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Stuck In My Mind Podcast

Stuck In My Mind Podcast

By: Wize_el_jefe
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🎙️ Stuck In My Mind Podcast – Hosted by Wil “Wize” Otero

Real conversations. Real people. Real growth.

From the heart of the Poconos, Wil “Wize” Otero podcaster, life coach, and CEO of Real Wize Global Media dives deep into the minds of creators, entrepreneurs, and everyday visionaries who turned their struggles into success stories.

Raw. Unfiltered. Empowering.
Stuck In My Mind isn’t just a podcast it’s a movement for those ready to break mental barriers and live with purpose.

🎧 Tune in, get inspired, and remember: you’re not stuck you’re just getting started.

Copyright 2025 Real Wize Global Media LLC All rights reserved. Economics Hygiene & Healthy Living Leadership Management & Leadership Personal Development Personal Success Psychology Psychology & Mental Health
Episodes
  • EP 288 Building Confidence and Purpose in Kids: Lessons from Dorian Stewart’s Journey

    EP 288 Building Confidence and Purpose in Kids: Lessons from Dorian Stewart’s Journey
    Jan 3 2026
    In this inspiring episode of the Stuck In My Mind Podcast, host Wize El Jefe welcomes his longtime friend and special guest, Dorian Stewart, for an uplifting and honest conversation about purpose, self-confidence, and making a difference for the next generation. With a bond stretching back to their high school days in Brooklyn, the two share laughs, wisdom, and real-life stories that resonate with anyone seeking purpose—whether as a parent, educator, or someone just trying to figure out their own calling. Right from the start, Wize El Jefe paints a picture of Dorian Stewart’s accomplishments: entrepreneur, motivational speaker, author of 19 books (many for children and parents), and the founder of Dorian Inspires, LLC. But what truly sets her apart is not just her professional resume, but her deep dedication to building confidence, character, and clarity in children, parents, and educators. A 20-year veteran in healthcare, leadership, and HR, Dorian Stewart has unique insights into what it takes to prepare people not just for success, but for life itself. The conversation starts in Dorian Stewart’s childhood, where she grew up surrounded by a loving, multi-generational family in Brooklyn. She reflects on how being the oldest among her cousins and participating in youth activities at church naturally fostered her love for mentoring children and sharing the timeless wisdom passed down by her elders. This early responsibility planted the seeds for her passion for empowerment and guiding others. As the episode unfolds, Dorian Stewart reveals how her career in healthcare management and HR opened her eyes to the ways people—especially young people—lack preparation and confidence for adult life. Her humorous (and occasionally exasperating) experiences as an interviewer, from outlandish resumes to ill-prepared job seekers, inspired her to start writing practical, empowering books for teens and young adults entering the work world. Instead of mocking those who simply didn’t know the right steps, she chose to become a guide, sharing the “how not to get hired” pitfalls and offering real solutions to succeed. Yet Dorian Stewart’s journey extends far beyond career advice. She candidly shares how her calling evolved through personal stress, faith, and the life-changing experience of adopting her daughter. What began as daily devotionals for friends ballooned into a movement as her messages of encouragement reached hundreds. Through the adoption journey and required trainings, Dorian Stewart discovered gaps in how children’s emotional needs—especially for adoptees—are met. This prompted her to write children’s books that emphasize being chosen, cherished, and unstoppable. She passionately describes her mission to arm both kids and their families with the confidence they need to handle life’s ups and downs. A critical part of this episode centers on affirmations and self-talk, both for children and adults. Wize El Jefe and Dorian Stewart swap personal stories of overcoming self-doubt, the importance of not “locking the door” on one’s dreams, and how negative self-talk can limit potential. Their honesty is refreshing: neither imagined themselves as authors, and both openly struggled with English in school. Yet, they chose not to let those early setbacks define them—proving that your past does not have to dictate your future. The discussion delves into the unique confidence crises facing today’s youth. Dorian Stewart points out that children confront overwhelming external pressures, from unrealistic portrayals in media to the devastation of relentless cyberbullying. She speaks vulnerably about building her daughter’s self-worth through morning affirmations, affirmation jars, and real conversations about individual gifts—methods that go far beyond empty praise and instead focus on cultivating and supporting authentic strengths. A powerful thread running through the episode is the idea that adults often protect children so much that they don’t give them space to learn resilience. Both speakers question the culture of participation trophies, emphasizing that it’s okay, even essential, for children to experience both wins and losses. These lessons build character, adaptability, and a realistic view of life. The episode also explores: The role of faith in finding and teaching purpose, with Dorian Stewart sharing her journey to a faith that’s truly her own, and how it anchors her teaching, parenting, and writing. The significance of grief in children’s lives and the importance of giving language to their big feelings—especially when facing loss. Dorian Stewart ’s book on grief illustrates the crucial role adults play in guiding kids through these complex emotions. How helping others, whether through publishing, podcasting, or daily encouragement, is a form of living out one’s purpose and leaving a meaningful legacy. Throughout the episode, Wize El Jefe reflects on ...
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    1 hr and 1 min
  • EP 287 The CFO Whisperer on Authentic Leadership and Navigating Change in High Stakes Environments

