In this episode of the Beacon Way podcast, host Adrienne Wilkerson welcomes Loralyn Mears, co-founder of HELPipedia. They delve into HELPipedia's initiatives in transforming education for high school students, especially those with special needs. 

Loralyn shares the story behind the creation of HELPipedia, its mission to provide safe spaces and resources for youth development, and their pivot to focus on empowering parents and caregivers. They also discuss the importance of community events and small business involvement, and how these contribute to creating supportive environments for youth. 

Tune in to learn about the innovative solutions HELPipedia offers and how you can get involved in their mission.

Links mentioned in today's episode:
https://www.youtube.com/ ⁨@Midlifesuccess⁩  
https://www.meetup.com/helpipedia-it-takes-a-community/
https://helpipedia.org/events/
https://steer.us/marketplace

Connect with Loralyn on LinkedIn: 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/loralynmears/

Donate here: 
https://donate.stripe.com/6oEbLAaZqdW0dTaeUY

In this episode of the Beacon Way Podcast, CEO Adrienne Wilkerson is joined by CRO Ken Okonek to discuss exciting updates at Beacon Media + Marketing. 

They announce the transition of co-founder Jennifer Christensen to her new passion projects and share their enthusiasm for the future of Beacon. The discussion covers the company's renewed mission and vision, their commitment to quality in the rapidly changing AI marketing landscape, and their focus on deepening expertise in the behavioral health space. 

Tune in to hear about the new directions Beacon is taking and how they are aiming to foster deeper human connections through innovative marketing strategies.

In this episode of the Beacon Way Podcast, host Adrienne Wilkerson welcomes Josh Troche, owner of Pedal Stomper Productions, to discuss the intricacies of podcasting and video production for business marketing. 

Josh shares his journey from starting a YouTube channel at a semi-truck dealership to running a full-fledged production company specializing in photo, video, and podcast content. The conversation delves into essential tips for creating impactful video content, overcoming camera shyness, understanding the importance of preparation, and maintaining audience engagement with structured content. 

Whether you're a podcast newbie or looking to refine your skills, this episode is packed with valuable insights to help you succeed. Don't miss out on Josh's expert advice on setting up your own podcast studio, leveraging intentionality in content creation, and navigating the challenges of pod fade.

In this episode of the Beacon Way podcast, Adrienne Wilkerson welcomes Gerry Gadoury, a 25-year veteran of the tech professional services industry. Gerry discusses his diverse career, which includes roles as a recruiter, salesperson, manager, consultant, trainer, executive, speaker, author, and business owner. He shares insights about his Destination Employer Methodology, aimed at helping startups and scaling companies attract and retain top talent. Gerry emphasizes the critical role of culture in building high-performing teams and discusses the importance of intentionality in business decisions. He also introduces the industry's first cybersecurity and tech-focused Recruitment and Retention as a Service (R-A-A-S) platform. 

Tune in to learn how to create a thriving culture in your tech company and achieve business success. 

Connect with Gerry on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gerrygadoury/  

Be sure to check out his podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@GerryGadoury 

Purchase a copy of his book, Destination Employer: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CR352P8M?ref=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_PC8459TN8BN3R8F94SRP&ref_=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_PC8459TN8BN3R8F94SRP&social_share=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_PC8459TN8BN3R8F94SRP&bestFormat=true&csmig=1 

Join host Adrienne Wilkerson in this *solo* episode of The Beacon Way podcast as we explore the critical role of authenticity and consistency in branding for behavioral health clinics. 

Learn how a strong, reliable brand presence can boost revenue, build trust, and connect with patients meaningfully. Discover practical tips on leveraging personal stories, digital marketing, and AI tools to enhance brand authority and recognition. 

Don't miss this insightful conversation that delves into why branding matters more than ever in the crowded mental health marketplace.

In this episode of The Beacon Way Podcast, host, Adrienne Wilkerson welcomes special guest Peter House, CEO & Founder of DeepTree, a managed IT and cybersecurity service provider. 

With a history dating back to fourth grade, the two professionals discuss the transition from wearing multiple hats as a founder to becoming a CEO. Peter shares his journey, including the pivotal moment of a traumatic brain injury that greatly impacted his career and life. They talk about the importance of empowerment within organizations, the synergy between technology and business processes, and the balance necessary to ensure both security and functionality in IT solutions. 

