Conversations to Connect - Let’s Get Real - Exceptional Connections

17|The Revenue Ringlet with guest Marcelle Allen

🎙 Welcome to Conversations to Connect – Let’s Get Real Podcast, powered by Exceptional Connections®!  In this inspiring episode, host Cyndi O’Neill-Dady sits down with the remarkable Marcelle Allen for an uplifting conversation: ✨ The Remarkable Ringlet.
Marcelle Allen supports business owners in understanding the patterns behind their sales systems, marketing strategies, and financial results using a powerful circular framework she calls The Revenue Ringlet. In this episode, Marcelle invites you to get curious, confident, and creative about your numbers—while leveraging social media, video marketing, and storytelling to grow a profitable, purpose-driven business.
Known as a proud numbers nerd with the nickname “Hallmark,” Marcelle blends analytics with creativity as the founder of Dreamosity, where she helps entrepreneurs align marketing, advertising, and financial clarity. Her work has been featured in The New York Times, KING 5, and multiple appearances on The Money Hour with Tina Mitchell.
Marcelle is the author of Financial Joy: Know the Data Behind Your Dreams and creator of her signature program, The Revenue Ringlet, designed to help business owners connect their online efforts to real revenue.
In this conversation, you’ll discover how to:
Connect your video and social media efforts directly to your bottom line
Visualize momentum, strategy, and profitability through data storytelling
Understand the relationship between the cash creator and the internet using Marcelle’s Social Audience Matrix
Stop blaming Facebook or YouTube for low profits and instead analyze sales patterns and relationship nurturing
Bring your data to life by slowing down, doodling the data, and telling better business stories
Key Takeaways:
How to use 30-day storytelling with the cash creator to link asks to net profit
Ways to visualize momentum and leverage video marketing for growth
How collaboration and shared video content can expand reach and visibility
Fishing or hunting? Learn how to clearly define your goals with online communities—and the pros and cons of each approach
🎁 Marcelle’s Special Offer:https://dreamosity.com/training/shop/ringlet/
🔗 Learn more: http://Dreamosity.com📧 Contact: marcelle@dreamosity.com
 
To learn more about Exceptional Connections go to: ExceptionalConnections.com, 
or contact Exceptional Connections® Founder and Chief Connector Cyndi ONeill-Dady at cyndi@exceptionalconnections.com

16|Toot Your Own Horn: Share Your Strengths with Confidence with Patrice Tabor

🎙 In this week’s Conversations to Connect – Let’s Get Real, powered by Exceptional Connections®, host Cyndi O’Neill-Dady sits down with Patrice Tabor for an inspiring and empowering conversation you won’t want to miss. In this Episode they dive into: Tooting Your Own Horn: Share Your Strengths with Confidence to Expand Opportunities.
If you’ve ever struggled to talk about your strengths—whether during networking, business conversations, or client interactions—this episode will equip you with the clarity, confidence, and language you need to shine.
🌟 About Patrice TaborPatrice is a certified life coach, workshop facilitator, and passionate advocate for courageous self-discovery and personal transformation. With over 15 years of experience as an adult educator in healthcare, she brings deep expertise in strengths-based coaching, lifelong learning, healthy team dynamics, and compassionate communication.
Her coaching blends creativity, empathy, and practical tools to help clients overcome barriers and step into authentic confidence. Patrice also finds joy and expression through hula dancing, which beautifully reflects her grounded, graceful approach to personal growth.
💡 What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeUnlock practical tools to help you speak about your strengths with ease and authenticity—skills essential for networking, selling, personal branding, and building meaningful professional relationships.
Top Takeaways:
• Identify and clarify one of your key personal strengths• Develop your own STAR story (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to clearly communicate your strengths• Build confidence and clarity in sharing your strengths through intentional practice
Whether you're a business owner, networker, emerging leader, or someone seeking more confidence in how you show up professionally, this conversation offers powerful insights to help you stand out and create more opportunities.
🌐 Learn more about Patrice:injoystrengthsbasedcoaching.com
 
To learn more about Exceptional Connections go to: ExceptionalConnections.com, 
or contact Exceptional Connections® Founder and Chief Connector Cyndi ONeill-Dady at cyndi@exceptionalconnections.com

