Conversations to Connect - Let’s Get Real - Exceptional Connections

Cyndi ONeill-Dady
  • 5.0 (16)
  • Entrepreneurship

Are you ready to attract raving fans, create powerful advocates, and make truly exceptional connections? Cyndi O’Neill-Dady is the Founder and Chief Connector of Exceptional Connections®, a thriving community she launched in 2009 to cultivate authentic relationships and meaningful collaboration among business professionals. With over 19 years of experience as a Business Relationship Marketing Strategist, Cyndi has guided hundreds of entrepreneurs and leaders to deepen trust, expand their networks, and create lasting impact through genuine human connection. As host of the Conversations to Connect – Let’s Get Real – Exceptional Connections Podcast, Cyndi welcomes exceptional guests who share stories, insights, and strategies to inspire others to connect with purpose and lead with heart—because every encounter holds the power to change the course of your life. We invite you to also visit ExceptionalConnections.com, or contact Cyndi ONeill-Dady at cyndi@exceptionalconnections.com to learn more. Don't forget to Subscribe to our Exceptional Connections® YouTube Channel, and check out our Exceptional Connections Facebook events and posts. 

  1. 5d ago

    44| Living on Purpose: The Power of Granting Yourself Permission with guest Mari Wuellner

    Conversation to Connect – Let's Get Real™ Powered by Exceptional Connections® Episode Title: Living on Purpose: The Power of Granting Yourself Permission On this episode of Conversation to Connect – Let's Get Real™, hosted by Cyndi O'Neill-Dady, we welcome Mari Wuellner, entrepreneur, life coach, business leader, speaker, and Founder of The Crew Life Coaching Collective. Join us for an inspiring conversation about living on purpose, personal growth, self-leadership, mindset transformation, women's empowerment, boundaries, burnout recovery, intentional living, life coaching, and the courage to choose yourself. Mari's journey is a powerful testament to what becomes possible when we stop waiting for permission from others and begin granting it to ourselves. As a college dropout and single mother at age 24, Mari chose to believe in herself and built a successful insurance agency from the ground up, growing it into a $3 million business. Later, she granted herself permission to step away from what was successful in order to pursue what was meaningful—helping others create lives aligned with their deepest values and purpose. Today, Mari empowers women to stop living in a state of default and start living with intention. Through her coaching, she helps clients write the permission slips they've been waiting for: permission to rest, permission to say no, permission to change direction, permission to start over, permission to set healthy boundaries, and permission to prioritize themselves without guilt. In this powerful episode, Mari shares personal stories of transformation—from recognizing burnout and making difficult choices, to embracing new goals one small step at a time, to redefining success on her own terms. Together, we explore what it truly means to live on purpose through Mari's framework: Define How to get honest about what you truly want—not what others expect of you—and identify the hidden permission slips standing between you and the life you desire. Design How to intentionally structure your life around your values, priorities, purpose, and well-being rather than continually reacting to the demands and expectations of others. Demand Why confidently asking for what you need and want isn't selfish—it's an essential act of self-respect, healthy boundary setting, authentic leadership, and purposeful living. In this episode, you'll discover: ✅ How to stop living on autopilot and start living intentionally ✅ Why waiting for external validation keeps you stuck ✅ The power of self-permission and personal responsibility ✅ Practical strategies for overcoming burnout and overwhelm ✅ How to establish healthy boundaries without guilt ✅ Why purpose-driven living creates greater fulfillment and freedom ✅ The mindset shifts necessary to create meaningful life change ✅ How small, consistent actions can lead to extraordinary transformation If you've ever felt trapped by expectations, overwhelmed by obligations, or uncertain about your next step, this conversation will inspire you to stop waiting for permission and start creating a life that reflects who you truly are. Because the life you want may be waiting on a permission slip that only you can sign. Connect with Mari Wuellner: Website: www.thecrewcc.com Email: mari.j.wuellner@gmail.com 🤝 Powered by Exceptional Connections® Where authentic relationships, intentional conversations, and meaningful connections lead to powerful business growth, stronger communities, and lasting impact. Learn more about Exceptional Connections® at: ExceptionalConnections.com Connect with Cyndi O'Neill-Dady, Founder and Chief Champion Connector of Exceptional Connections®:  cyndi@exceptionalconnections.com

