Stay On Course: Ingredients for Success

Julie Riga
  • 5.0 (61)
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Updated Weekly

You have the title and the wins, and still something is asking for more: more meaning, more alignment, a success that finally feels like success from the inside out. That is why this show exists. Every week, Stay On Course: Ingredients for Success sits you down with the founders, executives, and purpose-driven leaders who have walked the road you are on, and asks the real question: what are the ingredients that actually made the difference? You listen because you are done with surface-level advice and ready for the inner work, the honest stories, and the proof that you can lead with clarity and conviction even when the path is not clear. Here is what you take away. Every guest brings three ingredients for success, and every episode hands you something you can use before the week is over. You leave with sharper confidence and executive presence, the mindset shifts that quiet imposter syndrome and turn fear into fuel, the resilience to scale without burning out, the courage to lead through the messy middle, and the storytelling that makes your message land. Those are the ingredients: confidence, clarity, courage, communication, and purpose-driven leadership that builds a legacy worth leaving. You do not just listen to this show. You add an ingredient to your own recipe every episode. Hosted by Julie Riga, ICF-ACC certified leadership coach, TEDx speaker, bestselling author, and 20-year Fortune 500 executive, and inspired by her father Ennio Riga, celebrity Italian chef who taught her that discipline, storytelling, and faith are the ultimate ingredients for a meaningful life. A Top 40 Apple Podcasts Entrepreneurship show in the top 2 percent worldwide, with 30,000 plus monthly downloads and a perfect five star rating. New episodes weekly on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and iHeart Radio. Visit julieriga.com and stayoncourse.io.

  1. 5h ago

    Cooking Up Your One-of-a-Kind Signature Offer: The Four Ingredients for Success

    Cooking Up Your One-of-a-Kind Signature Offer: The Four Ingredients for Success Guest: Deborah C. Smith, Marketing Strategist and Holistic Business Coach Host: Julie Riga Overview What does it really take to build a signature offer that sells, scales, and sets you free? In this episode, Julie Riga sits down with Deborah C. Smith, a marketing strategist, holistic business coach, and host of the Mindset to Market Podcast, to break down four essential ingredients every purpose-driven entrepreneur needs to craft a one-of-a-kind offer. This conversation is your blueprint for intentional growth rooted in clarity, joy, and your unique story. Cooking Up Your One-of-a-Kind Signature Offer: The Four Ingredients for Success About Deborah C. Smith Deborah C. Smith is a marketing strategist and holistic business coach who helps purpose-driven entrepreneurs build simple marketing and sales systems that allow them to scale with ease. With two decades of self-employed experience, she hosts the Mindset to Market Podcast. Deborah and Julie met at PodFest, forming an instant friendship built on purpose and authentic leadership. Fun Fact: Every morning, Deborah hard boils two eggs topped with green salsa hot sauce. Perfect, perfect breakfast. The Four Essential Ingredients of a Signature Offer Ingredient 1: Alignment with Your Unique Skills, Story, and Lived Experience Your signature offer must be rooted in who you genuinely are. It is the intersection of your expertise, your journey, and your lived experience. The goal is to speak to your audience problem in a way that only you can. This is the foundation of authentic leadership and a personal brand built to last. Ingredient 2: It Solves a Clear, Tangible, and Urgent Problem Deborah introduces the house on fire analogy. When a house is burning, nobody hesitates. Your offer must speak to that same urgency. In online marketing, you have only seconds to capture attention, so you must speak to the right-now problem. People buy to get out of pain and move toward greater fulfillment. Ingredient 3: A Simple, Repeatable Process A signature offer is not a collection of skills. It is a system. A clear, step-by-step process is the key to your freedom as a business owner and your audience ability to trust what working with you looks like. Every service has a process behind it, and that is where your real value lives. Ingredient 4: It Lights You Up The most overlooked ingredient is joy. If your offer does not genuinely excite you, it will be nearly impossible to sell. Sales is energetic, built on relationships, trust, and authentic connection. Chase the thing that feels like your purpose, and the results will follow. Memorable Quotes "A signature offer is not a random batch of skills. It is a very clear, compelling, and process-driven thing that you create yourself." "If you love it, you will find you can sell anything on the internet." "Sales is energetic. It is about relationships, trust, and connection." Key Takeaways Clarity is the foundation. Get clear on your who, what, and why first. Solve what is urgent. Speak to the problem your audience feels right now. Build a repeatable system. A consistent process turns expertise into a scalable offer. Chase the joy. Your fulfillment is a business asset, not a luxury. Your story is your strategy. Own your lived experience because no one else can. Connect with Deborah C. Smith Website: www.deborahcsmith.com Podcast: Mindset to Market Podcast Social Media: Instagram, LinkedIn, and all major platforms Connect with Julie Riga Website: julieriga.com/lead Coaching: Before I Lead program #StayOnCourse #SignatureOffer #PurposeDriven #LeadershipMindset #EntrepreneurSuccess Subscribe to Stay On Course wherever you listen to podcasts. Share with every purpose-driven entrepreneur ready to build something that truly matters. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    Cooking Up Your One-of-a-Kind Signature Offer: The Four Ingredients for Success

