Episodes

  • In this episode of the Surfacing Leaders podcast, host Marc Koehler sits down with Kevin Wathey, founder of Valara, a global resort portfolio redefining wellness, and Baseline, a health technology platform revolutionizing personalized health insights.

    Kevin shares his inspiring journey, from navigating personal loss to finding his purpose in wellness and hospitality. They discuss his transition from a corporate career at Hyatt Hotels to creating transformative experiences that blend luxury hospitality with cutting-edge health science. Kevin reflects on how his mother's legacy shaped his mission and shares the pivotal moments that led to his current ventures.

    Listeners will gain insights into:

    The key principle every leader must master to build trust and credibility.How to uncover and harness your inner compass to navigate uncertainty.The daily practices that create alignment and move you closer to your purpose.

    Tune in to discover how Kevin's unique approach to wellness, leadership, and connection can inspire your journey toward greater fulfillment, impact, and discovering your true North.

    Learn more about Kevin and his work:

    Website: GetBaseline.com

    LinkedIn

  • Are You Waiting for Permission to Lead Your Best Life? In this week’s episode, host Marc Koehler engages in a powerful conversation with returning guest Heather Younger, a celebrated author, keynote speaker, and leadership and workplace culture expert, who calls out the habits holding us back—waiting, blaming, and avoiding responsibility—and shares the keys to breaking free.

    Heather shares insights from her latest book, The Art of Self-Leadership: Discover the Power Within You and Learn to Lead Yourself, which explores how personal accountability and empowerment are the cornerstones of effective leadership. She reveals why self-leadership is essential for achieving clarity, building resilience, and fostering meaningful relationships, both personally and professionally.

    Listeners will gain profound takeaways from Heather's stories and frameworks, such as:

    Moving from waiting and blaming to taking ownership of your growth.Embracing the power of listening as a transformative leadership tool.Aligning decisions and actions with core values to create a purpose-driven life.

    Discover why self-leadership is the ultimate game-changer and how aligning your actions with your values can transform your life and leadership.

    Join us for this inspiring episode and learn how to take charge of your life, lead with integrity, and leave a lasting impact on those around you.

    Connect with Heather:

    Website

    LinkedIn

    Book

  • Missing episodes?

    Click here to refresh the feed.

  • In this episode of the Surfacing Leaders podcast, host Marc Koehler sits down with his former Executive Officer on the USS Pogy, Vice Admiral Joe Leidig, a distinguished leader with 39 years of service in the U.S. Navy and a wealth of experience in both military and business environments.

    Joe reflects on his incredible journey from being Executive Officer of nuclear-powered submarines to serving as Deputy Commander of U.S. Africa Command, where he led operations with 2,000 personnel and a $700 million budget. Throughout the conversation, Joe shares his insights on leadership, focusing on three timeless principles: integrity, leadership, and effort.

    Listeners will be inspired by Joe's stories, including his unforgettable interview with Admiral Hyman Rickover, the father of the nuclear Navy, and how it shaped his leadership philosophy. He also discusses how these principles guided his efforts to transform an underperforming submarine crew into a top-performing unit and later helped him bridge gaps in the defense industry's supply chain in his current role in private equity.

    Joe offers actionable advice for leaders of all levels, emphasizing the importance of believing in oneself, building trust through integrity, and fostering a shared vision that unites teams. This episode is packed with lessons on how to lead in high-stakes environments and beyond.

    Join us for this inspiring conversation to surface the leader within yourself!

    Connect with Joe:

    LinkedIn
  • In this episode of the Surfacing Leaders podcast, host Marc Koehler sits down with Elizabeth Yerecic Freedman, a leader in the family business world, to discuss leadership, sustainability, and the challenges of generational business transition.

    Elizabeth, who is deeply involved in her family's business, Yerecic Label, as Co-Owner and EVP, shares how they've transformed their operations through cross-functional teams and lean practices, enabling them to improve and thrive continuously.

    Elizabeth delves into the importance of sustainability in business, particularly how her company is making significant strides in creating recyclable and eco-friendly products. She explains how their commitment to sustainability benefits the environment and positions the company as a leader in the packaging industry. With a strong focus on process improvement, Elizabeth describes how a continuous learning and collaboration culture has fueled their success.

    Listeners will learn about the intersection of family business dynamics, sustainability, and leadership development. Elizabeth shares how saying "yes" to new opportunities can unlock potential, how to drive meaningful change in an organization, and the role of passion in leadership.

