Stories that Empower

Kelley experienced chronic illness, severe pain and fatigue for nearly two decades. In the absence of elders to guide her, she practiced self advocacy and educated herself for self care. She shares this wisdom. Define and maintain boundaries, which helps you focus on what you're good at. We don't heal in isolation, but rather in community. Surround yourself with a supportive community. Kelley Harr...

Roq and Dave each felt isolated, because they adapted the societal expectations of providing and productivity. They lost direction and meaning. This led them to create a supportive community that provides meaning and purpose to men. They share the following wisdom. Share your vulnerabilities with someone you trust. Depart from what's familiar, face your fear and return to your village as a changed...

Kurek's friend, Mike, died in his arms after a helicopter crash. Initially, Kurek turned to drugs, wanted to take his life and experienced depression. He decided that this was not going to be his legacy, drew a 'line in the sand' and turned his life around. Kurek shares the following wisdom: life doesn't turn out the way it should, it turns out the way it does, it comes down to what you do with it...

Amy is a survivor of a house fire, which she calls the fire that saved her. It brought clarity to her daily chronic pain. Through her spiritual strength, a very supportive spouse and trauma therapy, she also made peace with some very difficult experiences as a child. Amy believes that the brain, body and soul work together for your good. She reminds us to shift our perspective, when overcoming a c...

Dr. Nazari experienced mistrust at the age of 8. He has invested his entire life and profession to understand and share his findings on the importance of trust, in his book "Enlightened Negotation: 8 Universal Laws to Connect, Create and Prosper". Dr. Nazari believes that once trust is established, we can experience an environment of positivity, energy and creativity. He strives to lead mindfully...

Elizabeth lived with a father experiencing mental illness. Her book "Implosion: A Memoir of an Architect's Daughter" is a survivor's story. She reminds us that we, too, can experience freedom from a terrible experience and even feel compassion for others' suffering. Elizabeth suggests that we notice life outside of ourselves and open our hearts of compassion. Elizabeth Garber's memoir, Implosion:...

Dr. Michael Myers became a survivor of suicide at the age of 19, when he lost his friend to suicide. Since then, he has dedicated his life and profession to suicide awareness, support and prevention. His story reminds us that there's light and hope at the end of the tunnel. Dr. Michael Myers is Professor of Clinical Psychiatry and immediate past Vice-Chair of Education and Director of Training in...

Tim's story reminds us to celebrate life, let go of emotional baggage, find a support network, meditate, spend time in nature and go for a walk. Timothy Phillips walked the Camino Frances from St. Jean-Pied-de-Port to Santiago de Compostela in 2010 and 2015 to celebrate 60 years and 65 years respectively. He walked a different route this past spring from Seville to Santiago. This is his account of...

Here's Lionnel's advice: listen to your inner voice identify your coaches, mentors and cheerleaders develop and maintain a gratitude list practice your daily disciplines if you are stuck, engage with people and projects Lionnel Yamentou is passionate about technology, entrepreneurship and personal growth and development. He holds a Master Degree in Computer Information Systems from the California...

Laurie shares the following wisdom: - once we stop doing what doesn't bring us joy, possibilities open up for us - learn to trust yourself - be true to yourself - find your passion and purpose Laurie Duperier is a former lawyer who ended her legal career 9 years ago to open up a dog water therapy pool, write a book about her extraordinary journey with her soul mate dog, and start a tour company th...

Terry shares the following wisdom: - find the hidden gift even in the most difficult situation - determine when negative emotions are not serving you - allow good to radiate from you - fear can dissolve when we get to know each other - stories work on us from the inside out - take time to heal yourself - helping someone is one of the most healing and joyful things you can do - open up your heart a...

When Suni's family was at the brink of poverty, she learned that those who have the least, give the most. She reminds us to not judge others, become aware of others' needs, to never despair and to seek the light in time of darkness. Suni Paz was born in Argentina, on a Tuesday, on the thirteen day of the month of August at witches' time: -Midnight. One year after her birth, the child was publicly...

