Doing it Right: The Stories that Make Us

Lisa Burkhardt Worley did it long before it was common for women to walk the NFL sidelines! She shares her phenomenal experiences as one of the first women sportscasters for ESPN and a Madison Square Garden Network anchor. Our conversation was shaped by Lisa’s passion and divine guidance with a career that has broken barriers in sports broadcasting. Join us as we explore the challenges she’s overc...

#SimonLawrie-VulcanIndustries #SimonLawrie-President #ValerieSokoloskyPodcast #DoingItRightValerieSokolosky #ValerieSokolosky   “I’ve always had an aptitude for leading,” says Simon Lawrie, President of Vulcan Industries – a manufacturer of oil and gas products for the oil field market. We talked about what sales skills have to do with leadership, how and when to leave a toxic environment, and the...

Executive Chef Brian Morris lives the brand at Hattie B’s!  "Southern Cooking with Love" is the heart and soul of Hattie B's Hot Chicken restaurants. Brian and I had a laughing fun time on this show as he talked about their comfort food served in a vibrant atmosphere, complete with a dedicated wait staff that ensures you have an unforgettable dining experience from the moment you arrive until your...

“The brand that changes lives” is Jennifer Chandler’s vision and day-to-day mission as Managing Director, Bank of America President, and Head of Philanthropic Solutions. Beyond her impressive career, Jennifer is also a dedicated mother of four and a devoted wife to an executive. She has navigated the challenges of balancing family and career while serving as a passionate advocate for community non...

“The brand that changes lives” is Jennifer Chandler’s vision and day-to-day mission as Managing Director, Bank of America President, and Head of Philanthropic Solutions. Beyond her impressive career, Jennifer is also a dedicated mother of four and a devoted wife to an executive. She has navigated the challenges of balancing family and career while serving as a passionate advocate for community non...

“Do what you do best…and we’ll do the rest”  Susan Schoning is CEO of Coach Automator – a digital marketing platform & marketing training company that offers a full creative support service to their clients.  They teach their clients how to promote their business in a chaotic, constantly changing virtual world giving them the automation platform to do exactly that…and support them every step o...

Having bunions is like having a tiny, unwelcome guest on your foot. Research shows that up to 60% of women may develop bunions at some point in their lives compared to 15% of men. But there’s good news! Dr. Paul Steinke has achieved ‘elite status’ in bunion correction utilizing the advanced technique known as Lapiplasty. You can be walking in regular shoes just six weeks post-surgery. Launch date...

At 38 years old, Rick Salewske could barely find a scale to record his 538 pounds. Without drugs, he conquered his weight, fell in love and appeared on the Oprah Winfrey show twice.   A story of faith, family and fortitude – don’t miss and do share his story overcoming obesity. To watch a full clip of Rick Salewske on Oprah, click this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kdNZ8kv0Dpw Top Takeaway...

Meg Rentschler is a former psychotherapist who has transitioned into a mentor coach, business owner, and host of The Star Coach Podcast. Her extensive certifications and accolades reflect her expertise, complemented by a vibrant personality that captivates everyone around her. Tune in - Monday, 12:30PM Central Top Takeaways: ⦁ LIFE IS A JOURNEY OF GROWTH: LEARNING, SETTING GOALS, & WELCOMING N...

Welcome to "From Tactical to Tannins," where we follow the journey of an ex-Los Angeles SWAT officer turned sommelier. Discover how a childhood of constant change shaped his resilience—transitioning from high-stakes operations to the intricate world of fine wines. Join us for a tale of transformation that blends grit with elegance in a unique narrative. Cheers to embracing change and savoring the...

What do we mean by “The Arts?” Our two guests have an unbounded passion for the arts industry. Their profound love for creativity, innovation, and expression is undeniable. Tune in on Monday at 12:30 PM Central to hear from Pat Porter, Founder & CEO of The Dallas Business Council, and Megan Heber, Professor in Arts Management & Nonprofit Leadership at SMU. We also explored the vast array o...

How did Ginger Whitacre and their children survive 8 years of suffering and separation brought on by her husband’s sentencing to federal prison? There is not only a movie about this complex legal case formulated by the FBI, but a movie that ensued about Mark Whitacre, an Ivy League Ph. D. who became the highest-level corporate executive in US history to become an FBI whistleblower. His undercover...

Sarah Strackhouse is doing it right! She’s learned to balance her high-powered multi-media career with the demanding needs of every Mom.   Sarah runs her company with panache as she creates huge live events for conferences, concerts and conventions…including clients as large as the United Nations.   Our high energy conversation covered Sarah’s athletic prowess having played semi-pro soccer. Her In...

