Motivational Mondays: Conversations with Leaders National Society of Leadership and Success

At just 13 years old, Connor McKemey faced a life-altering event that left him with third-degree burns covering 90% of his body. Given less than a 1% chance of survival, Connor defied the odds and not only survived but thrived. Today, the best-selling author and motivational speaker is a living testament to the power of resilience, determination, and the human spirit.
Connor recalls the challenges and doubts he faced from medical professionals who tried to prepare him for a life of limitations. "Being young, I had that mindset of, 'Why can't I?' I wanted to get back to just playing hoops in the driveway with my brothers," he says. Despite being told he might never play sports again, Connor's ambition and resilience led him to find a trainer who believed in his potential. 
Connor underscores the importance of mental resilience. He believes in the power of the mind and the impact of a positive perspective. "Every time I was faced with doubt, anxiety, or fear, I asked myself how I could flip it and find some silver lining," he explains. This mindset helped him navigate through immense pain and challenges. By focusing on what he could control and finding positivity in each situation, Connor transformed his approach to recovery and life.
This week, you’ll learn how support and strength from family, friends, and community helped Connor thrive, why celebrating small victories daily is important and how empathy allows us to see scars as symbols of strength, not weakness.
LEARN MORE:
>> Read his two-time, Amazon Best-seller, Life Ignited:A Hopeful Journey, Sparked by Fire. (https://www.amazon.com/Life-Ignited-Hopeful-Journey-Sparked/dp/1544539754/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1684775767&sr=1-1)
>> Check out his website. (www.macmentality.com)
>> Follow him on social media @connormckemey and @mac_mentality.(https://www.instagram.com/connormckemey), (https://www.instagram.com/mac_mentality)
NSLS MEMBERS ONLY:
>> Listen to the bonus episode to learn how Connor found his voice as an author and how he continues to embrace his life’s journey with optimism.(https://thens.ls/45c93nR)
Mentioned in this episode:
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Patrick Huey has navigated the luxury brand space with confidence and determination, challenging the misconceptions and stereotypes about the African American demographic. Contrary to outdated beliefs about income and interests, Patrick's presence and success in the luxury industry exemplify that African Americans are not only interested in but also significantly contribute to this market.
Raised with the belief that he could achieve anything, Patrick never felt out of place in the elite spaces he entered. This sense of belonging, coupled with his undeniable talent and work ethic, allowed him to excel without succumbing to societal pressures or stereotypes.
Growing up in predominantly Caucasian neighborhoods and attending elite institutions like Vanderbilt and Yale, Patrick was always aware of being one of the few African Americans in the room. However, he never let this deter him. Instead, he used it as motivation to deliver exceptional performance and prove his worth in these spaces.
This week, you’ll learn why Patrick never concerned himself with racial barriers, the importance of letting your work speak for itself and how the solitude of the COVID shutdown inspired Patrick’s podcast.
LEARN MORE:
>> Check out his website!
NSLS MEMBERS ONLY:
>> Listen to the bonus episode to learn why traffic believes self care is of the utmost importance and why we must draw boundaries to preserve our mental health.
Mentioned in this episode:
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Use code MONDAYS for 20% your entire purchase at shop.nsls.org
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Alita Guillen’s journey from a television news anchor to a top-tier communications advisor is a story of transformation and insight. As an Emmy award-winning journalist, Guillen spent years in front of the camera, delivering news and connecting with viewers. However, upon moving to Los Angeles, she found herself yearning for a new challenge. This led her to the world of media training and consulting, where she discovered a critical need: people, even high-profile talents, often struggled with effective 
Guillen’s approach is holistic. She believes that understanding who you are and what you bring to the table is crucial. This self-awareness helps dispel fears and build confidence. She also highlights the importance of understanding your audience. By aligning your message with the audience's interests and needs, you can create a more impactful and memorable connection.
Whether you are a high-profile executive, a student, or someone simply looking to connect better with others, Guillen’s wisdom on the art of communication is a guide to unlocking your potential and making meaningful connections.
This week, you’ll learn why many high-profile people are not the best communicators, why effective communication begins with self-awareness, and the importance of knowing your audience.
LEARN MORE:
>>Check out her website! (https://www.alitaguillen.com)
>>Listen to her podcast! (https://www.10secondstoair.com)
>>Find her on YouTube! (https://www.youtube.com/@10secondstoair)
NSLS MEMBERS ONLY:
>>Listen to the bonus episode to learn what people should do to overcome the fear of presenting and how better communication requires learning from each other. (https://thens.ls/3wFs1GG)
Mentioned in this episode:
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Use code MONDAYS for 20% your entire purchase at shop.nsls.org
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Julianna Newland’s love for communication and language began early. An English and Political Science major, she served as the editor of her college newspaper for two years. This early passion translated into a lifelong career where writing played a central role. Even in grade school and high school, writing was a significant part of her life. After retiring, she decided to write a book, driven by her enduring passion for writing.
