It marks the completion of a line of inquiry that has been developing over the course of this series.

The work continues elsewhere.

In this conversation, Tom Dardick sits down with Jim Sponaugle, Chief People Officer at Utz Brands, to explore a fundamentally different approach to people strategy. Jim's is a non-traditional HR path. His experience is built from two decades in operations and P&L leadership.

Jim shares how his background in running businesses reframed his view of HR’s role: moving beyond compliance and administration to becoming a genuine driver of strategy, culture, and human potential. Together, Tom and Jim examine what happens when HR leaders deeply understand the business they serve. Jim shares how that understanding allows them to unlock performance, engagement, and fulfillment rather than simply manage risk.

Their conversation ranges from:

• The shift from fixing what’s wrong to cultivating fulfillment and engagement
• Why moving people from dissatisfaction to neutrality requires different drivers than moving them to full contribution
• How misalignment between role and strengths quietly erodes engagement—and how leaders can address it early
• Why focusing on the small portion of work that aligns with passion and strength can transform even difficult jobs
• The dignity of work, the power of mindset, and the ripple effects of individual contribution
• The importance of humility, curiosity, and lifelong learning in effective leadership

Jim also shares personal practices that support growth and openness, along with candid reflections on what it actually takes to develop people in real organizations, not in theory.

This episode will resonate with:

• Chief People Officers and HR leaders
• Executives and operators responsible for culture and performance
• Leaders interested in engagement, fulfillment, and sustainable people strategy
• Anyone thinking seriously about how organizations can support human growth at scale

This is not a conversation about perks or programs. It’s a grounded exploration of what becomes possible when people strategy is treated as a serious business discipline.

In this episode of The Eye of Power Podcast, Tom Dardick concludes a three-part series on holding back by turning toward the moment that matters most: the point where awareness becomes choice.

After exploring how holding back hides in responsibility and discernment and examining the real costs it carries over time in the first two installments of this series, this third and final episode focuses on what it means to stop postponing action under the guise of patience, prudence, or “later.” We do so as a matter of reckoning rather than advice.

This episode explores:

• Why insight without expression creates internal pressure rather than clarity
• How “later” often becomes a way of managing discomfort instead of exercising agency
• The difference between chosen restraint and habitual holding back
• Why momentum stalls when knowing and doing drift apart
• How agency shows up in ordinary, repeatable moments rather than dramatic gestures
• What it costs to keep work, ideas, and conviction partially hidden

Tom also reflects candidly on the cost of holding back in his own work, including the tension between effort, visibility, and commitment. This episode is therefore less a conclusion and more a line being crossed in real time.

This conversation is for people who:

• Feel capable but constrained
• Sense they already know what needs to change
• Are tired of more insight without movement
• Want alignment between what they see, value, and act on
• Are navigating leadership, creative work, or personal growth with honesty

Choosing Not to Hold Back is not about forcing action or abandoning discernment. It’s about recognizing when restraint has become default and deciding what to do when that realization arrives.

Key topics:

personal growth • agency • alignment • leadership • self-awareness • holding back • decision-making • purpose • pressure • momentum • fulfillment • creative work • professional development

In this episode of The Eye of Power Podcast, Tom Dardick continues a three-part series on holding back by exploring its real-life consequences. Not the dramatic kind, but the quieter costs that accumulate slowly and often go unnoticed: reduced energy, blurred clarity, strained connection, and a thinning sense of purpose.

Many capable, thoughtful people hold back for good reasons. Discernment, responsibility, and self-control are often rewarded. This happens in families, in organizations, and in leadership roles. But when holding back becomes habitual, it doesn’t stay neutral. It shapes how we show up, how clearly we think, how connected we feel to others, and how meaningful our work becomes.

In this episode, Tom reflects on:

• How holding back quietly drains energy and momentum
• Why clarity erodes when insight outpaces expression
• How restraint can turn connection into something procedural rather than alive
• The subtle way purpose goes quiet when contribution is consistently contained
• Why these patterns are human, not personal failure
• And how awareness becomes the starting point for real, lasting change

Rather than offering quick fixes or motivational advice, this episode invites a deeper kind of attention. Tom offers a simple, practical experiment listeners can try. This experiment helps reveal the true cost of holding back in everyday moments and opens the door to more aligned action.

This conversation is especially relevant for:

• Leaders and professionals navigating responsibility and self-expression
• People interested in personal growth, self-awareness, and fulfillment
• Those exploring agency, alignment, and purpose in work and life
• Anyone who senses they’re capable of more but isn’t fully bringing it forward

The Cost of Holding Back (and What to Do About It) is not about forcing change. It’s about seeing clearly because when we see the cost honestly, the path forward begins to reveal itself.

Key topics:

personal growth • leadership development • self-awareness • agency • alignment • purpose • energy • clarity • connection • holding back • fulfillment • mindset • professional development

In this episode of The Eye of Power Podcast, Tom Dardick explores a quiet but powerful dynamic that affects personal growth, leadership, and fulfillment: the subtle habit of holding back. Not out of fear or insecurity, but out of discernment, professionalism, and a desire to be responsible.

Many accomplished people learn early how to manage themselves well—how to read the room, soften their message, and avoid unnecessary friction. These skills are valuable. But over time, what begins as wisdom can become habit. And habit, when left unexamined, can quietly limit energy, clarity, and momentum.

This episode invites listeners to look more closely at:

• The difference between discernment and self-editing
• How holding back can feel reasonable while still carrying a real cost
• Why insight alone doesn’t always translate into meaningful change
• How managing yourself can slowly replace showing up more fully
• Where awareness becomes the starting point for real transformation

Tom also shares a more personal reflection on his own podcasting journey—recognizing the gap between sharing ideas and sharing lived experience, and how that realization is shaping a new chapter in his work.