15|Have Your Hormones Hijacked Your Body? with guest Carolyn Carmen

🎙 This week on the Conversations to Connect – Let’s Get Real Podcast, powered by Exceptional Connections®, host Cyndi O’Neill-Dady welcomes Carolyn Carman, a passionate wellness educator and health advocate, for an eye-opening conversation titled “Have Your Hormones Hijacked Your Body?”
This powerful episode dives into the realities women face when navigating hormonal shifts—especially during menopause and beyond—and how natural solutions, whole-food nutrition, and lifestyle changes can help restore balance and support long-term wellness.
🌟 Meet Our Guest: Carolyn Carman
For 24 years, Carolyn Carman has been a Health Food Agent, Wellness Educator, and champion for natural healing. Her journey began with helping her son overcome a chronic illness, which sparked her lifelong mission to empower others through Mother Nature’s FARMACY—using the healing power of fruits, vegetables, and whole-food nutrition.
Carolyn is a: ✔️ Certified Shred Coach specializing in 10 Healthy Habits programs ✔️ Tower Garden Farmer, growing her own nutrient-rich produce ✔️ Marketing Director with Juice Plus+, providing support for menopause, cancer, diabetes, autoimmune challenges, brain health, and more
Her passion is helping women understand their bodies, recognize symptoms of hormonal imbalance, and reclaim their vitality through natural, sustainable, evidence-informed practices.
💬 Episode Focus: Have Your Hormones Hijacked Your Body?
“Unlock the secrets of women’s health: Discover how hormonal imbalances may be affecting your body and learn how to take back control with simple, effective insights.”
This empowering conversation explores how hormonal fluctuations can impact energy, weight, mood, sleep, inflammation, and overall quality of life—and what you can do today to support your body naturally.
✨ What You’ll Learn in This Episode
Signs of Menopause: What every woman should watch for
Six Key Post-Menopause Considerations to protect long-term health
Why Escorting Toxins Out Matters for hormonal balanceThe Relationship Between Adrenals, Exercise & Sleep
How Expert Guidance Can Help You Thrive—you don’t have to settle
🎁 Special Offer from Carolyn
Enjoy a complimentary 30-minute wellness consultation with Carolyn via Zoom or phone. Bring your supplements, tinctures, and health concerns—and walk away with a personalized strategy to help rebuild your "medicine cabinet" and support your healthiest, most vibrant life.
📧 Carolyn Carman Juice Plus+ | Menopause & Hormone Health Guide Email: carolyn@carolyncarman.com Website: carolyncarman.com
🌐 Learn More About Exceptional Connections®
Visit ExceptionalConnections.com For collaborations, speaking opportunities, or podcast inquiries, contact: Cyndi O’Neill-Dady, Founder & Chief Connector – cyndi@exceptionalconnections.com

