Awakenings In Real Life

Stephen Panus is a storyteller and mentor & coach at heart, one driven by purpose, resilience, and the unwavering belief that we can turn pain into positive change. As the author of the best-selling book “Walk On”, he shares his deeply personal journey following the tragic loss of his son, Jake, who was tragically and suddenly killed as a passenger in a reckless and senseless car crash at the tender age of sixteen in the summer of 2020. Stephen says: “Grief is his Shadow”. Through telling his story, inspirational speaking and leadership development training, Stephen inspires others to find strength, create meaning, and hold tightly onto hope in life’s most difficult moments.

Sherman Niamehr is an Italian-born American, former stockbroker, and memoir author whose life took a dramatic turn during a period of unexpected confinement at an IRGC (Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps) military base in Iran. His quiet act of inner defiance—refusing to march on the American and Israeli flags—led to brutal interrogations and a spiritual reckoning that shaped the rest of his life. His book called In The Shadows of the IRGC, is one of resilience, awakening, and the search for inner freedom amidst systems of fear and indoctrination. He’s now a family man building his life in the U.S., and he shares his story to encourage clarity, and freedom of thought in the face of oppression.

Jan Allen Ackley is an author, veteran, executive, and storyteller. Jan grew up in the hills of Appalachia, without a father and where his prospects to succeed were dim. His memoir, Searching for Change, is a deeply-human look at finding happiness in hardship and transforming adversity into purpose. His awakenings were meeting people that helped give him the courage and inspiration to succeed. With a voice that’s heartfelt with a touch of humor, Jan invites audiences to reflect, laugh, and ultimately believe in the power of personal change. Jan’s mission is simple: help people see the possibility of change—in their personal life, their mindset, or their business. His blend of real-world experience, Appalachian storytelling, & insight make him a compelling guest WHO dives into resilience, leadership, or reinvention.