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.
Debora Novick
Ever since I chose to become a holistic Chiropractor I knew that I was walking my path and following my purpose in life to lift pain and suffering one person at a time. Read more>>
Taylor Henderson
I believe this is already the case. Not to be a downer but most people who know me, know I have played the underdog role the majority of my life. And I think it is ok to feel that way without a negative connotation attached. Some people just have it, some people have to work for it- my experience being the latter. Read more>>
Joy Galicia
Yes. Of course its always nice to be recognized, but for me, the motivation comes from within. I take pride in my work and in the experience I give to my clients. I genuinely and truly love what I do. Whether someone praises it or not, I know when I’ve done my best and that’s what matters most to me. Read more>>
Élan Les Vies
Thank you for having me! Yeah—when I saw my debut novel The Lemon Twist (Turner Publishing, May 2026) listed for pre-order. It was surreal to see it out in the world, tangible proof that all those quiet hours added up. Read more>>
Ryan Hartegan
Follow your heart and seek experiences, we don’t have much time on this planet. Spend that time wisely and with intent, doing what you want to do with the people you love and that matter most to you. The rest of life will come together. Read more>>
Renzo Marsano
To my younger self, I’d say: ‘Trust in your ability to grow through challenges; your dedication and heart will carry you far.’ Read more>>
Nave Guedj
If I knew I had only 10 years left, the first thing I would stop doing is doubting myself and holding back out of fear. Life is too short to waste energy on insecurity or trying to please others. Instead, I would fully commit to living authentically, creating music that matters, and nurturing the relationships that truly uplift me. Read more>>
Milan Williams
What I believe my customers would miss most is my human-centered approach — whether it’s through Photography, Video, or Sound Design. People are always at the heart of my storytelling. I’m drawn to the complexity of the human experience — the subtleties of emotion, the crease in a chin just before tears fall, the unfiltered joy in a child’s laugh. Read more>>
Goldie Graham
Very much so. Who I am on social media, is who I am in person. I would find it terribly exhausting to have multiple personas. I consider myself an extroverted introvert. I am very comfortable around people, crowds of various sizes, but recharge by being alone. Read more>>
Christopher Konrad
The public version of me doesn’t swear as much as the private version. The public is really missing out. Read more>>
Ashley King
That all hair types can wear braids Read more>>
Robin Christ
The call I’m currently feeling is to lean into learning, not winding down. It’s about conquering the fear of the unknown that can come with age and instead, passionately committing to a new artistic challenge—in this case, a learning a new dance form and incorporating it into my yoga classes. Read more>>
Phakapan ‘Cookie’ Salao
What I’m most proud of building, behind the scenes, is bring Muaythai fight gear Sport and culture to the global fashion stage, including New York and Milan Fashion week, and elevating mixed martial arts into the spotlight of high fashion. Read more>>
Adrianne Branche
What breaks the bonds between people is ineffective communication, plain and simple. When emotions lead the response instead of clarity, logic, and intention, misunderstandings grow and connection suffers. So much gets lost when we do not slow down to truly listen, express ourselves clearly, or seek to understand the other person’s perspective. On the flip side, what restores those bonds is deep, intentional communication. Read more>>
Grayson Wallen
I would say that people are bonded together for a variety of reasons. Most are healthy and others are repeating past patterns that can eventually lead to relationship breakdown. Specifically I have seen people be drawn to one another because the dates were fun, sex was mind-blowing and the relative stress was low. Read more>>
Jerry & Joevany Flores
Although it cannot be scientifically proven, we truly believe in the power of manifestation. Those first two years of struggling to keep our business afloat had us at times praying for opportunities & help, because it seemed like no matter what we were doing, it wasn’t enough to keep us sustained. Read more>>
Robin Litrenta
There’s an old song Video Killed The Radio Star. It’s about a technology change in the 1960s, the desire to remember the past and the disappointment that the current generation would not appreciate the past. Today, one could write a new version called Mobile Phones Are Trying To Kill The Professional Photographer. It’s a bit jaded, but not really. Read more>>
Zac Curhan
A common misconception is that we’re just another supplement brand. TRUWILD isn’t about powders and capsules, it’s about a lifestyle. We started this brand because we were frustrated with a supplement industry full of artificial junk, fake promises, and products made in labs instead of inspired by nature. Read more>>
Patrina Wisdom
So many high-achieving women are silently struggling with the disconnect between success and fulfillment. They’ve built the business, checked the boxes, collected the accolades—and yet, deep down, they feel a quiet ache. An emptiness. A question they’re almost ashamed to ask: “Is this it?” What they rarely say out loud is that they’re exhausted from performing. Read more>>
MOB BO$$
The way you treat people is so important. If you own a business, you need to lift up your staff. You need to just be a person and not a boss. Be understanding and have empathy. Read more>>
LILIANA TRUJILLO
UNFORTUNATELY THERE IS SOMETHING GOING ON THAT TRULY MATTERS THAT THE SYSTEM CONTINUES TO TURN A BLIND EYE TO & THAT IS THE HOMELESSNESS CRISIS. MOST PEOPLE SEE HOMELESSNESS ONLY AS A LACK OF HOUSING, BUT WHAT I’VE COME TO UNDERSTAND IS THAT IT’S RARELY JUST ABOUT SOMEONE NOT HAVING A ROOF OVER THEIR HEADS. IT’S MUCH DEEPER THAN THAT… Read more>>
Marc Emmelmann
The truth I believe in that many people don’t is that it’s always better to flow than to force. Too often, I see people burning themselves out, and even burning bridges, by resisting what is, complaining about what isn’t, and trying to push outcomes into place too quickly. Even friendship is like a slow-ripening fruit… it takes patience. Read more>>
