Over the past decade we have had the chance to learn about so many incredible folks from a wide range of industries and backgrounds and our highlighter series is designed to give us an opportunity to go deeper into their stories with to goal of understanding them, their thought process, how their values formed and the foundations of their stories. Check out some incredible folks below – many of whom you may have read about already and a few new names as well.

Mary Wilson

Since selling the venue, I’ve found a new kind of joy in life. Running the venue was wonderful, but it filled up most of my days. Now, I finally have time for things I’ve wanted to do for years—like working in my flower garden, spending more time with family, friends, and my pets, and just enjoying the simple moments at home. Read More>>

Dezi Cartier

I do and it is something very simple but it makes me really happy – proud too but more so happy. There are laughs in there too usually. I don’t live super close to my dad but I’m lucky enough to be within an hour and some quarters of seeing him. However I really take a lot of joy in taking him out to eat. It’s something a parent always does by nature and usually probably circumstance too ahaha as kid but that really makes me happy.  Read More>> 

JoAnn Moore

My husband recently retired after 45 years as a firefighter. He had been a Fire Chief since the age of 30, working for 38 years as a Fire Chief. When he announced to me he was ready to retire, my heart was filled and pride in all his accomplishments. That was six months ago. I feel relief and joy that he is safe at home and working on his next project. Read More>> 

Kristin Marquet

I’m usually jolted awake by my son’s giggles around 7:00 AM now that he’s a full-on toddler, so I start the day with him, grabbing his sippy cup of milk, and feeding him Cheerios or Crispix. While he plays independently, I review campaign insights and address any urgent client emails. By 10:30 AM, we’re back together for a little dance party or block-building on the play mat, then I settle him into the kitchen for a snack and another milk break while I batch or outline carousel copy for PRISM Ascend™. Read More>> 

 Carlye Morgan

I’m an entrepreneur, so there is no “normal”! But that’s one of the things that I love about running a business. Each day is different and brings new challenges and opportunities to learn and grow. Read More>>

Essence Henderson

In a short answer I learn from everyone . I learn from my clients, my family, my community. I pay attention to how they handle pressure, pivot with grace, and push through when it’s not pretty.

I’m learning from both ends of the spectrum—everyday people and powerhouse entrepreneurs. I watch how single moms stretch a dollar and still show up with grace. I take notes from side hustlers making magic in silence. That kind of resilience teaches you more than any course ever could. But I’m also studying the moves of successful founders—people like  Read More>>

Dr. Kristyn Echterling-Savage

On a personal level, my kids are a constant source of pride. They work so hard to achieve their dreams even at a young age. They have grown so much emotionally and are maturing into incredible, grateful, and giving individuals. Striving to be the best mom I can be is the most challenging and most rewarding work I will ever do. Oh, and for the laughter part, our 10-year-old daughter keeps us laughing every day. I always say that she is the funniest person I know. She gets that from my dad. She is funny without even trying — the kind of humor that is innocent and marked by impeccable comedic timing. Read More>>

Juan Arango

Most days start in my home studio. I’ll grab a coffee, turn on the computer, and lay out a plan for what needs to get done. A big part of my day usually involves writing, recording, and mixing music—whether it’s for TV, film, games, or other media projects. I work with a pretty wide range of clients, and I also produce for other artists, in addition to releasing music of my own. Read More>> 

Raditia Lasry

I usually wake with the sunrise without an alarm. One of the first things I do is sit on a cushion and reflect on the thoughts that are present, letting anything come up. Sometimes it is about tasks for the day, sometimes it’s a particular idea or focus related to being. This can take between 5 and 30 minutes, depending on how much time I have that morning.  Read More>> 

Maria Davis

Without a doubt, it would be integrity. To me, integrity is everything. It’s the core of who someone is, not what they’ve learned, not how fast they move, but whether or not they show up from the heart.

I value truth being spoken, and honesty from the heart shows a strong moral compass.

