Everyday Leaders 50 In 50

Kevin McCarthy Author of the bestselling book, BlindSpots – Why Good People Make Bad Choices, and holds the highest certification recognized globally by the speaking industry, the Certified Speaking Professional. An award-winning sales professional, he built one of the largest Century 21 offices in America, then developed and sold a dot-com startup.  In 2004, his boss was arrested for the largest stock fraud in Washington State history. As a result, Kevin spent 33 months in federal prison for a crime he didn’t knowingly commit. There he studied Cognitive Psychology and recognized — then deeply researched — the blind spots that lead to his predicament. Today Kevin and his team expose the invisible barriers that impact culture, operations, training, service and leadership.   Likky Lavji is known as the “Blind Spot Navigator.” As founder and president of the Vancouver, British Columbia-based, Dante Group, he’s an in-demand workshop leader and keynote speaker who’s passionate about helping leaders break thr

 Robin Edgar shares how her journey as a financial advisor started as a single mother and how she used that experience to build a company that helps people from where they are right now in their overall wealth strategy process. She discusses the importance of financial preparation in every family and business to overcome the "T- Moments" and the most important thing in the process: Confidence. “If we can create the confidence people need to make the next right decision, it changes everything.” Robin Edgar is a Financial Advisor and owner of the Wealth Progression Group, a full-service brokerage office. She’s been an independent financial advisor for over 30 years and specializes in helping individuals and companies with all of their financial goals and needs. The Wealth Progression Group uses a wide variety of financial investments to help individuals, families and business owners to set goals and pursue financial security in every stage of their life. “I have significant experience in working with all type

Alfredo Torres:  What does a Navy Veteran, Radio Personality, EMT, Academic Advisor, Safety Inspector, Blogger, Military Admissions Advisor, Shipboard Instructor, Adjunct Professor, Podcast Host, and Career Advisor have in common? Beyond being positions that I have held throughout this great adventure, the core of all these positions is to help people move forward in achieving their goals. My passion and purpose are to be an instrument for change for veterans and transitioning service members to move beyond the uniform. Drawing from my unique journey, I can connect with individuals from diverse backgrounds to help them see the potential within, the tools available, and how to bring these together to create their success. I am open to all opportunity which can allow me to continue my mission of helping others. Connect to Alfredo for your military transitioning needs: Alfredo’s Profile linkedin.com/in/alfredotorres1 Email alfredo.torres@dvs.virginia.gov Virginia Department of Veterans Services Total Dur

Tim Shurr is transforming the way leaders, sales professionals, and entrepreneurs communicate with themselves, their teammates, strategic partners, and customers. As an expert in human behavior and communication, Tim has facilitated over 10,000 coaching sessions and discovered how to quickly shift the unconscious habits that hold people back from having a greater impact. His Shurr Success formulas are influencing business professionals, franchisees, and association members around the globe. Tim’s strategies have been featured on NBC, ABC, CBS, and Fox News and on numerous radio programs around the country. He’s authored several books and programs including The Power of Optimism, Get Out Of Your Way, and Sales Mastery. Tim’s a multi-award winning speaker, serves numerous Fortune 500 clients, provides many keynotes nationally and abroad, and is a TED Talk speaker. Tim’s Profile linkedin.com/in/timshurr Websites TimShurr.com  (Company Website) mesmerizingleadership.com/meet-tim-shurr  (Portfolio) mesmer

Matthew Woodget CEO, Go Narrative   CEO, FOUNDER & PRINCIPAL CONSULTANT Matthew has a deep and unabated passion for storytelling. He loves applying this to business. Matthew leads the Go Narrative team to bring your stories to life through the architecture and delivery of TRIPS Storytelling™ fueled content strategies across product marketing, competitive positioning, value proposition development and more.  Left Brain: Matthew has a BSc (Hons) in Computer Science and Business Administration from the University of Kent at Canterbury and an MBA from the School of Hard Knocks. Right Brain: He is an accomplished filmmaker, winning numerous film festival awards, a science fiction author, photographer, diarist and a blogger.  In a previous life Matthew held business and marketing leadership roles both in the agency world and at such storied corporations as Intel and Microsoft in both headquarters and regional subsidiaries.  Matthew is a WHY® Institute Certified coach. Matthew’s Profile linkedin.com/in/mwoo

