Obstacles to Opportunities

In this moving episode of Obstacles to Opportunities , we sit down with Tanuja Hughes, whose story begins in a crowded apartment filled with 12 people and arrives at a place few imagined a career at Google and a life of deep presence and purpose. Tanuja opens up about the emotional journey shaped by her mother’s unwavering belief, the impact of a simple “How are you?” at age 8, and how childhood a...

In this powerful episode of Obstacles to Opportunities , hosts Jess and Heather welcome Vicki Paquette—REALTOR®, entrepreneur, and former personal trainer—whose journey is nothing short of extraordinary. From building a fitness business in her early 20s to surviving cancer, navigating chronic illness, and pivoting fearlessly into real estate, Vicki opens up about the hardships that shaped her—and...

In this episode of the Obstacles to Opportunities podcast, host Jess Powell sits down with Carly Oxenreider, a serial entrepreneur, military spouse, mother, top real estate producer, coach, and mentor. Carly shares her incredible journey from growing up in eastern North Carolina to building a thriving career across multiple industries. She reflects on the challenges of being an active-duty militar...

Kacie Hass is a proud Southwest Florida native, having spent 35 years living and building deep roots in Cape Coral. She's married to her best friend, Tanner Hass, a Fort Myers firefighter/EMT, and together they’re raising three beautiful children. The family is actively involved in their faith community at Christian Life Fellowship Church. Kacie is the founder of Hearten Inc., a nonprofit tha...

Join us as Robyn Spoon, a dynamic entrepreneur and founder of the nonprofit Elevate, shares her deeply personal journey that began when her son was unexpectedly diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma. This life-altering event propelled her into the world of pediatric cancer advocacy, unveiling the stark realities and urgent need for reform in research funding and treatment. Robin’s story is both a heartf...

As a candid, supportive, and insightful coach, Ronda draws from her personal experiences with trauma and navigating challenging life transitions to guide others. She empowers them to courageously tap into their strengths, gain clarity on their goals, and take the steps needed to move forward. Ronda was the visionary founder and CEO of Zillner Marketing Communications in Kansas City, a trailblazer...

In this deeply moving episode, we sit down with Angi Jeffcoat , a former musician turned pastor with over 20 years of experience helping people heal from the pain of their past. Angi shares her powerful journey of overcoming childhood trauma, including growing up with a verbally abusive father and the emotional scars that lingered. With vulnerability, she opens up about how these experiences inspi...

SEASON 2 is up! Meet the powerhouse women of KW Elevate Luxury in Naples, FL. Katrena Meyers, Brittany Androchuk, and Nikki Hagmann, also known as the RISE Team. Last year, they closed $45 million in volume and continue to make waves in the SWFL real estate market. In this episode, we dive into their mindset hacks, their unique perspectives on failure, and how they're all committed to raising...

In this episode of "Obstacles to Opportunities" we're thrilled to welcome the dynamic Brittany Antonijevic to the studio! Jess finally manages to get her in for a chat, and believe us, it's worth the wait. From women's business consulting to hosting the popular podcast "Wine About Business," Brittany is a force to be reckoned with. Join us as Brittany dishes on e...

Welcome to Obstacles to Opportunites Podcast! Join us as we pull up a chair for a candid conversation with Naples' favorite female entrepreneur, podcaster, and business coach - the one and only Jennifer Johnson. In this episode, Jennifer shares her remarkable journey, from her initial dream of opening a resale shop to becoming a multifaceted entrepreneur deeply embedded in her community. She...

Christine Harrison joins us to share her incredible story of leaving everything behind in Canada for the U.S. in order to advocate for her child's healthcare options. Beyond this recent life change - life has taken many turns as a serial entrepreneur and we talk about it all during this episode. Jess met Christine on the sidelines of our kids' soccer games and was quickly amazed by her j...

Join Jess Powell on "Obstacles to Opportunities" as she sits down with author Rachelle Tiringo Halterman for a candid conversation about Rachelle's life journey. Born in a small Ethiopian village with limited opportunities for girls, Rachelle shares her heartfelt story of overcoming challenges and finding empowerment. From her own experiences, Rachelle has discovered the importance...