The discussion also touches on the challenges of starting a business, the value of character in forming partnerships, and the need to continually assess and adapt to new technologies and market demands. This episode is a must-watch for entrepreneurs, business owners, and anyone interested in leadership and the evolving landscape of technology and cybersecurity.

Welcome to another episode of the Beacon Way Podcast! In this episode, host Adrienne Wilkerson dives deep into how Artificial Intelligence (AI) can revolutionize personalized marketing, making it accessible for small and medium-sized businesses. 

Learn about AI-driven strategies like predictive analytics, dynamic content creation, and advanced customer segmentation. Adrienne also discusses the importance of ethical AI use, data minimalization, and emerging trends. 

Whether you're new to AI or looking to enhance your current marketing efforts, this episode offers invaluable insights to help your business thrive in today's data-driven marketplace.

Join the award-winning executive team of Beacon Media + Marketing on The Beacon Way Podcast as they host Mitchell Beinhaker, a seasoned business law and estate planning attorney with over three decades of experience. 

In this episode, Adrienne and Mitchell discuss the vital aspects of legal considerations for business owners, from drafting contracts to handling commercial leases and structuring multi-generational family businesses. Mitchell sheds light on the importance of having legal documents in place, the pitfalls to avoid, and how to ensure smooth business operations. 

Whether you're a startup or an established business, this episode offers invaluable insights to help you avoid common legal mistakes and grow your business successfully. Don't miss this engaging conversation packed with practical tips and professional advice!

Check out Mitchell's podcast: https://mitchbeinhaker.com/podcast
Get a copy of his book: https://a.co/d/gcLvj7e

The way people search is changing fast — and if your content isn’t keeping up, you’re already falling behind.

In this solo episode of The Beacon Way, Adrienne breaks down the best practices for SEO and GEO optimization in 2025, and how AI is completely reshaping the game. Whether you’re a business owner, content creator, or marketer, this episode will help you understand how to stay relevant in search — and in front of the right audience.

From smarter algorithms to the rise of Generative Engine Optimization (GEO), Adrienne shares practical tips you can apply now to future-proof your content strategy.

You’ll learn:
-Why traditional SEO isn’t enough anymore
-How to write content that sounds human and ranks well
-The role of AI in search visibility (and what to watch out for)
-How to structure your site and blog content for GEO
-Real-world examples from Beacon’s clients and industries

Check out our blog post for more insights: https://www.beaconmm.com/2025/07/16/b... 

Your website is more than a digital storefront—it’s often your only shot at winning a customer’s trust. But what really makes a website memorable (and effective)? In this solo episode of The Beacon Way, Adrienne Wilkerson breaks down the power of UX/UI design and why it’s absolutely essential for small business growth.

From boosting conversions to shaping your brand message, Adrienne shares practical insights into what makes a website work—and what makes visitors bounce. Plus, she dives into real-world examples from industries like mental health, home services, and tourism, straight from the Beacon portfolio.

Tune in for a straight-talking, insight-packed episode that will change the way you think about your website.

Join us for this dynamic episode of The Beacon Way Podcast, where host Adrienne Wilkerson sits down with Josh Pitchford, Principal at Sandler Training Atlanta – Sales Engine. Known for his practical, no-fluff approach to selling and leadership, Josh shares what really moves the needle in modern sales teams, and what holds most of them back.

Discover how Josh uses the Sandler Selling System to help sales leaders stop chasing activity and start building impact-driven cultures rooted in coaching, clarity, and accountability.

Learn more about Sandler here: https://sandler.com/
Connect with Josh on LinkedIn:   / josh-pitchford-6163274  

Join us for an inspiring episode of the Beacon Way podcast, featuring Stephanie Sweeny, the founder of Women's Mental Health Specialists and a certified nurse midwife. Stephanie shares her journey, challenges, and the unique care model she has developed to address gaps in women's mental health care. 

From her personal experiences with depression and anxiety to her approach to holistic, compassionate care, Stephanie's insights are profound. She discusses the importance of sleep, exercise, and community support in cultivating mental well-being. Don't miss this enlightening conversation about empowering women's health at every stage of life.

Women's Mental Health Specialists serve patients in Tennessee, Kentucky, Florida, and Oregon. 