Rather than offering quick fixes or motivational advice, On Holding Back offers something more durable: a lens for self-awareness and a simple, practical invitation to notice where you may be holding back in everyday conversations, decisions, and relationships—and to experiment with one small step toward fuller expression.

This episode is for leaders, professionals, mentors, and anyone interested in personal development, agency, alignment, and living with greater integrity and presence.

Key themes:

personal growth • leadership development • self-awareness • agency • alignment • holding back • authenticity • fulfillment • inner voice • professional development

Through parallels with medicine, psychology, positive psychology research, and real-world organizational behavior studies, Tom examines why many traditional models unintentionally reinforce dependency rather than capability. He shares candid reflections on his own missteps and what he’s learning about agency, habit formation, and the shift from self-interest to shared mission.

This episode challenges the assumptions behind coaching and consulting while honoring their value, offering a humble, research-backed exploration of what truly drives sustained change at both the individual and organizational level.

Whether you’re a leader, coach, consultant, HR professional, or someone committed to personal growth, this conversation will help you rethink how development really works—and how to build systems that empower people to grow from the inside out.

Key Topics Covered (SEO-rich keywords)

• Personal development
• Organizational transformation
• Leadership development
• Coaching and consulting effectiveness
• Behavior change and habit formation
• Positive psychology interventions
• Agency and self-determination
• Communication skills training
• Culture change and employee engagement
• Purpose-driven leadership
• Sustained Incremental Actions (SIA’s)
• Mentor Machine Protocol
• Human motivation and shared mission

Why Listen

You’ll learn:

• Why most training, coaching, and consulting doesn’t create lasting behavior change
• The psychological and systemic forces that keep people stuck
• How consistent practice outperforms insight and advice
• What Tom learned from the failures and successes of The Communication Gym
• How purpose, identity, and small weekly actions work together to transform people
• A new way to think about development that empowers individuals and organizations

Perfect For

• Executives and senior leaders
• Coaches and consultants
• Organizational psychologists
• HR and L&D professionals
• Personal development enthusiasts
• Anyone interested in behavior change, agency, and leadership

In this Eye of Power conversation, Tom sits down with go-to-market strategist and leadership mentor Esther Angell to explore how curiosity over judgment changes everything—at home, at work, and in the way we build our careers.

Esther shares wisdom passed down from her Queens-born mother and her unforgettable Aunt Lynn (Live Like Lynn), who made everyone around her feel seen, valued, and loved. From coaching her kids to ask great questions, to helping anxious young people step out of their own heads, she shows how genuine interest in others becomes a superpower in a lonely, distracted world.

You’ll hear Esther’s unusual journey:

• Growing up in rural Oklahoma with global experiences and missionary travel
• Working in a faith-based nonprofit with people in deep poverty—and what scarcity really does to the brain
• Surviving the boom-and-bust cycles of upstream oil and gas and the camaraderie that shared suffering creates
• Becoming a leader in manufacturing and software, building psychologically safe teams, and learning not to manage everyone like yourself
• Developing high emotional intelligence (EQ)—staying grounded, processing emotion, and not taking things personally

Now, as a consultant, Esther helps organizations clarify their go-to-market strategy, align marketing, sales, product, and customer success, and actually use the tech stacks and tools they already pay for. She’s especially passionate about supporting new managers as they discover who they are as leaders, and about creating positive influence in the immediate sphere around you instead of chasing abstract status.

If you care about leadership, mentoring, curiosity, authenticity, or raising grounded kids in an anxious age, this episode will give you both inspiration and practical lenses you can use right away—on your team, in your family, and in the way you show up in the world.

This episode marks the beginning of a more direct, transparent, and energized phase of the podcast. Tom unpacks his evolving insights from Eye of Power 2.0, the deeper understanding of attention, alignment, and agency that emerged from the new model, and what listeners can expect from the relaunch.

If you’re interested in personal development, leadership psychology, organizational culture, behavioral change, and the science of human agency, this episode is essential.

#TomDardick, #EyeofPower, #agency, #personalgrowth, #leadershipdevelopment, #behavioralchange, #coachingcritique, #consultingproblems, #humanalignment, #organizationalculture, #self-improvement, #mentoring, #MentorMachine

In this milestone episode of The Eye of Power Podcast, Tom introduces the core team behind Mentor Machine and the ReTeam platform: his brother and longtime technology leader Greg Dardick, architect and ReTeam founder Vivek Nigam, and global facilitator and creative force Giselle Soares. Together, they share the origin story of how a shared passion for mentorship, belonging, and human-centered leadership evolved into a system designed to help organizations build truly thriving, aligned cultures, especially in remote and hybrid workplaces.

You’ll hear how personal experiences with being overlooked, under-mentored, or unseen at work inspired tools that:

• Surface quiet talent and give everyone a voice in meetings and projects
• Build psychological safety, trust, and real friendships at work
• Turn positive psychology into daily actions, not just a training event
• Help leaders scale a culture of belonging, accountability, and growth across large organizations

The team also looks ahead to the age of AI and exponential change. They explore why small, values-aligned teams can now create billion-dollar impact, why relationships and fulfillment are the new strategic advantage, and how Mentor Machine’s value-sharing model aligns fees with real business outcomes like reduced turnover and stronger engagement.

If you care about leadership, mentoring, employee engagement, culture change, and the future of work, this behind-the-scenes conversation shows how a small global team is building systems so more people can feel seen, valued, and fulfilled at work.

Most organizations say they want mentorship.

But what they usually create is something very different: advice, evaluation, and performance management.

None of that transforms a person.

In this episode of The Eye of Power, we explore the deeper meaning of mentorship — the kind that changes identity, unlocks fulfillment, and allows people to grow into who they are capable of becoming.

We explore the difference between:

• Advice vs Mentorship
• Guidance vs Witnessing
• Performance support vs Human development

And we examine why mentorship is so rare, even in organizations filled with good people and strong intentions.

Tom also shares a personal reflection on what it was like to grow without mentorship, and how that shaped his understanding of leadership, resilience, and the long journey of becoming.