    In this episode, you'll discover actionable takeaways for your own leadership journey:

    Embrace change and innovation with a strong purpose.Lead with passion and authenticity.Cultivate a sustainable mindset for long-term success.

    Join us as we explore how Elizabeth and her family are shaping the future of their business and leading with purpose.

    Connect with Elizabeth:

    Elizabeth’s LinkedInYerecic Label Website
  • In this episode of the Surfacing Leaders podcast, host Marc Koehler is joined by Dr. Scott De Long, a serial entrepreneur, seasoned leadership expert, educator, and author of I Thought I Was a Leader. Scott brings years of experience in coaching, corporate leadership, and personal development, offering a wealth of insights on how to cultivate strong teams and become a more effective leader.

    In this episode, Scott shares powerful insights from his career and personal experiences, focusing on how to foster open communication, create psychological safety, and turn conflict into collaboration, with a special emphasis on connecting across generations. He highlights the importance of self-reflection and empathy in becoming an effective leader.

    Key takeaways:

    How to build trust and foster open communication within your team.The importance of embracing self-reflection and empathy in leadership.Actionable strategies for navigating conflict and creating a positive, productive environment.

    Join us for a thought-provoking discussion with Scott about the importance of reflection and personal growth in leadership. His experiences and wisdom will challenge you with new perspectives on how to lead with authenticity and intention.

    Connect with Scott:

    LinkedIn

    Website

  • In this episode of the Surfacing Leaders podcast, host Marc Koehler sits down with the renowned Coach Mark Gottfried, former NCAA Division I basketball coach and leadership expert. Together, they explore the evolution of Mark’s leadership over a 32-year coaching career and the timeless values that drive success on and off the court.

    Mark shares insights from his experiences coaching at the highest levels of college basketball, highlighting the importance of relationships, patience, and developing a "GID" (Grit, Integrity, Desire) mentality. He discusses the challenges and rewards of coaching, from his early days as a young head coach to adapting his leadership style over the years. Mark also offers candid advice on the changing landscape of college sports, particularly the impact of NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) and the transfer portal, and how leaders must adapt in an era of rapid change.

    Listeners will gain practical leadership lessons from Mark's experiences, including the crucial value of self-awareness and honest reflection.

    This episode is packed with actionable takeaways for anyone looking to enhance their leadership skills, including:

    Mastering patience as a leadership strategy for sustainable success.Cultivating deep, meaningful relationships that drive team cohesion and performance.Harnessing grit, integrity, and desire to overcome challenges and achieve extraordinary results.

    Tune in to hear Coach Mark Gottfried's story and valuable perspective on leadership and how you can apply these principles in your journey.

    Connect with Mark Gottfried:

    Website: Mark Gottfried OfficialPodcast: The Front Row with Coach Mark GottfriedLinkedIn
  • In this episode of the Surfacing Leaders podcast, host Marc Koehler engages in a conversation with Laura Hamill, a leader in organizational psychology and leadership development, founder of Paris Phoenix Group, and author of the just-released book The Power of Culture. Together, they explore the evolving dynamics of leadership, workplace culture, and the impact of generational shifts in the workforce.

    Laura shares her unique insights from her extensive experience working with companies like Microsoft and her consulting firm, Paris Phoenix Group. She dives into how leaders can create environments where employees feel heard, valued, and empowered. Highlighting the importance of emotional intelligence, Laura discusses how leaders can balance the need for organizational results with fostering a culture of openness and inclusivity.

    A key theme of the episode is the future of work, especially as Gen Y and Gen Z take the forefront in the workforce. Laura emphasizes the need for leaders to listen actively, embrace diverse perspectives, and rethink traditional office structures in favor of flexibility and trust. She also discusses the role of AI in leadership, explaining how it can be a powerful tool for enhancing decision-making and improving team performance when managed wisely.

    In this episode, you’ll learn:

    Why empowering employees with a voice and cultivating a culture of transparency is critical for success and engagement.How to develop transformational managers who inspire, support, and drive performance at all levels.The undeniable power of authenticity and inclusivity in shaping a resilient, thriving organizational culture.

    Join Marc and Laura as they uncover how leadership is evolving in response to shifting societal expectations and technological advancements. This conversation offers valuable insights for leaders at all levels, guiding you to build a stronger, more resilient leadership foundation.

    Connect with Laura Hamill:

    LinkedIn: Laura Hamill

    Website: Paris Phoenix Group

  • In this episode of the Surfacing Leaders podcast, host Marc Koehler talks with Eddie Pate, a seasoned inclusion, diversity, and equity expert. With a robust career spanning over two decades, Eddie has significantly contributed to leading inclusion initiatives at renowned organizations, including Amazon, Microsoft, and Starbucks, which has equipped him with unique insights into teamwork and leadership in high-pressure environments.

