Come Towards Delight

35. Cori Valdez ON: Regaining Hope and Love after years battling an Opiate addiction, Traumatic experience being abused by an X nearly ending her life. Learning she is worth it and loving herself.

Sometimes we have to enter the darkness so that we can comprehend the light and recognize our worth and value. This is the case for Cori Valdez, and her path through the darkness was not easy, leaving her on the brink of death after a traumatic experience with an X-husband, and without any support from family and friends.

 

 

The beauty in Cori's story is that she recognizes the power of her choices throughout her life. Darkness can come because of our choices like much of Cori's did, but there are times in each of our lives when the darkness surrounding us is not welcomed or chosen by us and as the result of the choices of others in our lives or our circumstances. As her addiction began, she explains that she didn't want to live another day without being high, almost as if she found herself without realizing that the drug would cause her so mush loneliness and hopelessness in the days ahead. She talks about losing everything even having to turn over the rights of her two young girls.

 

 

After years living in a hopeless world with no hope and multiple trips in and out of jail. During her last arrest she heard a voice within whisper to her that she has worth and can change. She felt happiness for the first time in a long time believing that there was hope for her in the middle of an arrest. She determined to change and began to take the necessary steps to heal, forgive, change her thinking, and choose to live a good live with love for others and herself. Loving herself was something she never thought possible again but as began taking steps to recovery daily, she has come to realize her infinite worth.

 

 

She has been able to reconcile with her daughter Halee and now they are closer than they have ever been. Cori says watching Halee forgive her and seeing her treat her with love and respect taught Cori how forgiveness is possible and it is powerful!

 

 

Cori, thank you for sharing your life with us and declaring your witness that you and each one of us are infinitely valuable and worth more than we understand. No one is too far gone, no one... If you don't believe that listen to Cori share her story and teach you that everyone can indeed change. God bless you and your beautiful family Cori! Let that beautiful light within you shine bright and show others in their darkness the way to the light. You are amazing!

 

 

If you know someone struggling with addiction and would like to talk to Cori, or if you want to congratulate her on overcoming so much, please feel free to connect with her on Instagram under username @iroc_cori .

34. Alyssa Warr ON: 17 months pregnant with her first baby and stopped dead in her tracks being diagnosed with SNUC Cancer, Alyssa shares her Journey. A story laced with Hope, Guidance, and Miracles.

At the young age of 25 and with the whole world in front of Alyssa and her husband, they were stopped on a dime when Alyssa learned that she had SNUC Cancer, which is one of the most rare forms of Cancer there is, and on top of that Alyssa was 17 weeks pregnant.  Amazingly Alyssa talks about the peace she felt through the process of chemo, radiation, and brain surgery. She shares the difficult choices that she and her husband faced together such as abortion, which got her to the point where she quite literally was having to face the decision of choosing between her life and that of her baby's life.  After months and months of Chemo, Radiation, and a brain surgery,

 

 

Alyssa and her husband let the doctors know that they wanted to do a fourth round of chemo treatment, all during pregnancy, because if they could keep their son in the womb for even 2 to 3 more weeks his chances of survival were much much better. They proceeded with the fourth round and shortly after their beautiful baby boy was born. He came very early but he is healthy, happy, and the joy of their lives.  Although Alyssa's treatment was successful and she was declared cancer free, she was not out of the woods yet, as she was diagnosed with meningitis, during COVID, and had to travel by herself to a hospital in Houston to undergo treatment alone.

 

 

She came very close to losing her life, and even says that she was ready to quit, but thanks to her inspired mother, who recognized the urgency of her daughters situation demanding from the hospital that they allow her to travel down to be with her daughter, Alyssa overcame the odds again and pulled through.  In her darkest moment Alyssa talks about the impact her family and friends who showed up for her and her husband had. She knows that they came in answer to her prayers inspired by God to help her fight this awful disease. She talks about the peace that she felt each time she prayed and knew that God's will would be done for she and her family no matter the outcome. Talk about faith to face scary things!  Alyssa you are incredible! Thank you for sharing your light and love with us. God bless you, your husband and baby boy in all you do. You are amazing!

 

 

If you would like to reach out to Alyssa or learn more about her and her beautiful family, you can find her on Instagram @lysswarr or by emailing her at warralyssa@gmail.com. 

