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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Josh Linkner Podcasts
Presented by GDA Speakers, a premier global speakers bureau, Backstage Pass with GDA Speakers hosted by Gail Davis invites you into the exciting world of keynote speaking and event planning expertise. Each episode pulls back the curtain with exclusive interviews from top keynote speakers, industry insiders, and event professionals. Join us as we explore expert insights, inspiring stories, and actionable advice to help you create unforgettable events.
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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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The hot-topic podcast where firms, thought leaders, influencers, and research nerds converge, collaborate, speak out and dig into common challenges impacting accounting firms. We ask the critical questions on topics that matter—from the pipeline shortage and security threats to the “how–the–hell–can–anyone–keep–up” pace of technology change—and then work to amplify actionable guidance and takeaways for firms. Join TJ Lewis and other dedicated industry champions who all have a single, focused ...
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No matter how much you prepare, surprises are guaranteed when you run your own business. Who better to learn from than the people who have stood in your shoes? Success is not accident. Level up with the Entrepreneur’s Studio – an on-demand suite of lessons, tools and tips from entrepreneurs who have been there before, to help you to run and grow a better business.
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On the latest Backstage Pass episode, Gail Davis is joined by Josh Linkner who shares insights on the transformative power of everyday innovation, turning disruption into opportunity, and embracing creativity. Show Notes Josh Linkner, a five-time tech entrepreneur and expert in innovation and leadership. The conversation explores the parallels betw…
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Farm-Grown Wisdom for a Future-Ready Workplace with Seth Mattison
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46:34On this episode of Backstage Pass, Seth Mattison shares his insights on self trust, the future of work, the importance of perspective, and the crossover between business and lessons learned growing up on a farm. Show Notes Seth discusses how the dynamic nature of agriculture parallels the evolving workplace - emphasizing the need for human expansio…
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Seth Dechtman: The Heart of a Coach
1:07:47
1:07:47
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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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Raise your Rates with Courage: Practical Advice to Confidently Reprice Legacy Clients
49:46
49:46
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49:46What if you could work fewer hours, serve better clients, and double your revenue just by changing how you price your services? In this episode of The Modern Firm Podcast, business coach and pricing strategist Loren Fogelman joins us to tackle one of the toughest challenges firm owners face: raising rates and shifting away from the hourly model. Lo…
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Jeremy Poincenot on The Hidden Strength Every Successful Team Shares
38:21
38:21
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38:21In this episode of Backstage Pass, host Gail Davis talks with world champion blind golfer Jeremy Poincenot. Jeremy shares his inspiring journey of losing his sight at 19 due to a rare genetic disorder and how he discovered the joy and power of interdependence. Show Notes He discusses the importance of asking for help, maintaining perspective during…
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An Inside Look at The 2025 Modern Firm Report with Ryan Lazanis
45:50
45:50
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45:50High-performing accounting firms charge premium fees—often double the industry average—and their owners are working fewer than 40 hours a week. In this episode of The Modern Firm Podcast, Ryan Lazanis (founder of Future Firm) shares insights from his 2025 Modern Firm Report on how smarter pricing translates to less stress and more freedom. Discover…
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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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Jay Baer Spills the Te(quil)a on What AI Will Never Replace
39:46
39:46
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39:46In this episode of Backstage Pass, Gail Davis sits down with Jay Baer - business growth and customer experience expert and 2nd most popular tequila influencer in the world! Jay shares the keys to customer loyalty amidst the evolving landscape shaped by AI and actionable strategies for maximum impact. Show Notes In this engaging conversation, Jay Ba…
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Cyber Threats, Agentic AI, and the PE Effect in Accounting
47:57
47:57
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47:57In this episode of The Modern Firm Podcast, TJ sits down with Roman Kepczyk, Director of Firm Technology Strategy at Rightworks and one of the profession’s most respected tech consultants. Together, they explore what’s top of mind for firms at the midpoint of 2025—from the accelerating adoption of AI and the emergence of agentic workflows, to the e…
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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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What Nonprofit Pros REALLY Do Differently with Jan Langbein & Karen White
52:21
52:21
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52:21Gail Davis is joined by Jan Langbein (CEO of Genesis Women’s Shelter) and Karen White (President & CEO of Texas Women’s Foundation) share powerful stories and hard-earned lessons from years of leading mission-driven organizations—and hosting events that truly move people to act. Show Notes Dallas nonprofit leaders Jan Langbein and Karen Hughes Whit…
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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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37:44Guest 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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Backstage with Gary Vee: A conversation on Marketing, AI, and the Future of Accounting
37:19
37:19
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37:19In this special on-site episode from the RightNOW 2025 conference in Nashville, Gary Vaynerchuk joins us for a candid, fast-paced conversation right after his keynote. We cover everything from creating effective content with minimal effort, to why firms are struggling to hire, to the real implications of AI. Gary shares the personal story behind hi…
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Backstage with Josh Linkner: A conversation on everyday innovation, AI, and unlocking creative potential
29:21
29:21
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29:21In this episode recorded live at the RightNOW Conference in Nashville, innovation expert and bestselling author Josh Linkner joins us to talk about what it really means to innovate in the modern accounting firm. Josh shares how everyday creativity—not billion-dollar breakthroughs—is the key to progress, how to cultivate a culture of innovation by r…
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The Universal Message of the Virtuoso Mindset with Felipe Gomez
34:39
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34:39On this episode of Backstage Pass, Gail Davis sits down with Felipe Gomez to explore how adopting the virtuoso mindset is the key to achieving breakthrough success in business and life. By weaving grand piano performances into his presentations, Felipe taps into a universal language that transcends industries, cultures, and backgrounds, with insigh…
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Escaping Hustle Culture: $10K Hours, 4-Week Vacations & the 25-Hour Workweek
42:57
42:57
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42:57What if you could swap $10 tasks for $10k impact? Host TJ Lewis talks with Dr. Sabrina Starling—“The Business Psychologist,” bestselling author of How to Hire the Best and The 4 Week Vacation®—about escaping hustle culture in modern accounting firms. Citing research on 700+ entrepreneurs, Dr. Sabrina reveals that 90% are burning out and explains ho…
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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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Living ALL IN: A Lifestyle of Purpose & Impact with Gian Paul Gonzalez
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42:44
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42:44On this episode of Backstage Pass, Gail Davis sits down with Gian Paul Gonzalez—the man behind the New York Giants’ iconic “All In” rally cry—for a powerful conversation on purpose, resilience, and showing up fully in life. From inspiring Fortune 500 companies to mentoring at-risk youth, Gian Paul shares what it truly means to live “all in”—at home…
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Finding Blessings in Life's Boulders with Aron Ralston
41:57
41:57
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41:57On the latest episode of Backstage Pass, Gail Davis sits down with Aron Ralston for a powerful conversation about resilience, mindset, and finding meaning in the face of unimaginable adversity. Aron shares how being trapped by an 800-pound boulder became the catalyst for profound personal transformation—and how the “boulders” we all face can become…
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Redefining the modern accountant: Leading with empathy and innovation in the age of AI
1:02:25
1:02:25
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1:02:25What if the future of accounting isn't about being faster or smarter—but more human? In this episode of The Modern Firm Podcast, host TJ Lewis sits down with Hector Garcia, CPA, YouTuber, and AI thought leader, to explore what it means to be an AI-enhanced accountant. They unpack the shift from traditional number crunching to a more human-centered,…
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The Art & Impact of Self Expressionism with Judi Holler
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54:01On the latest episode of Backstage Pass, Gail Davis and Judi Holler have a high energy conversation about the significance of creativity in the future of work, embracing a broader vision of what is possible, and the power of improv in life and business. Tune in to hear how Judi empowers audiences to think big, feel seen, and express themselves full…
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Be Who You Came To Be: Living the Life You Deserve & Desire with Tara Renze
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40:40On this episode of Backstage Pass, Gail Davis sits down with Tara Renze to explore how emotional intelligence, self-acceptance, and pursuing fulfillment over happiness can transform lives. Hear how Tara helps audiences “Be Who You Came To Be” and why her work is resonating now more than ever. Show Notes In this engaging conversation, host Gail Davi…
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From burnout to breakthrough: The power of the pause in building resilient firms
38:20
38:20
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38:20In this episode of The Modern Firm Podcast, host TJ Lewis welcomes back Amy Vetter—CPA, yogi, keynote speaker, and CEO of the B3 Method Institute—for a powerful conversation about one of the most underrated tools in a leader’s toolkit: the pause. As firms navigate the intensity of busy season and beyond, Amy challenges the grind mindset and makes t…
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Engaging the talent on your team to drive innovation in your firm
54:44
54:44
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54:44Could engaging your team differently unlock the innovation and change your firm needs to thrive? In this episode of The Modern Firm Podcast, TJ Lewis and Jen Wilson, partner and co-founder of ConvergenceCoaching, LLC, discuss strategies for engaging talent, fostering innovation, and driving meaningful change in accounting firms. They explore how fi…
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Ignite Unstoppable Momentum in a Rapidly Changing World with Kim Becking
38:41
38:41
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38:41On this episode of Backstage Pass, Gail Davis is joined by Kim Becking who shares what it takes to lead with resilience and build unstoppable momentum. From embracing failure to fostering emotional intelligence, Kim explores practical ways to help teams thrive in times of change and uncertainty. Show Notes In this energizing and insightful episode,…
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The Power of Values: Unlocking Connection with David Allison
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41:23
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41:23Gail Davis is joined by David Allison who dives into why understanding what people care about leads to better leadership, stronger client relationships, and more impactful strategies. Show Notes David Allison, an expert in engagement and human values, discusses the importance of understanding values over demographics in various fields such as sales…
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Leading change: Key insights and practical strategies with Will Hill
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48:21
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48:21Is your firm equipped to lead purposeful change and foster innovation in today’s fast-moving world? In this episode of the Modern Firm Podcast, we dive into the critical elements of leading purposeful change and fostering an innovative mindset within accounting firms. Our guest, Will Hill, shares over 20 years of expertise in helping firms adapt an…
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A new season, a new vision: Re-establishing what it means to be a Modern Firm (Episode 31)
19:09
19:09
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19:09What does it really mean to be a modern firm in today’s constantly evolving landscape? In this episode of The Modern Firm® podcast, host TJ Lewis sets the stage for the new season. With a focus on innovation and evolution, TJ redefines what it means to be a modern accounting firm—not as a fixed destination, but as an ongoing journey rooted in a gro…
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Embracing the Pioneer Spirit with Gaby Natale
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38:15
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38:15On the latest Backstage Pass episode, Gaby Natale joins Gail Davis as she shares how to embrace a pioneer spirit through innovation, resilience, and breaking barriers. Show Notes As the first Latina to win three Daytime Emmys® back-to-back, Gaby Natale has consistently demonstrated her ability to innovate and lead in diverse spaces. And now - as a …
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Zero Gravity, Maximum Impact: Lessons from Space with Mike Massimino
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45:14
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45:14On the latest Backstage Pass episode, Gail Davis sits down with former NASA astronaut Mike Massimino to explore the out-of-this-world lessons he learned in space. From teamwork and communication to overcoming obstacles, Mike shares invaluable insights that apply far beyond the cosmos. Show Notes Mike Massimino, a former NASA astronaut and celebrate…
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Dr. Steve Elias: The Power of a Shoulder Tap
58:49
58:49
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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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Energy Management: Breaking Down the Wall Between Work & Wellness with Suneel Gupta
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43:03
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43:03Gail Davis is joined by Suneel Gupta who discusses how to practically manage energy and bolster emotional resilience in order to unite our wellbeing and performance at work. Show Notes Today we’re joined by Suneel Gupta, an expert on how well-being impacts performance. He’s a healthcare entrepreneur, best-selling author, and visiting scholar at Har…
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When knowledge walks out the door: AI is the solution (Ep. 30)
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31:39Is your firm prepared to retain critical knowledge when long-term employees leave? Welcome to The Modern Firm® podcast, moderated by John Mitchell, who is joined by Ted McRae, Director of Demand at Makers Hub and a 30-year veteran of the accounting technology industry. In this episode, John and Ted tackle the pressing issue of knowledge retention i…
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Broadway Edu-tainment with Sandra Joseph & Ron Bohmer
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37:08
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37:08Gail Davis is joined by Sandra Joseph & Ron Bohmer who discuss finding success by removing our masks to be our authentic selves and how they uniquely blend their captivating Broadway talent with impactful storytelling at each event. Show Notes In this episode of Backstage Pass, we’re joined by Sandra Joseph & Ron Bohmer. Often referred to as Broadw…
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Amputate to Amplify: Transforming Adversity Into Advantage with John Register
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40:13
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40:13Gail Davis is joined by John Register who discusses transforming adversity into advantage, what holds people back from moving past difficult times, and how his message provides audiences a necessary perspective shift. Show Notes In this episode of Backstage Pass we’re joined by John Register. John is a Paralympic silver medalist, army combat vetera…
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Behind The Scenes With Seasoned Event Strategist Heather Davis
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38:25
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38:25Gail Davis is joined by seasoned event strategist Heather Davis who shares what makes an event a home run, factors that play into speaker selection, and the challenges she faces behind the scenes. Show Notes In this episode of Backstage Pass we’re joined by events strategist Heather Davis, Corporate Vice President with New York Life. She drives hig…
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Memory Mastery: The Key to Winning in Business and Life with Ron White
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41:51
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41:51Gail Davis is joined by Ron White who discusses the importance of memory in business, relationships, and self confidence. Show Notes Today we’re joined by two-time USA memory champion Ron White. His presentation addresses the skill of memorization and why it’s so important in business and in relationships. Not only that, but having a good memory ca…
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More Than Heroes: The Ultimate Story of Love, Teamwork, and Trust with Nando Parrado
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26:22Gail Davis is joined by Nando Parrado who shares the powerful message behind his story of survival and why it continues to resonate with generations and audiences of all ages today. Show Notes We wouldn’t be here today if it weren’t for Nando Parrado, the first speaker ever booked by GDA Speakers 25 years ago. Nando is the hero of a 1972 plane cras…
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Eliminating Complexity Through the Power of Simplicity with Lisa Bodell
22:48
22:48
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22:48Gail Davis is joined by Lisa Bodell who dissects the difference between productivity and simplicity, how workplace culture influences the complexity of our work, and using simplicity as an employee retention strategy. Show Notes Today our guest is the founder and CEO of FutureThink, Lisa Bodell. Lisa is a futurist and a global leader on collaborati…
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Setting New Norms in Today's Digital Culture with Erica Dhawan
38:04
38:04
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38:04Gail Davis is joined by Erica Dhawan who shares her wisdom on communication in today's digital culture - including using connectional intelligence and reading digital body language in our modern workplace. Show Notes In this episode we’re joined by Erica Dhawan. Erica is a leading authority in the world of teamwork, collaboration, and innovation, a…
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Exploring AI Through Neuroscience & Business Strategy with John Sanei
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30:30Gail Davis is joined by John Sanei who shares how to approach AI with optimism and how the combination of neuroscience, business strategy, and psychology impact our collective futures. Show Notes In this episode we visit with John Sanei who is an expert on human psychology, neuroscience, and business strategy. As a Certified Futures Strategist, he …
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The Interconnected Impact of Women's Issues with Leslie Morgan Steiner
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39:04
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39:04Gail Davis is joined by Leslie Morgan Steiner who recounts her unexpected life experiences that led her to share her inspiring story - with a message that is equally applicable for both men and women. Show Notes Today our guest is New York Times bestselling author Leslie Morgan Steiner. Leslie is also a TED Talk veteran, a columnist for the Washing…
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Maximizing AI Through A Business Lens with Tim Sanders
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27:04
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27:04Gail Davis and her guest Tim Sanders discuss how to use AI to reframe business challenges as prediction problems. Show Notes For our first episode we’re welcoming Tim Sanders, the Vice President of Customer Insights at Upwork and a New York Times best-selling author. Tim, recently appointed as an executive fellow at Harvard Business School's Digita…
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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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New Year predictions: Get ready for 2025 (Ep. 29)
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28:32What will transform the accounting profession in 2025? Join John Mitchell and Darren Root as they share their bold predictions and insights for the coming year. From Apple’s AI integration to quantum computing breakthroughs, discover how emerging technologies will reshape client service and workplace dynamics. Learn why strategic technology adoptio…
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Felipe Gomez: The Beauty of Listening
1:05:27
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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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