Learn more about the clinic here: https://womensmentalhealthspecialist.com/

Navigating Wealth Management with Dustin Serviss

Welcome to another episode of the Beacon Way Podcast, hosted by Adrienne Wilkerson. In this episode, Adrienne is joined by Dustin Serviss, the founder of Service Wealth, who shares his journey and insights into wealth management. Established in 2005, Service Wealth focuses on helping business owners and successful families navigate the complexities of wealth and insurance. Dustin discusses the evolution of the financial planning industry, the importance of lifestyle design, and how he helps clients achieve their financial goals. Tune in to hear valuable advice on personal branding, work-life harmony, and financial strategies for business owners.

https://a.co/d/4lJPrOd Dustin's book
https://www.servisswealth.com His company
https://www.thepictureofwealth.com/podcast His podcast
https://a.co/d/70NaHCl Why Greatness Cannot be Planned: The Myth of the Objective

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

02:04 Dustin's Journey to Starting Service Wealth

03:23 The Reality of Entrepreneurship

06:01 The Importance of Work-Life Harmony

08:30 Personal Branding and Authenticity

13:05 Evolving Financial Planning for Business Owners

16:38 Lifestyle Design and Financial Planning

24:20 The Impact of News and Stress on Financial Decisions

29:47 Spending Accelerator Exercise and Final Tips

34:25 Conclusion and Farewell

From Newsroom to Purpose-Driven Storytelling | Michael's Journey with Bipolar Advocacy & Media Entrepreneurship

In this episode of The Beacon Way: Founders Edition, we sit down with Michael, co-CEO of Pizzetta Media, who shares his remarkable transformation from a seasoned news professional to a purpose-driven entrepreneur amplifying mental health voices.

Michael opens up about his diagnosis with bipolar disorder, his journey through stigma in the corporate world, and how he turned personal struggles into a mission to uplift others. This conversation dives deep into mental health in the workplace, entrepreneurship with a cause, and finding harmony between family life and business.

🔥 Whether you're a therapist-turned-business-owner, a creative entrepreneur, or someone navigating mental health challenges, this episode is for you.

🔗 Connect with Michael:

• Website: https://pizzettamedia.com
• YouTube: https://youtube.com/pizzettamedia

🧠 Topics Covered:

• Mental health advocacy in business
• Starting a business after corporate burnout
• Building trust as a solo media entrepreneur
• Juggling creativity, family, and self-care
• Advice for aspiring founders with mental health considerations

⏱️ Timestamps:

00:00 – Intro: Meet Michael from Pizzetta Media
 01:45 – Michael’s media background & mental health journey
 03:40 – The moment he chose to become a mental health storyteller
 06:20 – Facing stigma in the workplace
 08:15 – Embracing vulnerability to help others
 10:00 – Feedback from the community on sharing his story
 11:20 – The challenge of building trust as a small media business
 13:10 – Overcoming fear: Why the mission outweighs nerves
 15:00 – On-camera fears & the importance of authenticity
 18:00 – Work-life harmony & being present with family
 21:30 – Creativity outside 9-to-5: When inspiration strikes
 24:10 – Advice for new entrepreneurs: Believe in your mission
 26:00 – What’s next: Collaborations, speaking, and nonprofit work
 27:50 – Managing bipolar while running a business
 29:45 – Practical mental health tools Michael uses
 31:30 – Leveraging the Chamber of Commerce for founder support
 33:00 – The value of transparency and community in entrepreneurship
 35:10 – Final thoughts & how to connect with Michael

Empowering Men's Mental Health: A Conversation with Justin Garber

In this episode of the Beacon Way podcast, we are joined by Justin Garber, a clinical psychologist with over a decade of experience in various settings, including the Department of Veteran Affairs. 

Justin, who specializes in the relationship between psychological stress and the body's response system, shares his personal journey into the field of psychology and the founding of Restorative Psychological Services. The discussion delves into the unique challenges and strategies for engaging men in psychotherapy, as well as the importance of mental health awareness across different generations. 