    Their conversation delves into the pivotal role of empathy in fostering an inclusive workplace and the daily practices that can drive meaningful change. Eddie shares insights from his extensive career, emphasizing the transformative power of recognizing and leveraging individual differences to create vibrant, evolving work cultures. Through the metaphor of 'dropping pebbles,' Eddie illustrates how small, intentional actions can empower individuals to make significant ripple effects on team dynamics and organizational success.

    Listeners will benefit from Eddie's practical strategies, including:

    Transforming your leadership style through empathy and intentionality to create a more connected team.Challenging traditional norms around cultural fit versus cultural adds to foster innovation.Implementing actionable tools to ensure every voice is valued in team discussions.

    Join us for this enlightening discussion and discover how integrating empathy and intentionality can inspire personal and organizational growth, unlocking untapped potential within yourself and your organization.

    Connect with Eddie Pate:

    LinkedInWebsite
  • In this episode of the Surfacing Leaders podcast, host Marc Koehler engages in a conversation with leading food and agriculture research expert and Holland-native, Anne-Marie Roerink. Together, they explore the intersection of leadership, industry evolution, and the importance of curiosity in driving meaningful change.

    Anne-Marie shares her insights from years of research in the food sector, emphasizing the growing demand for transparency and ethical practices in agriculture. She highlights how younger generations, particularly Gen Z and Millennials, push for accountability, reshaping products' sourcing and marketing. Their discussion delves into the impact of AI on the industry, illustrating how it can enhance production and consumer choices while recognizing its inherent biases.

    Listeners will gain valuable lessons from Anne-Marie's experiences, including her approach to cultivating a "to-don't" list to eliminate unnecessary tasks and enhance productivity. She also stresses the importance of staying connected with industry trends, ensuring you are always informed and up-to-date, and demonstrating how proactive engagement can lead to better decision-making and innovation.

    The episode wraps up with practical takeaways for aspiring leaders:

    Understand what drives your passion and happiness in your work.Embrace continuous change and adaptability.Foster curiosity to navigate the complexities of your industry.

    Join us for this enlightening conversation to discover how to integrate timeless values and insights into your leadership journey, paving the way for positive impact in your field.

    Tune in to learn how to harness the power of curiosity and change to become a more effective leader in today's evolving landscape!

    Connect with Anne-Marie Roerink:

    LinkedIn: Anne-Marie Roerink

  • In this special episode of the *Surfacing Leaders* podcast, host Marc Koehler reconnects with former shipmate, Sean Kelley. Both Marc and Sean served together aboard the nuclear-powered USS Pogy submarine, and this episode is filled with stories from their time beneath the waves. They recount life on a submarine—its challenges, its camaraderie, and the unique lessons that shaped their leadership styles. For anyone curious about the rare and close-knit bond formed on submarines, this episode offers an intimate glimpse into that world.

    Beyond their shared Navy days, Sean reflects on his impressive career post-military, including leadership roles at Microsoft, Amazon, and Starbucks, where he became a fierce advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion. Throughout their conversation, Marc and Sean draw connections between their submarine experiences and leadership principles—resilience, inclusion, and accountability.

    In this episode, listeners will hear:

    - The importance of resilience and teamwork in high-stakes environments.

    - How submarine experiences shaped both Marc and Sean’s leadership philosophies.

    - Insights on fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion within organizations.

    - Practical advice on how to stay invested in your team and lead through challenging times.

    This is a one-of-a-kind episode blending personal stories and deep insights, highlighting the human spirit that drives leadership.

    Connect with Sean Kelley

    LinkedIn

    Website

  • In this episode of the Surfacing Leaders podcast, host Marc Koehler engages in a thought-provoking discussion with Adam "Smiley" Poswolsky, a unique voice in workplace culture and the future of work. Smiley's wealth of experience in fostering inclusivity, belonging, and personal connection in today's rapidly evolving work environment, particularly in connecting with the next generation of workers—Millennials and Gen Z, makes his insights invaluable.

    Smiley explores the shift from traditional leadership roles to a more coaching and mentoring approach. He delves into the impact of AI on workplace dynamics while emphasizing the need for human-centric leadership that prioritizes empathy, curiosity, and personal growth.