Integrity is both feet on the ground, and still being able to soar through the clouds. That’s how I try to live. That’s how I create. Whether I’m composing music, creating aerial cinematography, or just being with the people I love. My goal is to stay grounded in who I am, and let everything I do rise from there. Read More>>

Larry Chang

I think one of the biggest misconceptions about immersive audio is that it’s just “making things sound good.” In reality, it’s about crafting an experience that’s as much about emotion, psychology, and storytelling as it is about technology. A well-designed soundscape can subtly guide a player’s attention, influence pacing, or even change how they interpret a scene—often without them realizing it. Read More>> 

Denny Lennon

Wake between 4:00am and 4:15am, read the LA Times, take the 6:00am South Bay Hot 8 Yoga class, then swim at the YMCA in Westchester at 7:30am. By 8:30am I meet up with business associate Marlee Rice to plan our day coordinating the AAU Beach Volleyball National program along with any production work for Sports Stories. Read More>> 

Monic Reyes

In the first 90 minutes of my day, I start by hydrating myself, making sure to drink water and take my supplements. After that, I take a moment to pray and express my gratitude to God for all my blessings. Once I feel centered and thankful, I stretch and exercise to get my body moving and energized. Finally, I get ready for the day ahead, feeling refreshed and prepared for whatever comes my way. Read More>> 

Tyler Ochart

To be honest, I find true joy every single day when I look into my daughter’s eyes or see her smile. She’s 2 and a half, and even on my absolute worst days, the moment I see her face, hear her sweet little voice, or catch her goofy laugh, it’s like everything else fades away. I get to feel true joy almost every day simply because she’s in my life, and that’s something I’ll never take for granted. Read More>> 

Joe Willey

My sons recently began performing live music. They asked me to sit in with them. I have always found performing music to be exciting, but that is nothing compared to your sons wanting you to play in their band. Read More>> 

Kelsie Jordan Penn

Would I hire me? Yes.
Okay, maybe I’d have to side-eye myself for being a little tardy here and there (just keeping it real!) — but beyond that, I’d hire me in a heartbeat.

I might not be the first one to clock in, but I will be the one who brings the most flavor, heart, and hustle to the table. Once I show up, it’s go-time. Read More>> 

Shani Weiss

My days are super packed.
I’ll give you my Monday for example, the morning usually starts of with a rush, getting my boys ready for drop offs, get to work- I teach music in a school. Then go home, teach a private student music, go pick up the boys take them to soccer practice, where at the moment in Melbourne winter I freeze my butt while playing ball with the little one, Luka, and try not to miss goals of the big one, Tom. Then drop the boys at home, maybe manage to snatch a bite and head off to a rehearsal with the band. Get home around 10/11 and go to bed. #livingthehustle Read More>>

Artemis

While I think all three are important, if I had to pick one, I’d say integrity. Being honest and authentic are important to me. In the world we live in today, it’s not uncommon to feel like we have to know absolutely everything about what we’re doing, or like we have to hustle endlessly just to mean something. But it’s okay to admit when we don’t know something or when we’re too tired to continue. And building on that, I think that integrity in one’s work is essential. Especially for creatives. To me, that means crafting things that come from my heart, being open to learning, and saying NO to AI. Read More>> 

Anthony Galizia

A normal day for me varies depending on which clients I’m working with, but it’s always focused on driving results and building scalable marketing systems. I might start the day reviewing analytics and performance metrics across client accounts, checking on paid ads, SEO progress, or website conversions. Then I spend time in strategy sessions, either with clients in person or virtually, working through their marketing framework, identifying opportunities for growth, and helping them implement changes. Read More>>

Trevor Fulmer

There was a time when I wished I had started my interior design business sooner. Looking back, though, I realize that waiting was essential. The timing, the experiences, and the path I followed all prepared me to build the kind of business I have today. Read More>> 

Julie Schwietert Collazo

Absolutely. In fact, learning that it’s not always wise to act fast has been one of my biggest lessons during the past few years. When I was the director of the nonprofit that my husband and I started, I was frequently called upon to solve a problem really quickly. Learning how to discern truly urgent problems that needed my intervention from those that would be better solved more slowly or solved by someone else, wasn’t just life-changing for me. Read More>> 

Keldamuzik Diva

Absolutely. There’ve been moments where I’m so glad I didn’t move too fast. In this game, everything feels urgent — opportunities flying in, people pressing you for quick decisions — but not everything that glitters is gold.

I remember getting approached with a deal that looked major. Big promises, big exposure. But something told me to pause. I sat with it, asked a few more questions, and the truth started to unravel. It would’ve locked me into something that didn’t truly represent me or my brand. Read More>> 

Cindy-Ann Boisson

Hmmmm…what do the first 90 minutes of my day look like? I try not to look at social media as soon as I open my eyes. I log on to youtube and say my morning prayers THEN I jump feet first into the social media rabbit hole. I’m usually quite good and cutting it off and going out for my walk. I LOVE taking long walks first thing in the morning; It clears my head. Once I am on the move a good audiobook keeps my company or sometimes I listen to a podcast that help my creative juices flow or spend some time on the phone with one of friends. Read More>> 

