Give First and Win Bigger: How Great Partnerships Start with Generosity, Not Negotiation

Guest: Stan Valo, Founder of eDots

Host: Julie Riga

Overview

What if the key to business growth wasn't in closing deals, but in giving first? In this episode of Stay On Course, Julie Riga sits down with Stan Valo, founder of eDots and a 21-year e-commerce veteran, to explore a transformational mindset shift. Stan unpacks his three-ingredient recipe for partnership success that helped him build a purpose-driven business where the yeses come easily, clients become...

Creating a Fully Integrated Life: Mindfulness, Self-Care, and Entrepreneurship with Michele Bonds

Summary: In this episode of Stay on Course, Julie Riga welcomes Michele Bonds, a creative entrepreneur, artist, and coach. Michele shares her journey of leaving the corporate world to pursue her passion for art and entrepreneurship. They discuss the importance of mindfulness, self-care, and listening to oneself in creating a fully integrated life. Michele shares her three key ingredients for a fully integrated life: filling up your cup, receiving graciously, and listening intentionally.

Key Takeaways:

Rebellious Success: Failure, Bigger Games, and Playing Full Out

Guest: Toni Will | Host: Julie Riga | Stay On Course Podcast

What if failure was your greatest leadership asset? In this bold and energizing episode, Julie Riga sits down with Toni Will, a two-time Guinness World Record holder, General Manager of the Kalamazoo Wings, TEDx speaker, entrepreneur, and author of the upcoming book Rebellious Success. Toni brings contagious energy and hard-won wisdom to a conversation about competence, confidence, and what it truly means to step into your bigger game. She shares her framework for...

Your Brand Is Your Business Outfit: The Unspoken Rules of Brand Identity That Drive Real Growth

Guest: Lexy Rubin, Owner and Creative Director of Rubin Design Company Host: Julie Riga

Overview

In this episode of the Stay On Course Podcast, Julie Riga sits down with Lexy Rubin, Owner and Creative Director of Rubin Design Company, an award-winning branding agency in South Florida. Lexy is a purpose-driven brand strategist whose career spans NASA internships, New York City corporate branding, and 11 years building her own legacy as a founder.

Together...

When Uncommon Becomes Destiny: Faith, Discipline, and Divine Alignment Transform Your Calling into Purpose

Guest: Minister Bernard Marrow Host: Julie Riga

What happens when you stop trying to fit in and start owning the uncommon path God placed in you? In this episode of Stay On Course, host Julie Riga sits down with Minister Bernard Marrow, founder of By Faith We Good Ministry Inc., musician, author, and motivational speaker. Together they explore how divine alignment, unshakeable faith, and purposeful community can transform isolation into destiny. If you have ever felt too different...

Embracing Imposter Syndrome: The Secret Ingredient to Success

About This Episode

In this episode, Julie sits down with Jennifer Fidder, a social psychologist and hypnotist with nearly two decades of coaching experience in health and wellness. Jennifer teaches others how to use the power of their subconscious mind to experience more happiness, health, and success.

Together, they blow open the doors on imposter syndrome, revealing why it's actually a sign you're on the right track and sharing the essential ingredients for transforming this "syndrome" into your secret weapon for success.

Guest...

From Trauma to Triumph: The Three Ingredients for Post-Traumatic Growth

Guest: David Dachinger, Retired Fire Lieutenant, EMT, Peer Coach and Grammy-Nominated Producer Host: Julie Riga

What if your greatest trauma became your most powerful mission? In this transformational episode, Julie Riga sits down with David Dachinger, a stage four cancer survivor, retired fire lieutenant, Grammy-nominated producer, and resilience advocate, to unpack the three essential ingredients for post-traumatic growth: identity release, meaning making, and mission activation. This is a conversation about courage, clarity, and the power of choosing life.

Selling from the Soul: Confidence, Grit and Purpose-Driven Success

Host: Julie Riga | Guest: Monique Iacobacci

What does it truly take to show up every day with confidence, resilience, and authentic purpose, even when doors are being slammed in your face? In this heartfelt episode, Julie Riga sits down with her longtime friend and powerhouse sales leader Monique Iacobacci to explore the mindset and soul-driven conviction behind over a decade of transformational selling. From polar-vortex cold calls on the New York City subway to becoming Business Development Manager of the Year, Monique shares...