  2. 2d ago

    Julie Riga | Why Every Leader Needs a Signature Talk and How to Build Yours

    Why Every Leader Needs a Signature Talk and How to Build Yours In this episode: Why every leader needs a signature talk and why you need it before the opportunity arrives What makes a signature talk the talk of all talks and how it is different from any other presentation The TEDx framing: if you had ten minutes left to live, what message would you leave the world Why energy, belief, and personal conviction are the real differentiators on any stage The signature talk framework: a 15-word through line, three talking points, micro stories, and one clear call to action Why less is always more and why one takeaway beats ten Julie's signature talk delivered live: the divorce at 32, the nine-month-old daughter, the loss of her support system, and how she rebuilt everything The two habits that changed her life: be proactive and begin with the end in mind Why your hardest lesson is your most powerful message How the Before I Speak program helps people build and deliver their signature talk every week If you have a message inside you that you have not figured out how to say yet, this episode is where you start. Connect with Julie: julieriga.com | https://stacklist.app/julieriga Before I Speak: Mondays at 7 PM Eastern One-on-one coaching and all links: julieriga.com #stayoncourse #signaturetalk #publicspeaking #thoughtleadership #speakertips Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    Julie Riga | Why Every Leader Needs a Signature Talk and How to Build Yours

  3. Oct 21

    Julie Riga | Fall in Love with Your Life: How to Design Your Phase Two and Stop Living Someone Else's Story

    Fall in Love with Your Life: How to Design Your Phase Two and Stop Living Someone Else's Story In this episode: Why your body gives you warning signs when your environment is toxic and what those signs mean The golden handcuffs: what staying in the wrong job or life is really costing you Julie's Phase Two framework and how to start building your next chapter now, even if you are still in your corporate job How to ride two horses, your main hustle and your side hustle, without losing everything Why the entrepreneurial economy is invisible until you step into it The many ways to earn income outside of a nine to five: coaching, consulting, podcasting, fractional work, digital products, speaking, and more What creative entrepreneurship looks like for people who never quite fit in corporate Why you cannot do this alone and what support actually looks like The unfinished work inside you that is still waiting Julie closes the episode with an original song she wrote and composed: "Fall in Love with Your Life" If you have been putting off your next chapter, this episode is your permission slip to start. Connect with Julie: julieriga.com | https://stacklist.app/julieriga Weekly group coaching and Before I Lead course: julieriga.com Before I Speak: Mondays at 7 PM Eastern #stayoncourse #phasetwo #fallinlovewithyourlife #careerpivot #creativeentrepreneur Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  4. Oct 19

    Carol Colao: It Takes a Village, and Asking for Help Is Strength

    Carol Colao: It Takes a Village, and Asking for Help Is Strength Guest: Carol Colao, School-Based Counselor and Nonprofit Leader Host: Julie Riga In This Episode Carol Colao serves over 500 students at the elementary level and began her journey in education as a teacher She runs a nonprofit grief support group and serves on two executive boards, one at the state level and one at the county level Why not everyone's style fits everybody, and how tapping into each individual's energy builds trust and confidence Why education is a system, a community, and a collaborative effort How teachers, counselors, social workers, psychologists, and principals lean on one another Why it is okay to ask for help, and why many adults shy away from it The comparison trap, and how social media can quietly work against our self-worth How parents can get involved at every stage, from the PTA in elementary school to supporting a team in middle school, reviewing schedules in high school, and staying present in college Julie's story as a single parent who relied on teachers and aftercare A lighthearted college memory about Julie's famous wool hat and the nickname "Woolly" Key Takeaways Invest in the individual, because every person has a unique style Community is the foundation of lasting success Asking for help is a strength, not a weakness Stay involved at every stage of your child's education Do not do it alone, because purpose and growth are stronger when shared Perfect for parents, educators, school counselors, and leaders who need a reminder that it takes a village. Connect with Julie Riga: https://stacklist.app/julieriga Subscribe to Stay On Course wherever you listen to podcasts, and share this episode with someone who needs to hear that it is okay to ask for help. #stayoncourse #leadership #purpose #connection #growth Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    Carol Colao: It Takes a Village, and Asking for Help Is Strength

