Motivational Mondays: Conversations with Leaders

Peter Zaccagnino has always been fascinated by airplanes. He earned his undergraduate degree in aeronautical engineering and got his pilot's license, which allowed him to fly many aircraft — including three he designed by himself! Peter is a proud but humble aviator who’s traveled the world and logged time on 270 planes. But there's so much more to his story, including surviving harrowing experiences like being held at gunpoint in Pakistan, unjustly detained by Nigerian authorities, and preventing children from getting kidnapped in Guatemala. Peter took time out of his busy Tom Clancy-novelesque life to discuss his literary career, his role as a leader in aviation, and the importance of travel as a tool for teaching us empathy.  In this week’s episode of Motivational Mondays, you’ll learn when Peter first became interested in aviation, how he manages his team to set them up for success, and what it’s like to air race in a jet.   LEARN MORE: >> Learn about PC Aviators {https://www.pcaviators.com} >> Read Peter’s book: Relevant: A Military Thriller Inspired by True Events {https://amzn.to/3ENhGqG} >> Follow Peter on Twitter {https://twitter.com/petezaccagnino} >> Connect with Peter on LinkedIn {https://www.linkedin.com/in/pete-zaccagnino-4b58549/}   NSLS MEMBERS ONLY: Listen to the bonus episode to learn how technology and politics inspired Peter’s latest book, The New Cold War: Defending Democracy from Russia's Secret Tech Weapon, and the insider travel tips Peter discovered during the COVID shut down. {https://thens.ls/3GwwpqC}Mentioned in this episode:Get 20% Off at the NSLS ShopUse code MONDAYS for 20% your entire purchase at shop.nsls.orgNSLS Shop

First-generation college students often experience a lack of financial support from their parents. Sherri Graf found herself in that position and it motivated her to create a resource for incoming students to gain access to money for school. With Imagine Scholarships, Sherri's mission is to address the economic needs of college-bound (or trade school-bound) students. The platform provides financial opportunities and career resources to help members land jobs.  In this episode of Motivational Mondays, Sherri shares how Imagine simplifies the scholarship application process, how their Video Resource page helps students make the most of every opportunity, and how they can use the platform to reach the goal of a debt-free education. Imagine Scholarships has partnered with NSLS! Join today with an exclusive NSLS membership discount of just $12 per month. Get started by using the group code NSLS. LEARN MORE: >> Learn about Imagine Scholarships {https://imaginescholarships.com} >> Follow Imagine Scholarships on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter {https://www.facebook.com/imaginescholarships} {https://www.instagram.com/imaginescholarships} {https://twitter.com/ImagineScholar1} >> Connect with Imagine Scholarships on LinkedIn {https://www.linkedin.com/company/imagine-scholarships} NSLS MEMBERS ONLY: Listen to the bonus episode to learn about the importance of building your online portfolio and how Imagine Scholarships creates opportunities for more than just traditional college students. {https://thens.ls/3oAkxh1}Mentioned in this episode:Get 20% Off at the NSLS ShopUse code MONDAYS for 20% your entire purchase at shop.nsls.orgNSLS Shop

Hitha Palepu is one of the most knowledgeable speakers on social issues and diversity. She's a CEO, investor, advocate, and author with a popular new book, We're Speaking: The Life Lessons of Kamala Harris: How to Use Your Voice, Be Assertive, and Own Your Story, which was inspired by the 2020 Vice Presidential debate. As a mother raising two sons, Hitha shares the importance of males understanding and respecting female’s unique circumstances in a patriarchal society. She states, "The book is meant to be an inclusive rallying cry for all of us to come together, collectively step into our power, and help remake our lives on our terms and not what society defines for us."  In this week's episode, Hitha discusses her vision and belief that a more inclusive world creates the opportunity for everyone to thrive. You’ll learn how fear leads to resisting inclusion and diversity efforts, how Hitha is proudly raising two feminist sons, and how to effectively engage with people who disagree with you.   LEARN MORE: >> Read: We're Speaking: The Life Lessons of Kamala Harris: How to Use Your Voice, Be Assertive, and Own Your Story {https://amzn.to/31ivg7j} >> Follow Hitha on Twitter {https://twitter.com/HithaPalepu} >> Connect with Hitha on LinkedIn {https://www.linkedin.com/in/hithapalepu/} >> A weekly digest of need-to-know news: #5SmartReads {https://hitha.substack.com/}   NSLS MEMBERS ONLY: Listen to the bonus episode to learn what advice Hitha has for aspiring businesswomen and what she believes are the necessary attributes of an effective leader. {https://thens.ls/3ojyuQj}Mentioned in this episode:Get 20% Off at the NSLS ShopUse code MONDAYS for 20% your entire purchase at shop.nsls.orgNSLS Shop