Summary:

In this episode of the Stay on Course Podcast, Julie Rega sits down with Kelly Riley, an entrepreneur and coach with over 20 years in the salon industry. Kelly shares how she transitioned from salon ownership to coaching, offering actionable advice for entrepreneurs looking to pivot confidently, embrace growth, and reach their full potential.

Main Article:

Welcome to another inspiring episode of the Stay on Course Podcast! In today’s episode, Julie Rega is joined by Kelly Riley, a seasoned barber, stylist, and former salon owner turned success coach. With over two decades of...

Dive into a captivating episode where Cordell unravels the secrets to a fulfilling journey of personal growth, striking the perfect balance between self-competition and collaboration. Explore the transformative power of challenging yourself, breaking limits, and achieving goals with Cordell's profound insights.

Uncover the potential of collaboration as Cordell emphasizes the impact of aligning with like-minded individuals. Learn how surrounding yourself with visionaries can bring diverse skills and fresh perspectives, propelling you toward greatness. Tune in now for an inspiring conversation that will reshape your approach to success and leave you pondering the balance between personal ambition and...

From Corporate Boardrooms to Small Business Breakthroughs: Ingredients for Success with James Orsini

Stay On Course Podcast | Host: Julie Riga | Guest: James Orsini

What does it really take to build a thriving small business and how do the lessons of the Fortune 500 world translate to the entrepreneurial journey? In this candid and inspiring conversation, Julie Riga sits down with seasoned executive James Orsini to unpack the mindset shifts, operational disciplines, and leadership principles that separate businesses that scale from those that stall. Whether you are a founder, a corporate executive ready to...

When Success Feels Heavy: The Architecture of Trust That Holds

Guest: Debbie Simmons, Legacy Architect, Keynote Speaker and Bestselling Author Host: Julie Riga

What is your life really built on, and will it hold when pressure hits? In this powerful episode, Julie sits down with Debbie Simmons, founder of the multimillion-dollar nonprofit Anchor Point and creator of the Architecture of Trust. Debbie shares how she turned a breaking point into a blueprint, why hustle and control eventually crack, and how high-capacity leaders can rebuild on a foundation that truly holds.

<...

Unlocking AI Potential: Ingredients for Success with Sasan Ghorbani

In this special episode of The Stay on Course podcast, host Julie Riga welcomes Sasan Ghorbani, Founder of Alpicus, an AI platform designed to simplify AI for businesses. Hassan shares his insights on the key ingredients for success in using AI, highlighting the importance of mindset, the art of the possible, and automation in achieving success.

Key Ingredients for Success

From Content Overload to Curated Influence: The Future of Connection

Overview

In this transformative episode, Julie Riga sits down with Kyle Hudson, founder and CEO of Stacklist, to explore how curation, not content creation, is becoming the future of trust and influence in an AI-driven world. Kyle shares his journey from building digital solutions for Google, Disney, and Coca-Cola to creating a platform that helps service professionals own their client relationships. Together, they dive into the ingredients for success in today's rapidly evolving landscape, discussing tech stack management, experimental mindsets, and becoming...

Living with Purpose Today So You're Remembered Tomorrow: The

Sacred Art of Legacy Building

Overview

In a world that often feels overwhelming and chaotic, Rabbi Daniel Cohen reminds us that our greatest power lies not in changing the entire world, but in transforming one moment, one encounter, one life at a time. This deeply inspiring conversation explores the sacred ingredients for living with intentional purpose and creating a legacy that matters - starting today, not someday. Through powerful stories of doormen who pray, strangers who say "get up," and the...

Secrets to Transform Your Business and Lead with Purpose with Versaviya Despars

In this Stay on Course podcast episode, host Julie Riga dives deep into the evolution of brand storytelling with branding expert Versaviya Despars. They explore how to help your business resolve conflict between your brand’s persona and your audience's needs by using the foundation of storytelling. Versaviya shares unbelievable tips to make your story guide your audience to their desired resolution and success.

Learn how to identify the purpose behind your customer’s challenge, teach them how to resolve thei...

