Its My Time Podcast

In Episode 269 of the It’s My Time Podcast, Asher sits down with Coach Frank Sagasta to talk about discipline, growth, identity, and choosing the battles that shape your legacy. Coach Frank shares lessons from education, marriage, fitness, and personal development, including insights inspired by Ego is the Enemy by Ryan Holiday and mindset principles drawn from his love for University of Notre Dame athletics and leadership philosophy shaped by Lou Holtz. Together, they discuss: ✅ Why consistency beats motivation ✅ The difference between goals and promises ✅ Fighting internal battles that define your character ✅ Fitness discipline and lifestyle transformation ✅ Navigating ego, humility, and personal growth ✅ Protecting your time, energy, and focus ✅ Balancing career, relationships, and purpose This episode is for anyone pursuing growth while learning how to stay grounded in who they are becoming. 🎧 Listen, subscribe, and share if this conversation encourages you.

Career paths aren’t always straight lines — and sometimes the best opportunities come from pivoting. In Episode 268 of It’s My Time Podcast, Asher sits down with Patricia Yin, a licensed land surveyor, engineer, entrepreneur, and mom, to talk about navigating career transitions, building businesses, and redefining success. Patricia shares her journey from structural engineering and transportation to land surveying, why she fell in love with the profession, and the growing shortage of surveyors shaping the future of construction and infrastructure. The conversation dives deeper into career expectations, workplace culture, entrepreneurship, financial decision-making, and designing a lifestyle centered around priorities — not pressure. Patricia also shares her experience building a successful landscaping company, turning down a high-paying job to protect her family time, and using AI and automation to scale business efficiently. This episode explores what it really means to create a career and life that aligns with your values. 🎧 Listen to discover: • Why land surveying is more critical than most people realize • The hidden opportunities within engineering careers • How to evaluate work culture vs. salary • Lessons from building a 7-figure business • Financial strategies for lifestyle flexibility • The importance of redefining retirement and success

What does it mean to live out faith authentically — without pressure, performance, or expectations? In Episode 267 of It’s My Time Podcast, Asher sits down with Marty Solomon, Bible teacher, host of the BEMA Podcast, and co-author of The Gospel of Becoming Human with Reed Dent. Marty shares his journey as a Jewish follower of Jesus, his passion for creative Bible teaching, and how ordinary faithfulness shapes meaningful impact. Together, Asher and Marty explore personal calling, family influence, cultural expectations, and the freedom that comes from embracing an evolving faith journey. This conversation is honest, thoughtful, and deeply encouraging for anyone seeking purpose, clarity, and growth. 🔔 Subscribe for more conversations about growth, faith, and purpose 🎧 Listen on all podcast platforms 📚 Learn more about Marty’s upcoming book and resources

Many adult struggles with commitment, confidence, and productivity don’t start in adulthood — they start in childhood. In this coaching conversation, Asher and Albert explore how early experiences shape inner critics, perfectionism, and relationship hesitation — and how awareness can unlock real change. This episode covers: Childhood roots of perfectionism Inner critic vs inner protector Commitment fears explained Productivity blocks and unconscious patterns Slowing down to gain clarity How coaching helps resolve internal conflict Raw, thoughtful, and practical — this is one of the most introspective episodes yet. 🎙️ Welcome to Episode 266 of It’s My Time Podcast.

What happens when two people from the same hometown reconnect years later, carrying very different lives — yet the same foundational lessons? In this episode of It’s My Time Podcast, Asher sits down with longtime friend Matt Suits to reflect on growing up in Dalton, Georgia, the role football played in shaping their identities, and how faith, work, and rest have evolved over time. Matt shares how football taught him lessons that had nothing to do with the stat sheet — understanding your role, showing up with effort, and contributing even when no one notices. Together, they explore identity beyond performance, confidence rooted in authenticity, and what it means to let go of fear-based motivation in favor of relationship, purpose, and joy. From college football stories to faith journeys, community, and learning when to rest, this conversation is a reminder that growth isn’t always about doing more — sometimes it’s about becoming more honest with who you already are. 🎧 Tune in for a real, reflective conversation about life, legacy, and staying connected.