14|Focused Growth on Authentic Marketing with guest Charlie Hoffman

🎙 This week on the Conversations to Connect – Let’s Get Real Podcast, powered by Exceptional Connections®, host Cyndi O’Neill-Dady sits down with the incredible Charlie Hoffman for a dynamic conversation you won’t want to miss. In this episode, we dive deep into “Focused Growth Through Authentic Marketing”—a powerful approach that is transforming how mission-driven entrepreneurs connect, communicate, and grow.
🌟 About Our Guest: Charlie Hoffman
Charlie Hoffman is an organizational powerhouse, a military veteran, and a visionary in authentic marketing and operational excellence. As a devoted wife and mother to two remarkable children with unique needs, Charlie brings unmatched resilience, discipline, and heart to everything she does.
With over 12,000 graphics created, 400+ podcast episodes produced, and a BA in Education, Charlie blends creativity, strategy, and streamlined systems to help businesses thrive in their unique authenticity. Her work centers on clarity, storytelling, and building brands that connect deeply with the clients they are meant to serve.
Charlie is known for her collaborative style, attention to detail, and out-of-the-box thinking—making her a sought-after partner for entrepreneurs ready to elevate their marketing with purpose and personality.
If you're looking for a marketing expert who can help transform your brand into a meaningful, memorable masterpiece, Charlie is ready to bring your vision to life.
💡 Episode Focus: Authentic Marketing for Sustainable Growth
Authentic marketing is more than a strategy—it’s a relationship-building philosophy rooted in transparency, alignment, and genuine human connection. In this episode, we explore how heart-centered business owners can create lasting success by:
Sharing their brand story with purpose
Showing up with honesty and clarity
Building trust through values-based communication
Turning engagement into long-term loyalty
Creating meaningful customer relationships that fuel sustainable growth
This conversation is packed with insights, inspiration, and practical tools you can implement immediately.
✨ Key Takeaways from Charlie’s Talk
Build Genuine Connection: Strengthen trust and loyalty by showing up authentically and prioritizing real relationships.
Communicate Transparently: Honest communication—wins, challenges, and all—creates relatable and trustworthy brands.
Use Storytelling Powerfully: Connect on a personal level by sharing the stories behind your values, mission, and impact.
Lead with Ethics: Align your marketing and business practices with your core values for integrity-driven brand presence.
Focus on Long-term Relationships: Authenticity creates loyal champions who support your brand for the long haul.
🌐 Connect with Charlie
Website: yourfreetimeback.com Email: charlie@yourfreetimeback.com
🌐 Connect with Exceptional Connections®
Website: ExceptionalConnections.com For collaborations or speaking inquiries, contact Founder and Chief Connector Cyndi O’Neill-Dady at cyndi@exceptionalconnections.com

13|Neutralizing Obstacles Through Gratitude with guest David George Brooke

🎙 Welcome to Conversations to Connect – Let’s Get Real Podcast, powered by Exceptional Connections®!  In this inspiring episode, host Cyndi O’Neill-Dady sits down with world-renowned gratitude expert David George Brooke—“That Gratitude Guy” for a powerful and uplifting conversation: ✨ “Neutralizing Obstacles Through Gratitude.”
If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, discouraged, or weighed down by the negativity of daily life, this episode gives you actionable strategies for shifting your mindset, strengthening your resilience, and reclaiming joy through the proven power of gratitude.
🙌 Meet David George Brooke — International Gratitude Speaker, Coach & Best-Selling Author
With over 25 years as a keynote speaker and 30+ years in corporate leadership, including his time as a Nordstrom store manager, David George Brooke has become one of the most compelling voices in the gratitude movement.
He is the best-selling author of: 📘 That Gratitude Guy’s Daily Gratitude Journal 📘 Six-Word Lessons to Embrace Gratitude
His work has been featured in FORBES, COSTCO CONNECTION, and the MERCER ISLAND REPORTER, and he has delivered 850+ in-person and virtual presentations, including 150+ virtual events in just the last 18 months.
As a prolific YouTube creator with 2,500+ gratitude videos viewed by millions, David has become a leading global authority on how gratitude can transform mindset, behavior, relationships, and emotional well-being.
He currently lives in Renton, WA, and is the proud father of his two “Rockstar Sons.”
🌈 About This Episode — A Powerful Mindset Reset
Are you looking for practical ways to manage the constant negativity, stress, and overwhelm of daily life?
David’s keynote-style conversation delivers the tools, techniques, and mindset practices you need to break old habits, release limiting beliefs, and cultivate a resilient, gratitude-centered outlook—no matter what challenges you face.
Far from a traditional slide-heavy presentation, this episode is interactive, experiential, energizing, and deeply transformative. You’ll walk away with simple, repeatable exercises and daily practices to elevate your mindset, strengthen emotional resilience, and rediscover your blessings.
🌟 Key Takeaways from This Episode:
✔ How gratitude can help you navigate and overcome life-changing challenges ✔ Practical exercises to shift from negativity to empowerment ✔ The benefits of using a daily gratitude journal to elevate clarity and confidence ✔ How gratitude builds resilience, boosts happiness, and strengthens self-esteem ✔ Why focusing on abundance instantly changes how you see yourself and your life
You’ll be invited to look at life—and yourself—through a refreshed, inspired lens.
💛 Get Ready to Transform Your Outlook
This episode is your invitation to embrace a more centered, positive, abundant life rooted in gratitude. Whether you're facing personal obstacles, professional pressures, or emotional fatigue, this conversation will equip you with the tools to move forward with confidence, clarity, and hope.
Let gratitude be your guide.
 
