Stay On Course: Ingredients for Success

Julie Riga

🎙️ Stay On Course: Ingredients for SuccessWith Julie Riga — Leadership Coach, Author, Entrepreneur Are you a high-achiever shifting from doing it all to leading it all? Are you a CEO, team leader, or side-hustler who's thriving outwardly but struggling inwardly with clarity, confidence, or control? This podcast is for you. On Stay On Course: Ingredients for Success, best-selling author and ICF-certified leadership coach Julie Riga uncovers the mindset shifts, leadership lessons, and deeply personal stories that fuel growth, transformation, and abundance. Julie is the daughter of Ennio Riga, famed Italian chef to the stars—who dazzled Hollywood legends like Frank Sinatra and Joan Rivers with his charm and culinary genius. Through his legacy, Julie learned the power of discipline, storytelling, and faith—and now she blends that with over 20 years of experience in corporate leadership, pharma, and entrepreneurship to help others navigate the messy middle of leadership. 💡 What You’ll Discover:How to shift your identity from solo doer to empowered leaderThe key ingredients of executive presence, confidence, and purpose-led leadershipPractical tools for delegation, decision-making, and scaling without burnoutFaith-infused insights on leading when life feels uncertain or overwhelmingReal stories from guests who have stayed on course through every kind of obstacleWhy believing in yourself—and having just one person believe in you—can change everythingWhether you're leading a team for the first time, growing a side hustle into a real business, or simply trying to lead yourself better, this podcast will help you unlock the clarity, calm, and courage to move forward with intention. From leadership training to mindset coaching, from resilience strategies to legacy-building—you’ll find it here, with heart. 📍 Tune in now. 📌 Visit beforeilead.com and julieriga.com 🔗 Connect with Julie: linkedin.com/in/julieriga

  1. Brain-Based Leadership: How Awareness, Curiosity, and Presence Transform the Way You Lead

    13H AGO

    Brain-Based Leadership: How Awareness, Curiosity, and Presence Transform the Way You Lead

    Brain-Based Leadership: How Awareness, Curiosity, and Presence Transform the Way You LeadGuest: Tracy Benson, Top 1% LinkedIn Coach & Brain-Based Leadership Expert Host: Julie Riga Overview Join Julie Riga as she sits down with Tracy Benson, a top 1% LinkedIn coach and brain-based leadership expert who has spent over three decades helping senior leaders create clarity, alignment, and real performance. Tracy blends neuroscience, leadership psychology, and practical business strategy to give leaders tools they can use immediately to transform teams, organizations, and results. Discover how awareness, curiosity, and presence can revolutionize the way you lead. Brain-Based Leadership: How Awareness, Curiosity, and Presence Transform the Way You Lead The Three Ingredients for Leadership Success:1. Awareness Understanding what drives behavior beneath conscious awareness. Tracy reveals that 90% of brain function is unconscious yet rules how we show up. Learn to recognize reactive emotional states before they control you. 2. Curiosity The two magic words that shift you out of negative emotional states: "I wonder." Tracy explains why you cannot be angry and curious at the same time, making curiosity the entrance ramp to co-creation and discovery. 3. Presence & Perspective Discover foveal vs. peripheral view and how narrow focus blocks solutions. When you step back to include peripheral vision, all the ideas, solutions, and magic become available. Key Insights:The Power of "I Wonder": Two simple words that immediately shift you out of reactive states and open the palette of possibilitiesMeta Programs: Understanding the 50+ mental shortcuts that run how you show up and why time-focused and possibility-focused people clashProjection & Self-Discovery: How triggers reveal your unconscious programming and what you see in others exists in youMemorable Quotes:"This is the most powerful engine on the face of the planet, and we never got taught how to use it." "We cannot be angry and curious at the same time." "The palette of possibilities - in the moment you have all of these options, but we need to be in remembrance that those are available to us." "We can't see the label on the jar from inside the jar." Practical Leadership Tools:Wear a bead bracelet and snap it when you feel reactiveSay "I wonder" to shift your brain state instantlyPractice viewing challenges from multiple distancesVisit art museums to train your brain to shift perspectiveKey Takeaways:Your brain is powerful, but we were never taught how to use itCuriosity shifts everything - you cannot be angry and curious simultaneouslyPerspective creates possibilities - step back from problems to see solutionsBehaviors that trigger you reveal your own unconscious patternsSmall leadership adjustments create massive organizational impact Connect with Tracy Benson: LinkedIn: Tracy Benson Free Tool: DM Tracy on LinkedIn with "expand" to receive a complimentary foveal vs. peripheral view tool Perfect for leaders who want to understand how their brain works and use neuroscience to transform their leadership presence, decision-making, and relationships. 🎧 Subscribe to Stay On Course wherever you listen to podcasts #Leadership #Mindset #Transformation #Purpose #Growth