In this episode of It’s My Time Podcast, Asher sits down with Amanda Gustiffson, a systems-minded consultant who helps small business owners reduce risk, clarify their operations, and design businesses that don’t rely entirely on them to survive. What starts as a casual reconnection turns into a wide-ranging conversation about entrepreneurship, personality assessments, systems thinking, regional culture, mental health, and what it really means to build something sustainable. Amanda shares her journey from higher education and Salesforce consulting into helping business owners untangle processes that only exist in someone’s head — and why slowing down is often the fastest way forward. Asher opens up about career pivots, therapy, burnout, identity, and learning that you don’t have to “fix yourself” before building a meaningful life and business. This episode is for: Entrepreneurs feeling stuck in their own business Thoughtful professionals who don’t fit hustle culture Anyone navigating change, growth, and self-trust 🎯 Key Takeaway: You’re not broken — systems, clarity, and support can change everything.

Episode 263 of It’s My Time Podcast features a powerful conversation with Alan Jermarc Stubbs—one rooted in reflection, accountability, and action. Asher and Alan discuss: Why some volunteer and nonprofit organizations fail to live up to their potential The difference between personal growth and chasing validation Leadership, accountability, and the coaching industry’s blind spots Fitness as discipline, healing, and identity Bodybuilding, jiu-jitsu, boxing, and the mindset required to commit Faith, prayer, and the responsibility to act Turning pain into purpose without exploiting it Why consistency beats charisma every time Alan shares his journey as a police officer, his commitment to fitness inspired by his late mother, and his vision for building something real—physically, spiritually, and professionally. This episode isn’t about hype. It’s about doing the work. 🎙️ Part one of an ongoing conversation.

In this powerful New Year conversation, Asher sits down with Eugene and Donna Perry of Young People Nation to talk about mental health, marriage, faith, finances, and legacy. With over 40 years of marriage, the Perrys share raw, honest stories about healing, counseling, faith, parenting, and why mental health is not a taboo topic — it’s a life-saving one. From community impact to financial wisdom, from marriage transparency to mental wellness, this episode reminds us that as long as you’re above ground, you’re still young — and there is always hope. Scripture Reference: Romans 15:13 Reminder: You are not alone. Help exists. Healing is possible.

In Episode 261, Asher reconnects with Dr. PI, a leader at the University of Louisville who recently moved from strength & conditioning coaching into administration. This conversation explores leadership, communication, and the perspective shifts that come after disruption. Dr. PI shares reflections on his recent promotion, his new office, and the season of life he's entered—one focused on refinement rather than accumulation. He opens up about a serious motorcycle accident that happened last year and how the recovery process became a mental, spiritual, and emotional turning point. We talk about: • Why this stage of life is about refining, not adding • What a motorcycle accident revealed about priorities • How to collaborate with professionals under pressure (even when you have knowledge) • The importance of respecting others' expertise, especially in crisis • Learning from athletes as a coach (it's a two-way street) • Reading body language and knowing when to stop talking • Why careers aren't always straight lines—sometimes they loop • The urgent/important matrix for decision-making • Why coaches need coaches (everyone needs advisors) • Navigating unexpected career shifts (like daily conversations with lawyers) Key Quote: "Earlier in our careers, it's about conquering, growing, adding, multiplying. At this stage, it's about refining. How do I make my processes, my thought patterns, my conversations, my relationships better?" This episode isn't about wins and losses. It's about how leaders think, how they communicate, and how they show up under pressure. If you're in a season of refinement, navigating recovery, or learning to lead with grace—this conversation is for you. Connect with Dr. PI: University of Louisville Athletics Subscribe to It's My Time Podcast for weekly conversations with everyday people doing extraordinary things.

Episode 260: Bryan Sartin - Highway Engineer Bryan divides his life into two parts: before and after May 9, 2005. Before that date included instability across four states and abandonment at 15. After that date, his grandparents provided the stability that led to a 14-year career designing America's infrastructure. Topics discussed: • Why infrastructure projects take decades to complete • The engineering shortage creating unexpected opportunities • His journey from geotechnical to highway engineering • Remote work on Georgia DOT projects from North Carolina • The "two-year rule" for new graduates • Bridge replacements and the 1950s infrastructure crisis Bryan's advice: "Stick it out for two years minimum. I felt like a total idiot my first nine months. Now I design the roads you drive daily." Currently living in Mebane, NC, Bryan works on bridge replacements and intersection improvements while collecting highway signs from his projects. Connect: Instagram @bsizzle IT'S MY TIME PODCAST Host: Asher Tchoua Episode 260 of 270+ Subscribe on your favorite platform