Yazmin Mendoza

Yes. I stood up for my belief that all humans are equal and deserve human rights, regardless of color or religion. At a previous brokerage, I spoke openly about the struggles the people of Palestine are facing. They were not comfortable with me sharing my views and pressured me to remain silent. I told them I would rather mop floors than be silenced. If speaking up meant losing my license or moving to a different brokerage, so be it — I will not stop speaking out about what I believe is a genocide in Palestine. Read More>>

Kelli Christina

I am a known individual that has lost everything in life and business while defending people against crimes, broken laws and corruption a couple times in a lifetime. Taking a stand in this country can come with calculated loss and damages over the outcome and it’s often hard to predict an outcome. I have a lot of nicknames including warrior, bull fighter, pistol whip, super woman and the great survivor. Current day, I am in the rebuilding process with my own businesses and it’s over taking a legal action against a Hollywood actor Brad Pitt in 2020.  Read More>>

Cristina Zenato

I stood up for sharks, and it cost me financially when I turned down filming opportunities with both Discovery Channel and National Geographic because I felt that the products they wanted to create were once again abusing the image of sharks as mindless predators, rather than trying to portray them in their true light. I have decided a long time ago that no amount of money is worth going against my principles or compromising my mission to change the erroneous perception of sharks. Read More>> 

Claude McCan

I love to have a leisurely start to my day. When I first climb out of bed I prepare some warm water with lemon juice, do about 5 minutes of leg stretches, have some coffee and breakfast while reading my online newspaper and respond to a few emails. All of this gets me in the mood to start my day. I try not to let the morning news get me down, but that’s not easy! Read More>> 

Sydtastic

The first hour and a half of my day is an integral part of my routine. My alarm is set to wake me up at 6:45 a.m. I have to start early for many reasons — including my health. Just so you know, I am a military veteran who was permanently injured while on active duty. Typically, I start with prayer, hygiene, and making sure my house is in order. After that, I exercise before breakfast. I’ve learned that it’s imperative I stick to my routines to give myself the best chance at an optimal output once the creative part of the day starts. Read More>> 

Bridger Hart & Carson Hart

Most people just see the final experience. They select a color from the wheel and instantly find matching products. What they don’t see is the complexity hidden beneath that simplicity. Before images are even searchable, our AI automatically tags thousands of products by color, and it does it more accurately than a human ever could. Read More>> 

Yiannis Photinos

Last time I felt true joy was last night when I was at the beach. My days are extremely demanding lately so the fact that I can swim at night in peace sometimes truly is heaven. It always reminds me to appreciate the simple things in life! Read More>> 

Cabell Rhpde

Composers usually give the performer parameter for tempo, unless its john cage. Then it comes in the form a detailed instructions on how to perform. percussive piano. Still, in this case, preparation is given the most specific detail. There are times within a piece where the feel of the movement may be very fluid, and other times when it may feel very slow to drag its feet. Entertainment in general is the very same thing. you have to know when to move and when to let it be. I’m thankful for all the times that i have been methodical.  Read More>> 

Ann Gerrard

I am a kind of coach that just doesn’t want to just change lives, but help those remember WHO they are, and guide them to rise with planning, intention, strategies and from a place of SOUL.

I’ve walked through fire, personally and professionally, and not only survived, but transmuted pain into wisdom. That’s the kind of coach people trust. You don’t just know the theory, you’ve embodied the journey. As a client, I would feel safe and seen in their presence, knowing I’m being guided by someone who has lived it. Read More>> 

Sauraj Patil

Right now, my days revolve around connecting with people—mostly Directors and VPs at large Fortune 1000 companies, who are exploring how to better monitor and manage their systems. I spend a good part of the day doing personalized outreach, not just sending emails or making calls, but really trying to understand their unique challenges and goals. I tailor every message to make it relevant, helpful, and worth their time. Read More>> 

Madison Marie McIntosh

There seems to be an unspoken belief that practicality is an enemy of art. Some young musicians are led to believe that true artists make art because they love it, whether or not they will ever get to share it with the public. For example, musicians are sometimes encouraged to work on new repertoire even before performance opportunities have materialized.  Read More>> 

Chrystal Norwood

A normal day for me lately has been about healing, balance, and faith. Since my recent surgery, my mornings usually start slower—I give myself grace to listen to my body. I begin with prayer and reflection, which keeps me grounded and reminds me that even in recovery, I still have purpose. Read More>> 

Dr. Gabrielle Evans-Mitchell

Reading! A few months after finishing my doctoral program, I started reading for pleasure again. I don’t set a reading goal because I want to enjoy the journey. I love getting lost in a book and forgetting about everything else that may be going on in real life. Read More>> 