This conversation is for:

• Leaders who feel like they are carrying too much alone
• Executives and founders who support others more than they are supported
• HR and People Operations professionals trying to build cultures of growth
• Mentors, coaches, and managers who want to help others develop authentically
• Anyone who has felt that their potential is larger than their reflection

You’ll learn:

• Why mentorship is an act of belief, not instruction
• The three defining abilities of a true mentor
• How to recognize “unsupported growth” in yourself and your organization
• How to reconnect with your own becoming
• How to offer support in a way that strengthens identity rather than dependence

Toward the end of the episode, Tom guides listeners through a quiet reflective exercise taken from the Mentorship Self-Reflection Guide, a simple tool designed to help you see where you may be growing alone — and where companioned growth could make all the difference.

Key Topics & Search Keywords

Mentorship, Leadership Development, Authentic Leadership, Personal Growth, Executive Coaching, Organizational Culture, Fulfillment, Human Development, Emotional Intelligence, Self-Reflection, Resilient Leadership, Transformational Leadership, Coaching Skills, People Development, Leadership Mindset, Becoming, Workplace Culture, Relational Leadership, Leadership Presence, Identity and Growth

If this episode resonates with you, and you recognize something of your own journey in it, you are invited to reach out for a human conversation, with no pressure or expectation.

You don’t have to walk the long road alone.

Connect with Tom on LinkedIn and request the Mentorship Self-Reflection Guide.

https://alanparsons.com/pages/dan-tracey-guitar-backing-vocals

https://www.discogs.com/artist/5104376-Dan-Tracey

Dr. Hagir Elsheikh, Chairwoman and CEO of Hagir Network, Founder & CEO of Tomorrow’s Smile INC, Kareem’s Mission Org. HSE Staffing Agency LLC, KMission TV LLC. She is an Advocate, Activist, Motivational Speaker, political analyst, Talk show host, Producer, Author, poet, and philanthropist.

Hagir Elsheikh is an advocate, leader, and survivor whose life’s work embodies resilience, justice, and dedication to peace-building and human rights. Her journey from a survivor of torture, gender-based violence, harassment, female genital mutilation (FGM), and domestic violence to a global human rights champion is a testament to her spirit and lifelong commitment to making the world a better place.

Early Life and Political Activism

Born in Sudan, Hagir's early years were marked by her vocal opposition to the oppressive Al-Bashir regime. From the age of 11, she used her voice to protest against tyranny and advocate for democratic reforms. As one of the few female spokespersons for the Sudanese Democratic Front, her courageous activism led to her arrest, torture, and eventual asylum in the United States. These experiences only strengthened her resolve to fight for justice and human dignity.

Advocacy for Human Rights and Women's Rights

Hagir Elsheikh’s advocacy is deeply personal and wide-reaching. As a survivor of torture, Gender-Based violence, domestic violence, harassment, and FGM, she channels her experiences into powerful campaigns against gender-based violence, human trafficking, and the exploitation of minors. Her efforts include raising awareness, advocating for legislative changes, and supporting victims through counseling and empowerment programs.

Hagir’s commitment to combating FGM is particularly noteworthy. She has tirelessly worked to raise awareness and implement preventive measures to stop this crime, drawing from her own painful experiences to drive change. Her advocacy extends to supporting survivors and promoting gender equality, demonstrating her commitment to protecting vulnerable populations.

Peace Building and Democratic Empowerment

Hagir’s work in peacebuilding and democratic empowerment is globally recognized. She collaborates with organizations such as the United Nations, UNDP, TASSC, CWS, Amnesty International, Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission (PHRC), the civic club, World Affair Council of Harrisburg, and several colleges and organizations such as Grand Canyon University, Johns Hopkins University, and the University of Pennsylvania to promote dialogue and initiatives that foster peace and democratic governance. Her efforts have been instrumental in promoting peace in conflict-affected regions, especially in Sudan.

In the United States, Hagir is an active member of Sudan's working advocacy group for Congress and the State Department, providing crucial advice, briefings, and support for humanitarian causes. She serves on the boards of Trustees of several humanitarian organizations, including the organization that she founded Tomorrow’s Smile INC (TSI), TASSC, Church World Services (CWS), and the World Affairs Council of Harrisburg. Her work with CWS, in particular, involves using her experiences as a refugee and immigrant to raise awareness about the challenges refugees face and to assist in providing them with training and cultural orientation when they settle in Pennsylvania. She is also a member of the board of trustees at Harrisburg Area Community College (HACC), Kareem’s Mission organization.

As a mother of a child with autism, Hagir has a personal and profound commitment to supporting individuals with autism and their famil

frustration is widespread: It shows up as fatigue, disengagement, or quiet dissatisfaction, even among competent and engaged employees. The problem is Engagement ≠ Fulfillment: Engagement keeps people interested for a while, but only fulfillment sustains them long-term. Fulfillment = Alignment: It emerges when people’s strengths, values, and contributions connect to meaningful outcomes.

The Data That Matters

• Only 21% of employees worldwide are engaged in their work. Nearly 80% are disengaged or frustrated (Gallup, 2025).
• Disengagement costs the global economy $8.9 trillion annually — about 9% of global GDP (Gallup, 2025).
• 70% of employees don’t believe their leaders create a culture where they can thrive (Deloitte, 2023).
• 1 in 3 workers say their workplace harms their mental health (American Psychological Association, 2024).
• Employees who find their work meaningful are 70% less likely to experience burnout (Gallup, 2024).
• Employees who feel they can use their strengths at work are 57% less likely to quit (Deloitte, 2023).