    Through real-world examples and personal anecdotes, Smiley highlights the importance of building deeper connections and nurturing talent within teams, especially for a new workforce driven by purpose and community.

    Listeners will gain practical insights on:

    Integrating personal connection into daily work routines.Navigating the complexities of DEI initiatives and their impact on organizational culture.Embracing technology while maintaining a focus on human elements like storytelling and empathy.Engaging younger employees by fostering a culture of belonging and purpose-driven leadership.

    Smiley also shares highly actionable advice for leaders looking to surface their inner potential. His emphasis on the value of being a supportive friend and mentor to both colleagues and loved ones makes his advice not just insightful but immediately applicable in the workplace.

    Tune in to discover how you can foster a more inclusive and engaging work environment while staying true to your core values. For more information about Smiley and his resources, visit his website or connect with him on LinkedIn.

    Join us for this enlightening conversation and learn how to lead with heart and purpose in today's dynamic world.

  • In this episode of the Surfacing Leaders podcast, host Marc Koehler speaks with Jean-Louis “JL” Jabbour, the youngest General Manager in the College H.U.N.K.S. Hauling Junk and Moving franchise network, leading one of its most successful locations. As a standout 27-year old Gen Z leader in an organization with over 200 franchises nationwide, JL offers a unique look into the business strategies and leadership principles that have fueled his impressive rise in the company.

    College H.U.N.K.S. is a brand known for its commitment to leadership development, culture, and purpose-driven service, which Marc witnessed ans was impressed with first-hand when his daughter hired College H.U.N.K.S. for her moving needs earlier this year. JL discusses how these core values are integrated into every aspect of their operations, from building a motivated team to delivering exceptional customer experiences. His story also highlights the importance of creating a positive work environment that's both scalable and sustainable—a hallmark of the College H.U.N.K.S approach.

    Listeners will gain valuable insights into the culture that sets College Hunks apart as JL breaks down:

    How empathy, open communication, and continuous growth have been central to his journey as a Gen Z leader.The company's focus on building leaders and fostering teamwork has been pivotal to the success of his location.The company's eco-friendly initiatives, including their commitment to recycling or donating up to 70% of the items they haul, reflecting a broader vision of sustainability and community impact.

    The conversation doesn't stop at business operations. JL opens up about his transformation from a “video game kid” into a dynamic leader. He discusses the power of setting clear goals, breaking them down into actionable micro-goals, and embracing challenges as opportunities for growth. His leadership style is rooted in principles like empathy, effective communication, and the relentless pursuit of both personal and professional development. He shares candid stories of overcoming obstacles, offering practical advice on applying these lessons in your career or entrepreneurial journey.

    This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in learning what it takes to motivate and lead the younger generations, build a high-performing team, or be inspired by a story of transformation and success. Tune in to discover how JL Jabbour is helping College Hunks set new industry standards and how you can apply these same principles to achieve your own leadership goals.

    JL’sLinks:

    LinkedInCollegeHunks Website
  • In this episode of the Surfacing Leaders podcast, host Marc Koehler has an inspiring conversation with Bita Safari, an extraordinary philanthropist, entrepreneur, and founder of GiGO Clean.

    Bita, who immigrated from Iran but has lived in Orange County, California, for the past 30 years, brings a unique perspective to leadership and resilience, shaped by her rich cultural heritage and deep commitment to making a difference in the world.

    Bita shares the incredible strength and perseverance it took to navigate the challenges of building a startup, supporting her husband through a cancer battle, and raising a family—all while staying true to her passion for helping children in poverty and advocating for women’s equality.

    In this conversation, Bita shares the leadership lessons she’s learned, emphasizing the importance of mental strength, crisis management, and leveraging a team’s strengths.

    She also reflects on the critical role of a solid HR strategy in building a successful business and how her dedication to social causes has empowered her journey.

    Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a leader, or someone looking for inspiration, you’ll find this episode incredibly valuable.

    Connect with Bita Safari:

    LinkedInInstagramGiGO Clean WebsiteBita Safari Website
  • In this episode of the Surfacing Leaders podcast, host Marc Koehler engages in a thought-provoking conversation with renowned author and leadership expert Dr. David Burkus.

    Together, they delve into the delicate balance between autonomy and accountability in the workplace, exploring strategies for enhancing employee engagement and fostering a culture of recognition and purpose that build the best team ever.

    Dr. Burkus draws on his extensive research and experience to discuss the importance of detailed, team-specific engagement metrics over-generalized data. He explains how the unprecedented autonomy granted during the pandemic has reshaped employee expectations and organizational dynamics, emphasizing that organizations mastering this balance will attract high-performing talent.

