Episodes
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Links
Connect: www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-lutoff-perlo
Website: www.lisalutoffperlo.com/home
Book www.amazon.com/dp/B0C68B5896Show notes time stamps:🌟 [02:43] If I can do it - you can do it: dream bigger and don’t limit yourself.
📈 [06:17] Starting from the bottom: build your resume and your value while
👩💼 [09:41] Leading with vulnerability and care gives results: leaders must admit when they need help.
🛳️ [13:32] Empathetic leadership: Lisa saw the sacrifice her crew made so she changed the culture in the company.👠 [18:19] Diversity and proving she deserves to be in the industry: gender issues and challenges.
🛟 [23:03] Lisa appointed the firstfemale captain of a mega cruise ship:Kate McCue
👧 [26:04] Girls are biased: progress is made but girls need to know they can do more and be successful.
⚽ [30:27] Becoming the head of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Miami host committee: the biggest sporting event in the world.
🖥️ [35:25] Be your own PR: Lisa’s academy and course on leadership and community.
😇 [26:52] Personal posts on LinkedIn are getting the most traction: people need the human side of leaders.
🍀 [39:19] Evolve or become extinct: we have so many dimensions that sometimes we don't explore
🎯 [41:26] What makes Lisa tick: being quiet and finding your inner strength - finding your silver lining.
Key Messages from the Episode:Dream Bigger and Embrace Opportunities – Lisa emphasizes the importance of dreaming beyond what you initially envision for yourself. She highlights how taking opportunities that feel uncomfortable can lead to monumental growth, even if you don’t feel prepared at first.Leadership Through Empathy – Lisa shares how empathy and vulnerability are strengths in leadership, enabling better connections with teams and fostering success. Genuine care for others, especially employees, leads to more motivated, productive, and loyal teams.Breaking Gender Barriers – Lisa reflects on her journey as the first woman to lead a major cruise line and the obstacles she overcame in a male-dominated industry. Her experience shows how proving yourself with competence and fostering respectful relationships can dismantle skepticism.Building a Strong Team Culture – Lisa believes in creating a family-like environment within teams. She recounts how she changed the culture within the Celebrity Cruises team by caring for and investing in employees, leading to exceptional results.Please leave a review or send us a Voice note letting us know what you enjoyed at:
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Connect:
www.linkedin.com/in/margarete-schramboeck
Follow:
www.instagram.com/margarete_schramboeck
Episode Highlights:
The Power of Education and Family Support – Dr. Margarete’s upbringing in a working-class family with a strong emphasis on education shaped her journey toward leadership. Her parents' sacrifices and commitment to her education laid the groundwork for her future success.The Importance of Female Mentorship – Margarets highlights how powerful mentorship from women in her life influenced her growth, both personally and professionally. These role models helped her navigate the challenges she faced in her career.Serendipitous Career Path – Her entry into the tech industry was not planned. Her first job with Alcatel was a coincidence, but it became a launching pad for her future leadership roles, proving that sometimes unexpected opportunities are the most transformative.Leadership in the Tech Industry – At the young age of 27, Margarete was asked to take on the role of Technical Director without technical experience. This pivotal moment taught her the value of embracing challenges and trusting in one's potential.The Value of Risk-Taking and Focus – Dr. Margarete shares that success often comes from being willing to take risks and remain focused. She advocates for a clear commitment to each endeavor, whether in business or government, as a path to achieving meaningful outcomes.Public and Private Sector Synergy – Her experience as a government minister in Austria reinforced the value of combining public and private sector knowledge. Dr. Margarete believes that leadership in either sector can benefit from learning and applying lessons from both sides.Living and Working in Saudi Arabia – Margarete discusses her transition from Europe to Saudi Arabia, noting how embracing new environments and opportunities helped her grow as a leader and entrepreneur.Women’s Empowerment in Saudi Arabia:
Significant progress has been made in gender equality, with the government pushing for greater participation of women in the workforce. Speaker 1 highlights how young women, especially those returning from studies abroad, are leading this charge.Networking for Success:
To succeed in leadership, women must build their networks and ensure their contributions are recognized. Networking is not an extracurricular activity but a vital part of professional development.Self-Care and Recharge:
Speaker 1’s personal advice for maintaining energy and focus involves taking time for oneself, whether through simple activities like enjoying fresh air or quiet moments of reflection.Time-stamps⛷️ [02:26] Dr. Margarete is from Austria, Europe from the Alps: her parents were great supporters in her life.