I’m Karen Schaible.  www.karenschaible.com I’m a Retired Registered Nurse working at the Bariatric Clinic, Certified Psychology of Eating Coach and Certified Weight and Life Coach, and I was in the exact same place as you are now! I struggled with my weight for over 30 years. The struggle felt like it would never end. I felt stuck, frustrated and disappointed that yet another year would go by and I my weight didn’t change. Overall those years, I tried every diet I could get my hands on. I knew what to eat so then “why couldn’t I just eat what I was supposed to,” I lost and gained 50 pounds so many times only to gain it back every time and usually more than I lost. Losing and gaining weight was exhausting and discouraging. Despite all of this I still thought about losing weight ALL THE TIME! I did an excellent job of beating myself up for overeating and wishing “if only I had more willpower!” I cancelled plans to go out with friends or go to parties because I felt so fat or didn’t think I could control what I

Michelle P. Jones is the youngest daughter and child born to Rev. Cooper L. and Evang. Marva E. Bledsoe. Michelle is the mother of three (3) (DeShawn, Jeramey and Christian) and the grandmother of four (4) (Amari, Amani, Ayden and August). Michelle is an ordained minister, an international bestselling author, business and writing strategist and motivational speaker.   Michelle’s divine purpose is to be an edifier, and she utilizes the platforms available to her to educate, inspire and empower those she has the pleasure to serve. To this end, Michelle believes in order for her to live out her divine purpose she is to use her skills, talents and abilities in service unto God with mankind being the direct beneficiary. Michelle is the President/CEO of Michelle P. Jones, Inc., a professional services firm, where she specializes in informing, empowering and equipping entrepreneurial creatives with a strategic plan (that contains actionable steps) to structure their business endeavors for success and continued grow

Chris McPhee is a retired U.S. Army Veteran, and Green Beret turned professional photographer and project manager. After 21 years of military service, his new mission is teaming up with organizations to help them share their message/story via the media channels of photography, video, and podcasting.   Credentials & Qualifications Project Management Professional (PMP) | Credentiall ID# 1993181 Certified John Maxwell Team Member, Speaker, Trainer, Mentor Toastmasters International Member, VP Public Relation United States Press Agency (USPA) & Press | Reg# 01/39883 Professional Photographers Association Member #8600897 What would you do to make a bigger impact in the world?   Melahni Qualls Ake Founder of Everyday Leaders and husband Joe Ake, Founder of Joe Ake Studios Productions Together they created Everyday Leaders 50in50 Podcast Melahni is a passionate professional and personal development leadership coach, trainer and keynote speaker and has been certified through John

John Shibley  John has worked in Sales and Sales Management for over 25 years and has served in church leadership within men’s ministry for the last 15 years.  Throughout that time, he has also been involved in creating various curriculum for men’s leadership and discipleship.  He has developed spiritual and leadership accountability programs such as 516 and, most recently, Last In Line Leadership.    He released his first book in August called Last In Line Leadership: A Pathway to Purpose & Destiny Defined.  His book offers a unique perspective on servant leadership; reminding us that we all have gifts and abilities for influencing and blessing others.  These resources that John has created have been instrumental in providing real life application, empowerment and accountability for leaders who desire to become stronger in their faith.  He also has a You Tube channel under Last In Line Leadership where he interviews weekly guests on topics of faith, leadership and empowering perspective for equipping

Jason Tracey is a Sales & Leadership Coach, professional speaker, and Founder of Roar Consulting.  While navigating through his personal jungle of poverty, abuse, and financial crisis in his 20’s he encountered several guides that led to freeing the Lion he possessed inside.  As the cage lifted, he discovered how to tame fear & limiting beliefs by embracing his vulnerabilities. This led him to discover his true passion & purpose of Paying It Forward by empowering the people he served in roles of sales and leadership throughout his career.  After leading an organization from bankruptcy to the peak of the industry, Jason made the leap to begin Roar Consulting.  The mission is to Empower the Empowers through his work with entrepreneurs building their American Dream.  His Be The Difference system takes the fear & stigmas out of sales and leadership in order to both Dominate and Serve.      What would you do to make a bigger impact in the world?   Melahni Qualls Ake Founder of Everyday Leaders an

