Mary Wharton didn’t plan on becoming a modeling agent. She was headed toward a career in textile marketing—until a chance internship at Elite Model Mgmt, which introduced her to the world of modeling.That unexpected detour led to a meeting with a former super model, and a future at Locke Model Management, where Mary found not […]
Most Modeling Agencies Won’t Tell You This (But Mary Wharton Will) Read More »
What if the path to your passion looked nothing like you expected?Michael Determan didn’t go to film school. He went to business school. But somewhere between the numbers and spreadsheets, he discovered a different calling—in visual storytelling.Michael carved his own way into the world of filmmaking. His career didn’t start with red carpets—it started with
The Real Secret To Breaking Into Movie Making with Director Michael Determan Read More »
What if the kid who once got bullied—and then became the bully—grew up to break the cycle for everyone else? Tommy Williams grew up on the south side of Chicago, surrounded by gangs, violence, and instability. After years of navigating survival mode, he found refuge—and purpose on the football field. Sports taught him discipline. Community
Stop Feeding the Fool. Lead Like a King with Tommy WIlliams Read More »
What if stepping off an abyss helped thousands find a place to belong? When Phil Champlin moved his family from California to Spokane, he faced uncertainty and the question of whether to return to stability in California or to push forward. Phil chose to stay—and to dig in. That decision led him to a newspaper
You’ve Got One Year, Figure it Out! with Phil Champlin EPS 51 Read More »
How do you believe that every “no” gets you closer to your “yes”?For Ana Mazzeo, that belief isn’t just a mindset—it’s her story. Named one of Forbes Italy’s Top 100 Successful Women and Fortune Italy’s Top 50 Most Powerful Women, Ana now serves as Managing Director of Wobi Italia. But her path wasn’t paved with
“How Every ‘No’ Lifts You Higher” with Ana Mazzeo Read More »
Sometimes it only takes a moment to knock you flat—and force you to question everything.For Greg Stern, that moment came not with clarity, but with exhaustion and the quiet collapse of a dream he’d chased for years. What followed was a shift sparked by a few powerful words from his father and the support of
Everyone Saw the Talent No One Saw the Pain with Greg Stern Read More »
What if your biggest setbacks were actually setting you up for the life you were meant to build? Today, I sit down with Josh Hissong—designer, restaurant owner, and co-founder of HDG Architecture—to talk about the long road to personal growth, leadership, and finding purpose. From battling addiction in his early 20s to building some of
Rebuilding From Rock Bottom Up with Josh Hissong Read More »
What happens when the search for approval from others no longer defines you—and you finally let go?On this episode, I sit down with Bill Kalivas, a Spokane-based leader, mentor, and connector who’s built a career—and a life—on showing up for others.From a turbulent childhood marked by instability and rejection to finding strength through sports, mentorship,
Why Approval & Validation Are Moving Targets with Bill Kalivas Read More »
Have you ever felt stuck, unsure of what direction to take in your career or life? In today’s episode of Navigating No, I sit down with Tyler Lafferty—a business leader, entrepreneur, author, and philanthropist who has dedicated his career to helping young people find clarity and purpose. From co-founding multiple successful companies to launching Slingshot,
Tyler Lafferty: Fueling Success with the Fire of Regret Read More »
Have you ever had someone believe in you before you even believed in yourself? In this episode of Navigating No, I sit down with Bert Thornton—former President and COO of Waffle House, author, and career mentor—whose journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, mentorship, and embracing every opportunity to grow. From his early
Bert Thornton: Timeless Wisdom, From A Leadership Giant Read More »
