Stay On Course: Ingredients for Success

Travis Hahler: Wired for Change, Part 1 | Leading Humans Through AI Transformation Guest: Travis Hahler, Senior Director of Global Strategy and Transformation at Salesforce | Founder of Neurological Nomad | Author of Rethink Resistance Host: Julie Riga Overview In this powerful episode, Julie welcomes Travis Hahler to explore what it truly means to be wired for change. Travis brings nearly two decades of experience in human behavior and neuroscience to unpack why so many organizations are stumbling as they introduce AI to their workforce. This conversation reveals the deeper challenge beneath every transformation initiative: the human brain itself. Whether you are a leader trying to drive adoption or a professional navigating uncertainty, this episode offers clarity, strategy, and a new way of thinking about change in the age of AI.

Give First and Win Bigger: How Great Partnerships Start with Generosity, Not NegotiationGuest: Stan Valo, Founder of eDots Host: Julie RigaOverviewWhat if the key to business growth wasn't in closing deals, but in giving first? In this episode of Stay On Course, Julie Riga sits down with Stan Valo, founder of eDots and a 21-year e-commerce veteran, to explore a transformational mindset shift. Stan unpacks his three-ingredient recipe for partnership success that helped him build a purpose-driven business where the yeses come easily, clients become true collaborators, and value flows in every direction. Whether you are a solopreneur, executive, or founder, this episode is a masterclass in intentional relationship-building, strategic growth, and legacy-driven leadership.Give First and Win Bigger: How Great Partnerships Start with Generosity, Not NegotiationAbout Stan ValoStan Valo is the founder of eDots, an e-commerce growth engine that helps brands, manufacturers, and distributors scale across new online marketplaces and sales channels. With over 21 years in the industry, Stan developed a performance-only partnership model that blends agency services with distribution expertise. His philosophy, "I don't sell, I solve," reflects his commitment to authentic leadership, purpose-driven business, and building lasting professional relationships.Fun Fact: Stan's favorite food is his grandmother's stuffed peppers with sour cream, a cherished recipe from her home country of Moldova.Stan's Three-Ingredient Recipe for Partnership Success1. Go First: Give Unconditionally In negotiation, the one who speaks first loses. In partnerships, the one who gives first wins. Lead every new relationship with introductions and referrals, no strings attached. Ask "who can I help you meet?" and watch generosity build the foundation of lasting trust.2. Be a Solver: Solve Something Meaningful Stan's core mantra is simple: don't sell, solve. Focus on real problems rather than closing transactions. When you solve meaningfully, value overflows and the relationship deepens naturally. The best leaders are solvers who match people with exactly what they need.3. Create Undeniable Value for Both Sides Value must flow in both directions for a partnership to last. Choose your partners wisely, start light, and let the relationship evolve before committing deeper. Think of it like dating before marriage: coffee first, then friends, then family. Integrity is everything.Memorable Quotes"In a negotiation, the one that talks first loses. In partnerships, the one that goes first wins.""I don't sell, I solve. I've never had to negotiate a single deal.""It's hard to get a no when you're offering so much.""I don't have a contact form. I have an application form. That changes the dynamic."Key Takeaways for LeadersGive Before You Ask - Lead with generosity. Start with a gift of value: an introduction, a connection, or an insight. Trust and opportunity follow naturally.Shift from Selling to Solving - The most powerful transformation in business is moving from transaction to contribution. Solve real problems and the yeses follow.Build Relationships, Not Contracts - Start light, prove your value, and let partnership depth grow organically over time.Stay Narrow and Know Your Strengths - Clarity of focus amplifies impact. Build a power team of trusted partners who complement your core strengths.Integrity Is Your Growth Engine - Authentic connection without an agenda is the ultimate long-game strategy and the foundation of lasting legacy.Connect with Stan ValoWebsite: edots.coSubscribe to Stay On CourseSubscribe wherever you listen to podcasts and share with leaders ready to stop selling and start solving.#StayOnCourse #GiveFirst #PurposeDrivenLeadership #PartnershipMindset #AuthenticGrowth

