What if true growth isn’t about pushing harder—but about finally being honest with yourself?For Cletus Coffey, that moment of honesty came after life had already knocked him down—career setbacks, divorce, and the painful realization that he was the common denominator of it all.That epiphany didn’t end him. It woke him up to do the internal work most people avoid.A former pro athlete turned high-performance coach, Cletus traded the number on the scoreboard for something deeper: a commitment to live life on his own terms. In this episode, we talk about letting go of what you’re not in control of, how to shift your identity, and build a legacy rooted in authenticity—not achievement.00:00 The Three Things We Can Control00:49 Guest Introduction: Cletus Coffey’s Journey01:32 From Athlete to High Performance Coach03:42 The Anchor Analogy: Balancing Life and Career05:08 The Reality of Post-Athlete Life11:33 Struggles and Setbacks: The Business World13:22 Personal Growth: Overcoming Ego and Asking for Help21:27 The Turning Point: Divorce and Self-Realization25:03 Finding Freedom: Authenticity and Acceptance28:57 Lighting the Torch: Becoming an Example of Possibility30:55 Reigniting the Fire Within35:53 The Importance of Vulnerability and Connection42:41 Leadership and Authenticity in the Workplace45:58 Athletic Drive and Daily Awareness51:07 Focusing Beyond the Scoreboard59:05 The Truth Will Set You Free01:01:57 Final ThoughtsClick the link below to grab your FREE Cheat Sheet now from Cletus:https://www.cletuscoffey.com/morningConnect with Cletus herehttps://www.cletuscoffey.com/morningOr follow him on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/cletuscoffey/
What if leadership wasn’t about being first—but about lifting others as you rise?
For Laura Penney, that’s more than a philosophy—it’s a legacy in motion.
Raised on the Coeur d’Alene reservation, her father who served as a lifelong tribal leader, Laura was told from a young age that she was destined to lead.
But destiny doesn’t guarantee a straight path.
It took four tries, an MBA, and an unwavering confidence team to become the CEO of the Coeur d’Alene Tribe Casino & Resort.
Today, she’s not just a business leader—she’s a champion for her community, a mentor to the next generation of tribal professionals, and a living example of what it means to lead with heart.
In this episode, Laura shares how cultural roots, resilience, and a refusal to give up shaped her into the outstanding leader she is today.
00:00 The Journey to Becoming CEO
00:39 A Legacy in Motion
01:19 Cultural Roots and Resilience
03:00 Challenges of Leadership
05:36 Growing Up on the Reservation
11:30 The Beginnings of Tribal Gaming
23:20 The Struggle for the CEO Position
28:53 Facing Rejection and Perseverance
29:36 The CEO Position Opens Again
30:26 Determination to Become CEO
39:43 Mentorship and Leadership
53:20 Navigating COVID-19 Challenges
59:15 Final Thoughts
Welcome to Navigating No with Blue Stiley, the ultimate destination for motivation, inspiration, personal growth, and life-changing advice for overcoming fear of rejection, failure, and self-doubt. 🎙️💡 Subscribe to the channel if you love achieving your goals. Your future self will thank you!
#bluestiley #inspiration #motivation #selfimprovement #motivational
What if real transformation doesn’t start in the gym—but in the mind?
Sean Ferguson knows what it means to build real strength, not just physically, but mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.
In this episode, Sean opens up about his journey—from uncertainty about becoming a personal trainer to building a powerhouse method rooted in betterment.
He shares how fitness became a gateway to purpose, the lessons he learned from placing dead last in a bodybuilding competition, and why surrounding yourself with the right people might be the biggest gain of all.
If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to push past your limits, truly pivot in life, and build true confidence—this conversation is for you.