Mark Whitacre, an Ivy League Ph. D., became the highest-level corporate executive in US history to become an FBI whistleblower. His undercover work with the FBI during the  ‘90’s ADM scandal brought down the company while landing Mark in prison for 8.5 years.  Tune in - Monday, 12:30PM Central to hear how Mark stole $9M from ADM while at the same time was secretly taping conversations for the gove...

Dan Rea, a veteran journalist, says his “most important work as an investigative reporter is gaining freedom for a wrongfully convicted man facing a murder charge.” This man speaks the truth – no matter what! Tune in to hear Dan’s honest and upfront comments about today’s on-air reporting.  Top Takeaways: ⦁ It’s better to quit a job than represent yourself as someone you are not ⦁ Look at all poin...

What is Wisdom…and how do you cultivate it? Tune in to hear an energetic discussion with Susan Chritton, Career Coach and author of Personal Branding for Dummies (now in second edition). Our episode shows her enthusiasm for life as she explains how to use the powerful intersection between wisdom and personal branding. Don’t miss it! FREE: FIRST CHAPTER OF PERSONAL BRANDING FOR DUMMIES  Go to https...

What does the Japanese Tea Ceremony have to do with Leadership?  Tune in to hear Master of Tea Ceremony and Leadership Coach Shoko Masuda teach us how the Tea Ceremony practice teaches leadership lessons of perseverance, slowing down in our fast-paced modern world, striving for excellence and humility, and cultivating mindfulness.  TO RECEIVE SHOKO MASUDA’S FREE EBOOK:  Email valerie@valerieandcom...

Psychotherapist turned best-selling mystery writer!  For Nina Atwood, the seeds were planted early. When Nina’s fourth grade teacher told her she “should be a writer someday – she took those words to heart and never forgot them. Tune in to hear how Nina Atwood’s career has grown as a novelist while serving as an award-winning executive coach.  To Receive Nina’s FREE NOVELLA: Email valerie@valeriea...

An intentional “culture disrupter”, Steve is known globally for helping organizations implement values-based cultures. He serves as Vice Chancellor for Leader & Culture Development for the Texas Tech University System; additionally, he teaches this concept globally across industries. Tune in - Monday, 12:30 PM Central to learn Steve’s deep insight into how leaders can create cultures within te...

Meet Mindy Henderson. As author of The Things That Suck, Mindy embodies the quote “I don’t need easy; I just need POSSIBLE. Diagnosed with a neuromuscular disease at birth, it’s not easy to fly on an airplane or function as a mom and wife. Yet Mindy’s positivity has led her to being a keynote speaker around the world on “how to handle things that suck.” Be inspired! Smile as you watch or listen –...

Carey Stinson has been working in the hospitality industry since he was seventeen. Today, Carey dedicates his time to consulting, training and educating within the bar industry. His extensive knowledge and skills are in great demand as he helps owners run a successful business and trains those who aspire to become skilled bartenders. Tune in - Monday, 12:30PM Central to hear Carey’s journey into a...

No parent expects to hear the words “Your child has cancer.” Within the same time period, Lisa Marchetti’s husband was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Today, they are both cancer survivors! But the journey from the perspective of a mom and wife is heartbreaking, had it not been for HOPE. Lisa’s story is one of faith and hope. Her conviction is that “the flicker of hope is unrelenting. We are not...

1% better every day! That’s the mantra for Chris Nikic - World Champion Ironman finisher who set a new world record as the first Special Olympics athlete and the first person with Down Syndrome to complete a 140.6mile Ironman. Chris and his Dad, Nik Nikic share their journey together toward Chris’ renowned global success. Top Takeaways: 1 – You can achieve anything with patience and getting 1% bet...

“It’s never too late to change your career.” Jim Delmage traded equities and futures on Wall Street, all the while nurturing his love for cooking—a gift inherited from his Italian grandma. That passion for cooking with his family fueled a deeper passion for Jim that propelled him to create “Sip and Feast”, a series of instructional cooking videos on YouTube, transforming family meals into a shared...

Here’s Leslie Lehr’s tag line: “I help uber busy women declutter their homes and their lives.” Now THAT’S a brand statement. Clear, Concise and Constant, as we branding experts say. Leslie transitioned from her corporate role to running her compelling company helping busy women stay organized. Whoa – you should see my desk as I write this. Uh oh – we uber active women can take her hints! Stay tune...