    41 min
  2. The Truth About 2025: My Raw Review of Small Business Reality

    3D AGO

    The Truth About 2025: My Raw Review of Small Business Reality

    The Truth About 2025: My Raw Review of Small Business RealityHost: Julie Riga | Episode Type: Solo Episode OverviewThis isn't your typical year-in-review episode. Julie Riga gets brutally honest about what 2025 really looked like as a small business owner: the hustle that led nowhere, the rejection that stung, the corporate friends who disappeared, and the Friday nights spent wondering if she should just get a "real job" again. But here's the twist: she's not quitting. In this raw, unfiltered conversation, Julie shares the unspoken truth about entrepreneurship, the non-negotiable realities of building a business, and why finding your purpose is worth every frustrating moment. If you're a business owner, leader, or anyone chasing a dream while wondering if you should give up, this episode is your permission to keep going. The Truth About 2025: My Raw Review of Small Business Reality What You'll Learn:Julie pulls back the curtain on her 2025: months of hustling with no results, feeling stuck, battling frustration and depression, and watching corporate connections fade away. This is the messy middle nobody talks about. But it's also a powerful reminder that transformation doesn't come from comfort zones, and legacy isn't built by quitting when things get hard. Key Topics:The Three Non-Negotiables of Small Business Success: Community Over Isolation - Why doing it alone guarantees you'll quitSales as Your Lifeline - 80% of your first two years is selling (no sugarcoating)The Pivot-Fast Mindset - Learn what doesn't work and change it immediately The Reality Check: Why 2025 felt harder than previous yearsGetting real about depression, frustration, and wanting to quit every FridayThe corporate friends who disappeared and the strangers who stepped upWhat keeps Julie going despite the brutal journeyMemorable Quotes:"2025 kicked my butt. If it didn't kick your butt, let me know in the chat." "If you're not willing to say that 80% of my time in the very beginning is gonna be devoted to selling, just go get a job." "Complete strangers will help me first than some of the people I worked very closely with." "I am a catalyst for you to reach your next level of success." Key Takeaways:Don't do it alone - Community is essentialEmbrace sales reality or get a jobPivot fast, learn fasterNever get comfortable with your pipelineTake care of yourself through the brutal journeyRemember why you startedAbout Julie Riga:Julie specializes in helping leaders and business owners dig deep to understand their true purpose, facilitate that purpose in their lives, and break through to their next level of success with clarity and confidence. Services: One-on-One Coaching | Leadership Programs | Training Programs | Brand Building Ready for transformation? Schedule a call with Julie and start facilitating your purpose. 🎧 Subscribe to Stay On Course wherever you listen to podcasts 💡 Share with entrepreneurs who need to hear: "Don't give up" #StayOnCoursePodcast #PurposeDrivenLeadership #SmallBusinessReality #EntrepreneurMindset #LeadershipGrowth

    12 min
  3. No Followers Needed: How to Build a Six-Figure UGC Business with Megan Collier

