Episodi

  • #163: Leading Forward: What’s Next for Finding the Upside

    #163: Leading Forward: What’s Next for Finding the Upside
    Jan 6 2026

    As we step into 2026, leadership is being tested in new and uncomfortable ways. Systems are shifting. Expectations are changing. And the old rules for success no longer apply.

    In this episode, I’m sharing what’s ahead for Finding the Upside — and why the conversations we’re having now matter more than ever.

    Looking back at the themes that shaped 2025, one truth stands out: belonging is no longer optional. Culture is no longer secondary. And leadership is no longer defined by title, certainty, or control.

    This year on the podcast, we’re going deeper into Rebel Leadership — challenging outdated systems, naming what no longer works, and elevating leaders who are building cultures of trust, inclusion, and high performance in real time. We’ll explore belonging as strategy, not sentiment. We’ll talk honestly about power, identity, burnout, AI readiness, and the human cost of ignoring culture. And we’ll center the voices of women and diverse leaders who are shaping what leadership looks like next.

    This episode is an invitation. To lead with courage. To question inherited norms. To create spaces where people can show up fully — and perform at their best because of it.

    If you’re ready to lead differently — and more intentionally — Hit play and start right now.


    Here’s a quick look at what you can expect from today’s episode…

    • [0:26] What we covered in 2025

    • [2:27] Why Belonging is a Leadership Imperative

    • [3:33] Why I implemented a GIVEBACK Model

    • [5:40] The MDR Giveback Model Is About Leadership

    • [6:56] What we’ll be talking about in 2026……

      [9:13] Finding your OWN Upside

      [10:28] Your Call to Action for 2026

    • Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | Instagram

      Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | Facebook⁠

      Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | LinkedIn

      Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | Website

      Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | Youtube

      Want to scale your business to the next level? GET SCORED NOW My Scale Factor Formula™ Scorecard takes just 5 minutes and will give you a custom scorecard for your business. Get your Business Scale Ready Score HERE.

    • Unlock your leadership potential with the Rebel Leader Assessment! Take my Leadership Skills evaluator quiz HERE!

      Thanks for tuning into Finding The Upside! If you enjoy listening or watching the podcast, we would greatly appreciate it if you could take a moment to leave us a rating and review HERE. Your feedback is important to us and will help us improve our content and reach more listeners like you. Post a screenshot of you listening on Instagram & tag us @themariadr so we can thank you personally!

      Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Finding The Upside podcast! Don’t miss out on future interviews with special guests plus bonus episodes! Follow now!

      Never miss a show…get the goods delivered directly to your inbox! CLICK HERE and find “Email Me New Episodes” at the Bottom of the page.


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    13 min
  • #162: Giving Back Is Good Business: The Story Behind MDR Brand’s 1% Commitment

    #162: Giving Back Is Good Business: The Story Behind MDR Brand’s 1% Commitment
    Dec 16 2025

    This year, I have been thinking…If I’m helping leaders build cultures where people can thrive… how can I also help my community thrive? In this episode, I’m sharing the story behind a major shift for MDR Brands, the launch of incorporating a Give Back Business Model. At the Revive & Thrive 2026 event, I announced the MDR Give Back Program, our new commitment to donate a percentage of our sales revenue every year to Feeding America and No Kid Hungry. I talk about why we made this decision, how we launched it, and yes, I break down what those donations actually translate to in real-world impact, from meals served to children supported.

    Our motto at MDR Brands has always been, “Your team is hungry — we feed starving teams.” Now we’ve expanded that to, “…and we also feed people.” If you’re curious about the heart behind this program, the impact it’s already creating, and how you can be part of it, this episode will give you the inside story. Feed teams. Feed people. Fuel a better future. Tune in now!


    Here’s a quick look at what you can expect from today’s episode…

    • [0:33] The Launch of the MDR Giveback Program

    • [1:48] We Feed Starving Teams… And We Also Feed People

    • [4:14] Our Commitment To Donating

    • [7:07] What’s Next for the MDR Giveback Program?

    • [8:35] Our Mission Is Simple.

    Episode Show Notes

    Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | Instagram

    Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | Facebook⁠

    Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | LinkedIn

    Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | Website

    Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | Youtube

    Want to scale your business to the next level? GET SCORED NOW My Scale Factor Formula™ Scorecard takes just 5 minutes and will give you a custom scorecard for your business. Get your Business Scale Ready Score HERE.

    Unlock your leadership potential with the Rebel Leader Assessment! Take my Leadership Skills evaluator quiz HERE!

