I’ve Decided Media

🚀 Streamline for Success: The Power of Simplicity In this insightful conversation, Andy Thorton, CEO of the Greater Peoria YMCA, sits down with Harvard Business School Executive Leadership Coach Matt George to unpack one of the most overlooked strategies in leadership and life: streamlining. Through real-world wisdom and executive-level insight, Andy and Matt challenge the myth that “more” means...

🎙️ Living a Life Decided: Jerry Harkness – From Retirement to Purposeful Service In this episode of Living a Life Decided, we sit down with a man who proves that retirement isn’t the end—it’s a new beginning. Meet Jerry Harkness from Peoria Illinois, a retired Caterpillar Inc. professional who, instead of slowing down, chose to step up. After decades of hard work, Jerry found himself in a maintena...

Michelle R. King currently works as a Registered Nurse (RN) in the Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) stabilizing patients after surgery. She has worked in health care for over 35 years. She resides in Illinoi with her daughter, grandson, and son. When she’s not working in the hospital or writing she is focused on health, nutrition, wellness in addition to balancing her Mind, Body and Spirit. She kn...

Peggy Jacques - Founder of Graceland Center for Purposeful Aging as a 501c3 nonprofit with a mission to enhance the lives of older adults through connections, education, and innovation! Masters prepared Registered Nurse with experience in Critical Care, Public Health, Employee Health, Infection Control, Nursing Management, Nursing Education for BSN Students and Nursing Leadership, Patient Educatio...

Pursue is not just chasing after fleeting pleasures, but having the courage and faith to pursue the God-given dreams planted in your heart. It’s about taking bold, consistent steps toward a life that honors God and brings true meaning, not just to your life, but to the lives of those around you. The life you've imagined, the dream you've been given, the calling on your life, it’s all waiting on th...

There are seasons for waiting and preparing, but there are also moments when the next right step is to move forward. You’ve done the research, you’ve weighed the options, you’ve prayed, and now, it’s time to act. Sometimes, success is just waiting on you to go. Listen in as host Andy Thornton talks with Marcellus Sommerville, CEO, Peoria Friendship House of Christian Service, about this weeks, wee...

If you want to succeed, you need to identify what truly contributes to your progress and what holds you back.  Listen in as host Andy Thornton talks with Christine Bare Kemper, Candidate for ICC Board of Trustees, about this weeks, weekly winning word, attribute!

By preparing for the future and taking proactive steps today, you’re safeguarding yourself against potential obstacles. As the saying goes, “What you do today determines your tomorrow.” Every effort you make now—whether in health, finances, personal growth, or spirituality—is an act of coverage, a way of protecting and equipping your future self. Listen in as host Andy Thornton talks with David Be...

Without clarity on what truly matters, it’s easy to fall into the trap of expending urgency on distractions that yield little progress. We challenge you to embrace urgency with intention. Be quick to act on what God is calling you to do, but just as quick to discern what is truly necessary. By focusing your energy on the right priorities, you’ll be one step closer to living the purpose-filled life...

Just as a seamstress uses a pattern to create a well-tailored garment, you must establish patterns in your life that align with the success you desire. Without these guiding structures, it becomes almost impossible to know where to begin, what steps to take, or how to ensure your actions are leading you toward the outcome you seek. Success doesn’t happen by accident; it follows a blueprint. And th...

When you honor your individuality, you unlock the potential to contribute to the world in ways that no one else can, no matter how hard they try. Instead of blending in, remember that your uniqueness is your greatest asset. It’s what makes you extraordinary! What sets you apart? Listen in as host Andy Thornton talks with Jim Barrack, President and C.E.O. of Barrack's Cater Inn, about this weeks, w...

Before you can truly make an impact on the world, it’s crucial that you first convince yourself of the value of your own beliefs, goals, and purpose. The journey toward success begins with unwavering self-confidence and a deep conviction in the mission you’re pursuing. Listen in as host Andy Thornton talks with Lindsey Kerr, Executive Director of Lifeline Pilots, about this weeks, weekly winning w...