Learn more about David at: https://thatgratitudeguy.comContact: david@thatgratitudeguy.com
 
To learn more about Exceptional Connections go to: ExceptionalConnections.com, 
or contact Exceptional Connections® Founder and Chief Connector Cyndi ONeill-Dady at cyndi@exceptionalconnections.com

12|Leaving a Legacy with guest Laurie Hardie

You’re invited to a Conversations to Connect – Let’s Get Real Podcast, powered by Exceptional Connections®. Join host Cyndi O’Neill-Dady and her guest, Seattle radio personality and communication coach Laurie Hardie, for an inspiring conversation on a topic that touches every life: Leaving a Legacy.
🎙️ Meet Our Guest: Laurie Hardie
Laurie Hardie is a beloved Seattle radio host, author, speaker, podcaster, and coach who has spent more than three decades helping people share their stories with courage and clarity. As a former single mom of three—and now “Grandma LaLa” to six—Laurie understands the profound value of capturing life’s moments, honoring our experiences, and passing wisdom from one generation to the next.
Laurie is passionate about helping women speak in a way that truly connects. During the pandemic, she made a powerful discovery: many podcasters, Zoom facilitators, and online leaders believed they were communicating inclusively, but their methods were unintentionally isolating listeners. Drawing from her 35+ years in broadcasting and her degree in social services, Laurie now teaches people how to make their voices more inviting, intentional, and impactful.
Her newest offering, the 7-Day Podcast Pro program, blends storytelling, communication strategy, and on-air experience to help anyone launch or elevate their podcast with confidence.
🌱 What This Episode Is About
Every person has stories worth sharing—stories that heal, connect, empower, teach, guide, and inspire. In this heartfelt conversation, Laurie and Cyndi explore how storytelling helps us create a living legacy that lasts long after we’re gone.
Whether you choose to record audio, capture video, journal your experiences, or launch your own podcast, your stories matter.
Laurie reminds us that your life is made of hundreds of moments, and each one has the power to touch someone else’s heart. Your legacy begins the moment you decide to hit record.
💡 Key Takeaways From This Episode•
⭐ Support your favorite podcasts by leaving a 5-star rating and review—it makes a meaningful impact • ♻️ Content is content—reuse it, recycle it, reshape it, and share it again • 🎤 Push record today—your family will thank you, and your story could change someone’s life • ❤️ Your voice creates connection, belonging, and legacy • 🎧 Podcasting or podcast guesting is easier than you think—you just need to begin.
This episode is an empowering reminder that ordinary moments become extraordinary stories—and your legacy starts with your willingness to share them.
📘 Connect with Laurie Hardie
Learn more about Laurie’s work, coaching, and podcast training programs at her website (optional to add if you have one).
Contact Laurie: lacoach@comcast.net
Website: http://www.coachlaurie.com
Podcrafter Gift from Coach Laurie:  https://podcrafter.my.canva.site/dagzlbnukbk
🤝 Connect with Exceptional Connections®
Be part of a dynamic community built on meaningful relationships, powerful conversations, and authentic connection.
 🌐 ExceptionalConnections.com 📧 Contact Founder & Chief Connector Cyndi O’Neill-Dady: cyndi@exceptionalconnections.com

11|The Power of Forgiveness: Building Stronger Relationships and Thriving Communities with guest Brenda Reiss

