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About the Guest:

Omar Halabieh is a global technology executive with over 20 years of experience spanning telecom, energy, and payments. He currently serves as Director of Technology at Amazon Payment Services, overseeing payment experiences across the Middle East and Africa. Beyond his professional role, Omar is passionate about leadership development, mentoring others, and fostering sustainable growth in their careers and lives.

Connect with Omar thru his website at www.omarhalabieh.com

About the Episode:

In this episode of GrowthReady Podcast, host Steve Mellor is joined by Omar Halabieh for a deep dive into what it means to be truly "growth ready." Omar shares his unique leadership philosophy centered around continuous learning, courageous conversations, and a long-term, sustainable approach to growth. He opens up about pivotal moments in his career where courage changed the trajectory of his path and offers practical advice for leaders looking to grow while supporting their teams.

Key Takeaways:

The Four Pillars of Being "Growth Ready":

• Embrace Growth as a Continuous Process: Recognize that you are always a work in progress.
• Avoid Stagnation: Consistent improvement is crucial to avoid complacency.
• Internal Drive Over External Signals: Self-accountability is essential—don’t wait for others to nudge you.
• Think Long-Term and Sustainable: Approach growth like a financial investment—lean on consistency and compounding.

The Power of Courageous Conversations:

• Courage is a spectrum—it starts with small steps, like asking for mentorship, and grows into high-stakes conversations.
• By taking ownership and seeking feedback proactively, leaders can unlock career-defining opportunities.

Creating an Environment for Growth:

• Surround yourself with mentors and role models who challenge and inspire you.
• Leverage available resources and focus on the opportunities within your control.
• Welcome adversity as part of the journey—it shapes resilience and adaptability.

Serving Others While Growing Yourself:

• Helping others succeed not only impacts them but also reinforces your own growth and clarifies your thinking.
• Building a support network enhances emotional resilience and prevents burnout.

Sustaining Growth:

• Prioritize physical and mental well-being. Health is key to long-term performance.
• Reflect with purpose—evaluate your progress to foster self-awareness without self-criticism.
• Align your work with your purpose to find energy and motivation, even during challenging times.

Redefining Success and the Right Path:

• Success is not a fixed path—it’s an emerging journey shaped by intentional actions.
• Focus on growth today, and the right path will become clearer over time.

This episode is a must-listen for leaders and professionals at any stage of their journey who want to grow sustainably, embrace courage, and build meaningful careers.

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About the Guest:
Scott Ramey is the secret weapon for forward-thinking executives ready to elevate their communication and leadership skills. With over 20 years of experience guiding Fortune 500 companies to billions in new business, Scott’s innovative SPEAK Framework transforms leaders by helping them communicate with clarity, inspire action, and drive results. Through his one-on-one coaching and keynote talks, Scott empowers leaders to unlock their full potential and foster lasting impact.

About the Episode:
In this episode of GrowthReady, Steve Mellor sits down with his friend and inspiring entrepreneur, Scott Ramey, to discuss the importance of stepping into your authentic self, navigating fear, and overcoming success reluctance. Scott shares his transformative journey from a corporate leader to an independent entrepreneur, detailing the challenges of unmasking his true identity and creating meaningful connections through vulnerability and communication. This conversation is packed with insights on leadership, personal growth, and the power of resilience.

Key Takeaways:

• Challenging the status quo is essential for growth.
• Entrepreneurship can lead to personal fulfillment.
• Self-promotion is a necessary skill for success.
• Vulnerability strengthens connections with others.
• Gaining clarity on what you truly want is crucial.
• Communication skills are vital in professional settings.
• Being forward-thinking is key to career advancement.
• Embracing change can lead to a healthier mindset.
• Defining your personal style enhances communication.
• Every individual has a unique style that should be embraced.
• Success reluctance is a barrier to realizing our potential.
• We often self-sabotage just before achieving success.
• Authentic communication requires vulnerability and connection.
• Fear can be transformed into strength through authenticity.
• Recognizing our unlimited potential is essential for growth.
• Effective communication takes practice, structure, and time.
• Vulnerability creates deeper, more meaningful connections.
• We should focus on being ourselves rather than imitating others.
• The journey to authenticity may involve discomfort but is rewarding.
• Letting go of fear can lead to a more fulfilling life.
• Scott’s SPEAK method helps leaders communicate effectively by focusing on:
  • Style: Defining your unique communication approach.
  • Presence: Staying fully engaged in the moment.
  • Empathy: Understanding your audience’s needs.
  • Authenticity: Demonstrating vulnerability to build trust.
  • Knowledge: Structuring your message clearly and concisely using the "power of three."

