I am so honored to Ripple with American Ninja Warrior Angela Gargano. You would be hard-pressed to find a kinder entrepreneur than Angela. Her story is so inspiring! Here are a few takeaways from Angela in this episode:  An injury can lead to a low state and loss of identity, but it can also provide an opportunity for growth and new opportunities. It is important to feel emotions but not get stuck in them. To get started with fitness, start with the basics and work with a coach who motivates you. Lifestyle is important to consider when growing a business. Focusing on what you want and how to serve clients while living a fulfilling life is important. The ripple effect means that one action can positively impact many other areas of life. Sharing positive messages and offering reassurance can make a difference in someone's life and help them achieve their goals.  Check out Angela's Youtube  or her website: angela-gargano.com and of course, don't forget to follow her on Instagram @angela_gargano Angela's BIO: Angela Gargano is a fierce athlete, coach, international fitness model, and speaker. Before becoming&nbsp; a full-time multi-passionate entrepreneur, Angela worked as a biochemist at Brown University. Since throwing in the lab coat and goggles in 2013 to open her own gym in Cranston, Rhode Island, Angela has truly lived multiple lives in the athletic and entrepreneurial space, defying odds and setbacks to become an authentic and relatable voice to the public eye.&nbsp; Angela has now competed on American Ninja Warrior 5x, won the Title of Miss Fitness America 2016, and created an online fitness empire for women called Strong Feels Good,&nbsp; where she teaches women to ditch the scale and focus on strength and feeling as a way to measure progress. She has also helped over 500 women conquer their pull-ups with her online program, Pull-up Revolution. In summer 2021, Angela appeared all over the world as the Oxygen Magazine Covergirl, where she spoke about tearing her ACL on the Ninja Warrior course and coming back 11 months later stronger than ever.&nbsp; Angela is a huge advocate for speaking about body image, as she was made fun of growing up for her “manly” arms and build. She would hide in a sweatshirt daily at school to avoid being made fun of, and was rejected by many fitness modeling agencies. But this didn't stop Angela from now having 3 magazine covers and becoming an international fitness model in some of the world's biggest publications: Women’s Health, Shape, Strong Fitness Magazine, and Popsugar Fitness. Angela is strong, both mentally and physically, and she teaches you to love the body you are in. She is real, relatable, approachable, and down-to-earth. With Angela, there is fun and smiles, and there is grit, determination, and sweat. She is easy to understand and great to work with. Angela’s mission is to revolutionize the way people feel about their bodies through identifying their inner strength and embracing the powerful body and mind that they have been gifted.&nbsp; Her vision? To continue to expand the Strong Feels Good Community, speak at large events to spread her message and work with conscious, authentic brands who feel the same - the ones who truly want to help and impact the lives of their end consumer.

Rippling with American Ninja Warrior and Overall Bad Ass Angela Gargano

Ever wonder how you can integrate the latest technology, such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), into the job search process? Think no more. Our special guest for The Ripple Effect Podcast, career coach Chloe Spillane, has just launched her groundbreaking tools, Chloe AI and Resume Matcher. What are these tools, and how can you use them? Chloe AI is a career coach (aka Chloe) in your pocket, specifically developed to help you with all things career — from resume-building to interview practices; you can rely on Chloe AI! Chloe AI is a GPT (Generative Pre-trained Transformer) type of artificial intelligence. If you’re familiar with ChatGPT, you will have no problem using or navigating this tool. Listen to Chloe Spillane as she discusses how to use Chloe AI in ways you can’t imagine.&nbsp; Try Chloe AI here:  With years of experience as a career coach, Chloe Spillane understands the hardships of finding a new job — one of which is doom-scrolling through infinite job postings to see which one best fits you. That’s why Chloe built the Resume Matcher.&nbsp; Resume Matcher analyzes the content of your resume, runs through the infinite data of open job postings, and provides you with a list of jobs you’ll likely get hired in. You will get a detailed spreadsheet containing information such as your rank in the listed job, salaries, necessary links, and more helpful details to simplify your job search! Try Resume Matcher here:&nbsp; Chloe AI and the Resume Matcher are free as of this episode’s release. Don’t miss the chance to try them! Watch the full video for instructions on how to start with Chloe AI and the Resume Matcher.&nbsp; You can also reach out to Chloe Spillane via her website and send her your feedback:&nbsp; &nbsp; #TheRippleEffect #TheRippleEffectPodcast #CareerSearch #CareerTalk #JobSearch #OpenforWork #JobOpportunities #CareerGuidance #CareerTools