    Thanks for tuning into Finding The Upside! If you enjoy listening or watching the podcast, we would greatly appreciate it if you could take a moment to leave us a rating and review HERE. Your feedback is important to us and will help us improve our content and reach more listeners like you. Post a screenshot of you listening on Instagram & tag us @themariadr so we can thank you personally!

    Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Finding The Upside podcast! Don’t miss out on future interviews with special guests plus bonus episodes! Follow now!

    Never miss a show…get the goods delivered directly to your inbox! CLICK HERE and find “Email Me New Episodes” at the Bottom of the page.

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    9 min
  • #161: You’re Not ‘AI-Ready’… and That’s Exactly the Point

    #161: You’re Not ‘AI-Ready’… and That’s Exactly the Point
    Dec 9 2025
    AI might be the biggest buzzword in business right now, but most leaders are still asking the same quiet question: Are we actually ready for this? In this episode of Finding the Upside, I break down why readiness, not technology, is the real factor determining whether AI will create value in your organization. Using current research from McKinsey, MIT, and BCG, I unpack why so many CEOs feel unprepared, yet continue launching pilots that don’t move the needle, and why treating AI as a partner, not a tool, is the mindset shift that changes everything.We also dig into a critical cultural truth: your people’s fear of job loss. Ignoring that fear creates resistance, anxiety, and stalled adoption. Addressing it creates trust, clarity, and the foundation for real transformation.If you’re a leader trying to figure out how to move from “not ready” to confidently integrating AI into the way your company works, this episode gives you the perspective and starting point you need.Here’s a quick look at what you can expect from today’s episode…[1:07] Will AI Actually Have a Positive Impact On A Company? [5:34] Common Patterns in Failing Pilots [6:14] You Can’t Buy Readiness! [8:23] Leaders Need To Acknowledge This Fear With AI [9:01] When You Treat AI As A Partner, You Are NOT Doing THIS[12:41] Give Your People Purpose and A Path In This Next EraEpisode Show Notes McKinsey & Company, The State of AI 2024 — 65% of organizations regularly using generative AI. McKinsey & Company+2McKinsey & Company+McKinsey & Company, The State of AI 2025 survey — 88% of organizations using AI in at least one business function. McKinsey & Company+1Boston Consulting Group, “AI Adoption in 2024: 74% of Companies Struggle to Achieve and Scale Value.” BCG GlobalMIT report, The GenAI Divide: State of AI in Business 2025 — 95% of generative AI enterprise pilots show no measurable P&L impact. Fortune+2Campus Technology+2McKinsey’s research on workflow redesign and governance correlating with AI value realization. McKinsey & Company+1 Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | Instagram Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | Facebook⁠ Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | LinkedIn Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | WebsiteMaria DeLorenzis Reyes | YoutubeWant to scale your business to the next level? GET SCORED NOW My Scale Factor Formula™ Scorecard takes just 5 minutes and will give you a custom scorecard for your business. Get your Business Scale Ready Score HERE. Unlock your leadership potential with the Rebel Leader Assessment! Take my Leadership Skills evaluator quiz HERE! Thanks for tuning into Finding The Upside! If you enjoy listening or watching the podcast, we would greatly appreciate it if you could take a moment to leave us a rating and review HERE. Your feedback is important to us and will help us improve our content and reach more listeners like you. Post a screenshot of you listening on Instagram & tag us @themariadr so we can thank you personally!Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Finding The Upside podcast! Don’t miss out on future interviews with special guests plus bonus episodes! Follow now! Never miss a show…get the goods delivered directly to your inbox! CLICK HERE and find “Email Me New Episodes” at the Bottom of the page.
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    15 min
  • #160: Expand or Be Expendable: Les Brown on AI, Reinvention and Leading Others

