Season 6 - Wisdom of Friends Intro

“You do not need to leave your room. Remain sitting at your table and listen. Do not even listen, simply wait, be quiet, still and solitary. The world will freely offer itself to you to be unmasked, it has no choice, it will roll in ecstasy at your feet.” - Franz Kafka

Dear Friends, 

I am Kal Aras and I want to welcome you to the Season 6 of Wisdom of Friends

Some of you may wonder - What is Wisdom of Friends?

Well - Wisdom of Friends- is a talk show distributed as a podcast where I interview inspiring leaders, fascinating and eclectic people in our community who are living extraordinary lives; capture and share their wisdom and celebrate their life.

We dig deeper into their life's journey;  their goals, their struggles, and their aspirations. We discover how they came to identify their purpose, their values, and their philosophy on life, success, and contribution.

We celebrate folks who have mastered ways to balance the science of success with the art of fulfillment. 

As the Zen practitioners would say - having a beginner's mind helps see possibilities and my goal with these interviews is to extract the wisdom from these conversations, apply it and share it.

Why did I start this show?

The reason I started this show was to bring together people I have known in my life - my social circle, my professional network and my community. Over the years, I have soaked in their wisdom; these individuals with their stand for making a difference in their circle of influence and beyond; have in turn made a difference in my life through their inspiring vision and message, their pursuit of excellence, and comebacks when life had dished out challenges in the form of curve balls - be it a debilitating disease, abuse, bankruptcy, divorce or a death of a loved one. They found a way - the grit to not succumb to these setbacks but instead figured out a way to bounce back with success, build character and alter their destiny with powerful choices. They have shown us to how to keep on living a life fully, powerfully and joyfully. And this is my humble attempt to capture their stories and wisdom as an acknowledgement to these amazingly wonderful people.

Folks - these are the stories of men and women who like you and me are just ordinary people but continue to embark on an extraordinary journey and inspire people in their lives and their community to do the same.

Once again, I welcome you to the Season 6 of Wisdom of Friends show. And, if you like what you hear, please share, don't be shy. I'd also appreciate if you can give us a five star rating so that we can share this podcast with a bigger audience.

Thank You!

Kal Aras

Season 5 - From communication chaos to profit, performance and productivity - Episode 54

Lisa, founder of Lisa Copeland Communications, is a communication specialist with 25+ years of corporate speaking experience. While maintaining her corporate position, she also leads business teams with radically different perspectives to synergy via customized communication and enhanced understanding of the workplace dynamics.

As a business consultant, workshop facilitator, corporate coach / educator and highly skilled dental hygienist, Lisa’s dynamic presentation style motivates her audience to take action.

Her diverse career path focuses on:  Lisa Copeland Communications consulting, clinical hygiene and corporate education.

Lisa is an international speaker who has presented a wide range of topics to audiences throughout the world. She is a committed member of the National Speakers Association, which promotes the highest standards of professional speaking partnered with lifelong learning.

After working in Singapore for five years, Lisa and her husband relocated to the Northwest.  Her passions in life include triathlons, cycling, swimming, snowboarding, and travel.

Show Notes:

Lisa Copeland -  Website, LinkedIn

Lisa Copeland

Season 5 - Your Communication Connection with Jan McLaughlin - Episode 52

Jan M. McLaughlin, CSP works with professionals who want to positively influence the responses they receive.  Jan had been a teacher, retail manager and actress in television commercials when she established the image consulting firm, J'Ambry.  Referred to in the Seattle Times as a "pioneer in the image industry" and "the most frequently-quoted image professional in the Northwest," she was a popular guest on television and radio and in demand as a speaker.  At the urging of clients, she expanded her focus and established Your Communication Connection.  As a highly-respected speaker and trainer—who is considered an expert in communication—she offers programs on impression management, communication, customer service, leadership and presentation skills.

Jan has earned the Certified Speaking Professional (CSP) designation—the speaking profession’s international measure of speaking experience and skill.

