21 Podcast

In this  episode of 21, we talk with  Marvin Pierre, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Eight Million Stories (8MS).  The mission of 8MS is to transform the lives   of   vulnerable   youth   (12–21-year-old)   through   education,   skills   training, employment, and authentic relationships.  Marvin and his team work to bring hope, vision,   and   practical   work/life   skills   to   young   people   who  feel   disenfranchised, disconnected, and/or in despair.   The work of 8MS is aimed at eradicating the school-to-prison pipeline by creating alternate success pathways for students who are   not   succeeding   in   traditional   learning   settings...breathing   new   life   into   the concept of ‘no child left behind.’ Marvin attended Trinity College in Connecticut, and later, the University of Houston. He started his career in investment banking, but later heeded his life’s calling to work   with   young   people   in   a   way   that   is   truly   meaningful.     Listen   as   Marvin describes his path towards fulfilling his purpose, the role that his mentors  and sponsors played along the way, and how a song from a famous hip hop group impacted the name of his nonprofit.  (Reminders of the power of networking, betting on yourself, and grasping moments of inspiration!)   And while work is a priority for Marvin (he refers to his students as ‘his kids’), he also has other neat things going for him outside of work.  After hearing this episode, we   will   hope   that   you   will   be   inspired   to   learn   more   about   8MS   at www.eightmillionstories.org, and endeavor to make a difference in young person’s life, that may very well hang in the balance.  Enjoy this episode of 21!

In this 1st episode of the 21 Podcast’s 2021 fall season, we talk with LaRae Quy, author, mental toughness coach, former FBI agent, and Founder of the Mental Toughness Center.  LaRae Quy was an undercover and counterintelligence FBI agent for 24 years. She exposed foreign spies and recruited them to work for the U.S. Government. As an FBI agent, she developed the mental toughness to survive in environments of risk, uncertainty, and deception. Faced with stressful and fast-moving situations, she needed to move through barriers if she was to succeed.  LaRae’s decision to join the FBI was a ‘road less traveled’ moment.  While she knew in her heart and mind that this was an intended part of her life journey, LaRae’s transition into the FBI was challenging mentally and physically.  She exceled while others may have underestimated her.  Today, LaRae is a highly sought-after speaker on the topics of mental toughness and positive thinking.  She believes that mental toughness can be developed and is not necessarily an innate trait that we are born with.  Listen as LaRae talks about her upbringing on a Wyoming cattle ranch, her college years, and when fate opened doors for her at the FBI.  Her story will inspire you to seize an great opportunity, even though it may come in an unlikely package. If you are a fan of CSI, SVU, NCIS and Law & Order, this episode is for you…including self-proclaimed ‘couch detective,’ Drew!  Enjoy this episode of 21!  For more information and resources about LaRae here:  https://laraequy.com/

In this episode of 21 Podcast, we talk with Jeff Fryer. Jeff is a former college and professional basketball player who now coaches many talented, young athletes. Jeff is known to many as a standout competitor on the hardwood, going as far back as high school.  A native of Southern California, Jeff is a graduate of Corona Del Mar High School and then attended Loyola Marymount University (LMU).  At LMU, Jeff was the consummate student athlete, earning a degree in Business Administration while also a star basketball player.  Balancing school and sports can feel like a full- time job, Jeff advises good time management to ease the workload.  In 2013, Jeff was honored by the NCAA as a member of a select group of college players designated as the, “Best of Los Angeles College Basketball.” After college, Jeff played for the Houston Rockets, and then overseas for 10 years. These days, Jeff’s passion for basketball manifests in his coaching.  Jeff has coached high school and college teams, and he founded the Fryer Basketball Academy (FBA) in 2003 which allows him to help develop the next generation of basketball players. His goal is to provide young athletes with the skills and discipline they need to be successful in basketball and in life.  Above all else, Jeff is a man of faith.  His belief in God has guided him all of his life, both on and off the court.  Enjoy this episode of 21! Jeff Fryer links: FBA: https://www.fryerbasketballacademy.com/index.php