  5. Oct 14

    From Hollywood Dreams to Comic Empire: Tom Fenoglio of Fenom Comics

    Guest: Tom Fenoglio, Co-Owner & Co-Founder of Fenom Comics Host: Julie Riga Join Julie as she sits down with Tom Fenoglio, who transformed his Hollywood screenwriting dreams into a thriving comic book empire. Alongside his brother Joe, Tom co-founded Fenom Comics, creating an impressive universe featuring titles like Hunter Ninja Bear, Star Riders, and Something Fierce. In this episode, Tom reveals how he pivoted from chasing Hollywood success to building his own creative empire through comics—maintaining complete creative control while developing intellectual property with unlimited storytelling possibilities. As an electrical engineer who never gave up on his creative dreams, Tom shares the three essential ingredients for success: trusted partnerships, well-thought-out product development, and marketing mastery. What You'll Learn: Why comics offer advantages over traditional Hollywood for creative storytelling How to protect and develop your intellectual property The reality of balancing day jobs with creative pursuits Strategies for authentic marketing and customer engagement Why authenticity trumps trend-chasing in creative work Perfect for: Creative professionals, entrepreneurs, and anyone with dreams they've been putting on hold. "Dreams don't happen when you're 20 and then fade away when you're 50, 60, 70. The dreams were always there, we just couldn't get to it." - Tom Fenoglio Connect with Fenom Comics: fenomcomics.com | Available on Amazon and Apple Books To learn more about Julie Riga and her mission to help you stay on course and lead with confidence and clarity, visit: www.julieriga.com Explore transformative coaching sessions at julieriga.com Connect with me on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/julieriga I'm Julie Riga—a leadership coach, speaker, certified trainer, author, voice actor, and proud host of the Stay On Course podcast. With over 20 years of experience in the pharma, biotech, and life sciences industries, I specialize in empowering high-achieving professionals to lead with clarity, purpose, and resilience. I work with: CEOs, Founders, and Executives who want to lead with authenticity and impact C-suite leaders and senior managers looking to improve executive presence and public speaking Entrepreneurs and business owners navigating growth, leadership challenges, and career fulfillment HR and operations leaders seeking strategic development tools and confidence coaching Many of my clients come to me when they feel stuck, overwhelmed, or out of alignment. They’re looking to: Boost leadership clarity and overcome self-doubt Develop executive presence and master public speaking Reignite their purpose and unlock their full potential Balance career ambition with personal fulfillment Stay resilient in high-pressure environments Whether you're a tech founder, a service-based business owner, or a corporate executive ready to elevate your leadership game, my programs—including Before I Lead, Before I Speak, Before I Sell, and Before I Calendar—are designed to help you take action, grow sustainably, and leave a lasting legacy. Discover your purpose. Stay on Course. Leave a Legacy. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    From Hollywood Dreams to Comic Empire: Tom Fenoglio of Fenom Comics

  6. Oct 12

    Jessica Rhodes: Does Podcast Guesting Actually Work? The Ingredients That Make It Pay Off

