Discover Fresh Perspectives
A series of short conversations, sometimes with myself, usually with others, that provide an opportunity to see every day events through different perspectives. The intent is to open up new possibilities for personal and organizational growth!
From Entertainment to Empowerment: Michele Kawamoto Perry’s Fresh Perspective on Leadership
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Welcome to Discover Fresh Perspectives! In today’s episode, David Gouthro sits down with Michele Kawamoto Perry, leadership development consultant and host of the “Expressions of Leadership” podcast. From her multifaceted career in entertainment, wine and spirits, and tech startups, to her passion for nurturing authentic leaders, Michelle shares her unique journey and the insights that led her to develop her “yet to yes” approach—helping individuals and organizations move from uncertainty to empowered action.
Join us as we explore what it means to truly “see” people in the workplace, why leadership isn’t...
Breaking Out of Your Bubble: Wesley Warshawer on Growth Through Cultural Curiosity
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Step Outside Your Comfort Zone with Wesley Warshawer
Ready for real growth? Discover how venturing beyond your usual perspectives can lead to powerful personal epiphanies. In this conversation with Wesley Warshawer you'll hear engaging stories from his journeys across the globe—from Arizona to South Korea, Togo, Chile, and beyond—each one revealing the wisdom gained by connecting with different cultures and challenging one's own assumptions.
If you’re curious, open-minded, and believe in lifelong learning, this episode offers practical insights and inspiring moments that will encourage you to stretc...
Unlocking Business Growth: John Dwyer’s Direct Response Marketing and Freemium Model Secrets
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On today’s episode of Discover Fresh Perspectives, I sat down with Australian marketing expert John Dwyer, who shared how flipping the traditional branding approach—letting customers “taste” your product first—can drive massive results.
We explored creative freemium tactics, unforgettable incentives like free vacations, and how even the most ordinary business can stand out with the right wow factor. If you’re ready to break free from me-too marketing and start generating more leads with direct response strategies, this episode is packed with actionable, out-of-the-box ideas you don’t want to miss.
Unlocking Mindset: Dagmar Meachem on Getting Unstuck and Achieving Lasting Change
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Welcome to another episode of Discover Fresh Perspectives! Today, host David Gouthro sits down with business leadership and mindset coach Dagmar Meachem, whose expertise lies in helping people get unstuck and move toward meaningful change.
With a diverse clientele ranging from new founders and business leaders to elite mountain bikers, Dagmar shares her unique approach to coaching, the mindset shifts required for growth, and the power of reframing limiting beliefs. Tune in for an insightful conversation that explores what it means to recognize when you’re stuck, how to unlock your po...
Improv Mindset for Organizations: Transforming Change into Opportunity with Avish Parashar
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Curious about what improv comedy can teach you about creativity, change, and resilience? Join us as Avish Parashar dives into the power of the “Yes, And” mindset—revealing how being open, embracing failure, and taking small purposeful steps can transform not just individuals, but whole organizations.
If you’re ready to learn practical ways to unlock your potential, respond to change with confidence, and infuse your daily life with greater creativity, this episode is made for you. Tap in for a fresh perspective and actionable inspiration!
A Bit ABout Avish:<...
Putting Residents First: Mike McGraw’s Approach to City Hall and Local Governance
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Welcome to Discover Fresh Perspectives. In this episode, host David Gouthro sits down with Mike McGraw, a candidate for mayor in the City of North Vancouver. David recently read a statistic which indicated that on Vancouver's North Shore, over the last number of elections, incumbents won something like 93% of the time. This makes it very difficult for someone who is not an incumbent (and may be relatively unknown) to be given serious consideration as a candidate.
David (who lives in West Vancouver) decided to have a conversation with a mayoral candidate...
Embracing Play at Work: Insights from Playologist Kirsten Anderson
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Welcome to Discover Fresh Perspectives! In today’s episode, host David Gouthro sits down with Kirsten Anderson, a self-described "playologist," to explore the vital role of playfulness in our personal lives and workplaces.
