Awaken The Awesome

Ep. 112 - Mindset Dictates Process (w. Nick Elvery)

I always aim to learn from each and every one of my guests. Curiosity and humility have always been the best tools in that regard. And this next conversation is no different as I'm thrilled to welcome Peak Performance Coach, Nick Elvery, to the podcast.
Nick battled with hard drug and alcohol addiction for over a decade. Coming out the other side of his personal transformation (8 years clean), he still battled with the emotional rollercoaster of depression, suicidal thoughts and food addictions.
Fearing he may have damaged his mind beyond repair, he wondered if he had more mental health problems than he realised and sought medical guidance. Were these highs and lows a normal part of life or was they more going on here? It was only after studying Cognitive Hypnotherapy that his eyes were opened to a whole new understanding of the mind and everything finally clicked into place.
His mind wasn't broken! He didn’t need medical intervention. He needed a complete mindset and subconscious overhaul. This newfound knowledge combined with his years of research and experience spawned a new era for Nick.
He created the Rapid Mindset Transformation (RMT™) system to help fellow entrepreneurs build unstoppable minds and become relentless in the pursuit of their business goals. To deliver the RMT™ system Nick founded the Optimised™ brand and through the Optimised Mind program he helps other entrepreneurs become unstoppable too.
On this episode, Nick emphasizes the critical role your internal dialogue plays into your reality, how a sharp, focused mind is the core of our our efficacy, the need to be careful of who and what we allow into our environment...and so much more.
Head over to Nick's website, Optimised.Life, and use the special coupon code to get 50% off his short, engaging and effective Optimised Meditations, as courtesy to our listeners. 
Use the coupon code 'optimised50' at checkout.
Enjoy.
You can connect with Nick via Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin as well his official website.
#StayAwesome

Ep. 111 - The Magic Happens In The Application (w. Erika Darbouze)

Entrepreneurship has its ups and downs, and among the latter is the isolation. 
The fact that you put in so many insane hours can get maddening at times. So when someone out there in The Universe drops a comment...sends a DM...an email...or shares a review...Believe me - a guy is quite appreciative.
This is, in a nutshell, how I met and got to connect with my next guest, Erika Darbouze, and felt quite taken with her journey both as an Entrepreneur and business-owner.
You guys probably think I'm joking when I tell you this but I truly do read all of your comments. And it's throughout our various exchanges, when I came to embrace a fellow achiever's Awesome journey as something that I personally considered near and dear to my heart, that I thought : "Why not have her on the podcast as well...?" 
Erika is the founder and CEO of Haiti's Corner, a B2B Export Marketing Firm, whose mission is aimed at introducing and promoting the Haitian Culture to the world through its impressive catalog of brands and various products.
As you'll soon discover, Erika is a definite and powerful example of how one can align skill, training, resourcefulness and dedication to a righteous and noble cause.
On this empowering episode, we discuss the importance of not watering down one's heritage, personal truth, dedication to the bigger picture, and how mindset is the keystone of success.
When you find yourself in the fortunate position to walk a path of genuine purpose and truth, you're already ahead of the pack.
Enjoy.
You can connect with Erika via Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin as well the Haiti's Corner official website.
#StayAwesome

Ep. 110 - A Clear Why Overcomes Any How (w. Alain Guillot)

The world is a lot smaller than you think and the connections we have the opportunity to make with the vast array of people that make it so amazing in the first place turns out to be something one should take notice of.
If I had simply brushed off our first interaction as one of those random 'Likes' or comments you get and not even consider it as a second thought, chances are pretty high that I would have surely missed out on a truly special kind of friendship.
With all the proverbial 'noise' going around Social Media, it's easy to overlook that fact that there are actual people on the other end. People, just like you, with a sense of curiosity, dreams, ambitions, motivations, opinions and personal perspectives that are quite the discovery if you take the time to get curious and just listen.
To say that Alain Guillot wears many hats is an understatement - case in point: Photographer, Real Estate Investor, Podcaster, Dance Instructor, Speaker, and Author.
...and here I was thinking I had a full plate.
On this episode, Alain and I have a candid and energetic exchange about his journey to Canada from his native Colombia, the importance of a proper mindset when dealing against the odds, being open to different experiences, staying committed...and so much more.
You can connect with Alain via Linkedin, Facebook, YouTube as well as his official website.
Also, be sure to grab a copy of Alain's new book on Amazon.
#StayAwesome