Thriving in College: What Nobody Tells YouGuest: Danielle Barone, LCSW, Founder of Waves Therapy Group Host: Julie Riga Visit the Episode Stack:stacklist.app/julieriga | All the links, resources, and key information from this episode in one easy place.What if the gap between struggling and thriving in college came down to a few key skills nobody ever taught you? In this episode, Julie Riga sits down with licensed clinical social worker, trauma-informed therapist, and founder of Waves Therapy Group, Danielle Barone. Together they unpack the mindset shifts, power skills, and confidence-building strategies that prepare students and their parents for one of life's most transformative transitions. From boundary setting and building resilience to finding your people and navigating college like a professional in training, this conversation is a must-listen for every family stepping into the college journey.Thriving in College: What Nobody Tells YouAbout the GuestDanielle Barone, LCSW is the founder of Waves Therapy Group in Boca Raton, Florida. She specializes in helping adolescents and young adults navigate trauma, PTSD, anxiety, OCD, and emotional regulation through compassionate, evidence-based care. With roughly half of her caseload made up of college students, Danielle brings deep clinical expertise and real parent experience to this conversation. Her work is rooted in building emotional resilience, self-leadership, and lasting confidence.What You Will LearnThe "Nobody Told Me" Gap 94 percent of incoming college freshmen experience homesickness in their first semester. Students arrive academically prepared but emotionally underprepared. Nobody teaches them how to write an email to a professor, how to find campus resources, how to set boundaries with a roommate, or how to ask for help. College is not 13th grade. It is the beginning of your professional life.Julie's Ingredients for Success Find a friend in every class within the first two days. Build a study group. Make sure your professor knows your name. Attend office hours. Get involved in clubs, Greek life, or campus jobs. Every one of these actions is professional development in action. One of Julie's first jobs came directly from a professor recommendation.The Parent Role: Guide, Do Not Carry Parents must resist solving every problem for their child. Resilience is built through productive struggle. Julie shares the story of her son Michael, who missed an exam twice during fraternity pledging and called her in a panic. Her advice was simple: explain your situation to the professor. The answer is already no if you do nothing. He sent the email. The professor reopened the exam. He learned a life skill that no parent could have given him.Boundary Setting as a Core Skill Living in the dorm, navigating roommate conflict, learning to say no, and advocating for yourself in uncomfortable situations builds the self-esteem and courage needed throughout life. These are not small moments. They are the foundation of personal growth.The Thrive in College WorkshopJulie Riga and Danielle Barone are co-hosting a two-day workshop at the FAU Alumni Center in Boca Raton on June 26 and 27. Designed for incoming college students and their parents, the event covers professional development, mental health awareness, social navigation, boundary setting, and everything nobody told you about thriving in college. Lunch is provided.To register or learn more, email julie@julieriga.com or visit wavestherapygroup.com.ConnectDanielle Barone: wavestherapygroup.comJulie Riga: julieriga.com | julie@julieriga.comResources and Links: https://stacklist.app/julieriga#StayOnCourse #ThriveInCollege #PersonalGrowth #Leadership #Transformation Subscribe to Stay On Course wherever you listen to podcasts Share this episode with every student and parent in your network

The Trust Advantage: How Leaders Turn Complexity Into ConfidenceOverviewIn this episode of the Stay On Course Podcast, host Julie Riga sits down with Jeff Willinger, a globally recognized digital transformation leader, Microsoft MVP, and one of the leading voices in enterprise AI and the future of work. Jeff shares the three ingredients that separate visionary leaders from those who fall behind. In an AI-driven world, the most valuable thing a leader can offer is not a solution. It is confidence. Whether you are a corporate executive, an entrepreneur, or a professional navigating change, this episode will shift the way you think about trust, technology, and your own leadership legacy. This conversation is for leaders who are ready to stop reacting and start leading with clarity and conviction.The Trust Advantage: How Leaders Turn Complexity Into ConfidenceGuest: Jeff Willinger, Digital Transformation Leader, Microsoft MVP, Director at Turn Digital Host: Julie RigaAbout Jeff WillingerJeff Willinger is a globally recognized digital transformation leader, Microsoft MVP, and Director at Turn Digital. With over 20 years of experience in the Microsoft ecosystem, Jeff bridges the gap between business and technology. He makes tools like Microsoft SharePoint and AI Co-Pilot simple, tangible, and powerful for organizations of every size. His leadership philosophy centers on clarity, accountability, and always moving toward where the opportunity is going to be before anyone else sees it.Fun Fact: Jeff is a proud New Yorker and a dedicated seafood lover. His ideal meal is king crab with drawn butter and lemon. When he is in a rush, nothing beats a classic New York pizza slice.The Three Ingredients for Leadership Success1. Clarity Over ComplexityIf people do not understand it, they will not act on it. Jeff leads with insight, paints a clear before-and-after picture, and earns trust by delivering real value before asking for anything in return. Simplifying the message is not a soft skill. It is a core leadership advantage that drives growth, alignment, and real transformation.2. Proof Over PromiseEvery leader talks about what AI can do. Jeff shows it. He uses readiness assessments, fast pilots, and measurable results within two weeks to build genuine confidence. Make it tangible, make it fast, and let the results do the talking. This approach drives adoption, closes deals, and creates unstoppable momentum.3. Reduce Risk at Every StepEvery deal and every transformation decision is a risk decision at its core. Jeff breaks big changes into safe, digestible steps and proof-of-concept pilots that let teams experience real results without fear. His goal is not to push a deal through. It is to make saying yes feel like the obvious, safe, and smart choice for every stakeholder.Key Quotes"Everyone goes to where the puck is. I go to where the puck is going to be.""If they do not understand it, they will not buy it.""People are not buying your solution. They are buying your conviction and your clarity.""What took 20 hours in the past is taking 10 minutes with AI and you cannot unsee that productivity.""Bring value wherever you go and you will always have a job and you will always have a client."Key TakeawaysClarity is a competitive advantage in leadership and in businessProof beats promise every single time in businessAI is not optional for organizations that want to grow and stay relevantThe human edge in leadership is real, irreplaceable, and truly essentialGovernance creates real freedom, not limits, when built wellConnect with Jeff WillingerLinkedIn: Jeff Willinger Instagram: @TheRealJWillie Company: Turn DigitalConnect with Julie RigaExplore all resources, tools, and episode links at: https://stacklist.app/julieriga#Leadership #DigitalTransformation #AILeadership #StayOnCourse #Transformation

