Episodi

  • Episode 233: Lessons from 50 Years of Reinvention: Ron Levine on Persistence, People & Purpose

    Episode 233: Lessons from 50 Years of Reinvention: Ron Levine on Persistence, People & Purpose
    Nov 30 2025
    How do you build a career that spans five decades, multiple industries, and countless reinventions — and still stay excited about what’s next? In this episode of Dream Big with Big Dreamers, host Donna Serdula sits down with Ron Levine, President of Graphic Press Inc., classic car entrepreneur, memorabilia collector, and lifelong storyteller. With over 50 years of experience across printing, music, media, and business, Ron shares the defining moments that shaped his career — from his first sales pitch in the 1970s to walking away from toxic clients and building decades-long business relationships. 🎯 In this engaging and candid conversation, you'll hear: How persistence, humor, and self-respect helped Ron close his first big account — by walking away from the wrong one Why relationship-building has always been his most valuable sales strategy The difference between being a vendor and a problem-solver How credibility by association (from Clio Awards to The Rolling Stones) helped him grow his business What it means to keep dreaming — even at 79, taking up stand-up comedy at Second City Whether you’re building a legacy, navigating a pivot, or just getting started, Ron’s timeless insights on resilience, personal branding, and human connection are a masterclass in long-term success. 📌 Topics: Relationship selling, career reinvention, entrepreneurship, client management, creative longevity, authenticity in business, personal legacy Special Guest: Ron Levin.
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    35 min
  • Episode 234: Gratitude, Curiosity & Joy: Dr. Robyn Graham on Managing Anxiety While Chasing Big Dreams

    Episode 234: Gratitude, Curiosity & Joy: Dr. Robyn Graham on Managing Anxiety While Chasing Big Dreams
    Nov 30 2025
    What if the key to managing anxiety while achieving big dreams came down to three simple words: gratitude, curiosity, and joy? In this inspiring episode of Dream Big with Big Dreamers, host Donna Serdula speaks with Dr. Robyn Graham—author, speaker, podcast host, and founder of the Purpose to Results Method. Robyn brings a unique blend of science, strategy, and soul to help women in leadership (and their families) navigate anxiety, burnout, and overwhelm—while still showing up powerfully in their lives and careers. 🎯 In this conversation, you’ll learn: Why anxiety is rising—and how to regulate your nervous system in a hyper-connected world The #1 mindset shift high-achievers can make to move from fear to clarity How to align your goals with your values and purpose for sustainable results Why faith, stillness, and connection are essential leadership tools A simple 3-word mantra—Gratitude. Curiosity. Joy.—that can transform your mindset today Whether you're leading a team, growing a business, or raising a family, Robyn’s wisdom offers practical tools and heartfelt encouragement for building a life that’s both high-achieving and heart-aligned. 📌 Topics Covered: Anxiety in high achievers, emotional regulation, parenting with purpose, personal reinvention, values-based leadership, women in business, nervous system support, spiritual resilience, authenticity Special Guest: Dr. Robyn Graham.
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    17 min
  • Episode 232: Creativity, Courage & Reinvention: Monika Demel on Leading with Empathy & Staying Relevant