👩🦰 [04:35 ] All female role models in her life.
▶️ [06:24] Entering the tech industry: her decision to become a tech director of Alcatel at 27.
👩💼 [12:22] Being a minister for 4 years: broadening her views and learning quickly how things work in politics.
🇸🇦 [13:54] Returning to business and living in Saudi Arabia and founding her company.
💜 [16:01] Leadership needs heart, brain, and skills: learning by making mistakes.
📈 [18:14] Saudi Arabia is a great country with young people with very high education: the country's transformation and emerging market.
⚡[24:30] The power of building networking as part of the job: invest time in building connections and visibility.
💎 [29:40] What makes Margarete tick: relaxing and self-care as a path to connect with herself.
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Missing episodes?
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Learn more about Shirelle at: www.ileapgroup.com 1. Diversity of Experience & Breaking StereotypesShirelle’s Personal Story:Her fashion choices (such as a standout outfit) initially led others to assume they were selling clothes, rather than running a successful IT and cybersecurity business. This was a pivotal moment where she realized that assumptions based on appearance (race, gender, etc.) don't always align with reality. She was able to turn this situation into an opportunity to connect with a key business partner, emphasizing the importance of diversifying one’s thinking and not allowing past negative experiences to shape future interactions.There is a huge power in the diversity of thought—both in business and in how one perceives others. A mindset shift can lead to opportunities rather than barriers.2. The Role of Mindfulness and Self-TalkLeticia's Wisdom:Leticia introduces the concept of “telling ourselves our own stories: why mindfulness teachings, thoughts, and choosing the story we tell ourselves is important. When people experience challenges or negative assumptions, the inner narrative they create can either fuel suffering or open the door to more productive thinking and action.The message is clear: our mindset and self-talk can shape our experiences and either limit us or open new possibilities.3. Business Ownership: Passion vs. ProfitOn Business Ownership:Shirelle explains why separating passion from profitability is a game changer: While passion can fuel a sense of purpose, it doesn’t always lead to immediate financial success. Entrepreneurs should focus on solving real problems (business problems) while maintaining their passion on the side, ensuring it doesn’t become a source of frustration if it doesn’t directly lead to revenue.Understanding business operations is crucial for business owners, particularly financial elements like Profit and Loss sheets, cash flow, and systems for managing growth. Without this infrastructure, passion alone won't sustain a business.4. Systems and Processes in Small BusinessEfficiency & Operations:The power of systems and operations in small business ownership: While it’s tempting to focus solely on passion and product/service quality, a sustainable business requires attention to financial management, organizing workflows, and streamlining operations. Having clear systems in place for managing cash flow and delegating tasks, so that the entrepreneur can focus on the core functions of their business.Using tools like Loom or Zoom to record processes is practical advice for anyone looking to grow their business by ensuring that workflows and knowledge are shared efficiently within a team.5. Cybersecurity’s Role in BusinessShirelle passion for cybersecurity: a high percentage of small businesses face cyberattacks. Their work in cybersecurity is both a business solution and a way to protect other businesses, allowing them to pursue their passion while addressing a critical issue.Cybersecurity becomes a symbol of responsibility and security. Entrepreneurs can weave their expertise into their mission of protecting and empowering others.6. Finding Momentum & InspirationLeticia's Podcast and Message of Patience:Leticia shares her own journey of producing a podcast for five years without direct monetary rewards, underscoring the importance of patience and commitment to passion. The rewards often come in the form of impact and fulfillment, not just financial compensation. She talks about the urgency she felt to release content, especially the interview with Dr. Gladys McCormick, a woman who introduced holistic medicine to the U.S. and passed away shortly after the interview.Sometimes external events can serve as a signal or a reminder to move forward with projects that are meaningful, even when they seem to have no immediate financial return.7. Breaking News and Exciting Business MilestonesShirelle announces an exciting business achievement: closing a deal with a Historically Black College/University (HBCU) for a digital transformation and cybersecurity project. This includes providing jobs and opportunities for students, which ties back to their passion for empowering underserved and underrepresented groups.The significance of this project lies not only in the technical aspects of cybersecurity but also in the social impact—creating pathways for young people to enter the tech field while benefiting from education and mentorship.8. Gratitude and Giving BackWe should always express gratitude for life, work, and the opportunities that come with it. Maintaining a sense of purpose and using one’s position to help others, particularly marginalized groups or communities that may not have the same opportunities is so powerful and humane.