If you want to land your dream job, the resume and interview process must go as planned. Madeline Mann is an HR leader with an award-winning YouTube channel, "Self Made Millennial," and over half a million followers on social media. She helps young professionals conquer the critical steps of seeking employment. Filled with helpful interview tips, advice on overcoming nerves during video chats, and suggestions for showcasing skills, Madeline's YouTube channel provides every job seeker a treasure trove of invaluable career resources. In this week's episode of Motivational Mondays, Madeline shares her professional knowledge, including how to avoid a blunder when answering the most intimidating interview questions. She will cover additional topics, such as the importance of personal branding, if LinkedIn is still a viable tool for job searches, and why networking is an important skill to utilize.   LEARN MORE: >> Check out Madeline’s website {https://www.madelinemann.com} >> Connect with Madeline on LinkedIn {https://www.linkedin.com/in/madelinemann} >> Watch Madeline’s videos on YouTube {https://www.youtube.com/c/SelfMadeMillennial}   NSLS MEMBERS ONLY: Listen to the bonus episode to learn why you should soul search before you job search and the importance of quality versus quantity when submitting resumes. {https://thens.ls/3xfZqDo}Mentioned in this episode:Get 20% Off at the NSLS ShopUse code MONDAYS for 20% your entire purchase at shop.nsls.orgNSLS Shop

In the second half of our conversation with Kara Goldin, the successful entrepreneur talks about her fundraising experience for hint® water.  Her background in tech allowed her to make many industry connections from Silicon Valley. For some women entrepreneurs, the investment landscape is hard to navigate; for Kara, it wasn’t difficult to get meetings but what came next was a different story. Listen as we dive into what these initial interactions and meetings looked like. What was the investors' perception towards Kara's idea, and what role did gender play in how she was  treated?  Listen to Part 2 of our episode to find out. Don’t miss Kara also sharing her insight into what it takes to be an exemplary leader and the importance of building relationships with people who support your vision.   LEARN MORE: Check out hint® water {https://www.drinkhint.com} Read Kara’s book, Undaunted: Overcoming Doubts and Doubters {https://amzn.to/3Dfc3kk} Listen to Kara’s podcast, The Kara Goldin Show {https://karagoldin.com/podcast} Connect with Kara on LinkedIn {https://www.linkedin.com/in/karagoldin}   NSLS MEMBERS ONLY: Listen to the bonus episode to learn more about the unique hurdles faced by women in business, the importance of pushing back against misogyny, and if we should forgive people who insult us with misinformed assumptions. {https://thens.ls/3DD98Cc}  Mentioned in this episode:Get 20% Off at the NSLS ShopUse code MONDAYS for 20% your entire purchase at shop.nsls.orgNSLS Shop

As the founder and CEO of hint®, Kara Goldin has made a name for herself in the beverage industry. She initially started by experimenting at home before taking her experimentation on to become what is now one of America's most popular flavored water products!  In this episode of Motivational Mondays, Kara shares her journey and discusses successful leadership traits, the importance of creativity, and the power of perseverance. In her new book, Undaunted, Kara also shares life lessons about the rewards of putting yourself into a position where you don't know what will happen. The celebrated entrepreneur suggests that leaving our comfort zones can lead to future success. Don’t miss Kara give her insight on how to stay focused on your ambition and not be distracted from your vision by naysayers and people projecting their fears onto you.   THIS WEEK, YOU’LL LEARN: [1:00] The story behind the creation of hint® water [5:02] How growth begins with taking a leap of faith [9:05] How to step outside of your comfort zone   NSLS MEMBERS ONLY: Listen to the bonus episode to learn how Kara took her product directly to the public for feedback and why Kara is concerned over industry use of the buzzword “Diet” as a marketing ploy. {https://thens.ls/3C8ZSUX}   LEARN MORE: Check out hint® water {https://www.drinkhint.com} Read Kara’s book, Undaunted: Overcoming Doubts and Doubters {https://amzn.to/3Dfc3kk} Listen to Kara’s podcast, The Kara Goldin Show {https://karagoldin.com/podcast} Connect with Kara on LinkedIn {https://www.linkedin.com/in/karagoldin}Mentioned in this episode:Get 20% Off at the NSLS ShopUse code MONDAYS for 20% your entire purchase at shop.nsls.orgNSLS Shop

