of transformation …
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Why Most People Fail at Sales (And How to Fix It) with Steve Nudelberg
31:53
31:53
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31:53How do you stand out in a world where everyone is selling? The answer isn’t just in your pitch—it’s in your mindset and daily habits. In this episode, Courtney sits down with sales and business development expert Steve Nudelberg to uncover the strategies that separate the top performers from the rest. From mastering the art of connection to buildin…
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Burnout’s Best-Kept Secret with Cait Donovan
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26:05
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26:05What if burnout wasn’t just about work — but everything leading up to it? Cait Donovan’s bold decision to walk away from a full scholarship and follow her heart led to a life-changing journey across the world. In this episode, Cait opens up about recognizing the warning signs of burnout, embracing foundational self-care, and the power of resentment…
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Say Yes and Figure It Out: The Entrepreneur’s Mindset with Jeffrey Dakin
27:02
27:02
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27:02What if saying "yes" could change your entire life? Jeffrey Dakin knows all about taking bold risks and turning ideas into reality. From running construction crews to inventing game-changing products, Jeffrey’s journey is all about trusting yourself and figuring it out along the way. In this episode, Jeffrey dives into the power of building teams, …
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From Average to Extraordinary: Robert’s Path to Unstoppable Resilience
32:09
32:09
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32:09Ever wondered what it takes to push past fear and embrace the unknown? Robert Hamilton Owens has lived a life defined by bold choices, endurance, and the relentless pursuit of growth. From overcoming childhood adversity to becoming a 12-time Ironman and Special Ops veteran, Robert’s story proves that discomfort is the key to unlocking your potentia…
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Surviving the Shark Tank Pressure and Innovating for Good with Rob Yonover
28:10
28:10
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28:10What does it take to turn a simple idea into a life-saving innovation? In this episode, Rob Yonover shares his journey from Hawaii’s waves to Shark Tank, where he pitched his invention, See Rescue, a device now saving lives worldwide. Rob's story is a powerful testament to perseverance and innovation. He discusses the inspiration behind See Rescue,…
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The Confidence Hack No One Told You About with Eva Simone
25:12
25:12
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25:12The world needs your feminine energy—don’t be afraid to embrace it boldly and unapologetically. In this episode, Eva Simone, a momentum expert and feminine intelligence powerhouse, shares her powerful journey of embracing feminine energy and how it can reveal the transformative power we all have within us. Eva talks about the importance of reconnec…
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The Shark Tank Hustle: What It Takes to Make It Big with Brianne Zborowski
32:27
32:27
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32:27What happens when a bold idea lands on the Shark Tank stage? Just ask Brianne Zborowski, co-founder and CEO of Apolla Performance! From crafting a game-changing product for dancers to facing the Sharks, Brianne opens up about the rollercoaster journey of building a business under the spotlight. In this episode, she takes us behind the scenes of Sha…
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What is the Secret Weapon in Leadership? With Jim Fielding
28:39
28:39
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28:39What happens when you decide to show up as your true self? Jim Fielding shares how embracing authenticity completely transformed his career and life. From leading at Disney and DreamWorks to becoming an author and coach, Jim’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. In this episode, Jim opens up about the pivotal moment that led him to write his boo…
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Overcoming Doubts and Owning Your Journey with Ellie Brown
30:10
30:10
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30:10What does it take to make bold moves and keep pushing through challenges? In this episode, Ellie Brown opens up about her journey of self-discovery, overcoming self-doubt, and making tough decisions. With over three decades in sales and significant experience on Shark Tank, Ellie teaches us that people are the core of every business decision. She d…
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Heart-Centered Leadership and Modern Sales Strategies with Lyndsay Dowd
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26:08
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26:08What do you do when your career takes an unexpected turn? In this episode of Bold Moves, Confident Choices, Lyndsay Dowd shares her bold transition from 25 years in corporate America to entrepreneurship. After climbing the ranks at IBM, a sudden career change led her to discover new passions and a heart-centered approach to leadership. Lyndsay open…
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Overcoming Adversity and Leading with Purpose with Scot Heathman
