Becoming Better

When we think of creativity, we often think about the craftsmanship of painters, musicians, and writers. But, for creative director Justin "JayNorm" Norman, his journey as a creative professional started with strategic thinking and cracking the code of how people and systems work. His approach of people-first creativity has yielded a path from college dropout to signing a music production deal to becoming one of the most in-demand creative directors in advertising. Today, he gets to blend his passions as Global Creative Director with Spotify and co-founder of music sync service Verse and Hook. In this episode, we explore how JayNorm has consistently conquered new levels of creativity and accomplishment and what's to come for the multi-modal artist. About Becoming Better We share deep conversations with extraordinary ordinary humans on the journey to be better. We explore who we are, where we've been, where we're going, and who we're becoming to get there. Subscribe. Follow. Like. Share. Tell a friend. Let's become better. Together. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/jeff-ponders/support

“Does a fish love to swim? No- it’s just what he does.” That’s how audio engineer Art Merriweather III describes his early relationship with music. Since showing signs of giftedness at seven years old, Art has engaged in a lifelong dance with music that would carry him around the world many times over, like a favorite playlist played on repeat. Over the past eight years, that dance has included work with CeeLo Green, Fantasia, Tove Lo, Mayer Hawthorne, Teddy Riley, and many more. In this episode, we explore how Art stumbled his way into discovering his passions and living out a career that defied everything he believed about music while growing up. About Becoming Better We share deep conversations with extraordinary ordinary humans on the journey to be better. We explore who we are, where we’ve been, where we’re going, and who we’re becoming to get there. Subscribe. Like. Comment. Share. Tell a friend. Let’s become better. Together. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/jeff-ponders/support

When former PR strategist Danielle Smith Parker launched Detroit Maid, she hoped to create a remedy for a deep personal pain: “Where can I find a reliable, professional, on-demand cleaning service?” Six years later, she’s found that entrepreneurship wasn’t just the solution for a messy home. Instead, it’s proven to be just what the doctor ordered for her physical, emotional, and mental health. In this episode, we explore how Danielle’s journey from cleaning up reputations to leading one of the fastest-growing cleaning services in the Midwest has transformed her family and community. About Becoming Better We share deep conversations with extraordinary ordinary humans on the journey to be better. We explore who we are, where we’ve been, where we’re going, and who we’re becoming to get there. Subscribe. Follow. Tell a friend. Let’s become better. Together. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/jeff-ponders/support

Growing up in Metro-Detroit, Dave Webber was fascinated with how things worked. His passion for understanding what makes people and products come together led him to cofound some of the world's most exciting tech companies, all while homeschooling his kids on a farm and helping deliver safe water in Haiti. In this episode, we explore how Dave evolved from a curious kid into a top-tier technologist and community builder… we like to call it "life engineer." About Becoming Better We share deep conversations with extraordinary ordinary humans on the journey to be better. We explore who we are, where we've been, where we're going, and who we're becoming to get there. Subscribe. Follow. Tell a friend. Let's become better. Together. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/jeff-ponders/support

Inspired by the sounds of Marvin Gaye and The Clark Sisters, Darnell Kendricks grew up dreaming of success in Motown. Yet when he took the giant leap of faith to move from his native Northern California to Detroit, he embarked on what has become a lifelong journey of artistic exploration and soulful connections. After two acclaimed albums, launching a private chef service, and earning multiple visual art commissions, Darnell's creative gifts have blessed many souls with riveting multi-sensory experiences through food, music, literary arts, painting, and more. In this episode, we discover the origin of The Smooth Soul Cafe and how the legacy of ancestry can guide us to and through unseen paths. About Becoming Better We share deep conversations with extraordinary ordinary humans on the journey to be better. We explore who we are, where we've been, where we're going, and who we're becoming to get there. Subscribe. Follow. Tell a friend. Let's become better. Together. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/jeff-ponders/support

According to communication expert Lindsey Walenga, authentic communication is the ultimate superpower. Even more remarkable is finding your truth and learning how to stand unapologetically. As CEO of strategic communication firm Siren, Lindsey helps her clients communicate with bravery and boldness. But her story starts as a kid finding her path in a field of dandelions.

In this episode, we discover how the girl who cartwheeled down the block grew to empower leaders to embrace independent thinking and authentic communication.

For more about Lindsey, visit www.sirenstrategy.co.

About Becoming Better

We share deep conversations with extraordinary ordinary humans on the journey to be better. We explore who we are, where we've been, where we're going, and who we're becoming to get there.

Subscribe. Follow. Tell a friend. 

Let's become better. Together.

© Jeff Ponders II

--- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/jeff-ponders/support

How does a small-town kid from Wisconsin become one of the most influential change agents in America's greatest comeback city? That's the unlikely story of Matthew Roling. From humble beginnings, Matt's journey from staff accountant to executive leadership in corporate, higher education, and service organizations has created pathways to better living for countless lives. In this episode, we explore how humility and passion for service have yielded dividends in business and social impact. For more about Matt, visit www.thecompassionateaccountant.com About Becoming Better We share deep conversations with extraordinary ordinary humans on the journey to be better. We explore who we are, where we've been, where we're going, and who we're becoming to get there. Subscribe. Follow. Tell a friend. Let's become better. Together. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/jeff-ponders/support

The unshakeable bond between Roderica and Francina James is a testiment to the power of family and the lessons passed down from a dynamic mother. Born just 13 months apart, they’ve built a remarkable life of love and laughter as sisters, friends, and business partners. From equipping youth with life skills across the country to developing The Historic Cochrane House, a premier bed and breakfast brand in Michigan, they have shared their unique brand of warmth and intimacy with hundreds. In this episode, we dive into how a mother’s love nurtured their sisterhood, business success, and community impact. For more info about The James Sisters, visit www.thecochranehouse.com About Becoming Better We share deep conversations with extraordinary ordinary humans on the journey to be better. We explore who we are, where we've been, where we're going, and who we're becoming to get there. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/jeff-ponders/support

Kenny Watson is half-man, half-amazing. As one of Detroit's premier singer-songwriters, his artistry has blessed hearts and souls across the world. In this episode, Kenny discusses his journey as a multi-dimensional creative, the challenge of balancing multiple careers and family, and the burden of chasing purpose. About Becoming Better We share deep conversations with extraordinary ordinary humans on the journey to be better. We explore who we are, where we've been, where we're going, and who we're becoming to get there. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/jeff-ponders/support