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About the Guest:
Jen Gomez is a trailblazer in empowering female entrepreneurs to break free from self-doubt and unleash their full potential. With nearly a decade of experience coaching women on how to elevate their personal and professional brands, work holistically, and scale their businesses, Jen has become a trusted mentor for those ready to dream bigger and make a lasting impact.

Jen's work is both strategic and deeply personal, reflecting her belief that the world is waiting for women to step into their power and lead with intention. With a Master's in Business from Louisiana State University, a forthcoming book titled Live by Design: Taking You from Leader to Legend, and a decade of experience coaching top-tier female entrepreneurs, Jen continues to inspire women to elevate their lives and businesses. Her style is transformational yet approachable—encouraging women to dream big, lead boldly, and design a life of purpose and fulfillment.

About the Episode:
In this episode of the Growth Ready podcast, Jennifer emphasizes that true growth requires deep reflection and understanding of the past to build a solid foundation for future success. She discusses her unique approach to helping clients overcome internal barriers and achieve their goals through the lens of joy and resilience.

Jennifer opens up about her personal journey of networking, overcoming challenges, and using joy as a transformative strategy. Together, she and Steve explore the concept of "joy anchors," a practical tool to overcome challenges and maintain momentum in life and business. They also dive into topics like authenticity, fear-based decision-making, and the importance of resilience and creativity in entrepreneurship.

Looking ahead, Jennifer shares her exciting future plans, including writing a book and hosting retreats, aimed at fostering joy and leadership development.

Key Takeaways:

• Growth requires reflecting on the past to build self-awareness.
• True growth stems from a deep connection with purpose.
• Many people seek quick fixes but overlook internal obstacles.
• Networking is a long-term strategy for success.
• Joy isn’t just a feeling—it can be a strategic advantage.
• Personal branding is essential for achieving business goals.
• Fear often stems from unfounded stories we tell ourselves.
• Resilience comes from recognizing past accomplishments.
• Creativity is vital to overcoming financial fears and achieving breakthroughs.
• Joy anchors provide stability and momentum during tough times.
• Authenticity is challenging but critical for meaningful impact.
• Success is about transformation, not just creating products.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation that will challenge your perspective on growth and teach you how to lead with joy and purpose.

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About the Guest:

Ken Schmidt, former director of communications for Harley-Davidson, is a renowned business strategist and speaker who helped transform the brand into a global icon. Known for his bold and entertaining style, Ken specializes in competition, brand positioning, and customer loyalty. His book, Make Some Noise: The Unconventional Road to Dominance, shares his unique insights on standing out and thriving in business. A lifelong motorcycle enthusiast, Ken blends his passions for riding and storytelling to inspire leaders worldwide.

Learn more about Ken through his website at www.kenspeaks.com

About the Episode:

In this episode of Growth Ready, Ken Schmidt, shares his invaluable insights on competitiveness and success. Drawing from his extensive experience, Ken emphasizes the significance of viewing the world through a competitive lens—not just in business, but in life.

He explores the critical role of reputation, human connection, and emotional engagement in driving business success. Ken introduces three essential questions that businesses and individuals must ask to refine their goals, enhance their strategies, and boost competitiveness.

The conversation delves into actionable advice on:

1. Delighting customers to build loyalty and repeat business.
2. Overcoming resistance to change by simplifying solutions.
3. Creating a unique brand language to stand out.
4. Balancing strategy with understanding human behavior to foster connections.

Ken also highlights the importance of passion, consistency, and genuine interest in others as cornerstones for personal and professional growth. With practical tips and thought-provoking perspectives, this episode is packed with inspiration for anyone seeking to elevate their competitive edge.