Justin also shares insights into managing work-life balance as an entrepreneur and highlights the importance of focusing on core values and mission in business. Tune in for an enlightening conversation on mental health and entrepreneurship.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
01:44 Justin's Journey into Psychology
04:20 Veterans Affairs and Personal Connection
06:54 Starting Restorative Psychological Services
08:37 Challenges and Rewards of Entrepreneurship
12:54 Focus on Men's Mental Health
17:56 Balancing Work and Personal Life
24:47 Empowering Employees and Final Thoughts

Books referenced in today's podcast: 
https://www.aileadership.com/book
https://www.amazon.com/Who-Not-How-Accelerating-Teamwork-ebook/dp/B0867ZJ151
https://www.amazon.com/Myth-Revisited-Small-Businesses-About/dp/0887307280
https://www.amazon.com/ONE-Thing-Surprisingly-Extraordinary-Results/dp/1885167776

Learn more about Justin and Restorative Psychological Services:
https://restorativepsychservices.com/justin-garber-psyd/

_____________________________________________________________________

Beacon Media + Marketing is an Alaska-based digital marketing agency with a proven track record of success, harnessing the power of data and award-winning creative to deliver outstanding results for our clients. 

It all starts with data, because data drives results! We are a data-driven agency because we know that in the business world, success is measured by the numbers. We pride ourselves in award-winning work that marries the best of data analytics with stunning creative to deliver the right message, at the right time, to the right demographic. Our power lies in the clicks, leads, engagement, and conversions we produce for our clients!

Learn more about us at BeaconMM.com

The Beacon Way Podcast: Navigating Wellness for First Responders with Dr. Carrie Steiner

Welcome back to the Beacon Way podcast! In this episode, we continue our founders' edition with special guest Dr. Carrie Steiner, founder of the First Responders Wellness Center and a licensed clinical psychologist with 13 years of experience as a Chicago police officer. Dr. Steiner shares her journey from the police force to establishing a wellness center dedicated to helping first responders. She discusses the critical need for mental health support in the community, the challenges of finding the right clinicians, and how her center provides specialized care for police, firefighters, and paramedics. Dr. Steiner also highlights the importance of self-belief and community support when starting a business. Tune in for an insightful conversation about the intersection of mental health and first responder culture.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

01:54 Inspiration Behind First Responders Wellness Center

03:21 Challenges and Realizations in the Field

05:40 Establishing the Wellness Center

10:34 Growth and Expansion

19:00 Balancing Roles and Responsibilities

26:48 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

27:23 Conclusion and Contact Information

In this episode of The Beacon Way Podcast, host Adrienne Wilkerson welcomes James Barry, founder, and CEO of Pluck Superfood Seasonings. James shares his journey from being a professional chef in Hollywood for nearly 20 years to founding Pluck. He explains the initial inspiration behind Pluck, which began with his desire to find nutritious food for his family, particularly organ meats. James elaborates on the challenges he faced, such as starting his business during COVID, the lessons learned from his previous meal delivery service, and the importance of incorporating health and family into his business plan. He discusses the efficacy of Pluck in providing nutrient-dense foods easily and the positive impact it has had on its customers. James also touches on his podcast 'Everyday Ancestral,' the importance of valuing one's journey, and respecting others' progress in their entrepreneurial paths.

Website - https://eatpluck.com/
Amazon- https://www.amazon.com/pluck-organ-meat-seasoning/s?k=pluck+organ+meat+seasoning
Podcast -https://eatpluck.com/everydayancestral/
Company Socials - @eatpluck
Personal Social - chefjamesbarry

00:00 Welcome to the Beacon Way Podcast
00:31 Meet James Barry: From Hollywood Chef to Entrepreneur
00:58 The Birth of Pluck Superfood Seasonings
10:06 Overcoming Challenges and Finding Success
12:26 Balancing Health, Family, and Business
18:19 Launching a Business During COVID
20:58 The Power of Podcasting in Marketing
22:02 The Vulnerability of Entrepreneurship
22:42 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
25:52 The Importance of Honoring Your Experience
30:16 Balancing Growth and Sustainability
36:51 Effective Customer Service Strategies
40:49 Conclusion and Where to Find Us

Welcome to another insightful episode of the Beacon Way Podcast! In this episode, Adrienne is joined by Chris Maliszewski, founder of the Walking Tall Movement. Together, they discuss Chris's journey as a survivor of the tragic Highland Park mass shooting in 2022, how this experience inspired the creation of the Walking Tall Movement, and the challenges of navigating mental health while running a business.

Chris and Adrienne dive deep into topics like vulnerability, the importance of human connection, and the struggles of being an entrepreneur. They explore how trauma can be transformed into a force for good, the challenges of founding a movement, and why it's essential to talk openly about mental health. They also reflect on the power of community, relationships, and small businesses to drive change.

