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. 1D AGO

    #169: The Business Leaders Hub: Redefining Leadership and The Future of Work

    In this special conversation recorded LIVE at the 2025 Revive and Thrive Empowerment Summit, I sit down with my friend and mentor, the incredible Tricia Brouk, to share something I’ve been working on and marks the official launch of The Business Leaders Hub. For years, I’ve worked with organizations, executives, and teams to transform the way they lead. What I’ve seen time and again is that true leadership isn’t about titles or hierarchy, it’s about self-awareness, courage, and a commitment to impact. That’s why I created The Business Leaders Hub: a global community where leaders can access the tools, training, and support they need to grow, rise, and create meaningful change in the future of work. During our conversation, Tricia and I dive into what leadership really looks like today. We talk about why the old models don’t work anymore, and why I created Rebel Leadership and how embracing values like trust, inclusion, and belonging can completely shift a company’s culture. I also share what’s inside the Business Leaders Hub, from on-demand training and curated resources to live group coaching with a diverse lineup of experts, all designed to help leaders step into their fullest potential. If you’re ready to lead differently and join a community that’s rising together, this episode is your invitation. Here’s a quick look at what you can expect from today’s episode… [1:09] How Do You Define A Business Leader?  [2:50] Are Leaders Born Good Or Can They Be Taught?  [10:24] Going Back To That North Star [13:53] Diversity Is Where We Get The Innovation [17:09] The Launch Of The Business Leaders Hub 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.

    23 min

  2. FEB 10

    #168: Real Women: 7 Minutes of Transformation with Angela Hoover

    What does transformation really mean — and when does it actually begin? In this episode of the Real Women: 7 Minutes of Transformation series, Angela Hoover invites us to rethink transformation not as a single defining moment, but as a choice we make again and again — sometimes quietly, sometimes courageously. Recorded live at the Revive and Thrive 2025 Empowerment Summit, Angela shares reflections shaped by a life that looked one way on the outside and felt very different on the inside. Her story touches on silence, survival, and the moment she realized that avoiding her truth was no longer an option. What unfolds is not a polished success story, but an honest reckoning with fear, shame, and the unexpected power of being seen. Angela’s experience reminds us that transformation doesn’t wait for permission — and that speaking your story can create connection in ways you never anticipate. This episode is part of a larger collaborative project leading to a book launching in 2026, created by the women whose voices you’re hearing throughout this series. Listen — or watch — and consider what might shift when you decide to say your story out loud. Here’s a quick look at what you can expect from today’s episode… [0:35] What Transformation Really Is  [3:08] When Her Spiritual Transformation Started [5:01] WHAT No One Tells You About “Having It All” [8:10] WHY Your Story Matters Episode Show Notes   Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | Instagram  Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | Facebook⁠   Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | LinkedIn  Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | Website Maria DeLorenzis Reyes | Youtube If you’re ready to dive deeper into the full Revive and Thrive Empowerment Summit, sign up for the Business Leaders Hub! Get access to exclusive content, resources and tools, and a community built to help you accelerate to the next level. It’s all waiting for you  HERE. 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.  What kind of leader are you? Unlock your leadership potential with The Rebel Leader Assessment! Take the Leadership Skills Quiz HERE!  Thanks for tuning into Finding The Upside! If you enjoy listening to our 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.

    12 min

  3. FEB 3

    #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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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
See All (170)

Trailer

5
out of 5
6 Ratings

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
    170
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Maria DeLorenzis Reyes
  • Show Website
    Finding The Upside