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What happens when a million-mile corporate traveler trades global supply chains for hand-poured candles? Sherry Owens-Thompson's remarkable transformation from retail VP to founder of Wild Orchid Candle Company reveals how decades of strategic business experience can ignite an entrepreneurial flame.

After years of feeling like "just another asset" in corporate America, Sherry embraced her passion for candle-making—discovering that creating the perfect candle requires a delicate dance between science and art. She explains the crucial differences between mass-market candles that burn black, sooty smoke and her premium, sustainable creations using coconut, apricot, and soy waxes that burn cleaner and last longer.

Beyond building a thriving business with impressive customer retention, Sherry's story illuminates how entrepreneurship enables purpose-driven work. Through her WOW Academy, she brings STEAM education to young people, teaching emotional regulation and mindfulness alongside candle science. Her private labeling services help fellow small businesses create memorable branded products that outlast traditional promotional items.

The conversation delves into the intersection of business strategy and social impact, offering practical wisdom for anyone considering their entrepreneurial journey. As Sherry says, "You truly are the master of your own destiny," emphasizing the importance of surrounding yourself with people who help you level up rather than hold you back.

Ready to explore how your skills might fuel an unexpected business opportunity? Visit wildorchidcandles.com to discover how science, sustainability, and strategy come together in perfect harmony.

Thanks for tuning in to this episode of Follow The Brand! We hope you enjoyed learning about the latest marketing trends and strategies in Personal Branding, Business and Career Development, Financial Empowerment, Technology Innovation, and Executive Presence. To keep up with the latest insights and updates from us, be sure to follow us at 5starbdm.com. See you next time on Follow The Brand!

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Solving the $10,000 Problem: Your Path from Personal Brand to Investment-Ready Business

What separates thriving businesses from struggling ones? According to Grant McGaugh, CEO of Five Star BDM, it's the ability to solve high-value problems while building a multi-dimensional business strategy. In this illuminating session, Grant shares his journey from corporate IT professional to business advisor, revealing how a layoff in 2019 became the catalyst for creating a comprehensive business framework that now serves entrepreneurs worldwide.

The cornerstone of Grant's approach is what he calls "the $10,000 problem" - identifying and addressing challenges that represent significant financial value to potential clients. This threshold matters because it's where prospects stop scrolling and start engaging. As Grant explains, "If what you're doing is not solving at least a $10,000 problem, most people will just keep scrolling past you." This insight forms the foundation of the BRAVE Blueprint - a methodology encompassing Brand identity, Research, Assets, Visibility, and Execution.

Grant reveals how his business operates across three interconnected dimensions. Personal branding serves as the entry point, creating the know-like-trust factor essential for attracting clients. Business development transforms individual expertise into scalable frameworks, recurring revenue models, and operational efficiencies. Finally, investment banking strategies position businesses for capital raises, strategic partnerships, or eventual exits - requiring demonstrable competitive advantages, protected intellectual property, and reliable financial forecasts.

For entrepreneurs feeling stuck, Grant offers a refreshing perspective on business growth: "Senior leaders typically aren't operating in the present, they're operating in the future. They're creating the future that we're going to experience." This forward-thinking approach includes developing specific milestones, building financial reserves, and sometimes considering acquisition rather than organic growth when time-to-market is critical.

Ready to transform your business from personality-dependent to investment-ready? Connect with the Black Business Network every Friday and Saturday from 8am to noon Eastern time to learn more about growing your business and accessing this global community of entrepreneurs.

Thanks for tuning in to this episode of Follow The Brand! We hope you enjoyed learning about the latest marketing trends and strategies in Personal Branding, Business and Career Development, Financial Empowerment, Technology Innovation, and Executive Presence. To keep up with the latest insights and updates from us, be sure to follow us at 5starbdm.com. See you next time on Follow The Brand!

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What happens when compassion meets operational excellence in healthcare leadership? Alexander Fernandez's journey from frontline nursing to Corporate Director at Jackson Health System reveals the transformative power of people-centered leadership in high-pressure healthcare environments.

Known affectionately as "The Mayor," Fernandez brings a rare ability to unite clinical and administrative teams while driving measurable results. His leadership philosophy—"the heart behind the hustle"—perfectly captures how he balances human connection with strategic execution. Born into a family where his grandmother modeled compassionate service and his father rose from being a Cuban orphan to becoming the first Hispanic police officer in Metro Dade and eventually a U.S. diplomat, Fernandez inherited both compassion and a powerful work ethic that defines his approach to healthcare operations.

