The #SpeakEasy Podcast

How to Be an Effective and Authentic CommunicatorHow good of a communicator are you? Do you communicate to just exchange information, or do you do it to make a connection? An important piece of communication is that it should be more about the message and not about the messenger. In this episode of the SpeakEasy Podcast, Altovise speaks with Lee Rubin, a full-time keynote speaker and an accomplished author helping organizations build extraordinary teams. He explains the meaning of an effective communicator, plus his story on how he found his authenticity as a speaker. Listen in to learn how not to get hung up on you as the messenger, that it hinders your ability to deliver the message effectively. “Communication is to do more than exchange information.”- Lee [6:10]What you will learn in this episode:•[1:47] Get to know Lee- the college football player turned full-time communicator. •[3:51] The benefits of having some type of communication course. •[5:55] How to communicate to connect rather than just exchanging information. •[9:33] Learning how not to be a selfish communicator and instead give importance to what is being communicated.•[12:40] How to effectively communicate as a business owner by correctly creating a connection with your audience.•[15:38] Lee shares his toughest experience communicating with a group of police officers.•[20:50] How to stop being hang up on you as the messenger and instead focus on the message.•[22:25] How to be authentically and uniquely you, to be an effective speaker. •[26:13] Lee explains how to seek understanding to effectively communicate in a marriage.•[31:31] The power of listening in making you an effective communicator. Relevant Links:•LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leedrubin/ •Website: https://leerubinspeaks.com/

Become Your Own Publicist by Telling the World Your StoryAre you ready to start telling your story to the world? To become your own publicist by eliminating your fear of sharing your story internationally in a way that brings about your dream?In this episode of the SpeakEasy Podcast, Altovise speaks with Michelle Tennant, an international publicist, and co-founder at Wasabi Publicity Inc., a PR company. She explains how she helps people go international by sharing their stories and how you can do the same too.Listen in to learn the importance of being mindful of the information you’re consuming in the media because it can affect how you’re telling your story. “If you can speak about yourself, you can be your own publicist.”- Michelle [14:41]What you will learn in this episode:•[1:47] Michelle on her career as a publicist and how she helps people go international through PR.•[3:28] Learning how to share your story with others in a way that will bring about your dream.•[5:47] Understanding what story you’re telling and how you’re telling it on social media inside what makes you happy.•[9:15] Take the opportunity to go international with your brand plus be mindful of the stories you consume.•[12:02] Michelle on her experience working with the Nelson Mandela Foundation. •[14:17] How to become your own publicist by telling your own story.Relevant Links:Website: http://storytellertothemedia.com/

How to Better Manage Stress as a Business OwnerHow do you manage your stress levels as an entrepreneur in your day-to-day activities? To better manage stress, you have to completely shift your mindset and internally redefine what success means to you rather than what the external world defines it. In this episode of the SpeakEasy Podcast, Altovise speaks with Dr. Nina Ahuja, a successful surgeon in private practice, proven leader, and the author of the Stress in Medicine book. Dr. Nina describes how her stress experiences in the medical field inspired her to write her book to help others in stressful environments better handle stress. Listen in to learn how to handle stress as a business owner by acknowledging and connecting with your emotions.What you will learn in this episode:•[1:42] Get to know Dr. Nina’s career background and her book about stress.•[2:52] Dr. Nina’s experience dealing with stress in her medical field and why she put it in a book.•[4:58] Learning how to redefine success as an entrepreneur to better manage your stress levels. •[8:15] How we can shift the medical school experience to balance and reduce stress levels in students.•[10:42] The importance of being guided to become self-aware with your emotions. •[12:32] The value of taking personality tests plus emotional intelligence tests.•[14:42] How to acknowledge your emotions and stay connected with yourself when doing business. Relevant Links:Website: https://www.docsinleadership.org/