    Episode 232: Creativity, Courage & Reinvention: Monika Demel on Leading with Empathy & Staying Relevant
    Nov 30 2025
    What does it take to build a lasting creative career — and stay relevant in an ever-evolving industry? In this episode of Dream Big with Big Dreamers, host Donna Serdula speaks with Monika Demel, an internationally awarded portrait photographer and creative entrepreneur whose work has been exhibited at the Louvre and honored with 14+ Portrait Masters Awards. Monika’s story spans continents and career reinventions — from immigrating to the U.S. as a teenager to becoming one of the most sought-after visual artists in the industry. With over two decades of experience, she shares what it takes to stay inspired, build client connection through empathy, and take big risks in business when others play it safe. 🎯 In this powerful conversation, you’ll learn: How to stay creatively relevant in a saturated and competitive space Why persistence and emotional intelligence are more important than raw talent How saying “yes” to uncertainty helped her land a $13K opportunity most others turned down How to lead with empathy and connect deeply with clients Why legacy isn’t about fame — it’s about the daily impact we make on others Whether you’re a creative entrepreneur, corporate leader, or emerging artist, Monika’s perspective on lifelong growth, joy in the craft, and the value of resilience will stay with you long after the episode ends. 📌 Topics: Creative entrepreneurship, resilience, leadership through empathy, personal brand, career reinvention, visual storytelling, women in business Special Guest: Monika Demel.
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    17 min
  • Episode 231: Leading with Candor: Brian Bark on Transforming Teams & Driving Authentic Results

    Episode 231: Leading with Candor: Brian Bark on Transforming Teams & Driving Authentic Results
    Nov 30 2025
    What does it take to lead real transformation — and earn the trust of people through times of change? In this compelling episode of Dream Big with Big Dreamers, host Donna Serdula sits down with Brian Bark, Executive Vice President and Florida Market Leader at Aon, to unpack the leadership lessons behind his success in turning around major business units and driving exceptional engagement. With 20+ years of experience in professional services and consulting, Brian shares the practical and deeply human approach that’s guided his career — from early mentorship in boutique consulting firms to leading high-performing teams at scale. 💡 In this conversation, you'll learn: Why authenticity and extreme candor are the foundation of high-trust leadership How to diagnose and fix underperforming teams and operations without boiling the ocean The power of listening, transparency, and modeling collaboration How Brian builds engagement—reaching a 97% employee engagement rate What his personal brand of leadership looks like in action Whether you're leading a team, pivoting your organization, or working on your own leadership journey, Brian’s insights offer a clear, values-driven roadmap for real impact. 📌 Topics: Organizational turnaround, executive leadership, people-first strategy, employee engagement, culture transformation, performance improvement Special Guest: Brian Bark.
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    14 min
  • Episode 230: Resilience, Reinvention & Real Impact: Mary Kay Owen on Pivoting with Purpose

    Episode 230: Resilience, Reinvention & Real Impact: Mary Kay Owen on Pivoting with Purpose
    Nov 30 2025
    What does it take to reinvent your career — and your life — when the world says "play it safe"? In this episode of Dream Big with Big Dreamers, host Donna Serdula speaks with Mary Kay Owen, a marketing executive turned healthcare leader, educator, and advocate for purposeful reinvention. Mary Kay shares her non-linear journey through industries — from high fashion to healthcare, from event strategy to substitute teaching — all while staying anchored in humor, grit, and a deep sense of mission. She opens up about: Why resilience is a muscle we all need to build How to turn a "no" into powerful redirection Lessons from navigating the pandemic with grace and strategy Why your lived experience is your most valuable career asset The dream she's still chasing — and why she won't stop until it's realized This is a must-watch for professionals and executives navigating transitions, seeking inspiration, or craving permission to pursue what's next — even if it’s not on the “official path.” 📌 Key Themes: Career pivoting, professional reinvention, resilience, leadership, women in business, executive inspiration, purpose-driven work Special Guest: Mary Kay Owen.
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    23 min
  • From Stalled to Signed: Closing Big Deals Without Being in the Room (with Mark Phinick)