Ep. 109 - In pursuit of doing, not just talking. (w. Javier Mercedes)

I can never get enough of meeting the type of individuals the likes of my next guest.
When you come across a guy with this kind of jet-fueled energy, it has a way of rubbing off on you.
With a sense of dedication and desire to always keep improving his content, craft and brand, I really wanted to have Javier Mercedes on the program as his was the kind of personal mission that greatly resonated with me.
As a seasoned freelance video editor, audio engineer, podcaster and well-rounded Online Media creator, Javier is a truly passionate chap. Something he's made quite obvious, based on the chosen name for his exciting "Passion in Progress" podcast.
On this episode, Javier dives into his ongoing commitment to his various projects, including his wonderful Tech Tutorials on YouTube, learning curves, the importance of always showing up, the realities of growing your brand and business...and so much more.
Enjoy.
You can connect with Javier via Instagram, Facebook, YouTube as well as his official website.
#StayAwesome

Ep. 108 - Fearless Dreamer (w. Tim Kriegler)

From my hotel room, on a short holiday with the family, I turned on the TV and caught a rebroadcast of the 39th edition of the Festival Mondial du Cirque de Demain, a yearly extravaganza which I would later discover to be a reference, listed on the agendas of all those who love Circus including artists, agents, producers and fans of the circus arts.
There were a few acts before the one that led the following conversation, but there was something about this one in particular that stopped me in my tracks and caught my attention.
I'm not sure if it was the performer's young age, his emotional performance, the incredible sense of concentration and skill displayed, or how my impression of what the human body was capable of was utterly thrown for a loop...
As a seasoned Aerial Straps and Hand-balancing artist, Tim Kriegler showed me, in 6 engaging minutes, the culmination of what happens at the intersection of living your dreams and focused dedication.
As the applause poured in on the screen, one thing was for sure - I had to get Tim on the program.
I invite you to check out the performance on YouTube - just search 'tim...kriegler...circus' and sit back for 6mn of amazing prowess.
On this episode, filled with wonderful gems, Tim shares his insights on embracing your passion, facing your fears, being in the moment and keeping things simple.
Enjoy.
#StayAwesome
Direct download (*.mp3)
Tim's YouTube Channel
Tim's Official Website
 

Ep. 107 - Breathe Into Your Purpose (w. Ama Makeda)

A lot of people have pushed me to reach out and have this next guest on the program.
If there's one thing I've learned over the course of these exchanges and amazing opportunities, it's that you do not force The Universe...you have to trust it. As long as your intentions remain true, you realize that everything eventually does happen in due time.
This next conversation was a perfect example of this very simple fact.
Ama Makeda is one of those incredibly genuine individuals that you'd be wise not to try to define. Instead, you're better off doing the natural, human thing and just take in the fact that, even though you might not know much about each other, these "differences" are exactly where the beauty and innocence of the Human Spirit lie.
As a Certified Yoga Teacher, Poet, Artist and Mother, Ama is definitely the right person to speak to as we're all getting caught up in this whirlwind of goal-setting, redefining ourselves, with the 'New Year/New You' in full effect...
I wanted to pull the brakes a bit and connect with someone who, in her own words, has never once had the sense to question who she was or how she should be. Someone who, from a very young age, had the maturity to own her sense of self and practice ongoing acceptance.
Something I believe more people should put into practice.
You can connect with Ama via Instagram, Facebook as well as her official website.
You can download the MP3 for this episode by right-clicking here and choosing "Save As"
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#StayAwesome

Ep. 106 - Just Getting Started (Year-End Special) (w. Olivier Day ft. guest host: Brad Bodnarchuk)

