From The Hart - Presented by the First Bank Center for Family-Owned Businesses

Today’s digital world requires impactful communication for getting your message delivered, for public speaking, strategic marketing, client relations & branding If you are an entrepreneur, business professional, nonprofit organization or Music Industry Professional, one of your biggest struggles is feeling comfortable on camera. Get prepared to handle any digital media or public speaking appearance and learn how to become a more confident, polished and professional speaker. Improve your confidence and your speaking skills by learning how to master your body language, facial expressions and mannerisms. Confidently handle any media interview for print, podcast, radio, TV, Internet, and social media. ​ Learn to develop a theme, stay on message and communicate succinctly. Creating a dynamic message through the "Art of Storytelling" will allow you to connect with your ideal target audience. Training covers everything from strategy and message development to techniques to effectively master and deliver content. Learn to convey a positive impression in the first few seconds. Digital Communication allows you to reach a far greater audience than print media, so its essential that you harness the power of social and digital media to improve and increase your marketing, digital footprint and visibility. If you are a nonprofit organization, learn how you can increase your membership, your funding and your outreach through digital & social media. "My previous clients say they have attracted new customers, reached bigger audiences, and developed more effective marketing campaigns as a result of my training" You can reach Amy at the link below, and on all social media platforms by simply searching for Amy Scruggs. https://www.amyscruggsmedia.com/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fromthehart/message

Dave Specht is the Director of the Drucker School Global Family Business Institute. His professional mission is to, Preserve Families and Perpetuate Businesses. He is the author of, “The Family Business Whisperer”. He is a thought leader on topics surrounding generational continuity of family-owned businesses and family wealth. Prior to his current role, he trained 2,500 top advisors/bankers at Wells Fargo Private Bank on family dynamics and generational wealth issues. Prior to his work at the bank, he founded Advising Generations, a consulting firm and established the Family Business Management program at the University of Nebraska. During college he attended BYU-Hawaii, where he played on the basketball team. Dave lives in Washington state with his wife and 6 children. You can connect with Dave on his LinkedIn page at https://www.linkedin.com/in/davespecht/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fromthehart/message

Danielle Judd is a visionary leader who founded FarmHouse Rescue, a distinguished 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, in 2018. This came after surviving a life-threatening illness that left her with enduring effects, including memory loss. Through her unwavering determination and passion, she sought to heal both animals and humans alike. As the driving force behind FarmHouse Rescue, Danielle expertly manages, coordinates, and executes all programs and activities related to marketing, operations, and fundraising. Her remarkable abilities have propelled the organization to new heights, enabling it to make a meaningful impact in the lives of those it serves. In addition to her leadership role at FarmHouse Rescue, Danielle Judd is a skilled and inspiring public speaker. She has a natural talent for connecting with her audience and delivering powerful messages that leave a lasting impact. Danielle draws upon her personal experiences and the lessons she has learned to inspire others to overcome adversity, find their purpose, and positively impact the world. Whether speaking at a corporate event, a non-profit conference, or a community gathering, Danielle has a unique ability to captivate her audience and motivate them to take action. She is passionate about sharing her knowledge and empowering others to make a difference in their own lives and the lives of others. Danielle Judd is a true visionary leader and public speaker making a significant difference in the world. https://farmhouserescue.org/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fromthehart/message

Bruce Himes, President of Western Water Works Supply Company, was born and raised in Southern California. He has a BS degree in finance from Brigham Young University. Following his graduation from college, Bruce completed an Executive Management Training program with May Department Stores in St. Louis, Missouri. While at May, he was a Department Manager and Profit Improvement Analyst for senior management. In 1990, Bruce returned to Southern California where he began his career with Western Water Works. Western Water Works is a waterworks distributor of pipe, valves & fittings. In 1990, Western Water Works was a small (approximately $5 million in sales) company that started in 1945. Bruce has held various positions from Controller to CFO to President at the company. Western Water Works now does more than 30x in sales with eight locations in four states. Over the last 30+ years, Bruce has served in many leadership positions outside of Western Water Works, which includes various positions with a non-profit, as a member of the Board of Directors for Boys Republic, Advisory boards, business consulting, and mentoring of young professionals seeking to reach their potential. Bruce and his wife Jennifer have 4 adult children and two grandchildren. When he does get a few moments to himself, you will find him cruising the streets on his Harley Bruce can be reached at bruce@wwwsco.com, or by visiting www.wwwsco.com --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fromthehart/message

