
Denied Then. Blessed Now: Erin Topp, $5,000, and "People"
From Conversations Unleashed: Rising Together by Michael Bonner
March 10, 2026 · 15 min · Season 3 · Episode 9
About this episode
Michael Bonner reflects on rejection and personal growth through the lens of leadership and adversity.
Years ago, he was told no when trying to create change. Today, he understands that not every door is meant to open—and not every room is meant to receive you. In this episode, Michael Bonner reflects on rejection, red tape, bias, growth, and learning to invest energy where it is welcomed. This isn’t about money. It’s about alignment, ownership, and becoming the kind of leader adversity prepares you to be.
People in this episode
Host: Michael Bonner
Guest: Erin Topp
Topics covered
- rejection
- leadership
- personal growth
- adversity
- alignment
Keywords
- rejection
- leadership
- personal growth
- adversity
- alignment
- bias
- energy investment
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