Dream Big with Big Dreamers

What if the key to managing anxiety while achieving big dreams came down to three simple words: gratitude, curiosity, and joy? In this inspiring episode of Dream Big with Big Dreamers, host Donna Serdula speaks with Dr. Robyn Graham—author, speaker, podcast host, and founder of the Purpose to Results Method. Robyn brings a unique blend of science, strategy, and soul to help women in leadership (and their families) navigate anxiety, burnout, and overwhelm—while still showing up powerfully in their lives and careers. 🎯 In this conversation, you’ll learn: Why anxiety is rising—and how to regulate your nervous system in a hyper-connected world The #1 mindset shift high-achievers can make to move from fear to clarity How to align your goals with your values and purpose for sustainable results Why faith, stillness, and connection are essential leadership tools A simple 3-word mantra—Gratitude. Curiosity. Joy.—that can transform your mindset today Whether you're leading a team, growing a business, or raising a family, Robyn’s wisdom offers practical tools and heartfelt encouragement for building a life that’s both high-achieving and heart-aligned. 📌 Topics Covered: Anxiety in high achievers, emotional regulation, parenting with purpose, personal reinvention, values-based leadership, women in business, nervous system support, spiritual resilience, authenticity Special Guest: Dr. Robyn Graham.

How do you build a career that spans five decades, multiple industries, and countless reinventions — and still stay excited about what’s next? In this episode of Dream Big with Big Dreamers, host Donna Serdula sits down with Ron Levine, President of Graphic Press Inc., classic car entrepreneur, memorabilia collector, and lifelong storyteller. With over 50 years of experience across printing, music, media, and business, Ron shares the defining moments that shaped his career — from his first sales pitch in the 1970s to walking away from toxic clients and building decades-long business relationships. 🎯 In this engaging and candid conversation, you'll hear: How persistence, humor, and self-respect helped Ron close his first big account — by walking away from the wrong one Why relationship-building has always been his most valuable sales strategy The difference between being a vendor and a problem-solver How credibility by association (from Clio Awards to The Rolling Stones) helped him grow his business What it means to keep dreaming — even at 79, taking up stand-up comedy at Second City Whether you’re building a legacy, navigating a pivot, or just getting started, Ron’s timeless insights on resilience, personal branding, and human connection are a masterclass in long-term success. 📌 Topics: Relationship selling, career reinvention, entrepreneurship, client management, creative longevity, authenticity in business, personal legacy Special Guest: Ron Levin.

What does it take to lead real transformation — and earn the trust of people through times of change? In this compelling episode of Dream Big with Big Dreamers, host Donna Serdula sits down with Brian Bark, Executive Vice President and Florida Market Leader at Aon, to unpack the leadership lessons behind his success in turning around major business units and driving exceptional engagement. With 20+ years of experience in professional services and consulting, Brian shares the practical and deeply human approach that’s guided his career — from early mentorship in boutique consulting firms to leading high-performing teams at scale. 💡 In this conversation, you'll learn: Why authenticity and extreme candor are the foundation of high-trust leadership How to diagnose and fix underperforming teams and operations without boiling the ocean The power of listening, transparency, and modeling collaboration How Brian builds engagement—reaching a 97% employee engagement rate What his personal brand of leadership looks like in action Whether you're leading a team, pivoting your organization, or working on your own leadership journey, Brian’s insights offer a clear, values-driven roadmap for real impact. 📌 Topics: Organizational turnaround, executive leadership, people-first strategy, employee engagement, culture transformation, performance improvement Special Guest: Brian Bark.

What does it take to build a lasting creative career — and stay relevant in an ever-evolving industry? In this episode of Dream Big with Big Dreamers, host Donna Serdula speaks with Monika Demel, an internationally awarded portrait photographer and creative entrepreneur whose work has been exhibited at the Louvre and honored with 14+ Portrait Masters Awards. Monika’s story spans continents and career reinventions — from immigrating to the U.S. as a teenager to becoming one of the most sought-after visual artists in the industry. With over two decades of experience, she shares what it takes to stay inspired, build client connection through empathy, and take big risks in business when others play it safe. 🎯 In this powerful conversation, you’ll learn: How to stay creatively relevant in a saturated and competitive space Why persistence and emotional intelligence are more important than raw talent How saying “yes” to uncertainty helped her land a $13K opportunity most others turned down How to lead with empathy and connect deeply with clients Why legacy isn’t about fame — it’s about the daily impact we make on others Whether you’re a creative entrepreneur, corporate leader, or emerging artist, Monika’s perspective on lifelong growth, joy in the craft, and the value of resilience will stay with you long after the episode ends. 📌 Topics: Creative entrepreneurship, resilience, leadership through empathy, personal brand, career reinvention, visual storytelling, women in business Special Guest: Monika Demel.