    Jessica Rhodes: Does Podcast Guesting Actually Work? The Ingredients That Make It Pay Off Guest: Jessica Rhodes, CEO of Interview Connections Host: Julie Riga In This Episode Jessica shares how booking her dad on podcasts in 2013 grew into one of the longest running podcast booking agencies in the country Why she returned to the CEO seat at the end of 2025 after an eight year hiatus The cookie recipe analogy: leave out one ingredient of success and guesting can seem like it does not work The Ingredients for Success Trust and Searchability: Interviews build backlinks, credibility, and a trust checkbox you can share before a sales call Relationships: Treat guesting as a premium networking strategy and choose shows where a real connection and future collaboration are possible The Long Game: Most people quit before the compound effect takes place, so keep going and keep improving your craft Key Takeaways PR is visibility, while podcast guesting is marketing and a strategy to grow your business Get clear on your offer before investing in visibility Tighten your origin story and build a story vault of repeatable stories Use the flavors of speech, including tempo, tone, and pauses, to hold attention Use an external microphone and keep it close for a richer sound Disclose paid placements, because the FTC may one day pay closer attention to podcasting Authenticity wins, because nobody remembers your mistakes as much as you do Perfect For Entrepreneurs, coaches, speakers, and business leaders who want visibility that leads to real growth Connect with Jessica Rhodes Website: interviewconnections.com Free podcast guesting masterclass on positioning, monetizing, and repurposing your interviews Connect with Julie Riga Links: https://stacklist.app/julieriga Leadership coaching and the Before I Speak program Subscribe to Stay On Course wherever you listen to podcasts Share this episode with leaders who need to hear these podcast guesting insights #stayoncourse #podcastguesting #leadership #growth #success Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    Jessica Rhodes: Does Podcast Guesting Actually Work? The Ingredients That Make It Pay Off

  7. Oct 8

    From Fear to Flavor: Executive Chef Pablo Valencia Recipe for Leadership Excellence

    From Fear to Flavor: Executive Chef Pablo Valencia Recipe for Leadership Excellence In this leadership-rich episode of Stay On Course, Executive Chef Pablo Valencia shares his powerful journey from the Ritz-Carlton to Bourbon Steak Delray Beach, blending corporate excellence with culinary soul. He explores how emotional intelligence, purpose, and faith transform fear into flavorful success, offering real-world tips for entrepreneurs, leaders, and seekers alike. With stories of overcoming conflict, teaching with compassion, and creating a thriving team, Pablo highlights how true worth is earned through self-leadership and evolution. From managing pressure to building a strong foundation, his insights inspire listeners to lead, believe, and transform with heart. Whether you're growing your business, seeking abundance, or redefining your personal brand on LinkedIn, Instagram, or Facebook, this episode is a masterclass in staying the course. Episode Review In this scrumptious, soul-stirring episode of Stay On Course: Ingredients for Success, leadership coach, speaker, and podcast host Julie Riga sits down with culinary star, Executive Chef Pablo Valencia, of the sizzling new Bourbon Steak Delray Beach—a hotspot already shaking up the Palm Beach dining scene just months after opening. With a rich legacy rooted in high-end hospitality, from the Ritz-Carlton to launching his own Italian-inspired restaurant, Pablo delivers more than just food—he serves up a life philosophy. He opens up about how emotional intelligence, team empowerment, and cooking with soul, not fear, define his leadership persona. This episode is a flavorful journey through high-stakes decision-making, corporate kitchen culture, and self-leadership. Pablo shares how to handle conflict, build esteem, and stay grounded under pressure by leading with faith, belief, and a deep sense of purpose. From the planet of fast-paced service to the quiet mental mastery of the person behind the plate, this conversation is your guide to unlocking success, with stories that are equal parts unbelievable, inspiring, and practical. Whether you're a growth-minded entrepreneur, high-level corporate leader, or everyday seeker navigating the digital world of LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, or X (Twitter)—this episode is for you. Expect to explore themes of: ️ Leadership & Legacy Evolution, Transformation, and Resolution Abundance, Self-worth, and Motivation Mindset, Mental Strength, and Present-Moment Awareness Navigating the world of work, life, and human connection with soul Using challenge as fuel to earn your next level and liberate your voice Pablo reminds us that behind every meal is a message, and behind every plate is a personality. His story is a delicious reminder that your energy—whether led by fear or passion—will always flavor your final product. So tune in, learn, lead, and transform. Because the secret to great leadership? It's not just in what you serve—it's how you show up to the table. Learn more about Bourbon Steak in Delray Beach: https://bourbonsteakdelray.com/ To learn more about Julie Riga and her mission to help you stay on course and lead with confidence and clarity, visit: www.julieriga.com Explore transformative coaching sessions at www.beforeilead.com and www.beforeispeak.com Connect with me on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/julieriga I'm Julie Riga—a leadership coach, speaker, certified trainer, author, voice actor, and proud host of the Stay On Course podcast. With over 20 years of experience in the pharma, biotech, and life sciences industries, I specialize in empowering high-achieving professionals to lead with clarity, purpose, and resilience. I work with: CEOs, Founders, and Executives who want to lead with authenticity and impact C-suite leaders and senior managers looking to improve executive presence and public speaking Entrepreneurs and business owners navigating growth, leadership challenges, and career fulfillment HR and op Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    From Fear to Flavor: Executive Chef Pablo Valencia Recipe for Leadership Excellence