As we near the end of the year, with the Holiday Season in full swing, it only felt appropriate to close out this incredible and energizing year with a bit of reflection and necessary gratitude.
Thing is, and I've admitted this on and off this podcast, I'm somewhat of a workaholic. Whether that's a gift or a curse depends on your perspective. But, as I took a step back and intentionally realized how far this podcast has come in such a short time, it certainly makes the hard work, sacrifices and commitment feel noteworthy. You spend so much time with your head down, focused and undeterred, you often neglect to fully appreciate all that you've achieved.
For this Year-End episode, the last of 2019, I wanted to changes things up a bit, in the spirit of trying something new. Following a few encouraging messages from many of you, I decided to hand over the proverbial 'Keys to the Castle' and delegate hosting duties to an individual whose work, support and newfound friendship have been immensely useful over the past year. There's a very short list of people whom I could trust with running this ship while I take a breather and take it all in for a sec...and I'm grateful to him for answering the call.
With a keen eye for detail in an industry that is certainly always changing, Brad Bodnarchuk is quite possibly one the most dynamic Restaurant Consultants in the world. With an intense passion for both people and food, Brad's desire to create positive change in this particular space cannot be understated. One of the busiest guys I know with a prestigious list of clients both local and abroad, Brad is also the creator and host of the popular Half A Dozen Hospitality podcast, which you should definitely check out.
This episode was indeed a tremendous exercise in vulnerability and humility where I found myself going back to the beginning and quite a few other places I didn't think I would. I hope you'll forgive your humble servant as I laugh childishly, chuckle nervously and celebrate gratefully as I get to look back at the year that's been and looking forward to the years to come...sooner than you think.
My special thanks to all of you: esteemed guests, followers, subscribers, supporters, friends, family...for being along this incredible journey.
#StayAwesome

Ep. 105 - Have The Vision Of A Champion (w. Jean-Philippe Loiselle)

When you make no apologies for what you want and have the courage, determination and skill to go after it consistently, then you just might understand the mindset that drives my next guest.
I’ve had a couple of Real Estate professionals on this program and that’s not simply because their particular line of work is very much in line with the values of hard work, commitment and resilience that we often talk about on this podcast, but as far as Jean-Philippe Loiselle is concerned, it’s always a thrill to get to share a first-hand look into the habits and best practices of an individual recognized as an established champion among his peers.
Having already won a number of prestigious awards over his decade-long career, and still going strong, Jean-Philippe quite simply a standout performer. Driven by excellence, with a keen sense for a job well done and a ‘no excuses’-type of personality towards achieving his goals, JP is all about shooting for greatness with every decision and resulting action.
On this episode, we discuss the importance of committing to your vision, putting in the work by paying your dues, staying true to your core values as well as the importance resting appropriately.
 

Ep. 104 - Congratulations, You're Alive! (w. Sean Chris Lewis)

There was something special about my next guest that I couldn't put my finger on when we first connected.
Was it his infectiously genuine energy that transpired through our initial call as we got to know each other better?
Was it his generosity and courteous demeanor as he graciously welcomed me in his home as he'd previously had me on his own podcast?
Was it his perceptive ability to reach out to me, out of nowhere, when I wasn't really in the best of moods or mindset?
Was it his joyous celebration of the daily little wins in life?
In hindsight, as I write this intro, I'm pretty sure it was all of the above.
As you'll soon find out, Sean Chris Lewis, isn't just a Certified Personal Trainer, host of the wonderful Forked podcast, loving husband and father, but also a tremendous source of kindness and warmth.
In this conversation, we cover Sean's mindset hacks, his perspective in regards to overcoming his personal demons, and get some necessary 'Real Talk' from his wealth of experience and heartfelt honesty...
Another great conversation which I do hope you'll enjoy, as I certainly did.
You can connect with Sean via Instagram as well as his official website.

Ep. 103 - Accept All Parts Of You (w. Pablo J. Rosario)

A really sincere smile and a particular kind of positive energy. That was my first impression of my next guest, Pablo J. Rosario.
Pablo is an active professional speaker and relationship coach specializing in helping single men all over the world overcome their individual roadblocks and improve their interpersonal connections, not just with women, but throughout all the various facets of their lives.
I especially appreciated our exchange for its candor as Pablo shared his origin story, so to speak, as, like most of the amazing people we've had on this podcast, one can and should make the effort to look to his/her earliest and decisive moments in order to better understand particular patterns.
I always enjoy linking up with the kind of individual who makes no apologies for putting his passion and mission at the forefront as he or she aims to serve a genuine sense of purpose.
You can't give what you don't have. And Pablo shows us, through his own experience, how mindset, dedication and a willingness to grow can bring some impactful rewards.
You can connect with Pablo via Instagram as well as his official website.