From her journey managing her family’s toy store to becoming an advocate for play at work, Kirsten shares why embracing play isn’t just for kids anymore—and how it can foster creativity, trust, and psychological safety even in the most serious corporate environments.
Listen in as we unpack the science, stories, and practical tips to bring...
Striving for Balance: Jeremy Strozer on Letting Go and Contributing
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Welcome back to Discover Fresh Perspectives! In today’s episode, David Gouthro sits down with Jeremy Strozer, a passionate advocate for embracing uncertainty, balancing personal capabilities, and fostering community. From his early drive to make a meaningful difference in the world—even aspiring to end war as a teenager—to his current mission to help people “thrive in any future,” Jeremy Strozer shares insights drawn from his rich experiences in international relations, improv, and disaster planning.
Together, David and Jeremy explore the tension between what we want to achieve and what we’re actu...
Navigating the World of Cruise Ship Speaking with Lea Brovedani
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Welcome back to Discover Fresh Perspectives! In this episode, host David Gouthro is joined by his longtime friend and colleague, Lea Brovedani, to dive into the fascinating world of speaking on cruise ships.
With over 20 years of experience blending her passions for travel and public speaking, Lea shares the unique journey that led her from being a pioneer in the field of emotional intelligence to delivering engaging presentations around trust and resilience on the high seas.
Together, David and Lea unravel the myths, mechanics, and personal joys of this...
Playful Mindfulness: Ted DesMaisons on Blending Improv and Mindfulness for a Richer Life
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Welcome to Discover Fresh Perspectives! In this episode, host David Gouthro sits down with Ted DesMaisons, an expert in improv, mindfulness, and the art of bringing these two worlds together. Ted shares his journey from discovering improv at Stanford University to becoming an advocate for applied improvisation and mindfulness, both in personal growth and professional environments.
Through engaging stories—like playful improv games and heartfelt anecdotes about teaching and dog training—Ted reveals how core improv principles such as "yes, and" and "make your partner look good" create stronger connections, foster crea...
Beyond Rules: Colette Shaw on Helping Students Learn from Trouble
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Welcome back to Discover Fresh Perspectives! I’m David Gouthro, and in this episode, I’m joined by the awesome Colette Shaw, a former college dean with a passion for supporting students who find themselves in trouble. From minor rule-breaking to more serious misconduct, Colette shares her journey, philosophies, and hands-on experiences working with students facing disciplinary actions.
We dive into the world of restorative justice, explore the pressures young people face today, and discuss the importance of creating supportive, non-shaming environments for learning—and for making mistakes.
Whether you’re...
The Subtle Signs of Organizational Decline: Insights from Human Resources Expert Jim Moller
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Welcome to Discover Fresh Perspectives. In this episode, David Gouthro sits down with guest Jim Moller, a Certified Human Resource Professional (CHRP) with nearly two decades of experience in HR and labour relations. Together, they explore the subtle ways organizations—and individuals—quietly collapse long before they fail outright.
Jim shares insights from his books and research on workplace toxicity, the normalization of dysfunction, and the challenges leaders face in recognizing and addressing early warning signs. The conversation delves into the importance of curiosity and courage in leadership, the pitfalls of igno...
Empowerment and Independence: Louise Lydon on the Role of Occupational Therapy
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Welcome to another episode of Discover Fresh Perspectives. Today, David Gouthro sits down with Louise Lydon, a dedicated occupational therapist with over 25 years of experience in arthritis and ergonomics.
Their conversation explores the often misunderstood role of occupational therapy, the vital distinction from physiotherapy, and how OTs empower individuals to regain independence and self-management after illness, injury, or with chronic conditions.
From adaptive aids and prevention strategies to the challenges of accessing OT services and navigating health misinformation online, Louise Lydon shares valuable insights and practical advice for anyone...