Key Messages from the Episode:
Mindset matters: The mindset plays a crucial role in navigating business and life challenges. Choosing a more empowering narrative can turn obstacles into opportunities.Passion and business: Your passion doesn’t have to be profitable or business-connected. But your business needs to solve problems. Passion doesn’t always equate to immediate profitability, but when coupled with problem-solving and business strategies, it can lead to long-term success.Systems are essential for every business owner: Having strong operational systems in place is crucial for running a business smoothly. This includes managing cash flow, creating efficient workflows, and being ready for delegation.Cybersecurity and social impact: There’s a significant need for cybersecurity services, particularly for small businesses. By combining technical expertise with a mission to empower underserved groups, businesses can make a social impact while ensuring growth and security.Patience and persistence: Leticia’s story about her podcast emphasizes the need for patience and persistence in pursuing passions that may not yield immediate financial returns. Success and fulfillment come from the impact one makes, not just the financial rewards.Key Topics:
Sherelle’s early influences: The impact of her grandfather’s lessons in global citizenship, work ethic from her mother, and dreaming without limits.
The role of exposure in youth development: Traveling, learning new languages, and interacting with diverse cultures.
Career origin story: Sherelle’s transition from law aspirations to a career in tech and IT, driven by an innate interest in process optimization and technology.
"Choosing the right rooms": The importance of being in spaces that align with personal values and goals, rather than conforming to societal expectations.
Legacy vs. fame: Sherelle's desire to leave a lasting impact, particularly on future generations, through her work in leadership, tech, and community empowerment.
Empowering underserved communities: Sherelle's work through I Lead Group and I Elevate Community, focusing on growth, leadership, and work-life integration for women entrepreneurs.
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Learn more about Leigh at: Leigh Esposito | Author, Coach, Tarotist
Episode Highlights
Leigh Esposito’s Origin Story:
● Early Life and Influences: Raised by Italian-American parents, Leigh’s upbringing was
shaped by her family's culture and values. Although she grew up in various parts of the
U.S., including the suburbs of Philadelphia and Southern California, her cultural roots
played a pivotal role in her life and eventually inspired her work as a writer.
● Career in Law: Initially, Leigh pursued a career in law, believing it to be a stable
profession that matched her skills in communication and critical thinking. However, she
soon realized that the legal field didn’t align with her passions, describing it as "dry" and
lacking the creative stimulation she craved.
The Shift to Writing and Coaching:
● Pursuing a Second Act: In 2010, Leigh left her law career and embarked on a journey
to follow her dreams. This transition didn’t happen overnight—she spent years honing
her craft as an author, developing a unique coaching practice, and aligning her life with
her values.
● Coaching Style and Philosophy: Leigh brings her background in law into her coaching,
combining the analytical approach of a litigator with a creative mindset. Her coaching
focuses on guiding clients through major life transitions, helping them tap into their
dreams and achieve fulfillment in their “second acts.” Leigh’s approach resonates with
people who want to explore new possibilities while still balancing their existing
responsibilities.