Since May 2000, Shelley M. Hoss has served as president and chief executive officer of the Orange County Community Foundation (OCCF) – one of the largest and fastest growing community foundations in the nation, fueled by a mission to inspire passion for lifelong philanthropy and drive sustainable impact in Orange County and beyond. Under Hoss’ leadership, OCCF’s impact has grown dramatically as a driver of innovative solutions. OCCF initiatives have addressed issues ranging from the needs of veterans and military families transitioning to civilian life, to embracing the importance and potential of immigrant communities and building a more just, civil and equitable Orange County. During Hoss’ tenure, OCCF’s grant and scholarship awards have surged more than twenty-fold, from $5 million annually when she joined OCCF, to $100 million annually since 2020. This dramatic growth has placed OCCF as a stand-out among more than 780 U.S. community foundations, ranking as the 3rd most active grantmaker in the nation. The Foundation’s cumulative granting since inception has grown to $975 million under Hoss’ leadership, placing OCCF well within reach of its goal to become one of only 35 community foundations in the nation to reach $1 billion in granting. Under Hoss’ leadership, OCCF has become recognized as a “center of gravity” for philanthropy in Orange County – and its asset growth has also been dramatic. Assets stewarded by the Foundation have increased from $42 million in 2000 to $570 million today, placing OCCF in the top 7% in assets among U.S. community foundations. Prior to joining the Community Foundation, Hoss served at the helm of Girls Incorporated of Orange County, leading programs that inspire girls to be strong, smart and bold. She started her career with 10 years at the Orangewood Children’s Foundation, leading programs to help children in the foster care system transition successfully to independent life. Hoss served as founding chair of Orange County Grantmakers, chaired and served on the board of the League of California Community Foundations and currently co-chairs their Diversity, Equity and Inclusion committee, and has been a regular guest lecturer at Stanford Graduate School of Business and the Merage School of Business at UC Irvine. She is frequently sought for her insights about the nonprofit community by regional media, and contributes thought leadership editorials to the Orange County Business Journal, Orange County Register, Forbes Nonprofit Council, and national philanthropic publications. She is a Phi Beta Kappa scholar with a joint Master’s Degree in Business and Public Administration from the University of California, Irvine. https://www.oc-cf.org/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fromthehart/message

In his early 20s, David Meltzer quickly rose to the top of his game in the business world, becoming a millionaire. David lectured around the globe and saw rapid success in every business project he touched. But something was missing, and in his 30s as a multimillionaire, he went on a rapid downward spiral that ended in bankruptcy. It was only then that David realized, in order to revive and thrive, he needed to codify what had made him successful in the first place. He has since emerged to realize even more rewarding heights of success in business and life. David Meltzer has created a platform that uses four overarching principles—gratitude, empathy, accountability, and effective communication—and these principles have allowed him to communicate and mentor everyone from college students to c-suite executives. These four principles in everyday practice allow David to live by his mission to “make a lot of money, help a lot of people, and have a lot of fun.” You can reach David at david@dmeltzer.com, or go to his website to learn more! https://dmeltzer.com/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fromthehart/message

Nada Lena is the founder and CEO of Rise Up For You, Leadership and Career Confidence Coach, #1 Best Selling Author, and a 2x TEDx Motivational Speaker. With over 10 years of experience as a college professor and former top executive for an education corporation, Nada understands the importance of fusing education, empowerment, and leadership together as she works with her clients and speaks to audiences worldwide. She has toured the world as a singer, has a Master’s degree in Administrative Leadership, and has coached and mentored close to 50,000 individuals around the world on self-empowerment, career strategy, and soft skills. Nada has been featured on hundreds of podcasts and radio shows and has also been a motivational and educational speaker on platforms such as TEDx Talks, The Female Quotient, The California Human Resources Conference, Wonder Women Tech, The Human Gathering, and more. Her company, Rise Up For You has been featured and worked with brands such as CBS, LA Fitness, Google Next 19, and more. Nada is a proud recipient of the Chief's Award from the Orange County Sheriff's Department, is a three-time finalist for The Emerging Woman-Owned Business Award, and was most recently awarded the 40 Under 40 Award for Orange County Professionals in 2020 and the Women of Influence in 2021 for Entrepreneurship. Nada believes that in order to create change within our communities, companies, and households, we must first create change within ourselves. It’s a collective effort needed from all parties; no company, adult, or young adult can be left behind. The world needs us at our best! www.nadalena.com⁠ ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/nadalena/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fromthehart/message