00:00 Introduction to Modern Fitness Challenges
00:41 Meet Sean Ferguson: A Journey of Strength
02:16 The Power of Mentorship and Learning
05:00 The Gym as a Learning Environment
08:03 Building Confidence and Comfort in the Gym
11:50 The Importance of Community and Support
19:27 Facing the Fear of Change
23:25 The Mental Aspect of Transformation
31:53 Navigating Life's Green and Red Lights
35:38 Consistency and Reflection in Achieving Goals
37:05 The Importance of Mental and Physical Health
39:25 Building a Supportive Community
43:46 Transitioning to a New Business Focus
47:40 Balancing Fitness and Life
52:05 The Value of Long-Term Effort
56:07 Inspiring Others Through Personal Experience
01:00:42 Final Thoughts
What if the hardest part of success is letting go of who you thought you had to be?
Tanji Johnson was on a steady, structured path—filled with purpose and the kind of direction most people strive for. But life had a different stage in mind.
From her roots at the United States Air Force Academy to becoming an IFBB Pro fitness competitor and now a powerhouse motivational speaker, Tanji’s story is one of transformation and perseverance.
She didn’t just pivot careers after crushing her goals along the way—she redefined her identity, stayed curious, and used failure as fuel to keep growing.
00:00 Embracing Failure as a Path to Success
00:50 Introducing Tanji Johnson: A Journey of Transformation
02:31 Early Life and Military Upbringing
03:42 High School Ambitions and the Air Force Academy
06:22 Discovering a Passion for Fitness
11:52 From Military Officer to Fitness Pro
15:44 Navigating Career Transitions and Mentorship
26:40 The Importance of Environment and Belonging
37:26 Teaching and Learning as a New Coach
39:03 Transitioning to the Fitness Industry
40:26 Becoming a Motivational Speaker
45:15 The Importance of Failure and Growth
56:33 Mindset Mastery in Fitness Competitions
01:01:58 Navigating Rejection and Redirection
01:11:13 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
What if the storms in your life aren’t there to stop you—but to shape you?
Ron Alford thought he had his path mapped out. Raised in a military family, he was set to follow his brothers into the Marine Corps. But a detour into door-to-door book sales led to a decades-long journey in leadership, coaching, and transformation.Now a senior partner at Southwestern Consulting and best-selling author of Redefining Possible, Ron helps people unlock confidence, navigate adversity, and lead with authenticity. This isn’t just a lesson in leadership and mentorship. It’s a reminder to persevere and to release what you can’t control.00:00 Embracing Life's Storms00:46 Meet Ron Alfred: A Journey of Transformation01:19 Podcast Invitation and Initial Impressions03:45 Ron Alford's Early Life and Career Beginnings05:33 Transition to Southwestern Consulting06:31 Building a Blended Family07:28 Staying Loyal to a Company09:30 Mentorship and Impact12:00 Parental Dividends and Life Lessons16:54 Facing Family Trauma19:30 The Importance of Perspective24:11 Confidence Anchors and Overcoming Challenges28:59 Vision Boards and Goal Setting30:36 Setting Audacious Goals31:05 The Importance of Continuous Learning31:44 Facing Unexpected Challenges32:11 Introducing the RAFT Acronym32:35 Applying RAFT During COVID35:48 Transforming Adversity into Opportunity36:30 The Power of Acceptance and Focus38:38 Reflecting on Personal Growth41:25 The Impact of Positive Leadership49:13 Slowing Down for Better Results52:32 Connecting and Sharing Stories
Mary Wharton didn’t plan on becoming a modeling agent. She was headed toward a career in textile marketing—until a chance internship at Elite Model Mgmt, which introduced her to the world of modeling.That unexpected detour led to a meeting with a former super model, and a future at Locke Model Management, where Mary found not just a job, but a calling.Today, she’s more than an agent—she’s a mentor, advocate, and guide for models navigating one of the most competitive industries in the world.Her story is a powerful reminder that in modeling and in life, success doesn’t come from just showing up—it comes from being curious, your integrity and a willingness to invest in yourself.00:00 The Importance of Standing Out in Modeling00:41 Mary Wharton's Unexpected Journey into Modeling01:31 Introduction and Background of Mary Wharton02:08 The Role of Relationships in Modeling04:08 Mary's Career Path and Early Experiences05:54 Joining Locke Model Management07:30 The Reality of Secondary Markets09:25 The Sales Aspect of Being an Agent12:13 Building Trust with Models and Clients13:54 The Importance of Specialization and Authenticity17:00 Going Above and Beyond in Modeling21:30 The Value of a Supportive Agency26:46 Taking Initiative in the Modeling Industry27:19 Importance of Communication and Updates29:42 Standing Out in Castings33:17 Building Trust and Relationships38:32 Challenges and Growth as an Agent48:32 Advice for Aspiring Models51:53 Final Thoughts
