Finding The Upside

Maria DeLorenzis Reyes
  • 5.0 (6)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

In business and in life there is always an upside…finding it is often the challenge. Having a mindset that looks for it and embraces problems as opportunities is the key to thriving. Successful business owners LOVE disruption. But the MOST successful look for it. It's what keeps their business on the cutting edge and able to adapt to any circumstance. This podcast will feature discussions with business owners, leaders and everyday inspiring people sharing how they have grown their companies and changed their lives by approaching changing conditions with optimism, opportunity and innovation.

  1. 2D AGO

    #167: Why Impact Is a Leadership Responsibility (Not a Marketing Strategy) PART 1: LEADERSHIP THAT GIVES BACK Mini Series

    Leadership isn’t shifting, it’s being rewritten in real time, and responsibility is no longer optional. In this shorty episode of Finding the Upside, I’m kicking off Part 1 of my four-part mini series, Leadership That Gives Back, and I’m naming the thing so many leaders tiptoe around: impact is already happening, the only choice is whether it’s intentional.  I break down why “giving back” can’t live as a once-a-year initiative, a marketing campaign, or a feel-good add-on. Leadership that gives back is leadership architecture, the decisions we make, the systems we build, what we fund, what we tolerate, and what we ignore. And yes… even our silence speaks. You’ll also hear why I’ve shared the MDR giveback model publicly, not for optics, but for accountability and why conscious, connected leadership is the only model that scales trust long-term.  Next up in the series: we dismantle the myth that profit and purpose can’t coexist and I’ll show you the new standard leaders must normalize.  Press play and let’s build leadership that actually leaves something better behind—because impact doesn’t wait, and neither should you.  Here’s a quick look at what you can expect from today’s episode… [0:26] Leadership Is Changing [1:35] This Is Not About Performative Philanthropy [2:42] Culture is Revealed By What You Truly Value [3:33] Leadership Does Not Live in Silence [4:42] Your Voice Matters..  Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | Instagram  Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | Facebook⁠   Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | LinkedIn  Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | Website Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | Youtube Want to scale your business to the next level? GET SCORED NOW  My Scale Factor Formula™ Scorecard takes just 5 minutes and will give you a custom scorecard for your business. Get your Business Scale Ready Score HERE.  Unlock your leadership potential with the Rebel Leader Assessment! Take my Leadership Skills evaluator quiz HERE!  Thanks for tuning into Finding The Upside! If you enjoy listening or watching the podcast, we would greatly appreciate it if you could take a moment to leave us a rating and review HERE. Your feedback is important to us and will help us improve our content and reach more listeners like you. Post a screenshot of you listening on Instagram & tag us @themariadr so we can thank you personally! Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Finding The Upside podcast! Don’t miss out on future interviews with special guests plus bonus episodes! Follow now!  Never miss a show…get the goods delivered directly to your inbox!  CLICK HERE and find “Email Me New Episodes” at the Bottom of the page.

    7 min

  2. JAN 27

    #166: Befriending Your Anxiety with Stacey Uhrig from Revive and Thrive 2025 PART 2

    In this powerful and deeply personal talk from the Revive and Thrive 2025 Empowerment Summit, certified trauma care practitioner and mindset coach Stacey Uhrig takes us on a journey from her very first anxiety attack at age 12 to the transformative moment she stopped fighting her anxiety and started listening to it. In PART TWO of this two-part episode, Stacey shares how anxiety became a constant companion through every stage of her life—shaping her behaviors, fueling her drive, and eventually pushing her to a breaking point. But it was in a quiet, surrendered moment that everything changed. Instead of asking, “How do I get rid of this?” she began asking, “What is this trying to tell me?” That single shift unlocked a new relationship with herself, one built on compassion rather than control Drawing from her personal experience and professional expertise, Stacey introduces her “HEAL” framework, a simple yet profound tool for acknowledging, engaging with, and ultimately transforming anxiety into a source of insight and empowerment. She reminds us that anxiety is not a flaw to fix—it’s a part of us that wants to be seen, heard, and understood. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by anxiety or longed for a new way to navigate it, this episode will offer you both hope and practical wisdom to change your relationship with fear.