  8. Oct 6

    Simone D'Antonio: From Michelin-Starred Kitchens to Mamma Mia, How a Chef Turned Italian Tradition into a Bold New Business

    Simone D'Antonio: From Michelin-Starred Kitchens to Mamma Mia, How a Chef Turned Italian Tradition into a Bold New Business Guest: Simone D'Antonio, Co-Founder of Mamma Mia Host: Julie Riga In This Episode Growing up in a family of restaurateurs in Salerno, Italy, and choosing to work in his father's restaurant over university Training at Alma, the International School of Italian Cuisine, and learning how a professional kitchen really runs Why timing is everything in a kitchen, and how precision becomes a lifelong habit Why service is half of the dining experience, and how hospitality has changed over the years The career transition from chef to founder, and why Simone wanted a life beyond the restaurant world How Mamma Mia turns Italian cities into products: Capri, Torino, Roma, and Milano Building a brand as a founder, from order fulfillment to Instagram, Meta ads, and founder videos Embracing growth even when being on camera feels uncomfortable Memorable Quotes "the vision of the company is basically this crazy culinary tour of Italy" "you cannot please anyone, right?" Key Takeaways Timing is a leadership skill: preparation and precision allow a team to deliver together Your past is your foundation: your background can become the base of your next chapter Service shapes the experience: people remember how they were treated as much as what they received Growth requires discomfort: stepping into a new role is part of the journey Build with purpose and personality: a brand with a clear vision invites people in Fun Fact People from Salerno are known as Pisciaiuoli, which means fishermen, so Simone grew up eating seafood. His favorite dish is spaghetti with clams. Connect with Simone D'Antonio Website: www.saymammamia.com Connect with Julie Riga Stacklist: https://stacklist.app/julieriga Coaching: Learn more about leadership coaching and transformation Perfect For Entrepreneurs, founders, creatives, and anyone ready to turn their experience into something new Subscribe to Stay On Course wherever you listen to podcasts Share this episode with someone ready to take the next step in their journey #stayoncourse #entrepreneur #leadership #careertransition #founderjourney Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    Simone D'Antonio: From Michelin-Starred Kitchens to Mamma Mia, How a Chef Turned Italian Tradition into a Bold New Business
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You have the title and the wins, and still something is asking for more: more meaning, more alignment, a success that finally feels like success from the inside out. That is why this show exists. Every week, Stay On Course: Ingredients for Success sits you down with the founders, executives, and purpose-driven leaders who have walked the road you are on, and asks the real question: what are the ingredients that actually made the difference? You listen because you are done with surface-level advice and ready for the inner work, the honest stories, and the proof that you can lead with clarity and conviction even when the path is not clear. Here is what you take away. Every guest brings three ingredients for success, and every episode hands you something you can use before the week is over. You leave with sharper confidence and executive presence, the mindset shifts that quiet imposter syndrome and turn fear into fuel, the resilience to scale without burning out, the courage to lead through the messy middle, and the storytelling that makes your message land. Those are the ingredients: confidence, clarity, courage, communication, and purpose-driven leadership that builds a legacy worth leaving. You do not just listen to this show. You add an ingredient to your own recipe every episode. Hosted by Julie Riga, ICF-ACC certified leadership coach, TEDx speaker, bestselling author, and 20-year Fortune 500 executive, and inspired by her father Ennio Riga, celebrity Italian chef who taught her that discipline, storytelling, and faith are the ultimate ingredients for a meaningful life. A Top 40 Apple Podcasts Entrepreneurship show in the top 2 percent worldwide, with 30,000 plus monthly downloads and a perfect five star rating. New episodes weekly on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and iHeart Radio. Visit julieriga.com and stayoncourse.io.

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