Revolutionary Job Search Tools: Chloe AI and Resume Matcher

What if I tell you the secret to success is getting more NOs instead of YESes? It’s not about avoiding rejection but embracing it. I’m telling you, you will learn from the best! In this episode of The Ripple Effect Podcast, we sit down with Andrea Waltz, an engaging speaker, business consultant, Founder of Courage Crafters Inc., and co-author of the groundbreaking book Go For No! Together with Richard Fenton, Andrea Waltz solidified the core philosophy of Go For No! Go for No! has sold over 500,000 copies and ranked in Amazon’s top 50 sales books for over 14 years. More good news? The much-awaited second installment of this book, Go For No! The Sequel will be released soon. Tune in to The Ripple Effect Podcast as we discuss the story and inspiration behind the Go For No! book and its philosophy, how embracing the “no” mentality redefined businesses, how it helped sales professionals of all levels, and the areas of life in which you can apply this idea. We will uncover the power of rejection and why failing more leads to winning bigger. Are you ready to dive deep into it?  ____________________________________________&nbsp; Learn more about Go For No!:  Connect with Andrea Waltz:&nbsp; ____________________________________________&nbsp; Did you find this helpful? Please like and subscribe for more insightful interviews with experts, speakers, and leaders. Ripple with Steve Harper! Instagram:  Facebook:  X:  Website:  Join the ever-growing community of Ripplers in The Pond. It's FREE:  To inquire about Steve’s availability for conference keynotes, corporate training or performance coaching, please contact . #therippleeffect #steveharper #andreawaltz #goforno #rejection #sayingno #refusal #businesspsychology #psychology #sales #business #businessexpert #businesstips #coach #speaker

Embracing Rejection with Andrea Waltz

What happens after winning a Super Bowl and two national championships? Former Nebraska football star Tony Veland shares his journey from the field to the boardroom as the Director of Development for the University of Nebraska Foundation. For Tony, it doesn’t matter whether he’s in the sports arena or the boundless field of life.&nbsp;He is strongly committed to encouraging, imparting knowledge, and helping in any way he can. For today’s episode of The Ripple Effect Podcast,&nbsp;Tony opens up about his transition from football to business. He also discusses why STEM education and engineering careers are crucial for the future, how companies must adapt to workforce development and changing expectations, and the value of mentorship, teamwork, and leadership lessons from sports. Tony’s passion for giving back is stronger than ever as he continues to mentor young athletes and professionals to achieve their dreams. He is 100% an inspiring force and a role model for all! ____________________________________________ 💧Ripple with Tony Veland LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/tony-veland-6303b5 Instagram:  Facebook:  ____________________________________________ 💧 Ripple with me! Instagram:  Facebook:  X:  Website:  💧Be a Patron:  💧 Join our ever-growing community of Ripplers in The Pond:  💧 To inquire about my availability for conference keynotes, corporate training, or performance coaching, please contact  #therippleeffect #steveharper #tonyveland #sports #football #life #superbowl #engineering #lifechanging #inspiringstories

Life After Football: A Champion’s Next Chapter

Ready to level up your brand and tap into the future of marketing? Natalie Micale is a dynamic founder who goes all in—whether leading her company, mentoring entrepreneurs, or redefining what it means to build a personal brand in the digital age. A proud Latina entrepreneur, Natalie started her career as a TV anchor and reporter in the Midwest, where she honed her ability to craft compelling narratives that captivate audiences. Her transition from television to the agency world was a strategic one. While serving as Head of Business Development at Evol Empire Creative, she gained a deep understanding of the ROI companies demand from their branding and marketing efforts. That experience laid the foundation for Oh Hello Agency, a creative powerhouse she built from the ground up. What started as a brand innovation lab quickly became a full-scale creative firm, crafting high-impact brand strategies for clients across industries. Known for her bold, cutthroat approach to brand growth and her unwavering commitment to authenticity, Natalie has helped countless businesses and entrepreneurs elevate their influence through a multimedia-first approach. In 2025, Oh Hello Agency was acquired by The Big Smoke Media Group, an Australian agency, solidifying Natalie’s reputation as a visionary in the branding and media landscape. Natalie discussed what’s next for creative agencies, the rise of human-centric branding, and how AI tools like ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Gemini transform content creation and marketing strategy. Whether you’re working in a creative agency or just AI-curious, listen up! She also shares real talk on imposter syndrome, entrepreneurial mindset, and how content creation (3–4 posts a week) builds trust and visibility. If you’re all about future-forward branding, this is a must-watch for crushing the marketing trends of 2025 and beyond. Hit play and get inspired! ____________________________________________&nbsp; Follow Natalie on Instagram: @nataliemicale Connect with Natalie on LinkedIn:  Visit Oh Hello's website:  ____________________________________________&nbsp; Ripple with me! Instagram:  Facebook:  X:  Website: &nbsp; &nbsp; #therippleeffect #steveharper #nataliemicale #ohhelloagency #brandingstrategy #aiinmarketing #natalieMicale #contentcreationtips #personaldevelopment #marketingtrends2025 #digitalbranding #womeninentrepreneurship #chatgptforbusiness #femaleleaders #futureofbranding