While many leaders focus exclusively on metrics, Fernandez builds cultures that sustain performance by reducing turnover and fostering loyalty across diverse teams. "I build trust and structure at the same time," he explains, ensuring operational support recognizes that people are not just numbers. This approach has proven particularly effective when leading complex initiatives spanning patient access, stroke care, workforce staffing, and system-wide technology implementations.

Mentorship stands as a cornerstone of Fernandez's leadership strategy. Having benefited from the guidance of a CEO who recognized his potential early in his career, he now pays this forward by nurturing others' growth. His advice to aspiring healthcare leaders? Find a mentor and don't let fear stop you from moving forward. "Confidence comes through experience," he shares, emphasizing that stepping into challenging roles builds the expertise needed to navigate healthcare's complex landscape.

Connect with Alexander on LinkedIn under Alexander A Fernandez or email at afernandez3@jhsmiami.org to learn more about his approach to transformational healthcare leadership.

Thanks for tuning in to this episode of Follow The Brand! We hope you enjoyed learning about the latest marketing trends and strategies in Personal Branding, Business and Career Development, Financial Empowerment, Technology Innovation, and Executive Presence. To keep up with the latest insights and updates from us, be sure to follow us at 5starbdm.com. See you next time on Follow The Brand!

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What does authentic leadership look like in high-stress healthcare environments? Dr. Devita Price, Director of Jackson Behavioral Health Hospital, reveals the powerful intersection of personal resilience and professional excellence in this candid conversation.

Few healthcare leaders bring the unique perspective Dr. Price offers. With experience spanning maternal health, child hospice, and behavioral health, she's developed a leadership philosophy grounded in compassion and cultural humility. But what truly sets her apart is how she's transformed personal challenges into leadership strengths. As a mother of eight, foster parent, domestic violence survivor, and healthcare executive, Dr. Price embodies the resilience she cultivates in her teams.

Throughout our discussion, Dr. Price shares practical wisdom on creating psychological safety in high-stress environments through open communication and modeling vulnerability. She addresses critical equity gaps in mental healthcare, particularly in maternal mental health, and emphasizes the importance of listening to underserved communities. Her insights on the evolving skill set needed for Chief Nursing Officers—from strategic agility to emotional intelligence—offer valuable guidance for healthcare leaders navigating today's complex landscape.

Perhaps most inspiring is Dr. Price's commitment to authenticity. Currently writing a book about her journey, she views sharing her story as both personal therapy and a way to destigmatize struggles others face. Her message to fellow healthcare leaders resonates deeply: lead with purpose, stay humble, and remember that your impact extends beyond clinical outcomes to building a legacy rooted in compassion, equity, and resilience.

Connect with Dr. Devita Price on LinkedIn or email her at Davida.Price@JHSMiami.org, and discover more episodes of the Follow Brand Podcast at 5StarBDM.com.

Thanks for tuning in to this episode of Follow The Brand! We hope you enjoyed learning about the latest marketing trends and strategies in Personal Branding, Business and Career Development, Financial Empowerment, Technology Innovation, and Executive Presence. To keep up with the latest insights and updates from us, be sure to follow us at 5starbdm.com. See you next time on Follow The Brand!

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What happens when your work no longer feels true to who you are? In this eye-opening conversation with Professor Richard Thompson, we explore the challenging yet rewarding journey from corporate success to educational impact – a transition that reveals profound lessons about purpose, authenticity, and personal reinvention.

After 25 years in telecommunications with companies like AT&T, Thompson reached a critical crossroads when he could no longer deliver the customer satisfaction that had once energized him. Rather than continuing down a path that conflicted with his values, he embarked on a journey of self-discovery that ultimately revealed his true purpose: helping people grow. This realization led him to education, where he now empowers students to find their own path by understanding their passions, strengths, and interests.

Thompson shares a practical framework for anyone contemplating career transitions: identify what you're passionate about (what you'd do without payment), what you're good at (as validated by others), and what genuinely interests you. By exploring careers connected to these elements, you can uncover dozens of potential paths aligned with your authentic self. The critical insight? You don't start over when transitioning – you repackage the valuable skills you've accumulated throughout your professional life.

For professionals feeling stuck or unfulfilled, Thompson offers reassurance that your experience is never wasted. The key lies in networking extensively, researching thoroughly before making changes, and understanding that modern careers require adaptability. As he wisely observes, three things are always in motion: social norms, technology, and time. Don't waste precious time in work that doesn't align with your true self. Instead, focus on who you want to BE rather than what you want to HAVE, and everything else will naturally follow.

Ready to discover your purpose and make a meaningful career transition? Listen now and learn how to turn professional expertise into personal fulfillment. Then share your own transition story with us – we'd love to hear how you're redefining success on your terms.