    13 min

  3. JAN 20

    #165: Befriending Your Anxiety with Stacey Uhrig from Revive and Thrive 2025 PART 1

    In this powerful and deeply personal talk from the Revive and Thrive 2025 Empowerment Summit, certified trauma care practitioner and mindset coach Stacey Uhrig takes us on a journey from her very first anxiety attack at age 12 to the transformative moment she stopped fighting her anxiety and started listening to it. In PART ONE in this two-part episode, Stacey shares how anxiety became a constant companion through every stage of her life—shaping her behaviors, fueling her drive, and eventually pushing her to a breaking point. But it was in a quiet, surrendered moment that everything changed. Instead of asking, “How do I get rid of this?” she began asking, “What is this trying to tell me?” That single shift unlocked a new relationship with herself, one built on compassion rather than control Drawing from her personal experience and professional expertise, Stacey introduces her “HEAL” framework, a simple yet profound tool for acknowledging, engaging with, and ultimately transforming anxiety into a source of insight and empowerment. She reminds us that anxiety is not a flaw to fix—it’s a part of us that wants to be seen, heard, and understood. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by anxiety or longed for a new way to navigate it, this episode will offer you both hope and practical wisdom to change your relationship with fear.

    18 min

  4. JAN 13

    #164: Mastering the Art of Networking with Dr. Ivan Misner/BNI

    Building something that lasts requires patience, relationships, and a deep commitment to serving others first. In this episode of Finding the Upside, I sit down with Ivan Misner, founder and Chief Visionary Officer of BNI, the world’s largest business networking organization. Often called the father of modern networking, Ivan shares how BNI grew from a simple need for referrals into a global organization grounded in the philosophy of Givers Gain. We talk about what leadership really looks like when it’s done well, mobilizing and inspiring people rather than managing through control. Ivan and I explore why consistency beats chasing bright, shiny objects, how long-term relationships drive real business growth, and why networking, leadership, and success itself are all marathons, not sprints. Our conversation also moves into disruption and AI, and why leaders must learn to adapt without losing sight of the human side of business. Ivan shares insights from decades of global leadership, philanthropy, and teaching, reinforcing the idea that technology can support growth but people, values, and behavior ultimately determine impact. This episode is a reminder that meaningful success is built slowly, intentionally, and in alignment with who you are and how you choose to lead. Here’s a quick look at what you can expect from today’s episode… [1:31] How BNI Began   [3:07] Why Service-First Business Actually Works [7:31] Leadership Is About Mobilizing and Inspiring, Not Managing   [11:02] The Third Paradigm: Moving from Productivity to Co-Creation   [13:04] Lead the Disruption or Be Disrupted [24:01] Networking Is a Marathon, Not a Sprint [28:37] Why Consistency Beats Bright Shiny Objects   Episode Show Notes   Dr. Ivan Misner | Instagram Dr. Ivan Misner  | Facebook Dr. Ivan Misner | LinkedIn Dr. Ivan Misner | Website  Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | Instagram  Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | Facebook⁠   Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | LinkedIn  Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | Website Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | Youtube Want to scale your business to the next level? GET SCORED NOW  My Scale Factor Formula™ Scorecard takes just 5 minutes and will give you a custom scorecard for your business. Get your Business Scale Ready Score HERE.  Unlock your leadership potential with the Rebel Leader Assessment! Take my Leadership Skills evaluator quiz HERE!  Thanks for tuning into Finding The Upside! If you enjoy listening or watching the podcast, we would greatly appreciate it if you could take a moment to leave us a rating and review HERE. Your feedback is important to us and will help us improve our content and reach more listeners like you. Post a screenshot of you listening on Instagram & tag us @themariadr so we can thank you personally! Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Finding The Upside podcast! Don’t miss out on future interviews with special guests plus bonus episodes! Follow now!  Never miss a show…get the goods delivered directly to your inbox!  CLICK HERE and find “Email Me New Episodes” at the Bottom of the page.