    Throughout the episode, listeners will gain valuable insights from Dr. Burkus's analysis of the post-pandemic workplace and his predictions for the future of work. He highlights the significance of providing impactful feedback and celebrating individual contributions within a team.

    Dr. Burkus also offers practical advice on how leaders can navigate remote and hybrid work arrangements while maintaining a strong sense of purpose and accountability.

    The episode concludes with actionable takeaways for aspiring leaders:

    Emphasize the importance of work that matters and let employees know they matter.Use detailed, team-specific metrics to drive meaningful improvements.Balance autonomy with accountability to attract and retain top talent.

    Tune in to discover how you can create a workplace where people do work that matters and feel that they matter, setting the stage for exceptional team performance and leadership success.

    Contact Links for Dr. David Burkus:

    WebsiteLinkedInTwitterInstagram

    Join us in this episode to uncover the principles that elevate leadership and performance. These principles are not exclusive but universal, and you can learn how to integrate these timeless values into your own journey.

  • In this episode of the Surfacing Leaders podcast, host Marc Koehler sits down with Laura Bratton to hear her incredible story of grit and gratitude. After losing her sight as a young child, she became the author of Harnessing Courage and became a top leadership speaker.

    Laura brings a unique perspective on these essential qualities. She recounts her story of surfacing as a leader and how she learned that grit goes beyond mere perseverance, emphasizing the importance of balancing determination with moments of vulnerability and intentional gratitude. Laura illustrates that acknowledging challenges and embracing humanity is crucial to sustaining long-term resilience.

    Throughout the conversation, Laura and Marc delve into practical strategies for integrating grit and gratitude into leadership. Laura offers valuable insights on how these principles can be fostered within teams and organizations, sharing simple yet effective practices for leaders to introduce. She discusses the impact of these practices on professional success and personal relationships, offering touching examples of how leaders have used gratitude to reconnect with loved ones.

    Listeners will gain actionable advice from Laura’s experiences, including:

    Embrace vulnerability: Recognize and accept when you lack the strength to continue and use it as a stepping stone to future growth.Foster a culture of gratitude: Implement daily practices that encourage appreciation and recognition within your team.Connect on a human level: Use gratitude to build deeper relationships in and out of the workplace.

    Join us for this episode to discover how grit and gratitude can transform your leadership journey and personal life. Laura’s insights offer a refreshing perspective on balancing strength and compassion to achieve meaningful success.

    Tune in to uncover how embracing these timeless values can elevate your leadership and create lasting positive change.

  • In this episode of the Surfacing Leaders podcast, host Marc Koehler sits down with Jason Harris, a former Air Force combat pilot and seasoned leader. Their conversation explores the deep connections between trust, legacy, and resilience in effective leadership.

    Jason shares powerful insights from his career as a combat pilot and leadership coach, focusing on the importance of creating a culture of trust within teams. He discusses his approach of "hearing, understanding, acknowledging, and taking action," revealing how these simple steps can build a strong, high-performing team.

    Listeners will discover how Jason drew inspiration from the Tuskegee Airmen, a group of pioneering African American pilots whose courage and perseverance shaped his own leadership philosophy. He reflects on how their example of overcoming adversity and maintaining hope has influenced his approach to facing challenges and leading others.

    The episode also offers practical advice for aspiring leaders, including:

    Embracing failures as opportunities for growth.Building trust by genuinely listening to and valuing team members.Defining your leadership legacy by understanding what kind of leader you want to be.

    Join us for this engaging discussion to learn how Jason Harris's experiences and principles can inspire you to elevate your own leadership journey. Discover actionable strategies for building trust, facing adversity, and creating a lasting impact.

    Listen to the full episode on Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts

    Connect with Jason Harris:

    WebsiteLinkedInInstagram
  • In this episode of the Surfacing Leaders podcast, host Marc Koehler engages in a thought-provoking discussion with Dan Chuparkoff, an AI and innovation expert. They explore the transformative impact of artificial intelligence on leadership and team dynamics.

    Dan shares his journey of surfacing as a leader at Google to founding Reinvention Labs, highlighting the importance of continuous learning and innovation. He discusses how his company helps teams understand and apply AI effectively, giving you back your time to create, innovate, and expand.

    In this conversation, Dan reveals the top AI tools he uses to break down language barriers and enhance global communication, the shift AI will be making with information sharing and decision-making, and, ultimately, where he envisions our future with AI.