What if the path to your passion looked nothing like you expected?Michael Determan didn’t go to film school. He went to business school. But somewhere between the numbers and spreadsheets, he discovered a different calling—in visual storytelling.Michael carved his own way into the world of filmmaking. His career didn’t start with red carpets—it started with “no.” No roadmap. No guarantee. No safety net. But what he did have was clarity, drive, and the ability to pivot when the moment called for it.Today, Michael is an award-winning director known for projects like Behind the Bucket and his upcoming film What Happened to Dorothy Bell. Michael’s story will remind you: there’s no wrong road when you’re moving toward purpose.Showflow00:00 Setting the Stage00:36 Michael Determan's Unconventional Path01:22 Journey into Filmmaking03:40 Challenges and Pivots in the Industry05:23 Building a Supportive Community08:52 Impactful Storytelling15:14 Consistency and Growth25:14 Behind the Bucket: A Case Study31:43 Facing Criticism and Perseverance32:29 The Imperfection of Creative Work33:29 Constructive Criticism and Collaboration35:24 The Importance of Mentorship36:58 Embracing Failure and Learning39:14 The Reality of Filmmaking Challenges45:15 Networking and Collaboration49:42 Upcoming Projects and Future Plans55:21 Final Thoughts
What if asking for help was the bravest thing you could do?
Casey Jacox was a college quarterback chasing dreams of glory—until a devastating injury sidelined everything.
Watching teammates thrive while he sat on the bench, he wrestled with envy, shame, and doubt. But when he finally opened up to his coach, he was met not with judgment—but with a new purpose. That moment changed everything.
Today, Casey is a bestselling author, keynote speaker, and relationship-building expert who teaches others that vulnerability isn’t weakness—it’s a superpower.
Casey’s story is a powerful reminder that your real strength might be waiting on the other side of one honest conversation.
Learn more about Casey Jacox at www.caseyjacox.com
What if the “no” you feared was actually a nudge toward something more lasting?
Andre Danke was just 17 when a friend opened the door to modeling—a door that led to over three decades as a world-traveling, high-fashion supermodel. But it wasn’t just looks that kept him in the game. It was his discipline. His mindset. His ability to hear “no” and keep showing up with kindness, consistency, and confidence.
Now a wellness coach and mentor, Andre is paying it forward—guiding others toward self-acceptance, resilience, and staying open to unexpected turns.
If you’ve ever chased a dream or questioned your place in life, Andre’s story is proof that beauty can fade—but presence, kindness, and clarity never go out of style.
Sometimes, the best way to lead isn't following someone else's path – but by creating your own.
Brooke Baker Spink didn’t grow up dreaming of becoming a CEO in construction. But after returning to the family business, she stepped into a male-dominated industry with no playbook—just grit, the ability to be relatable & a willingness to learn from the ground up.
She parked her ego at the door, listened more than she spoke, and built trust by doing what she said she’d do.
Now, as CEO of Baker Construction, she’s navigating leadership, motherhood, and the challenge of building both a company and a culture where empathy isn’t a weakness—it’s a superpower.
If you’ve ever felt the pressure to prove yourself to others, Brooke’s story will remind you how to tune out the naysayers and build your own legacy.
What if the kid who once got bullied—and then became the bully—grew up to break the cycle for everyone else?
Tommy Williams grew up on the south side of Chicago, surrounded by gangs, violence, and instability. After years of navigating survival mode, he found refuge—and purpose on the football field.
Sports taught him discipline. Community gave him a reason to stay the course. And when life knocked him down again, he chose to rise not just for himself, but for others.