  2. Jul 14

    43| Embracing the Whole Self with guest Dani McDonough

    Embracing the Whole Self with Dani McDonough | Conversation to Connect – Let's Get Real® Podcast What if the parts of yourself you've hidden or struggled with are actually the key to living your most authentic, confident, and fulfilling life? What would change if you embraced every chapter of your journey—not just the polished highlights? Join Cyndi O'Neill-Dady on this inspiring episode of Conversation to Connect – Let's Get Real®, powered by Exceptional Connections®, as she welcomes special guest Dani McDonough for a heartfelt and thought-provoking conversation titled "Embracing the Whole Self." Growing up in the South and navigating a childhood filled with challenges, Dani discovered that healing doesn't come from denying our past—it comes from embracing every part of who we are. Through resilience, self-discovery, and intentional growth, she learned to honor both her struggles and her strengths, creating a life built on authenticity, purpose, and connection. Professionally, Dani stays busy "saving the world one home loan at a time" as she guides first-time homebuyers and seasoned homeowners through the mortgage process with compassion, expertise, determination, and grace. Beyond her successful career in lending, Dani is also a talented photographer who helps entrepreneurs and professionals confidently showcase their authentic personalities through compelling personal branding photography. At the heart of everything Dani does is her passion for helping others feel comfortable in their own skin and empowering them to share their gifts with the world. She believes that when we courageously embrace our whole selves, we inspire others to do the same. Most importantly, Dani treasures her family—her husband Andy, their two amazing teenagers, Jackson and Lauren, and their beloved pandemic pups, Charlie and Milo. In This Episode You'll Discover: How embracing every part of your story leads to greater confidence and authenticity. Why vulnerability can become one of your greatest personal and professional strengths. How to stop hiding parts of yourself and begin living more fully. The importance of self-acceptance in building meaningful relationships. Why authenticity attracts deeper personal and professional connections. How creativity and self-expression contribute to emotional well-being. Practical ways to live with greater purpose, courage, and intentionality. Powerful Takeaways: 🌸 Bloom where you are planted. Every season of life offers opportunities to grow. 🎨 Carve out time and space to express yourSELVES. Creativity, reflection, and authenticity are essential for living a wholehearted life. ✨ Shine your light so others feel permission to shine theirs. Your authenticity gives others the courage to embrace their own. Whether you're navigating a career transition, growing your business, healing from past experiences, or simply seeking to become more authentically yourself, this conversation offers practical wisdom, heartfelt encouragement, and inspiration to embrace your unique journey with confidence. Connect with Dani McDonough 📧 danimcdonough@gmail.com 🌐 http://www.DaniMcDonoughPhotography.com Learn More About Exceptional Connections® Exceptional Connections® helps business owners and entrepreneurs build empowering relationships through intentional networking, authentic communication, collaboration, and community where everyone is Seen, Heard, Valued & Witnessed. 🌐 https://www.ExceptionalConnections.com For speaking engagements, networking opportunities, or to connect with Exceptional Connections® Founder & Chief Connector Cyndi O'Neill-Dady, contact: 📧 cyndi@exceptionalconnections.com

  3. Jul 7

    42| Three Tips to Show up Confidently and Authentically in Your Own Skin with guest Jean Kercheval