 

 

To companies like #Google who take care of employees and employees families when diagnosed with a disease like cancer, God bless you, and thank you for your example of what it should look like to take care of each other.   

33. Kris LeSueur ON: Taking Action, Personal Growth, Balancing Mind, Body, Spirit. Kris talks about competing in Iron Man and the Core Value System he has developed.

Kris LeSueur is a hero of mine. He is one of the top 3 diciplined humans that I know because he has experienced pain that comes from quitting, which drove him to become his best self possible and someone who never stops pushing himself to become the best he possibly can in all important areas of his life. Kris, is someone who showed me by example how to act on life rather than waiting for life to act on me. His impact on me will never fade and I know his message will leave you with many inspiring take aways as well. 

 

 

Let me introduce Kris using his own words on his website http://www.transcenddaily.com

 

 

"I have always been intellectually curious. I’ve always had the thought that I should just focus on one thing but over the last 10 years, I have been working on improving in so many areas of my life. It didn’t start with wanting to improve in multiple areas. It started with one area at a time.

 

The first big accomplishment for me that started all of this was committing to Ironman Arizona… A 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike ride and a 26.2 mile run.

 

My biggest endurance accomplishment was participating in the SEALFIT Kokoro Camp. (Let me assure you… There was no camping involved!) It’s a 50-hour crucible experience. I truly feel it changed my life forever. It taught me about knowing my “Why” and how to work as a team.

 

Now, I want to share what I’ve learned over the years and help others in the areas I have been working on improving. I believe that we don’t just need to focus on being great at one thing. I believe that everything we do is connected and that if we become great in one area it will help us to become great in other areas of our lives. We can consistently work on being great in many areas of our life. Some of the areas that I strive to work on are in parenting, family, spirituality, fitness, health, education and business."

 

 

If you would like to learn more about Kris and Tiersa's (wife) CrossFit Gym, visit their website at www.crossfitpreferred.com or in person at the gym located on 3244 E. Guadalupe Rd. Suite #101, Gilbert, AZ 85234

 

 

Kris also writes a very inspiring blog, shares workout and nutritional tips, and his favorite books that inspire on his personal website www.transcenddaily.com

 

 

If you would like to connect with Kris or his wife Tiersa, you can follow them on Instagram @krislesueur and @tiersa23 or send them an email at info@transcenddaily.com

 

 

Thank you for sharing your story with us Kris. You are a great man and living a life that inspires and helps so many of us to take action to become the best we can be. 

 

31. Juan Zazueta ON: Transitions of Faith, Diversity, Humanity, Pain caused by Miscarriage, Staying engaged while dealing with difficulty and uncertainty.

Although Juan Zazueta is still a young man, with so many experiences ahead, he has a gift of engaging with perfect strangers while surrounding them with love, warmth, and concern. Juan shares about his childhood in Mexico, moving to Arizona, and how his love for people and cultures has grown so much due to his experiences as a young Missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and also when he had the opportunity to work for "Connect". Connect is a company that manages and hosts large trade show events and their purpose is to connect planners with Hoteliers and Convention Centers all over the world. At one of these events is where I met Juan for the first time, and I knew right away when meeting him that he was a very sincere and Genuine man that truly had compassion for others and as a result he most often leaves others feeling better about themselves after engaging with someone.   

 

 

Juan talks about his love of Humanity and how important and beautiful Diversity is for our human family. He learned a lot taking a job with Connect and moving his little family across the country to live in Georgia, one of the most diverse cultures in America. He shares of his love for Georgia and the people he was surrounded by there.   

 

 

As happens to many of us, Juan began his career without really knowing what he wanted to do, and after his time working for connect and putting much thought into he and his families future, he committed to going back to school, Arizona State University, to get his degree and become a lawyer. During this time He and His wife Haley decided that they were ready to start a family. A short time later Haley was pregnant, they were planning to welcome in a beautiful little girl into their family and couldn't have been more excited. After weeks of a healthy pregnancy and without any warning they learned during an ultra sound that the sweet little girl was covered in Cysts and that there was a very high chance she wouldn't survive birth, let alone have a "normal life".  The Doctors presented them with the option to Abort the pregnancy, and without hesitation Haley and Juan said no, and did everything in their control to show God and their little girl that they wanted her no matter what. The next ultra sound visit came and their hearts were shattered when they saw the look in the doctors eyes and new that their beautiful little girl was no longer alive.   

