What if the storms in your life aren’t there to stop you—but to shape you?

Ron Alford thought he had his path mapped out. Raised in a military family, he was set to follow his brothers into the Marine Corps. But a detour into door-to-door book sales led to a decades-long journey in leadership, coaching, and transformation.Now a senior partner at Southwestern Consulting and best-selling author of Redefining Possible, Ron helps people unlock confidence, navigate adversity, and lead with authenticity. This isn’t just a lesson in leadership and mentorship. It’s a reminder to persevere and to release what you can’t control.00:00 Embracing Life's Storms00:46 Meet Ron Alfred: A Journey of Transformation01:19 Podcast Invitation and Initial Impressions03:45 Ron Alford's Early Life and Career Beginnings05:33 Transition to Southwestern Consulting06:31 Building a Blended Family07:28 Staying Loyal to a Company09:30 Mentorship and Impact12:00 Parental Dividends and Life Lessons16:54 Facing Family Trauma19:30 The Importance of Perspective24:11 Confidence Anchors and Overcoming Challenges28:59 Vision Boards and Goal Setting30:36 Setting Audacious Goals31:05 The Importance of Continuous Learning31:44 Facing Unexpected Challenges32:11 Introducing the RAFT Acronym32:35 Applying RAFT During COVID35:48 Transforming Adversity into Opportunity36:30 The Power of Acceptance and Focus38:38 Reflecting on Personal Growth41:25 The Impact of Positive Leadership49:13 Slowing Down for Better Results52:32 Connecting and Sharing Stories

Mary Wharton didn’t plan on becoming a modeling agent. She was headed toward a career in textile marketing—until a chance internship at Elite Model Mgmt, which introduced her to the world of modeling.That unexpected detour led to a meeting with a former super model, and a future at Locke Model Management, where Mary found not just a job, but a calling.Today, she’s more than an agent—she’s a mentor, advocate, and guide for models navigating one of the most competitive industries in the world.Her story is a powerful reminder that in modeling and in life, success doesn’t come from just showing up—it comes from being curious, your integrity and a willingness to invest in yourself.00:00 The Importance of Standing Out in Modeling00:41 Mary Wharton's Unexpected Journey into Modeling01:31 Introduction and Background of Mary Wharton02:08 The Role of Relationships in Modeling04:08 Mary's Career Path and Early Experiences05:54 Joining Locke Model Management07:30 The Reality of Secondary Markets09:25 The Sales Aspect of Being an Agent12:13 Building Trust with Models and Clients13:54 The Importance of Specialization and Authenticity17:00 Going Above and Beyond in Modeling21:30 The Value of a Supportive Agency26:46 Taking Initiative in the Modeling Industry27:19 Importance of Communication and Updates29:42 Standing Out in Castings33:17 Building Trust and Relationships38:32 Challenges and Growth as an Agent48:32 Advice for Aspiring Models51:53 Final Thoughts

What if the path to your passion looked nothing like you expected?Michael Determan didn’t go to film school. He went to business school. But somewhere between the numbers and spreadsheets, he discovered a different calling—in visual storytelling.Michael carved his own way into the world of filmmaking. His career didn’t start with red carpets—it started with “no.” No roadmap. No guarantee. No safety net. But what he did have was clarity, drive, and the ability to pivot when the moment called for it.Today, Michael is an award-winning director known for projects like Behind the Bucket and his upcoming film What Happened to Dorothy Bell. Michael’s story will remind you: there’s no wrong road when you’re moving toward purpose.Showflow00:00 Setting the Stage00:36 Michael Determan's Unconventional Path01:22 Journey into Filmmaking03:40 Challenges and Pivots in the Industry05:23 Building a Supportive Community08:52 Impactful Storytelling15:14 Consistency and Growth25:14 Behind the Bucket: A Case Study31:43 Facing Criticism and Perseverance32:29 The Imperfection of Creative Work33:29 Constructive Criticism and Collaboration35:24 The Importance of Mentorship36:58 Embracing Failure and Learning39:14 The Reality of Filmmaking Challenges45:15 Networking and Collaboration49:42 Upcoming Projects and Future Plans55:21 Final Thoughts

What if asking for help was the bravest thing you could do?