What does it take to reinvent your career — and your life — when the world says "play it safe"? In this episode of Dream Big with Big Dreamers, host Donna Serdula speaks with Mary Kay Owen, a marketing executive turned healthcare leader, educator, and advocate for purposeful reinvention. Mary Kay shares her non-linear journey through industries — from high fashion to healthcare, from event strategy to substitute teaching — all while staying anchored in humor, grit, and a deep sense of mission. She opens up about: Why resilience is a muscle we all need to build How to turn a "no" into powerful redirection Lessons from navigating the pandemic with grace and strategy Why your lived experience is your most valuable career asset The dream she's still chasing — and why she won't stop until it's realized This is a must-watch for professionals and executives navigating transitions, seeking inspiration, or craving permission to pursue what's next — even if it’s not on the “official path.” 📌 Key Themes: Career pivoting, professional reinvention, resilience, leadership, women in business, executive inspiration, purpose-driven work Special Guest: Mary Kay Owen.

Most B2B deals don’t die because of price — they die in rooms you’re never invited into. In this episode of Dream Big with Big Dreamers, host Donna Serdula sits down with Mark Phinick, B2B deal acceleration coach, former IBM and HCL sales leader, and founder of Let’s Make It Rain. Mark pulls back the curtain on how to turn stalled deals into signed deals — not by convincing harder, but by equipping internal champions to speak the language of the C-suite. 💼 Whether you're a founder, sales leader, or AE, you'll learn: 📌Why most demos fail to drive executive urgency 📌How to write proposals that “walk into the boardroom” without you 📌What separates sellers who close from those who get ghosted 📌The difference between interest and a real, funded deal 📌The 3 essential elements of a forwardable proposal 📌How to shift from volume to velocity without hiring more reps 📈 Real-world wins include six-figure deals closed in days (not months), with no discounts — and no follow-up needed. This conversation will change how you think about sales, internal alignment, and what it really takes to move from stuck to unstoppable. About Mark Phinick: Mark is the founder of Let’s Make It Rain, a deal coaching firm that helps teams accelerate revenue by turning interest into executive-backed decisions. He's worked with startups, enterprise sellers, and even commercial roofers to craft business cases that win. He’s not a CRO or trainer — he’s the one you call when the deal matters most. 🎧 Tune in and discover why magic in sales happens when you help your buyer win. Special Guest: Mark Phinick.

In this inspiring episode of Dream Big with Big Dreamers, host Donna Serdula sits down with serial entrepreneur and CEO of TotalBrokerage, Michael Mosseri—a builder of businesses, a seeker of challenges, and a man who quite literally rose from the flames. Michael shares how a childhood accident involving a gasoline explosion became a defining moment in his life, igniting not just a passion for solving problems, but a deeper curiosity that fuels every leap—be it off a pirate ship or into a new company. He unpacks the journey of moving from survival mode to a place of freedom and alignment, the role of coaching and community in achieving greatness, and what soaring truly means in life and business. Whether you're a startup founder, a curious creator, or someone just starting out—this conversation will remind you that you don’t have to be fearless, just curious enough to start. Key themes include: 🔴 Turning adversity into fuel 🔴 The power of curiosity and consistency 🔴 Building meaningful companies with values at the core 🔴 Redefining success: from metrics to meaning 🔴 Why asking for help is a strength, not a weakness "Start. Start small. Start now." — Michael Mosseri Special Guest: Michael Mosseri.

In this enlightening episode of "Dream Big with Big Dreamers," host Donna Serdula welcomes the inspirational life coach Amit Sood. Dive into a conversation that navigates the realms of self-expression, personal growth, and achieving ultimate fulfillment. Amit shares his transformational journey from a high-powered career in sales and marketing to a life dedicated to helping others unlock their fullest potential. Listeners will find motivation as Amit explains the concept of living an authentic life true to oneself, breaking free from societal norms and self-imposed limitations. He delves deep into the idea of self-awareness, how vital it is in recognizing where you are at present, and how to use this understanding as a launching pad for future growth. Amit's words resonate deeply with those struggling with conformity and the fear of embracing their true selves. Listeners can expect to learn about the importance of self-expression and how finding one’s true voice can lead to unprecedented levels of creativity and fulfillment. Amit discusses vision boards, emotional healing, and radical forgiveness as essential tools for personal and professional transformation. The episode also touches on Amit's experiences living around the world and how these diverse cultural insights have shaped his coaching philosophy. Whether you're an entrepreneur, a leader, or someone on a journey of self-discovery, Amit’s strategies for freeing oneself from the 'corporate cage' will be particularly impactful. Tune in to hear compelling anecdotes, actionable advice, and visionary strategies that will empower you to honor your true self, heed your heart’s calling, and take bold steps towards your dreams. This episode is a must-listen for anyone ready to break barriers and achieve extraordinary success. Special Guest: Amid Sood.