 

 

Doing their best to pick up the pieces, and move forward, Juan talks about the struggle he and his wife were experiencing, and a lot of pain. They held onto each other and to their faith in God that there was much more for them and their future family. A few short months latter Hayley was pregnant again with their now son, Diego. Diego, was born a very healthy baby at 10 pounds and they couldn't be more happy and grateful to have him in their lives.   

 

 

Juan, is also wrestling with some doubts in the faith and religion that he grew up with. It has come to the point that he feels that the right thing to do for him is to walk away, which is so difficult because that religion teaches you about who you are, your relationship with God, and the purpose of life, it becomes the foundation and lens through which you rely on and view our lives with. Although he is on a path to walk away from something he knows has given him so much good and value, he realizes that this choice must not come lightly, and he will continue to focus on and seek truth even as his disengages.   

 

 

I belong to the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, the very religion Juan may leave, and I know one thing to be certain... Juan loses no value to God our Father and Savior Jesus Christ. Juan's heart is good, and he truly loves and cares about others. I personally look up to Juan and support him in his decision, no matter the path it takes him on, because I know that he is my brother and God's son.

 

 

I look forward to sitting Juan and Haley down at my table, where there will always be room, to talk about all they have learned and experienced in their journey, and I have no doubt it will be a beautiful conversation.  

 

 

Juan, thank you brother. You are a great man. It was a treat to talk to you learn from you, and also connect with you on a very important matter... That Michael Jordan is indeed the G.O.A.T!!   God bless you and Hayley brother. Let's get you guys up here to Utah soon. Would love to spend sometime with you guys, and watching a true dunk master in action. 

30. Curtis Lamb ON: How Cancer saved his life! Keeping Hope while facing multiple serious Health diseases. Act or be Acted upon, the Choice belongs to you.

Curtis Lamb has been through more serious health problems and diseases in his young life than anyone I have ever met, yet he remains a man full of joy, hope, purpose, and faith. This man is Incredible!

 

 

Upon meeting Curtis a few short years ago, I new right away that he had a quite a story. It's not everyday you meet people who love life so much that you can see it in their countenance and in their eyes. I saw exactly that the first time I met Curtis at a networking event, and felt of his passionate and kind spirit immediately. We connected on social media after meeting, and as I paid attention to his posts, which always had uplifting and inspiring content, I dug a little deeper to see if I could get a glimpse of who he really is and what his past was like. It didn't take long, Facebook "stalking", to find pictures of Curtis riding in Cancer charity events which of course peaked my interest. Shortly after that I saw pictures of him in a hospital, laying on a hospital bed with tubes attached to his body. It was obvious that Curtis had experience some traumatic health issues in his life, but the thing that stood out to me the most was not the tubes or the bandages, it was the smile he seemed to always have in his pictures. As I read about his experiences I realized that he had been through multiple challenges and traumatic health diagnoses, and when I started this podcast I knew that I needed him to come share his story.

 

 

Living with Lymphoma for over 20 years of his life is a crazy story in and of itself, but that is just the beginning for Curtis. He shares with us experiences surrounding being diagnosed with Liver Disease, and the overwhelming odds of surviving it. Instead of accepting the Doctors approach to "managing" this disease in hopes to beat it, Curtis held onto hope which lead to faith and action. He took it to God and with faith moved forward with an alternate form of healing after many hours of prayer and research. He talks about the miracle that occurred for him during this process and how the Doctors responded with much surprise each time he would come for follow up check ups. He shares that his two boys and the idea of getting married again and having an eternal family kept him going and focused on hope for a full recovery.

 

 

Shortly after his health came back he met his now wife and talks about his gratitude not only for her but for everything that had happened, trauma and all, to get him to the point of meeting her. He shares of his Trust in God's plan for our lives and perfect timing. Sounds like a happy ending right? Psych!!

 

 

A small lump on his arm, that wouldn't go away, caused him to question it and fortunately his wife, who works in the medical field, was smart enough to put the right amount of pressure on him to have it looked at. The Doctors decided to do a cat scan and when the called him to tell him the results, he was informed that he needed to get to an Oncology specialist immediately. Come to find out he had an Aneurysm that needed immediate attention! While he was getting ready to go under for surgery, he received a phone call from the same Doctor who preformed the cat scan who informed him that he had cancer... As Curtis shares his feelings during this experience, he talks about Miracles, and that he was grateful for Cancer because it was the motivation that took him to the Doctors who were alerted to the Aneurysm. He shares his witness of God's awareness of us all individually, of the importance of holding onto Hope, and the very real effect that occurs when we, in faith, Act and take steps forward to meet our overwhelming challenges head on.