Chantal ‘CJ’ Otto
It varies—occasionally there are days where I will forget to eat until 8p, but most of my work days are a highly structured routine. Something like this: Wake-Up Routine: Breath work outside, followed by lots of water and a homemade whole milk cappuccino. Then it’s time to walk my French Bulldog. Read more>>
Angela Kemsley
Normal’ isn’t really in my vocabulary these days, and that’s exactly how I like it! My role as Director of Conservation Impact at WILDCOAST means every day brings something new and exciting. One day, you might find me at my computer, deep in the world of grant writing, working to secure the crucial funding that fuels our conservation efforts. Read more>>
Rachèle DeMeo
A “normal” day for me doesn’t really exist—no two days ever look alike! What stays consistent, though, is that I’m juggling a lot of moving parts. Most days include a flood of emails, phone calls, and messages from families, instructors, and our administrative team. I spend time connecting with our instructors—leading trainings, reviewing pedagogy, and making sure they feel supported in the classroom. Read more>>
Jesse Zmuda
People often ask me what a “normal” day looks like as a florist, but truthfully, no two days are exactly alike! That’s part of what I love most about this work. I usually start my day by checking messages and orders that came in overnight. Read more>>
Annelise Day
Walking along the beach, hiking around waterfalls, swimming in the river and soaking up Sun are some ways I like to feel joy and stay grounded. Read more>>
Chris Redner
When I think of what brings me joy outside of my profession, it is supporting nonprofits, like Father Joe’s Village, feeding the homeless and also supporting the Special Olympics. I feel my contributions make a difference in helping others, and I am glad I am able to participate to help make the world a better place. Read more>>
Hilary Dufour
Painting big murals! It’s a full body and mind workout. Read more>>
Helen HU
My childhood back in China was during the period of Culture revolution that all education system was not function normally. Colleges were all closed. Parents were worried about their children’s future without a skill for making a living, Home teaching become the only way to have children to gain knowledge. that is the reason I studied Chinese Medicine at very early age. Read more>>
India Kern
For a long time, I believed I had to stay in one lane to be credible. Pick one thing. Stick to it. Be easy to define. But that belief is no longer serving me. I’m a Certified Divorce Coach, yes. But I’m also an entrepreneur—a content strategist who helps businesses show up, stand out, and grow through content and visibility. Read more>>
Gustavo Perez
I think they would say that I am a hard working individual. I really like and enjoy what I do. Everything I am and do is for the well-being of my family, the most important part in my life. Read more>>
Jody Munro
That I am %100 dedicated to being the best husband and father I can be as in the long run. that is what really matters to me!
That I am %100 dedicated to being the best husband and father I can be as in the long run. that is what really matters to me! Read more>>
Kristin Jankel
A cultural value I protect at all costs is equality. Everyone who steps aboard is welcomed and treated with the same respect, no matter who they are. Creating an inclusive, welcoming environment is at the heart of what I do — it’s what makes the experience truly special for my guests. Read more>>
Michael Marckx
A moment that really shaped how I see the world came when I was at one of my lowest points. I’d been badly injured in a bike crash after turning pro, lost the athletic life I thought was my destiny, and was struggling in two bands while working in a warehouse packing boxes for what used to be my main sponsor, wondering what came next. Read more>>
brandon jameson
I would have to say integrity. Intelligence is nice, but without integrity, intelligence can become manipulative. Energy is nice, but without integrity, energy can be used in all sorts of nefarious ways. I think integrity was assumed in the creation of our political system, and a notable lack of integrity in many elected leaders is, in my opinion, why we are having so many problems Read more>>
Linda Pennington
When I moved to my current home in 1981, I was pursuing a professional career as an artist with the support of my husband. I had spent two years teaching high school art in the Houston area but that was my backup plan. Read more>>
Phoenix Coverley
I use both writing and visual art to transform pain into power. One of the most powerful things about creating art or poetry is I can share something very personal with the world, not by telling, but by showing. Because art is often symbolic or expressive, the message is undefined, which leaves it open for interpretation. Read more>>
Leilani Passarelli
In my mid-20’s I was diagnosed with both Crohn’s Disease and Rheumatoid Arthritis. For the first few years, my life was an endless loop of doctors, hospitals, shame, and depression. Autoimmune diseases are often considered “invisible diseases”, because from the outside most people can’t see the war that’s happening inside of you. Read more>>
Chuyun Oh
I admire the artists and creators of the K-pop industry, which has now extended far beyond South Korea’s borders. Those who produce K-pop–themed works, such as K-pop Demon Hunters, often include members of the Korean diaspora—Korean Canadians among them—whose creative research discloses not only their professional investment but also their enduring love, passion, and curiosity for K-pop and Korean culture. Read more>>
John Hancock
My wife. She is thoughtful and very giving. She is loyal to her family, friends and co-workers. She is one of the most compassionate people I know. If someone needs something, even someone she doesn’t know, she will give what she can. Read more>>
Miriam R. Alvarez
If you already have a brand that feels 100% aligned with who you are. One that communicates your value without you having to say a word, That works for you even when you’re not in the room… Then honestly? You don’t need me. You’re set. Read more>>