    1h 1m

  5. JAN 6

    #163: Leading Forward: What’s Next for Finding the Upside

    As we step into 2026, leadership is being tested in new and uncomfortable ways. Systems are shifting. Expectations are changing. And the old rules for success no longer apply. In this episode, I’m sharing what’s ahead for Finding the Upside — and why the conversations we’re having now matter more than ever. Looking back at the themes that shaped 2025, one truth stands out: belonging is no longer optional. Culture is no longer secondary. And leadership is no longer defined by title, certainty, or control. This year on the podcast, we’re going deeper into Rebel Leadership — challenging outdated systems, naming what no longer works, and elevating leaders who are building cultures of trust, inclusion, and high performance in real time. We’ll explore belonging as strategy, not sentiment. We’ll talk honestly about power, identity, burnout, AI readiness, and the human cost of ignoring culture. And we’ll center the voices of women and diverse leaders who are shaping what leadership looks like next. This episode is an invitation. To lead with courage. To question inherited norms. To create spaces where people can show up fully — and perform at their best because of it. If you’re ready to lead differently — and more intentionally — Hit play and start right now. Here’s a quick look at what you can expect from today’s episode… [0:26] What we covered in 2025 [2:27] Why Belonging is a Leadership Imperative  [3:33] Why I implemented a GIVEBACK Model [5:40] The MDR Giveback Model Is About Leadership [6:56] What we’ll be talking about in 2026……  [9:13] Finding your OWN Upside [10:28] Your Call to Action for 2026 Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | Instagram  Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | Facebook⁠   Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | LinkedIn  Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | Website Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | Youtube Want to scale your business to the next level? GET SCORED NOW  My Scale Factor Formula™ Scorecard takes just 5 minutes and will give you a custom scorecard for your business. Get your Business Scale Ready Score HERE.  Unlock your leadership potential with the Rebel Leader Assessment! Take my Leadership Skills evaluator quiz HERE!  Thanks for tuning into Finding The Upside! If you enjoy listening or watching the podcast, we would greatly appreciate it if you could take a moment to leave us a rating and review HERE. Your feedback is important to us and will help us improve our content and reach more listeners like you. Post a screenshot of you listening on Instagram & tag us @themariadr so we can thank you personally! Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Finding The Upside podcast! Don’t miss out on future interviews with special guests plus bonus episodes! Follow now!  Never miss a show…get the goods delivered directly to your inbox!  CLICK HERE and find “Email Me New Episodes” at the Bottom of the page.