Conversations with Branding Powerhouse Natalie Micale

Get ready for an inspiring conversation with Blair Channing Rae. She is a Navy veteran, social worker, writer, and social media influencer who is seriously lighting up the world one Ripple at a time. Today, we dive into Blair’s incredible journey from serving in the military to becoming a powerful voice for mental health awareness. She shares her experiences living with bipolar disorder, opening up about how vulnerability and honesty have fueled her mission to connect, inspire, and empower others. Blair’s story is a beautiful example of how authentic connections can happen across social media platforms like Instagram, X (Twitter), Threads, and beyond. From her first posts that caught my eye to the incredible spark of friendship that grew across the miles, Blair has shown what The Ripple Effect really means. It is through creating positivity, building real community, and showing up with light even on the hardest days. She has been a lifestyle influencer since 2023, and her content focuses on mental health, identity, pop culture, and relationships. She is also currently working on a book of essays entitled Being Social: The Psychology of Social Media. If you’ve ever wondered how a mental health advocate and a social media influencer could roll all that into one unstoppable force, Blair Channing Rae is your answer. Trust me, you don’t want to miss this conversation about resilience, friendship, purpose, and the power of a single Ripple to change lives. Listen until the end and Ripple On!!! &nbsp; Ripple with Blair Channing Rae: @iwritergirl&nbsp; Ripple with Steve Harper&nbsp; Instagram:  Facebook:  X:  Website: &nbsp; Be a Patron:  Join our ever-growing community of Ripplers in The Pond:&nbsp; Stay in the loop by being a part of the Ripple mail list: https://ripplecentral.com/subscribe &nbsp; To inquire about Steve's availability for conference keynotes, corporate training, or performance coaching, please contact&nbsp;. &nbsp; #therippleeffectpodcast #steveharper #blairchanningrae #mentalhealthawareness #veteranvoices #positivevibes #bipolardisorderawareness #bipolardisorder #navy

Inside the Life of a Social Media Influencer & Navy Veteran | Blair Channing Rae's Interview

What if the best leaders aren’t the ones who always have the answers, but the ones who know how to ask the right questions? Learn from the incredible Angela Pappas in this unforgettable episode of The Ripple Effect Podcast! This conversation will leave you rethinking everything you know about career growth, team building, and what real leadership looks like today. Angela’s journey is anything but ordinary. From leading software developers in cold data centers to building high-performing teams at Tesla and Palo Alto Networks, she’s seen firsthand how empathy, emotional intelligence (EQ), and vulnerability aren’t just “soft skills.” They’re the foundation of servant leadership, high-performing teams, and long-term success. Angela believes trust-based relationships empower people to embrace autonomy, find inspiration, and hold themselves accountable to deliver results. From diversity and inclusion to onboarding, leadership development, and performance management, Angela works to engage employees and leaders in learning, growing, and accelerating individual, team, and organizational performance. Angela has led technical training, cybersecurity training, and professional development teams at Thomson Reuters, Tesla, and Palo Alto Networks. She’s thrilled about her current role at Lumen Technologies, using her learning and organization development skills to support the company’s transformation to a next-generation tech company, redefining what’s possible beyond telecom.&nbsp; Angela lives in Minnesota with her husband, daughter, and the dog that rules their home. She enjoys being in nature and speaks gratitude fluently. Introductions aside, this episode is packed with authentic stories, leadership strategies that actually work, and candid moments that will make you rethink your role as a leader. You’ll hear how Angela helped launch talent initiatives in some of the world’s top tech companies, turned setbacks into leadership superpowers, and why creating positive Ripples in your organization matters more than ever. Sometimes, all you need to do is admit that you can’t possibly know everything, listen with curiosity, and use what you’ve learned to face challenges with a brave face. Make sure to listen until the end! &nbsp; Connect with Angela Pappas: linkedin.com/in/angelapappas-learndevelop Ripple with Steve Harper Instagram:  Facebook:  X:  Website:  Be a Patron:  Join our ever-growing community of Ripplers in The Pond: &nbsp; #therippleeffect #leadership #organizationaldevelopment #talentdevelopment #companyculture #careergrowth #careeradvancement #learningjourney #learningvideos

