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This is a bold interview.  Tom Darrow is the quintessential entrepreneur whose faith and passion has made it possible for him to live his dream.  As the founder and owner of Talent Connections and Career Spa, he and his team of affiliates have served and impacted the lives of over 500 individuals who have in some way or another, transitioned from one career to another.

Tom Darrow’s interview on Inspiration at Work provides begins with highlights of the 2011 HR Prayer Breakfast which took place at the Cobb Galleria in Atlanta, featuring Ken Blanchard and Bob Lewis.  He also cast a big vision for the 2012 HR Prayer Breakfast which is to coincide with SHRM’s 2012 Annual Conference in Atlanta.

He quotes the latest research on employee satisfaction stating 84% of employees would like to find other places of employment and outlines some 1,2,3’s of how a “mis-employed” individual might begin the process of hopeful transition.

This is a stimulating interview for HR leaders as well as anyone who may be thinking about a career change. Fantastic interview! Listen in and see if you don’t agree.

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Scott Newman, CEO, U.S. Markerboard

U.S. Markerboard is one of the world’s most successful virtual office products companies but Scott Newman, President and CEO, has more in mind for success than just the bottom line.  In his appearance on Inspiration at Work, Scott talks about his company’s commitment to giving back to the community and how this giving spirit is simply a part of the U.S. Markerboard culture.  In order to provide the greatest amount of impact, they have adopted few charities but go deep in their involvement in particular with Cradles to Crayon, an innovative Quincy, Massachusetts based organization that equips homeless and in-need children with the basic essentials they need to feel safe, warm, ready to learn and to thrive.

From this interview, business leaders will get a glimpse of how any and every business can be involved in making the world a better place through employee volunteer programs.  But most important of all, notice how Scott Newman is personally involved in serving and how because of his example, employees willingly and joyfully participate.

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Tamara O’Neill, President SHRM of Atlanta

Tamara O’Neill leverages her emotional intelligence as a savvy political campaign manager by helping people tap into their strengths and passions to win the hearts of their next employer.  This is an interview that will bring encouragement to anyone in career transition.  You will hear how Tamara’s insight and approach will help both uncover the strengths and opportunities for anyone.

She also provides a call out to SHRM-Atlanta and how those relationships have served as an inspiring community for helping to make the world a better place.

To learn more about Tamara’s work and how to contact her, click here.

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If you have ever felt underemployed, under-valued, stuck with no way to move up, here’s hope. I had the privilege to interview Chip Patterson, AmeriPark CEO, and he tells an amazing story. His life is a window into what happens when we are faithful with the little opportunities versus being a victim. A victim says “I deserve better.” Faithfulness says, “I will give my best while I prepare for something else.”

The victim says, “There is nothing I can learn here.” Faithfulness says, “I will leverage this for something bigger and better.”

Take a moment and listen. You will be glad you did.

Who comes to your mind when you think about self-confidence?  Contrary to how some people think, those who are self-confident are not the arrogant, boastful, or the loud.  People who operate with a high degree of self-confidence have the ability to easily look over an offense, to build on failures, and to put others at ease when the winds of adversity begin to blow.

It’s amazing how much influence authority figures play in building or destroying a person’s self-confidence.  Bosses and supervisors, spouses and parents, teachers and politicians, all have the capacity to either build or destroy the self-confidence of those who look up to them.

My second guest this week  is Darrin Cohen. He is the CEO of a successful financial planning services firm, Wealth Enhancement & Preservation Of Georgia and is an example of a boss and a parent who inspires self-confidence in others.