Tune in for a candid conversation on resilience, healing, and making a positive impact in the world.

👉 Links to check out:

• Visit the Walking Tall Movement website: walkingtallmovement.com
• Connect with Chris on LinkedIn: Chris Maliszewski
• Follow Chris on Instagram: @Chris Maliszewski

Don't forget to like, subscribe, and click the notification bell for more inspiring conversations!

Show Notes:

Guest: Chris Maliszewski, Founder of the Walking Tall Movement

Key Topics Discussed:

• Chris's Story: Surviving the Highland Park mass shooting in 2022 and how it led to the creation of the Walking Tall Movement.
• Mental Health and Entrepreneurship: The emotional challenges of starting a new organization and how vulnerability can be a strength for both founders and employees.
• The Importance of Human Connection: How human connection and relationships are key to mental health, small business success, and community impact.
• Turning Trauma Into Purpose: How Chris has used his traumatic experience to fuel positive change and inspire others to share their stories.
• Small Business Ownership: Why small businesses can provide more connection and agility compared to large corporations, and the importance of staying grounded in your mission.

Additional Insights:

• Support Systems: The role of peer support and mentors in navigating the entrepreneurial journey.
• Grief and Recovery: Chris shares his personal journey through grief after losing his job and how that led him to start his own business, Hail Hail Auctions.
• Breaking Barriers: The importance of empowering men, particularly in vulnerable demographics, to openly talk about mental health challenges.

Resources Mentioned:

• Walking Tall Movement: walkingtallmovement.com
• Chris Maliszewski on LinkedIn: Chris Maliszewski
• Hail Hail Auctions: hailhailauctions.com

Tune in and find out how Chris has turned his traumatic experiences into an opportunity for growth, advocacy, and connection.

Navigating Entrepreneurship & Parenthood with Dr. Melvin Varghese | Beacon Way Podcast

Join Adrian Wilkerson on The Beacon Way Podcast as he chats with Dr. Melvin Varghese, a licensed psychologist and founder of the Selling the Couch podcast. Dr. Varghese shares his journey of transitioning from a traditional clinical career to creating a top-rated podcast aimed at helping therapists build online income. They delve into the challenges and dynamics of being a working dad, especially in the context of navigating a premature birth and childcare, and discuss the evolving roles of working parents in today’s society. The conversation also touches on the cultural nuances of caregiving, with Dr. Varghese discussing his plans to offer executive coaching to Indian founders and executives. An inspiring and insightful episode for anyone balancing career and family!

Melvin Varghese, PhD is a licensed psychologist in Philadelphia, PA.

In 2015, Dr. Varghese founded Selling The Couch, a podcast to help therapists move from clinical to online income.

On the podcast, he interviews successful practitioners about how they've built their practices, social media/marketing experts, and shares lessons as he uses our clinical skills to create an online business powered by podcasting + online courses.

The podcast is one of the top Career podcasts in Apple Podcasts, has been downloaded over 1.8 million times, and is heard in over 125 countries.

Dr. Varghese also founded several resources for therapists transitioning from the therapist chair to online income including a podcasting community for therapists that’s supported over 240 therapist podcasters, an online course mastermind for therapists launching their first online course (50+ students), and a mastermind for veteran course creators to find support growing and scaling their course.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Background
01:37 The Journey to Podcasting Success
02:52 Balancing Parenthood and Career
06:34 Navigating Work-Life Harmony
23:45 Cultural Insights and Executive Coaching
32:30 Conclusion and Future Plans

Welcome to the Beacon Way Podcast! In this episode, we have the incredible Sean and Angie Taylor joining us to discuss niche marketing, business entrepreneurship, their founder's journey, and how their Christian counseling service, Cornerstone, came to be. Discover their inspiring story of overcoming stigma in mental health, navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship, and integrating faith with clinical expertise to transform lives. Learn about their struggles, the importance of having an abundance mindset, and how they balance marriage and business. Tune in for an enlightening and uplifting conversation!