Fewer than 12 % of the 5,000+ speakers worldwide, who belong to the 14 member associations of the Global Speakers Federation (GSF), currently hold this professional designation.

Show Notes:

Blog:    Twitter:   YouTube , LinkedIn, Website

Additional Resources:

Jan McLaughlin

Featured Posts

Season 5 - Don't just Wow the crowd, change them with Tamsen Webster - Episode 51

Part "idea whisperer," part message strategist, and part presentation coach, Tamsen Webster helps people and organizations like Verizon, State Street Bank, Ericsson, Johnson & Johnson, and Disney find and communicate the power of their ideas. For four years, she was the Executive Producer of TEDxCambridge, one of the oldest and largest locally organized “TED talk” events in the world. In former lives, she worked in both agencies and at nonprofits heading up brand, marketing, and fundraising communication strategy, along with a brief but enduring turn as a change management consultant. She was a reluctant marathoner...twice; is a winning ballroom dancer (in her mind); and everything she knows about people, speaking, and change, she learned at Weight Watchers. True story.

Show Notes: 

Tamsen Webster Keynote Speaking and Coaching

Tamsen's LinkedIn Profile

Tamsen Webster

Season 5 - Turning Your Knowledge, Experience and Expertise into Ongoing Streams of Cash - Peter Thomson - Episode 50

Peter Thomson is now regarded as the UK’s most prolific information product creator. Starting in business in 1972 he built 3 successful companies – selling the last to a public company, after only 5 years trading, for £4.2M enabling him to retire at age 42.

Since that time Peter has concentrated on sharing his proven methods for business and personal success via audio and video programmes, books, seminars, conference speeches and mentoring programmes.

Peter now specializes in helping coaches, consultants, speakers, trainers and business owners to grow their organisations – so each can create a business and a life of choice. He shares the precise steps on how to share more of their authentic messages with more people than they could ever reach on a 1-2-1- basis by showing them how to write and create and market their own informational products.

With over 100 audio and 100 video programs written and recorded he is Nightingale Conant’s leading UK author.

Show Notes: 

Peter Thomson Website,  LinkedIn Profile

Book Recommendations: Decisive

Turn Your Knowledge, Experience and Expertise into Ongoing Streams of Cash by Joining Peter Thomson's highly rated  The Achievers Club

Peter Thomson

Season 5 - Extraordinary Impact with Elisa Hays - Episode 49

Would you like extraordinary leadership at every level in your organization? Then you need to hear Elisa Hays’s astonishing story. After an 18-wheeler truck going 65 miles-per-hour hit her body, she was propelled 90 feet through the air and ultimately into the position she is in now as a speaker, consultant and executive coach empowering organizations, individuals and audiences internationally. With honesty, humor, and heart-wrenching stories Elisa reveals the simple but powerful truths she uncovered through her miraculous survival. She shares the character and choices it took to save lives and rebuild her own after the near-fatal collision that cost her a successful 20-year career as a performer and CEO of a one-of-a-kind entertainment company. By applying her hard-won leadership lessons in leveraging adversity you will grow star performer communities and achieve extraordinary impact with your team – all without the messy bother of actually getting hit by a truck.

Show Notes: 

Elisa Hays: Keynote Speaking, LinkedIn Profile

Elisa Hays

Season 5 - The Reluctant Leader - Owning Your Responsibility with Ron Rael - Episode 48

Ron Rael, the CEO and founder of the High Road® Institute works with the everyday leader to become a person who leads with intention and impact. Ron is a vanguard on leadership topics. His 40+ years of business experience comes from working in two Fortune 500 companies, as well as from leading employee teams in closely held businesses. Ron’s has worked with Cabela’s, Costco, Starbucks, Microsoft, Bright Horizons, Moss Adams, Radio Shack, the U.S. Navy, and several northwest Universities.

Ron’s extensive wisdom and practical solutions, contained in his 19 books and diverse leadership solutions, provide both strategies and tactics for organizational success. He has trained and coached more than 14,000 leaders and business professionals throughout the United States and Canada. He is the author of The Reluctant Leader™:  Own Your Responsibility with Courage, which is now available at Amazon.