Becoming the Mom and the CaregiverWhat does it mean to step up as a mother when the unpredicted happens? Some mothers have to endure and overcome pain and ridicule from society just so they can love and protect their children. In this episode of the SpeakEasy Podcast, Altovise speaks with Ann S. Woodbury, a mother, and caregiver of her four children who have Myotonic Muscular Dystrophy. She explains how having the Myotonic Dystrophy disease in her family impacted her life and her relationship with those around her.Listen in to learn about Myotonic Dystrophy disease and how you can familiarize yourself with the condition and help stop the stigma. “My journey was figuring out what fed my core needs so that I could be what I needed to be for my family.”- Ann [11:36]What you will learn in this episode:•[1:34] Get to know Ann the mother and educator. •[2:28] Anne describes her experience as a mother of kids with Myotonic dystrophy, plus her now cause in the condition.•[7:16] Understanding the Myotonic Dystrophy disease plus how Ann handled the societal rejection that came with it.•[10:13] How to create a personal self-care formula that caters to the core needs of yourself.•[12:26] Ann on the programs she’s involved in, to create awareness on the Myotonic Dystrophy disease and other cognitive diseases. Relevant Links:•Website: https://annswoodbury.com/ •Book: Surviving Myotonic Dystrophy by Ann Woodbury

Transform Your Mindset to Transform Your Weight Loss Efforts Do you have the habit of losing weight and then gaining it all back? Losing weight and staying healthy requires more of your mindset to make long-term progress.In this episode of the SpeakEasy Podcast, Altovise speaks with Dr. Franchell Hamilton, board-certified obesity medicine and wellness specialist and bariatric surgeon. Dr. Franchell is focused on offering individualized services to help people find long-term weight loss and wellness.She explains the things that might be stopping you from losing weight and that lead to weight gain after losing it. Listen in to learn the importance of having a motivator when starting your weight loss journey in order to find success. “It’s things that we need to deal with at the root level that actually could be causing weight gain.” [3:05] What you will learn in this episode:•[1:04] Dr. Franchell the bariatric surgeon and health and wellness advocate. •[2:08] The things that we need to deal with that could potentially be causing weight gain. •[4:35] Figure out the mindset piece on why you keep regaining weight after losing it.•[7:11] Having a why and doing activities you love to be successful in your weight loss journey.•[11:26] How to identify and be aware of your snacking, craving, and food addiction problems. •[15:55] Why it is important to seek help when you identify you have a problem. Relevant Links:Websites: https://abetterweighcenter.com/ https://drfhamilton.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.fhamilton/

Melanie Lentz On Her Being A Secret Service Changed Her LifeAt what point in your life is it best to start protecting yourself? To adjust what is no longer serving and change to become who you’ve always dreamt of becoming?In this episode of the SpeakEasy Podcast, Altovise speaks with Melanie Lentz, a writer, speaker, fitness pro, and a former secret service. Melanie became a secret agent at age 22 and one of the youngest to ever be hired to date. She shares how the chaotic and demanding job turned her life upside down after 10 years but also taught her how to protect herself from the inside out. Listen in to learn how not to allow external things to control your actions and your self-worth. “If I don’t start protecting myself, I don’t make a difference.”- Melanie [20:07]What you will learn in this episode:•[1:40] Get to know Melanie and how she became a secret agent at 22 years.•[4:13] She explains the process she undertook to get into the secret service as a young woman. •[8:35] How Melanie prepared and carried on through practice to become a special agent.•[13:02] She shares a moment in her career that shocked her and led to changing her life.•[20:23] How she has learned to balance what matters to her more than the money and the job. •[22:37] Where to find Melanie and her book Agent Innocent. Relevant Links:•Website: https://www.melanielentz.com/ •Book: Agent Innocent

Position Your Business and Business Website on the First Page of Google with SEOAre you doing what it takes to position yourself as a business on the first page of Google? SEO is one of the best ways to organically position your business website on the front page of Google and attract customers. In this episode of the SpeakEasy Podcast, Altovise speaks with John Vuong, the owner of Local SEO Search, a full-service SEO company for local businesses. He helps equip local business owners with the right products (websites), services (SEO), and knowledge to grow and expand their businesses. Listen in to learn the importance of knowing who your target customers are and add value to attract them to your website.“You can position yourself and start earning your way by doing what is right as a business owner.”- John [11:59]What you will learn in this episode:•[1:39] John on how he started with SEO 8 years ago and how he pivoted from advertising.•[5:10] Understanding SEO- organically positioning your website on the first page of Google for free.•[7:46] How to optimize your website to hit and match what people are searching for in your business. •[10:35] How to earn your way with Google by doing what is right with your business’s SEO.•[13:52] Tips on how to position your business on the first page of Google to attract new customers. •[17:53] Learning how to communicate to your avatar on your website and marketing efforts. •[20:40] How to fully maximize all your business assets (website) and be profitable.Relevant Links:•Website: https://www.johnvuong.ca/ •LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-vuong-205b2917/