Debra Roberts, LCSW, is an author, a relationship expert, and a communication specialist. She has over 20 years of experience working with all types of challenging relationships in the workplace and at home.    Debra’s book, The Relationship Protocol, describes her proven and practical communication model for starting conversations, defusing conflicts, and having more fulfilling relationships in all areas of your life. Debra is a well-respected speaker who has been featured in many media publications, including The New York Times and Business Insider. She recently created a transformational online communication course for businesses called The Communication Protocol. To learn more about Debra, go to TheRelationshipProtocol.com https://www.therelationshipprotocol.com      For more than 20 years, 5 days a week, 6 hours a day, I have had conversations with people who are struggling to say what they want to say at home and at the office. I get you. I talk to people who are not living the life they want bec

Jose Escobar was born in Washington, D.C. and resides with his family in Silver Spring, Maryland. He is happily married to his wife Katie Escobar. Together they have three children, Noah, 13, Zelie, 3, and Avila, 1. They are also expecting a fourth child due December 2020. He currently trains in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Todd Margolis (Potomac MMA). Jose has been a sales professional for over 20 years, many of which included management positions. He is currently the sales director for The Educational Funding Company (Global Martial Arts Company). He is the founder and operator of Escobar Enterprises which includes The Entrepreneur’s Bookshelf (digital courses for personal/professional growth) and Fat Glass Marketing (social media marketing agency for restaurants and bars). Most recently he has co-authored a book in the martial arts industry on the importance of reading and personal growth.   Jose Escobar Owner & Founder - Escobar Enterprises LLC CEO - The Entrepreneurs Bookshelf  CEO - Fat Glass Marke

Tisha Marie Pelletier Dubbed the “authentic girl with a touch of badass,” Tisha Marie Pelletier brings her infectious energy every time through her storytelling and powerful tips on and offline. She has served as an emcee and speaker on numerous stages as well as on her platform hosting the Success over Struggle™ live panel and podcast. In addition to professional speaking, Tisha is the Chief Experience Officer of Tisha Marie Enterprises, a personal brand builder, founder of Social Connect PHX, business mentor, author and mama of two. Nothing gives her more satisfaction than helping and seeing individuals launch their brilliant ideas and go for it!  Chief Experience Officer, Tisha Marie Enterprises, LLC   Tisha Marie Pelletier Chief Experience Officer, Tisha Marie Enterprises, LLC 480.570.2615 | tisha@tishamariepelletier.com tishamarie.com | Skype: @tisha.m.pelletier           Follow all of the Everyday Leaders at  Subscribe to the Everyday Leaders You Tube Channel. https://w

   Denola M. Burton is the Founder and CEO of Enhanced DNA: Develop Nurture Achieve, LLC. She is a natural nurturer and brings over 20 years of Human Resources experience and expertise to challenge individuals and organizations to grow and develop wherever they are in their life or career.  Denola holds the Bachelor and Master of Science degrees in Biology.  After beginning her career as a scientist, she transitioned into Human Resources in 1996 where she began to live her passion.  Denola is certified as a Professional in Human Resources from both the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM-CP), and the Human Resource Certification Institute (HRCI-PHR).  She is a Certified DISC Behavioral Coach through Institute Success and is a Certified Speaker, Trainer, Coach with the John Maxwell Team. Through Enhanced DNA: Develop Nurture Achieve, Denola is poised and equipped to develop and nurture individuals and organizations to enhance their Leadership, Communication and Performance “DNA”.  Denola uses her HR

Justin Breen the Founder/CEO of BrEpic and the Author of ‘Epic Business.’ “Epic Business” reveals 30 secrets I learned from some of the world’s top entrepreneurs and how I applied them to building his company. This list of 30 things I’ve learned was built over my years as an entrepreneur and was originally meant for a social media post to inspire others. But so many high-level folks told me it should be a book – and others even printed out the list and brought it to our meetings as a surprise – that I knew it was much bigger than just a conversation starter on LinkedIn and Face book. “With the help of countless others and using these 30 tips, I have built an international business working with some of the most amazing visionary people in the world. All I want is for others to achieve this kind of success – and have this kind of incredible joy in their lives.” “For those who are entrepreneurs or hopeful entrepreneurs, I’m going to go into great detail of the exhilarating, excruciating, deflating, inspiratio