    "Three Tips to Show Up Confidently and Authentically in Your Own Skin" with Jean Kercheval How confident are you showing up as the authentic face of your business? Does the thought of stepping in front of a camera make you uncomfortable? What if your personal brand photography could become one of your greatest business assets? In this inspiring episode of Conversation to Connect – Let's Get Real, powered by Exceptional Connections®, host Cyndi O'Neill-Dady welcomes Jean Kercheval, an accomplished Personal Branding and Women's Portrait Photographer whose passion is helping women age 45 and beyond rediscover their confidence, celebrate their beauty, and embrace their authentic selves through photography. Jean believes every woman deserves to feel seen, valued, beautiful, and confident. Through a personalized, relationship-centered approach, she creates an experience that extends far beyond simply taking photographs. Her clients receive a comprehensive branding workbook, wardrobe guidance, and a customized Pinterest mood board before their session, ensuring every image authentically reflects who they are and the story they want to share. Although nearly everyone arrives at Jean's studio feeling nervous, her warm personality, thoughtful preparation, and ability to create genuine connection quickly transform uncertainty into confidence. Clients often ask how she captures such authentic expressions. Jean's answer is beautifully simple: "It just happens—it's like magic every time." That "magic" comes from building trust before the camera ever comes out and creating a safe, relaxed environment where clients feel comfortable enough to simply be themselves. Whether you're an entrepreneur, speaker, coach, consultant, executive, or simply someone ready to celebrate this season of life, this conversation will encourage you to step into greater confidence and authenticity. In This Episode You'll Discover: • Three practical tips for showing up confidently and authentically in your own skin. • Why professional personal branding photography is an essential investment in your business. • How authentic images build trust, credibility, and stronger professional relationships. • What to expect before, during, and after a personal branding photoshoot. • How preparation—including wardrobe planning and brand strategy—creates confidence. • Creative ways to use your branding images across your website, social media, LinkedIn profile, podcasts, speaking engagements, marketing materials, and promotional campaigns. • Why every woman deserves beautiful portraits that celebrate who she is today. • How confidence in front of the camera translates into confidence in business and everyday life. Questions We Explore: What inspired Jean to start her personal branding photography business? Why are personal branding photos so important for entrepreneurs and professionals? What is a typical branding photoshoot experience like? How can professional images strengthen your personal brand and business visibility? Why should every woman invest in personal portraits? If you're ready to elevate your personal brand, increase your confidence, and show up authentically in both your business and personal life, this episode is filled with practical insights and inspiration you won't want to miss. Connect with Jean Kercheval 📧 jean.kercheval@gmail.com 🌐 KerchevalPhotography.com Listen to More Conversations Explore previous episodes of Conversation to Connect – Let's Get Real: https://www.exceptionalconnections.com/conversation-to-connect/# Learn More About Exceptional Connections® Exceptional Connections® helps business owners and entrepreneurs build empowering relationships through intentional networking, authentic communication, collaboration, and community where everyone is Seen, Heard, Valued & Witnessed. Learn more at: https://www.ExceptionalConnections.com For speaking engagements, networking opportunities, or to connect with Exceptional Connections® Founder & Chief Connector Cyndi O'Neill-Dady, email: cyndi@exceptionalconnections.com

  4. Jun 30

    41| It's Not Rocket Science: The 4 Leg Recipe for Professional Relationships to Thrive. Bonus: It works at home too! with guest Laurie Thibert

    Conversation to Connect – Let's Get Real™ Powered by Exceptional Connections® Episode Title: It's Not Rocket Science: The 4 Leg Recipe for Professional Relationships to Thrive (Bonus: It Works at Home Too!) On this episode of Conversation to Connect – Let's Get Real™, hosted by Cyndi O'Neill-Dady, we welcome guest Laurie Thibert, business leader, relationship specialist, author, and founder of Aligned Insights Matter™. Join us for a powerful conversation about professional relationships, workplace culture, trust-based leadership, relational intelligence, communication, team building, employee engagement, and authentic human connection. Laurie shares why healthy relationships are the foundation of thriving organizations, successful teams, strong leadership, and fulfilling personal lives. Laurie's leadership journey extends far beyond the boardroom. In 2008, while leading a volunteer trip to Ghana, she met a young boy whose parents had died. That life-changing experience eventually led her to become his mother and deepened her understanding of what truly creates meaningful, lasting relationships. Through that journey, she discovered that when the relational fabric between people is strengthened, individuals, teams, and organizations flourish. Drawing from her bestselling book, The CATR Theory™: The 4 Legs of Successful Personal and Professional Relationships – It's NOT Rocket Science!, Laurie introduces a groundbreaking yet practical framework for building, maintaining, and repairing relationships. The CATR Theory™ (pronounced "cater") provides a clear, human-centered roadmap for creating stronger workplace relationships, healthier communication, deeper trust, and more meaningful connections at home and at work. In this episode, you'll discover: ✅ The hidden cost of unkindness in professional and personal relationships ✅ What Relational Intelligence (RQ) is and why it matters more than ever ✅ How to communicate with greater clarity, confidence, and understanding ✅ The four essential ingredients of the CATR Theory™ relationship framework ✅ How to identify relational cracks before they become major fractures ✅ Practical strategies for repairing damaged relationships and rebuilding trust ✅ How high-trust relationships drive collaboration, engagement, productivity, and long-term success If you're a business owner, entrepreneur, leader, manager, HR professional, team member, spouse, parent, or anyone who desires healthier, more authentic relationships, this conversation will provide valuable insights you can apply immediately. Because relationships don't have to be as difficult as we often make them. When we understand the recipe, thriving relationships become far more attainable. After all, it's truly NOT rocket science! Connect with Laurie Thibert: Website: alignedinsightsmatter.com Website: CATRYourRelationships.com Email: Laurie@alignedinsightsmatter.com 🤝 Powered by Exceptional Connections® Where authentic relationships, intentional conversations, and meaningful connections lead to powerful business growth, stronger communities, and lasting impact. Learn more about Exceptional Connections® at: ExceptionalConnections.com Connect with Cyndi O'Neill-Dady, Founder and Chief Champion Connector of Exceptional Connections®:  Email: cyndi@exceptionalconnections.com

