On Communication Coaching and Personal Transformation (Part 1 of 2) In this replay episode from November 2023, the Dear Business Coach podcast features Normia Vazquez Scales, a communication coach whose personal journey from introversion to professional speaking deeply informs her work. Originally aired as the podcast's first live recording, this interview reveals how Scales transformed from a child who practiced radio personalities "privately and in quiet corners" to founding her communication coaching practice. Her experience helping international transferees in Research Triangle Park led her to recognize a widespread challenge she terms "communication insecurity." Scales shares how her mother, a fashion show MC and "quintessential Wordsmith," influenced her development, and recounts pivotal moments like winning her 8th grade class presidency and writing her poem "Inferno." As she puts it, coming from "a place of empathy," she now helps others overcome their own communication barriers, emphasizing that "there's no need to apologize" for language differences. Her approach combines her technical communications education from DePaul University with her lived experience of "sloughing off the layers" of introversion, making her uniquely qualified to help others find their voice. www.dearbusinesscoachpodcast.com/subscribe for your FREE PODCAST MAGAZINE!

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Michael Jacobson, CEO of French Florist, shares his vision for the floral industry by prioritizing both florists and customer experience. He explains how traditional flower delivery services take hefty commissions: "FTD and 1-800-Flowers and Teleflora... take a 30 to 40% commission, which is insane." After dropping these services, Jacobson's shop saw dramatic growth, going "from doing $100,000 in revenue to $10 million in revenue" by reinvesting margins into customer experience. He emphasizes the importance of meaningful details, noting that even their staff uniforms have hidden touches: "on the inside of our collar of our jackets here, there's a little embroidery that says you are loved." Jacobson's approach mirrors luxury brands like Tiffany's, explaining "we position our brand as a premium luxury brand... somebody who doesn't wanna spend their whole entire paycheck on flowers for their partner, they can come into our store, they can buy a $35 wrapped bouquet, and they're still getting a French Florist brand and the French Florist experience."

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Elizabeth Walker interviews Thomas Gelmi, who shares his unique journey from hairstylist to circus performer to airline purser, before becoming a leadership development expert. Gelmi brings a refreshing perspective on dealing with life's uncertainties, noting "things turn out the best for those who make the best out of how things turn out." He shares profound insights about reframing perceived failures, including how losing his job at Swissair in 2001 ultimately led him to his current path. On handling life's challenges, Gelmi emphasizes the importance of self-trust and perspective, stating "the story we're telling ourselves about ourselves is key." He explains how negative bias affects both our external perception and self-perception, offering practical advice for building self-awareness through biographical analysis.

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Dr. Susie Castellanos-Hansley, Ph.D., is a science-backed stress solutions expert who helps high achievers reach their goals with less stress. As a first-generation Mexican-American who came from poverty and faced burnout in academia, she understands firsthand what it's like to "want to do good work, but feel stressed out, overwhelmed and unable to ask for help because you fear being found out or letting others down." Through her work, she teaches that stress responses aren't weakness but rather "smart evolutionary adaptations" and helps people understand that "triggers will always occur - the goal isn't to never be triggered, the goal is to learn how to recognize that you're triggered and work with it." Her mission is that "every human being gets to fulfill their full potential without burning out and while living a life they love." Learn more at susiehansley.com.

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In this insightful discussion with Howard A. Lim, award-winning business and brand architect, he reveals why proper brand design is crucial for business success. "Most companies have what I call a generic or a brand that's a liability for them rather than a brand that builds equity," explains Lim. He emphasizes that over 90% of companies are "only reaching 25% of their potential" because they haven't properly designed their brand. Through his SIM (Strategy, Implementation, Management) system, Lim helps businesses develop authentic brands that truly reflect their value. As he notes, "What's authentic to you, not to copy someone else, but to make it about your company from who you are, what you do, and what makes you truly unique from all others." To learn more about building a world-class brand that can transform your business potential, visit howcreative.com to connect with Howard Lim and explore his authentic branding expertise.

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In a replay from early 2024 on Dear Business Coach podcast, #mythological #scholar and aspiring video game writer Kaitlyn Dwyer shared fascinating insights about breaking into the gaming industry and adapting classical stories for modern audiences. "Mythology is very, very special in that it is applicable to a huge audience. Everybody knows mythology and everybody likes mythology," Dwyer explained, highlighting how ancient stories can bridge generational gaps in #gaming. She detailed the challenges of portfolio development, noting that "the people who get into the games industry are incredibly passionate people, you can't get in unless you are incredibly passionate," as aspiring writers often need to submit "1000 applications before you get in there."

Speaking about adapting classical narratives, Dwyer emphasized the delicate balance required: "One of the things that I am very passionate about is being able to adapt a story without completely changing the story." The episode offers valuable insights for anyone interested in game writing or mythology's role in modern storytelling – follow Dear Business Coach on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, Spotify, Apple, and iHeartRadio to catch more inspiring conversations with industry professionals.

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Cynthia Rhodes Replay from Nov 15 2023!

Elizabeth interviews business expert Cynthia Rhodes , as Cynthia emphasizes that entrepreneurs must look beyond simply "accessing capital" to create real value, noting that "most people haven't even proven a model" before seeking funding. She challenges conventional thinking about market research, warning that "bad data in, bad data out" when surveys aren't properly targeted to potential customers. Her most powerful insight for the new year centers on the fundamentals of business value: "If you're asking for someone else's money, always think about what it is that you're bringing to the table." Rhodes wraps up with an inspiring framework for business success, explaining that great businesses evolve through three key stages: "makers, creators, and innovators... if you continue to really find ways to make things better or the world better, it always starts in that."

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