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.
Paola Pietri
For a long time, I thought I was simply wandering. When I decided to leave my successful business at 41 to step onto a yoga mat, it felt like I was stepping into the unknown. But looking back, I realize I wasn’t wandering; I was listening. I believe we are all walking a path, even when the destination isn’t visible yet. Read more>>
Eulois Cleckley
Life’s a journey; however, you have to have a sense of direction. At times I travel on the path that I can see see clearly and other times, circumstances may cause me to wander. but I have found that taking the time to chart a path through life allows for you to focus on a goal and move towards that goal. Read more>>
Iva Jay Herjavec
“I’m walking a path one that I chose the moment I realized I was done wandering.” Three years ago, I wasn’t walking any path. I was drifting lost in distraction, in self-destruction, in people and places that only deepened the emptiness I felt. I had no purpose, no direction. Read more>>
Chazzy Productions
Make sure to accomplish a small set of goals everyday. This will add up to fulfilling your big dream way faster then you think! Read more>>
Lali Blanco
Honestly? No. There were tough moments, yes. But wanting to quit or walk away from everything? Never. What we’ve built is way too important to even consider leaving behind. We take care of it, we protect it, and like we said before, every problem pushes us to find solutions and keep moving forward. Let us share a little story that really fits this moment. Read more>>
Jesus Moya
One of the biggest lies in the Self-Defense and personal safety industry is the idea that there’s a “magic system” that guarantees you’ll always be safe. Many people take advantage of society’s fears (whether it’s rising bullying, violence, or domestic issues) to sell seminars, programs, or quick-fix solutions. This approach is dangerous because it gives people a false sense of security. Read more>>
Maribel Maignan
What I’m being called to do now is to be bold in my faith—and to inspire others to be bold in theirs too. For months, I was running a faith-based wellness community, yet I was hesitant to fully speak about it or openly share my faith. Read more>>
Heron Ra
Suffering taught me that pain is necessary to teach you how you should live. What will be your boundaries for the world and how will you align yourself based on that inevitable suffering. Read more>>
Delvin Rogers
First 90 minutes of my day starts with a prayer followed by getting prepared for work. Once arriving to work I grab some coffee and get my lesson plans in order. Once my lesson plans are prepared, im ready to begin the day. Read more>>
Jacqueline Birch
I can relate to the feelings of struggle and the fear that it will never end. For much of my early life, especially in my early twenties, I was consumed by anger and confusion. I struggled to understand why, despite my genuine efforts to improve myself through constant self-work, I kept encountering situations that led to pain and betrayal. Read more>>
Rafael Meneses
The thought of someone being unhappy with their event photos terrifies me. Portraits aren’t too big of a deal, because I can technically shoot them again if the family agrees. But if a mom doesn’t like her baby shower or bridal shower pictures, it’s not like we can gather 100 guests and book catering at their venue again just to take better pictures. Read more>>
Caityn Williams
When I was 15 I suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI), three skull fractures and a brain hemorrhage. I was diagnosed with amnesia, I experienced hearing loss, and above all else I endured immense pain in my head and body. I spent the next year in bed and I have spend the last 11 years piecing together memories from my first 15. Read more>>
Jacquelyn Bevilacqua
The fear of failure always pushed me to work harder, but at some point you have to realize if you haven’t failed yet to stop living in fear. Fear isn’t a place anyone should be as encouragement, but confidence. Read more>>
Jovana Djoric
My friends would say that my art and craft matter so much to me. I live for staying true to yourself, being authentic and just overall being a genuine, loving human! Healing, growing and thriving are extremely important to me. My closest friends know that I do my best to ensure that the energy I put out is the most positive, especially in my art! Read more>>
Patience Murray
Since I was a little girl, I’ve envisioned building a multimedia publishing and production company of my own—something reminiscent of what Oprah Winfrey and Tyler Perry created. They were the first examples of people in entertainment who looked like me and came from adversity, yet used their stories as a foundation for impact. Read more>>
Ryan Malkin
A significant turning point in my life was moving to New York City after graduating from the University of Michigan. I began my career as a journalist covering the spirits, nightlife, and hospitality industries, which sparked my passion for the alcohol beverage industry. Read more>>
ANDREA BAIGORRIA ZARPER
Key people in my professional and personal life saw my potential even during moments of uncertainty. Mentors and collaborators who, with vision and generosity, trusted my ability to lead, create impact, and grow beyond what was immediately visible. Their perspective played a crucial role in accelerating my self-awareness and strategic decision-making. Read more>>
Robin Lipnack
I am blessed to have wonderful parents who taught me the meaning of integrity, hard work, and the gift of being supportive. Read more>>
Gardy Beaucicaut
Truthfully, I live each day to not act out of haste. By taking this into account, this allows me to appreciate each moment for what it can teach me. Moreover, being mindful of this matter has allowed me to live my life to serve others in a way where they know they are being heard abundantly. Read more>>
Yailin Benitez
If I retired tomorrow, I think my customers would miss the personal connection and passion I bring into every session. For me, photography isn’t just about taking pictures; it’s about creating experiences and capturing emotions that last forever. I pour my heart into every detail, from designing the sets to making my clients feel confident and celebrated in front of the camera. Read more>>
Tyree Dones
The battle I’ve been avoiding is really the battle of choosing myself. I’ve always been the person who shows up for everyone clients, family, friends and sometimes that means I put my own needs last. Choosing myself requires me to set boundaries, say no to things that drain me, and prioritize my peace, even if it disappoints people. Read more>>
Ana Curiel
A common misconception is that Casa AnKan is simply an online platform that places objects for sale. In reality, what we do is much more nuanced and intentional. We operate as a curatorial house, building narratives, creating context, and thoughtfully positioning each piece within a larger cultural and spatial conversation. Read more>>
Lilly Davison
My marriage—and the amazing man I get to call my husband! Austin Davison, the man who has shaped how I see myself by showing me what true partnership looks like. Through his never ending support, honesty, and belief in me.. I’ve truly grown more confident in who I am and what I’m capable of. Read more>>
Roberto Carluzzo
The relationship that most shaped how I see myself is the one with my mother, Palma. She was my muse and my greatest supporter — a volcano of personality, warmth, passion, and strength. A true fighter and the biggest fan of her two children, she taught me how to lead with heart, stand my ground, and show up fully in life. Read more>>
Collings MacCrae
My parents didn’t know about autism in the 1960s, but had at least 2 autistic daughters (out of 4 girls), one severely disabled. My parents refused to leave my eldest sister at the Children’s Hospital (as was done then) and voila! We were all raised with Kimbrey Ann. Dad recognized my autist struggles in the midst of the chaos and supported me through wise rebuke. Read more>>
INSTAR LUX
While drawing sketches of technologies as a child, of futuristic flying cities and more. Also searching and drawing a spiritual essence of WHY and Where I am. Read more>>
Lubna Najjar
A cultural and moral value I protect above all is that money does not define success. It is means to an end but it is not the goal. Money comes and goes but succeed must be defined by purpose and deep cause. I stand by this the older and more experience I have in life and in business. Read more>>
Claudia Cruz
Kindness, I think that love and kindness can save the world. We need kindness, it heals you and everyone, kindness gives us hope on humanity. Read more>>
Hanna Riaboshapka
One interesting thing about me is that I am currently studying leadership and communication through the example of Donald Trump. I recently reread one of his books that I first discovered early in my career, watched a documentary about his life, and began analyzing his interviews. Read more>>