Tommy launched Operation: Healthy Family, a nonprofit dedicated to helping youth build confidence and resilience through sports. His programs like Emmanuel Fitness and the Good News Dental Clinic are now changing lives —and proving that transformation isn’t just personal, it’s generational.
His story will remind you: your pain can become your purpose—and your purpose can become someone else’s lifeline.
00:00 A Life Altered by Choices
00:33 Tommy Williams: From Survival to Purpose
00:59 The Power of Community and Sports
01:51 Early Life in Chicago
02:30 Navigating Gang Influence
04:48 Bullying and Transformation
08:32 A Turning Point: The Bike Accident
12:41 High School Challenges and Expulsion
18:48 From Expulsion to New Beginnings
30:31 The Path to College Football
35:47 Meeting the Coach and Visiting Washington
37:23 First Impressions of Spokane
40:53 Adjusting to College Life and Overcoming Challenges
45:27 Pursuing a Career in Criminal Justice
47:50 Starting a Foundation and Helping the Community
55:59 Operation Healthy Families and Anti-Bullying Initiatives
01:05:31 Challenges and Future Goals
01:09:42 Final Thoughts
What if saying no was the very thing that set you free?Jane Atkinson spent years helping other people shine—from high-profile speaker bureaus to catapulting some of the biggest names on stages around the world.Her personal journey began with rejection, self-doubt, and the silence that follows when you launch a business… and no one shows up.But Jane didn’t give up. She turned that quiet into clarity, built a thriving podcast & coaching practice, authored The Wealthy Speaker, and now helps others find the courage to step into their own spotlight—with boundaries, belief, and a crystal-clear brand.Jane’s story reminds you how to accept a no, but how to deliver a successful no.
00:00 Intro to the Power of Simplicity00:58 Jane Atkinson's Journey and Achievements01:42 Navigating No: The Art of Saying No03:29 The Challenges and Rewards of Podcasting07:04 Jane's Career Evolution and Coaching Practice19:40 The Importance of Setting Goals and Manifestation28:34 Reflecting on Writing and Podcasting Challenges29:12 Navigating Podcast Guest Pitches32:56 The Art of Saying No37:02 Finding Your Niche in Speaking41:25 Overcoming Entrepreneurial Challenges47:52 Learning from Failures and Evolving53:04 Advice for the Younger Self55:22 Final Thoughts
What if stepping off an abyss helped thousands find a place to belong?
When Phil Champlin moved his family from California to Spokane, he faced uncertainty and the question of whether to return to stability in California or to push forward.
Phil chose to stay—and to dig in.
That decision led him to a newspaper listing for a struggling community sports facility called The Hub. It wasn’t just a job—it became his mission.
As Executive Director, he transformed The Hub into a thriving launchpad where kids are empowered to spread their wings, find mentors who believe in them, and discover a sense of belonging through sport and community.
If you’ve ever questioned a risky decision, felt unsure or truly afraid of what might come next, Phil’s story is proof that the unknown and that first step might be exactly where your purpose finds momentum.
What if losing your job was the moment you finally found your WHY?Trina Snow shares how a sudden layoff after 32 years in corporate leadership became the unexpected catalyst for transformation.From leading at Nordstrom, Eddie Bauer, REI, and DSW to standing at a professional crossroad, Trina realized she didn’t just need a new job—she needed a new way of living. She breaks down why having a plan B matters more than ever, and what it really takes to build your dreams instead of someone else’s.If you’ve ever felt like the rug was pulled out from under you, Trina’s story will remind you: the end of one chapter might just be the start of everything you’ve been waiting for. 00:00 The Importance of a Backup Plan00:35 Trina Snow's Corporate Journey01:11 Reconnecting with Trina04:00 The Role of a Buyer08:09 Leadership and Mentorship15:16 Transitioning from Corporate to Entrepreneurship25:18 Finding Your Why25:42 Transitioning to Social Media27:59 Facing Financial Pressure33:31 The Importance of Education39:21 Building a Foundation43:08 Staying the Course47:17 Final ThoughtsFollow Trina on TikTok here:https://www.tiktok.com/discover/trina-snow-with-freedom-lifestyle?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=mobileFind out more about Trina’s work here:https://www.mwrlife.com/trina1015
What if rock bottom was actually your launchpad?