    4D AGO

    No Followers Needed: How to Build a Six-Figure UGC Business with Megan Collier

    No Followers Needed: How to Build a Six-Figure UGC BusinessGuest: Megan Collier, Content Creator & UGC Coach Host: Julie Riga About This EpisodeJulie sits down with Megan Collier, who built a six-figure User Generated Content (UGC) business in just 14 months starting with only 200 followers. Megan now helps GenXers and Boomers launch successful UGC careers, and she's here to break down exactly how everyday people can get paid by brands without any influencer status. What is UGC?User Generated Content (UGC) is when creators get paid by brands to create short-form video content (typically 30-60 seconds) without posting to their own social media. Instead, brands use this authentic content for their own ads, emails, websites, and marketing channels. In This Episode, We Talk About:The three essential ingredients for UGC success (hint: talent isn't one of them)Why age is actually an asset in this industry, not a barrierHow Megan landed her first deal within 10 days and what she did to make it happenThe exact step-by-step process to get started, even if you've never created content beforeWhat equipment you actually need (spoiler: probably less than $50)Real student success stories, including a 52-year-old who made $11,500 in 63 daysHow to price your work so you're not leaving money on the tableWhy brands are desperately searching for GenX and Boomer creators right nowThe biggest mistakes new creators make and how to avoid themWhether UGC will survive in an AI and metaverse worldWhy This MattersIf you've ever thought "I'm too old for social media" or "I don't have enough followers to work with brands," this episode will completely change your perspective. Megan proves that the barrier to entry has never been lower, and the demand has never been higher. Who Should ListenGenXers and Baby Boomers looking for flexible incomeAnyone intimidated by traditional influencer marketingPeople seeking a side hustle with low upfront investmentAnyone who's ever wanted to work with brands but thought they needed thousands of followers firstGuest BackgroundMegan Collier discovered UGC in August 2022 while working full-time and needing a flexible side hustle. Within 14 months, she scaled her UGC business to replace her six-figure corporate income. Now she helps everyday people unlock this valuable income stream through her coaching platform. Connect with Megan CollierTikTok: @megan_ugcInstagram: @Megan_UGCWebsite: https://www.megancollierugc.comYou don't need followers, fancy equipment, or years of experience to start earning with UGC. You just need a willingness to learn, the confidence to know your worth, and the ability to have fun with it. 🎧 Subscribe to Stay On Course wherever you listen to podcasts 💡 Share this episode with anyone exploring a new income stream or creative pursuit 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/lead 🔗 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 impactC-suite leaders and senior managers looking to improve executive presence and public speakingEntrepreneurs and business owners navigating growth, leadership challenges, and career fulfillmentHR and operations leader

    43 min
  4. Three Ingredients for Building Unbreakable Resilience: Lessons from a Firefighter's Journey

    5D AGO

    Three Ingredients for Building Unbreakable Resilience: Lessons from a Firefighter's Journey