Welcome to another inspiring episode of 'Dream Big with Big Dreamers'! Today, we have the privilege of hosting Marlo Ricketts Green, a seasoned HR executive with a rich background spanning over two decades. Marlo’s career journey is a testament to the power of resilience, authenticity, and continuous personal and professional growth. Episode Highlights: 🚀 Marlo's Journey into HR: From marketing to HR, driven by a desire to improve workplace behaviors. 🚀 Leadership Evolution: How Marlo developed her leadership style and embraced authenticity. 🚀 Coaching and Mentoring: Empowering young professionals and fostering growth within her teams. 🚀 HR Challenges: Navigating difficult situations, including mass layoffs, with compassion and integrity. 🚀 Personal and Professional Growth: Marlo’s goals for the future and her commitment to lifelong learning. Join us as Marlo shares her profound insights into leadership and the human side of HR. This episode is packed with actionable advice and inspiring stories that will resonate with professionals at all stages of their careers. Special Guest: Marlo Ricketts Green.

In this episode of 'Dream Big with Big Dreamers,' host Donna Serdula welcomes Rich Diekmann, founder of MDSI, to explore the world of recruitment. Rich shares his vast experience in executive search for technology sales, the importance of long-term relationships with candidates, and the evolving dynamics of recruiting. The discussion covers how recruiters operate, the significance of well-crafted LinkedIn profiles, and effective interview strategies. Rich provides valuable tips for both job seekers and recruiters on building networks, approaching potential opportunities, and closing interviews successfully. Tune in to gain an insider's perspective on navigating the job market and fostering professional connections. 0:00 Rich Deakman 00:11 Introduction and Welcoming Rich 00:46 Rich's Background and Company Overview 01:35 The Value of External Recruiters 03:08 Building Long-Term Relationships 06:10 Rich's Origin Story 08:12 The Evolution of Recruiting 18:40 Ensuring LinkedIn and Resume Consistency 20:48 The Importance of Interview Preparation 22:26 Effective Interview Closing Techniques 23:14 The Two-Way Street of Interviews 28:27 Follow-Up Strategies Post-Interview 33:03 Building Relationships with Recruiters 34:57 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Special Guest: Rich Deakmann.

Welcome to the DREAM BIG With Big Dreamers podcast! In this episode, Donna Serdula sits down with Tia Kleckner, co-founder of LinkTech, to explore how her company is revolutionizing talent acquisition with a human-centered approach. Discover how LinkTech goes beyond traditional diversity hiring metrics to truly understand and celebrate the unique stories and perspectives of candidates. Tia shares her personal journey from a diverse upbringing in Montana to her career in talent acquisition, highlighting the importance of cognitive diversity in building innovative and inclusive workforces. Learn how LinkTech's Diversity Unboxed initiative is reshaping the recruiting landscape and why a deeper understanding of candidates' backgrounds leads to better matches for companies and job seekers alike. Topics Covered: Introduction to LinkTech and its mission The concept of cognitive diversity and its importance Tia Kleckner's personal background and inspiration The challenges and rewards of diversity hiring Practical advice for job seekers in a competitive market The impact of AI on recruiting and the importance of human connection Connect with Us: Visit LinkTech: www.thelinktech.com Connect with Tia Kleckner on LinkedIn: Tia Kleckner's LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiakleckner/) Follow Donna Serdula: Donna Serdula's LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/todonna/) Subscribe for More: Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more inspiring conversations and career growth tips. Hit the notification bell to stay updated on our latest episodes. Special Guest: Tia Kleckner.

This episode of 'Dream Big with Big Dreamers' features an inspiring conversation with Lynn Ellen Miller of Straight Talk Writer LLC. Lynn shares her journey from an opera singer to a co-author of the book 'Lead from Within' and the founder of a unique approach empowering people to tenfold their expertise. The dialogue delves into the concept of being an 'Opportunity Champion,' highlighting the distinctions between hard work, talent, and the true essence of championing opportunities for growth and success. Through personal anecdotes and professional achievements, Lynn illustrates how discovering one's purpose and persistently seeking ways to support others can enrich lives and careers. Additionally, she discusses her method of helping individuals unearth their purposes, emphasizing the power of asking the right questions and the impact of storytelling in leadership and personal development. Special Guest: Lynn Miller.