In this episode of Navigating No, Stephen Morton—author, actor, entrepreneur, and deep thinker—opens up about hitting some of life’s lowest points and using them as fuel for reinvention.
From the shame of bankruptcy to relying on food stamps to feed his family, Stephen shares the raw truth of standing in line, wondering how it all came to this. But it was in those humbling moments that he started to rebuild—one small, intentional step at a time—ultimately creating a six-figure residual income.
Stephen breaks down the daily practices that helped him claw his way out, the writing that saved his life, and the personal framework he now calls Helm Theory—centered on Health, Ethos, Love, and Money.
If you’ve ever felt stuck, lost, or like you’ve reached the end, Stephen’s story will remind you: rock bottom might just be where real purpose begins.
What if the lowest point in your journey revealed the path to your highest purpose?
Dave Warren’s story from aspiring rock star to Emmy-winning animation artist and creative director is anything but ordinary.
After chasing music dreams to California in a Monte Carlo packed with guitars, he found himself navigating unexpected detours—from cartooning to animating some of the most iconic shows of the ’90s like The Simpsons, Sons of Anarchy, Pinky and the Brain, and The Minions.
But behind the career highlights is a deeper story of humility, identity, and rediscovery.
After rising through the ranks and eventually facing a hard fall from the corporate world as a Creative Director, Dave learned that what you do isn’t who you are.
Now, he’s reconnecting with his creative roots—on his own terms—and showing up with radical authenticity.
How do you believe that every “no” gets you closer to your “yes”?For Ana Mazzeo, that belief isn’t just a mindset—it’s her story. Named one of Forbes Italy’s Top 100 Successful Women and Fortune Italy’s Top 50 Most Powerful Women, Ana now serves as Managing Director of Wobi Italia. But her path wasn’t paved with easy yeses—it was shaped by countless no’s.Born in Argentina and raised with little, it was her mother’s bold decision to enroll her in an international school—and her access to an Italian passport—that gave Ana the springboard to chase something bigger. When she was passed over for a leadership title she worked hard for, Ana didn’t wait for recognition—she stepped into the role anyway, leading with clarity, courage, and conviction.In this episode of Navigating No, Ana shares how rejection became her greatest advantage—and how believing in your value, even when others don’t, is where true leadership begins. If you’ve ever been overlooked, underestimated, or told “you’re not ready,” this conversation is for you.00:00 Introduction and Overcoming Obstacles01:04 Ana Mazzeo's Journey: From Argentina to Success01:49 Navigating Rejection and Embracing Leadership03:44 Childhood Struggles and Educational Opportunities04:49 Economic Hardships and Family Support07:07 Balancing School Life and Personal Challenges10:17 Curiosity and Aspiration: Keys to Success11:34 Turning Envy into Motivation14:31 The Importance of Asking Questions21:05 Creative Solutions to Everyday Problems26:22 The Journey to Managing Director27:21 Embracing Rejection and Perseverance28:16 Learning and Leading Without the Title32:16 The Importance of Language Skills38:21 Overcoming Gender Barriers44:39 Final ThoughtsFollow and connect with Ana here on here LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/anamazzeo/Managing Director WOBI Italia, World Business Forum & WOBI Global Management Team | Standout Women International Award 2024| Forbes Italy's Top 100 Successful Women 2024 |Fortune Italy’s 50 Most Powerful Women 2023|Or read more about her story here:https://www.lanacion.com.ar/lifestyle/de-vacaciones-en-carpa-a-ser-una-de-las-50-mujeres-mas-poderosas-de-italia-no-era-la-mas-inteligente-nid06082024/Or about her work at WOBI https://wbf.wobi.com/it/wbf/wbf-milano/https://wbf.wobi.com/ana-mazzeo-on-skytg24-about-gender-equality-for-real-change-to-happen-we-need-to-start-from-the-ground-up/https://www.insidemarketing.it/ana-mazzeo-country-manager-italia-wobi/Or her road to the Italian Business Elite according to Forbes and Fortune:https://forbes.it/2025/07/21/forbes-interview-guidare-il-cambiamento-intervista-ad-ana-mazzeohttps://www.europeanbusinessreview.com/never-give-up-a-mould-breaking-journey-in-business-leadership/https://www.we-wealth.com/news/mazzeo-wobi-il-world-business-forum-per-leader-futuro
