See & Free Studio with Jennifer Longnion

See & Free Studio Season, Episode 15 with writer, director, entrepreneur and futurist Michael Shaun Conaway

How do we want to be? As a world, as communities, as organizations, and as individuals? How do we live to make a difference? That is the question Michael Shaun Conaway ponders every day. His USD. To unleash the greatness of people and organizations to bring about a thriving future for humanity. To that end, he’s spent his career encouraging others to find the unique expression of themselves so they may make a profound impact in life. Many years ago, Michael Shaun discovered that he had no trouble tapping into his passions, but that they were focused in many diffuse ways. It took time to realize that the best way to make an impact is to tie his passion to his ultimate purpose - that thing that is so important that it gives you connection and energy…the ability to find your “wings.” And now he is soaring. In his recent film We Rise Up, he met with 150 inspirational global leaders including the Dalai Lama, Richard Branson, and Tony Robbins to re-envision our future and what’s possible over the next 100 years of humanity. The focus of the film is to imagine a world where we are all living in purpose and doing amazing things to solve incredible challenges. And as co-creator of the Generative Futures Institute, Michael Shaun continues to bring people together to create a thriving future for humanity and our way forward…bringing together problem solvers from all parts of the world and all walks of life to build shared visions and solutions that give us hope for what we can do together…in purpose. Or what we call at See & Free Studio…our USD. Come learn about Michael Shaun and The Generative Futures Initiative.

See & Free Studio Season 2, Episode 14 with the accomplished Sabrina Bier, who proves that success and fulfillment can emerge from overcoming tragedy

Sabrina Bier is a successful Chicago real estate broker & expert, accomplished speaker and trainer, brand strategist and philanthropist. Fueling her success is the ability to thrive despite a number of invisible hurdles and struggles. Sabrina thrived through a terrible tragedy finding the support, energy, strength and mindset to overcome subsequent obstacles. She found her source of strength in her USD - her ability to vocalize her circumstances but more importantly sharing the ways she prevailed over them. Her message is that we don’t need to let the “terrible” define us, but instead motivate us and lift others up in the process. Sabrina is proof that you can be both successful and vulnerable, giving others hope that they too can prevail over pain by leaning on each other. As she shares, “you can’t experience the highs in life if you haven’t experienced the lows” - both can motivate and fuel you and connect you to communities of tried and true friendships who empathize with and support you. And that is what Sabrina is doing now - creating community - for those with chronic illness, for her foster children, and for those in need in her hometown of Chicago. Check out Sabrina’s episode and learn more about her nonprofit Re-Connect Chicago (https://www.re-connectchicago.org/).

Link: https://youtu.be/V-sCNfXQAlM

See & Free Studio, Season 2 Episode 13 with renowned stylist and Bravo’s Shear Genius winner Anthony Morrison

Proud West Londoner Anthony Morrison knew he wanted to be a hairdresser at age 8. That dream not only became a reality, but he became one of the most renowned stylists in the World as winner of Bravo’s inaugural season of Shear Genius and as a member of TLC’s “Glam Squad” on 10 Years Younger. It is no surprise that Anthony’s USD is to make every day better than the day before and to make everyone’s life brighter and more beautiful. Anthony uses his creative talents to create a unique space and community where his customers have an unforgettable experience. He’s done just that with The Londoner Salon in Hermosa Beach, where he’s modeled the salon after an English tea garden as LA’s first and only Open (H)air Salon - something that made The Londoner one of the most coveted salons to visit during the pandemic. Come learn about Anthony, his USD, and his commitment to Comfort Human - a nonprofit organization dedicated to aiding people suffering with Alzheimer’s.

See & Free Studio, Season 2 Episode 12 with former Wish kid and cancer survivor Nick Lynch, bringing his USD to connect brands and nonprofits for social impact