Embracing Tarot as a Tool for Insight:
● Discovering Tarot: While researching her debut novel The Godmother, Leigh became
fascinated with tarot and began using it as a personal tool for reflection and insight. Over
time, she developed an expertise in tarot, integrating it into her coaching practice.
● Tarot's Role in Coaching: Leigh uses tarot not as a means of predicting the future but
as a method of uncovering hidden emotions, perspectives, and motivations. Each tarot
reading becomes a conversation starter, helping her clients unlock aspects of
themselves they may not have acknowledged.
● Influence on Writing: Leigh’s second novel is set in the world of tarot, blending
mysticism with romance and fantasy, inspired by her love for the introspective nature of
tarot cards.
Insights on the Sicilian Experience and Heritage:
● Sicilian Heritage: Both Leticia and Leigh share a deep connection to Sicily. For Leigh,
Sicily represents both her cultural roots and the inspiration for her novel The Godmother.
She celebrates Sicilian culture by organizing retreats on the island, where she introduces
participants to its rich history, stunning architecture, and unique traditions.
● ThemesinTheGodmother: Leigh’s novel explores the idea of a strong
Sicilian-American woman in a position of power, challenging stereotypes. Her
protagonist, a “godmother” figure, isn’t involved in crime but uses her influence and
resources to help others—a twist on the traditional mafia narrative.
● Retreats in Sicily: Through these retreats, Leigh invites others to experience the beauty
and complexities of Sicilian life, from its ancient baroque architecture to its vibrant,
multi-faceted communities.
Key Messages from the Episode
1. Follow Your Passion While Maintaining Balance
● Leigh emphasizes that it’s possible to pursue a passion without abandoning one’s
current responsibilities. She encourages listeners to integrate their interests into daily
life, even if it’s just dedicating a few hours a week to that pursuit.
2. The Power of Coaching and Mentorship
● BothLeigh and Leticia discuss the transformative power of coaching and mentorship.
Leigh believes that having a coach can make a huge difference, especially when it
comes to accountability and support. This guidance can push people to take concrete
steps toward their dreams, no matter how daunting they seem.
3. Taking Practical Steps Towards Fulfillment
● Leigh shares advice on making small, consistent efforts toward a goal rather than waiting
for a perfect moment to make a big change. By building momentum through manageable
steps, individuals can gradually transition to a more fulfilling path.
4. Blending Personal Interests with Professional Goals
● Leigh’s journey shows the value of combining personal passions (such as writing and
tarot) with a professional approach, creating a career that feels authentic and uniquely
hers. She advises others to explore ways to incorporate their unique skills and interests
into their work.
Upcoming Projects and Ways to Connect with Leigh
● Writing Workshop: Leigh is leading a 12-week writing workshop designed for
individuals who want to bring their book ideas to life. Participants will work on creating a
significant portion of their novel, with Leigh’s guidance on everything from idea
development to the first draft.
● SecondNovel: Currently, Leigh is in the process of writing her second novel, a romance
fantasy inspired by tarot. She plans to document her creative journey on social media,
giving readers an inside look at the writing process.
● StayUpdated: For updates on Leigh’s work, including her writing workshop and other
projects, listeners can follow her on social media and sign up for her mailing list on her
website.
Memorable Quotes from the Episode
● OnFollowing Your Dreams:
“You don’t need to quit your day job to feel more fulfilled. Sometimes, it’s about finding a
way to integrate that second act with the first.”
● OntheRoleofaCoach:
“A coach is there to keep you accountable, inspired, and moving forward. They help you
see your potential and take steps you might not take on your own.”
● OnSelf-Discovery Through Tarot:
“Tarot is about excavating mysteries. The greatest mystery we’re trying to uncover is
ourselves.”
● OnFinding Joy in the Creative Process:
“Being an author is like playing in a sandbox every day. It’s a journey of exploration, and
I couldn’t be happier.