What can we do about all of this? Pay attention to Fulfillment and do what you can to build it. How? That's what we talk about in today's episode - Eye of Power style.

transcendhealthgroup.com

Ryan's Bio:

Dr. Ryan Williamson, M.D. is a board-certified neurologist, proud Navy veteran, and the owner and founder of Transcend Health. After commissioning as an officer in the U.S. Navy, he completed his medical training at the Florida State University College of Medicine, neurology residency at Georgetown University Hospital, and ultimately separated from service as a Lieutenant Commander. After this, Dr. Williamson ultimately dedicated his career to improving brain health and helping individuals expand their longevity.

Driven by a passion to make a broader impact, Dr. Williamson founded Transcend Health, a platform that bridges neuroscience with entrepreneurship. He empowers leaders and individuals to optimize their cognitive performance through evidence-based strategies that address brain fog, improve memory, and help them overcome cognitive overload.

Dr. Williamson's expertise has garnered significant attention, with his insights impacting communities across the globe. He is currently engaged in high-level conversations with influential figures to integrate his knowledge into their communities, curricula, and beyond.

Through Transcend Health, Dr. Williamson offers a membership program featuring exclusive educational calls, wellness protocols, and a private community forum for members to connect and collaborate. He is also the author of an upcoming book (releasing this fall) that aims to further disseminate his knowledge and empower individuals to live longer, deeper, and more impactful lives.

Dr. Williamson's vision is to help individuals and groups achieve their full potential by taking control of and optimizing their health so they can live more fulfilling lives and leave a lasting legacy.

In this episode of The Eye of Power, we challenge the prevailing narrative around hiring and retention. Using the four quadrants of the Eye of Power model—Pain, Perception, People, and Purpose—we examine how leaders may unknowingly contribute to the very problem they lament.

We explore how:

• Leaders avoid the discomfort of coaching and accountability (Pain)
• Biases distort hiring decisions and potential goes unseen (Perception)
• Culture and systems either elevate or erode talent (People)
• True growth is rooted in purpose and contribution, not just performance (Purpose)

This episode sets the stage for a forthcoming series of interviews with HR professionals on the front lines. But first, we must ask the hard question:

Are we searching for ready-made excellence… or building the kind of places where it can grow?

Through the lens of the Eye of Power model, we explore the Four Quadrants—Perception, Pain, People, and Purpose—and the Four Capacities: Courage, Congruence, Consideration, and Contribution. You’ll discover how real growth often begins with seeing what you can’t see—your own blind spots—and how it only becomes sustainable with the help of others, honest reflection, and disciplined action.

If you're ready to stop performing growth and start embodying it, this episode is for you.

Dynamic learning & development professional with nearly 30 years of aviation experience, including 17 years at the Federal Aviation Administration. Recognized aviation safety expert and National Airspace System specialist with a proven track record of implementing impactful initiatives across complex industries. Featured across national and international media outlets, providing expert analysis on critical aviation incidents, reaching 3.6M+ viewers globally.

Dr. Mann partners with organizations to:

- Align learning programs with strategic objectives and measurable outcomes

- Enhance organizational capabilities through innovative training solutions

- Create engaging learning experiences that simplify complex concepts

- Drive successful project outcomes using structured methodologies

Key areas of expertise:

- Strategic learning program design and implementation

- Cross-functional team leadership and project management

- Organizational effectiveness and employee engagement

- Aviation safety and operational analysis

- NAS infrastructure project management and technical operations

- Risk management in high-stakes environments

Dr. Mann's approach combines industry knowledge with expertise in:

- Organizational assessment and strategic analysis

- Adult learning principles and instructional design

- Stakeholder engagement and change management

- Federal aviation regulations and safety standards

- Aviation systems implementation

Current Roles:

- Director, Center for Project Management Innovation and Assistant Professor of Organization and Management, Harrisburg University of Science and Technology

- Adjunct Assistant Professor of Project Management, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

Featured Media Appearances:

- LiveNOW Fox

- USA Today

- NewsNation Now (Multiple appearances)

- The Associated Press (AP)

- Morning Glory with Mike Graham (London)

- WGAL 8 News (Multiple appearances)

- And other prominent national and international media outlets

Dr. Mann is open to discussing organizational transformation, learning & development initiatives, aviation safety, project management in aerospace, or general aviation industry insights.

#LearningAndDevelopment #OrganizationalEffectiveness #StrategicAnalysis #ProjectManagement #AviationExpert #EmployeeEngagement #ChangeManagement #MediaCommentary #RiskManagement #AviationSafety

For more on the Cruise to the Edge, check out:

https://cruisetotheedge.com

Here's more about Brian's background:

Brian Flom is the Director of the Bureau of Talent Planning and Development for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, where he oversees the enterprise-level learning and development strategy. His portfolio includes programs such as new employee orientation, supervisor and leadership development, and executive education. Brian also leads the Commonwealth’s talent planning efforts, using data-driven strategies to develop policies, programs, and interventions that address the needs of a dynamic and evolving workforce. Before joining the Commonwealth, Brian served 32 years in the United States Army, holding leadership roles across the globe, including leading the United States Army Criminal Investigation Division. He culminated his military career as part of the executive leadership team at the United States Army War College. Brian holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Troy University and a Master of Arts in Leadership Studies from the University of Texas at El Paso.

Beyond his professional achievements, Brian is a passionate advocate for veterans and their well-being. He volunteers as an executive career coach, helping veterans transitioning from military service and champions mental health and wellness through outdoor activities. A Purple Heart recipient, Brian was a member of former President George W. Bush’s Team 43 advisory council for mental well-being and is one of 96 veterans featured in President Bush’s book Portraits of Courage. He also serves as an alumni ambassador for Warriors and Quiet Waters, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting veterans and their caregivers in healing through fly fishing.