    #160: Expand or Be Expendable: Les Brown on AI, Reinvention and Leading Others
    Dec 2 2025
    In today’s episode of Finding the Upside, I sit down with the icon, the legend, Les Brown for a conversation that unfolds with honesty, warmth, and a depth that only he can bring. We talk about how quickly the world is shifting, especially with technology and AI, and how important it is to stay curious, adaptable, and willing to grow. What struck me most was how aligned we were in seeing change not as something to fear, but as something that invites us to become more capable, more creative, and more intentional in our lives.Les shares stories from his early career and personal life that reveal how often our path is shaped by unexpected turns. His experiences reminded me that even the moments that feel disruptive or difficult can open the door to a direction we never imagined but were meant to walk.We also explore leadership in today’s world, how essential it is to truly understand people, to listen past the noise, and to create environments where individuals feel seen and supported. Throughout our conversation, I found myself reflecting on my own leadership journey and the realization that impact isn’t reserved for big moments; it happens in the everyday choices we make, in how we show up, and in how we treat the people around us.This exchange with Les is filled with insights about navigating life during times of uncertainty, staying grounded in who we are, and finding a meaningful way forward. It’s a conversation that left me both reflective and energized, and I’m excited to share it with you. It all starts right now!Here’s a quick look at what you can expect from today’s episode…[1:49] We Are Going Through Creative Destruction[6:20] What Kind Of Impact Do You Want To Have? [14:30] When There’s Hope In The Future, It Give You Power In The Present[15:14] The Biggest Challenge Leaders Face[16:49] Why It’s Important To Face Things With Optimism and Faith[19:11] Even A Broken Clock Is Right Twice A DayEpisode Show Notes Les Brown | InstagramLes Brown | FacebookLes Brown | YoutubeLes Brown | LinkedInLes Brown | Website Books by Les Brown:You've Got to be Hungry: The Greatness Within to WinLive Your Dreams: Say Yes to LifeThe Power of Purpose: How to Create the Life You Always WantedLaws Of Success: 12 Laws That Turn Dreams Into RealityIt's Not Over Until You Win: How to Become the Person You Always Wanted to Be No Matter What the ObstacleMaria DeLorenzis Reyes | Instagram Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | Facebook⁠ Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | LinkedIn Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | WebsiteMaria DeLorenzis Reyes | YoutubeWant to scale your business to the next level? GET SCORED NOW My Scale Factor Formula™ Scorecard takes just 5 minutes and will give you a custom scorecard for your business. Get your Business Scale Ready Score HERE. Unlock your leadership potential with the Rebel Leader Assessment! Take my Leadership Skills evaluator quiz HERE! Thanks for tuning into Finding The Upside! If you enjoy listening or watching the podcast, we would greatly appreciate it if you could take a moment to leave us a rating and review HERE. Your feedback is important to us and will help us improve our content and reach more listeners like you. Post a screenshot of you listening on Instagram & tag us @themariadr so we can thank you personally!Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Finding The Upside podcast! Don’t miss out on future interviews with special guests plus bonus episodes! Follow now! Never miss a show…get the goods delivered directly to your inbox! CLICK HERE and find “Email Me New Episodes” at the Bottom of the page.
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    32 min
  • #159: Drop the Puck: We Are A New Jersey Devils Affiliate Partner!

    #159: Drop the Puck: We Are A New Jersey Devils Affiliate Partner!
    Nov 25 2025

    This year Training Innovations, powered by MDR Brands began a 3-year sponsorship as an Affiliate Partner with our home state’s professional hockey team. Today, I’m taking you behind the scenes of our partnership with New Jersey Devils Affiliate Partner Program and Eleven Sports Media. We presented the game and brought the Jr. Captain onto the ice for the November 6th match up with the Montreal Canadiens, and I am showing you all the action from the night in this shorty episode.

    Seeing Training Innovations’ name and logo light up the arena at the Prudential Center during the New Jersey Devils was amazing! This wasn’t just about seeing our logo on the big screen in the arena. It was about alignment, between business and sports, leadership and teamwork, grit and growth. I share what being an Affiliate Partner of the New Jersey Devils represents, why it’s such a powerful reflection of the values I teach, and what I share what this milestone has taught me about staying grounded in success.

    You’ll also hear how this experience brought together my business and my family and how it made me realize growth doesn’t always make noise. Sometimes it's a single quiet moment that represents just how far you’ve come.

    Tune into this episode to hear the story behind the partnership and get some leadership lessons from the ice… It’s all in this episode!

    Here’s a quick look at what you can expect from today’s episode…

    • [0:33] The NJ Devils vs. Montreal Canadiens

    • [0:58] Seeing Training Innovations on the Big Screen

    • [1:29] Here’s What This Affiliate Partnership Means

    • [2:36] Drawing Parallels Between Sports and Business

    • [3:01] The Personal Side of This Milestone

    • [4:01] What’s Next for The Affiliate Partnership

    Episode Show Notes

    Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | Instagram

    Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | Facebook⁠

    Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | LinkedIn

    Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | Website

    Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | Youtube

    Want to scale your business to the next level? GET SCORED NOW My Scale Factor Formula™ Scorecard takes just 5 minutes and will give you a custom scorecard for your business. Get your Business Scale Ready Score HERE.