In this episode of the From The Hart Podcast, we dive into the inspiring story of Bill Bracken, Founder and Culinary Director of Bracken's Kitchen. Bill is a nationally renowned chef with a 35-year culinary career, who has garnered numerous awards and critical acclaim. Despite his success, Bill remains grounded, hailing from humble beginnings in Wathena, Kansas. From a young age, Bill developed a passion for food while cooking with his mother and grandmothers. This love for cooking led him to pursue a career as a chef. Bill's culinary approach is rooted in his straightforward Midwestern roots, prioritizing freshness and flavor in his cuisine. After starting as a dishwasher in a local diner, Bill's talent and dedication propelled him to become a chef by the age of 13. He attended culinary school and eventually won a scholarship to the prestigious Culinary Institute of America (CIA) in Hyde Park, New York. His career flourished as he worked his way up to executive sous chef at the Mandalay Four Seasons Hotel in Dallas and later joined The Peninsula Beverly Hills as executive chef. In 2013, Bill made a remarkable career shift. He founded Bracken's Kitchen, a nonprofit organization aimed at providing high-quality meals to those in need. Beginning with a food truck named Betsy, Bracken's Kitchen addresses the challenge of feeding hungry children and adults in Orange County. Over the years, their business model has evolved to encompass a community feeding program, a rescued food program, and a culinary training program. Leveraging his industry connections, Bill has established partnerships with top food vendors and food recovery organizations. Through these collaborations, Bracken's Kitchen rescues perfectly good food that would otherwise go to waste and transforms it into nutritious meals. They now produce over 100,000 wholesome and hearty meals per month, making a significant impact on both food and lives. Join us in this episode as we delve deeper into Bill Bracken's journey, his commitment to serving those in need, and the powerful work of Bracken's Kitchen in fighting food insecurity and transforming lives through culinary training. From The Hart is available on all podcast platforms. Make sure to tune in and be inspired by the incredible work of Bill Bracken and Bracken's Kitchen. You can reach Bill and Bracken's Kitchen at www.brackenskitchen.org --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fromthehart/message

In 2021, Hosa had a video produced to tell the origin story of their founder, Mayumi's father, Sho Sato. This episode starts with a brief audio clip from that award-winning video. To watch the entire 20 minute video, click here Mayumi Allison is a second-generation family business owner and the Chief Executive Officer for Hosa Technology, Inc., a leading worldwide supplier of analog and digital connectivity solutions to the musical instrument and professional audio industries. She joined Hosa in 2010 and took over the business from her father, Sho Sato. a Japanese Immigrant who came to America over 50 years ago chasing the American Dream. Mr. Sato founded Hosa in 1984. Prior to taking over the family business, Mayumi had a very successful career in mortgage banking. She has more than 20 years of experience in various areas of business, including Sales, Marketing, Finance, Product Development, Product Management, Operations, Human Resources, and Training. Mayumi’s experience in Corporate America has been a tremendous asset to the family business. She streamlined, standardized, and automated several areas of the company to create efficiencies throughout the organization, all the while preserving the culture and values that make Hosa special and unique. Mayumi is passionate about giving back to the community, and it is evident today at Hosa. They support several philanthropic organizations, including The Corazon de Vida Foundation, The Breast Cancer Can Stick It! Foundation, High School Nation, the Musician’s Foundation, and Save The Music Foundation. Mayumi is a licensed Real Estate Broker since 2002. Mayumi holds a BA in Business Marketing with a Minor in Japanese from California State University, Fullerton and a Presidents and Key Executives MBA from Pepperdine University’s Graziadio Business School. To connect with Mayumi, or to learn more about HOSA, go to https://hosatech.com/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fromthehart/message