    Three Ingredients for Building Unbreakable Resilience: Lessons from a Firefighter's JourneyGuest: Gary Roberts - 20-Year Firefighter & Founder of Neurovus Host: Julie Riga OverviewJulie sits down with Gary Roberts, a 20-year Fort Lauderdale firefighter who transformed personal tragedy into mission. After losing his daughter to an opioid overdose on her 27th birthday, Gary created Neurovus, an AI-powered mental health platform combining biometrics, voice-driven AI, and evidence-based therapies to provide support before crisis hits. Gary shares three essential ingredients for building unbreakable resilience: consistency, continuous learning, and mental toughness. Whether you're an entrepreneur, leader, or anyone overcoming obstacles, this episode offers actionable insights on moving forward when life knocks you down. Three Ingredients for Building Unbreakable Resilience: Lessons from a Firefighter's Journey About Gary RobertsGary is a 20-year veteran firefighter and founder of Neurovus. His journey includes breaking nearly every bone in his body, being stranded in Florida with nothing, building multiple fitness studios, and facing devastating loss. As a hazmat special operations team member, Gary combines fitness discipline, firefighting mental toughness, and compassionate understanding from profound personal loss. Fun Fact: Despite being a fitness professional, Gary's favorite food is strawberry cheesecake! The Three Ingredients for Resilience1. Consistency: Moving the Needle Forward Do one thing daily to create momentumTake one step at a time (staircase principle)Track progress visuallyFocus on the end result, not difficulty2. Continuous Learning: Every Experience is Education Treat failures as curves to overcome, not mistakesListen more than you speakBuild partnerships through genuine curiosityLearn from every experience3. Mental Toughness: Work Through What You Don't Want to Do Physical and mental fitness work togetherFocus on post-completion feelingsThe 100 pull-ups principle: if you can do one, you can do 100Practice breathing techniques for decompressionTeach loved ones to ask for "help" not present "problems"First Responder RealityGary reveals harsh truths: no formal mental health training, "suck it up" culture, 24/7 alertness, constant worst-case thinking, high divorce rates, and PTSD indicators. First responders live in perpetual readiness, impacting home life. Key Quotes"It's not how hard you get punched down, it's how many times you get back up." "Think of the end result first, not what you're doing to get there." "Resilience becomes part of you, not an obstacle to overcome." The Neurovus SolutionInnovative platform using biometric integration, voice-driven AI, and evidence-based therapies for proactive mental health support—designed for first responders and high performers. Connect with GaryWebsite: www.neurovus.com Instagram: @GRoberts_PIR Email: garyroberts@neurovus.com Key TakeawaysConsistency beats intensityLearn from failuresMental and physical health connectVisualize end resultsResilience is built through persistenceYour story determines outcomesSeek help before crisisTake one step at a time Legacy: Honoring Gary's daughter and Julie's father, whose teaching "seven times down, eight times up" captures resilience. 🎧 Subscribe to Stay On Course #StayOnCourse #Resilience #MentalToughness #FirstResponders #Leadership

    31 min
  5. Charting New Territory, Building Legacy, and Becoming the Voice Before the Stage with Julie Riga

    JAN 10

    Charting New Territory, Building Legacy, and Becoming the Voice Before the Stage with Julie Riga

    This episode marks an exciting milestone for the podcast. After launching in 2022, the show has officially begun charting on Apple Podcasts, and the momentum is just getting started. The focus for this year is clear and ambitious becoming a Top Ten podcast in the Entrepreneurship category. Listeners are invited into the Before I Lead community on Skool, a free space designed for small business owners who want greater visibility, stronger leadership skills, and real connection. The community offers weekly networking and conversations centered on growing and leading a business with intention. The heart of the podcast is learning directly from small business owners and experts who share their real world ingredients for success. Topics include marketing, sales, lead generation, podcasting, social media visibility, and using speaking as a powerful accelerator for business growth. This episode also highlights the importance of visibility through podcasting and stages both local and virtual, along with a behind the scenes look at attending Podfest in Orlando to deepen conversations around podcast monetization and audience growth. Rooted in legacy, the podcast continues to honor the influence of Julie’s father, Ennio Riga, whose mentorship and impact shaped generations. His legacy inspires the mission to help others share meaningful messages that create transformation. The episode closes with insight into the Before I Speak program, which supports emerging speakers in building confidence, presence, and a powerful internal story before stepping onto any stage. This podcast exists to educate, inspire, and equip listeners to grow intentionally, lead boldly, and stay on course as they build businesses and legacies that matter. 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 🔗 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 impactC-suite leaders and senior managers looking to improve executive presence and public speakingEntrepreneurs and business owners navigating growth, leadership challenges, and career fulfillmentHR and operations leaders seeking strategic development tools and confidence coachingMany 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-doubtDevelop executive presence and master public speakingReignite their purpose and unlock their full potentialBalance career ambition with personal fulfillmentStay resilient in high-pressure environmentsWhether 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.