Episode 259: Bradston Henry - Marvelously Mediocre and Thriving After 13 years, I sit down with Bradston Henry, a Georgia Tech engineering graduate who's mastered the art of being "good enough" at everything—and why that's actually a superpower. From his Jamaican engineering family roots to surviving Georgia Tech's brutal curriculum, to pivoting from mechanical engineering to programming, Bradston's journey proves that self-awareness beats perfectionism every time. We discuss: • The "fastest on JV, slowest on Varsity" philosophy • Why AI is basically "trust me, bro" (problematic for bridges) • How engineering trauma bonds last forever • The unexpected path from break-dancing to programming • Why engineers make great storytellers • Preparing for fatherhood while building careers Plus: Why Georgia Tech prepares you for anything life throws at you (because nothing will ever be that intense again). Connect with Bradston: LinkedIn: Bradston Henry Podcast: Semantics (Theme-antics) IT'S MY TIME PODCAST Share your transition: speak@itsmytimepodcast.com

Episode 258 features Dr. Susan Burns, Professor of Civil Engineering at Georgia Tech and my former geotechnical engineering professor. In this reunion conversation, Dr. Burns shares her journey from a NASA engineer's daughter to becoming a beloved educator and administrator at one of the nation's top engineering schools. We discuss: • Growing up in a science-oriented family (NASA father, chemist mother) • The evolution of Georgia Tech from "harsh" to nurturing • Why civil engineering is a people-serving profession • The importance of mentorship in engineering • Her current role as interim EVP for Research • How alumni donations transformed Tech's campus Dr. Burns reminds us that engineering isn't just about structures and calculations—it's about relationships, service, and preparing the next generation to literally hold lives in their hands. A genuine conversation about transitions in academia, engineering, and life. #Engineering #Education #GeorgiaTech

⚠️ DISCLAIMER: This episode contains discussion of business opportunities with MLM connections. Claims made have not been verified. Listen with caution and read full disclaimer. Episode 257 features Barry Nembhard and Paul Dolphin discussing mindset transformation and business opportunities. Post-recording research revealed unverifiable claims and MLM connections. This episode is preserved with extensive warnings as an educational example of red flags in business opportunities. NOT AN ENDORSEMENT. For MLM information: ftc.gov/mlm

Renaldo Lawrence is a content creator, educator, and Adobe Educational Leader based in London, England. For nearly seven years, he's posted daily 30-60 second encouragement videos—a practice that started after one message saved someone's life. In this episode, Renaldo and I reconnect to talk about his journey from professional basketball player to educator, his mission to inspire students and strangers alike, and why he believes "age is a gift." What we discussed: ✅ The phone call that changed everything (why he posts daily encouragement) ✅ His near-death accident and the wake-up call it provided ✅ "I don't have bad days—I might have a bad hour, but never a bad day" ✅ Teaching 1,300 students in London (and why classroom size matters) ✅ YouTube University: Learning anything from drone videography to life skills ✅ His 99-year-old mother and the importance of seeing family while you can ✅ Why the next generation doesn't know their history (and how to fix it) ✅ Building a self-help course on self-care launching fall 2019 ✅ Going from 5 days/week to 3 days/week (and how it changed his life) ✅ Paper and pencil > digital: Writing down goals and solutions ✅ His great-great-grandfather was the first Black man in the South Carolina Senate CONNECT WITH RENALDO: Instagram: @renaldlawrence1 Facebook: Renaldo Lawrence YouTube: https://youtube.com/@renaldostechnologyworld-u2m Website: https://www.linkedin.com/in/renaldo-lawrence ABOUT IT'S MY TIME PODCAST: Hosted by Asher Tchoua, this podcast highlights everyday people with extraordinary stories. Because we all have a voice, a vision, and a way we lead those we serve. Website: itsmytimepodcast.com 📬 SUBSCRIBE for weekly conversations that remind you: your time is now.