Recognizing the major headwinds faced by nonprofits to generate awareness and revenue during the pandemic, Nick Lynch made it his personal mission to unlock cause marketing and social media to help these organizations increase their reach and hit their goals. Nick’s USD? To be a channel for positive outcomes. Understanding the true power of a nonprofit’s mission - Nick’s using his own story, experience and knowledge to amplify their cause. Nick is now comfortable, actually now enthusiastic about sharing his own story as a cancer survivor and former Wish kid. He provides the context and creates the empathy that helps brand and business leaders understand how powerful their impact can be. Through his company Collidescope.io, Nick is helping brands put real effort and dollars behind social impact. Bringing his USD and his expertise in advertising and performance marketing, Collidescope.io has raised $1M in the last year for nonprofits during a time that they could be significantly limited by constraints. Come hear how Nick is creating the platform for collaboration, connection and social impact and support Make-a-Wish Greater Los Angeles (http://site.wish.org/goto/mawgla2020)

https://youtu.be/xt1ZoBwr12E

See & Free Studio Season 2, Episode 11 with guests and LMU grad students Evanne Drucker, Alexandra O’Hagan Padron, and Ryan Robles

In this special episode, we’ve invited three incredible grad students to the show who are facing major life milestones in the midst of one of the most incomprehensible times in our lives. Evanne, Alex and Ryan have spent the last few months exploring their USD’s and appreciating how knowing what makes them “unique, special & different” informs their life choices, perspectives, and their career paths. Come be inspired by these emerging leaders as they share their stories and aspirations. We’ll also share our tips for everyone who’s seeking purpose and new opportunities in your career.

For one hour of free career coaching, be the first person to email me at thestudio@seeandfreeconsulting.com.

See & Free Studio, Season 2 Episode 10 with Di Ciruolo, queer, Latin mom and fierce advocate for all humans to be 100% themselves in the workplace

Di Ciruolo is Head of Inclusion at Jambb, a Blockchain Technology company - comedians and entertainers to release NFT’s (moments) that people want to collect and trade. She is on a mission to raise awareness around diversity and inclusion within this prolific industry and the tech industry in general. Her focus is to raise awareness and break down barriers for those who may be marginalized in the workplace. Her experience in foster care sparked her awareness that she didn’t fit into boxes; she had a unique outsider’s view of society and systems of power. Over time, Di realized that conventional narratives didn’t fit her experience, and that there were barriers to entry that she had to overcome due to her identity and experience. So rather than try to fit into the boxes or let those barriers deter her, she embraced her USD which is to live outside of others’ boxes and to provide the space for others to live and thrive outside of these same “norms.” Her message for business leaders: The goal is not to assimilate everyone to a heteronormative male MO; it is to provide the environment and circumstances for all people to be their unique selves and contribute to the success of the organization. And her message to everyone who cares about making our workplaces more diverse and inclusive, hold onto and stay true to your “why” - that is your source of resilience. Both of these messages are core to her book, “Ally Up: The Definitive Guide to Building More Inclusive, Innovative and Productive Teams.” Please come learn about Di Ciruolo, her story, and Together We Rise (https://www.togetherwerise.org/donate/) - a nonprofit supporting foster kids and getting them essential items they need to feel like the loved children they are.  

Link: https://youtu.be/1U2R6Ioih28

See & Free Studio Season 2, Episode 9 with Gian Martinez, recently named one of the ‘50 Names that expanded creativity in Brazil’ by WIRED

Gian Martinez exudes energy, confidence, creativity, positivity and a growth mindset and those are the qualities he also promotes through his business and his USD. What’s Gian’s USD? He’s spent his lifetime trying to master the science of creativity - specifically to create amazing things in a consistent way. Going one step further, he’s committed to empowering creative capability in others - especially young people trying to emerge from poverty - teaching them that they can nourish and use their creative potential to change their reality and their family’s and community’s circumstances. Gian’s message is that everyone can discover and spark creativity from within. Children, community, large enterprises...we can use creativity to solve big problems. That is exactly what he’s doing with fast growth start-up Winnin. Winnin’s mission is to understand through data what audiences really want to watch. We are surrounded by content, and continue to push content that’s often not often relevant to societal issues. We need to make content that matters, that’s more relevant for people and society, and that makes a difference. Winnin maps where and how brands can make an impact in our collective context. Launched last year in Brazil, Winnin is making its way to the US in the next few months! Come learn about Gian, his USD, and his commitment to Gerando Falcoes, one of the largest nonprofit movements in Brazil focused on overcoming social differences and poverty.