    16 min
  6. Beyond the Game: How One NBA Player Transformed Adversity Into Impact

    JAN 9

    Beyond the Game: How One NBA Player Transformed Adversity Into Impact

    Beyond the Game: How One NBA Player Transformed Adversity Into ImpactGuest: Gary Forbes, Former NBA Player, Published Author & Founder of Soul Survivors Host: Julie Riga OverviewIn this inspiring episode of the Stay On Course podcast, host Julie Riga sits down with former NBA player Gary Forbes to explore what happens when life takes you beyond the game you thought would define you. Gary shares his powerful journey from professional basketball to purpose-driven entrepreneurship, revealing the three essential ingredients that transformed his challenges with Type 1 diabetes into a platform for empowering others. This conversation is a masterclass in authentic leadership, resilience, and creating meaningful impact through intentional living. Beyond the Game: How One NBA Player Transformed Adversity Into ImpactAbout Gary ForbesGary Forbes is a former professional basketball player who spent time in the NBA and played for 13-15 different teams across various leagues worldwide. Since retiring six years ago, Gary has evolved into a purpose-driven entrepreneur, published author, and advocate for children with chronic health conditions. Through his platform Soul Survivors, he's created a children's multimedia platform that empowers kids through storytelling, health literacy, and inclusion. Fun Fact: Gary's favorite food is Asian cuisine—especially American Chinese sesame chicken and anything Korean his partner makes. The Three Ingredients for Success1. Mindset: Building Your Foundation Establishing a strong foundational mindset shapes how you interpret every challengeLearning that one bad moment doesn't define you"How you do one thing is how you do everything" - Coach Travis Ford2. Optimism: Finding the Silver Lining Believing there's always a silver lining in every situationUnderstanding adversity as preparation for your purposeThe "aha moments" that reveal why you went through challenges3. Consistency & Sticktoitiveness: The Power of Commitment Doing mundane, repetitive work consistently every single dayThe 10,000-hour rule: Gary became a professional twice (athlete and author)Getting 1% better every day creates an extraordinary lifeMemorable Quotes"Your present situation is not your final destination." "No testimony without a test." "Everything that we can touch, feel started with a thought. If your thoughts become reality, so think good things." "You have 100% chance to do anything you want in life." "All work is easy work—it's just work." Key MomentsHow a fourth-grader was inspired to try out for basketball despite Type 1 diabetesGary's daily NBA routine: 7am workouts to late-night skill sessionsThe journey from dreaming of a 15-20 year NBA career to discovering true purposeCreating Soul Survivors to gamify health and wellness for childrenThe mindset shift: Even Steph Curry only makes 4 out of 10 shotsSoul Survivors PlatformGary's multimedia platform provides empowerment and encouragement for children with chronic health conditions, helping students, educators, and hospitals improve cultural competency through inclusion and health literacy. The Soul Survivors app launches next month, inspiring kids to see themselves as superheroes. Key TakeawaysEstablish a strong mindset foundation—it shapes everythingThere's always a silver lining; transformation is always possibleSuccess comes from consistent daily action and dedicationYour authentic journey inspires others by living your best lifeLet go of self-imposed limitations—your mind creates your realityConnect with Gary ForbesSoul Survivors Platform: thesolesurvivors.comSocial Media: YouTube, Twitter, Instagram, FacebookConnect with Julie RigaPodcast: Stay On Course PodcastPrograms: Before I LeadWebsite: julieriga.com/lead 🎧 Subscribe to Stay On Course wherever you listen to podcasts 💡 Perfect for anyone ready to transform adversity into opportunity #Leadership #PurposeDriven #Transformation #Resilience #AuthenticGrowth

    27 min
  7. The Unbelievable Journey to the Soul for Leadership with Blaine Barlett