    Unlock your leadership potential with the Rebel Leader Assessment! Take my Leadership Skills evaluator quiz HERE!

    Thanks for tuning into Finding The Upside! If you enjoy listening or watching the podcast, we would greatly appreciate it if you could take a moment to leave us a rating and review HERE. Your feedback is important to us and will help us improve our content and reach more listeners like you. Post a screenshot of you listening on Instagram & tag us @themariadr so we can thank you personally!

    Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Finding The Upside podcast! Don’t miss out on future interviews with special guests plus bonus episodes! Follow now!

    Never miss a show…get the goods delivered directly to your inbox! CLICK HERE and find “Email Me New Episodes” at the Bottom of the page.

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    6 min
  • #158: No Kings - The Power of Showing Up for Democracy

    #158: No Kings - The Power of Showing Up for Democracy
    Nov 18 2025

    Across the U.S., the No Kings movement has sparked one of the largest grassroots protests in our history, reminding us that democracy belongs to the people, not to any one leader. In this episode, I’m speaking straight from the heart about something that matters deeply to me- activism in action and the power of showing up.

    I share why I refuse to stay silent as our values of freedom, fairness, and inclusion are challenged and why showing up, speaking up, and staying informed are more critical than ever. This isn’t about politics; it’s about protecting what America was meant to stand for.

    I’ll also walk you through practical ways to get involved. from engaging in local action to having the uncomfortable but necessary conversations that move us forward. Because democracy doesn’t disappear overnight… it erodes when good people stop paying attention.

    So, I invite you to listen in, reflect deeply, and ask yourself: What role will you play in shaping our future? Tune in now!


    Here’s a quick look at what you can expect from today’s episode…

    • [0:15] The Power of Showing Up

    • [6:03] Protesting Is Not Anti-American

    • [8:29] Democracy Doesn’t Disappear All At Once

    • [9:08] What You Can Do Now!

    • [12:14] The Future of Freedom and Opportunity Is Not Guarantee

    Episode Show Notes

    Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | Instagram

    Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | Facebook⁠

    Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | LinkedIn

    Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | Website

    Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | Youtube

    If you’re ready to dive deeper and level up your learning beyond the Finding the Upside episodes, sign up for the Business Leaders Hub! Get access to exclusive content, resources and tools, and a community built to help you accelerate to the next level. It’s all waiting for you HERE.

    Want to scale your business to the next level? GET SCORED NOW My Scale Factor Formula™ Scorecard takes just 5 minutes and will give you a custom scorecard for your business. Get your Business Scale Ready Score HERE.

    What kind of leader are you? Unlock your leadership potential with The Rebel Leader Assessment! Take the Leadership Skills Quiz HERE!

    Thanks for tuning into Finding The Upside! If you enjoy listening to our podcast, we would greatly appreciate it if you could take a moment to leave us a rating and review HERE. Your feedback is important to us and will help us improve our content and reach more listeners like you. Post a screenshot of you listening on Instagram & tag us @themariadr so we can thank you personally!

    Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Finding The Upside podcast! Don’t miss out on future interviews with special guests plus bonus episodes! Follow now!

    Never miss a show…get the goods delivered directly to your inbox! CLICK HERE and find “Email Me New Episodes” at the Bottom of the page.

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    15 min
  • #157: Freedom Under Fire: What’s Happening with the U.S. Immigration Crisis