Stop Chasing Maybes: The Perfect Fit Client Method for B2B Sales Success

Overview

In this transformative episode, Julie Riga sits down with Nicoleta Hajek, founder of Pro Sales and the voice behind Empower Sales by Nico, for her very first podcast appearance. Nicoleta reveals her powerful Perfect Fit Client Method - a simple yet revolutionary approach that helps SME founders and technical teams build repeatable B2B sales systems. Together, they explore the three-part framework (FIT, IMPACT, URGENCY) that helps entrepreneurs stop wasting time on "maybes" and start selling with confidence...

Aligning Your Marketing for Long-Term Growth: The 3 Essential Ingredients Every Business Owner Needs

In this transformative episode, Julie Riga sits down with Jeremiah Aut, founder and CEO of Involved Digital Marketing, to explore the strategic foundations that drive sustainable business growth. Jeremiah shares his journey from fragmented experimentation to focused execution, revealing the three essential ingredients that align marketing strategy with long-term success. Whether you're a small business owner struggling to find clarity or an entrepreneur looking to scale with purpose, this conversation delivers actionable insights on building a marketing foundation that generates real...

Ridiculously Easy Customer Experience Secrets with David Avrin

A Must-Listen for CEOs, Entrepreneurs, and Leadership Professionals

If you're a CEO, founder, executive leader, or HR professional looking to enhance leadership capabilities, build executive presence, and deliver customer experience that drives retention and revenue, this episode is for you.

In this powerful episode of Stay on Course, Julie Riga sits down with David Avrin, one of the world’s most in-demand customer experience and business speakers, to discuss how to future-proof your leadership, transform your business strategy, and boost performance through ridiculously easy client in...

The Art of Presence: Ingredients for Success in Leadership and Life

Guest: Gabriella Salvatore, Global Organizational Effectiveness & Leadership Strategy Advisor

Host: Julie Riga

Overview

In this transformational episode, Julie welcomes Gabriella Salvatore to explore authentic leadership presence. Gabriella shares powerful insights on being truly present in our hyper-connected world. This conversation reveals the deeper practice of presence - how to listen, connect, and lead with clarity even when life pulls us in countless directions. Whether you're a busy professional or entrepreneur struggling with constant distractions, this episode offers...

The Art of PR: How Small Businesses Can Earn Media Coverage with Ed Katz

Episode Summary

In this invaluable episode of Stay On Course, host Julie Riga sits down with Ed Katz, an award-winning PR expert and founder of Katnip Marketing, to reveal how small businesses can effectively cut through media clutter and gain valuable publicity. This conversation delivers powerful media strategies and PR insights for entrepreneurs, authors, and service providers looking to amplify their brand without a massive budget.

Ed shares his journey from media professional to PR specialist, revealing essential publicity t...

From PodFest to Purpose: Building Your Podcast Legacy Through Growth and Connection

Guest: Junaid Ahmed, Home Studio Architect and Host of Hacks and Hobbies: Passion to Profit Stories

Host: Julie Riga

Overview

In this inspiring episode recorded live at PodFest 2026, host Julie Riga connects with Junaid Ahmed for their second annual PodFest conversation. Junaid, known as the Home Studio Architect and host of Hacks and Hobbies: Passion to Profit Stories, shares powerful insights on podcast growth, audience building, and the evolution required to create a sustainable and purpose-driven...

Guard the Work: The Unspoken Rules of Legacy Leadership

Guest: Dr. (h.c.) Lisa Ray, Founder of Golden Ray Publishing

Host: Julie Riga

Overview

In this powerful episode, host Julie Riga sits down with Dr. (h.c.) Lisa Ray, a veteran ghostwriter, publisher, and media strategist who transforms lived experience into legacy. Lisa shares her expertise in authentic leadership, personal brand protection, and the responsibility of stepping into the spotlight with integrity. From her work with Navy SEALs to her role as media director for TEDx Maisner Park, Lisa reveals...

Leading Change When The Old You No Longer Works: Navigating High-Stakes Transformation with Heart-Centered Leadership

Guest: Lin Coughlin, Executive Coach & Strategic Advisor

Host: Julie Riga

Overview

In this powerful episode, Julie sits down with Lin Coughlin, an executive coach who spent 20 years in C-suite roles leading transformative change. Lin shares her wisdom on navigating high-stakes inflection points, building constituencies for change, and why leading bold transformation requires both thick skin and deep curiosity. This conversation is a masterclass for anyone stepping into uncertainty, transitioning from corporate to entrepreneurship...