Nicole Stuhr is a civil site design and stormwater engineer, a working mom of twins, and someone who stayed with the same company for 11 years—by choice. But her journey from Georgia Tech grad to senior engineer wasn't without challenges. Imposter syndrome. Learning how to "hobby." Balancing million-dollar projects with bedtime routines. In this conversation, Nicole and I (her former Georgia Tech classmate) reconnect to talk about: ✅ Why being a mom of twins is "efficient" (her engineer brain is showing) ✅ The moment she realized: "Maybe there's more to life than just work" ✅ How she went from working overtime constantly to learning dance and book clubs ✅ Beating imposter syndrome after 10 years: "I finally know what I'm doing" ✅ What it's like auditing 60-year-old contractors as a 22-year-old female engineer ✅ Why civil engineering only gets attention when something breaks ✅ The evolution of work-life balance across generations ✅ Her philosophy: "We work to live, not live to work" CONNECT WITH NICOLE: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicole-stuhr ABOUT IT'S MY TIME PODCAST: Hosted by Asher Tchoua, this podcast highlights everyday people with extraordinary stories. Because we all have a voice, a vision, and a way we lead those we serve. Website: itsmytimepodcast.com 📬 SUBSCRIBE for weekly conversations with people who chose growth over comfort.

In this episode, I reconnect with my 5th-grade classmate Ali Awad, now known as "The CEO Lawyer," who has built a personal injury law firm with 140 employees and 9 divisions across multiple states. We take a deep dive into Ali's transformation from the shy, quiet kid in Dalton, Georgia, to a fearless entrepreneur who started selling on eBay in middle school and never looked back. Topics: How Ali's father enrolled him in martial arts to combat bullying—and how that discipline shaped his entire business approach Running a six-figure eBay business in middle school while maintaining straight A's The concept of "breaking your brand" and why changing environments is crucial for growth How growing up in a Palestinian immigrant family shaped his survival-based approach to entrepreneurship Managing a law firm with virtual teams in Mexico and Colombia Why he believes "you should only fear God and not fear man"—and how faith drives fearless business decisions The stories behind his book "Laws of Victory" and the childhood lessons he still applies today His approach to AI implementation in the legal industry Why he refuses to buy retail and how that mindset extends to every business decision The importance of fair compensation and ethical business practices in building a lasting company Guest Bio: Ali Awad is the CEO of a multi-million dollar personal injury law firm based in Atlanta, Georgia. Starting with entrepreneurial ventures at age 5, Ali has built his career on fearlessness, discipline, and constant learning. He's also the author of "Laws of Victory." Connect with Ali: Instagram/TikTok/Facebook: @CEOLawyer Book: "Laws of Victory" available on Amazon

EP 253 — Sonya Denise: Whispers of Grace, Boundaries & Becoming Author, retired educator, and nonprofit founder Sonya Denise returns to talk about healing without perfection, choosing peace over chaos, and serving families through the Sonya Denise Foundation. We cover “no more shame,” how to set healthy boundaries, practical journaling rhythms, mental-health access, and the launch of her 365-day devotional Whispers of Grace and podcast Transformational Conversations. Links • LoveSonyaDenise.com — books & merch • TheSonyaDeniseFoundation.com — programs & giving • New devotional: Whispers of Grace • Podcast: Transformational Conversations with Sonya Denise

In this episode, Asher sits down with Janeekis Harper, a construction manager turned solopreneur, to talk about career transitions, personal growth, and finding balance between discipline and self‑care. From building projects to building a life of purpose, Janeekis shares lessons learned from leadership, career pivots, and redefining success on her own terms. 🎧 Tune in for insights on: Navigating career transitions and finding your lane What it takes to thrive as a woman in construction Learning when to stay, when to shift, and how to grow from both ➡️ Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/O3kjxzdSvNQ 🎙️ Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon, and Audible.

🏈 “When family, faith, and football come together, you get something special.” In Episode 251 of It’s My Time Podcast, Asher sits down with Coach Gabe and his son Clay Jackson for a heartfelt conversation about parenting, leadership, and teamwork. From California’s football culture to lessons on integrity and faith, this episode highlights what it means to lead by example both at home and on the field. 🎧 Tune in and subscribe for new episodes every week.

How do you rediscover purpose when the path changes? In this week’s episode, Brendan Ferguson shares lessons from teaching overseas, returning home, and rebuilding a career in engineering. It’s a reminder that growth isn’t always glamorous—sometimes it’s about slowing down, realigning, and moving forward with quiet confidence. Watch full episode on YouTube → https://linktw.in/YAsqqt Listen on Spotify / Apple Podcasts 🎧 itsmytimepodcast.com