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In this episode of A Shot of Inspiration, host Greg Stephens welcomes back author and leadership expert Mark Carpenter to discuss his new book, Lead Like a Person, Not Like a Position. They explore the critical gaps in leadership training, emphasizing the importance of people skills over positional authority. Mark shares practical advice on how leaders can foster genuine connections, communicate effectively, and create positive work environments by leading with empathy and intentionality.

3 Key Takeaways:

1. Listen to understand: Effective leaders prioritize truly hearing their team.
2. Communicate the 'why': Clear, purpose-driven communication fosters collaboration.
3. Acknowledge strengths: Recognizing good work boosts morale and reinforces positive behavior.

About Mark:

Mark Carpenter is a dynamic speaker, best-selling author, and master storyteller on a mission to bring more humanity to corporate leadership. He helps leaders shift from managing positions to truly connecting with people, resulting in higher retention, productivity, and engagement.

As the author of Lead Like A Person, Not Like A Position and co-author of Master Storytelling: How to Turn Your Experiences Into Stories that Teach, Lead, and Inspire, Mark teaches leaders how to harness the power of storytelling to inspire and lead more effectively. With over 20 years in corporate communication, a decade as an adjunct professor, and 18 years as a training facilitator, he combines engaging, relatable style with deep, purposeful learning.

When not speaking, coaching, or creating new content, you can find Mark enjoying the mountains of Utah, playing the piano, doting on his grandchildren, or writing children's books.

Resources:

LeadLikeAPerson.com

master-storytelling.com

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In this episode of A Shot of Inspiration, host Greg Stephens sits down with Octavia Raheem, a renowned author and rest coach, to explore the transformative power of rest. Octavia shares insights from her books, including Rest Is Sacred, and opens up about her journey from burnout to balance. Through her personal stories and practical advice, she reveals how embracing stillness can lead to greater clarity, strength, and fulfillment. Tune in to discover why rest is not just a pause but a powerful tool for living a more centered and inspired life.

3 Key Takeaways:

1. Rest as Strength: Rest empowers us to reconnect and find clarity.
2. Small, Daily Practices: Small, consistent actions lead to lasting change.
3. Self-Compassion: Prioritizing self-care and boundaries fosters a balanced life.

About Octavia:

Octavia F. Raheem is a dedicated wife, mother, author, and expert in rest coaching, restorative practices, and Yoga Nidra. As the founder of Devoted to Rest®, she offers transformational programs that empower visionary leaders to unlock their fullest potential through the art of rest. With over 10,000 hours of training and teaching, Octavia is a leading voice in wellness, restorative arts, and yoga. Her work has been featured in The New York Times, Forbes, Yoga Journal, Well + Good, Tricycle, and at the Essence Festival in Atlanta, among others. Passionate about guiding driven individuals, she helps them harness the power of rest to thrive in every aspect of life.

Resources:

Website

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In this episode of A Shot of Inspiration, host Greg Stephens speaks with John and Melissa Rymer from the Victim to Warrior organization. They share their experiences and strategies for identifying narcissists, understanding their destructive behaviors, and safely leaving toxic relationships. With practical advice and heartfelt stories, this episode empowers listeners to reclaim their lives and begin the journey to recovery.

3 Key Takeaways:

1. Recognize the Signs: Narcissists often mirror your values to manipulate and control you.
2. Plan Your Exit: Leaving a narcissist safely requires careful planning and preparation.
3. Recovery is Possible: Healing and rebuilding your life is essential before moving on

About John and Melissa:

John and Melissa Rymer know firsthand the devastating impact of narcissistic abuse. After enduring years of mental, physical, and financial torment in marriages to dangerous narcissists, they emerged as survivors, determined to reclaim their lives. Drawing from their extensive backgrounds in the financial industry, they managed to protect themselves from total financial collapse and began the arduous journey of rebuilding.

Now, John and Melissa are passionately committed to helping others who are trapped in the same darkness they once faced. They offer a clear, actionable path to recovery, guiding victims of narcissistic abuse to reclaim their freedom, independence, and self-worth. Through their unique blend of personal experience and professional expertise, they empower individuals to transform from passive victims into proactive warriors, ready to take control of their lives. John and Melissa’s mission is to help others rediscover their self-love and happiness, proving that life after narcissistic abuse is not only possible but can be filled with hope and fulfillment.

Resources:

Email: john@thev2w.com

Website

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