I highly suggest you do the exercises that Paul describes, and get his book The Fuse Pathway. You can do that, and see the amazing work of Dulcinea in his virtual gallery here:

https://thefusepathway.com/

For more about Paul and his approach to life and art, check out this short documentary:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_DNhdeqMf-4

transcendhealthgroup.com

Ryan's Bio:

Dr. Ryan Williamson, M.D. is a board-certified neurologist, proud Navy veteran, and the owner and founder of Transcend Health. After commissioning as an officer in the U.S. Navy, he completed his medical training at the Florida State University College of Medicine, neurology residency at Georgetown University Hospital, and ultimately separated from service as a Lieutenant Commander.  After this, Dr. Williamson ultimately dedicated his career to improving brain health and helping individuals expand their longevity.

Driven by a passion to make a broader impact, Dr. Williamson founded Transcend Health, a platform that bridges neuroscience with entrepreneurship. He empowers leaders and individuals to optimize their cognitive performance through evidence-based strategies that address brain fog, improve memory, and help them overcome cognitive overload.

Dr. Williamson's expertise has garnered significant attention, with his insights impacting communities across the globe. He is currently engaged in high-level conversations with influential figures to integrate his knowledge into their communities, curricula, and beyond.

Through Transcend Health, Dr. Williamson offers a membership program featuring exclusive educational calls, wellness protocols, and a private community forum for members to connect and collaborate. He is also the author of an upcoming book (releasing this fall) that aims to further disseminate his knowledge and empower individuals to live longer, deeper, and more impactful lives.

Dr. Williamson's vision is to help individuals and groups achieve their full potential by taking control of and optimizing their health so they can live more fulfilling lives and leave a lasting legacy.

For more on Joe's life and career:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joe_Mantegna

https://www.facebook.com/joemantegna/

https://criminalminds.fandom.com/wiki/Joe_Mantegna

https://www.garysinisefoundation.org/meet/joe-mantegna

Amber Vilhauer is a Books & Business strategist, multi-bestselling author, speaker, and Founder of NGNG Enterprises (No Guts No Glory), an Inc. 5000 top marketing agency. Amber has helped thousands of entrepreneurs align their business with their core talents and desires to naturally scale revenue and impact. She does this by implementing custom marketing strategies, launching bestselling books, and growing engaged followings that convert. She is the author of Infinite Impact and co-author of The Long Forest Trail with her son, Clay. Connect and learn more at www.ngngenterprises.com, www.booksandbusiness.com, www.ambervilhauer.com and https://getinalignment.com.

Here is a link to her book Infinite Impact:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/196207420X?ref_=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_EM4WB2QCJDDFXJMX79NM

Amber's social media links include:

Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn and Facebook.

Justin is an entrepreneur who is driven by faith, opportunity, and the desire to make an impact through his sphere of influence. His career reflects dedication through highs and lows that span over two decades in the Construction Industry with a concentration in mechanical contracting.

Born and raised in Central Pennsylvania, Justin began working within the HVAC & Construction industry for his family-owned business, David F. McClure Company d.ba Daflure Heating, Cooling & Solar. founded by his parents, Justin worked his way up in the business from entry-level and supervisory roles to ultimately purchasing the second-generation business in 2006. Under Justin’s leadership, Daflure has been recognized in the top one percent of the nation for residential HVAC/R companies; and a Pennsylvania certified solar energy installing contractor. Daflure has consistently grown top and bottom-line revenue and market opportunities during his more than twenty-year tenure.

Most notably, Justin has a vision for stewarding his resources to diversify his professional portfolio through organic growth and acquisitions. In 2010, Justin initiated and oversaw the purchase of O.L. Jacobs, which allowed Daflure to expand into commercial industrial and mechanical services. In 2020, Justin co-founded Crest Air, a greenfield start-up, to grow a market presence in Palm Beach County, FL.

Justin is intentional about volunteering his time to various community efforts and organizations. He is the past chair of Bridge of Hope Harrisburg Area; is a Big Brother with Big Brother Big Sister of the Capital Area; member and advocate at The High Center for Family Business; a past minority owner of the Washington Nationals AA affiliate Harrisburg Senators; a Director at the Harrisburg Builders Association; a 2010 graduate of Leadership Harrisburg Area Community Leadership Series and Class "Spokesperson"; A Hammond Society Member with the Pennsylvania State University Smeal College of Business Alumni Society Board; and Advisory Board Member for Fulton Financial Corporation.

Justin has received the Platinum Award for Servant Leadership in 2024 from Leadership Harrisburg Area, was named the Best Subcontracting Professional in Central PA and received Associate of the Year with the HBA of Metro Harrisburg. Justin earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Management from The Pennsylvania State University Smeal School of Business.

Justin is married to his “middle-school-sweetheart” Laura, who are both proud Penn State graduates. Together they have two sons, Taylor and Liam.

Bill's selling system includes a personality profile - specifically designed to customize your sales style. Get his book here:

Master Virtue, Master Selling

Bill's company People's Windows and Baths helps people with residential remodeling, including windows and baths upgrades. Check out their offerings here:

https://peoplesproducts.com/

Bill's musical ventures include the successful rock cover band Last Licks and his Project LGM original album Russian Spy:

Last Licks videos.

Project LGM

Infinite Impact by Amber Vilhauer:

https://a.co/d/5nsMxyv

Sudden Onset by Tom and Chris Dardick:

https://www.immortalworks.press/product-page/sudden-onset or

Audio: https://a.co/d/5nCOEJi

If you're a Cubs fan, sports fan, fan of pop culture, or just want a laugh and to hear some great stories, check out his show, which features famous guests, all with a love of Chicago and the Chicago Cubs. For more on what BRIGHAM AVERY brings to the table, check out his production company at https://brighamaveryproductions.com/

Brig and Tom talk about the ways he has been able to follow his passion to do what he loves in the very competitive area of sports and entertainment. Brig has an energy and passion that cuts through all he does, and his example is truly inspiring. You'll learn about the power of laughter to connect people and to manage fear. You'll see how leverage, not the negative kind like blackmail, but the good type like kindness, generosity, and going the extra mile for people can lead to more open doors and greater opportunity. You might even watch movies like Ferris Bueller's Day Off or Back to School with a different and expanded view!