Unlocking Self Leadership with Liz Doyle Harmer: Building Vision, Compassion, and Inner Strength
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Welcome back to Discover Fresh Perspectives. Today, host David Gouthro sits down with special guest Liz Doyle Harmer for a compelling conversation about the often-overlooked art of self leadership. Drawing on wisdom from classic resources like Stephen Covey and real-world experiences as a coach, facilitator, and parent of four, Liz Doyle Harmer explores what it means to lead oneself in today's distraction-filled culture.
Together, they discuss the key differences between self-leadership and traditional leadership, the impact of inner critics, and how self compassion and high personal standards can shape both our...
Rediscovering the Power of Music with Phil Solman: Passion, Technology, and Community
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Welcome to another episode of Discover Fresh Perspectives! This week, David Gouthro sits down with guest Phil Solman for a dynamic and heartfelt dive into the world of music, memory, creativity, and community. Phil shares stories from his early musical awakenings in Coventry, UK, his fascination with the influential yet often overlooked band Sparks, and how music shaped his personal and creative journey.
The conversation explores the deeper impacts of music—its political power, its influence on our senses, and its evolving role amid technological shifts like social media and AI. Th...
Beyond Outfits: Katherine Lazaruk on Image, Authenticity, and Personal Brand
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Welcome to another episode of Discover Fresh Perspectives! Today, David Gouthro is joined by image consultant Katherine Lazaruk for a deep dive into the world of personal style, image, and the powerful relationship we have with our closets. With over 17 years of experience, Katherine goes beyond fashion trends and surface-level advice, helping clients align their outward appearance with their true selves and personal aspirations.
In this conversation, Katherine explains her unique, transformative approach—rooted in character, congruence, and choice—and shares how image work can be a profound act of self-care and...
Exploring Loneliness and Connection with America’s Loneliness Coach, Carrie Sackett
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Welcome back to Discover Fresh Perspectives. In this episode, host David Gouthro sits down with Carrie Sackett, known as America's loneliness coach. Together, they delve into what loneliness really means, how it's different from simply being alone, and why our modern culture has cultivated such widespread feelings of disconnection.
Carrie shares her expertise in life and relationship coaching, blending insights from her group work, practical tools for tackling loneliness, and stories from her own experience. Whether it’s building community, developing “relational muscles,” or finding courage to reach out, this episode offers...
Exploring How Our Worldviews Shape Actions and Relationships . . . with Kathy Jourdain
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Welcome to Discover Fresh Perspectives! I’m David Gouthro and in today’s episode I’m joined by Kathy Jourdain, a seasoned consultant and facilitator from Nova Scotia with over 25 years of experience helping individuals and organizations better understand themselves and each other.
Together, we dive deep into the concept of “worldview”—those invisible lenses that shape how we perceive, communicate, and react to the world around us. Kathy unravels what a worldview truly is, how it is formed through our upbringing, relationships, and environment, and describes a practical six-point framework for examinin...
Demystifying Nonprofit Board Governance: Community Impact and Leadership Lessons from Dr. Ken Haycock
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Welcome to another episode of Discover Fresh Perspectives. This week, David Gouthro sits down with Dr. Ken Haycock, an experienced board chair and governance expert, to explore the essential–and often misunderstood–role of governance in not-for-profit organizations.
Drawing on his extensive experience leading boards in education, the arts, and community sectors, Ken shares insights into what makes a board truly effective, why community impact should be at the heart of board service, and how responsibilities differ between not-for-profit and for-profit boards.
Together, they unpack key myths about governance, disc...
Escaping War, Embracing Challenge: Linh Huynh’s Unconventional Path to Success
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In this episode of Discover Fresh Perspectives, we sit down with Linh Huynh, whose journey from war-torn Vietnam to small-town Alberta exemplifies resilience, curiosity, and the courage to carve your own path.