 

 

What an amazing story, that has shaped an incredible human! Trials can and do lead to our greatest blessings in life and Curtis is a shinning example of that. Curtis, thank you for your courage to share, your passion and gratitude for life, and the faith that you live by. You are a light in this world my friend. What an incredible story!

 

 

If you would like to follow Curtis' story or reach out to him with any questions you can find him on Instagram, handle @curtislamb33 or on Facebook under his name Curtis Lamb.

29. Thurmon Thomas ON: Thurmon is a Marriage and Family Therapist. He shares a message about 'Living Life with Purpose'

Thurmon Thomas is a Marriage and Family Therapist, that not only works with clients but owns and operates multiple practices in Southern Utah. You will love his perspective, as he talks about some of the important "practices" we can adopt into our daily lives to bring us to happiness and joy. I know Thurmon after meeting him as a young missionary in Indiana, where he served as well, and I know first hand that this is a man that practices what he preaches and lives the words that come out of his mouth. Tune into this enlightening episode delivered by Thurmon Thomas a Husband, and Father of 6.

 

 

Thurmon heard the call from his Heavenly Father at the young age of 19, to serve God's children. The path of life for him has always brought him back to this key purpose of serving others, every time he has derailed from that purpose to pursue other "good" paths. Living his life on purpose and helping others to find themselves so that they can discover their own purpose has become Thurmon's call and he has been able to see many lives change for the better.

 

 

He also shares part of his life journey beginning with a tragic event when he was 4, losing his father in a motorcycle accident. His single mother gathered her 5 boys in Delta Utah and moved them down south to St. George, where Thurmon and his family currently reside. Like most young boys growing up Thrumon loved sports and hanging out with friends, but he defines this time of his life with the word "Alone". To support her 5 boys, his mother was very busy earning a living and Thurmon was on his own for the most part to grow up and find his way.

 

 

Upon graduating High school and moving back to Delta Utah to run one of the family businesses, he had a spiritual awakening as his Heavenly Father spoke to his spirit saying "Thurmon, I need you to serve my children". Thurmon responded to the call, and went to serve a two year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in the Indiana, Indianapolis mission, where I first met this incredible man and hero of mine. Thurmon, thank you for inspiring me and serving so many of us on this earth. Love you brother.

 

 

On his website, https://www.thurmonthomas.com/ and in his own words, Thurmon defines who he is and his purpose in serving people as a Marriage and Family Therapist.

 

 

"The work I do each day is centered around helping people improve their lives.  In order to do this in the most effective way possible, I take a systemic perspective - meaning I help them explore all aspects of their lives to find areas which may be out of balance.  This systemic perspective was a key aspect of my education as a Marriage and Family Therapist as well as my training as a certified WholeFIT coach.  I explore all aspects of wellness with my clients including: emotional health, cognitive health, physical health, nutrition, spirituality, and relational health.  When needed, I help coordinate care with other trained professionals to make sure my clients are receiving the best care possible.  

 

 

Some of the treatment methods I use in mental health therapy include: cognitive-behavioral therapy, solution-focused therapy, structural therapy, and narrative therapy.  I work with Couples, Families, Adult Individuals, Adolescents, and Children.  Fort hose who are not in need of mental health therapy or intense relationship work, I utilize wellness coaching techniques to help my clients reach their personal, professional, and relational goals.  

​

 

When not working I enjoy spending time with my Wife and six children.  We love time in the outdoors, as well as just kicking back and watching a good movie.  My wife, Maria and I, are avid marathon runners and are very busy with our amazing family!"