A bit about Rob:

Over the past 15+ years, Rob has developed a strong reputation among corporate clients and has delivered workshops in Germany, Switzerland, Spain, England, Belgium, Sweden, Turkey, Morocco, Brazil, Mexico, Canada, and all over the U.S.

Rob has been a repeat guest on local and national television and radio stations including NBC, ABC, CLTV, WGN. He has also been featured in the Wall Street Journal and The Chicago Tribune.

Rob has a BA in psychology from the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Massachusetts, and an MS in advertising from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism.

Rob's new book is called A Trek Within. In it you'll find stories about experiences that expand the ranges of our perceptions about the world both within us and around us. Check it out here:

https://atrekwithin.com/

With 10+ years of coding experience and coaching since 2019, she’s the tough love, “been in your shoes” kinda Coach.

Her clients' backgrounds include a spectrum ranging from ICs to CTOs, from small startups to FAANG+ companies, from 2 to 20+ years of experience, and from self-taught devs through career-changing Bootcamp grads to college grads and PhDs.

She helps her clients reach their potential and exciting career opportunities by refactoring their brains.

For more about how Dagna works with clients, check out:

 https://www.themindfuldev.com/case-study

The video illustrates a case study with a client who went from an underappreciated Sr Engineer to a Startup CTO.

For more, check out Dagna's book:

Brain Refactor: Optimize Your Internal Code To Thrive in Tech & Engineering and Get More Success, Fulfillment, Money, Opportunities, Impact, and Growth (www.amazon.com/dp/B0DB3JZYL2). Dagna talks about how the human mind is similar to computer software and how to reprogram it to overcome Imposter Syndrome, burnout, trouble dealing with other people, and self-marketing struggles (backed by science and client case studies).

Working with Hollywood celebrities, 8-figure company CEOs, professional athletes, top executives and elite entrepreneurs, Noah is famous for helping his coaching clients make more in 12 weeks than they did in the past 12 months, while winning their lives back.

Dr. Noah has appeared on over 1,000 media outlets including ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX, Entrepreneur, The Jenny McCarthy Show, and SUCCESS Magazine.

Tom and Noah discuss some of the important ways we limit ourselves and what we can do to unlock more of our potential. One key is to take out your "head trash." How do you know what that is? One way you can find your head trash is ask yourself: "I can't do it because..."

Another couple of wisdom nugget Noah shares are:

"All addiction is the soul's attempt to hide from itself."

"If something is free, you're the product."

If you want more from Noah, get a copy of Noah’s NEW book "The 7-Figure Expert" FREE at: 7FigureExpertBook.com

Get Noah’s NEW digital course "The 7-Figure Fast Track" (a $1,800 value) FREE at FreeGiftfromNoah.com

Dr. Wendy is a Stanford trained positive psychologist and success coach for female entrepreneurs. She helps women design their most meaningful, intentional, and fulfilling lives and businesses. Utilizing her strengths, values, and evidenced-based success method, Dr. Wendy has helped thousands of women worldwide live a life and business they're obsessed with.

 https://www.drwendyoconnor.com/monthly-reflection-goal-setting-worksheet

Download this free Monthly Planner and Goal Setting Worksheet to get laser focused on what you want to create in your life each month. This planner worksheet highlights a life reflection component so that you can make the easiest, and most aligned decisions with which goal you're after.

For more information, check out Dr. Wendy's website:

https://www.drwendyoconnor.com/

Dan has dozens of credits, including Criminal Minds, Gun Stories (now in season 14, Hollywood Weapons; Fact or Fiction (In season 6), and Booger Bottom USA. He has multiple awards for writing and producing, including 5 Telly Awards, Winner of Best Doc at LA Film Festival 2023 and Impact DOC Award Winner 2023 for Women in Aviation. He’s a producer of the Emmy Winning documentary: Palm Springs Air Museums 25^th Silver Anniversary Celebration. As well as the recipient of multiple inner-network awards.

His latest endeavor is a fiction novel called Long Branch. The story of a down and out actor who returns to his hometown of Long Branch Georgia only to find himself in the midst of a conspiracy involving very influential people who will stop at nothing to keep the past buried.  

Tom and Dan discuss Dan's professional journey and the important moments that have shaped his path. Dan shared insights like:

“You have to step outside your comfort zone from time to time to see what’s there.”

“If you don’t believe in yourself, how do you expect anyone else to believe in you?”

You can buy a copy of Dan's novel Long Branch here:

https://www.amazon.com/Long-Branch-Never-truth-story/dp/B0D5YTQS8T/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3GZR8EOEEU8O9&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.K-u9iN9MGSLmAZ1nAJZoQw.ONPbHysRYr9fnKv6Df8w8ZcJcuwpCwnSCjcwUvtymZk&dib_tag=se&keywords=long+branch+dan+ramm&qid=1724762204&sprefix=long+branch+dan+ramm%2Caps%2C147&sr=8-1

Loss in any form, can be devastating. It can make you question everything. But when you are ready and with the appropriate support, you can turn the loss into a thoughtful transition that can serve yourself in ways you may not have even imagined.

Mel sees life as an adventure about growth and honoring our gifts within to generate a thriving ecosphere. Her passion and experiences led her to become a Certified Professional Co-Active Coach (CPCC) through Co-Active Training Institute (CTI) + Associate Certified Coach (ACC) through the International Coaching Federation (ICF). Her speciality is working with individuals experiencing loss and grief coming from a major life event (i.e. job loss, organization restructuring, divorce, death of a loved one) and contemplating where they are NOW and what to do NEXT.

Tom and Melissa discuss the dynamics of grief and explore some of the ways we can more elegantly move through the emotional process. You can find more out about WYSHBONE here:

Melissa Harris's Website

A Bit About Gretchen:

Gretchen Villegas is a seasoned executive leader with over 25 years of experience specializing in mission-driven, innovative program designs through partnership development, impact scaling, and revenue growth. She has managed international country programs in vulnerable communities, with a portfolio totaling over $320 million funded by both public and private donors.