    13 min

  6. 12/16/2025

    #162: Giving Back Is Good Business: The Story Behind MDR Brand’s 1% Commitment

    This year, I have been thinking…If I’m helping leaders build cultures where people can thrive… how can I also help my community thrive? In this episode, I’m sharing the story behind a major shift for MDR Brands, the launch of incorporating a Give Back Business Model. At the Revive & Thrive 2026 event, I announced the MDR Give Back Program, our new commitment to donate a percentage of our sales revenue every year to Feeding America and No Kid Hungry. I talk about why we made this decision, how we launched it, and yes, I break down what those donations actually translate to in real-world impact, from meals served to children supported. Our motto at MDR Brands  has always been, “Your team is hungry — we feed starving teams.” Now we’ve expanded that to, “…and we also feed people.” If you’re curious about the heart behind this program, the impact it’s already creating, and how you can be part of it, this episode will give you the inside story. Feed teams. Feed people. Fuel a better future. Tune in now!  Here’s a quick look at what you can expect from today’s episode… [0:33] The Launch of the MDR Giveback Program [1:48] We Feed Starving Teams… And We Also Feed People [4:14] Our Commitment To Donating [7:07] What’s Next for the MDR Giveback Program?  [8:35] Our Mission Is Simple. Episode Show Notes   Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | Instagram  Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | Facebook⁠   Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | LinkedIn  Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | Website Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | Youtube Want to scale your business to the next level? GET SCORED NOW  My Scale Factor Formula™ Scorecard takes just 5 minutes and will give you a custom scorecard for your business. Get your Business Scale Ready Score HERE.  Unlock your leadership potential with the Rebel Leader Assessment! Take my Leadership Skills evaluator quiz HERE!  Thanks for tuning into Finding The Upside! If you enjoy listening or watching the podcast, we would greatly appreciate it if you could take a moment to leave us a rating and review HERE. Your feedback is important to us and will help us improve our content and reach more listeners like you. Post a screenshot of you listening on Instagram & tag us @themariadr so we can thank you personally! Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Finding The Upside podcast! Don’t miss out on future interviews with special guests plus bonus episodes! Follow now!  Never miss a show…get the goods delivered directly to your inbox!  CLICK HERE and find “Email Me New Episodes” at the Bottom of the page.

    9 min

  7. 12/09/2025

    #161: You’re Not ‘AI-Ready’… and That’s Exactly the Point

    AI might be the biggest buzzword in business right now, but most leaders are still asking the same quiet question: Are we actually ready for this? In this episode of Finding the Upside, I break down why readiness, not technology, is the real factor determining whether AI will create value in your organization.  Using current research from McKinsey, MIT, and BCG, I unpack why so many CEOs feel unprepared, yet continue launching pilots that don’t move the needle, and why treating AI as a partner, not a tool, is the mindset shift that changes everything. We also dig into a critical cultural truth: your people’s fear of job loss. Ignoring that fear creates resistance, anxiety, and stalled adoption. Addressing it creates trust, clarity, and the foundation for real transformation. If you’re a leader trying to figure out how to move from “not ready” to confidently integrating AI into the way your company works, this episode gives you the perspective and starting point you need. Here’s a quick look at what you can expect from today’s episode… [1:07] Will AI Actually Have a Positive Impact On A Company?   [5:34] Common Patterns in Failing Pilots  [6:14] You Can’t Buy Readiness!  [8:23] Leaders Need To Acknowledge This Fear With AI  [9:01] When You Treat AI As A Partner, You Are NOT Doing THIS [12:41] Give Your People Purpose and A Path In This Next Era Episode Show Notes   McKinsey & Company, The State of AI 2024 — 65% of organizations regularly using generative AI. McKinsey & Company+2McKinsey & Company+ McKinsey & Company, The State of AI 2025 survey — 88% of organizations using AI in at least one business function. McKinsey & Company+1 Boston Consulting Group, “AI Adoption in 2024: 74% of Companies Struggle to Achieve and Scale Value.” BCG Global MIT report, The GenAI Divide: State of AI in Business 2025 — 95% of generative AI enterprise pilots show no measurable P&L impact. Fortune+2Campus Technology+2 McKinsey’s research on workflow redesign and governance correlating with AI value realization. McKinsey & Company+1  Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | Instagram  Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | Facebook⁠   Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | LinkedIn  Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | Website Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | Youtube Want to scale your business to the next level? GET SCORED NOW  My Scale Factor Formula™ Scorecard takes just 5 minutes and will give you a custom scorecard for your business. Get your Business Scale Ready Score HERE.  Unlock your leadership potential with the Rebel Leader Assessment! Take my Leadership Skills evaluator quiz HERE!  Thanks for tuning into Finding The Upside! If you enjoy listening or watching the podcast, we would greatly appreciate it if you could take a moment to leave us a rating and review HERE. Your feedback is important to us and will help us improve our content and reach more listeners like you. Post a screenshot of you listening on Instagram & tag us @themariadr so we can thank you personally! Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Finding The Upside podcast! Don’t miss out on future interviews with special guests plus bonus episodes! Follow now!  Never miss a show…get the goods delivered directly to your inbox!  CLICK HERE and find “Email Me New Episodes” at the Bottom of the page.