    Marc and Dan discuss the importance of fostering an environment of experimentation and autonomy, empowering employees to explore new ideas that drive innovation.

    Dan explains step-by-step how leaders and anyone on the team can adapt to technological advancements, integrate AI into their operations, and bypass resistance from the top.

    You'll learn practical ways to implement AI and be inspired by Dan's unconventional perspective on work. Like these three practical ways you can begin to advance today:

    Dedicate time each day to learning something new.Embrace small, continuous improvements.Be open to reinventing oneself.

    Join us in this episode to discover how AI can transform your team and organization, empowering you to step into a future that's less about tasks and more about innovation and impact.

  • In this episode of the Surfacing Leaders podcast, host Marc Koehler has an insightful conversation with Dr. Fergus Connolly, an expert in high performance and leadership. They discuss the essential qualities of authentic leadership and high-performing teams.

    Fergus shares his experiences from his diverse career in sports, business, and military environments. He emphasizes the human element in leadership, focusing on three core principles: honesty, humility, and hard work. These attributes, he argues, are the foundation for sustained success and continuous improvement, going beyond conventional metrics and technology.

    Listeners will find valuable lessons in Fergus's anecdotes, such as his experiences with elite sports teams and the military, where calm and calculated responses to crises are crucial. He also shares insights on the role of technology in enhancing performance, noting that while it can provide valuable data and raise standards, the nuanced understanding and application of this information are where true leaders excel.

    The episode concludes with actionable advice for aspiring leaders:

    - Embrace mistakes as learning opportunities.

    - Remain humble.

    - Commit to hard, meaningful work.

    Join us in this episode to uncover the principles that elevate leadership and performance. These principles are not exclusive but universal, and you can learn how to integrate these timeless values into your own journey.

  • In the latest episode of Surfacing Leaders, host Marc has an in-depth and insightful conversation with best-selling author and caring leadership expert Heather Younger. Heather, an expert in workplace dynamics and leadership development, shares her journey and experiences promoting empathetic leadership within organizations.

    The discussion starts with Heather reflecting on her early career and the pivotal moments that shaped her perspective as she surfaced as a leader. Heather emphasizes the importance of listening and empathy in leadership and how genuine care for employees enhances organizational culture and drives tangible improvements in employee satisfaction and performance. She also underscores the role of authenticity and vulnerability in leadership, encouraging leaders to embrace these qualities as they navigate challenges and foster trust among their teams. From addressing diversity and inclusion to navigating difficult conversations, Heather offers strategies that resonate with seasoned leaders and emerging professionals.

    As the conversation concludes, Heather leaves listeners with a call to action: cultivating a workplace culture where caring leadership is not just a philosophy but a guiding principle. She emphasizes that leaders can transform organizational dynamics and pave the way for sustainable success by prioritizing empathy, understanding, and genuine concern for their teams.

    "The Transformative Power of Caring Leadership with Heather Younger" is a must-listen for anyone aspiring to lead with empathy and positively impact their professional sphere.

  • In one of our most inspiring episodes of the Servicing Leaders podcast yet, Marc interviews Robert Paylor, an exceptional individual who has transformed tragedy into triumph. Rob shares his journey from being a promising athlete to facing a life-altering spinal cord injury that left him quadriplegic, with doctors saying he would never walk or use his arms again. Despite his immense challenges, Rob's resilience, optimism, and unwavering faith have propelled him on a path of purpose and enormous impact.

    Rather than let this tragedy define him, Rob used it as a catalyst for an extraordinary journey of redefining what is possible. Through an unbreakable vision and years of relentless determination, Rob can now walk 400 yards, stand to receive his diploma from UC Berkeley's top-ranked Haas School of Business, and share the mental tools that have helped him persevere through paralysis as an inspirational speaker.

    Throughout the podcast, you'll hear about Rob's daily routines and habits that help him maintain a positive mindset and focus on his goals. From waking up to his daily workouts and meaningful interactions with his wife, Rob exemplifies the power of discipline and gratitude in overcoming adversity. Rob's transition from a collegiate athlete to a motivational speaker is a testament to his personal growth and resilience. As he shares his story and empowers others to overcome their own challenges, he discovers a deeper purpose. His journey, from shedding old identities to embracing new roles, serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for listeners facing their own obstacles.

    Listeners will walk away from this episode with a renewed sense of purpose and a reminder that despite adversity, there is always room for growth, resilience, and finding one's true calling. Join Marc Koehler and Rob Paylor on this transformative journey from paralyzed to powerful, where hope, optimism, and the human spirit shine brightest.