In this episode of 21, we talk with Dionna Widder, the Chief Revenue Officer for the Houston Dynamo/Dash.  Dionna’s passion for sports began at an early age and became the foundation for her desire to build a career in sports administration and operations. Dionna hails from Michigan and she attended Central Michigan University and obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration.  During her freshman year in college, Dionna channeled her passion for sports into a tangible action plan to achieve her career goals...which clearly worked!  She explains how important it is (at any age) to push yourself, take risks, and put yourself out there.  If you want it, you’ll get it!  With an unwavering determination, Dionna risen through the ranks in sports.  And more greatness is still yet to come. Through it all, Dionna keeps her family her #1 priority.  She loves all facets of her life, and she goes hard!  As you listen to Dionna describe her schedule, you can’t help but be inspired to identify your own timewasters and eliminate them. While Dionna is very driven, she also is intentional about sowing into the success of others.  She is a manager that understand the importance of lifting as she climbs. Enjoy this episode of 21! Dionna Widder links: Podcast- Women Blazers:https://anchor.fm/womenblazers Linkedin:https://www.linkedin.com/in/dionna-widder-5a2584a

In this episode of 21, we talk with Tamika Curry Smith.  Tamika is an expert and powerhouse in the space of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DE&I), with experience driving business outcomes in top companies, including Mercedes Benz and Nike.  She is also president of TCS Group, Inc. Tamika’s work in DE&I is her life purpose.  While she obtained an accounting degree and had a successful career in public accounting, she pivoted to a DE&I leadership role and quickly learned that this is her true passion. She speaks with ease about racial and gender dynamics that impact sports and business...topics Tamika mastered prior to 2020 when DE&I really became central focus for global companies.  She also talks to us about work life integration and how hybrid work arrangements over the last year have been beneficial for working women and working parents.  And tune in as Tamika explains the “Pro Formula” (Performance + Relationships =Opportunity).  Tamika is University of Michigan graduate; she has Wolverine in her DNA! She gives back to her alma mater in a number of ways, and she is a mentor and coach to so many. Enjoy this episode of 21, and let Tamika inspire you to make your mark in the space of racial and social justice.

In this episode of 21, we talk with Coach DeAntoine “Cat” Beasley. Cat is the Assistant Coach for the women’s basketball team at the University of Dayton.  (Go Flyers!) Cat’s journey to Dayton is truly inspirational.  He hails from Atlanta, Georgia, and attended Tennessee Tech.  In 1999, while playing basketball for Tech, Cat was diagnosed with lymphoma.  He underwent chemotherapy while. balancing basketball and his studies.  Cat was healed, and his physical strength was only surpassed by his mental fortitude.  He attributes his love for basketball and his family as the driving forces for him to get well. Post college, Cat went to the UK and played 7 years with the Plymouth Raiders.   Cat then retired from his playing career to start his next chapter asa coach.  And he did so in place that was very familiar to him, by joining the coaching staff at his alma mater, Tennessee Tech. Eventually, Cat’s path led him to his current position at Dayton.  While this was Cat’s first experience coaching women, he will be the first to tell you that basketball is basketball, and he considers himself fortunate to coach a team of players who are talented, driven, and coachable. Enjoy this episode of 21 and add the Dayton Flyers women’s basketball team to your watch list for the upcoming season!

Calling all Texas high school football fans!  This episode of 21 is for you as we recently met with Katy High School Head Football Coach, Gary Joseph.  Since becoming the Head Coach in 2004, the program has won 5 state championships. As a reminder to our 21 listeners, Drew is a graduate of Katy High School...so this interview has very special meaning to him.  ‘Friday Night Lights’ is alive and well in Katy, Texas.  And Coach Joseph and the Katy Tigers football team are at the center of it all.  Football is in Coach Joseph’s DNA, passed onto him by his Dad.  He considers his coaches and players as an extended part of his family.  There is no secret sauce to his recipe for success, just hard work,  dedication, love for the game, and faith in God. Coach Joseph’s love for God and his family are his guide points.  He talks about his experience coaching his sons during high school, and the joys of being a grandfather. Listen as Coach Joseph discusses his career, and shares in great detail the highs and lows of his years at Katy.  Many of these stories will be familiar to Katy fans, but this may be the first time you hear perspectives directly from Coach Joseph.  This episode is a must listen for all current, past, and future Katy Tigers. Enjoy this episode of 21!