Why Emotional Intelligence and Servant Leadership Are the Future of Work

Are you feeling uncertain about your next career move or overwhelmed by the state of the job market in 2025? In this episode of The Ripple Effect Podcast, we engage in a powerful conversation with Lisa Ramirez, Senior Vice President of Operations and Client Success at Indeed. In her role, she focuses on operational efficiency and effectiveness as well as building scalable systems and processes, helping employers meet their hiring goals. She joined Indeed in 2019 as Chief of Staff to the Chief Executive Officer. Lisa shares her unique journey, offering firsthand insight into how Indeed is helping people get jobs through innovation, adaptability, and deep empathy for job seekers and employers. This conversation explores the evolving job market, from the rise of AI in hiring to the importance of client success and user experience. Lisa discusses how Indeed’s pay-for-performance model and commitment to customer impact are transforming how employers find talent and job seekers navigate opportunities. We also unpack how to lead with intention, the role of empathy in business, and what organizations can do to engage the younger and older workforce.&nbsp; Lisa’s perspective offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at how Indeed’s mission and culture create Ripple Effects across industries and generations. So, if you’re ready to rethink what a successful career can look like and how to align your energy with meaningful work, this is the episode for you!&nbsp; &nbsp; Connect with Lisa Ramirez on LinkedIn &nbsp; Ripple with Steve Harper Instagram:  Facebook:  X:  Website:  Be a Patron:  Join our ever-growing community of Ripplers in The Pond:  To inquire about Steve Harper's availability for conference keynotes, corporate training, or performance coaching, please contact . #lisaramirez #indeed #futureofwork #careeradvice #jobsearch2025 #clientsuccess #therippleeffectpodcast #steveharper #leadership #workwithpurpose #careerchange #womenintech &nbsp;

Lisa Ramirez is Helping People Get Jobs with Purpose | The Ripple Effect Podcast

Being a podcaster is easy. You just have to talk nonstop and pour your heart out in front of a mic, right? Wrong. Welcome to a very real and raw solo episode of The Ripple Effect Podcast. I’m Steve Harper, and today, I’m pulling back the curtain on my podcast journey, from awkward first episodes and painful feedback to moments of personal growth. If you’ve ever started something with zero experience and are unsure if anyone would care, you need to hear this. Listening to someone else’s stories and experiences is a fantastic way to learn. So, in this episode, I will share how I found my voice as a podcast host and what it means to improve through small, consistent efforts. I’ll serve you truths about embracing authenticity, overcoming the fear of being on camera, and learning how to be a great interviewer, even when I thought I had no clue what I was doing. For content creators, entrepreneurs, aspiring podcasters, or just someone trying to do meaningful work when nobody’s watching, I hope this solo episode inspires you to keep going! Podcasting, for me, has become more than just a mic and a message. It became about inspiring people by making them realize their real impact on the world. It’s a Ripple Effect that continues to grow, one authentic conversation at a time. If you’re new here, welcome to the journey. And if you’ve been riding this wave with me for a while, thank you from the bottom of my heart. Ripple On!!!&nbsp; &nbsp; Ripple with Steve Harper Instagram:  Facebook:  X:  Website: &nbsp; Stay in the loop by being a part of the Ripple mail list:  Be a Patron: https://www.patreon.com/SteveHarper&nbsp; Join our ever-growing community of Ripplers in The Pond:  To inquire about my availability for conference keynotes, corporate training, or performance coaching, please contact . &nbsp; #podcastjourney #therippleeffectpodcast #solopodcast #authenticstorytelling #startsmalldreambig #creatorlife #entrepreneurmindset #selfgrowth #contentcreatortips