As the seventh of eight children in a family that survived conflict, perilous migration, and stark adversity, Linh shares how her upbringing shaped an insatiable drive for adventure and self-discovery—whether that meant being the first in her lineage to earn a university degree or setting audacious goals like running marathons at both the North and South Poles.
...
Laughing Through Life: Marla Simlett on Comedy, Therapy, and Leadership
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Welcome to another episode of Discover Fresh Perspectives! I'm your host, David Gouthro, and today we’re diving into the transformative power of laughter with our special guest, Marla Simlett. As a therapist, speaker, and self-proclaimed comedy enthusiast, Marla Simlett shares how humour isn't just a way to lighten the mood—it’s a powerful tool for healing, personal growth, and connection.
From her journey into stand-up comedy to weaving laughter into therapy sessions, Marla Simlett brings a fresh take on why cultivating joy matters now more than ever. We’ll talk abo...
How Relationships and Networking Shape Career Journeys with Alison Abbott
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Welcome back to Discover Fresh Perspectives, where host David Gouthro reconnects with special returning guest, Alison Abbott. Nearly two years after her first appearance—and 117 episodes later—Alison joins us to share what’s transpired since navigating a challenging job market, the ongoing evolution of AI in the marketing world, and the undeniable power of relationships and networking.
Together, they discuss lessons learned from career transitions, the role of human connection in an increasingly digital workplace, and Alison’s insights on sustaining momentum through both setbacks and new opportunities.
Whether yo...
Exploring Professional Growth Through the Farmer's Market Metaphor with Merike Kolga
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Welcome to another episode of Discover Fresh Perspectives! Today, host David Gouthro sits down with guest Merike Kolga for a unique and insightful conversation. In this episode, Merike introduces the metaphor of a farmer’s market to illustrate the journey of professional development. She shares how the abundance of choices—whether in self-improvement, career growth, or simply picking out resources—can feel both exciting and overwhelming.
Together, David Gouthro and Merike Kolga explore practical ways to navigate those choices, emphasizing the importance of self-reflection, setting clear...
From Alaska to Boardrooms: Susan Luke Evans on Connecting Through Stories
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Welcome to this week's episode of Discover Fresh Perspectives! Today, host David Gouthro sits down with accomplished storyteller and executive coach Susan Luke Evans. In this conversation, Susan shares her journey into the world of storytelling, revealing how a client’s insightful observation led her to recognize the transformative power of sharing personal experiences. From family roots steeped in story—from her mother’s radio days to her father’s sermons—to her own adventures teaching in remote Alaskan villages, Susan explains why stories resonate with people and how they foster connection and engagement...
Making Work Not Suck: Fresh Perspectives with Rachel Platt
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Welcome back to another episode of Discover Fresh Perspectives! This week, host David Gouthro sits down with leadership and people strategy expert Rachel Platt for an honest conversation about a challenge we can all relate to: how to make work "not suck"! Drawing on her experience working with organizations and leadership teams, Rachel delves into the signs of a workplace culture that’s faltering—think high turnover, disengaged employees, and unclear expectations—and explores practical, budget-friendly ways to create meaningful change.
From empowering managers and ditching the “ping pong table culture” myth, to f...
Staying Relevant in the AI Age: Wisdom from Terry Brock
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Welcome to Discover Fresh Perspectives! In today’s episode, host David Gouthro sits down with renowned technology expert and speaker, Terry Brock, to explore the rapidly evolving world of artificial intelligence. From demystifying what AI truly is and discussing its transformative potential, to tackling common myths and concerns, this conversation dives deep into how AI is changing every aspect of our lives and work.
You'll hear real-world examples—from saving lives in medicine to revolutionizing research—and learn why embracing change and continuous learning is crucial in this AI-driven era. Whether you’re...