From Zero to Trader: The Beginner's Blueprint for Financial FreedomGuest: Mitch Abel, Founder of Investment Current Host: Julie RigaWhat if losing $150,000 was the beginning of your greatest financial breakthrough? Mitch Abel retired in 2015 and lost $150,000 in his first six months of trading. His partner Diana looked at him and said two words: "Keep going." Six months later, he made it all back. Today, over 250 students have come through his program at Investment Current. This episode walks you through exactly how a complete beginner gets started in trading the right way, from opening your first account to building the plan that protects you from yourself. If you have ever wanted to take control of your financial future but did not know where to start, this is your recipe.From Zero to Trader: The Beginner's Blueprint for Financial FreedomAbout This EpisodeJulie Riga sits down with Mitch Abel, founder of Investment Current, a purpose-driven trading education platform that has helped over 250 students build financial freedom and generational wealth. Mitch is a living example of resilience and transformation. After retiring, he lost $150,000 in his first six months and came back stronger than ever. This episode is your step-by-step guide to starting your trading journey with clarity, confidence, and a strong foundation.Guest BackgroundMitch Abel is the founder of Investment Current, an options trading education community built for complete beginners. His platform includes a 100 percent interactive live trading room, a 12-week curriculum, weekly faculty office hours, and personal mentorship. No trader has to face this journey alone.Fun Fact: Mitch loves a hot pastrami sandwich on rye with coleslaw, sauerkraut, and pickled tomatoes.The Three Ingredients for Trading SuccessFoundation: You can begin with as little as $2,000 to $10,000. The 10 percent portfolio rule means you never risk more than 10 percent of your total capital on a single trade. New government rules now allow pattern day trading inside self-directed IRAs and 401k accounts, making this journey accessible to almost anyone.Education: Learn the language of the market before risking a single dollar. Investment Current offers a 6-week foundational program followed by a 12-week course with video lessons, written takeaways, quizzes, homework, and live faculty office hours. All beginners start with paper trading, simulated trading with no real money, for a minimum of six months before moving to live capital.Strategy: Write your personal trading plan. Define your entry rules, exit rules, stop loss rules, and profit targets. Keep a trading journal to track your emotions, your decisions, and your growth. Tools like TraderSync allow you to capture and analyze every trade in one place.Memorable Quotes"If you have the right education and the right tools, it is not gambling. It becomes second nature.""We do not want you to fail. The only way to win is to start off slowly.""Trading will bring out every emotion you have ever had. You do not want to be alone on this journey."Real Student ResultsStudents made $4,500 in a single day with a 40.63 percent return on capital. One student made $280 in 34 seconds. Five focused trades per day can generate over $1,000 in earnings within just a few hours.Next StepsVisit investmentcurrent.com and join the free 7-day trading room trial. See the strategy in action, experience the community, and decide whether this is the next chapter of your journey toward financial freedom and legacy building.Connect with Mitch Abel Website: www.investmentcurrent.comConnect with Julie RigaWebsite: julieriga.com/leadStacklist: https://stacklist.app/julierigaSubscribe to Stay On Course wherever you listen. Share with someone ready to take control of their financial future.#StayOnCourse #Leadership #Transformation #LegacyBuilding #FinancialFreedom