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Learn more about Krisstina at: https://wealthywellthy.life/
and listen to her podcast at: https://wealthywellthy.life/podcast/
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Learn More about Mike at:
https://unbreakablewealth.com/
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Learn more about J Leonard Costner in this great Authority Magazinge Interview:
J Leonard Costner Of Legacy Universe Publishing: How My Experience in Athletics Trained Me to Become a Better Leader | by Vanessa Ogle | Authority Magazine | Medium
Find Legacy in Social Media at:
Instagram: @thelegacyxii
Youtube: @LegacyUniverse
website: https://www.legacyuniverse.io/
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Learn more about Stephanie and her business at:
Replacement Windows, Doors, Roofing & Siding Contractors (mycoastalwindows.com)
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Learn more about Alfred at:
Alfred Y. Bentley III, PhD | LinkedIn
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Learn more about Carrie at:
https://CarrieOsgood.com
https://YourStoryGPS.com
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https://www.macqueendan.com/
At 28, Dan was leading a healthy, active life. After an optometrist appointment to identify the cause of his persistent headaches was cut short, he was handed a sealed envelope and told to go directly to the hospital. What followed, was emergency brain surgery. On June 21, 2014, Dan's reality was shattered by a devastating brain hemorrhage.
With no map to guide him on the grueling path to recovery, Dan had to rely on his grit, perseverance, and resilience to relearn everything he once knew: how to walk, talk and even smile. Dan has survived two emergency brain surgeries, weeks in a coma, and months in a rehab hospital. What he found out along the way might surprise you: there is nothing like a brain injury to refocus the mind! Driven by a positive mindset, Dan battled through excruciating rehab exercises to rebuild his life and return to a job he loved. He’s grateful for the doctors who saved him and the friends and family who supported him. Now he wants to pay it forward.
The tools Dan used to build back his life can be used by anyone facing challenges. He will reveal strategies to help you or your team be #BetterThanYesterday and achieve your goals, one step at a time. His action-oriented life hacks will help you tackle anything you face.
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Learn more about Dr. Gladys or buy her book at:
Dr. Gladys McGarey – A 102-Year-Old Doctor's Six Secrets to Health and Happiness at Every Age.
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Learn more about Jerry and get your free Goal Setting tool at:
https://beyondtherut.com/
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Learn More about Brandon at: https://ravingreferrals.com/ Brandon Barnum, often referred to as the “King of Referrals” is an award-winning serial entrepreneur, coach, consultant, speaker, trainer, and workshop leader. He serves as CEO of HOA.com - the #1 Referral Network for Home Service Professionals, and as Chairman of the Board of The Champions Institute. He is a highly sought-after expert in referrals, marketing, sales, joint ventures, business development and business growth strategies.
While a single dad in 1997, Brandon was an early technology innovator featuring real estate property listings from Realtors he partnered with and promoted. After learning the art and science of referrals, he increased his annual income 10X from $20K to $200K in just 18 months. Brandon has since closed over $500 million in transactions by referral and has founded multiple local and online referral platforms and networks connecting more than 5 million members in 195 countries.
After learning the BANK sales methodology, Brandon helped launch and served as CEO of Codebreaker Technologies building Codebreaker AI, the world’s first personality-based AI for sales. He now helps businesses close more sales in less time training the BANK sales methodology through his training and coaching company, The Champions Institute.
Brandon Barnum has been featured internationally on TV, radio, several books including Cracking The Millionaire Code and Zero to Hero, and in magazines including The Wall Street Journal, Business Journal and Newsweek to name a few. Brandon is passionate about empowering business owners and professionals with a step-by-step system for attracting profitable prospects and expanding their income, influence and impact.Please leave a review or send us a Voice note letting us know what you enjoyed at:
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Learn more about Christian at: About - Soulful Power
Born in Havana, Cuba, Christian, along with his close-knit family, emigrated to the U.S. when he was 10 to escape Communism. Early life experiences of not being able to speak freely for fear of political persecution led to patterns of hiding aspects of himself and feeling like a stranger in a new land, accompanied by loneliness, isolation, self-rejection, and a sense of not belonging.