Welcome back to the 21 podcast and the second part of our conversation with Marcus Guillory, native Houstonian who continues to blaze an amazing career as an author and Hollywood writer.  (Marcus was a Bollywood writer too.) As you listen to Marcus describe his current projects, you feel his laser focus. He is a man on a mission, expertly navigating obstacles in the entertainment industry that would discourage most. Marcus has never forgotten the role that mentors played in his life; and now he is a role model and advisor to young people who are just starting out. Keep your eye out for Marcus.  His next life chapters will be his best yet.  He has new and impressive projects on the horizon, so stay tuned. Enjoy this episode of 21!

In this first of a 2-part episode of the 21 Podcast, we have a great conversation with Marcus Guillory. Marcus is an intellect, author, Hollywood writer, musician…a modern-day renaissance man. Marcus grew up in Houston, Texas, and he has deep family roots in Louisiana. His Dad was a renowned cowboy, so Marcus’ formative years were strongly influenced by a neat fusion of rodeo and Creole cultures. Marcus immerses you in the Texan Creole Culture in his novel, Red Now and Laters, which was released to critical acclaim in 2014. Throughout his education, Marcus excelled academically, and he had a particular interest in writing and music. After high school, Marcus left home to attend the University of Pennsylvania. Post college, he began a career as a successful financial analyst. His life-long passion for learning and music would soon take center stage again, guiding his move to New Orleans to attend law school at Tulane University and subsequently start a band, Taino. And while on the surface this sounds fun and sexy, for Marcus this season of his life was all about his willingness to grind and make a way where one seems unlikely. Marcus creates the life he wants, and he tells his story as only a great writer can. Marcus’ drive and work ethic are unmatched. And while he lives what most would deem the ‘glamorous Hollywood life’, at his core Marcus is the authentic, smart, Southern guy who you would love catching up with over a bourbon, BBQ, and cigar. Enjoy this episode of 21!

On this episode of the 21 Podcast, we talk with Evelyn Bennett, a National Vice President, and Independent Consultant for Arbonne, a company that provides products that support a holistic approach to beauty, health, and well-being. Evelyn is no stranger to hard work, and she contributes her work ethic to lessons learned from her Mom at a very early age. While in college and playing basketball, Evelyn interned for a local news station. Post College, she continued her career pursuits in broadcasting, eventually becoming a very successful TV news producer in Reno, Nevada. Evelyn, like many of us, experienced a season when she realized that she had to set clear intentions related to the life she wanted to design for herself and for her family. It was then that Evelyn decided to bet on herself and become an entrepreneur. She knew that she could earn money and build a business that provides the flexibility to be fully present for her family. When she initially started her Arbonne business, Evelyn kept her full-time job. During this time, she did not cut corners. She consistently ‘worked her business’ and invested in her development. She studied every aspect of her venture, and devoted time to daily reading. (Some ingredients for success never change. Readers are leaders.) As you listen to this episode, challenge yourself to reconsider that side hustle you have wanted to start for years. Or engineer ways to shift your work schedule to allow more time for your family and self-care. We all have the ability to design the lives that we want. Let’s do it, 21 Family! Enjoy this episode of 21! *Episode Disclaimer - Fewer than 1% of Arbonne Consultants are at the National Vice President Level. Arbonne makes no promises or guarantees that any Independent Consultant will be financially successful. The annual typical earning statement is available at earnings.arbonne.com.*