 

 

If you are interested in learning more about Thurmon or connecting with him visit his website, https://www.thurmonthomas.com/

 

 

"People come to me with challenges or turmoil in their life, feeling broken looking for help and answers. The most fulfilling thing for me is looking back and seeing people's lives change, not because I did it... it doesn't work that way, but because I was there to guide them to help themselves find the tools and the strength within to climb out of those challenges. We All face them, if you are a human being on this earth, you're going to have times of deep dark despair where you don't know what to do, where to go, or how anything good is going to happen, to the point that you want to throw in the towel. Most of us are going to experience that in our lifetime, and THAT'S OK! One message I want to make loud and clear is that's normal. It's normal to feel that depression and anxiety, it's part of the plan of this earth life experience. Seeing people transition out of that is so amazing" -Thurmon Thomas

 

 

Thurmon, you are a hero of mine and one of the best men I have ever met. You love and devotion to our Savior Jesus Christ is palpable and the way you strive to follow in His footsteps by running to the aide of as many of Gods children as possible is inspiring. I love you brother and am so grateful to God that He made sure that our paths on earth crossed.

 

 

 

 

28. Rob Sirstins ON: Bullying, Experiencing Racism, Feeling lost and disconnected, Suicidal ideation, Surrounding yourself with great people, Believe, Mental Focus, Finding the Warrior within!

Rob Sirstins, is a dear friend of mine from High School, where I was a first hand witness watching his dominance on the Football field. Rob has always been someone who stands out to me as a person who has been blessed with many God given abilities, but more importantly he has a huge heart and he is genuinely concerned about the wellfare of the people in his life. I have learned why, and as you hear his story you too will realize that it is due to some of the loneliness and pain that he has bravely battled throughout his life.

 

 

Coach Rob, is an inspirational and motivational Coach who's is focused on and is dedicated to helping people find their true identity and authentic selves. He will help you find and connect with the "Warrior Within". Rob believes that it is only when we find ourselves that we truly take ownership of our choices and mindset, and by so doing empowers us to reach our full potential.

 

 

From day 1, Rob has faced trials and challenges that overtime nearly defeated him as he sat in his truck with a gun to his head ready to pull the trigger. Ready to end his life and rest from the turmoil, shame, and feelings or worthlessness that left him in darkness, in that moment a thought came to Rob's mind that He couldn't let Suicide win. It was the spirit of competition within Rob that saved his life that day and started him on his journey to find the "Warrior Within". 

 

 

Rob, who is African American was abandoned as a baby by his birth parents and eventually adopted to his family from Salt Lake City, Utah. As a young boy Rob faced bullying due to the color of his skin, which caused him to feel unwanted and that was different. The bullying continued throughout Rob's childhood and left some deep wounds. Fortunately for Rob, he found his "wings" playing Football where he excelled. After playing for a nationally ranked High school Team and helping lead them to yet another championship, he was given a scholarship to play for the University of Utah Football Team. Shortly before his Freshman season began Rob was in a serious accident that left him injured throughout his playing career. Bitterness came as Robs dream to play professional Football was crushed. Trying to find his way forward Rob attempted to work in the corporate world, but each time he began working a new corporate job, he felt as if he was losing himself.

 

 

At this same time as he was experiencing turmoil over what to do to provide for his wife and daughter, he and his wife divorced due to choices that she was making. Rob now felt the weight of trying to support his daughter at the same time as struggling to find himself in a corporate job.  Also, at the same time he lost his best friend to Suicide and another close friend within weeks of each other. Rob began to spiral into darkness, feeling completely disconnected from the man that he dreamed of becoming. As he sat in his truck overlooking the city with a gun to his head, ready to end his life, Rob had the thought come to mind... "You can't let Suicide beat you". The competitive nature that served Rob so well on the Football field, became the very thing that saved his life that day. 

 

 

That moment of Darkness, began a ripple effect in Rob's life that has led him to become a man that is thriving and helping others to take ownership of their lives and become the "Warrior Within" that each of us have, if we only choose to give it space in our lives. Rob shares the decisions that he made in his life, in the days following his almost Suicide attempt, that allowed him to find value in his life, for himself, and for all others. He is now excelling as a personal coach and helping others who are trying to find their worth and way through their own darkness.

 

 

If you would like to learn more about Rob's work and how he can help you or someone you know, please visit his website at https://www.robsirstins.com 

 

 

Rob will be releasing his book in the near future called "Eagle of the Warrior". In his book Rob will take you through a more detailed Journey of the experiences he has been through and how he has truly found his value and authentic self. 

 

 

Rob, thank you my friend. You are one of my personal hero's and lifelong brother. Thank you for sharing your journey with us, and for turning around to find those desperate to find light by guiding them into the light. Love you brother. 

27. Michael Taylor ON: From birth all odds were against this young man. Statistically Michael shouldn't have had a chance to amount to anything. God has other plans! Don't Miss this Story...

