Over the past decade we have had the chance to learn about so many incredible folks from a wide range of industries and backgrounds and our highlighter series is designed to give us an opportunity to go deeper into their stories with to goal of understanding them, their thought process, how their values formed and the foundations of their stories. Check out some incredible folks below – many of whom you may have read about already and a few new names as well.
Emily Kobayashi Woods
I know I am doing what I was born to do. The first day of school with students is always anxiety inducing, but my first day with students this year was amazing. Read more>>
Sarah Iverson
I’d say I’m on the path to doing what I’m meant to do—the path of a play alchemist. For me, a play alchemist is someone who uses the transformative power of play to spark growth, connection, and change. It’s about more than fun; it’s about experimenting, being curious, and turning life itself into a creative lab for healing and evolution. Read more>>
Alyssa Wamsley
I’d say I am wandering down my own path. Like a long hike in the woods where you keep meandering off trail because you see an enticing little side path that lead to a glistening creek, where the wind is blowing just softly enough on the trees to make the leaves rustle in the most beautiful way, singing in harmony with the flowing water. Read more>>
Lori Cameron
Absolutely — sometimes you just have to laugh and be in awe at how precisely the universe lines things up. For years, I had a quiet goal of becoming a teacher on The Shift Network. It’s known for being a tough platform to break into, often requiring years of connections or submissions. Read more>>
Nina Kresky
In interior design, we get a rare bird’s-eye view of what’s happening across the country. When we see similar concepts popping up from designers in completely different regions, it becomes clear what’s just a momentary trend and what signals a real shift. The things that stick usually lean back into tradition and are rooted in function rather than surface-level aesthetics. Read more>>
Ashley Hudson
The most profound and life-changing moment I almost gave up was when I was postpartum with my daughter. I had severe postpartum depression which led to suicidal ideation. I nearly took my own life, but my plan was thwarted by a best friend who felt an urge to come check on me. Read more>>
Stephanie Domingue
One of the biggest lies in the birth world is that there’s only one ‘right’ way to give birth. This rigid thinking creates fear, shame, and disempowerment, instead of honoring the wide spectrum of bodies, experiences, and choices. Read more>>
Cassie Rhoda
I’m being called to a new level of vulnerability in telling my story. If I’m going to connect with and encourage anyone listening, I have to be brave enough to be vulnerable. There are so many hurting people hiding pain to avoid reliving the trauma. This breaks my heart. I understand because I was once in this place, too. Read more>>
Isabelle Kline
What I’m most proud of building is something that no one really sees: the legacy I’ve created for my children. That has always been my “why” from the very beginning. Nothing about my journey has been easy. I didn’t have anything handed to me or much help along the way, and I’ve carried the full weight of supporting my family for many years. Read more>>
Rachel Weinstock
I like to wake up earlier than needed so I can enjoy a cup of coffee before the chaos of the day begins. Most of my life I was a ‘sleep until you absolutely have to get up’ kind of gal, but the last two years have changed. Read more>>
Doug Kingman
Our business is all about a great experience in a wine atmosphere. We want our guests to enjoy time with their friends, with a good book, or just relaxing with a glass of wine and some food that they enjoy. And this is where the misunderstood part of the business appears; expectations of wine. Read more>>
Beth Soldner
I think the biggest thing that is misunderstood about virtual assistants (and my business) is that we can still get the job done incredibly well and efficiently even if we aren’t in person. We’ve talked to a lot of business owners who are hesitant to hire a virtual assistant because they fear not having access to them face to face will be unproductive. Read more>>
Rae Ann Mueller
In today’s world, we constantly receive messaging that we are not good enough as we are. In my work, I see this manifest as eating disorders or disordered eating. So many people are struggling to have a healthy relationship with food and their bodies, and may not even realize it. Read more>>
Dana Suazo