By his late 20s, Christian had all the trappings of “success”: a good job, a beautiful condo on the water in South Beach, FL, a sports car, Armani suits — an enviable life. Yet, none of it seemed enough. It seemed that the more he had, the emptier he felt. Something was missing: a spiritual connection and a sense of purpose. Following a life-changing breathwork session, he had a vision for the impact he was meant to make, the gifts he had yet to share with the world… And he discovered tools to help free himself — and others — from the unbearable weight of self-doubt, limiting beliefs, self-sabotaging behaviors, and the conditioning that kept him from feeling truly free and fulfilled. He jumped tracks and never went for the Ph.D. in Psychology. He walked out of his life and went off on a life-changing spiritual journey.
After five years of diving deep into his own process of healing and transformation, he experienced a level of freedom that is only possible when one is willing to face down and transcend their inner demons, their shadow. His newfound strength, wisdom, confidence, and clarity matched a driving passion to support others to reclaim their power, conquer insecurity, stop playing small, create dream relationships, and live a life filled with purpose. Since then, his commitment to our collective healing and transformation has never wavered.
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Learn more about Therese Rose at:
https://www.theresarose.com/
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Learn more at: (12) Jordan Birnbaum | LinkedIn
Jordan Birnbaum is:
A driver of behavior and nurturer to a growth mindset.
An expert in integrating behavioral science with digital platforms to influence and inspire positive behavior change.
And lastly, a proven leader across a broad spectrum of business environments and circumstances willing to share his experience.
As a Consultant, Jordan helps clients uncover the motivations of their targets (prospects, customers and employees) and adjust behaviors and practices to maximize impact and deliver the results they expect.
As Chief Behavioral Economist at ADP, he conceptualized and built Compass, a behavioral-science-based leadership development tool that generated 10% score improvements and won HR Tech’s 2017 Product of the Year.
As the owner/operator of the Vanguard in Los Angeles, a hybrid media production and live entertainment venue, he employed more than 150 people for close to a decade, generating more than $50 million in revenue and working with every major entertainment studio.
As SVP for Juno Online Services, Inc., he built the sales strategy and led the team to one of the highest run rates in the industry, playing a significant role in a successful IPO.
As a student, Jordan graduated from Cornell University with a BS in Policy Analysis and from NYU with an MA in Industrial / Organizational Psychology.
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https://rhondaparkertaylor.com/Rhonda Parker Taylor wanted to write a book to prove to herself that she could. For many, like Parker Taylor, writing is a difficult task. Growing up, she wasn’t a good student in English, reading or writing. She struggled with McGuffey Readers. And the phonetic concepts escaped her as a child. But she was still drawn to books, mostly encyclopedias, where she could read about the world, daring young women and journeys away from her small hometown of Noblesville. So, writing became about telling a story that was within her. And that’s what she did in her book, “Crossroads,” a suspense novel set in Indianapolis in the early 2000s and released earlier this year. The story is a journey into the life of fictional character, Paris Pennington, a powerhouse in the financial community who is forced to fulfill her civic duty and be a juror in a murder trial involving the death of a 15-year-old. But when Pennington takes the job as the jury foreman, whose name is mistakenly made public, her life begins to be picked apart as people around her start dying. Parker Taylor said she had an idea for the plot before she started writing, and she chose the scene of the crime, too. “I had Chapter One ingrained in my head. All I had to do was write it down. I worry about the mechanics after I get the story and dialogue crafted,” she said. Parker Taylor, whose book is endorsed by Golden Globe-nominated actress Mariel Hemingway, will sign copies this Saturday in Chicago and locally, on June 24, at the Barnes and Noble at River Crossing in Indianapolis. The book is the product of “passion, determination and commitment,” she said. “It took me a year to write and 20 years to introduce it.” Yes, she wrote the book in 2000 but finally got it published this year. She was born in Noblesville in 1964 and will turn 59 this fall. She is the second youngest of five children, the daughter of the late William and Anita