Dr.Ron Friedman is considered an expert in human motivation, and his research lends us some helpful answers to what motivates us and what keeps us engaged. In his book, The Best Place to Work, he offers insightful suggestions about how to improve our workplaces by appealing to our psychological needs of competence, relatedness, and autonomy. And you may be surprised to know that most of the changes Ron suggests have little to do with money. Ron believes that our workplaces could change for the better if only we learned how to better value human connection and accountability, as well as allow for the integration of work and our outside of work life rather than trying so hard to keep them separate. Ron offers practical tips you might end up using yourself... such as holding walking meetings, putting a window in your office, making time for exercise, and introducing your co-workers by describing who they are outside of work rather than just reciting their job description.  If you feel like you are just barely getting by and are struggling to find motivation in the mundane, I’m confident that Ron’s findings will inspire you and spark some ideas about how to keep work and ultimately your life more interesting.

Coach Reed believes that "progress hinges on the gap between who will talk in private and who will act in public." Of all the quotes that runs through his head, that is the one that really resonates. It has become his morning mantra, because "until we act, every thing we do in private makes no change in the world." Coach Reed is a Sports Coach with a message for all of us...and, if you think this is a message for athletes alone you will be missing out. He has a unique perspective that is not only refreshing, but in my opinion... needed. As a coach for 20 plus years, he is passionate about many things and one in particular...and this is one I can get behind...Coach Reed is all about developing confidence in his players, rather than controlling them with fear. As the Executive Director of STAR Soccer Club- a 500 player club in Cincinnati, Ohio, and a Ted Talk alumni Coach Reed isn’t “just” about coaching kids. He also trains parents, coaches, and sports leaders alike on cultivating healthy communication in competitive environments. I think you hopefully agree that we need more kindness in our lives and in our world...perhaps of late especially in the political arena especially. As we’ll learn in this interview... kindness is not weak; instead, it requires the strongest kind of discipline we have to give. And really listening to another human being is a skill that takes time and commitment to develop. Like the saying goes: “be kind, everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about.”

Barbara Jenkins is a bestselling co-author and traveler who received the attention of National Geographic Magazine with a cross country trek she took with her ex husband back in the 70's.  Don't be fooled.  This woman is as vibrant today as she was back then.  Barbara is a natural born storyteller who is all about the power of saying "yes" and she joins us today with wisdom to spare.  When adventure came knocking, Barbara Jenkins answered. And it wasn’t just any adventure--but one that would take her on a walk across America and change the trajectory of her life forever.  Some of you may be familiar with the New York Times best-sellers Walk Across America and The Walk West, written by Barbara and her then-husband, Peter Jenkins. In today’s interview, we get a glimpse behind the curtain into the story behind the stories, and the wisdom that Barbara has gathered along the way. Barbara has faced numerous challenges throughout her life: being hit by a car, walking pregnant across a mountain range in a blizzard, and then eventually raising three children as a single parent while simultaneously navigating a writing career on her own. Barbara’s story of resilience, extraordinary adventure, empowerment, and perseverance is a reminder that struggle is essential to growth. That even after one door closes, another door will open in due time if you’re willing to keep your head up and keep doing the work.