Episode #194: Empower Your Voice

Join us today as Colleen Interview's Rikki Smith on Take the Leap. In this episode, we dive deep into the importance of public speaking and how it can transform your career and personal life. Here are three key takeaways that I believe everyone should consider:

1. The Power of Communication: Rikki highlights the unique challenges faced by veterans transitioning into civilian life, particularly in public speaking. Military members often have their own language and acronyms, which can create a communication gap when they enter the workforce. This episode emphasizes the importance of effective communication skills, not just for veterans but for everyone. Whether you're in corporate America or an entrepreneur, being able to articulate your thoughts clearly can open doors and create opportunities.
2. Overcoming the Fear of Public Speaking: Did you know that public speaking is often cited as the number one fear in the world? Rikki and I discuss how this fear is often rooted in negative belief systems that we internalize over time. It’s crucial to recognize that these fears can be addressed and overcome. Rikki encourages listeners to reframe their mindset, reminding us that we deserve to be on that stage and that our stories matter. By changing the narrative in our heads, we can transform fear into excitement!
3. The Importance of Training: Even if you feel comfortable speaking in front of an audience, Rikki stresses the value of training. Just like athletes train to improve their performance, public speakers must hone their skills to deliver impactful messages. Rikki’s book, "Own Your Stage," offers practical tips and insights for anyone looking to enhance their public speaking abilities. Investing in training can elevate your speaking engagements and help you connect with your audience on a deeper level.

To connect with today’s guest:Rikki Smith

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rikkismith10/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/stratustrains
FB: https://www.facebook.com/FaithonFriday/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaIns3gor1xkuyIiCKWHfKQ
https://amzn.to/4dOxRoU Own your stage Book on Amazon also find freebies here on her website https://stratustrains.com/

To connect with the host: Colleen Biggs

https://colleenbiggs.net/ Consider Colleen to speak at your next event or host your next Business retreat!
Join the Leap Community so you can Step Into the Spotlight, be seen, be heard and be visible today! https://colleenbiggs.net/community/
Subscribe to our podcast for more amazing episodes https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/take-the-leap/id15033595
Join us for the NEXT Empower & Elevate Conference November 15th https://colleenbiggs.net/empower/

Thank you to our Sponsor of today's show:Phoenix Drone Pros

At Phoenix Drone Pros, we love what we do and are passionate about each and every drone photography and video shoot. We have been in business since 2015. Our talent and skill shows in the video production we deliver. We offer fast service for Commercial Real Estate, Movies, Events and Construction sites monitoring. We also provide drone virtual tours that are all the rage right now. These virtual tours are great for team building and entertainment. Contact us today at phoenixdronepros.com to schedule your shoot online or to get more information. We capture everything! We are now Franchising-reach out for info on how you can purchase your own Drone Company today!

Episode #193: Transforming Your Dreams Into Reality

Join us today as Colleen Interview's Felicia Searcy on Take the Leap. In this episode, we dive deep into the transformative power of creating a life you love, and I wanted to share three key takeaways that resonated with me and will surely inspire you too!

1. The Courage to Ask "What Would I Love?"
   Felicia emphasizes the importance of asking ourselves this powerful question. It’s not just about identifying what we want; it’s about tapping into the expansive energy of love. This question invites us to dream big and recognize that our desires are not just personal aspirations but acts of love for ourselves and the world. Are you ready to explore what you truly love?
2. Moving from "How" to "What"
   One of the most profound insights from our conversation is the idea of putting the "how" on hold. Often, we get caught up in the logistics of achieving our dreams, which can stifle our creativity and limit our vision. Felicia encourages us to focus on the "what" first—what we would love to create in our lives. By doing so, we open ourselves up to new possibilities and allow our higher selves to guide us toward the right actions.
3. The Power of Community
   Felicia highlights the significance of surrounding ourselves with a supportive community. When we share our dreams with those who believe in us, we create an environment where magic can happen. This community acts as a safe space for growth, where we can explore our aspirations without fear of judgment. Remember, you don’t have to navigate your journey alone!

To connect with today’s guest:Felicia Searcy

www.feliciasearcy.com/spiritualsuccess

To connect with the host: Colleen Biggs

https://colleenbiggs.net/ Consider Colleen to speak at your next event or host your next Business retreat!
Join the Leap Community so you can Step Into the Spotlight, be seen, be heard and be visible today! https://colleenbiggs.net/community/
Subscribe to our podcast for more amazing episodes https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/take-the-leap/id15033595
Join us for the NEXT Empower & Elevate Conference November 15th https://colleenbiggs.net/empower/

Thank you to our Sponsor of today's show:Live & learn

Live & Learn’s mission is to empower women to break the cycle of generational poverty. We envision a world where women thrive, strengthening their families and the community. Live & Learn is a non profit organization for women that was founded in 2012 to empower women in the Phoenix-metro area. It began as an initiative of the Arizona Foundation for Women and became an independent organization in 2014. Live & Learn continues to grow every year to meet the financial education needs and career training for women in our community. To find out more or if you wish to donate visit www.liveandlearnaz.org

Episode #191: The Importance Of Authenticity

Join us today as Colleen Interview's Kyle VanDuser on Take the Leap. Kyle is the founder and executive director of Cypress Island Enterprises and the author of Blue Collar Catholicism. Our conversation was rich with insights, and I wanted to share three key takeaways that resonated with me and I believe will inspire you too!