Building Self Worth in Kids in Crisis . . . with Suzanne Simpson
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This week on Discover Fresh Perspectives, host David Gouthro welcomes guest Suzanne Simpson, an educator with deep experience supporting kids in crisis. Drawing from her many years as a French immersion teacher and her time teaching on a psychiatric unit, Suzanne shares her passion for helping youth who struggle with issues like anxiety, depression, and trauma. She offers powerful stories and research-backed insights into what kids truly need most from adults—highlighting the transformative impact of support, understanding, care, and authentic connection.
Whether working with students facing debilitating mental health challenges or...
Tackling Complex Community Issues through Connection and Collaboration with Dan Olivieri
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On this episode of Discover Fresh Perspectives, host David Gouthro sits down with consultant Dan Olivieri for a candid conversation about tackling complex community issues—like housing affordability, homelessness, and social service inequity—in bold and collaborative ways. Drawing on nearly two decades of experience in human performance, organizational effectiveness, and local government, Dan shares his approach to bringing the right people to the table and creating environments where true dialogue, trust, and change can happen.
In this episode, you’ll hear practical insights about moving...
Lessons in Leadership and Life from 1,100 Skydives with Lana Starchuck
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Welcome to another episode of Discover Fresh Perspectives! This week, David Gouthro sits down with Lana Starchuck, a seasoned skydiver who brings more than just adrenaline to the conversation. With nearly 1,100 jumps under her belt and a unique approach to team formation skydiving, Lana shares insight-packed analogies between life on the ground and life in the sky. Together, they explore how principles like trust, awareness, confidence, and embracing failure are essential not just for successful skydives, but for navigating organizational change, personal growth, and everyday challenges.
<...Building Culture Branding for Organizational Integrity with Nader Safinya
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Welcome back to Discover Fresh Perspectives, where we dive deep into ideas that challenge the status quo and spark new ways of thinking. In this episode, host David Gouthro welcomes brand strategist Nader Safinya for a thought-provoking conversation about the real meaning of "walking the talk" in organizations.
Together, they explore the concept of "culture branding"—a unique approach pioneered by Nader that aligns a company's lived behaviours with its public image. Drawing from his own career journey, including struggles searching for meaningful work during the pandemic, Nader shares personal stories th...
Unlocking Body Intelligence with Christianne Zurowski: Practical Tools for Calm and Clarity
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Welcome to another episode of Discover Fresh Perspectives! Today, our host David Gouthro sits down with Christianne Zurowski to explore the fascinating concept of body intelligence—what it means, how it’s different from simply listening to intuition, and how tuning into our body’s signals can transform the way we live and work.
Christianne shares her journey from organizational coach and teacher to certified embodiment coach, describing how learning to pay attention to and interpret the body’s cues—everything from tension and headaches to patterns of stress and anxiety—can help us...
Market Eminence: David Newman’s Guide to Differentiation and Achieving Top Market Status
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Welcome back to Discover Fresh Perspectives! In today's episode, host David Gouthro sits down with David Newman – acclaimed author and expert in market eminence – for a dynamic conversation about what it truly means to stand out in your field. David Newman unpacks the three essential ingredients for achieving market eminence: visibility, respect, and brand preference. Together, the Davids dive into actionable strategies for building authentic visibility (without just gaming the algorithm), earning genuine respect by demonstrating deep understanding of your audience, and cultivating brand preference so strong it makes you the go-to choice in y...
From Burnout to Breakthrough: Laura Shepherd’s Approach to Whole-Life Transformation
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Welcome to another episode of Discover Fresh Perspectives! This week, David Gouthro sits down with Laura Shepherd, a Canadian coach and former corporate high-achiever who’s passionate about helping people redefine success on their own terms. In this candid conversation, Laura reflects on her journey from climbing the corporate ladder to making a bold pivot—teaching scuba in the Caribbean—before ultimately finding fulfillment in coaching others.
Together, they explore how to break free from burnout, overcome fear of change, and discover new pathways to meaning, whether that means switching careers or simply s...
