In this episode of the Voice of Influence podcast, host Andrea interviews Steve Mann, a global entrepreneur, philanthropist, and mentor, whose extensive background spans continents from Africa to Southeast Asia. Steve discusses his early life on a potato farm in Idaho, his challenges with nearsightedness, and his voracious love for reading that fueled his dreams of seeing the world. He shares insights from his diverse career, including his work in organizational behavior and notable experiences with the White House.

Central to Steve's message is the profound impact of storytelling in preserving legacies, connecting generations, and guiding future leaders. He emphasizes the importance of dreams, taking risks, and the powerful role of personal stories in teaching and leading. Steve also touches on his new book, Stories That Shape Us, aimed at helping individuals pass down their wisdom and experiences.

Listener Feedback Form - Share how you see people shaping the future – and/or ask a question for Andrea and guests to address on the show.

In this episode of the Voice of Influence Podcast, host Andrea interviews Whitney Faires, an internationally recognized coach, keynote speaker, and leadership expert. Whitney shares her journey from a traumatic childhood incident to overcoming sports injuries, and discusses how these adversities shaped her mindset and career. The conversation covers key topics such as executive presence, ruthless prioritization, and the importance of betting on oneself. Whitney offers insights on how to balance professional aspirations with personal fulfillment, emphasizing the significance of authenticity and self-belief.

Mentioned in this Episode:

Website: https://www.whitneyfaires.com/

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:31 A Life-Changing Incident in New York

05:26 Impact of the Incident on Family and Career

08:50 Overcoming Adversity in Sports

13:54 Defining Identity Beyond Career

19:06 Leadership in Uncertain Times

26:20 Understanding Stress and Anxiety Tendencies

27:20 Strategies to Manage Stress and Anxiety

28:21 Finding Positivity in Adversity

32:22 The Importance of Executive Presence

38:03 Ruthless Prioritization for Success

45:57 The Role of Mentorship in Career Growth

48:20 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Listener Feedback Form - Share how you see people shaping the future – and/or ask a question for Andrea and guests to address on the show.

In this episode of the Voice of Influence podcast, host Andrea interviews Maranda Adams, co-CEO of Blair Freeman, a women-owned construction firm. Maranda shares her journey from establishing a real estate investment company in 2010 to co-founding Blair Freeman in 2018. She discusses the significance of North Omaha, the challenges and triumphs in the construction industry, and the importance of being solution-driven, innovative, and empathetic. Adams also emphasizes the value of mentorship, shared leadership, and the role of community support in balancing personal and professional life. Tune in for an inspiring conversation filled with insights on leadership, entrepreneurship, and community transformation.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

00:04 Meet Miranda Adams: Visionary Leader

00:57 The Birth of Blair Freeman

02:04 Revitalizing North Omaha

03:12 Miranda's Real Estate Journey

07:38 Shared Leadership at Blair Freeman

10:26 Balancing Leadership and Family

16:18 Integration Over Balance

17:53 Balancing Family and Business

18:25 The Power of Networking

19:43 Navigating Business Challenges

22:37 Team Communication and Problem Solving

23:36 Encouraging Careers in Construction

25:27 Leadership and Mentorship

29:13 Future Goals and Expansion

36:42 The Importance of Service