  5. Jun 23

    40|Heart Behind the Daily Hustle of Champions featuring Molly Klipp

    The Heart Behind the Daily Hustle of Champions™ | Virtual Wisdom Circle – Featuring Molly Klipp. Once a month our Conversation to Connect - Let's Get Real is a little bit different.   Welcome to this powerful new offering from Exceptional Connections®—the Virtual Wisdom Circle: The Heart Behind the Daily Hustle of Champions™. This monthly experience, held every third Monday, is designed to spotlight the heart, purpose, and intentional practices that fuel the success of today’s Champion Connectors. This is a nurturing, relationship-centered space where authentic stories are shared, practical wisdom is exchanged, and meaningful connections are cultivated. Each month, a featured Champion reveals the deeper story behind their work—what drives them, the values guiding their leadership, and the daily habits that sustain long-term success. Our featured Champion Connector this month is Molly Klipp. Molly Klipp is the founder of Carefree Beauty Permanent Makeup and the Profit Coach with Beauty Business Mastery. With 43 years in the beauty industry and two successful companies behind her, she helps women feel confident and seen through permanent brows, eyeliner, and lips that simplify daily routines. Through Beauty Business Mastery, Molly coaches independent beauty professionals to systemize and strategize their businesses so they keep more of what they earn, reduce stress, and build a business that supports their life, not runs it. Her style is practical and warm, with a strong focus on clear offers, consistent client care, and simple money systems that create real profit. Married to her best friend for 48 years, Molly is a mom of four and a proud grandma. She brings heart, experience, and straight talk to every room, helping beauty business owners shorten their learning curve and grow with confidence. You’ll leave inspired, encouraged, and equipped with practical insights you can apply immediately—in business and in life as she shares her passion for creating circles of community.. To Learn More: beautybusinessmastery.com, www.carefree-beauty.com Contact Molly: molly@beautybusinessmastery.com  To learn more about Exceptional Connections®, visit ExceptionalConnections.com or connect with Founder & Chief Connector Cyndi O’Neill-Dady at cyndi@exceptionalconnections.com

  6. Jun 16

    39|Harmonizing Ecology and Home Enterprise: Building Sustainable Success in all Relationships with guest Tina Tesch-Myers