🎙 Welcome to Conversations to Connect – Let’s Get Real Podcast, powered by Exceptional Connections®! In this transformative episode, host Cyndi O’Neill-Dady sits down with forgiveness and grief coach Brenda Reiss for a heartfelt, eye-opening discussion: ✨ “The Power of Forgiveness: Building Stronger Relationships and Thriving Communities.”
If you’ve ever felt weighed down by resentment, stuck in old patterns, or unsure how to heal a strained relationship—this episode offers hope, clarity, and real tools for change.
🌿 Meet Brenda Reiss — Forgiveness Coach, Grief Advocate & Emotional Healing Expert
Brenda Reiss is a respected forgiveness and grief coach who guides individuals, leaders, and organizations through powerful emotional transformation. With deep expertise in navigating loss, regret, and self-compassion, Brenda helps her clients embrace forgiveness as a pathway to:
personal peace
emotional resilience
stronger relationshipsempowered leadership
Through one-on-one coaching, workshops, and speaking engagements, Brenda blends empathy, evidence-based practices, and practical strategies that create lasting personal and professional breakthroughs. She is passionate about fostering emotional well-being, healing, and hope in every space she touches.
Learn more at: www.brendareisscoaching.com
💫 What You’ll Experience in This Episode
This meaningful conversation explores how forgiveness shapes not just our personal lives—but our professional environments, teams, and communities. Brenda breaks down how choosing forgiveness strengthens trust, sparks collaboration, and opens the door for greater creativity, innovation, and emotional growth.
🌟 Key Takeaways:
✔ How forgiveness fosters trust and deeper professional connections ✔ Practical steps for creating a forgiving culture in your workplace or community ✔ Why forgiveness is essential to empathetic, inspiring leadership ✔ How letting go enhances productivity, creativity, and well-being
If you’re ready to release what holds you back—and step into deeper connection, authenticity, and joy—this episode is your invitation to begin.
To learn more, go to:  www.brendareisscoaching.com
 
To learn more about Exceptional Connections go to: ExceptionalConnections.com, 
or contact Exceptional Connections® Founder and Chief Connector Cyndi ONeill-Dady at cyndi@exceptionalconnections.com

10|Color Confidence: Knowing How Your Palette Transforms Your Presence with guest Lisa Fischer

🎙 In this week’s Conversations to Connect – Let’s Get Real Podcast, powered by Exceptional Connections®, host Cyndi O’Neill-Dady sits down with wardrobe stylist and image consultant Lisa Fischer for a powerful and eye-opening conversation: “Color Confidence: Knowing How Your Palette Transforms Your Presence.”
👗 What if simply wearing the right colors could transform how others see you—and how you see yourself?
If you’ve ever felt unsure, overwhelmed, or uninspired when getting dressed, this episode will be a game-changer.
Lisa Fischer is a certified wardrobe stylist, image consultant, and the founder of Image Strong, a private mentoring program for women ready to elevate their confidence and personal style. Through 1:1 closet clean-outs, outfit curation, and holistic image coaching, Lisa teaches busy women how to dress for their unique body shape, proportions, lifestyle, and personal color palette.
Her mission is simple and powerful:  ✨ Never again look at your closet and say, “I have nothing to wear.”
In this rich, inspiring conversation, you’ll learn how color communicates, influences emotion, and quietly shapes the way you show up in every room. Whether you’re a professional, entrepreneur, speaker, or simply someone wanting to feel more “you” in your clothes, this episode will help you unlock a more confident, aligned, and elevated presence.
🌈 Here’s what you’ll walk away with:
The Power of Color and how it affects first impressions
Why Color Matters in your wardrobe, branding, and personal identity
The Psychology of Color and what your choices say about you
What Color Analysis Is and why it’s a cornerstone of personal styling
The Benefits of Wearing Your Best Colors, from saving time and money to boosting confidence and clarity
If you’re ready for a fresh perspective on personal style — one rooted in authenticity, confidence, and empowerment — this episode is for you.
 
To learn more about Exceptional Connections go to: ExceptionalConnections.com, 
or contact Exceptional Connections® Founder and Chief Connector Cyndi ONeill-Dady at cyndi@exceptionalconnections.com

9|16 years of Exceptional Connecting: Building Relationships That Last with guest Cyndi ONeill-Dady