    #157: Freedom Under Fire: What’s Happening with the U.S. Immigration Crisis
    Nov 11 2025
    In this episode of Finding the Upside, I take a hard look at what happens when the promises of freedom and belonging aren’t applied equally. Right now, in the United States, we’re seeing an immigration crackdown that is being carried out in ways that are inhumane, unjust, and not rooted in law, but in manufactured justifications for stripping people of their status.We’re at a moment where people who followed the rules, worked hard, and contributed to our communities are suddenly being told they don’t belong. These aren’t criminals. These are workers, students, spouses, and neighbors. This isn’t just about immigration—it’s about what kind of country we are becoming, and what it means for every one of us.What’s even more alarming is how many Americans are looking away or staying silent, not recognizing the danger this poses to our norms, our values, and our history as a nation of immigrants.I share my reflections on why we can’t look away, why silence is complicity, and how each of us has a role to play in standing up when systems fail people. If you’ve ever wondered what freedom really means—and who gets to claim it—this conversation will challenge you to think differently.This episode is both deeply personal and profoundly urgent, because if rights can be taken from them, they can be taken from any of us. My call to action is simple: don’t look away. Speak up. Ask the hard questions. If freedom only applies to a few, it isn’t freedom at all. Tune in now. Here’s a quick look at what you can expect from today’s episode…[0:39] What Is Going On In Our Country That I Can’t Unsee[4:20] I am Using This Word On PURPOSE[5:12] Why Do You Think They’re Masked? [8:00] Here’s The Dangerous Part[10:09] It’s Time To Speak Up In Your ConversationsEpisode Show Notes Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | Instagram Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | Facebook⁠ Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | LinkedIn Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | WebsiteMaria DeLorenzis Reyes | YoutubeIf you’re ready to dive deeper and level up your learning beyond the Finding the Upside episodes, sign up for the ⁠⁠Business Leaders Hub!⁠⁠ Get access to exclusive content, resources and tools, and a community built to help you accelerate to the next level. It’s all waiting for you ⁠⁠HERE⁠⁠.Want to scale your business to the next level? GET SCORED NOW My Scale Factor Formula™ Scorecard takes just 5 minutes and will give you a custom scorecard for your business. Get your Business Scale Ready Score HERE. What kind of leader are you? Unlock your leadership potential with The Rebel Leader Assessment! Take the Leadership Skills Quiz HERE! Thanks for tuning into Finding The Upside! If you enjoy listening to our podcast, we would greatly appreciate it if you could take a moment to leave us a rating and review HERE. Your feedback is important to us and will help us improve our content and reach more listeners like you. Post a screenshot of you listening on Instagram & tag us @themariadr so we can thank you personally!Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Finding The Upside podcast! Don’t miss out on future interviews with special guests plus bonus episodes! Follow now! Never miss a show…get the goods delivered directly to your inbox! CLICK HERE and find “Email Me New Episodes” at the Bottom of the page.
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    14 min
  • #156: Reframing Feedback to Build Confidence

    #156: Reframing Feedback to Build Confidence
    Nov 4 2025
    We’ve all felt that sting, the gut-punch moment when feedback doesn’t land like a compliment. But what if feedback, even the toughest kind, could actually strengthen your confidence instead of shaking it?In this episode of Finding the Upside, I share how to reframe criticism so it becomes a powerful tool for growth. Drawing from my 30+ years of coaching leaders, I am breaking down practical mindset shifts and tactical tools, including the SBI method and Radical Candor framework,that will help you give and receive feedback with clarity and courage.You will learn how to pause and get curious before reacting, separate your work from your worth, identify patterns in feedback instead of fixating on one-offs, and extract the signal and discard the noiseWhether you’re a leader, entrepreneur, professional, or friend, navigating challenging conversations, this episode will help you transform feedback from something you fear into fuel for becoming the leader you’re meant to be. Tune in now. Here’s a quick look at what you can expect from today’s episode…[0:28] Criticism Doesn’t Have to Crush Your Confidence[2:34] Feedback Is Rarely About Your Worth[3:44] Separate Work from Your Worth [6:53] THIS Is How We Build Trust[9:03] Let’s Be Real… Episode Show Notes Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | Instagram Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | Facebook⁠ Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | LinkedIn Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | WebsiteMaria DeLorenzis Reyes | YoutubeIf you’re ready to dive deeper and level up your learning beyond the Finding the Upside episodes, sign up for the Business Leaders Hub! Get access to exclusive content, resources and tools, and a community built to help you accelerate to the next level. It’s all waiting for you HERE.Want to scale your business to the next level? GET SCORED NOW My Scale Factor Formula™ Scorecard takes just 5 minutes and will give you a custom scorecard for your business. Get your Business Scale Ready Score HERE. What kind of leader are you? Unlock your leadership potential with The Rebel Leader Assessment! Take the Leadership Skills Quiz HERE! Thanks for tuning into Finding The Upside! If you enjoy listening to our podcast, we would greatly appreciate it if you could take a moment to leave us a rating and review HERE. Your feedback is important to us and will help us improve our content and reach more listeners like you. Post a screenshot of you listening on Instagram & tag us @themariadr so we can thank you personally!Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Finding The Upside podcast! Don’t miss out on future interviews with special guests plus bonus episodes! Follow now! Never miss a show…get the goods delivered directly to your inbox! CLICK HERE and find “Email Me New Episodes” at the Bottom of the page.
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    12 min