Ever wondered how to climb to the top in a field where the odds seem stacked against you? Ivy Zelman did just that, and she joins us, Ryan Smith and Heather Caine, to unravel the tapestry of her career — from overcoming a challenging upbringing to becoming the definitive voice in home building analysis on Wall Street. Our conversation peels back the layers of her journey, revealing how a blend of...

Brandi's story is not simply one of triumph over adversity; it's a testament to the resilience of a mother's love and the power of reinvention. On my show, we welcome this tenacious woman with a narrative that weaves through the open fields of Burns, Wyoming, where she learned the value of hard work and family. Her reflections on a childhood without hobbies but filled with life less...

Welcome to our podcast, where we challenge conventional notions of success and explore what it truly means to live a fulfilling life. Join Jess and Heather as they embark on a candid conversation about their personal journeys and how they've redefined success along the way. In this episode, Jess and Heather open up about their evolving perspectives on success and share the pivotal moments tha...

Join us as we delve into the stories of three extraordinary women who have not only excelled in their professional endeavors but have also found profound fulfillment in giving back to their communities. Cheri Connor, Bryanna McCain, and Makayla Smit are not just successful professionals; they are also mothers, entrepreneurs, and advocates for positive change. But what sets them apart is their shar...

Welcome to "Obstacles to Opportunities," the podcast where we delve into the journeys of remarkable individuals who have turned life's challenges into triumphant victories. In this episode, join us as we sit down with Heather Fernstrom Border, the Co-founder & Managing Partner of Alliance Global Advisors, a trailblazing force in the world of developing strategic growth solutions...

Welcome to Episode 9 of our podcast, where hosts Jess and Heather delve into the profound and transformative theme of forgiveness. Join us as Heather shares her personal journey of letting go, unveiling the burning desire she holds this year to release anger and embrace the liberating power of forgiveness. In this heartfelt conversation, Jess and Heather open up about their own challenges with for...

Get ready for an engaging and insightful episode as we sit down with Heather's sister- Kelly Rodrigue of HomeVestors. Join us as Kelly gives us a fun and intimate look into her upbringing alongside her sisters, revealing how their shared experiences have shaped their perspectives on life. In this candid conversation, Kelly shares her journey of building successful businesses and offers a glim...

Get ready for an inspiring episode on the "Obstacles to Opportunities Podcast" as Heather and Jess sit down with the dynamic Dara Whitaker, owner of Navigate Naples—a rental management and concierge service company. Join us as Dara shares the incredible story of her life as a mother of two and a successful businesswoman, turning obstacles into opportunities every step of the way. Dara pr...

Welcome to another empowering episode of "Obstacles to Opportunities," where hosts Heather and Jess sit down with the incredible Carlene Murray, a coach, business owner, mother, and dedicated encourager. In this enlightening conversation, Carlene shares her profound insights gained from years of experience as a MindPower Coach and how she's turned challenges into stepping stones for...

In this emotionally charged episode of "Obstacles to Opportunities," your hosts Jess Powell and Heather Caine bravely bare their souls to explore the profound question: What has been your BIGGEST life obstacle? Get ready for an intimate journey into the lives of these two incredible women as they share the raw, unfiltered stories that have shaped them into the resilient individuals they...

Welcome to this episode of Obstacles to Opportunities, where we sit down with the incredible Shannon Darin Harrell. From her early days as a child actor to becoming a mother and a devoted law enforcement wife, Shannon's journey is nothing short of inspiring. As a lover of ALL people, she has embraced advocacy and even graced the Broadway stage. But that's not all—Shannon is also a vision...

In this episode, we sit down with Vicki Hemmett, the multifaceted owner of ChiroQueen, accomplished author, women's health advocate, devoted runner, mother, wife, chiropractor, and entrepreneur. Vicki walks us through her profound passion for the often-overlooked 4th Trimester in women's health and the impactful role she plays in filling a crucial void in women's healthcare. As a yo...

Meet Clark Harrison, a Caine Luxury team member, accomplished property investor with over 25 doors, devoted husband, and special needs dad. Join us as we explore his journey, from the challenges of a young working actor to his adventures on Survivor and a stint in the music industry as a touring 19-year-old. Clark's story is a testament to resilience and transformation. Tune in to "Obsta...