    JAN 9

    The Unbelievable Journey to the Soul for Leadership with Blaine Barlett

    Embark on an unbelievable journey with Blaine Bartlett, a leadership expert and bestselling author, as he unveils the secrets to entrepreneurial success and the soul of business on the latest episode of the Stay on Course Podcast. Discover the transformative power of mindset, overcoming fear, and the terror barrier as essential steps in personal and professional growth. Dive deep into the realms of imagination and learn how it shapes reality, driving innovation in the business world. Blaine Bartlett, with his #1 international bestseller "Compassionate Capitalism," guides you on a thought-provoking exploration of leadership development, compassionate capitalism, and the journey of the soul, offering valuable tips and insights that will motivate you to lead with purpose and abundance in both your professional and personal life. Tune in to Stay on Course Podcast for an enriching conversation that challenges your inner dialogue, paving the way for scrumptious success and an extraordinary journey toward a more fulfilling and purpose-driven life. 🚀💡 #LeadershipDevelopment #CompassionateCapitalism #JourneyOfTheSoul #StayOnCoursePodcast #Success #Mindset #Imagination #Entrepreneurship #PersonalDevelopment #ProfessionalGrowth #ThoughtLeadership #BusinessInsights #BlaineBartlett #Motivation The Unbelievable Journey to the Soul for Leadership with Blaine Barlett Join me on the latest episode of the Stay on Course Podcast, featuring the remarkable Blaine Bartlett! 🚀 We're diving deep into the profound wisdom of leadership development, compassion in capitalism, and the journey of the soul. ✨ In this episode "Journey of the Soul," Blaine Bartlett takes us on a transformative exploration into the heart and soul of leadership, revealing the essential elements that connect us all in the world of business and beyond. 🌍 Here are some key takeaways from our enlightening conversation: 1️. Mindset: Uncover how our mindset is everything and learn how overcoming fear and terror barrier is crucial for personal and professional growth. 2️. Imagination: Explore the power of imagination in shaping our reality and driving innovation in the business world. 3️. Conversation: Discover how our experiences of the soul are intricately tied to the conversations we have within ourselves. These inner dialogues can either hold us back or propel us toward success, shaping the very essence of our personal and professional lives. 🗣️✨ Blaine Bartlett, the author of the #1 international bestseller "Compassionate Capitalism: A Journey to the Soul of Business," has personally impacted the lives of over one million people worldwide. 📚✨ Tune in to this thought-provoking episode on Stay on Course Podcast and let's embark on a journey to the soul together with Blaine Bartlett! 🎧💫 #LeadershipDevelopment #CompassionateCapitalism #JourneyOfTheSoul #StayOnCoursePodcast #Leadership #Mindset #Imagination #InnerConversations #PersonalDevelopment #ProfessionalGrowth #ThoughtLeadership #BusinessInsights #julieriga #pharma #pharmacoach To learn more about Julie Riga and her mission to help you Stay On Course, visit her website: www.stayoncourse.io Julie Riga is a certified coach, trainer, speaker and author with over 20 years of experience in the Pharma Industry. Julie’s education is vast with studies that include business, communications, training and executive coaching. Julie started on this journey because she had a strong desire to pass on the knowledge and skills passed on to her by her father, Ennio Riga, and inspirational man who taught her how to keep going irrespective of the challenges that life may present you with. Based in New Jersey, Julie have travelled the world supporting corporations, business leaders and individuals on their journey of empowerment and growth. Discover your purpose, Stay on Course, Leave a Legacy #pharma #lifescienceleadership #biotech #leadership #stayoncourse #julieriga

    37 min
  8. From Corporate Ladder to Freedom: The Franchise Path to Business Ownership