Casey Jacox was a college quarterback chasing dreams of glory—until a devastating injury sidelined everything. 

Watching teammates thrive while he sat on the bench, he wrestled with envy, shame, and doubt. But when he finally opened up to his coach, he was met not with judgment—but with a new purpose. That moment changed everything.

Today, Casey is a bestselling author, keynote speaker, and relationship-building expert who teaches others that vulnerability isn’t weakness—it’s a superpower.

Casey’s story is a powerful reminder that your real strength might be waiting on the other side of one honest conversation.

Learn more about Casey Jacox at www.caseyjacox.com

What if the “no” you feared was actually a nudge toward something more lasting?

Andre Danke was just 17 when a friend opened the door to modeling—a door that led to over three decades as a world-traveling, high-fashion supermodel. But it wasn’t just looks that kept him in the game. It was his discipline. His mindset. His ability to hear “no” and keep showing up with kindness, consistency, and confidence.

Now a wellness coach and mentor, Andre is paying it forward—guiding others toward self-acceptance, resilience, and staying open to unexpected turns.

If you’ve ever chased a dream or questioned your place in life, Andre’s story is proof that beauty can fade—but presence, kindness, and clarity never go out of style.

Sometimes, the best way to lead isn't following someone else's path – but by creating your own.

Brooke Baker Spink didn’t grow up dreaming of becoming a CEO in construction. But after returning to the family business, she stepped into a male-dominated industry with no playbook—just grit, the ability to be relatable & a willingness to learn from the ground up.

She parked her ego at the door, listened more than she spoke, and built trust by doing what she said she’d do.

Now, as CEO of Baker Construction, she’s navigating leadership, motherhood, and the challenge of building both a company and a culture where empathy isn’t a weakness—it’s a superpower.

If you’ve ever felt the pressure to prove yourself to others, Brooke’s story will remind you how to tune out the naysayers and build your own legacy.

What if the kid who once got bullied—and then became the bully—grew up to break the cycle for everyone else?

Tommy Williams grew up on the south side of Chicago, surrounded by gangs, violence, and instability. After years of navigating survival mode, he found refuge—and purpose on the football field.

Sports taught him discipline. Community gave him a reason to stay the course. And when life knocked him down again, he chose to rise not just for himself, but for others.

Tommy launched Operation: Healthy Family, a nonprofit dedicated to helping youth build confidence and resilience through sports. His programs like Emmanuel Fitness and the Good News Dental Clinic are now changing lives —and proving that transformation isn’t just personal, it’s generational.

His story will remind you: your pain can become your purpose—and your purpose can become someone else’s lifeline.

00:00 A Life Altered by Choices

00:33 Tommy Williams: From Survival to Purpose

00:59 The Power of Community and Sports

01:51 Early Life in Chicago

02:30 Navigating Gang Influence

04:48 Bullying and Transformation

08:32 A Turning Point: The Bike Accident

12:41 High School Challenges and Expulsion

18:48 From Expulsion to New Beginnings

30:31 The Path to College Football

35:47 Meeting the Coach and Visiting Washington

37:23 First Impressions of Spokane

40:53 Adjusting to College Life and Overcoming Challenges

45:27 Pursuing a Career in Criminal Justice

47:50 Starting a Foundation and Helping the Community

55:59 Operation Healthy Families and Anti-Bullying Initiatives

01:05:31 Challenges and Future Goals

01:09:42 Final Thoughts

What if saying no was the very thing that set you free?Jane Atkinson spent years helping other people shine—from high-profile speaker bureaus to catapulting some of the biggest names on stages around the world.Her personal journey began with rejection, self-doubt, and the silence that follows when you launch a business… and no one shows up.But Jane didn’t give up. She turned that quiet into clarity, built a thriving podcast & coaching practice, authored The Wealthy Speaker, and now helps others find the courage to step into their own spotlight—with boundaries, belief, and a crystal-clear brand.Jane’s story reminds you how to accept a no, but how to deliver a successful no.