    15 min

  8. 12/02/2025

    #160: Expand or Be Expendable: Les Brown on AI, Reinvention and Leading Others

    In today’s episode of Finding the Upside, I sit down with the icon, the legend, Les Brown for a conversation that unfolds with honesty, warmth, and a depth that only he can bring. We talk about how quickly the world is shifting, especially with technology and AI, and how important it is to stay curious, adaptable, and willing to grow. What struck me most was how aligned we were in seeing change not as something to fear, but as something that invites us to become more capable, more creative, and more intentional in our lives. Les shares stories from his early career and personal life that reveal how often our path is shaped by unexpected turns. His experiences reminded me that even the moments that feel disruptive or difficult can open the door to a direction we never imagined but were meant to walk. We also explore leadership in today’s world, how essential it is to truly understand people, to listen past the noise, and to create environments where individuals feel seen and supported. Throughout our conversation, I found myself reflecting on my own leadership journey and the realization that impact isn’t reserved for big moments; it happens in the everyday choices we make, in how we show up, and in how we treat the people around us. This exchange with Les is filled with insights about navigating life during times of uncertainty, staying grounded in who we are, and finding a meaningful way forward. It’s a conversation that left me both reflective and energized, and I’m excited to share it with you. It all starts right now! Here’s a quick look at what you can expect from today’s episode… [1:49] We Are Going Through Creative Destruction [6:20] What Kind Of Impact Do You Want To Have?  [14:30] When There’s Hope In The Future, It Give You Power In The Present [15:14] The Biggest Challenge Leaders Face [16:49] Why It’s Important To Face Things With Optimism and Faith [19:11] Even A Broken Clock Is Right Twice A Day Episode Show Notes   Les Brown | Instagram Les Brown | Facebook Les Brown | Youtube Les Brown | LinkedIn Les Brown | Website  Books by Les Brown: You've Got to be Hungry: The Greatness Within to Win Live Your Dreams: Say Yes to Life The Power of Purpose: How to Create the Life You Always Wanted Laws Of Success: 12 Laws That Turn Dreams Into Reality It's Not Over Until You Win: How to Become the Person You Always Wanted to Be No Matter What the Obstacle Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | Instagram  Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | Facebook⁠   Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | LinkedIn  Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | Website Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | Youtube Want to scale your business to the next level? GET SCORED NOW  My Scale Factor Formula™ Scorecard takes just 5 minutes and will give you a custom scorecard for your business. Get your Business Scale Ready Score HERE.  Unlock your leadership potential with the Rebel Leader Assessment! Take my Leadership Skills evaluator quiz HERE!  Thanks for tuning into Finding The Upside! If you enjoy listening or watching the podcast, we would greatly appreciate it if you could take a moment to leave us a rating and review HERE. Your feedback is important to us and will help us improve our content and reach more listeners like you. Post a screenshot of you listening on Instagram & tag us @themariadr so we can thank you personally! Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Finding The Upside podcast! Don’t miss out on future interviews with special guests plus bonus episodes! Follow now! Never miss a show…get the goods delivered directly to your inbox!  CLICK HERE and find “Email Me New Episodes” at the Bottom of the page.

    32 min
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About

In business and in life there is always an upside…finding it is often the challenge. Having a mindset that looks for it and embraces problems as opportunities is the key to thriving. Successful business owners LOVE disruption. But the MOST successful look for it. It's what keeps their business on the cutting edge and able to adapt to any circumstance. This podcast will feature discussions with business owners, leaders and everyday inspiring people sharing how they have grown their companies and changed their lives by approaching changing conditions with optimism, opportunity and innovation.

Information

  • Creator
    Maria DeLorenzis Reyes
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    168
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Maria DeLorenzis Reyes
  • Show Website
    Finding The Upside