Brain-Based Leadership: How Awareness, Curiosity, and Presence Transform the Way You Lead

Guest: Tracy Benson, Top 1% LinkedIn Coach & Brain-Based Leadership Expert

Host: Julie Riga

Overview

Join Julie Riga as she sits down with Tracy Benson, a top 1% LinkedIn coach and brain-based leadership expert who has spent over three decades helping senior leaders create clarity, alignment, and real performance. Tracy blends neuroscience, leadership psychology, and practical business strategy to give leaders tools they can use immediately to transform teams, organizations, and results. Discover how awareness, curiosity...

The Truth About 2025: My Raw Review of Small Business Reality

Host: Julie Riga | Episode Type: Solo Episode

Overview

This isn't your typical year-in-review episode. Julie Riga gets brutally honest about what 2025 really looked like as a small business owner: the hustle that led nowhere, the rejection that stung, the corporate friends who disappeared, and the Friday nights spent wondering if she should just get a "real job" again. But here's the twist: she's not quitting. In this raw, unfiltered conversation, Julie shares the unspoken truth about entrepreneurship, the non-negotiable realities...

No Followers Needed: How to Build a Six-Figure UGC Business

Guest: Megan Collier, Content Creator & UGC Coach

Host: Julie Riga

About This Episode

Julie sits down with Megan Collier, who built a six-figure User Generated Content (UGC) business in just 14 months starting with only 200 followers. Megan now helps GenXers and Boomers launch successful UGC careers, and she's here to break down exactly how everyday people can get paid by brands without any influencer status.

What is UGC?

User Generated Content (UGC) is when creators get paid by...

Three Ingredients for Building Unbreakable Resilience: Lessons from a Firefighter's Journey

Guest: Gary Roberts - 20-Year Firefighter & Founder of Neurovus

Host: Julie Riga

Overview

Julie sits down with Gary Roberts, a 20-year Fort Lauderdale firefighter who transformed personal tragedy into mission. After losing his daughter to an opioid overdose on her 27th birthday, Gary created Neurovus, an AI-powered mental health platform combining biometrics, voice-driven AI, and evidence-based therapies to provide support before crisis hits.

Gary shares three essential ingredients for building unbreakable resilience: consistency, continuous learning...

This episode marks an exciting milestone for the podcast. After launching in 2022, the show has officially begun charting on Apple Podcasts, and the momentum is just getting started. The focus for this year is clear and ambitious becoming a Top Ten podcast in the Entrepreneurship category.

Listeners are invited into the Before I Lead community on Skool, a free space designed for small business owners who want greater visibility, stronger leadership skills, and real connection. The community offers weekly networking and conversations centered on growing and leading a business with intention.

The heart of the...

Beyond the Game: How One NBA Player Transformed Adversity Into Impact

Guest: Gary Forbes, Former NBA Player, Published Author & Founder of Soul Survivors

Host: Julie Riga

Overview

In this inspiring episode of the Stay On Course podcast, host Julie Riga sits down with former NBA player Gary Forbes to explore what happens when life takes you beyond the game you thought would define you. Gary shares his powerful journey from professional basketball to purpose-driven entrepreneurship, revealing the three essential ingredients that transformed his challenges with Type 1 diabetes into...

Embark on an unbelievable journey with Blaine Bartlett, a leadership expert and bestselling author, as he unveils the secrets to entrepreneurial success and the soul of business on the latest episode of the Stay on Course Podcast. Discover the transformative power of mindset, overcoming fear, and the terror barrier as essential steps in personal and professional growth. Dive deep into the realms of imagination and learn how it shapes reality, driving innovation in the business world. Blaine Bartlett, with his #1 international bestseller "Compassionate Capitalism," guides you on a thought-provoking exploration of leadership development, compassionate capitalism, and the journey of...

From Corporate Ladder to Freedom: The Franchise Path to Business Ownership

Guest: Doris Fink, President of Plan B 2000 Inc | Host: Julie Riga

Overview

Julie sits down with Doris Fink, who turned an unexpected $300,000 opportunity into two decades of helping professionals create their Plan B. Doris shares her journey from single mom working three jobs to successful business owner, revealing the truth nobody talks about—why the first two years are hardest and how franchise ownership provides the structure that makes all the difference. If you're stuck in corporate America or re...