00:00 Welcome to the Beacon Way Podcast

00:47 Sean and Angie's Entrepreneurial Journey

03:52 Founding Cornerstone and Overcoming Stigmas

07:46 The Role of Faith in Counseling

12:07 Challenges and Growth in Business

25:36 Balancing Marriage and Business

29:28 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

The Future of Mental Health: Insights from the 2025 State of Mental Health Report

In this episode of The Beacon Way Podcast, Jennifer hosts Brandon and Sanjana to discuss the findings of the 2025 report on mental health insurance and marketing trends. Sanjana, co-founder of Thrizer, and Brandon, owner of BG Copywriter, provide an overview of the report's key insights, including the challenges faced by clinicians with insurance, the growing trend of private pay, and potential innovations to improve the mental health industry's sustainability and accessibility. The conversation also covers the significant frustrations clinicians experience with insurance hurdles, the necessity of better data and stories behind the statistics, and potential improvements for future reports and industry practices.

00:00 Welcome and Introductions

00:56 Overview of Thrizer and the 2025 Report

02:12 Challenges with Insurance in Mental Health

03:24 Insights from the 2025 Report

03:36 Brandon's Perspective and Surprising Findings

07:28 Feedback and Reception of the Report

10:07 Future Directions and Improvements

14:44 Addressing Out of Network Benefits

21:43 Concluding Thoughts and Next Steps

In this episode of The Beacon Way podcast, we're joined by Daniel Sorochkin, the founder and CEO of TakeOne. TakeOne is revolutionizing the way service providers create professional introduction videos, focusing on authenticity and trust in the digital world. Daniel shares insights from his previous venture, Tiny Giraffe Pictures, his transition to TakeOne, and the importance of maintaining customer service excellence. He also discusses overcoming early challenges, leveraging AI, and educating the next generation in an AI-influenced world. Join us as we explore these topics and more with Daniel.

https://www.takeone.video/

00:00 Welcome to the BeaconWay Podcast

00:13 Meet Daniel from TakeOne

00:54 The Story Behind Tiny Giraffe Pictures

03:09 The Birth of TakeOne

05:36 Challenges and Early Days

09:41 Ensuring Authenticity in the AI Era

21:21 Transitioning from Tiny Giraffe to TakeOne

26:02 Evolving as a CEO

28:56 Final Thoughts and Reflections

Join host Jennifer on the Beacon Way Podcast as she converses with Melissa Rosenthal about navigating market pivots, the challenges of being a woman entrepreneur, current market trends, and the impact of AI on marketing and business. Melissa shares her journey from media to B2B SaaS, her experience building Outleaver, and the importance of trusting your gut in career and market shifts. This episode dives into the shifting paradigms of marketing in today's world, the balance between human interaction and AI integration, and the evolving dynamics of business relationships.

 Melissa Rosenthal: linkedin.com/in/melissarosenthal5

Outlever: https://outlever.com/

00:00 Welcome and Introduction

00:27 Guest Introduction: Melissa Rosenthal

01:21 Melissa's Background and Career Journey

02:21 The Concept of Outleaver

04:54 The Importance of Trusting Your Gut

08:01 Challenges and Pivots in Business

14:12 The Role of AI in Marketing

20:32 Women in Leadership and Entrepreneurship

27:31 Conclusion and Parting Words

The Mental Health Business: You Must Do Well – To Do Good

Welcome to the Beacon Way Podcast Executive Series! In this insightful episode, we sit down with Christina Zampitella, owner of a successful mental health and behavioral health practice, to discuss her journey from launching her own practice to building a thriving group practice with the help of Beacon's marketing strategies.

Christina shares her compelling story about the challenges and triumphs of starting a new business during the uncertainties of COVID-19, finding the right marketing partner, and the importance of having a balance between helping people and ensuring financial stability. We dive deep into her experiences of leveraging Beacon's tailored marketing efforts, tracking feedback, and making pivotal decisions to maximize her impact on helping the community.

Discover the transformative power of authenticity, collaboration, and resilience from Christina’s personal anecdotes of overcoming hurdles in both professional and personal life, including her battle with cancer. She touches upon the significant role her podcast has played in expanding her reach and impacting more lives.

This episode is rich with valuable lessons on growth, partnership, and the meaningful pursuit of making a substantial impact in the mental health world. Whether you own a business or are looking for inspiration to fuel your passion, this discussion is not to be missed!