See & Free Studio, Season 2 Episode 8 with Marica Slaughter who is fiercely advocating for recognition and equality for women athletes

Marica Slaughter...what's her USD? She's a connector and bridge builder - she prides herself on bringing people together to win and be successful. She's thoughtful and contemplative, and most importantly a leader who approaches challenges, goals, and circumstances with a steady resolve. While Marica has opportunities to lead in her day job as Director of Design Ops at MailChimp, her real passion is founding and leading Raw5Gear (www.raw5gear.com). A former star point guard at Georgia State University, Marica started Raw5Gear as a way to combine her innate creativity, community connections, and leadership while paying homage to her love of sports. Raw5Gear is a clothing brand dedicated to bringing awareness to the disparity in women's sports. Women make up 40% of collegiate athletes but only get 4% of marketing and recognition. Marica is using this medium to create dialogue, bring awareness, and drive change for fair and equitable programming and resources for women playing and coaching sports. Every step of the way, she’s focused on being a good leader and leaving a legacy. As she states, “legacy comes from the longevity of the things you instill in other people.” The people that mean the most to her are her three young boys - her legacy as a Mom is to raise “good humans.” Come learn about Marica, Raw5Gear, and The Women’s Sports Foundation.

See & Free Studio, Season 2 Episode 7 with fantastic human Candi Clark whose mission in life is to bring joy to everyone she meets

On her web site, she says "I've never met a stranger" and that is the truth! People come from all of the World to be photographed by Candi, who just happens to be an on location photographer in one of the most trafficked tourist destinations in the World, Orlando FL. Why is she so special? Her USD: She genuinely loves people and loves to make them smile. She wants everyone around her to feel happy, beautiful, accepted and included and she offers the safe space to do just that. What makes her smile? The kids in her life. Candi knows that our children will make the World a better place and hopes other parents see the same in their kids - finding happiness in the little every day moments that often go overlooked. She also wants all of us to seek out our humanity and empathy for our community, which is one reason she is avid supporter of the One Pulse Foundation, raising awareness and funds for those impacted by the murders that occurred at the Pulse Nightclub. Her wish is that we all embrace that Love is Love, that we feel comfortable being ourselves and we feel good. Come learn about Candi and how she is bringing smiles to everyone who meets her. 

See & Free Studio Season 2, Episode 5 with Michael Dubin, who’s enjoying semi-retirement and his favorite role as Expert Day Dreamer

Trailblazer Michael Dubin emerged as the brain behind and face of cutting-edge men’s grooming brand Dollar Shave Club in 2011. After a decade running this unicorn success story, Mike stepped into semi-retirement in early 2021. “Semi” because he is still bringing his Unique, Special and Different (USD) to solving big problems. What’s his USD? Simply put: It’s an un-ending curiosity, a hunger for new knowledge and skills. Mike is slightly obsessed with the constant demystification of the World. He admits he’s wired in a way that he can’t accept that something can’t be done. When he learns about something new, he dissects it into smaller, surmountable chunks and figures out what he could do to make it better. For him, solving problems is fun. For all those aspiring entrepreneurs who ask him about the secret to his success, he has a few bits of advice: 1) Get good at solving problems and seeing opportunities. Meet challenges and rise to them as a relentless optimist, and 2) Ask for help. Mike acknowledges that his real success as Founder and CEO at DSC is attributed to bringing together a great group of people who helped him build the company - friends, relatives, investors and team members. Come learn more about Mike and what problems he is solving now: whether it is tackling new methods to fight wildfires, protecting our democracy, or improving education through his work with Gabriella Charter Schools. 

Episode Link: https://youtu.be/_HDyGkVOBNg

See & Free Season 2, Episode 5 with Jake Levin, who shares his passion for taking organizations to unparalleled levels of growth  

Jake Levin is Chief Growth Officer for Lunar Solar Group, a marketing agency focused on scaling ecommerce brands or breaking traditional CPG brands into the ecommerce space. He’s got a fitting title for someone whose USD is an insatiable passion and thirst for growth - both personal growth and being at that perfect inflection point of an organization when they are about to take off in ways that previously seemed impossible. Jake shares that he is the perfect partner in attaining ambitious goals because he’s incredibly competitive and obsessed with results. Sometimes that obsession leads to a perpetual dissatisfaction with what he’s achieved, but he’s learning to celebrate the small wins and combat an ever-present fear of complacency. One way he creates balance in his life is music; it allows him to pursue perfection in his career with his pursuit of peace and happiness. Come hear Jake’s story, listen to his album Bad Blue on Spotify, and support 350.org - a nonprofit bringing awareness to energy alternatives other than fossil fuels.