Julianna's career in public affairs required extensive communication with lawmakers, governors, and their staff. She was the first female manager of public affairs in her department, an achievement that came with its own set of challenges. She shares her experiences of navigating a male-dominated industry and her insights into effective communication and self-advocacy are invaluable.
Julianna discusses the persistent issue of the glass ceiling and the sticky floor in the workplace. She references a Harvard Business School study that highlights how male managers are more likely to promote other men, whereas female managers promote based on skill, irrespective of gender. She believes that women must advocate for themselves and seize opportunities to lead and showcase their skills.
This week, you’ll learn the importance of talking things through to resolve conflicts, how to never be defined by a narrow box, and how “hangin’ in there” led Julianna to career success.
LEARN MORE:
>>Check out Julianna’s book, "All Up in Your Bizness: Managing Your Business Crap." (https://www.allupinyourbizness.com)
NSLS MEMBERS ONLY:
>>Listen to the bonus episode to learn the most valuable lessons Julianna’s learned in her career and what advice she would give to her younger self. (https://thens.ls/4dBUr4O)
Mentioned in this episode:
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Use code MONDAYS for 20% your entire purchase at shop.nsls.org
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Jothy Rosenberg is one of the most inspirational guests we’ve had on Motivational Mondays. He holds a PhD in computer science from Duke University and has been a CS professor there for over five years. Additionally, he's the founder of nine high-tech startups spanning various domains. Today, we dive into his harrowing yet inspirational journey as both an entrepreneur and active sportsman despite a leg amputation at the age of 16 due to cancer.
Jothy emphasizes the importance of setting achievable goals and celebrating each milestone along the way. He expresses this is a universal challenge for the disabled and fully able-bodied alike. By breaking down daunting challenges into manageable tasks, Jothy says we can cultivate a sense of accomplishment and momentum.
Jothy's journey exemplifies the indomitable spirit of the human soul. Through adversity, he not only found strength but also discovered a deeper understanding of resilience and triumph. His story serves as a beacon of hope, inspiring others to embrace challenges with courage and determination. 
This week, you’ll learn how doctors ultimately discovered Jothy’s leg cancer, why Jothy endorses Medical Marijuana in helping to treat cancer patients, and why Jothy believes disabled people often become achievers of excellence. 
LEARN MORE:
>>Coming soon, Jothy’s new book, Think Like a Startup Founder. (http://mng.bz/wjQa)
NSLS MEMBERS ONLY:
>>Listen to the bonus episode to learn what attributes are shared by all people— with or without disabilities, and the importance of setting small goals as part of achieving your bigger aspiration. (https://thens.ls/4ahV1St)
Mentioned in this episode:
Get 20% Off at the NSLS Shop
Use code MONDAYS for 20% your entire purchase at shop.nsls.org
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Dr. Amara Pope highlights the cyclical nature of social movements in her diversity work. She explains how it’s disheartening to see a downward trend in prioritizing diversity and inclusion efforts in educational sectors and workplaces.  Drawing from her own experiences of living in the intersectionality of race and ethnicity Dr. Pope brings over a decade of experience both personal and professional into her work.
Drawing from her research on the music industry, Dr. Pope discusses the nuances of cultural appropriation, emphasizing the importance of paying homage and uplifting marginalized voices. She shares perspectives from artists like Drake and Justin Bieber on participating in cultural spaces with respect and authenticity
As we navigate the complexities of promoting diversity and inclusion in marketing, Dr. Pope's insights remind us of the importance of authenticity, representation, and genuine engagement. By embracing diversity and inviting diverse perspectives, brands can foster innovation, drive positive change, and resonate with a more inclusive audience.
This week, you’ll learn why DE&I efforts must go deeper than surface level to be effective, how Dr. Pope applies her behavioral study expertise to a range of industries, and how genuine human curiosity can bring us all closer together.
LEARN MORE:
>> Follow her on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X, TikTok, and YouTube. (https://facebook.com/dramarapope), (https://www.instagram.com/dramarapope), (https://ca.linkedin.com/in/amara-pope), (https://twitter.com/dramarapope), (https://www.tiktok.com/@dramarapope), and (https://www.youtube.com/@dramarapope)
>> Check out her website. (www.DrAmaraPope.ca)
NSLS MEMBERS ONLY:
>>Listen to the bonus...