Connecting Generations

In this episode of “Connecting Generations,” I connect with Chris Williams. After competing in pole vault and hurdles at the college level, Chris graduated with a degree in Information Systems from The University of Washington.  He began brainstorming how to turn his passion for track and field into a career.  This led Chris to creating Zelos, a company that connects track and field athletes of all ages and abilities around the world.  I hope you enjoy.

In this episode of “Connecting Generations,” I connect with Sena Pottackal. After years of her eyesight fading, at 15 years old, Sena was diagnosed as legally blind. Sena shares her story of how her struggles and tenacity led her to ultimately achieve her lifelong dream of attending NYU. Sena’s success is due to her determination, strength, and incredible support system. I hope this episode inspires you as much as it inspired me.

In this episode, my coach and mentor, Garrison Wynn,  shares his journey of how he went from stand-up comedian to an internationally acclaimed keynote speaker. Through his storytelling and humor, Garrison shares insights on how to capitalize on your strengths, take advantage of new opportunities, and what to expect with the COVID-19 pandemic

After being furloughed from her employer and having a slow time at his company, both because of COVID-19, Margaret and Bradley McCoy decided to take this time to make a memory. They found a vintage houseboat listed on Craigslist in Minnesota and are now floating the Mississippi River from Minnesota back to their home in New Orleans, documenting their journey along the way. Margaret and Bradley are great reminders that we can always find a silver lining and new opportunities if we stay open to life’s journey.   You can follow along with their journey at im-onvacation.com, on Instagram @im_on_vacation

What’s your story? Chitra Ragavan, Founder and CEO of Goodstory, feels passionate about the story. From her early days as a journalist to now working with tech startups helping organizations identify their stories, Chitra is open to the journey of identifying unique stories and how they can lead you to your next step. Chitra’s drive, passion, compassion, foresight, and adaptability can all be seen throughout her journey and story.

Warning: this episode may contain language that some may find offensive The goal of “Connecting Generations” is to hear individuals from all different ages and professions tell us their stories. We listen in hopes that we better understand the individual and learn that no matter the age, when we hear someone’s story and get to know them, we learn we have more similarities than we do differences. In this episode, Alana Rhone sheds light, not on a generational group, but another group. The Black Lives Matter movement is on the forefront of the country’s and world’s mind. Alana answers questions and helps listeners and me understand how we can better support our fellow black neighbors.

Fred Harris’ story with 3M is truly impressive. He started his 3M career as a Financial Analyst and worked his way up the 3M ladder to ultimately become Staff Vice President of Community Affairs and Workforce Diversity. In this “Connecting Generations” episode, Mr. Harris talks about what it was like growing up as an African American boy in southern Arkansas in the 50s and 60s, how he found a love in business, and the lessons he learned throughout his trailblazing career at 3M. Mr. Harris’s story proves that hard work and company loyalty can take you far.

To conclude the “Connecting Generations” COVID-19 Edition, I speak with newlyweds, Hannah and Corbin Taylor. After the COVID-19 mandates forced Hannah and Corbin to cancel their dream wedding, they had to adjust and think outside the box. By trusting in their faith and seeking joy, Hannah and Corbin describe their unusual yet perfect quarantine wedding. Please enjoy this inspiring and uplifting episode with the new Mr. and Mrs. Taylor, and join me in sending them well wishes on their marriage.      

In this COVID-19 edition, we will hear from Generation Z, those who are 23 and younger. In this episode, I chat with 19-year-old, Amy Liu, 17-year-old Grant Schaefer, 12-year-old Kavya, and 8-year-old Baron, and 6-year-old Evelyn. Although young, you will see these Gen Zers are wise beyond their years as they share great insight on how this COVID-19 pandemic has impacted their lives and what they have learned from being forced to social distance. Please enjoy the conversations from Generation Z.

In this “Connecting Generations” COVID-19 Episode, we hear from Coronavirus survivor, Noemi Giovanna. Noemi, born and raised in Italy until age 12 when she moved to Florida, now lives in London, England. Noemi shares her global perspective on COVID-19, along with her symptoms and experience with COVID-19. Through her discussion and experience, Noemi sheds light on the realities of this pandemic and what we can do to help slow down transmission and stay safe. Noemi has started a fundraiser to support testing in Italy. You can learn more and donate here: https://bit.ly/3ewjY0U