Parker, who founded a steel manufacturing company that we know today as Noble Industries. Her sister, Brenda Parker, her best friend, is executive vice president of Noble Industries. Her brother, Gary Parker, is executive consultant of manufacturing. And her brother, Greg Parker, is president of Noble Industries. Parker Taylor spent her childhood in a two-story home surrounded by cornfields and cows in the Craig Highlands neighborhood, attended Prairie Baptist Church and Heritage Christian School, from where she graduated in 1983. Through Noble Industries and her parents’ entrepreneurial spirit, the Parkers learned to dedicate themselves to work, family and community. All of the Parker children, she said, were taught to work hard. Most of the kids gained their job experience by working at Noble Industries or for grandparents, Kenneth and Louis (Marrow) Hanna’s Ken-Lo Cafeteria (839 Conner St., according to Hamilton County historian David Heighway). Parker Taylor’s first job was bagging plastic furniture feet while watching TV and bending steel and working a punch press at Noble Industries (which was started in 1968, making metal aquarium stands part time in a 300-square-foot barn, founded in 1969 and incorporated in 1970, and has since grown to 60 employees and a 110,000-square-foot facility). During high school, she worked at Payless Shoes and Arby’s in Noblesville. After graduating high school, she earned a certification in 1984 in Fashion Merchandising in Bauder College, Arlington, Texas. Then, she returned to Indiana. Then several years later, she decided to go back to school. In 2000, she earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Science Management; in 2004, a master’s of Business Administration from Indiana Wesleyan University; and in 2010, a doctorate in Management and Leadership from University of Phoenix. (In her career, she has mentored students and young professionals, was a National College campus director and professor, co-director of an advertising agency and worked for a student loan management company. In between, she worked in the human resources department of Noble Industries. Currently, she is director of operations for Intelligent Solutions training, developing, academic research and business writing services) Her writing started through academics. “I was a business student who had to write paper after paper.” After writing her book, a publisher in 2000 backed out of a deal with her because she wasn’t interested in the business part of the industry. Brenda Parker asked her sister: “What are you afraid of?” Her sister said, “For it to succeed, you must make yourself vulnerable to disappointment.” So Parker Taylor started looking for another publisher who also assisted with the marketing. MindStir and Seacoast walked her through much of the process. Her two family mottos: “If it is meant to be, it is up to me,” and “Every day is great.” She has stuck with those mottos. Writing, for Parker Taylor, is about telling a story with a lesson learned. In “Crossroads,” she used Proverbs’ lessons on anger, fury and envy as the motivations for the crime. After her book was finally published, her first book signing couldn’t have gone better. “I was blessed by so many people coming out to support me and the book,” she said. “I can’t wait to host another one. What I loved about the book signing was it was a time to socialize and fellowship with like-minded people.” Her next signing is at Barnes and Noble Evansville, IN on 9/12 and Barnes and Noble Carmel, IN on October 20. In addition, Parker has done the Fox Indy Now show and approximately 10 Podcasts. While she loves to travel, to cook and all things outdoors, writing a book has always been on her bucket list. What makes her smile is “life and people.” She is inspired by her family and good friends, creating characters like them in her book. “I’ve been lucky to have lifelong friends that push me to be a better person and to live to my full potential,” Parker Taylor said. She has great support from her spouse, Dana Taylor. “My husband assists me in staying in balance because, much like the main protagonist in ‘Crossroads,’ I tend to be a workaholic.” Remember when Parker Taylor shared how she struggled academically in school? Well, she had a special Heritage Christian School teacher, Mrs. Donley, who offered to tutor her over the summer between her junior and senior years. “At the end of the summer, I offered to pay her for the tutoring from the money I made working at Arby’s. She would not take a dime. I passed the test. Without her, none of this would have ever happened to me.”
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Please leave a review or send us a Voice note letting us know what you enjoyed at:
Back2Basics reconnecting to the essence of YOU (podpage.com)
Follow us on IG and FB @Back2BasicsPodcast
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