Over the past decade we have had the chance to learn about so many incredible folks from a wide range of industries and backgrounds and our highlighter series is designed to give us an opportunity to go deeper into their stories with to goal of understanding them, their thought process, how their values formed and the foundations of their stories. Check out some incredible folks below – many of whom you may have read about already and a few new names as well.
Otis McClure
The best advice I could give my younger self is to prioritize grace and patience. Looking back, I see them as the two essential tools for getting through life. Granting grace requires a level of humility that keeps you grounded, while practicing patience allows for a type of growth you just can’t rush. Read more>>
Andria Van Mierlo
I would tell my younger self to treat every season of life as both a lesson and a gift — and to stop postponing the things that feel scary but meaningful. I would remind her to take risks sooner rather than later, but also to slow down and truly enjoy the present moment. Read more>>
Ryan Palmer
Everyone’s got their morning routine. Some people journal. Some do yoga. I do a little reading and take a shower. Then I start a pot of coffee, turn on some Black Sabbath, and throw sharp objects at a circle on my wall while the caffeine enters my bloodstream. The goal is one bullseye before I’m allowed to check email. Read more>>
Dasia Harris
The fear that held me back the most was comparison—measuring myself against people who didn’t truly want to see me succeed and dimming my own light because of it. For a long time, I let other people’s opinions dictate my choices, my confidence, and even my sense of worth. Read more>>
Tina Adams-Turnipseed
I hope the story people tell about me when I’m gone is that I lived to elevate others. That I didn’t just build businesses, produce events, or modernize systems—I built people, restored hope, and created opportunities where there once were barriers. I want them to say I led with purpose over popularity, with service over spotlight, and with faith over fear. Read more>>
Kelsey Wooten
I would say that my closest friends would say that my relationships matter the most to me. I can be distant or quiet at times but when it matters I try to show up. Whether it’s listening to someone vent, attending a funeral or helping clean house I’m happy to help the ones I love. To me love is an action, not just a feeling. Read more>>
Amiana Monik
Who I was before the world told me who I had to be is exactly who I am now. As a child, I was grounded, intuitive, and certain of myself. I lived a sheltered life, and in that space, I was allowed to simply be who I was without pressure, comparison, or performance. Read more>>
Eli Glasper
Before the world told me who I had to be, I was unstoppable. I was just Elijah, a kid who loved cartoons, who drew because it felt natural, believing that joy didn’t need justification. I climbed toward the sky without ever thinking about how far I might fall, trusting that the world would catch me if I did. Then the world corrected me. Read more>>
Brandy A. Clay
I’ve always been the person who shows up for others whether it’s lending a hand, listening, or making sure someone feels cared for. Giving is second nature to me, and I rarely expect anything in return. Because of that, it’s rare that someone does something for me without me asking. Recently, I had a night where I couldn’t sleep. Read more>>