Gloria Milner has transitioned from executive to life and career coach based on her years of experience and desire to help others make positive choices. In this episode she divulges information about what life was like for her as a mom, housewife and executive and how that led her to becoming a life coach today. She also discusses the impact her husband, a holocaust survivor, had on her life choices and how that is still influencing her today. Join us. Special Guest: Gloria Milner.

Dara loves the work she does to help women find their authentic voice and power. Dara, a confidence expert and speaker helps women speak up, be heard, get paid what they deserve and "kick fear to the curb." She joins me on this podcast to discuss how she grew from a shy child, canceled corporate employee, to now successful motivational speaker. Her experiences led her to find her voice and inspire women to realize their potential. In this episode she discusses why women may be afraid to speak up and how to become assertive and trust yourself. Join me to find out who inspires her as a confident woman in the public eye, and how she feels about the Me Too Movement as a leader in the industry. Special Guest: Dara Connolly.

Shelly is currently the Cheif People Officer at Unchained Labs. She has held roles as CPO at Balbix, Senior Human Resources Executive and Strategic Advisor with a strong history in the leadership of HR functions to strengthen organizations and drive company performance. With more than 20 years of experience in multinational HR leadership roles for global technology companies, she understands the complexities of the programs & processes that are the fundamentals of the People function — driving continuous improvements and the achievement of company goals. Join me as I talk with Shelly about how she started in HR, why she stayed, and what is happening in the job market amidst the flux in jobs due to the pandemic. Special Guest: Shelly Morales.

In this episode the three co-founders, Lauren Decker, Lynne Pagano and Suzanne Willian, join me as we disucss their dream to open a women-centric collaborate work space in the suburbs of New York City. Founders of The Co-Co saw a need in their community for women at all stages of their careers to have a place to work, collaborate, and network. Just as their business was starting to blossom, the pandemic hit; and like many other businesses in 2020, they had to find a new way to serve and connect their clients. The pandemic wound up benefiting The Co-Co in ways they hadn't imagined: offering collaboration and networking events virtually, and finding new and inventive ways to help women thrive. Join me as I explore starting a business and navigating the pandemic with three big dreamers. Special Guest: Lauren Decker-The Co-Co.

Brenda Abdilla is a well-respected and sought-after career and leadership coach. She works with corporate leaders who want more effective strategies for team accountability and change management, and with professionals who are navigating a change in their high-level careers. More than 90% of Brenda’s coaching clients get promoted, land the role they desire, or address their core issues within 12 months of engaging Brenda. In this episode, we discuss how she became an entrpreneur and the backstory of how she got to this success point in her story. Find out what the suprise in her journey wound up being and how it changed the course of her career entirely-- for the better! Special Guest: Brenda Abdilla.

“The greatest discovery of all time is that a person can change his future by merely changing his attitude” -Oprah Susan Guthrie, nationally recognized as one of the Top Family Law and Mediation Attorneys in the country, has been helping individuals and families navigate separation and divorce for 30 years. She has personally operated on a fully online basis as a family law mediator for several years and currently works with clients throughout the country and the world. Susan founded Learn to Mediate Online in order to help fellow mediators and professionals to ethically and efficiently integrate an online platform into their practice and to help them take their practice to the next level through effective marketing, practice optimization and more! Susan is also the Creator and Host of the iTunes top podcast, The Divorce & Beyond Podcast with Susan Guthrie, Esq. and the critically acclaimed The Learn to Mediate Online Podcast for dispute resolution professionals! Listen as Donna and Susan talk being a leader, founder, podcast host, and how to advocate for yourself. Special Guest: Susan Guthrie .

The Real Estate Marketing Dude is a video content creation company specializing in the real estate space by scripting editing and distributing video content. Mike and his team teach real estate agents, lenders, and service providers how to attract business instead of chasing it. Listen as Donna talks to Mike about how he got where he is today: serving vs. selling, his entreprenurial spirit and how his faith led him to make the biggest move in his career. Special Guest: Mike Cuevas.

In losing his best mate, Chris, after his brave cancer battle it changed his life forever. Lee has had a varied career history including: writing 5 children books, owning a bouncy castle business, DJ-ing dressed as a monkey....data input administrator to co-founding his own business in 2018. ALL of these steps on his career journey have shaped him as a person. But, it was losing Chris that has sharpened his focus. Special Guest: Lee Houghton.