You may want to sit down for this one... not kidding! Michael Taylor has gone through more trials in his young life than most, and he has no resentment in him. As a young man encompassed by circumstances that could leave anyone hopeless and bitter, this young man held on, got back up over and over again, and began watering the seed of faith that somehow took root in his heart, telling him that maybe there is a God.

 

 

Gods hand is clearly seen in Michael’s life and as Michael prayed to God, God moved mountains for him. He joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, and is preparing to serve a full time two year mission in Dallas. Dallas, get ready, you are getting one of the most amazing young men that I have ever met. This is a story of perseverance, of Gods love and awareness for His children, of loving family members that step into help before it’s to late, and of a family that wasn’t Michael’s showing him love, value, and worth, bringing him into their family like he belonged and adopting him in without hesitation and giving him the opportunities in life Michael had never known.

 

 

 

His Mother was a addict who used daily. His Father was not married to his Mom and never around, but when he had to stay with him Dad would abuse Michael and his step brother. At 13 Michael’s mom died of an overdose and he begged God to keep him from having to go live with his abusive father and after a long court battle his Grandparents won custody.

 

 

Although things “seemed” to be a little better for Michael at his Grandparents, Michael struggled to feel self worth and started to drink and use drugs himself to cope with the pain. During time at a treatment center as a young 17 year old boy, his loving Aunt and Uncle visited him and a Miracle happened. His uncle sensed that nothing would change for Michael if he were to stay and made some phone calls which ended up with Michael being placed in a boarding school/treatment center in Utah. His uncle flew out with Michael and gave him the confidence needed to believe there was something more for his life. Michael struggled at first but then caught the vision of the program and excelled. He began staying with the Taylor family from Utah and felt like he had known them forever and was eventually adopted into the family.

 

 

This is a story you won’t want to miss. Michael shares a powerful witness of God and of Gods love for us even when the the cards are stacked against us. The amount of gratitude Michael expresses while he shares was a “game changer” for me. How could a young man born into these circumstances with darkness surrounding him see the world with so much light and believe in so much goodness? Michael you light up the rooms you walk into my friend. Go find those people in Dallas who are in darkness themselves and help find the light you have come to know for yourself.

 

 

Michael, you are one of my hero’s! Continue to share your story and help others believe that they too can rise above the circumstances of life to become a real life Super Hero like you are! Love you brother!

26. Joe Schmit ON: 18 Time Emmy Winner, Award-winning Broadcaster, Author, Community Leader and Popular Keynote Speaker. Powerful Message on Showing Up and Edifying Others. #Grind

Joe Schmit is an 18 time Emmy Award Winner, an author, award-winning broadcaster, community leader, popular keynote speaker, and a friend of mine who I look to as a mentor and leader. His book “Silent Impact” Influence Through Purpose, Persistence and Passion is now in its second edition.  His new book is titled “The Impact Blueprint,” A Step by Step Journey to a Life of Significance. Joe was recently honored by the National Speakers Association (NSA) with the Certified Speaking Professional (CSP)designation.  Less than 15 percent of NSA members worldwide have achieved the CSP designation.

 

 

As a sports broadcaster he has covered every major sporting event in the past 4 decades and has interviewed many of the biggest names in sports.  He joined KSTP-TV in 1985 and has won 18 Emmys from the National Television Academy.  He was also honored with a National Headliner Award in 2001. Joe is a long time youth mentor committed to advocating for a number of community organizations with Big Brothers and Big Sisters is at the top of his list. He is a past president and board member of the Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Greater Twin Cities.   He has raised over $3 million for the organization through the Joe Schmit Celebrity Golf Tournament which had a 16-year run. In 2000, he was the winner of the Jim Kelly Distinguished Service Award from Big Brothers and Big Sisters and in 2001, a winner of the Odyssey Award for commitment to youth mentorship. Joe was also honored as the Juvenile Diabetes Research Fund (JDRF) Community Leader of the Year in 2005. He was named the 2018 winner of the Mike Givens Award for his work with MG Charities which is working to find a cure for brain cancer. He is past president and board member of the Fairway Foundation and has contributed time to many other charitable organizations. Joe and his wife Laura chaired a four million dollar capital campaign for VEAP, the largest food shelf in Minnesota. 