The Reluctant Leader™ is a person who feels uncomfortable with the challenges of leading, yet is looked upon by others to be their leader.

Ron has been speaking professionally since 1988. And, he is only 29 years old! This is amazing and because he has a rare disorder known as DCS.

Show Notes: 

Ron Rael - LinkedIn Profile, High Road Institute

Book Recommendations: Illusions by Richard Bach

Ron Rael

Season 5 - Designing Global Learning Solutions with Eric Ellefsen - Episode 47

Eric Ellefsen is a learning & development leader focused on delivering evidence-based training solutions that build skills to meet business needs. Currently, he is a global learning design leader at EY (Ernst & Young), a “big 4” professional services firm, where he develops learning design processes and standards to ensure a high quality learner experience. Over the past 20 years, he has served in a variety of learning roles at Kaplan Education (higher education), ITT Corporation (manufacturing and military contracts), Healthways (healthcare), Terabeam and AT&T (telecomm). Prior to that, he served as an officer in the U.S. Navy. He earned his PhD in Educational Technology from the University of Northern Colorado, MA from the University of Colorado and BA from the University of California, Berkeley. 

Show Notes:

Eric Ellefsen: LinkedIn Profile

Toastmasters International Website

Eric Ellefsen

Season 5 - Insights from this Two-Time World Championship Finalist with Katina Hunter - Episode 46

Katina Hunter has spoken all over to audiences spanning the generation spectrum & in front of people all over the world as one of the Top 10 Speakers in the World Championship of Public Speaking in both 2016 & again in 2017. Her theatrical background comes through in her boisterous presentations & motivational speeches. 

Described as "Maverick!" with speeches that are "... for the history books," Katina is a masterful storyteller with a knack of revealing the special from within the simple.

When she first joined Toastmasters 4 years ago, her goal was to just become more comfortable speaking. She wanted to move past the racing heart & dry mouth that suffocated her when in front of audiences. Katina didn't even know that there were speaking competitions. Now, such a short time later, Katina has not only overcome her fear, but she's a world-wide speaking competitor & coach. In 2016, Katina beat out over 32,000 other competitors to reach the Finals Stage in Washington, DC - as one of the top 10 speakers of the world. Last year in Vancouver, she did it again & is a two-time world champion finalist. 

Show Notes: 

Katina Hunter Speeches

Katina Hunter Website

Katina Hunter

Season 5 Intro - Compelling Speakers: The Art of Public Speaking - Episode 45

Hello Folks;

Welcome to Season 5 of the Wisdom of Friends Show. I am your host Kal Aras. The theme for this season is an extension of Season 4 : Compelling Speakers – The Art of Public Speaking

In this season, we are going to learn the tricks and trades of Public Speaking and Presence from some of the top notch speakers in the world.  I have tried to focus on an eclectic mix of speakers from the realm of business, arts, and spirituality. Each of these speakers has established their mark as professionals within their industry, and they share some of the universal principles and best practices of being a world class speaker.

Having gotten to know these inspiring and fascinating people who I consider to be dear friends, a pattern began to emerge - they seem to share some common traits like Charisma and Presence; a Passion for outstanding contribution, and a commitment to mastery.

As these powerful leaders share their personal journey and stories, we get to learn and model their mindset, their skills set and their heart set. You will learn and discover a blueprint for your own success with concepts like:

1.       How to become appealing and effective by telling compelling stories that inspire and motivate?

2.       The path to influence through Presence - a balance of strength and warmth

3.       How we can learn to win the admiration, respect, and affection we desire and

4.       The nuts and bolts of public speaking

Regardless of whether your goal is to educate, fundraise, inspire teams, build an award-winning culture, or to deliver memorable presentations, these interviews will help you gain a competitive advantage.

That's it for this episode. We hope you enjoy this season about becoming a compelling speaker and the art of public speaking. Don't forget to subscribe to Wisdom of Friends on iTunes. While you're at it, give us a five star rating and review. This will help us reach more people and would be appreciated.