Link to our YouTube Episode: https://youtu.be/-v1y6fuitD0

See & Free Studio Season 2, Episode 4 with James Mitchell, bringing his professional problem solving to building start ecommerce delivery service Pandion

James Mitchell is a professional problem solver with an endless curiosity about well...everything. That’s his USD, and he’s tackled many challenges and problems over the years - weaving through science labs to marine bases to the board room. In all cases, James realized the power of great questions and deep inquiry to provide the best strategies and solutions. In each chapter of his career, he’s focused on advising others how to get to “yes” - exploring what’s possible, then identifying who and what was needed to solve the problem at hand. He brought his solution-oriented strategic brain and team mentality to his role as one of the founding members of the Amazon Air team and now to building cutting-edge start up Pandion. But his favorite role is shaping a new generation as a father of four kids with his partner in life Carra. Please learn about James, this chapter in his life, and help him support the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals (https://obap.org/give/).

See & Free Studio Season 2, Episode 3 with Meet Allison Buchner, our favorite IP lawyer and litigator and all around great human

Whip smart, tenacious, compassionate and resilient - that's how I describe this week's guest Allison Buchner. But what really matters is how this mom, wife, community leader and kick ass lawyer and IP expert describes herself. Allison's USD is a perfect triad of qualities: 1) the ability to make order out of chaos and thrive in it, 2) an incredible drive to win and succeed, and 3) solving problems for others so that they may have a better reality. This mix makes her a terrific lawyer and leader and an even better mom to her two girls. Allison wants her girls to know that having a great job and intensely pursuing success doesn't have to come at the expense of enjoying one's life and having fun. A great reminder for all of us. Please watch Allison's episode to learn about her daughter Sammie and her rare genetic disorder CACNA1A, and how her mom fights everyday for her to realize her dreams...to ride a unicorn and slide down a rainbow. 

See & Free Studio, Season 2 Episode 2 with Mark Nicholas, the multi-talented wizard behind See & Free Studio

This is a special behind-the-scenes episode of See & Free Studio with our Producer Mark Nicholas. In this episode, Mark gives us a peek at what it takes to produce our show while sharing insight into his very cool career. Mark’s a lawyer, musician, author, artist, photographer, and Owner of Manhattan Beach Studios. How did he become this Jack of all Trades? His USD: He describes it as FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) without the Fear. Mark throws himself into any endeavor with fearlessness & friends, to push him to master whatever is in front of him --sans that familiar fear of failure. His USD led to the creation of Manhattan Beach Studios, where he uses his expertise and products to bring others’ expertise and products to life, all while continually adapting his methods to a rapidly changing world. Come learn about Mark, the legacy he’s created, and his unwavering commitment to nonprofit Walk with Sally.

This is one to watch on YouTube at https://youtu.be/3pgNAmxXPkM

See & Free Studio with Sienna Jackson, a brilliant Change Maker who encourages each of us to create net positive change against the social issues impacting all of us

She started college at just 14 years old, and now at 28, she’s attaining her fourth college degree - this time an MBA at UCLA. Yes she is smart, but there’s more to it. Her USD is the perseverance to work really hard and master what she learns. She tackles whatever is in front of her, and that includes the pursuit of knowledge and the pursuit of social change. Sienna found the intersection of her passions for journalism and government - where she chased down geo-political scandals and illuminated international relations, and married that with her experience in the entertainment industry, an industry with an enormous platform to reach people through music and movies yet steeped in issues around discrimination and harassment leading to the Me Too movement. That intersection - social good. Now she is taking on climate change, institutional racism, gender bias, food deserts, access to fintech, and more. Her objective - getting the right stakeholders in a room to solve big problems. She reminds us that all of these problems are man made and therefore can be solved by man through powerful collaboration and coalition where we recognize that these issues are interconnected and need to be detangled and resolved. How do we all make net positive change on a social issue?