Dr. Raman K. Attri is an inspirational figure who has overcome the odds of achieving success in his professional life and personal relationships. His story of rising above adversity with hope for tomorrow resonates with people worldwide and those looking for motivation every day. Dr. Raman has two doctorates and over 100 international credentials, which is why he's one of the most qualified people to teach you about studying for exams- with an understanding that success comes from learning content and context. With two doctorates and over 100 international credentials, Dr. Raman understands the pressures and deadlines students encounter during exam time. On this week's Motivational Mondays, Dr. Raman shares his story and explains the difference between learning content and learning context. You’ll learn how to apply goal-directed speed learning, how to overcome adversity by seeing windows vs. walls, and how Dr. Attri remained optimistic despite his circumstances.   LEARN MORE: >>> Check out Dr. Attri’s Speed To Proficiency Website {https://www.speedtoproficiency.com} >>> Connect with Dr. Attri on LinkedIn {https://www.linkedin.com/in/drramankattri} >>> Browse Dr. Attri’s Published Works {https://amzn.to/3wjvmWZ}   NSLS MEMBERS ONLY: Listen to the bonus episode to learn the inspiration behind Dr. Raman’s new book, Speed Matters, and the difference between changing who you are and changing the choices you make. {https://thens.ls/3k5y3Xo}Mentioned in this episode:Get 20% Off at the NSLS ShopUse code MONDAYS for 20% your entire purchase at shop.nsls.orgNSLS Shop

In today's episode of Motivational Mondays, we will explore the science behind Dr. Rebecca Heiss' new book, Instinct: Rewire Your Brain with Science-Backed Solutions to Increase Productivity and Achieve Success.  Dr. Heiss specializes in helping clients break through ingrained inclinations that can hold them back from success by teaching skills like self-reflection and self-awareness. As an evolutionary biologist, she says that humans are ancestrally programmed to be overly cautious. To help people overcome their fears, Dr. Heiss shares that it’s okay to be inquisitive in life and stop feeling like you have to be an expert. You don’t have to prove yourself to anyone. You’ll learn why our brains are programmed for fear, how to rewire your brain to let it go, and how to become more self-aware. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: How to rewire your brain to let go of fear How to become more self-aware  The expectations placed on men and women   NSLS MEMBERS ONLY: Listen to the bonus episode to learn why Dr. Heiss feels that living up to societal beauty standards can slow women down and the importance of being confident in your own skin.  {https://thens.ls/3GzCovG}   LEARN MORE: Take Dr. Heiss’ Fear Quiz {https://rebeccaheiss.com/fearless-quiz/} Connect with Dr. Heiss on LinkedIn and Twitter {https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebeccaheiss/} {https://twitter.com/drrebeccaheiss} Check out Dr. Heiss’ app: icueity {https://www.icueity.com/} The Leap: A Network for Women to Thrive {https://www.wearetheleap.com/} Mentioned in this episode:Get 20% Off at the NSLS ShopUse code MONDAYS for 20% your entire purchase at shop.nsls.orgNSLS Shop

In this episode of Motivational Mondays, we speak with Nicole Phillips, Co-founder and CEO of Qatch. This retail tech startup has developed an exciting, unique app that lets you shop for clothes using the tapback feature on iMessage. In our discussion, Nicole shares the brainstorm that inspired the fashion venture. Qatch now partners with top retail brands to deliver a personalized online shopping experience. Qatch works similar to Grubhub and UberEats but on behalf of clothing brands instead of food. Have a listen to this fashion-forward conversation and get your style on! You’ll learn what led to the creation of Qatch, how it’s becoming a game-changer in fashion, and how fashion law prepared Nicole to launch this new platform.   LEARN MORE Visit Qatch {https://qatch.style/NSLS}   NSLS MEMBERS ONLY: Listen to the bonus episode to learn about the Qatch on-campus ambassadorship program and the importance of tuning out naysayers so you can follow your passion. {https://thens.ls/3Gfs2B5}Mentioned in this episode:Get 20% Off at the NSLS ShopUse code MONDAYS for 20% your entire purchase at shop.nsls.orgNSLS Shop

Tenacity and fearlessness are two crucial traits for achieving success in any industry, but they're especially important when you're striving towards an influential career as a high-profile publicist. In this episode of Motivational Mondays, Entrepreneur and Publicity Agent Jahylin McKee discusses how she rebounded from a major setback and shaped her own destiny. Jahylin is a natural-born leader who can think on her feet and speak authoritatively about her profession. As an undergraduate, she studied communications, so it's no surprise that she was already achieving her high-performance goals soon after graduation. In this episode, you’ll learn how Jahylin ended up at Savannah State, how she went from English to Marketing & Communications, and about the influence Olivia Pope had on her career.   LEARN MORE: Connect with Jahylin on LinkedIn {https://www.linkedin.com/in/jahylinmckee/} Find out more about Jahylin’s business J.McKee & Co. {http://jmckeeandco.com}   NSLS MEMBERS ONLY: Listen to the bonus episode to learn about the power of taking chances in unknown situations and how to fearlessly pursue the internship you want. {https://thens.ls/3AMQR3l}Mentioned in this episode:Get 20% Off at the NSLS ShopUse code MONDAYS for 20% your entire purchase at shop.nsls.orgNSLS Shop