Gretchen's early experience includes serving as a Peace Corps Volunteer in South America and a 15-year career managing USG-funded programs in Latin America and Africa. She has worked in partnership with communities, local and international private sector partners, philanthropists, impact investors, and governments to find sustainable solutions to poverty, enabling marginalized households to achieve a resilient, dignified life.

Her expertise encompasses executive-level leadership of global program portfolio effectiveness through evidence and data, intentional program design to optimize impacts for vulnerable children and their families, rigorous research to learn and adapt in program implementation, and revenue strategies to scale and enhance the reach of programmatic initiatives.

More information on Curt:

Curt Tueffert is a professional speaker, professor, author, podcast host, and frequent podcast guest. His combination of content plus high energy makes him an easy choice for subject matter expert in sales, marketing, leadership, customer service, and more.

Curt's work has earned him a Stevie award as well as other accolades. As the VP of Sales Development for a $1.5B Industrial Distributor, Curt works his skills daily on the front lines of sales and marketing.

His website is: https://peaksalesstrategy.com/

Contact him through email here: ctueffert@gmail.com

You can find more about Sam and Sockrates here: https://sockratescustom.com

The Eye of Power is a multi-tool. It functions as a flashlight, map, and compass to help us see those parts of ourselves that would otherwise remain out of our conscious mind. Making positive changes in our lives is not a simple matter of learning these things. Why? Because we are emotional creatures and our behaviors are ruled by patterns - set by both beliefs and habits. To affect real, lasting, change, we must address both.

In building a business around this, it's best to begin with an analysis of related needs in the world. What seems quite evident are two such needs. First, engagement in the workplace is low. Too many people dedicate their working energy to causes they don't buy into with people they don't respect or value. Second, the leadership challenge to align people to a shared cause is becoming more and more complex. The Eye of Power Protocol is a sustainable, effective way to address both challenges.

In this episode, I share the thinking about these things and the approaches we use to help leaders move their organizational culture in the direction of greater respect and trust.

1. Professionalism is about skill, engagement, and passion in what you do.
2. Control lies in our thoughts and actions, which shape our personal growth.
3. Purpose is found in using our unique attributes to serve others.
4. Respect for ourselves and others is foundational to being a professional.
5. Continuous Improvement through small, sustained actions leads to personal and professional fulfillment.
6. Service is about adding value to others’ lives and understanding their needs.
7. Professional Growth involves embracing challenges, seeking feedback, and committing to improvement.

I'd also like to credit AudioCoffee for the music in the segment transitions for today's show. You can find more here: https://www.audiocoffee.net/

If you'd like to indulge your curiosity to discover more, here are some of the links to sources we refer to in today's episode:

https://www.simplypsychology.org/self-determination-theory.html

https://www.crowdspring.com/marketing-psychology/information-gap-theory/

https://academic.oup.com/book/26255?login=false

https://www.gse.harvard.edu/ideas/usable-knowledge/20/11/curious-mind

Here's a link to Dr. Gopnik's book:

https://www.amazon.com/Philosophical-Baby-Childrens-Minds-Meaning/dp/0312429843

If you want to listen to some Curious George stories, here's another useful link:

https://archive.org/details/CGCOMPLETE/%5B2%5D+CuriousGeorgeTakesaJob.mp3

Liam has discovered, through a very personal journey, how we truly function as human beings and how the brain is designed to create for you a life without problems.

With his four parts of the brain model, Liam shares simple yet powerful ways to improve the quality of your life in an immediate and measurable way.

Liam's message is not about mindfulness, positive thinking, rewiring the brain or the subconscious mind. He does explain the underlying reasons why we get the results we do in our life.

Liam is the host of the "Let Yourself Off the Hook" podcast and coaching program, explaining how to achieve success without the struggle. He is also an experienced marriage and relationships coach, host of the "Growing in Love for Life" podcast, author of two books and the 20-volume Growing in Love for Life series of short books on marriage. He is also creator of 4 relationships coaching programs.

Originally from New Zealand, Liam has recently completed an eight-year adventure sailing through fifteen countries in Europe on his own yacht.

Find Liam here:

https://liamnaden.com

My FREE webinar: "How to Unlock Your Brain's Hidden Power - for TRUE Life Success." At: https://letyourselfoffthehook.com/

My latest book: "Marriage Uncounseling: A Counterintuitive Approach to Healing Relationships and Bringing Back Love."

My coaching program: "Let Yourself Off the Hook Online Masterclass." (with Brain Rebalancing)

Here's Sonny's background:

Sonny graduated from Abilene Christian University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Management and Communications and a Master of Science Degree in Psychology, emphasizing Human Behavioral Theory, Interpersonal Communications Theory, Organizational Design, and Research Methods. He obtained his Texas Real Estate Sales License in 1971 and his Texas Real Estate Brokers License in 1988.

He is an award-winning agent who has achieved great success in the real estate industry in the DFW area. Between 2004 and 2018, Sonny was in the top 4% of all real estate agents nationwide. Depending on the index used, Sonny was in the top 1% of all real estate agents in Texas for numerous years.

Sonny is President of The Renaissance Group, a Real Estate Brokerage, Consulting, and Publishing Company in the DFW area.

The Brokerage firm that the Sonny and the O’Dea Moyers Group was formerly affiliated with was Ebby Halliday Realtors, located in Dallas, TX. The O’Dea Moyers Group was at the top of the 1,800-plus Agents for over 15 years. They were in the highest production plateau for 15 of the 20 years from 1998 to 2018. Sonny was named D Magazine Best of Dallas for sixteen straight years and was named by D Magazine as a Top Producer Agent in Dallas for over ten years.

Sonny was presented the McSam Award and named the REALTOR® of the Year in Dallas by the Dallas Builders Association in 2015.

