Monthly Archives: December 2024

December 31, 2024

God Said, “Play for Me”: Conversation with Kirby Velarde, Lead Guitarist (Episode # 423R)

When Kirby Velarde started “Playing for God,” it catalyzed a process that included playing gospel music for Heritage Christian Center in Denver, Colorado, a congregation that has had up to 10,000 members, and playing for legendary gospel music great Kurt Carr.

Accomplished musician Kirby Velarde was born into a musical family. He elevated his artistic pedigree to new heights when he followed God’s call on his life. On today’s episode of The Voice of Leadership, Kirby plays his music and tells Dr. Karen about the expansion of his musical journey to include gospel music.

Kirby describes how he connects to God through music, and how corporate executives can also access God’s favor, embrace their unique talent, and leverage inspiration and preparation to serve at the highest levels.

Reach Kirby Velarde at kirby.velarde@yahoo.com

December 24, 2024

Happy Chanukah with Chad and Cantor/Spiritual Leader Laurel Barr (Episode # 210R)

The miracle of Chanukah, The Festival of Lights, lighting the darkness, and bringing hope to a hurting world is what guests Chad and Cantor/Spiritual Leader Laurel Barr share on today’s podcast episode. Listen as Dr. Karen explores both the historical and current day significance and celebration of Chanukah.

Also hear Chad and Laurel’s personal love story and their beautiful musical interlude on today’s show.

Since the time of original broadcast of this show in 2020, Laurel Barr now serves as Spiritual Leader to Temple B’nai Abraham in Elyria, Ohio.

Reach Cantor/Spiritual Leader Laurel Barr at LaurelBarr.com

Reach Digital Empire Creator Chad Barr at TheChadBarrGroup.com

December 17, 2024

Interview with Daphne Maxwell Reid from the Fresh Prince of Bel Air TV Show (Episode # 202 R)

Actor Daphne Maxwell Reid is best known for her role as Aunt Vivian on The Fresh Prince of Bel Air TV show starring Will Smith. Some of her other credits include starring roles on WKRP in Cincinnati, Hill Street Blues, Simon and Simon, and Frank’s Place, opposite her husband Tim Reid. Dr. Karen talks to Daphne about her experiences as a model, beauty queen, photographic artist, clothing designer, author, entrepreneur, and actor. Join Dr. Karen as she explores the beautiful tapestry of Daphne’s life experiences and extracts relevant business lessons for executive leaders.

Look for The Fresh Prince of Bel Air Reunion Show on HBO Max and The Business of Christmas on BET Plus

To learn more about Daphne Maxwell Reid’s Artistic offerings, go to DaphneMaxwellReid.com

December 10, 2024

Rob Brown: Build Business Reputation and My Recovery from a Major Health Crisis (Episode # 395R)

Rob Brown, based in Nottingham, UK, the home of Robin Hood, is the author of the bestselling book, “Build Your Reputation,” host of the world’s only daily Fintech and accounting podcast, and leader of the Accounting Influencers Roundtable. Rob speaks with Dr. Karen about the importance of being distinctive and memorable in business branding and addresses how he came back from a major health crisis.  He also shares what difference his faith made in his recovery.

Reach Rob Brown: http://uk.linkedin.com/in/therobbrown; https://accountinginfluencers.com

December 3, 2024

“Sebastian’s Song” of Hope and Healing with Michael Casaus and Naomi Natale (Episode # 389R)

Did you know that only 4% of all cancer research funds are dedicated to Children’s cancer? When parents Michael Casaus and Naomi Natale learned their then two year old son Sebastian had a rare, aggressive, and incurable Stage IV cancer they used their collective skills to create partnerships and a non-profit organization to raise funds to find treatments and a cure. They also created a community art project, “Sebastian’s Song” that has curated healing songs from around the world. Michael is The Wilderness Society’s New Mexico state director, environmental advocate, long-term non-profit leader, and W.K. Kellogg Foundation Fellow. Naomi is an award winning community artist activist and Fellow of multiple organizations including TED Global. Join Dr. Karen to hear their family and community story of Love, pain, grief, and gratitude.

Update: When we first aired this broadcast, Sebastian was 3 years old. By the grace of God and after many chemotherapy treatments, countless surgeries, recurrences of cancer, and numerous hospitalizations, Sebas, now five years old, continues to live a courageous and miraculous life. His parents Michael and Naomi escalate efforts to advocate for their son and others to find a Cure for MEC. Please continue your prayers, songs, and financial contributions.

Donate to CureMEC.org

Add your song to “Sebastián’s Song” at CureMEC.org