Have you ever wondered why some networking events leave you energized and truly connected, while others feel like a waste of time, and leave you drained? In this episode of Interrupted Act 2 with Coach Laurie, Cyndi O’Neill-Dady, Founder and Chief Champion Connector of Exceptional Connections®, shares her insights from 16 years of cultivating authentic relationships and building a thriving professional community. She breaks down exactly what makes networking meaningful, what often causes connections to fizzle, and how to transform every interaction into a lasting collaboration.
Cyndi begins by exploring the foundation of Exceptional Connections®—the principle that relationships are king. She explains why building a network isn’t just about exchanging business cards, but about listening, discovering, and contributing in ways that create trust and mutual support. Drawing on her years of experience, Cyndi illustrates how even brief interactions can ripple into long-term partnerships and friendships when approached with intentionality and care.
One of the most powerful aspects of her approach is proactive connection. Cyndi demonstrates why connecting with people before you need something from them creates a foundation that will weather any professional transition. She introduces her signature 6-Step process to Exceptional Connecting—Connect, Discover, Listen, Contribute, Follow-up, & Nurture—showing how each step can transform ordinary networking into authentic, high-value relationships.
Cyndi also emphasizes the importance of generosity, curiosity, and celebration in networking. She explains why giving first, asking thoughtful questions, and spotlighting others’ achievements not only strengthens relationships but also amplifies your professional influence and personal fulfillment. Whether it’s a brief conversation at a luncheon, a virtual Wisdom Circle, or a one-on-one meeting, she provides practical ways to make every interaction meaningful.
By the end of the episode, you’ll understand how to stop approaching networking as a transactional chore and start cultivating genuine, impactful connections that grow your business, your influence, and your community.
Cyndi’s insights will empower you to show up authentically, invest in relationships, and create a legacy of connection that extends far beyond the event itself.
 
To learn more about Exceptional Connections go to: ExceptionalConnections.com 
or contact Exceptional Connections® Founder and Chief Connector Cyndi ONeill-Dady at cyndi@exceptionalconnections.com

8|How to Be a Champion at Connecting: Leaders Share Their Secrets on Turning Contacts into Loyal Advocates & Raving Fans

🎙 In this week’s Conversations to Connect – Let’s Get Real Podcast, powered by Exceptional Connections®, host Cyndi O’Neill-Dady sits down with Elisa Hawkinson and Melissa Lavigne for a powerful and inspiring conversation you won’t want to miss. As we discuss, "How to Be a Champion at Connecting: Leaders Share Their Secrets on Turning Contacts into Loyal Advocates & Raving Fans."
For the very first time, we proudly honor our inaugural 2024 Recognized Champions—exceptional women in business who embody the heart of connection, collaboration, and community impact. These leaders demonstrate what’s possible when we prioritize authentic relationships, consistent engagement, and people-first business growth.
🌟 Meet Our 2024 Champion Connectors
✨ Elisa Hawkinson – Founder, How 2 Get Organized EC 2024 Champion of Engagement Recognized for her extraordinary dedication, active participation, and consistent presence at Exceptional Connections events. Elisa exemplifies the true spirit of engagement, enthusiasm, and relationship-centered leadership.
✨ Melissa Lavigne – Founder, Infinite Love-Productions EC 2024 Champion Community Builder Honored for her outstanding commitment to building community by inviting and bringing the most guests to our monthly ECN luncheons, Melissa continues to strengthen and grow the Exceptional Connections network in meaningful ways.
💎 What You’ll Discover in This Episode
Glean powerful insights and pearls of wisdom from two women who bring heart, intention, and purpose to everything they do. Through personal stories, practical strategies, and real-life examples, Elisa and Melissa reveal:
How they’ve applied the 6 Steps to Exceptional Connecting to elevate their businesses and cultivate thriving networks (Connect, Discover, Listen, Contribute, Follow-up, Nurture)
The behind-the-scenes moments that transformed simple introductions into game-changing collaborations
The habits, mindsets, and follow-up practices that convert new contacts into loyal advocates and raving fans
Why relationship-driven networking is the key to sustainable, long-term business success
Whether you’re a seasoned networker, an entrepreneur growing your influence, or someone wanting to build deeper connections with purpose, this episode will leave you inspired, empowered, and equipped with actionable steps you can start using right away.
🌱 What if networking wasn’t about collecting business cards— but about cultivating Champions for your business and community? Join us for this uplifting, soul-filling conversation and learn how you, too, can become a Champion Connector.
🔗 Learn more: • Elisa Hawkinson – How2GetOrganized.com elisahawk98@outlook.com • Melissa Lavigne – InfiniteLove-Productions.com Melissa@infinitelove-productions.com 
 
To learn more about Exceptional Connections go to: ExceptionalConnections.com, 
or contact Exceptional Connections® