Becoming Your Best | The Principles of Highly Successful Leaders

Resilience is more than showing up every day and working through the obstacles; it is adapting and surrendering to whatever is happening to you. To thrive through resilience is to accept that sometimes, the obstacle is the only way.In this episode, Nina Sossamon-Pogue invites us to reframe our definition of resilience. Nina is a Keynote Speaker, Author, Podcast Host, Tech Executive, and former USA Gymnast and Emmy-winning News Anchor. Despite major setbacks as an athlete in her teen years and as a journalist at the beginning of her professional career, Nina always found a way to overcome challenges and bounce back stronger than before. As an influential thought leader who already had her success, she is on a mission to help others achieve theirs.Throughout this episode, you'll hear Nina's thoughts on using mental toughness and self-reflection to overcome setbacks and achieve success. Nina also talks about how she recovered from not making it to the US Olympic team, her career-ending injury, and being released from her job after winning Charleston's Favorite News Anchor for the seventh time in a row.You'll also hear about Nina's THIS framework, her TIPS for becoming resilient, why it is crucial to address Excellence Exhaustion, how relying on our reverse resume can help us increase our confidence, and much more.Tune in to Episode 440 and discover how you can transform a major setback into your biggest win by relying on your mental toughness, self-reflection, and resilience.Some Questions I Ask:You refer to setbacks as plot twists. Could you explain that? (5:20)What is your perspective on high achievers' constant struggle to succeed? (14:40)In This Episode, You Will Learn:Nina and her first major setback as a USA Gymnast (3:40)Setbacks or plot twists? (6:30)Nina shares her THIS framework and her TIPS to increase resiliency (8:20)What can we do with the stress from life's plot twists (18:00)Why we should pay more attention to our reverse resume (20:10)Connect with Nina Sossamon-Pogue:WebsiteLinkedInInstagramTwitterYouTubeFacebookThis Seriously Sucks podcastNina Sossamon-Pogue booksBecoming Your Best Resources:WebsiteBecoming Your Best LibraryBook: Becoming Your Best: The 12 Principles of Highly Successful LeadersFacebook Group – Conquer Anxiety

Overcoming incredibly challenging obstacles is already a massive feat worthy of praise. Yet some people feel defeating the beast is only the beginning of their journey; they feel compelled to share their stories and inspire others. Meet JR Martinez, US Army Veteran turned Best-selling Author, Motivational Speaker, and Dancing With The Stars Winner.In this episode, we learn the true meaning of resilience and optimism from JR Martinez. Only one month after his deployment to Iraq, JR's Humvee got hit by an improvised explosive device, causing him several injuries, burning 30% of his body, and sending him into a long recovery of three years. After over 30 surgeries, JR started the second part of his story and, relying on his inner strength, an acute sense of humor, and incomparable love of life, became an inspiring figure and a beacon of hope and optimism.Throughout this episode, you'll hear about JR's inspiring story, his relentless capacity to adapt and overcome challenges, and the thought process behind the decision to face the toughest struggles as opportunities for growth and self-discovery. JR also talks about his defying upbringing, shares his thoughts on the importance of taking a moment to appreciate how far we've come, and reveals details of his participation in Dancing With The Stars.Tune in to Episode 439, learn more about this exceptional man who travels the world spreading his message of resilience, humor, and optimism, and discover why he sees scars as tattoos with better stories.Some Questions I Ask:Tell us about your background, including any turning points in your life that have had a significant impact on you (4:30)Could you tell us more about your experience in Dancing With The Stars? (21:30)In This Episode, You Will Learn:JR talks about his recovery and why he decided to use his story to inspire others (6:30)How to transform how we see the world through active listening (8:40)JR talks about the mentor who changed his life through empathy and love (10:10)The importance of looking back and praising our progress and achievements (18:20)JR talks about his experiences at Dancing With The Stars (22:30)From scarred, disabled veteran to burn survivor, complete human, and inspiring figure (26:20)Connect with JR Martinez:WebsiteInstagramFacebookTwitterBook: JR Martinez - Full of Heart: My Story of Survival, Strength, and SpiritBecoming Your Best Resources:Becoming Your Best WebsiteBecoming Your Best University WebsiteBecoming Your Best LibraryEmail: support@becomingyourbest.comFacebook Group – Conquer Anxiety

What is the role of the highest-paid individual in a company, making the calls or crafting a team capable of making decisions as a unit?  In this episode, we learn new ways of empowering teams and creating winning cultures from the extraordinary Jim Stevenson. Jim is a Strategic Advisor, Consultant, Transformation and Growth Specialist, and the Founder and CEO of Bletchley Group. He has over 24 years of experience crafting systems that focus on customers and turning growth into the objective of companies' strategies and the result of their transformation.   Throughout our conversation, Jim shares his thoughts on the challenges of assembling teams capable of dealing with today's volatile environments, the benefits of empowering teams, and why leadership's reaction to failure molds culture. Jim also talks about Agile Methodologies and their impact on culture, shares several real-life examples of how different cultures affect teams' productivity and overall health, the massive role communication has in creating a winning culture, and much more.  Tune in to Episode 438 of Becoming Your Best, and learn more about Jim Stevenson's unique approach to empowering teams and crafting winning cultures that make companies grow.   Some Questions I Ask: What are the most important aspects of what you can provide a team so they can be empowered? (6:10) What have you learned about organizational structure and how it impacts empowerment and productivity? (14:20)  In This Episode, You Will Learn: About Jim's background and his first steps in leadership (3:10) How Agile Methodologies impact organizations (7:40) Jim talks about what leaders' main role should be in an organization (10:00) Jim shares a story of two different cultures with two different results (12:30) How organizations deal with failure shapes culture (17:30) What is the role of communication in empowering teams and creating winning cultures (22:20)  Connect with Jim Stevenson: Website LinkedIn  Becoming Your Best Resources: Becoming Your Best Website Becoming Your Best University Website Becoming Your Best Library Email: support@becomingyourbest.com  Book: Becoming Your Best: The 12 Principles of Highly Successful Leaders Book: Conquer Anxiety: How to Overcome Anxiety and Optimize Your Performance Facebook Group – Conquer Anxiety 

Anybody who navigated the world of grants will agree: it is an extremely daunting experience. Our guest, Libby Hikind, believes following directions meticulously and staying organized is crucial to dealing with applications' complexities and the stiff competition and securing the funding you need.In this episode, The Queen of Grants, Libby Hikind, joins us to unravel the unknown world of grants. Libby is the Founder and CEO of GrantWatch, the leading grant-funding search engine for nonprofits, businesses, and individuals. She is also the Best-selling Author of "The Queen of Grants: From Teacher to Grant Writer to CEO" and the Host of the GrantTalk podcast.Throughout our conversation, you'll hear about Libby's journey from grant writer to CEO and founder, her best tips to navigate the grants industry, and the thought process that helped her transition from grant writer to leader and public figure. Libby also talks about the work behind building GrantWatch, the company's purpose and the tools it provides, the most common grant writing mistakes, how to avoid them, and much more.Tune in to Episode 437 and discover the secrets to successful grant writing with The Queen of Grants, Libby Hikind.Some Questions I Ask:What are some of your best lessons learned as a leader? (7:00)Let's talk about GrantWatch, how it works, and how can we access it? (13:10)In This Episode, You Will Learn:Libby talks about her journey from teacher, to grant writer, to founder and CEO (3:00)What is "The Queen of Grants," Libby's book about (5:10)How grants can help at-risk youth (11:00)What is GrantWatch and how it works (13:00)Libby shares insights on her podcast, GrantTalk (15:10)About Libby's biggest mistakes and lessons learned in the world of grants (18:50)Connect with Libby Hikind:WebsiteLinkedInInstagramTwitterGrantTalk podcastBook: Libby Hikind - The Queen of Grants: From Teacher to Grant Writer to CEOBecoming Your Best Resources:Becoming Your Best WebsiteBecoming Your Best University WebsiteBecoming Your Best LibraryBook: Becoming Your Best: The 12 Principles of Highly Successful LeadersBook: Conquer Anxiety: How to Overcome Anxiety and Optimize Your PerformanceFacebook Group – Conquer Anxiety

In today's special episode, we are honored with the presence of Dr. Amani Ballour, a Pediatrician, Human Rights Activist, and someone who will be definitely remembered as one of history’s great heroines.Growing up in Syria's confined society, and despite her siblings being married off in their teens, our guest, Dr. Amani Ballour defied the system and performed the greatest act of rebellion against it: she dared to get an education. When the Syrian revolution unfolded, she went from being a volunteer at a local clinic to being thrown into the depths of emergency medicine, becoming the director of an underground hospital, shielding children, to a refugee, and a human rights activist.Throughout this episode, Dr. Amani talks about her journey from being a medicine student to managing "The Cave," the underground hospital that saved thousands of lives during the Syrian revolution, and the challenges and horror she faced. You'll also hear about her passionate advocacy for human rights, her inspiring message of compassion and resilience toward war refugees, and much more.Tune in to Episode 436 of Becoming Your Best and learn more about Dr. Amani Ballour's relentless dedication and leadership that saved hundreds and inspired thousands globally.Some Questions I Ask:Dr. Ballour, please tell us about your background, including turning points in your life that significantly impacted you (2:00)What motivated you to share your experience in The Cave, the underground hospital? (11:40)In This Episode, You Will Learn:Dr. Ballour talks about the challenges she faced growing up as a woman in Syria (3:00)Overcoming gender barriers to become a female doctor in Syria (15:20)Dr. Ballour talks about the current conditions in Syria (18:00)The impact individuals can have on global issues (20:10)Dr. Ballour shares her thoughts on refugees' resilience and the continuous need for global support (22:30)Connect with Dr. Amani Ballour:InstagramTwitterFacebookBook: Dr. Armani Ballour - The Cave: A Secret Underground Hospital and One Woman's Story of Survival in SyriaBecoming Your Best Resources:Becoming Your Best WebsiteBecoming Your Best University WebsiteBecoming Your Best LibraryEmail: support@becomingyourbest.comBook: Becoming Your Best: The 12 Principles of Highly Successful LeadersBook: Conquer Anxiety: How to Overcome Anxiety and Optimize Your PerformanceFacebook Group – Conquer Anxiety

Can cultural shifts transform an entire industry?Meet Dr. Sulman Ahmed, who, by following his deeply rooted belief in customer service excellence reshaped his industry and transformed his business into a massive success.In this episode, we learn from Dr. Sulman Ahmed about the difference adjusting a company's culture to customer satisfaction can make, how to face life challenges with resilience and perspective, and why having a clear vision is crucial to succeed. Dr. Ahmed is the Chairman and CEO of DECA Dental and the Author of "Make Them Smile: Why Customer Satisfaction Is the Key to Rapid and Sustainable Growth."He is passionate about putting customers' needs first and developed a patient-centered model that turned DECA Dental into a reference for excellence, the recipient of several awards, honors, and recognitions. Dr. Ahmed also achieved many honors and awards, like the Ernst & Young’s Entrepreneur of the Year in 2017 and Glassdoor’s Top CEOs list in 2021, among many others.Throughout our conversation, Dr. Ahmed shared the story of how he went from being homesick and almost returning to Zimbabwe to owning and leading one of the largest privately held dental companies in the US. You'll also hear Dr. Ahmed's thoughts on effective leadership, building a legacy, the benefits of shaping a culture focused on customer satisfaction, and much more.Tune in to Episode 435 and discover why making your customers smile is the shortcut to experiencing rapid and sustainable growth in your business.Some Questions I Ask:Please tell us about yourself, your background, and any turning points that had a significant impact on your life (2:40)When did you realize it was time to start working on your business instead of in your business? (12:00)In This Episode, You Will Learn:Dr. Ahmed talks about why he decided to write his book (7:00)It takes ten years of being good every day to become great at something (10:00)Dr. Ahmed shares one of the most important lessons he learned as an entrepreneur (14:40)Why you should "make things personal" (16:40)Connect with Dr. Sulman Ahmed:WebsiteLinkedInBook: Dr. Sulman Ahmed - Make Them Smile: Why Customer Satisfaction Is the Key to Rapid and Sustainable GrowthBecoming Your Best Resources:Becoming Your Best WebsiteBecoming Your Best University WebsiteBecoming Your Best LibraryEmail: support@becomingyourbest.comBook: Becoming Your Best: The 12 Principles of Highly Successful LeadersBook: Conquer Anxiety: How to Overcome Anxiety and Optimize Your PerformanceFacebook Group – Conquer Anxiety

Communicating ideas clearly sits at the top of any successful endeavor in every company. Whether we are communicating with an external audience or our team, sharing a straightforward message and setting clear expectations is crucial.In today's episode, we learn from a true wordsmith, Julianna Newland, why getting good at putting nouns and verbs is a shortcut to becoming successful leaders. Julianna has over 30 years of experience in the corporate world working for Fortune 500 companies; she is a Freelance Author and Editor, a Micro-influencer, and the Author of "All Up in Your Bizness: Managing Your Business Crap."Throughout our conversation, Julianna shared insights on the importance of finding the right mentor, getting and securing a job in a Fortune 500 company, and nurturing a solid network. You'll also hear Julianna's thoughts on mentorship, how to get the right mentor and get the best out of them, successfully manage hybrid work environments, and maintain high trust levels in them.Additionally, Julianna talks about her book, what motivated her to write it, how it can help develop thriving work environments, and much more.Tune in to Episode 434 and discover Julianna Newland's insights on mastering corporate leadership with a dash of humor and a wealth of experience.Some Questions I Ask:What tips can you share on how to be successful in companies? How do you create value? (5:20)What are some of the suggestions you might have to successfully manage hybrid work situations? (16:40)In This Episode, You Will Learn:Julianna's tips for securing a job in a Fortune 500 company (6:00)How to find the right mentor (9:10)Why being loyal is so important in corporate America (15:10)Julianna talks about her book, "All Up in Your Bizness" (19:30)Three tips for creating an optimum work environment (23:20)Connect with Julianna Newland:WebsiteLinkedInInstagramBook: Julianna Newland - All In Your Bizness: Managing Your Business CrapBecoming Your Best Resources:Becoming Your Best WebsiteBecoming Your Best University WebsiteBecoming Your Best LibraryEmail: support@becomingyourbest.com Book: Becoming Your Best: The 12 Principles of Highly Successful LeadersBook: Conquer Anxiety: How to Overcome Anxiety and Optimize Your PerformanceFacebook Group – Conquer Anxiety 

What is the impact of fostering an empathy-focused culture in an organization?Understanding how your team is feeling is way more effective than the metrics any survey can provide. Our guest, Erika Sinner, feels that corporate culture has more to do with how employees feel on Sunday night than the metrics any survey can provide.Erika Sinner is the CEO and Founder of Directorie, an Empathy Driven Culture Advocate, and the Author of "Pets are Family: It's as simple as that."Throughout this episode, you'll hear about the importance of empathy in the workplace, the benefits of fostering an empathy-driven culture, and practical tips for leaders on supportive team members through personal challenges. Erika also talks about including pet bereavement policies, and how it can lead to better communication, increase trust, and create a more positive work environment, her Moments that Matter document, and much more.Tune in to Episode 433 of Becoming Your Best and discover how fostering trust and compassion through empathy-driven leadership can transform your workplace.Some Questions I Ask:What kind of sensitivity should there be for people who have lost their pets? What are some recommendations to give people comfort? (8:30)How do you bring up questions for Moments that Matter? (16:40)In This Episode, You Will Learn:A bit about Erika's background and upbringing (2:40)The story behind Erika's "Pets Are Family" (5:00)Sensitivity and support for grieving employees (7:40)Implementing "Moments that Matter" (14:50)Benefits of an empathy-driven corporate culture (20:00)Connect with Erika Sinner:WebsiteInstagramLinkedInBook: Erika Sinner - Pets Are Family: It's As Simple As ThatBecoming Your Best Resources:Becoming Your Best WebsiteBecoming Your Best University WebsiteBecoming Your Best LibraryEmail: support@becomingyourbest.comBook: Becoming Your Best: The 12 Principles of Highly Successful LeadersBook: Conquer Anxiety: How to Overcome Anxiety and Optimize Your PerformanceFacebook Group – Conquer Anxiety

What makes intrapreneurship so successful in corporate settings? In this episode, the brilliant Louis Gump invites us to look at intrapreneurship's unique way of generating growth and transforming companies from the inside out. Louis is a business builder and transformational leader by excellence; he combines his experience as an intrapreneur, CEO, and entrepreneur to develop talented teams and achieve remarkable success in growing businesses. He is the President of Cambian Solutions, the Best-selling Author of "The Inside Innovator," and managed award-winning mobile businesses at The Weather Channel and CNN.  Throughout this episode, Louis talks about the importance of fostering innovation within large organizations, why intrapreneurship is ideal for doing this, and every successful intrapreneur's main traits. Louis also shares valuable insights he gained throughout his career, we discuss adaptability is crucial for every business, and how intrapreneurship can create new value and opportunities for companies and those working in them.   Tune in to Episode 432 of Becoming Your Best and learn more about intrapreneurship's innovative strategies and how they can transform your organization and promote growth from the inside out.  Some Questions I Ask:Can anyone be an intrapreneur? (13:20) How can someone be a great intrapreneur? (19:00)In This Episode, You Will Learn: A bit about Louis' background and the origin of his passion for intrapreneurship (2:20)What is intrapreneurship and why companies should care about it (7:30)What makes a good intrapreneur (10:40)How great intrapreneurs build valuable skills (20:30)Louis shares tips from his interviews with successful intrapreneurs (25:50)Connect with Louis Gump: WebsiteLinkedInBook: Louis Gump - The Inside Innovator: A Practical Guide to IntrapreneurshipBecoming Your Best Resources:Becoming Your Best WebsiteBecoming Your Best University WebsiteBecoming Your Best LibraryEmail: support@becomingyourbest.comBook: Becoming Your Best: The 12 Principles of Highly Successful LeadersBook: Conquer Anxiety: How to Overcome Anxiety and Optimize Your PerformanceFacebook Group – Conquer Anxiety