Chris Widdop

The J-pop/metal band Babymetal has brought me lots of joy lately. They’ve helped fill a void in my life, and have acted as a source of creative inspiration behind a number of my most recent projects. Read More>> 

Kristen Hosd

Ahhhhh….morning. I have a ritual at home: get up, make coffee, feed the cats while coffee is brewing, then go sit in the hot tub and sip my coffee while watching the birds and butterflies. About 1/2 way through the cup, I go inside and change for the day (kinda like Mr. Rogers changing his shoes to get ready for the rest of the day) then grab fish food and my coffee and go sit by the canal. I feed the fish in the canal (they are always waiting at 8am sharp) and watch the otters frolick on my deck. Read More>> 

QUEEN ANGELA THOMAS-SMITH

A Day in My Life: Living on Purpose

My days begin bright and early, with a 5AM prayer call that has become my spiritual anchor for more than five years. These early morning moments set the tone for my day, allowing me to connect with God, intercede for others, and lead a community of prayer warriors seeking strength and inspiration before the sun rises. Read More>> 

Ellen Bruxvoort

Seems to me like standing up for something always comes at a cost. Even if you’re standing up for your own rest and relaxation, it might come at a cost of income or opportunity. If you’re standing up for the rights of others, it might come at a cost of your time, safety, material, money, etc. Maybe it’s less of a cost and more of a trade. Ideally life is perpetually made of a million tiny trades, sometimes for us, sometimes by us. I think that’s just being in community. Read More>> 

Sarah Harrison

Honestly, I’m still figuring that out! My husband and I just welcomed our fourth baby and my daughter starts first grade here in a couple of weeks (we homeschool). Most days we have a gentle morning with breakfast and lots of play and reading. After lunch is when our youngest two nap and our older two have quiet time so that I can attempt to get work done. After nap, we will usually go outside or somewhere else before dinner. Whatever work wasn’t finished earlier gets done after the kids are in bed! I often tell my clients to ignore any emails they receive at 2 am. Read More>> 

Heather Herr

I’m being called to share more of my voice, not just as a real estate leader, but as a woman who’s built something from nothing, faced the burnout, and found a new rhythm. For a long time, I was afraid that being fully seen. The messy parts and all as they might dilute my professionalism or brand. But now I see that owning the whole story is exactly what connects, empowers, and inspires. The next level of impact doesn’t come from doing more it comes from being more fully myself. Read More>> 

Hilary Foster

I love being creative which is one of the things I love most about my job but personal creativity often takes a backseat to running my business, family obligations and just life in general. This summer I have dedicated myself to feeding that need. I have been taking pottery lessons which I love. The feeling of the clay in my hands, watching it be worked into a beautiful object is just magic. Read More>> 

Kira Miller

Hi! It’s good to be here! The thing that helps me the most to find myself again is always something in nature. Whether I’m hiking on a trail, paddling across a lake, or just sitting on the beach feeling my toes in the sand, nature is where I feel most connected to myself. It’s in these moments that I feel grounded and a sense of clarity. Being in nature reminds me of what’s truly important. Read More>> 

Rose Ryan

The first 90 minutes of my day might be at the top of my favorites list. I wake up at 4am, get dressed, grab one of my pups, usually Mookie, and meet my running crew (who are like sisters to me) for an early run and or walk depending on the day! I then go directly into clients and or classes! Read More>> 

Rachael Hanible

Every morning I wake up around 5am without an alarm clock. I thank God for a new day, Pray and do some reading. I normally talk to my mom while I am checking emails and social media. Read More>> 

Sarah Messner

Starting to get back on the school routine!

I set my alarm for 6:00am and me and my husband take turns getting the kids ready and out the door for school. This will be the first year that I will have both kids in school 7am-3pm. I do a burn bootcamp(or workout) around 7:30am and then edit during the rest of my day. I usually have a lot of editing so that’s the majority of what I do before the kids get home or I am running errands. Dinner and kids sports/activities are usually around dinner time and then we put the kids to bed around 7:00pm and we go to bed anytime between 9:00-10:00pm Read More>> 

Stephanie Jensen

Since it’s summer break, a typical day for me looks a lot like being a full-time camp counselor for my 8- and 9-year-old. Somewhere between the chaos, I’ve reopened my shop after a long hiatus and have been sneaking in time to work on orders—which I’ve truly missed. Once school’s back in session, my days will shift to school drop-offs, a bit of movement (for my sanity), and then diving back into shop work until it’s time to pick up the kids and shuttle them around to their after-school activities. Read More>> 

Tabitha Garbart

At Trident Health and Chiropractic, it’s not just about feeling better—it’s about becoming the best version of YOU.

