Empower & Elevate Podcast

Send a text Step into Adobo Boy in Grand Rapids, and you're instantly welcomed with a question that defines Filipino hospitality: "Have you eaten?" More than just a restaurant, Adobo Boy is a celebration of tradition, family, and bold Filipino flavors. Founders Ray and Jackie started by cooking for friends, then grew through cultural festivals and a pop-up before opening their own s...

Send a text Bringing Filipino Culture to Life Through Food | The Story of Adobo Boy Food is more than just sustenance—it’s a connection to culture, family, and community. In this episode, we sit down with Ace Marasigan, founder of Adobo Boy, to explore how Filipino cuisine is creating meaningful cultural bridges in West Michigan. From his childhood in Manila to his entrepreneurial journey in the U...

Send a text What if the key to being a great leader isn’t about control, but about letting go? In this episode, we break down the leadership parallels between coaching young athletes and managing high-performing business teams—and why micromanagement stifles growth. We explore the "joysticking" effect—when leaders hover too closely and unintentionally hold back their team. Instead, the b...

Send a text What truly separates high-performing teams from the rest? Discipline, ownership, and continuous learning. These three principles shape a culture of excellence, resilience, and adaptability. In this episode, we break down how self-discipline goes beyond checking tasks off a list—it's about accountability to those who rely on you. We explore how true ownership means embracing both w...

Send a text What happens when you step out of your comfort zone and embrace new creative roles? Join us as Dani, Ron, Raymund, Charme, Joy, and Michelle share their inspiring tales of transformation while working for an American company. Discover how they transitioned into exciting fields like photography, video production, and podcast planning, all within a supportive environment that values thei...

Send a text Ever wondered how remote work could transform lives, foster new skills, and empower dreams? Join Marc Thomas and the dynamic team of Current TEK Solutions and CYBER GUARDIANS as they recount their unforgettable team bonding retreat in Cebu, Philippines. From snorkeling in turquoise waters to savoring local Filipino delicacies, this episode showcases how building global connections has...

Send a text Ever wonder how early life experiences can shape your business destiny? From the humble beginnings of paper routes and restaurant gigs, find out how these formative roles laid the groundwork for a career in entrepreneurship and technology. We share stories of how sports like wrestling fostered determination and teamwork, and explore the unexpected twists that transformed early tech int...

Send a text What happens when selling your business isn’t about financial necessity but a gut feeling? In this episode, Marc Thomas sits down with Michael McKean, a seasoned entrepreneur who shares his personal journey of selling his thriving company. Discover the emotional and practical considerations behind his decision and why aligning personal and professional goals played a key role. Michael...

Send a text How can customer complaints become your greatest opportunities for success? In this episode, Marc Thomas is joined by John DiJulius to uncover the 3 simple rules that every business needs to follow to thrive in the digital age of customer service. Explore how smartphones, social media, and instant feedback have reshaped the way businesses manage trust and accountability. Discover the s...

Send a text Join host Marc Thomas and special guest Raffi Jamgotchian as they explore the transformative power of risk as a strategy for success. This episode dives into Raffi’s inspiring family journey, from Armenian heritage and migration to a career shaped by technology and innovation. Hear how risk-taking became a cornerstone of personal and professional growth, paving the way for a family leg...

Send a text Can one practice unlock infinite paths to growth and connection? In this introspective episode, we explore the profound ways meditation bridges spirituality, religion, and personal transformation. Journey from the heart of Cape Town, South Africa, to the West as we follow the story of a passionate teacher guided by the remarkable Gururaj Ananda Yogi Learn how meditation enhances spirit...

Send a text What happens when the dream of entrepreneurship turns into a nightmare? At just 25, our guest found themselves at the exciting yet tumultuous crossroads of owning restaurants in Las Vegas, only to face bankruptcy and personal upheaval. Join us as we uncover the raw journey from the thrill of owning two chicken restaurants and a milkshake shop to navigating the depths of addiction and t...

