In this episode of the Local Experience Podcast, I sat down with Sjeanne Cawdry, the Director and Founder of The Center of Liberation. Sean shares her diverse background, from being born and raised in Johannesburg, South Africa, to moving to Fort Collins, Colorado. Her journey includes a rich history in corporate investment banking in innovative roles, along with personal experiences that led her to found her center aimed at supporting conscious business practices and leadership development.

Sjeanne highlights how she transitioned from personal training gyms to a significant role in one of South Africa's leading corporate investment banks, and how she was involved in transformative projects, particularly in the realms of cryptocurrency and digital assets. Sjeanne also touches on her approach to understanding and leveraging future trends like AI and digital currencies.

The conversation also includes Sjeanne's personal life experiences, including her two near-death experiences and how they helped shaped her perspective on life and work. She discusses her move to America, driven by an online romance during COVID, and her observations on the cultural differences between the two countries. Sjeanne concludes by offering advice for young people navigating their educational and career paths, emphasizing the importance of following one’s passions and creating value in their work.

The LoCo Experience Podcast is sponsored by: Purpose Driven Wealth Thrivent: Learn more

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Music By: A Brother's Fountain

In this episode of the LoCo Experience, I welcomed accomplished author, speaker, and teacher Gregg Vanourek into the studio. We discuss his recent book 'Triple Crown Leadership,' which he co-wrote with his father. The book uses the metaphor of the Triple Crown in horse racing to describe the triple crown of leadership: excellence, ethics, and endurance. We discussed the extensive research and interviews involved in developing their book and leadership model - which aims to help leaders achieve exceptional results with integrity and sustainability.

Gregg shares insights into his diverse professional journey, including his experience with think tanks and founding a startup foundation focused on education reform, which ultimately led him to move their family to Sweden. There, he taught entrepreneurship and leadership at the Royal Institute of Technology - Sweden’s equivalent to MIT.

The conversation delves into the significance of understanding oneself and discovering one's passions and strengths, especially for young adults. Greg offers advice on trusting oneself, paying attention to one's interests, and taking action to experiment and learn. He underscores the value of being in community with others to gain insights and support in navigating life's transitions. Gregg also reflects on his family life, including the challenges and rewards of moving from Sweden back to the U.S. with his wife and daughters. He highlights the importance of finding balance and joy in both professional and personal endeavors.

The episode concludes with a light-hearted discussion about memorable life moments, such as Gregg's adventurous trip to the Netherlands without a passport, and the role of music in his life. He’ll be our keynote speaker and workshop leader at the LoCo member event this fall - Aim to Thrive - and I know you’ll enjoy getting to know my new friend, Gregg Vanourek.

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Music By: A Brother's Fountain

In this episode of the LoCo Experience Podcast, I hosted Constantin Gurdgiev, Ph.D. and Associate Professor of Finance at the Monfort College of Business. Constantin outlines his work in the fields of economics, geopolitics, and finance, sharing insights from his research on geopolitical risks, tariff impacts, and financial market volatility. He also discusses his teaching and research positions in the United States and Ireland, emphasizing his efforts to integrate real-world applications into academia through internships and student engagement.

Constantin delves into the complexities of the Ukraine-Russia conflict, drawing on his expertise in Russian and Irish economics. He discusses the historical and geopolitical context that has contributed to the ongoing tension, and critiques the western approach to handling the situation. The conversation also touches on broader themes like the weaponization of economic systems, challenges to U.S. economic hegemony, and the multidimensional nature of modern global conflicts.

Constantin also reflects on regional development issues specific to Northern Colorado, including regulatory burdens, the high cost of living, and the need for regional cooperation between cities to maintain competitive advantage. He suggests practical steps such as reducing state-level taxes and regulatory burdens to foster business growth. The episode concludes with personal reflections on his family and life experiences. It’s an intriguing journey, and I hope you’ll join me in enjoying my conversation with Constantin Gurdgiev.

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Music By: A Brother's Fountain