Come learn all about Sienna, the change she’s making in the World, and The Collective Identity Mentoring, a new 501c3 nonprofit organization based in Los Angeles that focuses on mentoring Black women and girls. https://www.thecollectiveidentity.org/donate

See & Free Studio episode 27 with Ben Woo, infusing intentionality and humanity into your business strategy

Strategy and Consultant are two words that have a myriad of definitions and interpretations, and Ben Woo is just fine with that as someone whose spent his career redefining both. For Ben, his USD is in how he approaches his work as a business strategist - his ability to relate to and learn from everyone regardless of what side of the fence they sit on; his goal to bring people together to create clarity and enthusiasm around a common Vision. He wants business leaders to be able to make faster, less risky decisions about how to grow their business. To do that, he helps them shape their story, to create meaningful insights out of hoards of data, to relate to their consumer, and to make confident and actionable decisions. He's found a way to monetize his USD through his role as Managing Director at RedSky Strategy, where he continues to flip traditional strategy consulting on its head. Come learn all about Ben Woo, his approach to work and his support of Swipe Out Hunger.

See & Free Studio Episode 26 with Terry Stafford, author, editor, musician and NASA alum

Author, editor, storyteller, bluegrass musician, and retiree from his 30-year project management career at NASA?! That sums up Terry Stafford, whose USD is his eclectic way of approaching life - openly pursuing a wide swath of interests over time. Terry is committed to continuous learning, continuously trying new things, overcoming fear, and connecting to different parts of himself yet to be explored. He encourages the same of others. What's his latest pursuit? He's taken his multi-decade and well honed experience in project management to one of his other passions, writing. With his book "Project Management for Writers," Terry shares the frameworks, repeatable processes and systems authors may use to get organized as they dive into their creative endeavors. Come learn about Terry, his journey of self-discovery, and his commitment to Salt + Light who are building communities for the homeless.

See & Free Studio episode 24 with Michelle Wenke, Fashion Designer and Owner of Monrow

She’s a fashion designer, a brand innovator, co-founder, CEO and mom of 4. In this week’s episode, Michelle Wenke reminds us how we all need someone to lift us up when our own self doubt sinks in. When we aren’t living up to our USD, others can remind us of what makes us unique, special and different. Michelle is that person for many people in her life and she appreciates the same from others. Her USD: She is the perfect mix of creativity, leadership, organization and tenacity. She describes the agility and drive it takes to create and run a fashion empire. From concept to consumer, Michelle built Monrow - a brand dedicated to timeless celebrity-endorsed athleisurewear. She educates us on the journey of becoming a fashion designer and going one step further to create a business around her creations. Come listen and learn about This is About Humanity (www.thisisabouthumanity.com).

Episode Link: https://youtu.be/GDHn22OWpes

See & Free Studio episode 23 with Wilfredo “Wil” Ramos, who reminds us that transformation starts from within

A lifelong student of people, Wil Ramos reminds us that the person we need to know best is our self. His USD? It’s an aggressive pursuit of self improvement, a journey to discover his own version of success over his lifetime. And how does he define success today? Well his goals are simple: He wants to be a functioning member of society, the best father, and a great husband. All of those things require the willingness to self reflect, question one’s mental models, be empathetic towards others, and be open to constant reinvention. It is through his journey of self transformation that he has gained the wisdom and bold intellectual honesty that inform his work as a senior leader at Philips Healthcare where he leads org-wide transformations across North America. Come learn about Wil, the insights he’s learned about self transformation and how you can support the Veterans Empowerment Organization.

See & Free Studio Episode 23 with Shelley Paxton, author of Soulbbatical: A Corporate Rebel’s  Guide to Find your Best Life which is #1 on Forbes’s 21 books to read in ‘21

On a mission to liberate 1 Billion Souls to take power of their own lives, Shelley Paxton wants everyone to be true to themselves and live life on their own terms. She found this renewed sense of purpose after emerging out of her own “crisis of the soul” - feeling empty and disconnected despite having a very successful career, most recently as CMO of Harley-Davidson. Having refueled and made her own radical self commitment, Shelley’s USD is bringing her magnetic energy to every situation and every interaction to influence others to explore what’s in their souls. She wants everyone to remove the “shackles of should” that hinder freedom, authenticity, and courage. You’ll feel Shelley’s energy on this week’s episode, so come hear about her Rebel Leader’s Manifesto (https://soulbbatical.com/articles/a-rebel-leaders-manifesto/) and her commitment to the Life is Priceless Foundation (http://lipf.org/donate).