Mike Skrypnek Entrepreneur coach, SEVEN time author and international speaker http://www.GrowGetGive.com PROVEN SUCCESS      ​Mike is a transformational business coach, seven time author and international speaker. His Grow Get Give philosophy holds the keys to success that the world’s most successful entrepreneurs know. It is what he implemented to achieve big impact in his life and the lives of thousands of entrepreneurs, advisors, business owners and the millionaire next door.   As a paid speaker, his powerful message of giving back and growing business to achieve personal and professional success inspires others to set big impact goals for their lives.  IMPACT MINDSET       For his own big impact he has helped guide entrepreneurs and affluent families redirect $12.5 million in Big Impact Giving to charitable causes and is committed to help entrepreneurs grow this to over $100 million in the years to come. GENEROUS WISDOM      Mike understands how to differentiate and succeed. With his proprie

Kelly Owens is an Executive Director with the John Maxwell Team and is certified as a coach, speaker and trainer.  Additionally, she is a certified DISC consultant helping teams and businesses with understanding their personality and communication styles to promote enhanced performance as a team and in sales.   As the owner of Revealed Potential Coaching and Consulting, LLC, Kelly’s focus is on helping each person reveal the unlocked potential deep within and in helping organizations create a pathway for leadership development for their team members.  She is able to help leaders understand the members of their teams better through a variety of tools and assessments she can provide.  Using her Master’s degree in management with a concentration in nonprofit leadership, along with personal experience, Kelly enjoys helping startup and small nonprofits develop and increase their capacity to carry out their mission.  Previously, she was a director for a Habitat for Humanity affiliate and later served on their boa

Samantha Burke is the Vice President of Programming and Development for Pass the Torch for Women Foundation, where she has successfully created and implemented national mentoring solutions to enhance and implement diversity and inclusion initiatives for universities and corporations over the last seven years. Samantha has developed and adapted the Foundation's programming into a national, theory-based model and works directly with program participants to lead and facilitate program curricula.   As a founder of a non-profit, motivational speaker and upcoming published author, Samantha has been highlighted as a leader who motivates through authenticity, vulnerability and servant leadership tactics. She is driven by personal and professional aspirations, noting that starting her own orphanage in the Dominican Republic being at the top of the list! Samantha is a proud Purdue University alumna and has recently completed an online certificate program from Harvard Business School.    Samantha Burke Vice Preside

Tylia Flores is a 25-year-old born with cerebral palsy. Although her condition has affected her mobility, it has never affected her will and determination to make a difference in the world. Through her many life challenges and obstacles, she discovered her passion for writing. Tylia’s goal in life is to share her stories with the world. In doing so, she hopes to help others with disabilities realize that they, too, have the potential to make their dreams come true.  http://www.tyliaflores.com/    As you may know already my name is Tylia Flores and I was born with cerebral palsy. Although my condition has affected my mobility, it has never affected my will and determination to make a difference in the world. Through my many life challenges and obstacles, I’ve discovered my passion for writing. My goal in life is to share my stories with the world. In doing so, I hopes to help others with disabilities realize that they, too, have the potential to make their dreams come true.   What would you do to make a

Heather Moyse is one of Canada’s great multi-sport athletes. A four-time Olympian in two-man Bobsleigh, Heather won gold at the 2010 Winter Games in Vancouver, and again at the 2014 Games in Sochi. Before she was an Olympic champion, Heather was a mainstay on Canada’s Senior Women’s Rugby Team. Heather led Canada to silver in the 2013 Rugby Sevens World Cup, and was the top try scorer in the 2006 and 2010 Women’s Rugby World Cups. In 2016, Heather became only the second Canadian, and first Canadian female, to be inducted into the World Rugby Hall of Fame. Heather represented Canada in a third international sport in 2012, when she placed Top Five in two events at the Pan-Am Track Cycling Championships in Argentina. And in 2016, before deciding to compete for her fourth Olympic Games in 2018 at 39, Heather climbed Antarctica’s highest peak, Mount Vinson, as part of an expedition to support the members of the Canadian Armed Forces. Heather has a master’s degree in occupational therapy, and is a highly sought-a