Guest name: Dr. Christina Zampitella, FT

Founder & Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Fellow of Thanatology 

Bio: I'm a thanatologist, which is a psychologist that specializes in trauma, death, loss, and grief. I've worked in mental health for almost 30 years in a variety of settings, working with bereaved individuals as well as people who are processing things like depression, anxiety, relationship issues, and more. I use an individualized approach that takes each persons' mind, body, and spirit into account. I also value diversity and enjoy working with people from all cultures, backgrounds, genders, and religions. I started Center for Grief and Trauma therapy in 2019 after experiencing loss and discovering a passion for thanatology. I realized there was a need for specialist grief and trauma support. Expertise and creativity are at the core of my practice and I lead the team with authenticity, vision, and passion. 

Links: https://www.centerforgrieftherapy.com/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-jU_InSFb-lXZhRkWaDDIw

00:00 Welcome to the Beacon Way Podcast

00:57 Christina's Journey with Beacon

02:00 Navigating Business and Marketing Challenges

03:59 The Impact of Effective Marketing

06:02 Collaboration and Continuous Improvement

10:09 Personal and Professional Growth

19:30 Overcoming Challenges and Building Relationships

28:15 Unexpected Podcast Success

29:18 Embracing Authenticity

30:12 Balancing Personal Disclosure

31:47 The Power of Storytelling

32:57 Navigating Professional Boundaries

35:17 Impact of Authenticity

37:20 Podcasting and Community Building

38:09 Finding Meaning in Loss

39:32 Challenges and Growth

41:43 Rediscovering Purpose

53:05 Advice to My Younger Self

Building Resilience and Disrupting HR with Chrissy Myers | The Beacon Way Podcast

In this episode of The Beacon Way Podcast, host Adrian welcomes Chrissy Myers, CEO of AUI and Clarity HR, and author of 'Reluctantly Resilient'. Chrissy shares her journey of taking over and scaling her family business, starting a new venture, and leading through personal and professional challenges. They discuss the importance of resilience, authenticity in leadership, and navigating the evolving HR landscape. Tune in to hear Chrissy's insights on managing generational businesses, the impact of the pandemic on work environments, and the critical role of peer groups for business leaders.

About Chrissy Myers: 

Chrissy is the author of Reluctantly Resilient and the CEO of AUI and Clarity HR which serve small and medium sized businesses in both for profit and non-profit sectors in the areas of Human Resources and Employee Benefits.  Chrissy describes herself as the chief cheerleader setting direction, steering marketing content, and finding creative ways to disrupt two established business sectors.  Chrissy is also the author of AUI Gives Back & Clarity Cares two community impact programs where employees serve in the community, track their impact and share what they are doing on behalf of their customers.  

Around Akron Chrissy works to leave her community a better place.  She is a graduate of Leadership Ohio, Torchbearers, Leadership Akron, Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses, Sclaerator NEO and Community Leadership Institute.  She has received the 30 for the Future Award from the Greater Akron Chamber and an Achievement on Excellence Award from National Sales and Marketing Executives.  

As an advocate for families struggling with addiction and mental health issues, Chrissy currently serves as Chair for the County of Summit Alcohol, Drug Addiction, and Mental Health Services Board, and is a member of the Board of Directors for the Greater Akron Chamber and Goodwill Industries of Northeast Ohio.  Previously Chrissy has served on the Board or Committees for Jobs for Ohio Graduates, Red Oak Behavioral Health, Community Partnership of Summit County, and Social Venture Partners. 

Chrissy received her bachelor’s in business administration from John Carroll University and her MBA from the University of Akron.  When she is not plotting world domination of the insurance industry or volunteering in the community Chrissy can be found at home with Team Awesome Sauce including Steve, her husband, two kiddos - Maddy & Caleb. 

 Purchase Chrissy’s Book Here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D4RHL17L?ref=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_4FJ68Q15WSE8XVMMHHCQ&ref_=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_4FJ68Q15WSE8XVMMHHCQ&social_share=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_4FJ68Q15WSE8XVMMHHCQ&bestFormat=true

00:00 Introduction to the Beacon Way Podcast

00:46 Chrissy Myers' Background and Journey

01:57 Generational Business and AUI's History

04:11 Launching Clarity HR

07:07 Navigating HR Challenges During COVID-19

14:54 Resilience and Leadership as a CEO

18:16 Navigating Entrepreneurial Challenges

18:40 The Myth of Perfection in Business

19:25 Authenticity in Leadership

20:08 Balancing Transparency and Leadership

20:56 Building Resilient Teams

23:05 The Reality of Startup Life

24:53 Managing Growth and Transitions

26:41 The Entrepreneurial Mindset

34:32 The Importance of Peer Groups