Key Takeaways

• Competitiveness is a mindset crucial for growth in life and business.
• Reputation and human connection are essential for success.
• Delighting customers creates loyalty and drives demand.
• Businesses thrive on emotional connections, not just product quality.
• Simplify strategies for easier implementation and greater impact.
• A strong brand identity requires consistent messaging and a unique voice.
• Passion and authenticity are magnetic in attracting customers and building trust.
• Asking the right questions helps clarify goals and strategies.
• Genuine interest in others strengthens relationships and reputation.

Sign up for the monthly newsletter with Steve and GrowthReady (formerly known as Career Competitor) by providing your details here - Request to become part of our community
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About the Guest:

Dany Martin, a South Louisiana native now based in Shreveport, is passionate about empowering others through sound financial planning and positive leadership. With a Bachelor’s in Business Administration from Northwestern State University and an MBA from Louisiana Tech, Dany has built a career focused on exceeding client expectations and delivering proactive wealth management solutions.

Before joining WFA in 2015, he spent 8.5 years at Capital One Bank, advancing from teller to Financial Advisor, where he served over 10 branches in the Shreveport area.

Outside of work, Dany and his wife, Lindsi, have been "adopted parents" to five boys since 2016 and are proud grandparents of four. He enjoys golfing, traveling, music, and spending time with family, friends, and their three dogs. Dany finds fulfillment in helping others, often in unexpected ways, and is dedicated to inspiring financial health and positivity in all aspects of life.

About the Episode:

In this episode of Growth Ready, host Steve Mellor dives deep into a conversation with Danny Martin about the importance of cultivating a growth mindset and the key factors that influence personal and professional development. Danny reflects on his upbringing, the power of surrounding yourself with knowledgeable individuals, and how generosity can create opportunities for growth.

The discussion highlights the value of accountability, the courage to challenge your beliefs, and the impact of building a strong support system. Danny shares actionable insights on fostering gratitude, the necessity of adaptability in the face of change, and how daily habits shape your responses to life's challenges.

Listeners will gain practical strategies for creating meaningful relationships, leaving a lasting legacy, and embracing a positive, forward-thinking mindset.

Key Takeaways:

• A growth-ready mindset requires intentional habits and structure.
• Actively seeking opportunities fuels personal development.
• Surrounding yourself with knowledgeable people fosters growth.
• Experience enhances the ability to understand and guide others.
• Building trusted relationships requires time and effort.
• Generosity often leads to unexpected rewards.
• Challenging ingrained beliefs fosters personal growth.
• Identifying your support system is vital for success.
• Accountability strengthens personal and professional relationships.
• Having a "starting five" of supportive individuals sharpens focus.
• Being supportive of others can inspire them to pursue their dreams.
• Gratitude practices, like thank-you notes, boost personal fulfillment.
• Adapting to change helps ease life’s transitions.
• Daily habits shape how we respond to challenges and change.
• Living with intention creates a meaningful legacy.
• Consistent small actions can drive significant transformation over time.
• Supporting others fosters a positive ripple effect in your community.

Sign up for the monthly newsletter with Steve and GrowthReady (formerly known as Career Competitor) by providing your details here - Request to become part of our community
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About the Guest:

Talia Bombola is an award-winning psychotherapist, podcast host, and professor of psychology. Known as The Confidence & Assertiveness Specialist™, Talia focuses on helping ambitious individuals enhance their self-worth, confidence, and assertiveness by rewiring their beliefs about themselves and the world around them. She believes that once we heal the pervasive feeling of “not enoughness” within, we can finally be free to pursue the life of our dreams.

Learn more about Talia at www.taliabombola.com

About the Episode:

In this episode, Talia Bombola, a licensed marriage and family therapist and relationship coach, delves into the concept of being "GrowthReady." She emphasizes the importance of adopting a growth mindset, being open to change, and recognizing the transformative power of therapy. Talia shares her personal journey through therapy, explores the stages of change model, and discusses how relationships significantly influence personal growth.