The Soul of Live Performance: Melanie Dekker on Music, Passion, and Finding Your Voice
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Welcome back to Discover Fresh Perspectives! In today's episode, host David Gouthro welcomes acclaimed singer-songwriter Melanie Dekker for a heartfelt conversation about the magic of live music, the challenges and joys of being a performer, and the evolving landscape of the music industry. Melanie shares her journey from the first spark of inspiration in high school to her experiences navigating local venues and international stages. Together, they dive into what makes live music so electrifying, why it matters now more than ever, and how musicians—and listeners—can help keep its spirit alive.
Embr...
Building Authentic Relationships with Indigenous Communities: Insights from Cam Stewart
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Welcome to this week's episode of Discover Fresh Perspectives, where we dive deep into stories and conversations that challenge our assumptions and inspire positive change. This week, host David Gouthro sits down with Cam Stewart, a former police officer from Calgary, Alberta, whose life journey has taken him from confronting his own biases to becoming a trusted ally and "bridge builder" with Indigenous communities. We explore what it means to develop authentic, credible relationships across differences—including confronting uncomfortable truths, the art of listening, and the power of curiosity an...
From Cancer to Community: Shannon Donohoe Simpson’s Journey of Resilience and Healing
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Welcome to Discover Fresh Perspectives. In today’s episode, host David Gouthro sits down for a deeply moving and inspirational conversation with Shannon Donohoe-Simpson. Shannon’s journey is nothing short of remarkable—at age 34, with one-year-old twins at home and a new mortgage, she was diagnosed with aggressive triple negative breast cancer. As she navigated surgery, chemotherapy, and advocating for her own care, life threw even more her way: her husband suffered two broken hands, and her young son was diagnosed with autism.
Shannon opens up about the emotional and practical realit...
Humour as a Human Connector: Strategies from Michael Kerr for Everyday Life
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Welcome to Discover Fresh Perspectives! In today's episode, host David Gouthro sits down with expert guest Michael Kerr to dive into the transformative power of humour—especially in challenging times. Michael draws from both personal experience and compelling research to reveal how laughter isn't just a distraction, but an essential human trait that helps us cope with stress, build resilience, foster authentic connections, and create more vibrant workplaces.
From tales of overcoming the fear of public speaking with juggling pinecones, to insights about why humour matters now more than ever, this co...
The Realities and Responsibilities of Being an Executor with Rebecca Harvey
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Welcome to another episode of Discover Fresh Perspectives! This week, host David Gouthro sits down with Rebecca Harvey, an expert in wills, estates, and the often-overlooked world of executorship. Whether you’ve been asked to be an executor yourself or you’re just curious about what’s involved, this episode peels back the curtain on the real responsibilities, challenges, and common pitfalls faced by those managing a loved one’s estate after they pass.
Rebecca shares her wealth of experience, breaking down what an executor actually does, the importance of having a will...
Navigating Conversational AI: Peter Swimm on Smarter Automation and Real-World Pitfalls
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Welcome to another episode of Discover Fresh Perspectives! This week, David Gouthro sits down with Peter Swimm, a seasoned expert in conversational AI and workplace automation. Together, they unpack what artificial intelligence really means and dig into the rise and real-world use of conversational AI—from chatbots on business websites to the impact of large language models like ChatGPT.
Peter brings a refreshingly honest look at both the opportunities and frustrations of AI and automation, sharing personal stories and practical insights from his work with businesses of all sizes. The conversation mo...
Deidre Sirianni on Reclaiming Your Light and Living Authentically
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Welcome to another episode of Discover Fresh Perspectives! This week, host David Gouthro sits down with Deidre Sirianni, a transformational coach and author of "Turn Your Light On." Together, they explore what it truly means to “become who you’re meant to be” by peeling away the layers of old programming, past experiences, and trauma that often keep us stuck or living out of alignment with our true selves.
In this episode, Deidre introduces her powerful four-stage framework for waking up to your authentic self and li...