What I believe many people are secretly struggling with—but rarely talk about—is the heart wound of separation. Said differently, it’s the deep feeling of being an outsider. Feeling alone. Feeling as though you don’t belong anywhere. As a unity consciousness choosing to experience separation, these feelings can create confusing inner dialogue: Why do I feel so alone? Read more>>
Anne Gillaspie
I believe others struggle with identifying who they truly are, at their core, without shame and judgment (mostly imposed by themselves). The things we want, need, crave, desire, wish for that would serve our most true authentic selves are often things we suppress and hide, keep small as we believe they aren’t important or won’t be accepted things if others knew this about us. Read more>>
Denali Lord
That’s an easy one. Outside of the demands of my nutrition and coaching practice as well as instructing cycle classes, what truly brings me joy is the simple solitude of a long, exploratory ride on remote gravel roads. It’s the ultimate reset button. Read more>>
Mercedes Fuentes
In my communications, I invite homeowners to share their journeys, not just for marketing, but to build a collective narrative of resilience and hope. I believe that every story matters, and that storytelling itself is a form of empowerment. I advocate for policies that protect vulnerable buyers, simplify complex processes, and center the human experience. Read more>>
OSCIFY
I believe that it’s the most basic of all elements that reset us. Water as flows over the rounded stones on a river. Wind swirling autumn leaves in circles. An unusual bird or insect passing by. Moments with friends and family. Campfires. Classic cars and hot rods. Home cooked meals. Cycling. Drawing and painting. Listening and creating music. Rhythm and rhyme patterns. Read more>>
VERONICA CARABALLO
My earliest memory of feeling powerful was when I learned to ride a bicycle. I still remember the exact moment my feet found the rhythm on the pedals, and I realized I was gliding through the air. I felt like I was flying, like I had superpowers. That memory, along with other childhood moments of wonder, has stayed with me. Read more>>
Connie Morgan
Honestly, my first memory of feeling powerful didn’t happen until I was in my late 30s. I was training for an ultra marathon (32 miles) with my friend Kristin Landry. It was still winter and the sky was sleeting down on us for the entire run/hike. Read more>>
Luna Skelton
Community, for sure. It’s the thing I can’t shut up about. The long years of being too afraid to form meaningful community have definitely informed this perspective. I have really built up a strong community around me. Read more>>
Rachel Becker
I am committed to the work of creating a healthier relationship with death in our culture. I think that an acceptance of death as something natural allows for a deeper and more meaningful experience of living. And I believe that when we can really appreciate the beauty of life while we’re living it, we often have more capacity for kindness, playfulness, forgiveness, and creativity. Read more>>
Kami Guildner
I’m deeply committed to raising up the voices and businesses of one million women around the world. Through my programs, podcast, and events, I’m creating a ripple effect. Every woman I help goes on to lift others through the work she does, expanding the impact in ways we can’t even measure. Read more>>
Jay Halsey
Empathy. I think as a society, especially in the U.S.A., we have become desensitized to truly hearing each other and feeling each other on deep levels, not only nationwide, but on a global scale. To the point that being empathetic is not a cultural value. I’m unsure if it ever was, but I want it to be. Read more>>
Joseph Graves
I’ve switched careers many, many times. But during COVID, I ran into one of my old middle school teachers, Mrs. Damon. She said, “Hey Jojo!” and I replied, “Hey Mrs. Read more>>
Jessie Fliss
I feel most at peace after I’ve hiking and climbed an amazing summit, painting to great tunes with natural sunlight coming through the window and having my 10 year-old golden retriever laying on the floor nearby. Read more>>
Darren Silver
I think there are so many intelligent people in the world today with so many gifts, talents, even vision for a better world. What I think people are missing is their disconnect from the natural world. Read more>>
Matthew Meloney
Who did the world tell me I have to be? I love this question because I can challenge the notion that we ‘have to be’ anything. It’s all too relevant to how we live in today’s society. So much is expected of us – we need to be productive. We need to DO. Read more>>
Markus Van Meter
Absolutely. I’d hire me because I bring more than just skill — I bring perspective. I’ve spent years learning how to tell a story that feels lived-in and real, whether it’s through a photograph, a brand narrative, or a marketing campaign. I understand how to balance creativity with discipline. Read more>>