Dawn S. Reese, CFRE is the Chief Executive Officer of The Wooden Floor. She is a social innovator who leverages her unique blend of experience in business, technology, education, and the arts to propel young people forward. The Wooden Floor’s mission is to inspire and transform the lives of young people through the power of dance and access to higher education. Since 2005, 100% of the students who graduate from The Wooden Floor immediately enroll in higher education. Dawn has been honored with the following awards: 2023 Empowering Lives Award by Templo Calvario 2022 Orange County Visionary by the Los Angeles Times Orange County 2020 Women of Distinction Award from 34th CA Senate District 2019 Women Breaking Barriers Award from Connected Women of Influence 2018 Founders Award from the Institute for Community Impact 2016 Center for Leadership Award for Innovation from California State University Fullerton 2015 Difference Makers Award by the Santa Ana Chamber of Commerce. Dawn currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Passkeys Foundation as Board Chair, OneOC as Audit Chair as well as Advisors in Philanthropy Orange County, Orange County Music and Dance She is on the Board of Advisors for the Center for Leadership – College of Business and Economics at California State University, Fullerton, and a mentor at CSU Long Beach Student Center for Professional Development. Dawn founded the OC Nonprofit CEO Forum and Co-Chairs the Santa Ana Youth Mental Health Sub-Committee for the Santa Ana Task Force. Dawn is an author, mentor, consultant, and national conference presenter on the topics of leadership, strategic planning, board governance and board diversity, and fundraising. Prior to The Wooden Floor, Dawn held the position of Chief Financial Officer and Managing Director of Opera Pacific. She began her career with The Oaktree Consulting Group, a management consulting and CEO Coaching firm for the high technology sector where she gained expertise in strategic planning, finance, human resources management and corporate governance. She lives in Huntington Beach, California with her husband Eric, and has one adult son. Dawn Reese is CERTAINLY and Intentional Force for Good! She can be reached at https://thewoodenfloor.org/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fromthehart/message

As the CEO and founder of UNiTE, Clara's mission is to build a bigger, more inclusive wellness table —one where everyone is invited to have a seat. She is a first-generation immigrant and a second-generation entrepreneur. She grew up in her family business, EZ-FLO a worldwide distributor of plumbing products. Over 17 years she worked in Marketing, Operations, and Risk Management and eventually became EZ-FLO's Managing Director and grew the business alongside a very talented team. After a 17 year run at EZ-FLO, she founded UNiTE when she noticed that there weren’t wellness options that served her or people who craved more flavor in their bars. On a mission to prove diversity is delicious, UNiTE launched in March of 2020 with a line of protein bars in culturally diverse flavors. Since then the Brand has been quickly growing and UNiTE is sold in major retailers nationwide and online. Clara is also a founding member of (included), a group that serves BIPOC CEOs and Founders in CPG and am a proud member of Young Presidents Organization and the Network of Executive Women. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two daughters, playing competitive tennis and dreaming up new protein bars flavors. She hopes to bring the world a little bit closer and would love to connect with all of us on her journey. To learn more about Clara and her amazing UNiTE protein bars, visit https://unitefood.com/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fromthehart/message

"I feel like Forrest Gump running down that driveway, the braces falling off and that setting the course for the rest of my life… Helping others, my purpose and the strength of my leadership and never giving up. I share my story to motivate others and stand up for people everywhere with disabilities. You never know who they are and how it will change their life." As President/CEO of Mountain View Services, Inc., a leading Healthcare supply and distribution company, serving more than 500 Care Facilities for the Developmentally Disabled Adults and Children, Home Care Facilities, Hospice Care Companies, Nonprofits, Schools, Care Centers and Homeless Shelters, Eric's mission is to provide the highest quality products and services available to his clients, so they, in turn, can provide the highest quality service to the residents they serve. Eric fosters his core belief in building relationships within the community as well. He has served on the Board of Directors for several prominent nonprofit organizations including the American Heart Association and Ronald McDonald House Charities. Eric won the Unforgettables Foundation Heart Award of the Inland Empire in 2020. Mountain View Services, Inc was a Civic 50 Honoree in 2022. Recognized as one of the top 50 community-minded companies in Orange County. Eric has been married to his wife, Roxanne, for 29 years. They have two children, Vanessa, 29 and Grant, 23. In additional to his work and family life, Eric holds a passion for photography. He studied Digital Photography at Cornell University. He specializes in landscape photography. His work has appeared in galleries and all proceeds from sales of his work from his website, newportbeachsunsets.com, are donated to charity. Eric is also a classic car enthusiast. He is President of the Vintage Volkswagen Club of American. The largest vintage VW club in the county with over 100,000 members. Company Mountain View Services, Inc. Core Values: Caring, Dependable and Honest. “Together we can all make a difference in our communities and the lives of others” “The more people we meet, the more people we can help” “In a world where you can be anything, be yourself” You can reach Eric at eric.goodman@mtviewservices.com or visit his website at https://mtviewservices.com/about-us/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fromthehart/message