The Elevator Pitch Recipe: Crafting Marketing Messaging That Stops the Scroll

Guest: Katie Lantukh, Founder of Murphy Marketing

Host: Julie Riga

Overview

In this transformative episode, Julie Riga sits down with Katie Lantukh, founder of Murphy Marketing, to decode the art of the perfect elevator pitch. Katie reveals her proven recipe for creating marketing messaging that captures attention and inspires action. Together, they explore the critical ingredients every business leader needs to craft an elevator pitch that opens doors, builds connections, and creates opportunities. This episode is essential...

The Bravery Effect: How to Lead Yourself Before You Lead Others

Episode Overview

What if the key to your greatest success isn't waiting until you feel confident but acting despite your fear? Marine Corps veteran Jill Schulman reveals why professionals are stuck in comfort that masquerades as happiness, and how developing bravery transforms your career and life. Drawing from 25 years of leadership development and positive psychology research, Jill shares three evidence-based ingredients to build your "bravery muscle."

The Bravery Effect: How to Lead Yourself Before You Lead...

2025 Highlights: The Doctor of Connections & Building Momentum for 2026

Guest: Theresa Benvenuto, Doctor of Connections

Host: Julie Riga

Episode Type: Special Holiday Edition - Year in Review

Overview

In this special holiday edition, Julie sits down with Theresa Benvenuto (affectionately known as "Benvenuts" and the "Doctor of Connections") to reflect on an extraordinary year of growth, transformation, and meaningful relationships. Together, they celebrate the wins, share lessons learned, and look ahead to the opportunities awaiting in 2026. This episode is a heartwarming reminder that success...

Building Trust & Psychological Safety: The Workplace Wellness Toolkit

Guest: Malka Shaw, LCSW - Psychotherapist & Trauma Specialist

Host: Julie Riga | Stay On Course Podcast

Overview

Trust is the defining leadership challenge of 2026. In this transformative episode, psychotherapist and trauma specialist Malka Shaw shares her innovative ARC Method for creating psychological safety in the workplace.

With over 25 years of experience and expertise in workplace dynamics, Malka reveals why cultural humility (not just competence) is essential for building resilient teams where people feel...

Managing Your Thoughts to Create the Life You Want

Guest: Amy Kemp, Founder & CEO of Amy Kemp Incorporated

Host: Julie Riga

Overview

In this transformative conversation, Julie sits down with Amy Kemp, author of "I See You," to explore how thought habits shape every aspect of leadership and success. Amy shares her powerful philosophy: you can't outwork your thought habits. Discover three essential ingredients for creating the life you want—the stories you tell yourself, setting goals with boundaries, and understanding money as a mirror of your worthiness.

Stay On Course Podcast - Episode Show Notes

Lead Louder: How Storytelling & Psychological Safety Transform Team Performance

Guest: Jesse Pudles, CEO & Founder of SpotCorp

Host: Julie Riga

Overview

In this powerful episode, Julie sits down with Jesse Pudles, the visionary CEO and founder of SpotCorp, where creativity meets compassion in workplace transformation. Jesse shares how his company uses theatrical innovation, bold facilitation, and the ancient art of storytelling to help teams build psychological safety—the secret ingredient behind high-performing teams. Discover why acknowledgment is your most po...

Stay On Course Podcast - Episode Show Notes

Working Less, Playing More: The Path to Living Life by Design

Guest: James R. Elliot, Business Coach for Natural Health Practitioners Host: Julie Riga

Episode Overview

Discover how to break free from the time-for-money trap and transform your business from burnout to breakthrough. In this inspiring conversation, Julie sits down with James R. Elliot, a business coach who helps natural health practitioners and coaches build thriving businesses while working less and living more. Together, they explore the...

Reimagining Wine: From Intuition to Innovation with Visionary Leadership

Guest: Amanda Thomson | Host: Julie Riga

Join Julie Riga as she sits down with Amanda Thomson, CEO and founder of B Corp Certified Noughty, to explore how intuition, vision, and curiosity can transform not just an industry—but your entire approach to entrepreneurial leadership.

A former BBC Arts broadcaster and Le Cordon Bleu Paris alum, Amanda shares the purpose-driven journey behind creating premium alcohol-free wines and revolutionizing drinking culture with sophisticated, mindful alternatives for modern celebrations.

Wh...