 

 

Joe is an amazing man, who has incredible experiences throughout his life. He is recognized by many throughout the world for his work on Silent Impact Leadership, teaching many that “we make our biggest impressions when we are not trying to be impressive.” Your success and happiness are not related to your title or how many awards you have won, but to the impact you have on others. If there was a going-away party tonight at your office, which person would bring the biggest crowd? The person you just identified is keenly aware of the impact he or she is making on others. Joe will teach you how to ramp up your influence so you make better connections, stronger relationships, and win more often. If you are interested in connecting with Joe, please visit his website joeschmit.com where you can learn more about his Leadership Message, The Books he has Authored, or how to book him as a Keynote Speaker. 

 

 

Joe, you are an incredible person that I will always be grateful that I had the opportunity to meet and connect with. Thank you for teaching me and for sharing your message with my audience. Wishing you, Laura, and your family all the happiness, comfort, and peace as you continue working for the good of people anywhere and everywhere. Thank you!  

 

 

If you would like to learn more about Joe and the possibility of having him coach your team, or speak at an event, you can reach him through his website: https://joeschmit.com/

 

 

Here is the link to purchase a copy of the books he has authored: https://joeschmit.com/book/

 

 

Book Titles:

The Impact Blueprint: "A step by step journey to a life of significance"

Silent Impact: "Stories of Influence through, Purpose, Persistence, and Passion"

 

25. Chelsea Watters ON: Having the Courage to be her Authentic Self without Shame, True selfless Love, Staying Optimistic and Patient during trials of Loneliness and struggling with Self Worth.

Chelsea Watters, is an amazing woman. I have had the opportunity to work with her off and on over the past few years and have gotten to know her and seen how lives and treats others. Chelsea is a rising star in her young career with Marriott, and there is no doubt why she is... She genuinely loves people, cares about them with a passion, gets to know her co-workers individually, and carries a positive influence with her everywhere she goes.  
All of these wonderful characteristic's she has have not come easily, as she has passed through some dark times and difficult trials in her life. Chelsea grew up a Tom Boy and knew that she was different from other girls from the get go. She played basketball in her childhood and when she was on the High School team she knew that she had always felt feelings and attraction to other girls.

 

 

Chelsea shares her experiences navigating the challenges of being her true authentic self in a world that doesn't truly accept who she is. She shares the pain she experienced when she broke up with her first girlfriend, and when she started to date her second girlfriend the faced feeling like she wasn't truly loved or accepted because her girlfriend wouldn't tell her family or friends due to Shame.  
Feeling unaccepted by someone she thought she loved caused her a lot of pain, and hurt. She wanted to move forward but with her basketball career over, she didn't know where to channel her energy. She was working with an a Gentleman, David, who left to take on a Director of Finance Role in Salt Lake City, and 6 months later David called her to ask her to come to Utah. She talks about her initial fear of moving to Utah, in fact her first thought was "Hell No" because she had heard that the culture of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, the predominate religion in Utah, would not accept her for who she is. David, an active member of the LDS church assured her that Utah is a safe place and much different than you think. He also said no matter what he had her back and helped her to feel comfortable to come to Utah. 


 

 

After making the leap of faith and moving to Utah, Chelsea settled into her role at the Downtown City Creek Marriott, and met a group of friends that helped her feel accepted, loved, and gave her the chance to believe Utah was the right move for her life. She ended up dating and falling in love with a young woman who initially worked in the same hotel before Chelsea moved to Provo to advance her career.

 

 

She speaks of true love, what true love looks and feels like and how it has blessed her life.  
She also shares about her decision to "come out" to her parents, brother, and friends. Her parents did an amazing job of accepting her right away and she even mentions how her father knew before she said anything. She also talks about how difficult it was for her brother initially. At first he was ok and he, his wife, and two daughters moved forward as if no big deal, but when Chelsea announced that she was getting married and wanted them to come, he was very uncomfortable and explained that he couldn't do that to his two girls. After some time of reflection and thinking it over her brother decided that it was more important to Love first and foremost and attend the wedding with his family.   

 

 

Chelsea is a joy to know, she uplifts those around her and is always looking for opportunities to say a kind word, express gratitude, and help those in her circles. My life has been blessed and I have learned so much more about God and the diversity of God's children due to my conversations and experiences with her. Chelsea, you are doing so many great things with your life and constantly helping others along your way. Thank you so much for sharing part of your journey with us.