Send a text Imagine navigating life with a chronic illness that demands every ounce of your resilience, yet still finding moments of joy and indulgence. That's the inspiring journey Zach shares with us, as he recounts the challenges and triumphs of living with a restrictive diet from a tender age. From relying solely on medical formula, rice, and pears for eight years to celebrating the remov...

Send a text Unlock the secret to dismantling fear and transforming your mindset with actionable insights that can elevate your personal growth journey. In our latest episode, explore the powerful acronym F-E-A-R, standing for "False Expectations Appearing Real," and learn how unfounded fears like rejection can stifle your potential. Drawing inspiration from Sally Field’s iconic acceptanc...

Send a text After navigating her own childhood in the cornfields and overcoming the trials of a blended family, Ashley has committed herself to crafting a harmonious environment for her children. Discover how her journey through the ups and downs of co-parenting has powered not only her determination to cultivate mutual respect within her family unit but also her resolve to document these experien...

Send a text Ever wondered why some tech startups get snapped up by giants, while others race ahead to dominate the market? Join us as our insightful guest takes us through their whirlwind journey of launching, scaling, and eventually selling a tech company that started with just $7 million in the bank and a team of 25. This episode offers a first-hand look at the strategic choices and risks involv...

Send a text How can stepping back and letting go of control lead to more success? In this episode, Marc Thomas explores the transformative power of the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) and insights from the book Traction to reshape business dynamics. Hear real-life experiences of implementing these strategies, emphasizing the growth that comes from learning through mistakes and trusting your...

Send a text In this episode, Marc Thomas and Ivan Fernandez explore the transformative role of empathy in leadership and how it can create a balanced, thriving workplace. They dive into the power of emotional intelligence to turn traditional office dynamics into supportive, collaborative environments. Discover practical strategies for building genuine connections with your team, setting boundaries...

Send a text Ever wonder how to juggle life's chaos with grace and a sense of humor? Join us for a heartening chat with Paul, whose journey of managing personal hurdles and business challenges is both inspiring and insightful. From dealing with a significant other's medical concerns to the stress of building a new home, Paul has faced it all without losing sight of what truly matters: hea...

Send a text What would you do if an unexpected tragedy changed your life forever? Our guest shares their deeply personal and emotional journey following a catastrophic car accident on Christmas Eve that left them facing life in a wheelchair. Hear how a spontaneous decision to start running fortuitously put them in peak physical condition, a factor that played a crucial role in their resilience and...

Send a text What if you could transform childhood adversity into a thriving business empire? Our guest for this episode did just that. Growing up in the foster care system, our guest faced significant challenges, yet they found strength in adversity, turning their circumstances into a powerful force for success. At the tender age of 13, they discovered a natural affinity for technology, which beca...

Send a text What does it take to transform past mistakes into a path of consistent goodness? Our guest shares his journey from a tumultuous past to a life defined by integrity and personal growth. Have you ever wondered how your daily habits are shaping your true identity? Discover how he navigated the challenges of relationships and business with unwavering principles, illustrating the profound i...

Send a text Imagine a world where your professional success isn't dictated by your appearance. Bold tattoos, vibrant hair colors, and cultural piercings shouldn't overshadow your skills and character, especially in industries as traditionally rigid as oil and gas. Join us as we challenge the outdated norms that equate conformity with competence, drawing from personal stories and workplac...

Send a text Discover the secrets to becoming a successful speaker and consultant in customer service excellence with our guest who transformed from a salon owner to a renowned industry expert. Are you eager to craft unforgettable customer experiences that leave a lasting impact? Learn how local speaking engagements led to national demand, culminating in the publication of 'Secret Service&apos...

Send a text Imagine waking up one day to find that your health is spiraling out of control, demanding immediate changes to your lifestyle. I had such a wake-up call with a hypertensive diagnosis, prompting me to take significant steps towards a healthier life. This episode isn't just about my journey, though; it's about the symbiotic relationship between mental and physical well-being, e...