What happens when you spend your entire life collecting elite academic degrees, only to realize the view from the top of the ladder isn't what you actually wanted? In this episode, Ed and Paul sit down with Dr. Kathleen Stone to talk about stripping away the corporate armor, surviving intense life transitions, and why the standard advice to "follow your passion" might be making you miserable.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Mirror Check

01:05 – Drop the "Doctor" Title

03:06 – People Over Projects

06:33 – Email Typos & Leadership Flaws

12:57 – Why "Follow Your Passion" Is Bad Advice

17:51 – Harry Potter, Cosplay, & Clear Skies

21:27 – Life Is Too Short: Caregiving & Sunshine

28:17 – Pulling the Five-Degree Resumé Thread

33:53 – Evolving Whys: "Yes, And"

39:54 – Coasters, Dinosaurs, & Closing the Arena

Links

Kathleen Living Life YouTube Channel

In this episode, Paul Tonden shares his transformative journey from corporate America to franchise ownership, highlighting the challenges, lessons, and principles of entrepreneurship. Discover how systems, community, and mindset play crucial roles in building a sustainable business and navigating change.

Chapters

00:00 Creating Sustainable Business Practices
00:40 Intro & The Shift
11:38 One Person's Treasure is Another's Soon
17:28 Service & Transitions
22:43 Discipline & Life
30:22 Circling Around

Join us as we dive into a conversation with Erica Dawn, a dynamic professional in voice acting, dance, and instructional design. Discover how she balances creativity with business growth and the importance of self-reliance and passion in achieving success.

Timestamps:

00:00

- Introduction to Erica Dawn's drive and determination

00:40

- Meeting Erica: From Akron to Atlanta, voice acting, and dance

01:52

- Erica's journey from NBA dancer to instructional designer

03:12

- Balancing business growth with creativity

04:30

- The challenge of separating work ideas from personal business

07:39

- The importance of balance and passion in work

09:54

- Overcoming entrepreneurial challenges and finding passion

13:15

- Establishing boundaries and learning to say no

17:19

- Building confidence and expertise in instructional design

18:33

- Passion as a motivator for saying yes

20:09

- The role of communication and accountability in coaching

24:57

- Understanding communication as a gift

27:15

- Defining success through self-reliance and community

30:05

- Pride in community and creating opportunities

32:34

- Erica's journey into instructional design during the pandemic

39:16

- Recognizing transferable skills and design thinking

45:46

- Helping others find their best selves and overcome imposter syndrome

49:35

- Encouraging self-initiative and creativity without permission

51:03

- Erica's approach as an accountability coach

55:06

- Building a supportive and fun community

56:15

- How to connect with Erica Dawn for coaching and collaborations

58:15

- Key takeaways: Overcoming obstacles and knowing your passions

Connect with Erica Dawn:

• Instagram: Erica Dawn Voices
• Email: erikadonvoices@gmail.com
• EDV Learning Solutions: Website

This episode highlights the power of passion, self-reliance, and community in crafting a successful and fulfilling career. Erica's insights offer valuable lessons for anyone looking to create their own opportunities and embrace their unique path.