There is only one you and you were put on this earth to do something that no one else can do. To accomplish your highest goals and dreams, you must stay focused and exclusive to who you are and what it is you should be doing. Listen in as host Andy Thornton talks with Willie "Winky" Williams, Owner of HOOPS, INC. about this weeks, weekly winning word, exclusive!    Learn more at www.ivedecided.org

Lauren Yoder, Married to husband Chris for 17 years, together they have 2 children, Laney, 16, and Oliver, 12. She has been employed with MH Equipment for almost 10 years, and in current position of Warranty Manager for the last 3 1/2. Also does photography, mainly family, senior and sports action shots. She is an author of 4 books, From the Weeds, 100 Days Sober, Another 100 Days Sober, and co-au...

Sharonda Romero is a dedicated and multifaceted individual with a rich background of service and entrepreneurship. With 16 years of honorable service in the Army, Sharonda has developed a wide array of skills and a passion for meeting new people and embracing diverse experiences. In addition to her military service, Sharonda is the founder of Tru-treasures, a family-owned online store specializing...

We got spirit yes we do, we got spirit how about you! Spirit, in the context of success, goes beyond mere enthusiasm; it’s about cultivating an energetic, passionate, and resilient mindset. This spirited approach can profoundly impact your journey towards achieving your goals and dreams. Listen in as host Andy Thornton talks with Coach Bre, Owner of Bre Cottage about this weeks, weekly winning wor...

Your ability to take decisive action, persevere through challenges, and learn from your experiences will greatly influence the outcome of whatever it is you want to accomplish. Ultimately, how you execute is what matters most on your success journey. Listen in as host Andy Thornton talks with Stacey Reed, Owner/Agent at Integrity Plus Insurance Company about this weeks, weekly winning word, execut...

Superficial commitments often waver when confronted with obstacles, but a deep commitment acts as an unyielding anchor that keeps you fixed on your goals. Listen in as the host Andy Thornton talks with Ryan Deemer, Principal at Skid Steer Nation about this weeks, weekly winning word, depth! Learn more at www.ivedecided.org

What you’re capable of exceeds what you most likely believe about yourself. Keep going, keep working, keep growing, and keep fighting the fight! You can and will achieve whatever it is you desire if you recognize the vastness of your capabilities. Whatever you believe you’re capable of, the reality is, you’re capable of more! Listen in as the host Andy Thornton talks with Evan Jenkins about this w...

Setting goals for yourself and pursuing them is an effective process that goes far beyond the accomplishment of whatever it is you want to achieve. Goal setting is a powerful tool that not only propels you toward success but also shapes your character, enhances motivation, and fosters personal growth. Listen in as the host Kim Martin, Founder of I've Decided talks with TJ Martin, Founder of Do the...

Success is often attributed to a combination of hard work, determination, and the ability to leverage one’s unique gifts and talents. Everyone possesses a set of innate abilities that, when identified and nurtured, can pave the way for personal and professional success. The goal then is to uncover, refine, and amplify your inherent gifts and constantly elevate your abilities to new heights. Listen...

On the journey to fulfill our higher purpose or calling, we often focus on our talents, what we know, and our experiences. While these factors are undoubtedly important, there’s another essential element that often gets overlooked: personability. Being personable means more than just being friendly; it’s about genuinely connecting with others, empathizing with their needs, and fostering meaningful...

Success is hard and it takes time, a long time! Embrace the waiting period as an opportunity for transformation and self-improvement and you will be better equipped to seize the moment when it comes. Your breakthrough is around the corner, keep going! Listen in as the host Andy Thornton, CEO of Greater Peoria Family YMCA talks with Kim Martin, Found of I've Decided, as they have a discussion about...

When you are earnest, failure is merely a life lesson to learn from, a stepping stone to success. When you are serious and determined, nothing will stop you. This is what living a life decided is all about! Be earnest in your endeavors and everything else will fall into place. Listen in as the host Kim Martin, Founder of I've Decided talks with Marcia Bolden, Career Strategiest and Transformationa...

The sense of fulfillment that accompanies personal growth is unparalleled. It connects you to your purpose and fosters a genuine sense of accomplishment. Every human being possesses unique talents and abilities. Striving for excellence means harnessing and tapping into these qualities to their fullest potential. Listen in as the host Andy Thornton, CEO of Greater Peoria Family YMCA talks with Marc...