The discussion also addresses the challenges individuals face when navigating readiness for change and highlights the importance of self-discovery in overcoming blind spots. Together, Talia Bombola and Steve Mellor explore themes of personal growth, leadership, and subconscious alignment in achieving one’s desires. They discuss the necessity of radical honesty with oneself, the impact of past experiences on current behaviors, and the transformative nature of motherhood.

This conversation underscores the significance of understanding one’s desires, redefining the relationship with money, and accepting failure as an integral part of the growth process. Talia also touches on the power of presence in overcoming anxiety, reframing failure as a learning opportunity, and the importance of self-relationship in fostering personal growth. Ultimately, listeners are encouraged to embrace change, navigate life’s seasons with honesty and courage, and take small steps toward lasting success.

Key Takeaways:

• Growth requires both readiness and willingness to change.
• Self-discovery is essential for overcoming blind spots and fostering personal growth.
• Mistakes are learning opportunities, not reflections of self-worth.
• Clearly defined desires are key to manifesting goals.
• Relationships play a vital role in individual development.
• Radical honesty with oneself is essential for personal growth.
• Focusing on the present moment helps combat anxiety.
• Challenges should be reframed as opportunities for growth.
• Small, incremental changes lead to significant transformations.
• The relationship with oneself is foundational for all other relationships.

Sign up for the monthly newsletter with Steve and GrowthReady (formerly known as Career Competitor) by providing your details here - Request to become part of our community
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About the Guest:
Dallin is an author, entrepreneur, and award-winning shepherd. From small towns in Wyoming to one of the largest cities in China, he has inspired audiences to embrace perspectives beyond their own. Recognized as an expert in Authority Magazine, Dallin helps organizations and leaders challenge assumptions and communicate effectively.

Dallin’s leadership journey began at the age of 20 when he launched his first business—a digital marketing agency. The agency quickly grew, and by the time he sold it to a larger media group a few years later, it was serving clients internationally. He later founded a sustainable dog chew brand, which is now widely distributed across the United States. Over the years, Dallin has consulted for top realtors, banks, Chambers of Commerce, and numerous other industries, solidifying his reputation as a versatile and impactful leader.

About the Episode:
Dallin Cooper explores what it means to be 'GrowthReady,' emphasizing the pursuit of progress and the drive to move forward in life. He reflects on how personal experiences and the influence of his entrepreneurial parents shaped this mindset. The discussion uncovers common challenges to growth, such as fear, survival mode, and the impact of assumptive behavior, which often block true progress. Dallin shares his innovative approach to helping individuals and organizations overcome these obstacles, ultimately achieving meaningful personal and professional growth.

Dallin also opens up about his journey of juggling side hustles, confronting the challenges of commitment, and prioritizing fulfillment over financial gain. He recounts pivotal moments that led him to reevaluate his path, including selling a dog chew business and taking a leap into speaking. Dallin emphasizes the importance of committing fully to one’s goals, seeking guidance from trusted mentors, and finding balance between personal satisfaction and financial stability. His story is an inspiring testament to choosing dreams over comfort and making the hard decisions that lead to success.

Learn more about Dallin at www.dallincooper.com.

Key Takeaways

• Growth is a continuous journey, rooted in personal experiences and influences.
• Fear and survival mode can limit opportunities for progress.
• Assumptive behavior prevents recognition of the need for change.
• Encouraging self-discovery fosters deeper, lasting personal growth.
• True growth requires discomfort and a willingness to challenge biases.
• Commitment is the defining factor between wanting and achieving.
• Success often involves balancing personal fulfillment and financial stability.

Dallin’s journey serves as a powerful reminder that aligning actions with dreams—and fully committing to them—can transform both career and life.

Sign up for the monthly newsletter with Steve and GrowthReady (formerly known as Career Competitor) by providing your details here - Request to become part of our community
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About the Guest:
Rich Salon is a seasoned HR expert, Career Transition Coach, author, and speaker with 25 years in corporate leadership roles at companies like The Home Depot, Lowe’s, and Circuit City. Known as “Rich-the-HR-Guy,” he specializes in fostering career fulfillment, employee engagement, and trust within organizations. Rich’s dedication earned him CNN's "Hero of the Economy" award for his work at Circuit City and the nickname "chief engagement officer."

