On the East Coast, we have had a Nor'Easter that didn't disappoint. And the Amazon gods smiled upon me because on Saturday they delivered my four-year-old son's long-backordered snow pants! As a kid, there is no freer feeling than laying on your back, making snow angels while fresh flakes land on your face… followed shortly by zipping down hills on sleds and having snowball fights with siblings and friends. I loved watching his face as he ventured down his first hill yesterday, and was glad to give that gift to him. Today, I have a number of “gifts” for you as well — most of which are perfect background while watching your own kids play in the snow, shoveling out your driveway, or just sitting by the window with a mug of hot cocoa (marshmallows and all) watching other people dig themselves out.
For starters, in this week's episode of Speaking to Influence I'm excited to share a feel-good interview with Marcus Allen, CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southeastern PA.
Listen HERE as Marcus shares with us how he overcame homeless and poverty as a child and through hard work became a professional athlete. (And I must say, one benefit to doing the interview via Zoom is that it's probably the only way I could *ever* look as tall as a basketball player!) He then combined what he learned from both his childhood experience and his pro athlete team experience into leading Big Brothers Big Sisters, Independence.
As a bonus, be sure to stick around to the end for more info on how YOU can become a “big” for a great kid who just needs a little extra encouragement and guidance, especially during this crazy pandemic that has so many people feeling even more isolated than usual. Click here for more info.
By the way – have YOU thought about starting a podcast of your own, or maybe already launched one? If so, you won't want to miss the Podfest Global Summit, from March 1-5. Last year, Podfest set the GUINNESS WORLD RECORD for the largest attendance for a virtual podcasting conference in one week, and they're on track to break their own record this year! Awesome topics covered over the week range from how to conduct an engaging interview and marketing techniques to social media strategies and technical equipment and production advice.
I certainly plan to do my part to help this year, and am honored to be part of the opening day speaker lineup on Monday March 1 at 2:30 PM ET. I'll be speaking on “Finding Your Podcaster Voice: How to Speak so People Want to Listen.” Actually, even if you DON'T have your sights (or ears?) set on a podcast of your own, it's still an event you won't want to miss. I'll send more registration info in a few weeks so stay tuned!
Of course, sometimes it's fun to be on the other side of the desk, so to speak, so if you're looking for some business inspiration at 3pm ET TODAY, join me with host Muhummad Siddique on his live streamed interview program, “Growth Hacking Show,” where we'll discuss inspiration, missteps to avoid and other secrets to success as a CEO, entrepreneur, coach or other leader.
I first learned about Siddique when I stumbled upon his interview with Chris Voss, former FBI hostage negotiator, CEO/founder of the Black Swan Group, and author of my all-time favorite book on negotiations, Never Split the Difference: Negotiating as if Your Life Depended On It. From there I was hooked, and when he invited me to be on the show, how could I say no?
Here's the link to join today's LIVESTREAM at 3pm ET.
Here's to your success,
Laura