    EP 287 The CFO Whisperer on Authentic Leadership and Navigating Change in High Stakes Environments
    Dec 19 2025
    On this thought-provoking episode of the Stuck In My Mind Podcast titled “The CFO Whisperer on Authentic Leadership and Navigating Change in High Stakes Environments,” host Wize El Jefe sits down with renowned leadership advisor Kenneth Merritt, a figure known for guiding CFOs and financial executives through the complexities of transformation, growth, and leadership for nearly three decades. The conversation takes listeners far beyond the usual leadership buzzwords, tackling the realities of authentic connection, adaptability, and the evolving demands placed on executives in today’s business climate. From the first moments, listeners are invited to think deeply about what it truly means to lead—not just in theory, but in the kinetic, unpredictable markets that define our era. Kenneth Merritt shares candidly about the pivotal moments in his career that shattered his early notions about traditional leadership playbooks. He recounts witnessing layoffs early in his career, serving as a wake-up call about the volatility of the corporate world and the importance of agility. Further, mergers, acquisitions, and shifting economic conditions taught him that leadership is less about static rules and more about reading and meeting the moment, no matter the cost. As the conversation unfolds, Wize El Jefe draws out Kenneth Merritt’s insights on what truly shapes a leader. It’s not just technical prowess or knowing the right answer; it’s about understanding people, building trust, and fostering authentic relationships. Especially for financial leaders, this means going beyond the spreadsheets and transactions to become a trusted advisor and a catalyst for change. Kenneth Merritt emphasizes that trust and relationship-building only become more critical the higher one rises on the corporate ladder. The ability to guide others depends heavily on interpersonal skills, transparency, and the readiness to bring people along—even when decisions are tough or unpopular. Listeners will appreciate Kenneth Merritt’s vulnerability as he shares mistakes he made early on. He admits to once believing that having the “right answer” was enough, only to later realize the necessity of persuasion, empathy, and selling a vision. Leadership requires buy-in, not just intellectual correctness. In practical terms, Kenneth Merritt describes his leadership identity as embodying “gravitas”—the balance between confidence, capability, and understanding of expectations. He shares that gravitas isn’t innate or automatic; it’s developed through self-awareness, continual learning, and alignment between what a situation demands and what a leader can deliver. The episode dives deeply into the realities of the AI-driven world and the future of work. Kenneth Merritt and Wize El Jefe discuss how executives often remain behind the curve, not because of technology itself but due to a disconnect between AI providers, decision makers, and those who use the technology daily. The lesson: leaders must continually ask questions, demand real-world utility, and integrate AI as a tool—rather than as a buzzword or afterthought. Offering a blueprint for transformational leadership, Kenneth Merritt outlines three essential behaviors: acceptance of necessary change, clear definition of target outcomes, and the assembling of high-caliber teams, tools, and processes. In his view, change isn’t incremental, but quantum—requiring leaders to genuinely step outside comfort zones. Authenticity, particularly in finance, is examined in a fresh light. Kenneth Merritt breaks down relationship-building into three types of conversations: sharing the story of performance, candidly communicating risks and failures, and, most importantly, forging real, everyday connections that promote a sense of partnership well beyond financial analysis. These subtle, human actions form the bedrock of trust in environments where skepticism and caution typically reign. The episode also tackles the future of finance and executive leadership. Kenneth Merritt predicts volatility and rapid change will only escalate in coming years, requiring finance professionals to develop agile teams and systems capable of handling shifting economies, competitive pressures, and constant disruption. The wisdom here is clear—resilience and adaptation are no longer optional, but essential parts of an executive’s toolkit. Personal growth and wellness get heartfelt attention in the latter half of the conversation. Both Wize El Jefe and Kenneth Merritt share their own journeys of health, mindset, and spirituality, underlining how well-being and professional success are irrevocably intertwined. The advice is straightforward: personal alignment, whether physical, mental, or spiritual, empowers leaders to show up at their best, at work and in life. For those aspiring to executive leadership, Kenneth Merritt shares concrete guidance. Performance is paramount, but so is a commitment to ...
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    37 mins
  • EP 286 From Solo Mom to CEO: Sasha Eburne’s Journey of Business Success and Empowerment