Sonny is past President (3 years) of the Board of the Frisco Arts Association, a non-profit organization in Frisco, Texas.

Sonny lives in Prosper, TX, with his wife and partner, Judith Moyers. Sonny is highly educated and a natural speaker with thousands of presentation hours presenting. He is motivational, and his content is packed with ideas, concepts, practical strategies, and tactics.

For more, don't miss out on Sonny's masterful reference book:

https://www.thearchitectureoftherealestatepractice.com/

This is a link to my book website for The Architecture of the Real Estate Practice. This book is about the Psychology and art of the Real Estate Profession. It is available on my book website at RealEstateBook.org and on Amazon and other retailers at this time.

This book is a comprehensive collection of teaching lessons and concepts, designed to be a practical reference manual for aspiring real estate professionals. It's not just theory; it's a guide to the practical application of complex material. It delves into the psychology and interpersonal communication skills, as well as the business and marketing skills, required to construct and manage a successful real estate practice.

This book is not a casual read to be skimmed through in one evening. It's a masterclass in real estate practice development, interpersonal relationship management, client management, and numerous psychology-based concepts and theories. It's a journey of discovery and growth, offering insights that will transform your understanding of the real estate profession.

Some passages will warrant multiple readings and contemplative pauses to digest complex sections of the material truly. It is a resource you will frequently return to for guidance on various topics. This is not a “get rich quick book” about how to succeed without effort. The book is not about contracts, forms, or documents used in real estate. The real estate licensing process covers that material. It is a thoughtful book with numerous new ideas and practical solutions. It is different from any other book you will read about being a real estate professional.

We take a critical look at the different approaches we should take to produce desired results. We cite some examples and methods. And we suggest a novel method that promises to move teams in the direction of mutual trust and respect.

Michael shared his personal experiences with burnout and discussed its causes, signs, and strategies for prevention and management. Michael emphasized the importance of maintaining a balanced lifestyle, understanding one's own body, and the role of mindset in managing stress. The conversation also touched on the significance of self-reflection, learning from negative experiences, and the value of their having a network in fostering collaboration and innovation. 

For more with Michael, check out:

https://breakfastleadership.teachable.com/p/burnout-proof-your-life/

I have an online course titled Burnout Proof Your Life, which is made of 7 modules, to identify burnout, and teach tips on how to recover and prevent burnout from happening.

Listeners to your show can get a 90% discount off the course by entering the code NINETY at checkout.

1) listen to your intuition,

2) be clear about what's important in life (hint: it's our relationships), and

3) find your muse - your creativity, a creative outlet, the unique way you express yourself in this world.

In this discussion, we talked about how music works in this way. But it can be any form of creative endeavor.

A bit more about Ash:

Ash Perrow is an Australian coach, musician and near death experience survivor. He specializes in helping individuals conquer their inner critic and is host of the "Beyond Turning Points" podcast.

Ash has a unique perspective on life having overcome PTSD, depression and significant health issues. He is an explorer of consciousness, a natural health advocate and expert on working with the Inner Critic to create a successful life.

His work focuses on empowering people to lead fulfilling, creative, and purposeful lives.

Ash offers listeners practical strategies for living life to the fullest, overcoming adversity and conscious relating.

To find out more or get in touch with Ash, go to: https://ashperrow.com/

The link for the quiz Ash mentioned is: https://innercritic.scoreapp.com/

You can also find Ash here:

https://www.facebook.com/AshPerrow/

https://www.instagram.com/ashperrow

Jayson has written a best-selling new book that explores what it means to be a warrior in the modern western world. After 5 years as a Captain in the United States Marines and multiple deployments, Jayson is very familiar with what it means to be a leader, what it means to overcome challenges, what it means to mentor and train a team, and what it means to engage in personal and professional development.

His book engages some of the most challenging topics in our modern world, including the modern “culture war” that has consumed so much attention in recent years. His goal is to teach individuals how to become warriors in their own lives, and how to effectively and honorably engage and overcome the opportunities and challenges that they face in life.

Readers / listeners learn why to pursue a life of courageous service, how to make your “yes” a yes and your “no” a no, what it means to embrace a life of strength and power, and why you must always confront adversaries with your face forward.

You can find more about Jayson and how he helps people here: https://thewarriorjournal.com/

Nicky Billou has been called THE WORLD’S GREATEST PODCAST GUEST.

Why?

Because he has been a guest on over 600 shows, and always brings power, passion, and actionable tips to every appearance.

He is the #1 International Best Selling Author of the book: Finish Line ThinkingTM: How to Think and Win Like a Champion, The Thought Leader’s Journey: A Fable of Life, and The Power Of Connecting: How To Activate Profitable Relationships By Serving Your Network.

A two-time New York Times bestselling author, he is an in-demand and highly inspirational speaker to corporate audiences such as RBC, Lululemon, Royal LePage,  and TorStar Media. He is an advisor and confidante to some of the most successful and dynamic entrepreneurs in Canada. He is the founder of eCircle Academy (www.eCircleAcademy.com ) where he runs a yearlong Mastermind & Educational program working with Coaches, Consultants, Corporate Trainers, Clinic Owners, Realtors, Mortgage Brokers and other service-based Entrepreneurs, positioning them as authorities in their niche. He is the creator of the Thought Leader/Heart LeaderTM Designation.

Get a complimentary breakthrough call here: http://Www.eCircleAcademy.com/appointment

To get more from Bo, find him at:

https://www.bobennett.com/authors/bobennett

and

https://www.archieboy.com/

Here are a few links to the scientific articles we reference in today’s episode:

Rosehip neuron

Empathy Fatigue: How Stress and Trauma Can Take a Toll on You

The Science of Empathy

Empathy costs: Negative emotional bias in high empathisers

For more information, check out dardickcommunications.com or reach out to Tom at tom@dardickcommunications.com.