    Harmonizing Ecology and Home Enterprise: Building Sustainable Success in All Relationships Conversation to Connect – Let's Get Real Powered by Exceptional Connections® In this inspiring episode of Conversation to Connect – Let's Get Real, host Cyndi O'Neill-Dady, Founder and Chief Connector of Exceptional Connections®, welcomes Tina Tesch-Myers, environmental advocate, former Rolfer, entrepreneur, and founder of MOVE ME, for a thought-provoking discussion on sustainable living, environmental stewardship, personal wellness, family relationships, and conscious business practices. Born in Australia to German parents and raised with a global perspective, Tina's extraordinary journey has taken her from hotel management and culinary arts in Australia, Switzerland, Wales, Sudan, and Kenya to a successful woodworking business in Tasmania and a 29-year career as a Certified Rolfer specializing in Visceral, Cranial, and Aston Patterning techniques in the United States. Today, Tina is passionately focused on helping individuals create healthier lives and healthier oceans through her organization, MOVE ME, inspired by her son's vision to address the growing crisis of plastic pollution in our oceans. Together, Cyndi and Tina explore the powerful connection between human health, environmental ecology, sustainable lifestyles, family dynamics, conscious consumerism, and future generations. Discover how the health of our bodies mirrors the health of our planet and how small, intentional daily choices can create a ripple effect that positively impacts our homes, businesses, communities, and the world around us. If you're interested in eco-friendly living, holistic wellness, sustainable business practices, healthy relationships, reducing plastic waste, environmental responsibility, personal transformation, and creating a lasting legacy, this conversation will leave you inspired and empowered. In This Episode You'll Discover: ✅ How the ecology of our bodies closely mirrors the ecology of our oceans ✅ Simple daily habits that create meaningful change for your health and the environment ✅ How conscious choices in your home can support future generations ✅ The surprising connection between kitchen products, toxins, and overall wellness ✅ Practical strategies for transitioning to a more sustainable lifestyle without overwhelm ✅ Why every small step toward environmental stewardship matters ✅ Alternative approaches to creating a healthier home, family, and planet Key Takeaways: • Learn how our bodies and oceans are remarkably similar ecosystems. • Discover how small daily changes can produce powerful long-term results. • Understand how your choices impact both your personal health and the future of the planet. • Explore ways to radically improve wellness by transforming the contents of your kitchen. • Gain practical tools to create a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle for yourself and your family. Connect with Tina Tesch-Myers 📧 Email: tinarolfer@gmail.com 🌎 Learn more or schedule a Discovery Session: https://move-me.org Listen to More Conversation to Connect Episodes https://www.exceptionalconnections.com/conversation-to-connect/ Learn More About Exceptional Connections® Exceptional Connections® helps business owners, entrepreneurs, and professionals build empowering relationships through friendship, collaboration, and intentional connections. 🌐 ExceptionalConnections.com 📧 Contact Founder & Chief Connector, Cyndi O'Neill-Dady: cyndi@exceptionalconnections.com "Imagine viewing every chance encounter as a connection that could change the course of your life." — Cyndi O'Neill-Dady

  7. Jun 9

    38| Is your Brain Friend or Foe When Selling your Amazing Gifts to the World with guest Sandy Stamato

    Is Your Brain a Friend or Foe When Selling Your Gifts to the World? Featuring Cyndi O’Neill-Dady & her guest Sandy Stamato In this powerful episode of Conversations to Connect – Let’s Get Real, powered by Exceptional Connections®, Cyndi O’Neill-Dady sits down with Sales Mental Fitness Coach Sandy Stamato to explore the hidden forces shaping your success in sales, business growth, and authentic connection. If you’ve ever struggled with self-doubt, hesitation, or anxiety when promoting your services, this conversation reveals how your brain can either sabotage your success—or become your greatest ally. With over 35 years of experience in sales, advertising, training, and consulting, Sandy shares how female entrepreneurs, coaches, and healers can transform their sales mindset, overcome internal saboteurs, and confidently bring their gifts to the marketplace. Through her signature Sage Selling program, rooted in the science of Positive Intelligence, Sandy teaches how to rewire your brain for confidence, clarity, emotional resilience, and abundance. Sales is one of the most emotionally charged aspects of business—and the internal dialogue we carry can either fuel success or create stress, fear, and avoidance. In this episode, you’ll learn how to recognize and interrupt those negative thought patterns, access the positive regions of your brain, and show up powerfully in sales conversations, networking environments, and client presentations. In this episode, you’ll discover: How to identify and stop your internal saboteurs in real time Practical tools to shift from fear, doubt, and overwhelm to confidence and clarity A simple “brain hack” to calm your nervous system and activate positive emotions like curiosity, gratitude, and focus How mental fitness directly impacts your sales success, communication, and business growth A new approach to selling that feels aligned, authentic, and impactful Imagine stepping into your next networking event, sales conversation, or presentation feeling grounded, confident, and fully aligned with your purpose—this episode shows you how. 🎯 Free Resource: Take the Saboteur Assessment and uncover the hidden patterns holding you back: https://www.positiveintelligence.com/saboteurs/ 📩 Connect with Sandy Stamato: https://www.limbdweller.com Stay Connected with Exceptional Connections® Discover more high-impact conversations designed to help you build authentic relationships, grow your business, and create meaningful connections. 📅 Join upcoming live Zoom conversations via Exceptional Connections Facebook Events & Posts 🌐 Learn more: ExceptionalConnections.com 📩 Connect with Cyndi O’Neill-Dady: cyndi@exceptionalconnections.com Exceptional Connections® — Where Relationships Turn Into Results Be Seen. Be Heard. Be Witnessed. Be Memorable.