Our SmileLabs Teeth Whitening service has quickly become a patient favorite! Why?
Because nothing boosts confidence like a radiant, healthy smile. Read More>> 

Annie Muniz

My mornings start with a quiet cup of coffee and time in prayer and devotion. This is a sacred space for me to reflect, give thanks, and align my heart before the day begins. After that, I ease into the workday by checking emails, reviewing content, and organizing anything that needs my attention for the events ahead. It’s a balance of spiritual grounding and purposeful preparation. Read More>> 

Nikki Smith

What a summer it’s been! I’ve recently soaked up every moment with my 2 boys—fhishing, pool days, road trips, and lots of memories made. But now that school is around the corner, I’m feeling recharged and so ready to dive back into work.

We’re already planning for the holidays—designing new collections, booking pop-ups, and getting creative with fresh ways to bring our jewelry to you this season. This is one of my favorite times of year in the business—there’s something magical about the energy of fall and the build-up to the holidays. Read More>> 

Eric Grant

I’m chasing art! Getting better at it, forming my own opinions about it and creating it with no regrets. I’m literally in a space of making mistakes and I love it. I have an accounting degree. Accounting at a firm didn’t work out. Literally starting getting headaches during work, when I was sleep, when I woke up, so I left. I got the opportunity to chase passion and get a degree in graphic design at the school I always wanted to graduate from and I’m exactly where I want to be.  Read More>> 

Paul NuRoyal

What Would Happen?

What would happen if my life’s journey—the arrests, the extradition, the time in Bay County, the betrayals, the pain—wasn’t wasted, but instead became the very proof that God can take what was meant for harm and use it for good? What would happen if every scar, every setback, every tear could be turned into a roadmap for someone else’s survival? The answer is simple: lives would change, starting with my own. Read More>> 

Christina Linhardt

There is a fine line between being proactive and trying too hard. Sometimes, I think I am stuck in the latter. Being proactive certainly has worked for me, I have fulfilled so many artistic dreams and made a living at it, but maybe I have too much tunnel vision. Maybe the “success” I’m envisioning and striving for is keeping me from allowing wonderful experiences I never could imagine, from finding me.
To quote “Siddhartha” by Herman Hesse : “Perhaps that you are seeking too hard? That you seek so hard that you do not find?” Read More>> 

Shaina Simmons

I’m chasing cultural memory to keep the flame alive — through movement, story, and healing that outlives me.

It’s what Roger Guenveur Smith once called organic archaeology after seeing my solo show, Bayou Blues — and I’ve carried that term ever since. It perfectly describes the way my work digs through lineage, body, and spirit to reclaim what’s been buried and offer it back as medicine. Read More>> 

iyanna

Currently I am chasing the life I’ve always dreamed of. That has revealed itself to me in many ways that are different from what I previously imagined.

I’ve always wanted a creative life, one of acting, stage presence, performance, and expression. I thought that would look like stage acting for a long time, then tv acting, then existing in the world of plays as a singer, an instrumentalist, or a director. Read More>> 

Emo Kiddo

if you asked me this question a year or two ago I would have told you that I was chasing happiness. You know that Kid Cudi song, “pursuit of happiness”? I was like that two years ago. I didn’t really truly find myself when I was working and studying out in New York. However, I’m just different now. I’m chasing nothing but myself. Like I’m talking about I’m really trying to find out who I am as a person as an artist. It’s beyond art though. Read More>>

Mark Gray

Im chasing after God’s heart. In 2021 I lost my son Markquett “Lil Mark” Gray Martin, the year after that I lost my best friend Quinton Myers, and the year after that my grandmother, Thelma Gray passed away. Also the loss of Michael Jackson played a part of me feeling like I’ve lost everything in the world. I stopped doing music, I stopped recording music, but God showed me something different and my purpose of being here on earth. God has always blessed me and I owe Him everything in me to give Him honor and praise. Read More>> 

Diana Hall

I’m chasing a vision of lifestyle freedoms for the millions of people needing to be immobilized for injuries each year… the athletes and soldiers who are sidelined from their sport or duties, the kids sitting in the hotel on summer break so they don’t get their casts dirty or wet, the restaurant or healthcare worker who is out of work because they need to be sanitary, the parents who can’t change their baby’s diaper or wash their hands… Read More>>