Amy Cosper, Editor in Chief of Family Business magazine, is an award-winning business editor, content strategist, writer, speaker, angel investor and advisor. She’s the former Editor-In-Chief of Entrepreneur magazine. Cosper’s subject matter expertise resides in entrepreneurship, innovation, startups, global ecosystems and the creative industries. Author of "The Cowgirl Mermaid Chronicles." She lives on a ranch in Colorado with 3 horses, a dog and the man she married. When she’s not wordsmithing, she likes to ride her motorcycle through vineyards in foreign countries and once did a face plant on PCH. She is a self-proclaimed seeker of adrenaline. ABOUT FAMILY BUSINESS MAGAZINE Since 1989, Family Business Magazine has been the only North American multimedia publication serving the unique information needs of multigenerational family businesses, by providing news, profiles, expert advice and thought leadership. Through digital platforms, print magazines and conferences, Family Business Magazine provides family businesses with the information they need to foster business continuity and family harmony. Family Business Magazine was created by, and is owned and operated by, a third-generation family business. Visit www.familybusinessmagazine to learn more! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fromthehart/message

Why do people lie? How can you tell if someone is really listening? How can you interpret what people are telling you non-verbally while YOU are talking? How can you become a more disciplined listener, a better communicator and, thus, a better leader? Listen to this conversation with Certified Forensic Interviewer, Founder of the company InQuasive, and author of the book "The Disciplined Listening Method", Michael Reddington. We had Michael back for a second interview to dive deeper into how to better lead and communicate. You can reach Michael at https://disciplinedlistening.com/ or at www.michaelreddington.com --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fromthehart/message

Martha Daniel’s technology career has spanned both corporate and government sectors. Ms. Daniel served in the U.S. Navy and had a lengthy corporate career with positions ranging from mainframe programming to chief information officer. In 1992, she formed Information Management Resources, Inc. (IMRI). IMRI has a history of successfully implementing innovative technology solutions that addressed integration challenges for the emerging information technology industry. Today, under Ms. Daniel’s leadership and strategic vision of “Translating business needs into technology solutions,” IMRI provides program management for over $300 million in data center operations; currently designing the public safety broadband first responder network (FirstNet); and provides cyber security governance and compliance, information assurance, and operations security solutions using the company’s Cytellix Solutions. IMRI is ranked by Inc. Magazine as one of the Fastest Growing Companies in America. A published author and frequent speaker, Ms. Daniel co-authored a book entitled, On the Other Side of Midnight 2000, An Executive Guide to the Year 2000 Problem and most recently co-authored Million Dollar Conversations with 15 entrepreneur women. She is quoted as an industry spokesperson for a variety of publications and has been featured in the New York Times, Black Enterprise Magazine, and LA Times. On numerous occasions, Ms. Daniel has appeared on the “Inside OC” program on PBS, the nation’s sixth-most watched public television station. Ms. Daniel has received a number of honors and awards for her business acumen and accomplishments. Most recently in 2014, she was honored by the White House as a Champion of Change, Women Veteran Leader. She was also the finalist for the Small Business Person of the Year by the Small Business Administration in 2016 and received the National Living History Maker Entrepreneur Award. She is an ordained minister and on the leadership team of First AME (Christ Our Redeemer) Church in Irvine, CA. Faith, family, and family business drive her in all she does! Visit IMRI at https://www.imri.com/ You can connect with her on her LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/marthadanielimri/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fromthehart/message

When you read this 6-word story, what emotions come up for you? "For sale. Baby shoes. Never worn." “For a story to change the world,” author and storytelling coach Jay Golden says, “It has to change you first.” That’s why, after a dozen years working at the cutting edge of digital storytelling, Jay shifted his attention to unlocking the purpose of globally transformative leaders through the stories they tell, one-to-one and one-to-many. Today, as the founder of the storytelling company Retellable, Jay coaches and trains founders, innovators, and social entrepreneurs at companies such as Facebook, Google, LinkedIn and Rainforest Action Network. With an approach that is both personally transformative and also universally applicable, his book, Retellable: How Your Essential Stories Unlock Power and Purpose, is a guide to storytelling using his original framework - The Journey Curve. To reach Jay, simply email jay@retellable.cvom, or visit www.retellable.com For more information about the First Bank Center for Family-Owned Businesses, contact us at www.first.bank/faamilybusiness --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fromthehart/message