  8. Jun 2

    37| Predictable Revenue Framework with guest Dave Blanchard

    Conversations to Connect – Let’s Get Real Podcast | Powered by Exceptional Connections® In this results-driven episode, Cyndi O’Neill-Dady, Founder & Chief Connector of Exceptional Connections®, is joined by Dave Blanchard, Owner & Founder of Cognesis Marketing Concepts, to tackle a critical topic for today’s business environment: Predictable Results in Uncertain Times In a world of economic uncertainty, shifting markets, and inconsistent revenue streams, business owners and entrepreneurs are asking one essential question: 👉 How do I create predictable, scalable income—no matter what’s happening around me? This powerful conversation breaks down the Predictable Revenue Framework, equipping you with proven strategies to stabilize your business, strengthen your marketing systems, and position yourself for rapid recovery and sustainable growth. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: How to create predictable revenue streams in uncertain economic conditions The 5 Disciplines of Consistent, Scalable Income How to improve business focus, clarity, and execution Why tracking your numbers and KPIs is essential for growth How to identify and eliminate marketing inefficiencies The importance of continuous improvement and data-driven decisions Practical steps to accelerate your “fastest path to cash” The Predictable Revenue Framework – 5 Key Disciplines: Focus – Align your energy on what drives results Know Your Numbers – Track performance metrics and marketing KPIs Set SMART Goals – Create measurable, actionable business objectives Eliminate Inefficiencies – Streamline systems for maximum productivity Close the Learning Loop – Continuously refine and improve your strategy Predictable Revenue Readiness Checklist: ✔ Do you have a written marketing plan? ✔ Are your goals clearly defined using the SMART framework? ✔ Are you tracking daily, weekly, and monthly KPIs? ✔ Have you identified and eliminated inefficiencies in your marketing efforts? ✔ Do you have a system for ongoing optimization and growth? About Dave Blanchard Dave Blanchard is a seasoned marketing strategist, business consultant, and founder of Cognesis Marketing Concepts, specializing in helping businesses create predictable revenue, scalable systems, and measurable growth strategies. Connect with Dave Blanchard 📧 dave@cognesismarketing.com Reach out to Dave to receive: The Predictable Revenue Framework Slide Deck Creating Your Marketing Plan Video Training A Complimentary Fastest Path to Cash Discovery Session Stay Connected with Exceptional Connections® Discover more high-impact conversations designed to help you build authentic relationships, grow your business, and create meaningful connections: 📅 Join upcoming live Zoom conversations via Exceptional Connections Facebook Events & Posts 🌐 Learn more: ExceptionalConnections.com 📩 Connect with Cyndi O’Neill-Dady: cyndi@exceptionalconnections. Exceptional Connections™ — Where Relationships Turn Into Results Be Seen. Be Heard. Be Witnessed. Be Memorable.

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5
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16 Ratings

About

Are you ready to attract raving fans, create powerful advocates, and make truly exceptional connections? Cyndi O’Neill-Dady is the Founder and Chief Connector of Exceptional Connections®, a thriving community she launched in 2009 to cultivate authentic relationships and meaningful collaboration among business professionals. With over 19 years of experience as a Business Relationship Marketing Strategist, Cyndi has guided hundreds of entrepreneurs and leaders to deepen trust, expand their networks, and create lasting impact through genuine human connection. As host of the Conversations to Connect – Let’s Get Real – Exceptional Connections Podcast, Cyndi welcomes exceptional guests who share stories, insights, and strategies to inspire others to connect with purpose and lead with heart—because every encounter holds the power to change the course of your life. We invite you to also visit ExceptionalConnections.com, or contact Cyndi ONeill-Dady at cyndi@exceptionalconnections.com to learn more. Don't forget to Subscribe to our Exceptional Connections® YouTube Channel, and check out our Exceptional Connections Facebook events and posts. 

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