    From Stalled to Signed: Closing Big Deals Without Being in the Room (with Mark Phinick)
    Sep 27 2025
    Most B2B deals don’t die because of price — they die in rooms you’re never invited into. In this episode of Dream Big with Big Dreamers, host Donna Serdula sits down with Mark Phinick, B2B deal acceleration coach, former IBM and HCL sales leader, and founder of Let’s Make It Rain. Mark pulls back the curtain on how to turn stalled deals into signed deals — not by convincing harder, but by equipping internal champions to speak the language of the C-suite. 💼 Whether you're a founder, sales leader, or AE, you'll learn: 📌Why most demos fail to drive executive urgency 📌How to write proposals that “walk into the boardroom” without you 📌What separates sellers who close from those who get ghosted 📌The difference between interest and a real, funded deal 📌The 3 essential elements of a forwardable proposal 📌How to shift from volume to velocity without hiring more reps 📈 Real-world wins include six-figure deals closed in days (not months), with no discounts — and no follow-up needed. This conversation will change how you think about sales, internal alignment, and what it really takes to move from stuck to unstoppable. About Mark Phinick: Mark is the founder of Let’s Make It Rain, a deal coaching firm that helps teams accelerate revenue by turning interest into executive-backed decisions. He's worked with startups, enterprise sellers, and even commercial roofers to craft business cases that win. He’s not a CRO or trainer — he’s the one you call when the deal matters most. 🎧 Tune in and discover why magic in sales happens when you help your buyer win. Special Guest: Mark Phinick.
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    18 min
  • Build Boldly. Live Fully | Dream Big with Michael Mosseri

    Build Boldly. Live Fully | Dream Big with Michael Mosseri
    Sep 17 2025
    In this inspiring episode of Dream Big with Big Dreamers, host Donna Serdula sits down with serial entrepreneur and CEO of TotalBrokerage, Michael Mosseri—a builder of businesses, a seeker of challenges, and a man who quite literally rose from the flames. Michael shares how a childhood accident involving a gasoline explosion became a defining moment in his life, igniting not just a passion for solving problems, but a deeper curiosity that fuels every leap—be it off a pirate ship or into a new company. He unpacks the journey of moving from survival mode to a place of freedom and alignment, the role of coaching and community in achieving greatness, and what soaring truly means in life and business. Whether you're a startup founder, a curious creator, or someone just starting out—this conversation will remind you that you don’t have to be fearless, just curious enough to start. Key themes include: 🔴 Turning adversity into fuel 🔴 The power of curiosity and consistency 🔴 Building meaningful companies with values at the core 🔴 Redefining success: from metrics to meaning 🔴 Why asking for help is a strength, not a weakness "Start. Start small. Start now." — Michael Mosseri Special Guest: Michael Mosseri.
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    11 min
  • Unlock Your Potential: Amit Sood on Visionary Leadership and Dreaming Big

    Unlock Your Potential: Amit Sood on Visionary Leadership and Dreaming Big
    Oct 17 2024
    In this enlightening episode of "Dream Big with Big Dreamers," host Donna Serdula welcomes the inspirational life coach Amit Sood. Dive into a conversation that navigates the realms of self-expression, personal growth, and achieving ultimate fulfillment. Amit shares his transformational journey from a high-powered career in sales and marketing to a life dedicated to helping others unlock their fullest potential. Listeners will find motivation as Amit explains the concept of living an authentic life true to oneself, breaking free from societal norms and self-imposed limitations. He delves deep into the idea of self-awareness, how vital it is in recognizing where you are at present, and how to use this understanding as a launching pad for future growth. Amit's words resonate deeply with those struggling with conformity and the fear of embracing their true selves. Listeners can expect to learn about the importance of self-expression and how finding one’s true voice can lead to unprecedented levels of creativity and fulfillment. Amit discusses vision boards, emotional healing, and radical forgiveness as essential tools for personal and professional transformation. The episode also touches on Amit's experiences living around the world and how these diverse cultural insights have shaped his coaching philosophy. Whether you're an entrepreneur, a leader, or someone on a journey of self-discovery, Amit’s strategies for freeing oneself from the 'corporate cage' will be particularly impactful. Tune in to hear compelling anecdotes, actionable advice, and visionary strategies that will empower you to honor your true self, heed your heart’s calling, and take bold steps towards your dreams. This episode is a must-listen for anyone ready to break barriers and achieve extraordinary success. Special Guest: Amid Sood.
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    28 min