1. The Importance of Authenticity

Kyle emphasized that being your authentic self is the easiest thing you can do, yet it’s often not simple. In a world filled with social media pressures and external expectations, it’s crucial to remember that our true character is who we are when no one is watching. Embracing authenticity not only liberates us but also allows us to connect more deeply with others. As Kyle said, “You were born for such a time as this,” so let’s show up as our true selves!

2. Building a Blue Collar Mentality

The pandemic prompted Kyle to reflect on his reliance on various industries and the importance of self-sufficiency. He introduced the concept of a "blue collar mentality," which encourages us to take charge of our lives—spiritually, physically, and emotionally. This mentality is about being proactive in our communities and ensuring that we are not just consumers but also contributors. Whether it’s growing our own food or nurturing our relationships, we all have a role to play in building a sustainable future.

3. Investing in People

One of the most powerful messages from our discussion was the idea that our network is our net worth. Kyle shared his experience working with nonprofits and political campaigns, highlighting the need to prioritize the well-being of the people behind the mission. By investing in our teams and communities, we create a ripple effect that enhances our collective impact. As leaders, it’s our responsibility to care for those around us, ensuring they feel valued and empowered to contribute to the greater good.

I encourage you to listen to this episode and reflect on how you can apply these insights in your own life. Let’s continue to support one another in our journeys toward authenticity, self-sufficiency, and community investment.

To connect with today’s guest: Kyle VanDuser

https://linktr.ee/kpvanduser

To connect with the host: Colleen Biggs

https://colleenbiggs.net/ Consider Colleen to speak at your next event or host your next Business retreat!
Join the Leap Community so you can Step Into the Spotlight, be seen, be heard and be visible today! https://colleenbiggs.net/community/
Subscribe to our podcast for more amazing episodes https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/take-the-leap/id15033595
Join us for the NEXT Empower & Elevate Conference November 15th https://colleenbiggs.net/empower/

Thank you to our Sponsor of today's show: Ally Spine Center

What sets our office apart from other offices is our focus and expertise in treating degenerative spinal conditions including disc disease, bulging/herniated discs, spinal stenosis, neuropathy, sciatica, pain, tingling and numbness in the arms/hands or legs/feet as well as severe and chronic neck pain and headaches. We specialize in corrective care, not just the treatment of symptoms with physical medicine modalities. In many cases, pre and post-images are used to help determine the structural improvement of the spine.

If you're someone who has been suffering from neck or back pain, spinal stenosis, sciatica, or other pain conditions, and you haven't experienced chiropractic in an integrative, corrective care office, please call us and we will make an immediate appointment for you to see if we can get you back to living at your best. You can reach Ally Spine Center at 480-809-4700 and be sure to visit us online https://www.allyspinecenter.com/

Episode #190: Stories Of Success And Transformation

Join us today as Colleen Interview's Ruth Sanchez, the Director of Business Development at Live and Learn on Take the Leap. We dive deep into the transformative work being done to empower women and break the cycle of generational poverty.

Here are three key takeaways that I believe everyone should reflect on:

1. The Power of Empowerment: Ruth shared a powerful insight: "Empower a woman, and you empower the world." This statement resonates deeply, as we discussed how when women gain knowledge and skills, they not only uplift themselves but also their families and communities. The ripple effect of empowering women can lead to lasting change, breaking the cycle of poverty for future generations.
2. The Importance of Community Support: Many women facing hardships often don’t realize the resources available to them. Ruth emphasized the significance of nonprofits like Live and Learn, which provide essential support and guidance. It’s crucial for us to spread the word about these resources and encourage those in need to reach out. If you or someone you know is struggling, remember that help is out there!
3. Real Stories, Real Change: One of the most moving parts of our conversation was hearing about the personal journeys of women who have gone through the Live and Learn program. Ruth shared the inspiring story of a woman who, after completing her training, not only secured a fulfilling career but also became a role model for her children. These stories highlight the profound impact that dedicated support and mentorship can have on individuals and their families.

To connect with today’s guest:Ruth Sanchez

www.liveandlearnaz.org
development@liveandlearnaz.org

To connect with the host: Colleen Biggs

https://colleenbiggs.net/ Consider Colleen to speak at your next event or host your next Business retreat!
Join the Leap Community so you can Step Into the Spotlight, be seen, be heard and be visible today! https://colleenbiggs.net/community/
Subscribe to our podcast for more amazing episodes https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/take-the-leap/id15033595
Join us for the NEXT Empower & Elevate Conference November 15th https://colleenbiggs.net/empower /

Thank you to our Sponsor of today's show: Live & Learn

Live & Learn’s mission is to empower women to break the cycle of generational poverty. We envision a world where women thrive, strengthening their families and the community. Live & Learn is a non profit organization for women that was founded in 2012 to empower women in the Phoenix-metro area. It began as an initiative of the Arizona Foundation for Women and became an independent organization in 2014. Live & Learn continues to grow every year to meet the financial education needs and career training for women in our community. To find out more or if you wish to donate visit www.liveandlearnaz.org