Colleen lost her leg, when she was 18. She forgave the man who hit her, causing the loss of her leg. She reminds us that forgiveness is a choice, attitude and practice. Colleen Haggerty is an author, speaker, teacher and Forgiveness Coach. Colleen has essays in numerous anthologies, but her memoir, A Leg to Stand On, is where she shares her story of losing her leg as an 18-year-old and the challen...

Paul shares the following wisdom: trust your team, get to know your team, throw your ego out the window, connect with people that are where you want to be and done is better than perfect. Paul Maskill started his first service-based business in 2011. Before he knew it, he was working 60-80 hours a week. Until he realized that he had no freedom and the business needed him to survive. So Paul starte...

When Scott's dad passed, he reminded him to never give up (on his dream). Scott shares lots of wisdom, such as: - try to replace bad habits with good habits - if you're focused on change, you'll see the opportunities - visualize the life you want to live - surround yourself with people you can trust - together come up with a goal, options and actions - don't get stuck in the past Scott Allan is a...

Doug encourages us to embrace struggles and turn them into strength. He also suggests to find people that care about us and believe in us. In 1970, Doug Lipman was a discouraged teacher of highly resistant adolescents. One day he happened to tell them a story, and for the first time, they softened. Since then, he has spent his life using storytelling for transformation—and helping others use story...

Laurel's dad was battling cancer. She left her career as an attorney to run her father's business. She shares her advice of self care, sitting in silence to listen to our inner voice/intuition and to surround ourselves with positive people. Laurel Mintz is a marketing professional in the Los Angeles area. Her expertise is in digital strategy; web, content, social media, advertising and creative, a...

Dermot experienced the loss of his spouse. He learned to create something new to focus on and to take him out of that zone. This helped him to create separation from his loss. Dermot Breen retired as Deputy Chief Executive from the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland in 2016 following the death of his wife, Jacqui, due to ovarian cancer. In 2015 he completed a 1000km walk round the Ul...

Matthew reminds us to cherish and be thankful for the little things in life. We should strive to transform what's happening to us into tools that we use in the future. Also, we should find ways to connect to people. Matthew "Levee" Chavez is the creator of Subway Therapy, an ongoing immersive project in the subway stations of New York City that has been awarded the Municipal Art Society's 2017 Bre...

Joe encourages us to see the world from the perspective of others. He reminds us that people don't buy things that are cheap. They buy things that they want/need and that solve their problems. Joe Kashurba grew the freelance web design business that he started in high school into a digital agency with a virtual team and clients around the world. He went from building $300 websites to building $30,...

When difficulties happen, Tricia believes that it is not an end, but rather a beginning. Also, if our map changes, we should trust and believe where we are being led. In addition to working in the entertainment industry, Tricia Brouk applies her expertise as a director and writer for film, television and theater to the art of Big Talks and Keynotes. She nurtures speakers using the same techniques...

Akshay overcame drug addiction, PTSD from fighting the war in Iraq with the US Marines and alcoholism that pushed him to the brink of suicide. He has since explored the most hostile, and awe-inspiring environments on the planet, started a nonprofit foundation and built a business helping people live limitless lifestyles. Combining his life experience with years of research in science and spiritual...

When seeking a new goal, Omar reminds us to make it a priority, be patient, hold ourselves accountable and get a fresh perspective. Omar Zenhom loves rooting for the underdog and telling it like it is. He is the business brains behind the operation with over 14 years of business building experience. An educator & university manager for 13 years. Omar attended Wharton business school and dropped ou...

After Tanner lost his eyesight, he was able to look inside himself and see his value and true potential. He believes that forgiveness allows us to break free from our past to create a new future. Tanner Gers has earned 4 degrees, published multiple books, started businesses, became a professional athlete, national champion in three sports, and is now a disability advocate, highly sought-after spea...

Angela experienced rejection numerous times, when attempting to have her books published. She learned that she did not need to be given permission to proceed. Instead, she gave herself permission to pursue her passion. Angela Ferrari is an artist, children's book author/ illustrator based in Portland Maine. She is the creator and host of the Story Spectacular podcast. Angela grew up in the mountai...