    JAN 9

    From Corporate Ladder to Freedom: The Franchise Path to Business Ownership

    From Corporate Ladder to Freedom: The Franchise Path to Business OwnershipGuest: Doris Fink, President of Plan B 2000 Inc | Host: Julie Riga OverviewJulie sits down with Doris Fink, who turned an unexpected $300,000 opportunity into two decades of helping professionals create their Plan B. Doris shares her journey from single mom working three jobs to successful business owner, revealing the truth nobody talks about—why the first two years are hardest and how franchise ownership provides the structure that makes all the difference. If you're stuck in corporate America or ready for your Phase 2 career, this conversation will inspire you to leap with clarity and confidence. About This EpisodeDoris and Julie explore Phase 1 versus Phase 2 careers, the power of structure in entrepreneurship, and why passion alone isn't enough. Doris shares authentic insights including sleepless nights, tough decisions, and realizing she'd built someone else's dream—plus practical guidance for professionals ready for business ownership with purpose. Guest BackgroundDoris Fink, President of Plan B 2000 Inc, has over 20 years helping professionals build lives of freedom, fulfillment, and legacy through smart business ownership. Her journey spans healthcare executive to diagnostic business owner to franchise success. Fun Fact: Favorite dessert is sunshine cake with chocolate in the frosting. Key TopicsThe Entrepreneurship Journey: A $300,000 opportunity that changed everythingPhase 1 (career you need) vs. Phase 2 (career you want)Years 1-3 truth: Year 3 is when you turn the cornerThree Ingredients for Success: Interest in business developmentGreat interpersonal skillsBusiness sense or knowing where to get help Bonus: A clear WHYMemorable Quotes"I had just built somebody else's dream.""Year 1 you're covering expenses. Year 2 becomes steady. Year 3 you see earning capability and believe it will work.""Follow your heart and get advice from someone walking the walk, not just talking the talk."Financial RealityYear 1: Investment phase, expenses outweigh incomeYear 2: Steady but supplementalYear 3: The turning pointCapital needs often misunderstood Who Should Consider ThisProfessionals 45-65 who've climbed the ladder, been passed over or laid off, or asked to compromise values. Anyone with sleepless nights knowing they need change—with family support and right timing. The Passion TrapDon't confuse passion with business sense. Many love pets but a pet business might be wrong. Find the intersection of interest, skill set, and market opportunity. Plan B 2000 ApproachNo-fee, no-pressure consultations assessing family support, timing, capital, and skills. Doris builds friendships, not just client relationships. Questions to AskDo I have the energy?Do I have the personality for uncertainty?Do I have family support?Is timing right?What's my WHY?Connect with Doris FinkLinkedIn: Doris Fink (in Florida, not Germany!)Company: Plan B 2000 IncKey TakeawaysCorporate skills transferStructure accelerates successYear 3 is the turning pointFamily support essentialGet guidance from experienced advisors.Final Wisdom"Try the sunshine cake!" But seriously: "Follow your heart. Just do what you feel is right and get advice from someone who has the experience and not only is talking the talk but is walking the walk." Perfect for anyone in corporate America wondering "is there something more?" and leaders ready to create their Plan B with clarity and confidence. 🎧 Subscribe to Stay On Course 💡 Share with professionals ready for Phase 2

    29 min
5
out of 5
32 Ratings

About

🎙️ Stay On Course: Ingredients for SuccessWith Julie Riga — Leadership Coach, Author, Entrepreneur Are you a high-achiever shifting from doing it all to leading it all? Are you a CEO, team leader, or side-hustler who's thriving outwardly but struggling inwardly with clarity, confidence, or control? This podcast is for you. On Stay On Course: Ingredients for Success, best-selling author and ICF-certified leadership coach Julie Riga uncovers the mindset shifts, leadership lessons, and deeply personal stories that fuel growth, transformation, and abundance. Julie is the daughter of Ennio Riga, famed Italian chef to the stars—who dazzled Hollywood legends like Frank Sinatra and Joan Rivers with his charm and culinary genius. Through his legacy, Julie learned the power of discipline, storytelling, and faith—and now she blends that with over 20 years of experience in corporate leadership, pharma, and entrepreneurship to help others navigate the messy middle of leadership. 💡 What You’ll Discover:How to shift your identity from solo doer to empowered leaderThe key ingredients of executive presence, confidence, and purpose-led leadershipPractical tools for delegation, decision-making, and scaling without burnoutFaith-infused insights on leading when life feels uncertain or overwhelmingReal stories from guests who have stayed on course through every kind of obstacleWhy believing in yourself—and having just one person believe in you—can change everythingWhether you're leading a team for the first time, growing a side hustle into a real business, or simply trying to lead yourself better, this podcast will help you unlock the clarity, calm, and courage to move forward with intention. From leadership training to mindset coaching, from resilience strategies to legacy-building—you’ll find it here, with heart. 📍 Tune in now. 📌 Visit beforeilead.com and julieriga.com 🔗 Connect with Julie: linkedin.com/in/julieriga