    EP 286 From Solo Mom to CEO: Sasha Eburne’s Journey of Business Success and Empowerment
    Dec 8 2025
    Welcome to a vibrant and inspiring episode of the Stuck In My Mind Podcast with your host, Wize El Jefe, as he welcomes powerhouse entrepreneur, coach, and podcast host Sasha Eburne to the show. This compelling conversation is a must-listen for anyone navigating career transitions, overcoming self-doubt, or seeking the courage to step fully into their potential—especially women with ambitions of entrepreneurship and leadership. The episode kicks off with Wize El Jefe introducing Sasha Eburne as a living example of stepping into your power: after the devastation of losing her hospitality career during the COVID pandemic, Sasha Eburne pivoted to launch her own venture as a solo mom. Within just 24 hours, she secured her first client, and, driven by relentless resourcefulness, she was fully booked with clients within three weeks. Her journey didn't stop there—she skyrocketed her business to a national level, leading a team of 15 and building a company that supported her life as a devoted mother. Listeners are given an authentic look at Sasha Eburne’s life before entrepreneurship—a 25-year journey in hospitality management, working in hotels across Australia, the Middle East, and Vanuatu. Everything changed in 2020 when the pandemic hit, forcing her to reevaluate her career path. After a stint in real estate left her unfulfilled, a conversation with a friend introduced her to the virtual assistant industry—a critical turning point that sparked her entrepreneurial leap. In a candid discussion, Sasha Eburne dismantles myths around "breaking the rules" or pursuing a nontraditional career. Instead, her story is about listening to intuition and seizing opportunity with no roadmap but total commitment. She discusses overcoming fears of judgment, financial instability, and the naysayers who projected their limiting beliefs onto her. Sasha Eburne emphasizes how support systems—a network of people who “see what you see”—are crucial for entrepreneurial resilience. Both Wize El Jefe and Sasha Eburne resonate on the impact of overcoming self-doubt, sharing personal anecdotes of pushing past internal voices saying, “Who do you think you are?” A highlight of this episode is the emphasis on action over waiting for external validation. Sasha Eburne “left no stone unturned,” leveraging every network and social platform to announce her new business and connect with clients. Her boldness proved contagious, leading to rapid business growth and continuous opportunities for expansion. The conversation evolves into the power of mindset: the dangers of taking on other people’s limiting beliefs and the necessity of aligning with one’s own vision. Sasha Eburne reflects on how many women (and entrepreneurs in general) struggle with feelings of "asking for too much" or fall into the trap of “hustle equals worth.” She explains that true transformation and momentum stem from clarity, not chaos—a philosophy that underpins her approach to coaching women to scale businesses without sacrificing wellness or personal freedom. Another fascinating thread in this episode is Sasha Eburne’s embrace of personal growth tools, including breathwork, sound healing, and neuro-linguistic programming. She shares how these practices have not only improved her own well-being but have become essential resources that she teaches to clients worldwide. Sasha Eburne describes the evolution of her coaching business—now supporting both women and men globally, running retreats, and certifying others in healing practices. It's an inspiring lesson in weaving together business, spirituality, and global community. For listeners interested in practical wisdom, Sasha Eburne lays out the essential strategies that led to her success: the importance of investing in coaches/mentors, hiring and trusting teams, leveraging automation and AI, and not shying away from outsourcing what you’re not an expert in. She and Wize El Jefe discuss how AI has been a powerful tool for scaling, reducing burnout, and freeing up creators and business owners to focus on what truly matters. The episode culminates with messages of encouragement for all ambitious women: if Sasha Eburne can do it, so can you. There’s no secret ingredient—only a willingness to ask for help, invest in learning, surround yourself with allies, and remain bold in the face of fear and judgment. As Wize El Jefe puts it, “If you want to start something, don’t wait for permission. Just start. Your story is proof that your circumstances don’t get the final word—your choices do.” Listeners will leave this episode motivated by Sasha Eburne's remarkable path from adversity to abundance, equipped with insights to turn setbacks into setups for their next big leap. Whether you’re launching a business, exploring new income streams, or simply seeking fresh inspiration, this conversation will remind you that greatness is accessible to everyone with the courage to claim it. ...
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    39 mins
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