Sometimes it only takes a moment to knock you flat—and force you to question everything.For Greg Stern, that moment came not with clarity, but with exhaustion and the quiet collapse of a dream he’d chased for years. What followed was a shift sparked by a few powerful words from his father and the support of mentors who reminded him of the gifts he carried.In this episode, I reconnect with my childhood friend to talk about the role basketball played in shaping his identity, the setbacks that challenged him, and the resilience it took to find his way forward.Whether through mentoring youth with Rise Above or advocating for mental health with the John W. Brick Foundation, Greg is using his story to drive real change.This conversation is about failure, mentorship, and the quiet courage it takes to begin again—again and again—and how the foundations we lay in our hardest seasons often shape the greatest impact we leave behind.00:00 The Turning Point: Overcoming Self-Doubt01:01 Introduction to Greg Stern's Journey01:41 Reconnecting After Decades02:10 Childhood Memories and Early Influences03:33 The Impact of Mentors and Early Sports Experiences10:11 The Harsh Realities of Youth Sports Today22:04 Struggles and Triumphs in High School23:29 Facing Adversity: The College Basketball Experience31:14 The Aftermath of Failure and Finding New Purpose37:03 A Life-Changing Accident and Its Consequences43:14 The Aftermath of the Accident44:16 Dealing with Guilt and Emotional Turmoil45:55 Struggles with Depression and Quitting48:35 A Father's Tough Love53:35 Finding Purpose and Mentorship56:05 The Power of Connection and Empathy59:28 The Podcast Journey01:08:43 Lessons from Mentors and Giving Back01:16:07 Final Thoughts
What does it look like to lead with heart, bounce back from failure, and stay grounded through it all?
Today, I sit down with Manny Hochheimer—banker, father, and leader—whose journey from Germany to Spokane, Washington, is anything but ordinary. As Assistant Vice President of Washington State branches at Idaho Central Credit Union, Manny brings more than business savvy to the table—he brings grit, grace, and a refreshing outlook on turning adversity into opportunity.
Manny shares the hard-won lessons that shaped him as a leader, a partner, and a parent—and why showing up authentically is the key to real success.
Whether you’re navigating your own “no” or searching for what’s next, this conversation will leave you with a bit more optimism, a few laughs, and a reminder that resilience isn’t about never falling—it’s about how you decide to get back up, here on Navigating No.
00:00 Overcoming Academic Challenges
00:41 Introduction to Manny Hochheimer
02:53 Manny's Early Life in Germany
03:34 Immigrating to America
05:30 Adjusting to Life in Fort Collins
08:46 Lessons in Resilience and Authenticity
21:26 Navigating Adversity in College
41:04 Reflecting on Personal Growth and Resilience
41:38 The Power of Currency in Motivation
42:07 Lessons from Business Mentors
43:44 Raising Kids with Tough Love
44:47 The Importance of Authentic Relationships
48:31 Breaking into the Spokane Market
56:25 The Value of Mentorship and Community
01:02:25 Self-Care and Mental Health
01:05:57 The Influence of Music and Movies
01:12:36 Final Thoughts
When life wants to break you, do you let it define you, or find the strength to keep climbing and choose what comes next?
Today, I sit down with Chad Thompson—a devoted family man, coach, entrepreneur and founder of the Forever Everest Foundation—to talk about how loss, love, and purpose have shaped every part of his journey.
From coaching on the soccer fields to a quiet, life-altering moment, Chad shares a powerful story about resilience, fatherhood, and turning unimaginable grief into a mission to help others heal.
This is a story about finding strength in heartbreak—and building something meaningful in the name of the people we carry with us, here on Navigating No.