The Ups and Downs of Podcasting | The Ripple Effect Podcast Solo Episode

I’ve been telling you that I’m leveling up this podcast. Today’s episode proves it!&nbsp; I had the absolute honor of sitting down with Sophie Mazzaro, a world-renowned mural artist, sneaker customizer, and creative force whose journey is anything but ordinary. From her roots as a German exchange student in Texas to painting the now-iconic Kobe Bryant mural on the Venice Beach Pier, Sophie’s story is a masterpiece. Every connection she made along the way contributed to the stunning tapestry of her artistic journey. As I interview Sophie Mazzaro for The Ripple Effect Podcast, she opens up about her early days growing up in Berlin, her move to LA to chase an acting dream, and how that world led her straight into the life of a full-time artist and entrepreneur. Despite growing up with parents in the IT industry, Sophie went in the opposite direction and pursued the creative route. She’s worked on custom sneakers, tattooed incredible pieces, and painted massive murals, including one from the 72nd floor of the tallest building in LA.&nbsp; What blew me away was Sophie’s unfiltered honesty about the artistic grind: how she navigates creative burnout and the realities behind the “starving artist” perspective. We talk about the emotional story behind her Kobe Bryant tribute, building a business around her art, and her bold new chapter living in Wyoming, painting breathtaking wildlife pieces inspired by her surroundings. If you’ve ever wanted to know how to turn art into a business, what it’s like to be a mural artist, or how to make it as a creative, this episode will empower you. This isn’t just another artist interview. This is the story of a woman unapologetically forging her own path, one brushstroke at a time. Listen and get inspired by one of the most creative and driven artists of our time. This is Sophie Mazzaro, and this is her Ripple Effect. PS. Wait for the surprising announcement from Sophie Mazzaro in the end! &nbsp; Ripple with Sophie Mazzaro Instagram:  &nbsp; Ripple with Steve Harper Instagram:  Facebook:  X:  Website:  Stay in the loop by being a part of the Ripple mail list:  Be a Patron:  Join our ever-growing community of Ripplers in The Pond:  To inquire about my availability for conference keynotes, corporate training, or performance coaching, please contact . &nbsp; #sophiemazzaro #rippleeffectpodcast #kobebryantmural #muralartist #femaleartist #streetart #customsneakers #artentrepreneur #creativejourney #artistinterview #artinspiration #wyomingartist #californiasober #fromgermanywithart #artistlife #womeninart #createwithoutlimits #artpodcast #behindtheart

Turn Your Art Into Business featuring Sophie Mazzaro | The Ripple Effect Podcast

Serve first. Win later. You will learn that and more in this episode of The Ripple Effect Podcast. Our special guest for today is entrepreneur and general contractor Bo Jones. Bo is a builder by trade, but even more so, he’s a builder of futures. As the CEO of CareerPathway.com, Bo is leading a movement that’s reimagining how we connect talent with opportunity. On a mission to radically simplify college and career exploration, he’s helping students, job seekers, employers, and educators navigate a clearer, smarter path to success. His inspiration? Real pain points like watching his construction company pour time and money into outdated recruiting strategies with little return, and witnessing firsthand how difficult it is for his own kids to find purpose in their career journeys. Bo also serves as President of Tru-Built Construction, a full-scale design/build construction firm with decades of success in residential and commercial development. But he’s more than a successful entrepreneur; he’s a passionate problem-solver who understands the disconnect between education and employment. He built CareerPathway.com out of pure necessity to streamline the process, amplify exposure for schools and businesses, and give individuals something they’ve been craving all along: clarity and confidence about their futures. If you’re tired of workforce challenges, struggling talent pipelines, and missed connections in hiring and education, this podcast will feel like a breath of fresh air. Bold, approachable, and relentlessly motivated, Bo brings powerful insights and straight-talk solutions to anyone looking to build something meaningful for themselves, their teams, or their communities. Bo shares how showing clients every bid, budget, and line item upfront creates trust and transparency, and how that model fuels repeat and referral business. We talk about the highs and the lows, and how strong client relationships make all the difference.&nbsp; Get ready to hear what happens when innovation meets action and why Bo believes we’re just getting started. &nbsp; Ripple with Bo Jones LinkedIn:  Websites: careerpathway.com,&nbsp;tru-built.net &nbsp; Ripple with Steve Harper Instagram:  Facebook:  X:  Website:  Stay in the loop by being a part of the Ripple mail list:  Be a Patron:  Join our ever-growing community of Ripplers in The Pond:  To inquire about my availability for conference keynotes, corporate training, or performance coaching, please contact . &nbsp; #Construction #Trades #Entrepreneurship #WorkforceDevelopment #CareerExploration #CustomHomes #Multifamily #OpenBookConstruction #Nebraska

Steve Harper

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