Thank you for listening. If you like what you heard, please share and don’t be shy.

Wisdom of Friends - Top Podcast

• Happiness
• Purpose
• Wisdom of Friends
• Freedom
• Success

Season 4 - Winning in Business and Baseball with Earl Bell - Episode 44

Earl Bell is an author, consultant and success coach/trainer for business owners and leaders.  His expertise comes from the world of business, where Earl was CFO for a $17 billion Registered Investment Advisory firm AND the world of youth sports where he coached 22 baseball and softball teams over 10 years.  Earl is the author of Winning in Baseball and Business, Transforming Little League Principles into Major League Profits for Your Company. 

Show Notes: 

Earl Bell - Linked In Profile

Earl Bell - Website

Earl Bell

Season 4 - The Philosophy of Leadership with Toastmasters International President Balraj Arunasalam, DTM - Episode 43

Balraj Arunasalam, DTM, of Colombo, Western Province, Sri Lanka, is chairman/managing director of Gemtrans Engineering Company, a maker of industrial belts. Active in his community, he serves as President of the Iyyappan Temple management board, as Vice President of the Aarunadu Velalar Society of Sri Lanka, and is a member of both the local Chamber of Commerce and Rotary Club.

In 2011, Arunasalam helped establish an English course for Rural Voices Unlimited, a project designed to educate youth in rural Sri Lanka. The U.S. Embassy in Colombo recognized him for this ongoing work with youth. Arunasalam holds an advanced level General Certificate of Education from Trinity College in Kandy, Sri Lanka, and is earning a master’s degree through the Australian Institute of Business Administration.

A dedicated Toastmaster for 27 years, Arunasalam is a member of two clubs, including his home club Colombo Toastmasters. A distinguished leader, Arunasalam has held numerous offices from club through international level: He served as International Director 2011 to 2013 and Second Vice President 2014-2015 and First Vice-President 2015-2016, Toastmasters International. He holds the Distinguished Toastmaster designation—the highest level of educational achievement in Toastmasters International.

“Toastmasters is a way of life,” Arunasalam says. “It helped me understand the philosophy of leadership, to give and receive respect, and to be humble.”

As International President, Arunasalam is a “working ambassador” for the organization. He works with the Board to develop and support the policies and procedures that guide Toastmasters International in fulfilling its mission.

Balraj Arunasalam

Kaushal "Kal" Aras and Balraj Arunasalam

Season 4 - The Tao of Public Speaking and Presentation with Dr. Ali Binazir - Episode 42

Dr Ali Binazir is an author, speaker and clinical hypnotherapist and Happiness Engineer. He is the author of 4 books, including "The Tao of Dating: The Smart Woman's Guide to Being Absolutely Irresistible", the highest-rated dating book on Amazon for 4 years, and most recently, "Should I Go to Medical School: An Irreverent Guide to Pro and Cons of a Career in Medicine." He holds an honors degree from Harvard College, an M.D. from UC San Diego School of Medicine, and an M.Phil. from Cambridge University. Formerly a consultant at McKinsey & Co., he writes a popular column for Huffington Post and is based in San Francisco. He trains executive speakers with KNP Communications, and has given three TEDx talks by invitation: "Awaken Inner Creative Genius", "Love & the Empowered Woman", and "Happiness Engineering: A New Paradigm for Success."

Show Notes:

Dr. Ali Binazir - Profile and Website, Blogs

Book Recommendations: 

Why we sleep: unlocking the power of sleep and dreams" by matthew walker, ph.d.

