Purpose

In today’s episode, I had the opportunity to talk with Corey Jackson who is an author, speaker, entrepreneur, and former professional athlete. He is also the founder of Qwerkz, an innovative recruiting firm specializing in high potential candidates and position-less recruiting. During our call, I spoke with Corey about his journey from collegiate basketball to professional football, and his journey in becoming an entrepreneur.

What I appreciate about our time together is hearing how Corey transitioned from the NFL to being an entrepreneur, and how he leveraged his athletic mindset professionally.

To learn more about Corey Jackson:

LinkedIn: Corey Jackson

YouTube: Corey Jackson

Website: Corey Jackson

Email: Corey Jackson

Follow us on YouTube for the full episode: https://bit.ly/30g3EyR

You can also find the podcast on most popular podcast platforms.

In today’s episode, I had the opportunity to talk with Danielle Berman Ruiz, the founder of Tackle What’s Next, a platform dedicated to sharing resources and building community around what’s next in life after sports for athletes. In our call, I got to hear Danielle’s journey in following her passion of serving athletes.

What I appreciate about our time together is learning about Danielle’s passion for athletics, her genuine concern for athletes, and how that concern in many ways appeared to pursue her which led to entrepreneurship.

To learn more about Danielle Berman Ruiz:

LinkedIn: Danielle Berman Ruiz

Instagram: Danielle Berman Ruiz

YouTube: Danielle Berman Ruiz

Website: Danielle Berman Ruiz

Email: Danielle Berman Ruiz

Follow us on YouTube for the full episode: https://bit.ly/30g3EyR

You can also find the podcast on most popular podcast platforms.

In today’s episode, I had the opportunity to talk with Amy Nichols, the owner of Cheerful Tortoise, a local legendary restaurant and bar nestled in downtown Portland next to Portland State University. During our call, I got to learn about Amy’s childhood and professional journey and what it’s been like running a business in a city struggling to recover from the pandemic.

What I appreciate about our time together is getting the chance to learn about her on a personal level. I, and many of my teammates, would enjoy spending time at the Tortoise after games or for breakfast on the weekends.

To learn more about Amy Nichols:

LinkedIn: Amy Nichols

Instagram: Amy Nichols

Website: Amy Nichols

Follow us on YouTube for the full episode: https://bit.ly/30g3EyR

You can also find the podcast on most popular podcast platforms.

In today’s episode, I had the opportunity to talk with Tracy Tsefalas, the founder of Fumerie Parfumerie, a Portland-based perfume retailer specializing in niche and independent fragrances for men and women. In our call, I got to hear the painful journey she experienced running a family business and how it inspired her to build a business of her own.

What I appreciate about our time together is Tracy’s courage to share her story of abuse and domestic violence and pursuing entrepreneurship as she rebuilt her identity.

To learn more about Tracy Tsefalas:

LinkedIn: Tracy Tsefalas

Instagram: Tracy Tsefalas

Facebook: Tracy Tsefalas

Website: Tracy Tsefalas

Email: Tracy Tsefalas


Fragrance Consultation: Tracy Tsefalas

Follow us on YouTube for the full episode: https://bit.ly/30g3EyR

You can also find the podcast on most popular podcast platforms.

In today’s episode, I was blessed to talk with Imran Haider, a dear friend and colleague who is a world-class professor, speaker, and business advisor. In our conversation, we talked about connecting with others in a way that is respectful and engaging.

What I appreciate about our time together is the opportunity I got to learn from someone who really knows how to build relationships.

To learn more about Imran Haider:

LinkedIn: Imran Haider

Instagram: Imran Haider

Facebook: Imran Haider

Follow us on YouTube for the full episode: https://bit.ly/30g3EyR

You can also find the podcast on most popular podcast platforms.

In today’s episode, I had the opportunity to talk with Jess Jurgenson the founder of Business Casual, a connection agency based in Portland, Oregon that is on a mission to give professional experiences a new reputation. With a background in general operations and recruiting for the last 10 years, Jess helps companies recruit directly for their teams using modern techniques like social media and provides consulting advice on their recruiting operations. She also hosts quarterly networking events for professionals in leadership, sales and professional services that have a unique design to drive connections. The events focus on professional development topics and experiences, engineered to build professional camaraderie instead of cold pitching.

What I appreciate about our time together is Jess’s tenacity for her work and hearing about the adversity she faced as she transitioned into the recruiting profession.

To learn more about Jess Jurgenson:

LinkedIn: Jess Jurgenson

Instagram: Jess Jurgenson

YouTube: Jess Jurgenson

Website: Jess Jurgenson

Email: Jess Jurgenson

Follow us on YouTube for the full episode: https://bit.ly/30g3EyR

You can also find the podcast on most popular podcast platforms.

In today’s episode, I had the opportunity to talk with Nathan Webster, the founder of NW & Associates, voice of the Let’s Talk Marketing podcast, executive director of Oregon Association of Minority Entrepreneurs, and founder of The Connected Trust, where he is focused on creating safe spaces for local leaders to build authentic communities providing for both personal and professional growth.

What I appreciate about our time together is Nathan’s transparency around the lack of support he felt growing up and the journey he took to embrace his unique capabilities and values.

To learn more about Nathan Webster:

LinkedIn: Nathan Webster

Instagram: Nathan Webster

Facebook: Nathan Webster

Website: Nathan Webster

Email: Nathan Webster

Follow us on YouTube for the full episode: https://bit.ly/30g3EyR

You can also find the podcast on most popular podcast platforms.

In today’s episode, I had the opportunity to talk coaches William Hayes and Rodney Akins of Bridge City Fathers, Advocates, and Mentors.


During our call we got to dive deep into the challenging childhoods that coach William and Rodney both experienced and how it inspired them to start a non-profit serving kids with similar backgrounds. What I appreciate most about our conversation is the candor in which they spoke regarding their stories and the lengths they’ve gone to empower our youth.

To learn more about Bridge City FAM:

Instagram: Bridge City FAM

Facebook: Bridge City FAM

Website: Bridge City FAM

Email: Bridge City FAM

Follow us on YouTube for the full episode: https://bit.ly/30g3EyR

You can also find the podcast on most popular podcast platforms.

In today’s episode, I had the opportunity to talk with Dustin Payne, an entrepreneur, pastor, and leader who is passionate about leadership, building community, and modeling impact for his teammates at his local coffee shop.

What I appreciate about our time together is Dustin’s candor in sharing the details of what inspired him to take over a coffee shop with a challenging history.

To learn more about Dustin Payne:

Instagram: Slow Pour Coffee Bar

Facebook: Slow Pour Coffee Bar

Website: Slow Pour Coffee Bar

Email: Slow Pour Coffee Bar

Follow us on YouTube for the full episode: https://bit.ly/30g3EyR

You can also find the podcast on most popular podcast platforms.

In today’s episode, I had the opportunity to talk with Kurt Huffman, managing partner of ChefStable, an organization dedicated to partnering with chefs to design, build, and operate restaurants. In our call, I got the chance to learn about Kurt’s background and his journey to becoming an entrepreneur that serves restauranteurs through partnerships.

What I appreciate most about our time together is hearing Kurt’s passion for making an impact in the hospitality industry and his thoughts on ways local governments can support restaurants.

To learn more about Kurt Huffman:

LinkedIn: Kurt Huffman

Website: ChefStable

Follow us on YouTube for the full episode: https://bit.ly/30g3EyR

You can also find the podcast on most popular podcast platforms.