As a coach, Rich has authored *Career Trust* and *Unleashing Your Career*, guiding individuals toward purpose and fulfillment. Beyond his career, he actively contributes to his community, holding leadership roles in Rotary International and working to fulfill wishes for adults with terminal illnesses. Passionate about career growth and community impact, Rich is dedicated to helping others find purpose and success in their professional lives.

Learn more about Rich thru his website at www.ownershipconnection.com

About the Episode:
Rich Salon dives into what it means to be "GrowthReady" and the ongoing path of personal and professional development. He highlights the power of servant leadership, simplifying complexity, and leading with presence. Reflecting on pivotal moments like the Circuit City bankruptcy, Rich shares insights on guiding others through crisis, finding career fulfillment, and transitioning from employee engagement to deeper purpose. 

Now a career and business ownership coach, he discusses the importance of mindset shifts, identifying passions, and the impact of volunteer work. Rich’s journey offers inspiring lessons on growth, leadership, and making a difference.


Takeaways:

• Each of us needs to be growth ready.
• Helping leaders become better leaders is crucial.
• Simplicity can have a profound impact on understanding.
• Face-to-face interactions are vital for effective leadership.
• Success without fulfillment is failure.
• Engagement is important, but fulfillment is the ultimate goal.
• Leaders must prioritize the needs of their team members.
• Building relationships requires deliberate effort.
• Hope can be created even in dire situations.
• Identifying passions and talents is crucial for career success.
• Shifting from 'I should' to 'I will' is a powerful mindset change.
• Volunteerism can enhance personal and professional growth.
• Helping others find their true gifts is a personal mission.

Sign up for the monthly newsletter with Steve and GrowthReady (formerly known as Career Competitor) by providing your details here - Request to become part of our community
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About the Guest:

Robert X. Fogarty is a speaker, advocate, and social entrepreneur, best known as the founder and CEO of Dear World, an organization dedicated to storytelling through powerful images and personal narratives. Since starting as an art project in New Orleans in 2010, Dear World has evolved into a global movement celebrating the impact of personal stories.

Robert has introduced the Brain Tattoo™ Storytelling Method to major organizations like Fidelity, UBS, and Duke Men’s Basketball, and has worked with diverse communities worldwide, from survivors of the Orlando Pulse tragedy to Syrian refugees. His work has been featured in CNN, The Today Show, and The New York Times.

Learn more about Robert by visiting his website https://dearworld.com/

About the Episode:
In this episode of the GrowthReady podcast, host Steve Mellor interviews Robert X. Fogarty, founder of Dear World. They delve into what it means to be “growth ready,” exploring Fogarty's transformative journey from a Hurricane Katrina volunteer to an entrepreneur, the impact of New Orleans on his life, and the power of storytelling in personal and professional growth.

The conversation highlights the role of chaos, team dynamics, and self-awareness in leadership, as well as the value of authentic storytelling in building connections and supporting leaders in crafting their own narratives.

Takeaways:

• Being growth ready means being curious and aware of your surroundings.
• Thriving in chaos can lead to personal and professional growth.
• Feeling needed is a powerful motivator for engagement and service.
• Storytelling is essential for connecting with others and conveying emotions.
• Opportunities often arise from unexpected places and experiences.
• Team dynamics are vital for success in any venture.
• Understanding the stakes involved can guide decision-making.
• Internal motivation drives excellence and personal fulfillment. Everyone has a version of excellence they aspire to.
• The temptation of excellence can be both powerful and dangerous.
• Self-awareness is crucial in leadership and personal growth.
• The story we tell ourselves shapes our well-being and relationships.
• Lies we tell ourselves can have serious consequences.
• Therapy can serve as a maintenance tool for personal growth.
• Creating a personal narrative is essential for authentic leadership.
• Collaboration can enhance the growth journey.
• Leaders need to engage in difficult conversations about their stories.
• Community support is vital for transformation.

Sign up for the monthly newsletter with Steve and GrowthReady (formerly known as Career Competitor) by providing your details here - Request to become part of our community
Also be sure to give him and the show a follow on Instagram @coachstevemellor