00:00 Intro to the Power of Simplicity00:58 Jane Atkinson's Journey and Achievements01:42 Navigating No: The Art of Saying No03:29 The Challenges and Rewards of Podcasting07:04 Jane's Career Evolution and Coaching Practice19:40 The Importance of Setting Goals and Manifestation28:34 Reflecting on Writing and Podcasting Challenges29:12 Navigating Podcast Guest Pitches32:56 The Art of Saying No37:02 Finding Your Niche in Speaking41:25 Overcoming Entrepreneurial Challenges47:52 Learning from Failures and Evolving53:04 Advice for the Younger Self55:22 Final Thoughts

What if stepping off an abyss helped thousands find a place to belong?

When Phil Champlin moved his family from California to Spokane, he faced uncertainty and the question of whether to return to stability in California or to push forward.

Phil chose to stay—and to dig in.

That decision led him to a newspaper listing for a struggling community sports facility called The Hub. It wasn’t just a job—it became his mission.

As Executive Director, he transformed The Hub into a thriving launchpad where kids are empowered to spread their wings, find mentors who believe in them, and discover a sense of belonging through sport and community.

If you’ve ever questioned a risky decision, felt unsure or truly afraid of what might come next, Phil’s story is proof that the unknown and that first step might be exactly where your purpose finds momentum.

What if losing your job was the moment you finally found your WHY?Trina Snow shares how a sudden layoff after 32 years in corporate leadership became the unexpected catalyst for transformation.From leading at Nordstrom, Eddie Bauer, REI, and DSW to standing at a professional crossroad, Trina realized she didn’t just need a new job—she needed a new way of living. She breaks down why having a plan B matters more than ever, and what it really takes to build your dreams instead of someone else’s.If you’ve ever felt like the rug was pulled out from under you, Trina’s story will remind you: the end of one chapter might just be the start of everything you’ve been waiting for. 00:00 The Importance of a Backup Plan00:35 Trina Snow's Corporate Journey01:11 Reconnecting with Trina04:00 The Role of a Buyer08:09 Leadership and Mentorship15:16 Transitioning from Corporate to Entrepreneurship25:18 Finding Your Why25:42 Transitioning to Social Media27:59 Facing Financial Pressure33:31 The Importance of Education39:21 Building a Foundation43:08 Staying the Course47:17 Final ThoughtsFollow Trina on TikTok here:https://www.tiktok.com/discover/trina-snow-with-freedom-lifestyle?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=mobileFind out more about Trina’s work here:https://www.mwrlife.com/trina1015

What if rock bottom was actually your launchpad?

In this episode of Navigating No, Stephen Morton—author, actor, entrepreneur, and deep thinker—opens up about hitting some of life’s lowest points and using them as fuel for reinvention.

From the shame of bankruptcy to relying on food stamps to feed his family, Stephen shares the raw truth of standing in line, wondering how it all came to this. But it was in those humbling moments that he started to rebuild—one small, intentional step at a time—ultimately creating a six-figure residual income.

Stephen breaks down the daily practices that helped him claw his way out, the writing that saved his life, and the personal framework he now calls Helm Theory—centered on Health, Ethos, Love, and Money.

If you’ve ever felt stuck, lost, or like you’ve reached the end, Stephen’s story will remind you: rock bottom might just be where real purpose begins.

What if the lowest point in your journey revealed the path to your highest purpose?

Dave Warren’s story from aspiring rock star to Emmy-winning animation artist and creative director is anything but ordinary.

After chasing music dreams to California in a Monte Carlo packed with guitars, he found himself navigating unexpected detours—from cartooning to animating some of the most iconic shows of the ’90s like The Simpsons, Sons of Anarchy, Pinky and the Brain, and The Minions.  

But behind the career highlights is a deeper story of humility, identity, and rediscovery. 

After rising through the ranks and eventually facing a hard fall from the corporate world as a Creative Director, Dave learned that what you do isn’t who you are.

Now, he’s reconnecting with his creative roots—on his own terms—and showing up with radical authenticity.