27:28
27:28
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27:28How does facing adversity shape the leader you become? In this episode, Scot Heathman, a retired U.S. Air Force Colonel, shares his incredible journey of leadership, resilience, and self-discovery. With over 25 years of military service, including leading 36,000 people, Scot has mastered the art of servant leadership and personal growth. His story …
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Normalizing Bipolar: The Bold Journey of Andrew DeGood
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33:34What does it take to lead with empathy and transform workplace culture? In this episode, we sit down with Andrew DeGood, a seasoned leader in the finance and technology industries, who shares his powerful journey from struggling with bipolar disorder to building a successful career. As an advocate for mental health and a builder of things that matt…
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Fearless Leadership and Closing the Gender Pay Gap with Keri-Lynne Shaw
29:22
29:22
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29:22Have you ever wondered if you're truly in the driver's seat of your career? In this episode of Bold Moves, Confident Choices, Keri-Lynne Shaw—former BMW executive and career coach—shares her bold journey from corporate leadership to helping others take charge of their careers. Keri-Lynne's mantra is clear: it’s not just about doing good work; it's …
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Surfing Life’s Waves: The Power of Recovery and Growth with Joe Jacobi
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35:45
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35:45Ever feel like you’re stuck despite past successes? In this episode of Bold Moves, Confident Choices, Olympic gold medalist Joe Jacobi opens up about how he faced his toughest moments and emerged stronger than ever. Joe shares how he transitioned from elite athlete to CEO, how he lost himself along the way, and the powerful shift that brought him b…
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The Bold Beginnings: Making Confident Choices
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9:50
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9:50Have you ever made a bold move that changed the course of your life? Welcome to the very first episode of Bold Moves, Confident Choices! I’m beyond excited to be here with you, kicking off this new journey together. This podcast is all about stepping up, making fearless decisions, and turning your dreams into reality through bold moves and confiden…
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Dr. Steve Elias: The Power of a Shoulder Tap
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58:49Welcome back to another episode of Gratitude Through Hard Times! Today, your host Chris Schembra is joined by the insightful and inspiring Dr. Steve Elias, Dean of the Katz School of Business at Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado. Amidst the polar vortex sweeping through New York City, we dive into a heartwarming discussion about mentorship, l…
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Dive deep into the decisions that define our lives. This podcast is about owning your path, making fearless choices, and embracing bold moves to shape your future. With inspiring guests and candid conversations, we explore how to lead with confidence, overcome obstacles, and redefine what's possible. Tune in to hear real stories, raw insights, and …
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11 Impactful Insights in 11 Minutes (ft. The ImpactEleven Community)
16:45
16:45
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16:45Core Topics: Barb Betts: Build authentic relationships rooted in empathy and trust to drive meaningful connections and long-term success. Dan Chuparkoff: Use AI tools like ChatGPT to customize speeches for specific audience needs, ensuring relevance and resonance. Lisa Even: Integrate purposeful humor to make keynotes more engaging, memorable, and …
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Felipe Gomez: The Beauty of Listening
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1:05:27Welcome to a soul-stirring episode of Gratitude Through Hard Times with your host, Chris Schembra. Set against the festive backdrop of New York City during the holiday season, this conversation is an inspiring reminder of the power of gratitude, connection, and intentional living. Joining Chris is Felipe Gómez, a world-renowned thought leader, virt…
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Transforming Workplaces Through Radical Kindness (ft. Shola Richards)
38:51
38:51
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38:51Guest Bio: Shola Richards is a celebrated speaker, author, and workplace civility expert known for his advocacy in building more inclusive, respectful, and human-centered workplaces. After overcoming severe personal challenges in a toxic work environment, Shola dedicated his career to helping others navigate and transform organizational cultures th…
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In this captivating episode of Gratitude Through Hard Times, host Chris Schembra welcomes innovation expert, entrepreneur, and jazz musician Josh Linkner to explore the profound connection between creativity, gratitude, and success. Josh, a New York Times bestselling author and founder of five tech companies, shares how his diverse experiences—from…
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