Thanks for tuning in to this episode of Follow The Brand! We hope you enjoyed learning about the latest marketing trends and strategies in Personal Branding, Business and Career Development, Financial Empowerment, Technology Innovation, and Executive Presence. To keep up with the latest insights and updates from us, be sure to follow us at 5starbdm.com. See you next time on Follow The Brand!

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Thanks for tuning in to this episode of Follow The Brand! We hope you enjoyed learning about the latest marketing trends and strategies in Personal Branding, Business and Career Development, Financial Empowerment, Technology Innovation, and Executive Presence. To keep up with the latest insights and updates from us, be sure to follow us at 5starbdm.com. See you next time on Follow The Brand!

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What does it really take to scale a business from six figures to seven figures and beyond? Ron Reich, business growth and marketing strategist with nearly two decades of experience, breaks down the journey that took him from stuffing flyers in law school cubbies to becoming the strategic mind behind multiple seven-figure brands.

Ron's story begins with an entrepreneurial spark during his third year of law school when he discovered what was then called "information marketing." While waiting for bar exam results, he created his first digital product—a $397 course on law school success—marketing it through guerrilla tactics and early Google AdWords. This initial venture allowed him to leave his legal career behind and develop expertise across multiple niches, eventually leading to the creation of his Genius Profit System.

The conversation dives deep into the psychology behind business growth, with Ron revealing that the path to major success often isn't flashy or exciting. As his mentor Richard Cousins says, "Making money is boring. Making a lot of money is really boring." This counterintuitive wisdom highlights why many entrepreneurs struggle—they abandon what works to chase shiny objects instead of doubling down on proven strategies.

Through his work with major brands like Hay House and Ryan Levesque, Ron has refined a diagnostic approach that identifies the highest leverage points in each business. For some, it's creating premium offers to monetize their most loyal followers (the top 1-3% who will pay ten times more). For others, it's expanding reach to attract new leads. The key is customizing the approach based on existing strengths rather than following cookie-cutter formulas.

Perhaps the most powerful insight Ron shares is disarmingly simple: entrepreneurs either win or they learn. This win-win proposition, coupled with his belief that "all growth happens outside the comfort zone," forms the philosophical foundation that has guided countless business owners through the challenging journey to seven figures and beyond.

Connect with Ron at ronreich.com, where you can download his free 60-second profit checklist and transform the way you approach business growth.

Thanks for tuning in to this episode of Follow The Brand! We hope you enjoyed learning about the latest marketing trends and strategies in Personal Branding, Business and Career Development, Financial Empowerment, Technology Innovation, and Executive Presence. To keep up with the latest insights and updates from us, be sure to follow us at 5starbdm.com. See you next time on Follow The Brand!

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What does it truly mean to lead with quiet strength in healthcare? Mavel Arinal, Corporate Director for Clinical Practice and Regulatory Compliance at Jackson Health System, demonstrates how soft-spoken determination can drive transformative change.

From her beginnings as a labor and delivery nurse in the Philippines to her current leadership role, Mavel shares the pivotal moments that shaped her professional journey. After immigrating to the United States, she took a humble step back, working as a certified nursing assistant while studying for her NCLEX exam—an experience that taught her invaluable lessons about resilience and the dignity in serving others.

The conversation reveals how a simple question to a nurse educator sparked Mavel's passion for education, eventually leading her to discover her gift for empowering others. This curiosity and her willingness to embrace new opportunities facilitated her remarkable transition from bedside to boardroom. Her personal brand tagline, "Lead quietly, change everything," perfectly captures her leadership philosophy that true impact comes not from being the loudest voice in the room, but from intentional observation, deep understanding, and strategic decision-making.

Mavel offers powerful insights into the delicate balance between compliance, culture, and compassion when leading complex healthcare initiatives. She discusses how her experience with clinical research transformed her approach to evidence-based leadership and why she believes compliance is evolving from a task-oriented function to a strategic driver of safety, equity, and excellence in healthcare.

For healthcare professionals feeling unseen or stuck in their careers, Mavel's journey provides inspiring wisdom: "Progress is not always a straight path, and starting over doesn't mean you've failed." Her story demonstrates that extraordinary achievement is possible with focused determination and continuous forward momentum.

Ready to discover your own leadership potential? Connect with Mavel on LinkedIn to learn from her experiences and publications, and explore more episodes of the Follow the Brand Podcast for strategies to develop your professional brand and presence.

Thanks for tuning in to this episode of Follow The Brand! We hope you enjoyed learning about the latest marketing trends and strategies in Personal Branding, Business and Career Development, Financial Empowerment, Technology Innovation, and Executive Presence. To keep up with the latest insights and updates from us, be sure to follow us at 5starbdm.com. See you next time on Follow The Brand!