How do you believe that every “no” gets you closer to your “yes”?For Ana Mazzeo, that belief isn’t just a mindset—it’s her story. Named one of Forbes Italy’s Top 100 Successful Women and Fortune Italy’s Top 50 Most Powerful Women, Ana now serves as Managing Director of Wobi Italia. But her path wasn’t paved with easy yeses—it was shaped by countless no’s.Born in Argentina and raised with little, it was her mother’s bold decision to enroll her in an international school—and her access to an Italian passport—that gave Ana the springboard to chase something bigger. When she was passed over for a leadership title she worked hard for, Ana didn’t wait for recognition—she stepped into the role anyway, leading with clarity, courage, and conviction.In this episode of Navigating No, Ana shares how rejection became her greatest advantage—and how believing in your value, even when others don’t, is where true leadership begins. If you’ve ever been overlooked, underestimated, or told “you’re not ready,” this conversation is for you.00:00 Introduction and Overcoming Obstacles01:04 Ana Mazzeo's Journey: From Argentina to Success01:49 Navigating Rejection and Embracing Leadership03:44 Childhood Struggles and Educational Opportunities04:49 Economic Hardships and Family Support07:07 Balancing School Life and Personal Challenges10:17 Curiosity and Aspiration: Keys to Success11:34 Turning Envy into Motivation14:31 The Importance of Asking Questions21:05 Creative Solutions to Everyday Problems26:22 The Journey to Managing Director27:21 Embracing Rejection and Perseverance28:16 Learning and Leading Without the Title32:16 The Importance of Language Skills38:21 Overcoming Gender Barriers44:39 Final ThoughtsFollow and connect with Ana here on here LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/anamazzeo/Managing Director WOBI Italia, World Business Forum & WOBI Global Management Team | Standout Women International Award 2024| Forbes Italy's Top 100 Successful Women 2024 |Fortune Italy’s 50 Most Powerful Women 2023|Or read more about her story here:https://www.lanacion.com.ar/lifestyle/de-vacaciones-en-carpa-a-ser-una-de-las-50-mujeres-mas-poderosas-de-italia-no-era-la-mas-inteligente-nid06082024/Or about her work at WOBI https://wbf.wobi.com/it/wbf/wbf-milano/https://wbf.wobi.com/ana-mazzeo-on-skytg24-about-gender-equality-for-real-change-to-happen-we-need-to-start-from-the-ground-up/https://www.insidemarketing.it/ana-mazzeo-country-manager-italia-wobi/Or her road to the Italian Business Elite according to Forbes and Fortune:https://forbes.it/2025/07/21/forbes-interview-guidare-il-cambiamento-intervista-ad-ana-mazzeohttps://www.europeanbusinessreview.com/never-give-up-a-mould-breaking-journey-in-business-leadership/https://www.we-wealth.com/news/mazzeo-wobi-il-world-business-forum-per-leader-futuro

Sometimes it only takes a moment to knock you flat—and force you to question everything.For Greg Stern, that moment came not with clarity, but with exhaustion and the quiet collapse of a dream he’d chased for years. What followed was a shift sparked by a few powerful words from his father and the support of mentors who reminded him of the gifts he carried.In this episode, I reconnect with my childhood friend to talk about the role basketball played in shaping his identity, the setbacks that challenged him, and the resilience it took to find his way forward.Whether through mentoring youth with Rise Above or advocating for mental health with the John W. Brick Foundation, Greg is using his story to drive real change.This conversation is about failure, mentorship, and the quiet courage it takes to begin again—again and again—and how the foundations we lay in our hardest seasons often shape the greatest impact we leave behind.00:00 The Turning Point: Overcoming Self-Doubt01:01 Introduction to Greg Stern's Journey01:41 Reconnecting After Decades02:10 Childhood Memories and Early Influences03:33 The Impact of Mentors and Early Sports Experiences10:11 The Harsh Realities of Youth Sports Today22:04 Struggles and Triumphs in High School23:29 Facing Adversity: The College Basketball Experience31:14 The Aftermath of Failure and Finding New Purpose37:03 A Life-Changing Accident and Its Consequences43:14 The Aftermath of the Accident44:16 Dealing with Guilt and Emotional Turmoil45:55 Struggles with Depression and Quitting48:35 A Father's Tough Love53:35 Finding Purpose and Mentorship56:05 The Power of Connection and Empathy59:28 The Podcast Journey01:08:43 Lessons from Mentors and Giving Back01:16:07 Final Thoughts

What does it look like to lead with heart, bounce back from failure, and stay grounded through it all?