The tao of dating: the thinking man's enlightened guide to success with women

Compelling People: The Hidden Qualities That Make Us Influential, by Matthew Kohut and John Neffinger

Steal the Show by Michael Port

Dr. Ali Binazir

Season 4 - A supersoul conversation with Dr. C. Ronald S. Williams II - Episode 41

Dr. C. Ronald S. Williams II is founder and senior pastor of Mount Zion Fellowship in Highland Hills, Ohio. Dr. Williams founded Mount Zion on January 2, 1983 with 15 persons in attendance.  Today, Mount Zion has approximately 1,500 members. Dr. Williams has directed the development of numerous ministries that minister to those inside and outside the church. Dr. Williams is an accomplished gospel music composer, arranger, musician, and musical director. From 1977 to the present, he has recorded with The Messengers of Peace (1977–1982) and the Voices of Koinonia (1984–present). “My Soul Sings Hallelujah” is a piano concert by Dr. Williams, accompanied by members of the Cleveland Orchestra and the Voices of Koinonia. In addition, Dr. Williams has performed in concerts with such gospel artists as Donnie McClurkin and Kirk Franklin. He has performed at Cleveland’s Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Playhouse Square, and has appeared with Barry Manilow at Blossom Music Center. Dr. Williams has authored four books as well. Dr. Williams holds two doctoral degrees: Doctor of Ministry and Doctor of Divinity. He has studied in the United States (Livingstone College, Ashland Theological Institute, Trinity Theological Seminary) and abroad at the institute of Holy Land Studies in Israel. Pastor Ron (as he is affectionately known) is a devoted, loving father to his two sons, Clifton and Christian.

Show Notes:

Dr. Williams Website

Recommendations: Gospel Music, YouTube Channel of Mt Zion Fellowship

Dr. C. Ronald S. Williams II

Season 4- Building Dreams and Network Marketing Leaders with Eileen Williams - Episode 40

Eileen Williams is an entrepreneur who has capitalized on the changing global economy most recently with Social Media Marketing.  Mother to 3 extraordinary people, grandmother to Luke, married to Ted Williams for 35 years

Native San Diegan and a USD business School graduate

Worked at Corporate HR - last company being ViaSat

Started Networking business 1990- with 3 kids age 5 and under

Named Woman Entrepreneur for Nu Skin Enterprises 2006

Quoted in book- Think and Grow Rich for Women 2015

Today Business is in over 47 countries and multiple millions in annual sales dominating the Latin American market and does not speak Spanish.  Most passionate about helping the next generation contribute to the world and making it better for everyone.

Show Notes: 

Facebook: @womenwithnoceiling

Eileen Williams - LinkedIn Profile

Course Recommendations: PSI Seminars

Season 4 - Is this Mike On with Mike Robertson - Episode 39

Mike Robertson is creativity in a loud suit. As a professional speaker, he draws on a lifetime of chasing one creative rabbit after another: music, magic, writing, acting, graphic design, painting. All those paths unite in his unique approach to speaking while incorporating innovative and surprising visuals.

“I didn’t use any slides at all when I began speaking,” Mike says. “I felt the same way about PowerPoint as everyone else does; it’s boring, repetitive, and distracting. But then I began thinking that—with all my graphic design experience—I could at least make slides that were nice-looking.”

They were more than just nice-looking. Mike quickly noticed something almost unprecedented: he put a slide on the screen and the audience…burst into applause!

“I knew that didn’t happen very often, so I continued to expand what I was doing, incorporating more creative use of fonts, colors, backgrounds, and even some magic techniques.”

The result quickly made Mike’s reputation in the National Speakers Association, and led to him creating slides for many top speakers in the USA and Australia.

Mike has written four books, including The Pizza, The Peach, & The Platypus, an accompaniment to his signature keynote speech on creativity, The Art of Readiness. He lives in Austin with his wife of 30 years, Lisa, a talented videographer whose documentary on electric football just had its first public showing. They have one daughter, Lindsey, a writer and performer in Los Angeles.

Mike Robertson believes that life is an art project and he tries to add an interesting page/color/melody to his own life every single day.

Show Notes:

Mike Robertson - Website

Mike Robertson

Season 4 - A Pastor's journey to the World Championship stage of Public Speaking with Kevin Stamper - Episode 38

Kevin Stamper recently won third place in the World Championship of Public Speaking. When he’s not speaking to Toastmasters, he’s leading a new church near Tampa, Florida (Restore Trinity). He and his wife, Marie have 2 children - Jane and Oliver - who give Kevin plenty of material for more speeches. 