On this episode of Ed Hart's From the Hart Podcast, join Ed Hart (Director of First Bank’s Center for Family-Owned Businesses) and Michael Dierberg (Chairman of FB Corporation and President of First Bank) as they discuss First Bank’s longstanding history as a fourth-generation family business. Watch and listen as they dive deep into Michael Dierberg’s role, the exciting future of First Bank's 112-year-old business, and much more! For information about the First Bank Center for Family-Owned Businesses, visit www.first.bank/familybusiness --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fromthehart/message

When I graduated from high school in 1982, my Dad - Jack Hart - who you met in an earlier episode of the podcast, sat me down and offered me 5 nuggets of wisdom. These were things he probably assumed I would forget by the next day. I didn't. I wrote them down, and these pearls have stuck with me my entire life, and they are my personal mission statement. I fall short much of the time in these areas, but I will never forget them, and my gift to you now is that I am sharing this wisdom - his wisdom, with you. Enjoy. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fromthehart/message

Lisa is recognized worldwide as a turnaround mastermind and innovative businesswoman. For more than 30 years, she has been called to turnaround failing organizations—businesses, teams, nonprofits, political campaigns, and government projects—and solve seemingly intractable problems. Over time, Lisa has learned the key to course-correct when things go South is applying the discipline of process engineering—carefully reevaluating everything your organization does and how it does it—with diplomacy and humanity, taking care of relationships and forging strong partnerships. As a CEO, former US Ambassador, and advisor to Fortune 500 companies, Lisa has orchestrated the successful turnarounds of private and public organizations in all industries. Lisa has worked for four US Presidents, the Pentagon, been involved in turnaround efforts for massive corporations, government agencies, non-profits and family offices. She is a dynamic, powerful, and dedicated leader, mentor, and teacher, and has empowered thousands of people all over the world. In this conversation, you will learn what drives her, and how she identifies the need for shift, change, and at times, turnaround. You can reach Lisa on all social media platforms at @lisagableauthor, and you can purchase her new best-selling book "Turnaround" at www.lisagable.com --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fromthehart/message

Tune in and listen as Lisa Paterson, a 9/11 widow, tells her story, and the story of her late husband, Steven Paterson, who perished 20 years ago as the North Tower of the World Trade Center was destroyed. We all know where we were on the morning of 9/11/2001. If you are anything like me, you stared at the TV in disbelief. For my guest on this episode, Lisa Paterson, she watched as the North Tower fell, taking her husband Steven, and the father of their two children, 4 year old twins, with it. But the power of Lisa Paterson was just getting started. She has been an advocate for victims and families of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, for people who don't have a voice, and for special needs children and adults, like her now 24 year old son Wyatt. Lisa believes that we all have the power to choose and how we respond to everything in our lives, and respond she has, and she does! Her darkest day has led to brighter days for others around her, and I know you will be inspired and moved to tears as you hear what Lisa and her kids went through on that day that is permanently etched in all of our memories, and how she has impacted the lives of those around her ever since. We talked about the love affair and courtship between Steven and Lisa, their brief 4 years together as parents, the days leading up to 9/11, their last conversation, what her day looked like on 9/11, and the days following, how she told her kids that their Daddy wasn't coming home, how she dealt with her own PTSD, and how she has taken the worst hand that could possibly be dealt to someone, and blessed the lives of so many, not in SPITE of her experiences, but BECAUSE of them. She tells of going to Ground Zero for the first time shortly after the attacks, and how she received tremendous support over the years. She talks of how a visit to the White House, and a quiet chat with President Obama changed her life. Please leave a review, and if you would like to reach out directly to Lisa, you can email our show at ehart@hartleadership.com and we will get your message to her. Please visit www.hartleadership.com to follow all of our From The Hart Episodes. This episode airs in its' entirety, and is brought to you by Orange Kiwi Consulting. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fromthehart/message