How to Eliminate Entrepreneurial Shame with Rick PattersonHave you ever experienced shame over the burden of entrepreneurial failures? As an entrepreneur, you have to accept that failure and disappointments are a part of the journey and learn to overcome without shame. In this episode of the SpeakEasy Podcast, Altovise speaks with Rick Patterson, a beef cattle farmer, corporate worker, and author of Shame Unmasked. He explains the importance of eliminating shame around entrepreneurial failure, and instead for entrepreneurs to see their significance to others. Listen in to learn the importance of eliminating shame around agri-business to become better at sustaining ourselves. “No matter who you are or where you are in life, eventually you’re going to have to sleeve up and take care of the job.”- Rick [18:14]What you will learn in this episode:•[1:53] Get to know Rick the bull farmer, adoptive parent of 4, and his other endeavors.•[4:10] Rick on the business side of agriculture that he did to establish himself.•[6:34] How to overcome entrepreneurial shame and take it as a learning lifetime experience.•[9:26] The implications of entrepreneurial failure and disappointments.•[11:21] The current challenge of the fight between the farmer and the consumer.•[16:13] Rick on his experience with helping cows’ birth. Relevant Links:•Website: https://rickpattersonconnects.com/ •Book: Shame Unmasked

Join me as I interview Felice Kelly Gillum, Loretta Wetzel, & Vera Thomas, speakers from the Power Up Summit. Power up is so much more than reaching a goal, it is about relationship building. These ladies brought it with this interview. Power Up Summit 2021 will be a collection of the very best business, inspirational, and motivational speakers who have overcome challenges to succeed. We're bringing the power of human potential to an entrepreneurial event like no other before.We have an awesome lineup of speakers—from entrepreneurs and business owners to bestselling authors and thought leaders who’ve taken dreams into reality. You’ll find sessions to help you reach your goals, achieve greater success, live a healthier life, and much more!Register for the Power Up Summit at www.powerupsummit.com

How to Be Resilient and Live Worry-Free with Allison GrahamAre your taking enjoyment time out of your life by worrying and dwelling on the past? Dwelling on a negative storyline will only keep you stuck in a past you can’t change, but being resilient will help you gain the confidence to enjoy your life today. In this episode of the SpeakEasy Podcast, Altovise speaks with Allison Graham, a resiliency expert, keynote speaker, coach, has online programs, and the author of Take Back Your Weekends. She teaches highly accomplished professionals how to do all they do without the guilt, destructive stress, and risk of burnout.Listen in to learn the difference between tasks, obstacles, and adversity and how to unpack them to live worry-free. “If you’re longing for the phase you used to be in, you will rob yourself for the enjoyment for the phase you’re in.”- Allison [15:10]What you will learn in this episode:•[1:48] Get to know Alisson and her passion for helping people unstuck themselves.•[4:58] How to take back your confidence and power with your time.•[10:05] Learn how to embrace today and the present moment without dwelling in the past.•[15:41] Understanding the difference between tasks, obstacles, and adversity. •[24:03] How to manufacture a positive possibility and stop robbing yourself of life opportunities.•[26:46] How to invest in yourself by choosing the right coaching program. Relevant Links:•Website: https://allisongraham.co/ •Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allisondgraham/ •LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allisongraham/

Meet Trevis Michelle, one of the speakers for the Power Up Summit 2021. Power Up Summit 2021 will be a collection of the very best business, inspirational, and motivational speakers who have overcome challenges to succeed. We're bringing the power of human potential to an entrepreneurial event like no other before.We have an awesome lineup of speakers—from entrepreneurs and business owners to bestselling authors and thought leaders who’ve taken dreams into reality. You’ll find sessions to help you reach your goals, achieve greater success, live a healthier life, and much more!Register for the Power Up Summit by going to www.powerupsummit.com