Show Notes: 

Kevin Stamper

Restore Trinity Church

Kevin Stamper

Season 4 - The Art of a Working Comic, Humor and Talent Showcases with Dave Schwensen - Episode 37

Dave Schwensen is the author of "How To Be A Working Comic: An Insider’s Guide To A Career In Stand-Up Comedy", "Comedy FAQs And Answers: How The Stand-Up Biz Really Works", and ""Comedy Workshop: Creating & Writing Comedy Material for Comedians & Humorous Speakers". His credits include Talent Coordinator for the television show "A&E’s An Evening At The Improv", The Hollywood and New York City Improv Comedy Clubs, and Assistant to Improv founder Budd Friedman.

With The Improv in Hollywood and New York, Dave coordinated talent showcases and auditions for major television shows, networks and film studios. Included in this list are "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno", "Late Night with David Letterman", "The Today Show", The Montreal Just For Laughs Festival, Disney, Paramount, MTV, VH-1, ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, HBO, Showtime and more.

Dave is also a former manager of The Cleveland Improv Comedy Club and Restaurant. He’s worked in the comedy industry for almost three decades and decided to do one comedy workshop in 1994. They’ve continued since...

Dave has extensive experience within the New York, Hollywood and Midwest regions as a college and corporate booking agent, (comedians, speakers and variety acts), talent manager, publicist, radio host, entertainment journalist and award-winning newspaper humor columnist. In addition to his comedy workshops in Chicago, Cleveland and Tampa, and comedy business seminars – which have been held in major cities such as New York, Philadelphia, Charlotte, New Orleans, Los Angeles and San Francisco – Dave has designed and instructs courses in business communications and presentation skills for Cleveland State University, Youngstown State University, and other “halls of higher learning.”

As a trainer and keynote speaker on communication skills, Dave presents "You're Talking, But Is Anyone Really Listening?" for conferences, businesses, schools and special interest groups. The program focuses on leadership, teamwork and networking by employing humor and creativity to enhance your message. 

Show Notes:

For insider information about the comedy industry visit here

Beatles in Cleveland

Dave Schwensen - Website

Dave Schwensen

Season 4 - Winning the UK and Ireland Championship of Public Speaking with Simon Bucknall - Episode 36

Simon helps high-achieving professionals to connect, influence and inspire through the spoken word – when presenting, pitching and in key meetings.

A multiple, international award-winning speaker, Simon was a Finalist in the 2017 World Championship of Public Speaking in Vancouver, Canada – placing 2nd out of more than 30,000 speakers across the globe.

As a full-time speaker, facilitator and coach since 2008, Simon has helped professionals from all walks of life to be more impactful through the spoken word, including FTSE 100 & Fortune 100 executives, entrepreneurs, MBAs and academics as well as refugees, teachers, police officers, school children and the occasional prison inmate.

Clients include General Electric, HgCapital, TrendMicro, DPD, Oxford University’s Blavatnik School of Government and Said Business School, London Business School, Cambridge University’s Laing O’Rourke Centre for Construction Engineering & Technology and the Royal Academy of Engineering.

His career background spans executive headhunting, blue-chip corporate brand strategy consulting plus a stint working in the House of Commons as Head of Office for a senior Parliamentarian. He has featured as an expert commentator on BBC World News, BBC London Radio, Channel 5 News and on international broadcast radio networks around the world.

Simon holds degrees from Oxford University and the London School of Oriental & African Studies. He is a Fellow of the UK Professional Speaking Association, the Royal Society for the Arts and Visiting Fellow in Professional Skills at London’s New College of the Humanities and Cambridge University.

In 2013, he was awarded the Freedom of the City of London.

Show Notes:

Book Recommendations: Dale Carnegie on Public Speaking, Bounce, Craig Valentine

Simon's FREE eBook  

UK & Ireland Champion of Public Speaking
Professional Speaker, Coach & Mentor
 

Simon Bucknall