Today, I sit down with Manny Hochheimer—banker, father, and leader—whose journey from Germany to Spokane, Washington, is anything but ordinary. As Assistant Vice President of Washington State branches at Idaho Central Credit Union, Manny brings more than business savvy to the table—he brings grit, grace, and a refreshing outlook on turning adversity into opportunity.

Manny shares the hard-won lessons that shaped him as a leader, a partner, and a parent—and why showing up authentically is the key to real success.

Whether you’re navigating your own “no” or searching for what’s next, this conversation will leave you with a bit more optimism, a few laughs, and a reminder that resilience isn’t about never falling—it’s about how you decide to get back up, here on Navigating No. 

00:00 Overcoming Academic Challenges

00:41 Introduction to Manny Hochheimer

02:53 Manny's Early Life in Germany

03:34 Immigrating to America

05:30 Adjusting to Life in Fort Collins

08:46 Lessons in Resilience and Authenticity

21:26 Navigating Adversity in College

41:04 Reflecting on Personal Growth and Resilience

41:38 The Power of Currency in Motivation

42:07 Lessons from Business Mentors

43:44 Raising Kids with Tough Love

44:47 The Importance of Authentic Relationships

48:31 Breaking into the Spokane Market

56:25 The Value of Mentorship and Community

01:02:25 Self-Care and Mental Health

01:05:57 The Influence of Music and Movies

01:12:36 Final Thoughts

When life wants to break you, do you let it define you, or find the strength to keep climbing and choose what comes next?

Today, I sit down with Chad Thompson—a devoted family man, coach, entrepreneur and founder of the Forever Everest Foundation—to talk about how loss, love, and purpose have shaped every part of his journey.

From coaching on the soccer fields to a quiet, life-altering moment, Chad shares a powerful story about resilience, fatherhood, and turning unimaginable grief into a mission to help others heal.

This is a story about finding strength in heartbreak—and building something meaningful in the name of the people we carry with us, here on Navigating No. 

This episode is a little different.

Instead of hosting, I sat down with my good friends Brennon Poynor and Josh Hissong for their podcast If Not Now, When?—and what came out of that conversation surprised even me.

We talk about growing up in Spokane, what martial arts taught me about failure, and how rejection shaped some of the biggest pivots in my life. I also open up about things I haven’t shared publicly—stories about identity, fatherhood, and the pressure to perform that I’ve carried for a long time.

Josh and Brennon created the kind of space that pulled these stories out of me, and I’m grateful for it. This one’s real, it’s reflective, and at times… it’s raw. But if you’ve been listening to Navigating No, you know that’s exactly the point.

Let me know what resonates—and if you’ve got your own story of turning rejection into purpose, I’d love to hear it.

00:00 The World Owes You Nothing

00:45 Introduction to the Podcast Episode

01:37 Starting the Conversation

02:57 Growing Up in Spokane

03:38 Martial Arts Journey Begins

03:50 Facing Bullying and Finding Strength

05:09 The Karate Kid Story

09:33 Lessons from Failure

14:57 Early Entrepreneurial Spirit

19:56 College Rejections and Persistence

26:48 Life Lessons from Mentors

30:11 Finding Mentors and Building Confidence

31:32 Overcoming Bullies and Life Lessons

35:14 Experiences in Japan and Personal Growth

37:15 Career Shifts and Personal Training

42:42 The Journey to Becoming a Teacher

52:17 Public Speaking and Modeling Challenges

01:00:11 The Journey to Writing a Second Book

01:00:46 Defining Personal Success

01:01:06 The Importance of Family and Relationships

01:02:47 Embracing Challenges and Growth

01:11:12 The Power of Mentorship

01:18:10 A Life-Changing Encounter

01:23:37 Returning to Spokane

01:25:42 Final Thoughts 

On this episode, I sit down with Sybil Macdonald, a media coach, public speaking expert, and the founder of Elevate, a company dedicated to helping people own their voice and show up with confidence.