Developing a Passion in Supporting and Serving Others with Makeba MatthewsCan you do it, can you really go after what you want despite what others say? It is important to chase after what you want to do until you find the passion that truly fulfills you despite what society says. In this episode of the SpeakEasy Podcast, Altovise speaks with Makeba Matthews, a former legal practitioner, a nurse, entrepreneur, founder of the ScrubLife4Ever Facebook group, and author of Reflections of a Nurse. Makeba has always had a zest for learning and was never afraid to try out all things until she found her passion in nursing. Listen in to learn the importance of shifting things and taking time to do more in supporting other people.“You just have to take little tiny bites and before you know it, everything becomes the heart of a whole big picture.”- Makeba [3:33]What you will learn in this episode:•[1:11] Makeba on her diverse career background- from law to nursing.•[2:47] How she learned to take every opportunity and doing more than one thing.•[4:40] How to change your mindset and learn before taking that leap. •[5:43] Why she started the ScrubLife4Ever group to help connect health workers.•[11:45] How they support each other at ScrubLife4Ever plus doing things like community outreach. •[17:37] The power of being grateful and allowing yourself to be purposeful, grounded and connected.•[19:20] The bigger and better things like partnerships ScrubLife4Ever is striving to achieve. Relevant Links:•Website: https://scrublife4ever.com/ •Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/225527058475785/

The Power in Celebrating Black History – with Kim GreeneDo you know your history? How do you connect and celebrate black history even after Black History Month is over? Acknowledging and sharing the history of your community is, in fact, recognizing who you are and where you came from. In this episode of the SpeakEasy Podcast, Altovise speaks with Kim Greene, the founder of B.L.A.CK., licensed apparel for the Negro Leagues, the Buffalo Soldiers, and the Tuskegee Airmen. Kim helps people celebrate Black Influences on American History with amazing apparel that encourages important conversations. Listen in to learn the value of recognizing, acknowledging, retelling our black history to future generations. What you will learn in this episode:•[1:23] How Kim through her company B.L.A.C.K. is empowering the future while honoring and preserving the past.•[3:14] How B.L.A.C.K was born as just the Negro League apparel creator and later expanded. •[8:37] How they retell and celebrate black history and women with high-quality clothing items. •[11:18] The power of black history and doing what it takes to keep it alive through storytelling.•[16:50] Kim explains how learning and sharing history drives her. Relevant Links:•Website: https://www.blackb4u.com/ •Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/negroleague1920/ •Twitter: https://twitter.com/negroleague1920

Tommy Geraci on Saying Yes to The Right OpportunitiesAre you saying yes to opportunities that feel right with you? Saying yes to the right opportunities and creating genuine relationships can transition your life or career to even greater heights. In this episode of the SpeakEasy Podcast, Altovise speaks with Tommy Geraci, an entertainment, social media, and pop culture expert. Tommy has worked on the red carpet and has provided social media coverage for the BAFTAS, Britannias, Emmys, Oscars, Golden Globes, Erase MS, and more. Tommy’s story is one of grabbing opportunities by the horn and saying yes to things he knew he could do. Listen in to learn the importance of setting boundaries and asking for what you deserve.“Why to say no; if you can do it, say yes.”- Tommy [9:43]“If I didn’t work on myself to get to the level I am now, I wouldn’t be making the connections I am now.”- Tommi [18:51]What you will learn in this episode:•[1:34] How starting a Twitter account transitioned Tommy to the red carpet and other opportunities. •[7:15] Learn to say yes to opportunities if the energy feels right.•[7:50] How things naturally birthed themselves for Tommy, meeting creators and supporting them. •[10:44] The importance of giving people chances and making an impact where you can. •[12:50] How to be intentional and create relationships with people, not leverage them. •[14:50] How to set boundaries and ask for what you deserve•[18:47] The power of working on yourself to become confident to go after what you want. •[20:09] Tommy on some of his lined-up future plans. Relevant Links:•Twitter: https://twitter.com/tommy_geraci_ •Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tommy_geraci_/

How to Access Your Higher PowerDo you believe you are something bigger than you are? To become who you are meant to become and access your higher self, you have to be willing to work on yourself from within, not outside. In this episode of the SpeakEasy Podcast, Altovise speaks with Réal Andrews, an Emmy award actor, holistic nutrition coach, and motivational speaker. Réal transformed his life from a man led by an egotistical mindset to a man lead by a higher power towards what’s best for him. Listen in to learn the importance of being coachable to achieve the personal success you want to achieve.“Until you figure out how to fix yourself from within, it doesn’t matter what personal growth you do, you will never walk in your complete power.”- Réal [21:36]What you will learn in this episode:•[1:09] Get to know Réal and the experiences that shaped who he is. •[3:06] Réal describes his boys-to-men journey- from an egotistical man to a transformed fixed self-aware man.•[10:33] How to believe in yourself, show up and achieve complete success.•[13:16] He explains why his mom is the reason he is who he is today. •[18:40] Tips on how to access your higher power and become you of your dreams. Relevant Links:•Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realandrews/ •LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/realandrews/