We talk about how speaking authentically can completely transform your career.

Sybil shares why embracing your individuality is the ultimate power move—and why no one should underestimate the value of a handwritten thank-you note.

Get ready for a conversation full of wisdom and reminders that the most powerful thing you can be… is yourself. 

00:00 “Just give 5 minutes…”

00:32 Guest Introduction: Sybil McDonald

01:30 Sybil's Journey to Spokane

02:57 Adapting to a New City

03:44 Career Transition and Local Involvement

08:55 Building a Business in Spokane

12:36 The Power of Public Speaking

23:13 Embracing Individuality

30:00 The Joy of Helping Others

39:56 Navigating Rejection and Embracing Emotions

40:36 Training for Effective Business Pitches

43:04 Mastering Media Interviews

47:04 The Art of Reading the Room

54:08 Overcoming Business Challenges

59:44 The Power of Networking and Follow-Up

01:09:41 Maintaining Integrity in Business

01:11:54 Building a Strong Personal Brand

01:16:49 Final Thoughts

Have you ever pitched an idea, vision, or business plan you believed in, only to be told it would never work?

Our next guest, Chris Bovey, experienced exactly that. Instead of backing down, he used the rejection as fuel, refining his concept and adjusting his path to not only succeed, but to spark a city-wide movement.

He’s the artist and entrepreneur behind Vintage Print, whose throwback-style prints have become synonymous with Spokane’s identity.

From building a business one print at a time to saving the iconic Garland Theater from closing, Chris’s story is all about betting on your gut, staying true to your vision, and creating something that lasts.

This is a conversation about grit, heart, and the power of saying “yes” to yourself—only on Navigating No.

00:00 Overcoming Fear and Excuses

00:50 Meet Chris Bovey: Turning Rejection into Fuel

01:35 Chris's Journey from Australia to Spokane

03:31 High School Struggles and Finding a Passion for Drama

09:13 From Drama to Graphic Design: Discovering a New Path

19:21 The Inlander Opportunity: A Dream Come True

27:30 The Birth of Vintage Print: From Rejection to Success

36:51 Facing Challenges and Realizing Potential

37:31 Creative Projects and Workplace Struggles

39:18 Taking the Leap to Full-Time Art

40:54 Building a Business and Community Engagement

47:36 Opening a Storefront and Overcoming Obstacles

53:33 Saving the Garland Theater

57:03 Nostalgia and Community Impact

01:07:57 Overcoming Fear and Embracing Hard Work

01:13:41 Current Endeavors and Future Vision

Perfect timing isn’t just for standup comedians—it’s also for building community. And someone got the last laugh to prove it.

On this episode, Blue Stiley sits down with my friend Angela Dennison, the powerhouse behind making Laughs Comedy Club the best in Seattle.

She didn’t plan to run a comedy venue, but when life presented the opportunity, she and her husband ran with it—building one of the most beloved comedy spaces in the Northwest.

From navigating startup chaos to overcoming the challenges of being a woman in a male-dominated industry, Angela’s story is packed with grit, grace, and of course—laughter. 

Let’s dive into what it takes to build a community, stay adaptable, and create a space where people can laugh, learn, and belong. This one’s for the dreamers, the doers, and anyone who knows the power of a good punchline. Let’s get into it—here on Navigating No.

00:00 The Courage to Pursue Comedy and Business

00:44 Meet Angela Denison: The Powerhouse Behind Seattle's Top Comedy Club

02:33 From Dentistry to Comedy: Angela's Unexpected Journey

04:49 Navigating Challenges and Embracing Change

07:00 Building a Community: The Key to Success

15:03 Adapting to COVID-19: Keeping the Club Alive

17:01 The Art of Comedy: Crafting Memorable Experiences

25:54 Handling Reviews and Maintaining Standards

32:46 Dealing with Rejection in the Comedy Industry

35:07 Crafting a Comedy Special

36:56 Ownership and Rights in Comedy

38:38 Providing Value to Comics

41:35 Advice for Aspiring Comedians

48:51 Challenges of Running a Comedy Club

53:57 Women in the Comedy Business

01:01:06 Overcoming Business Challenges

01:05:01 Final Thoughts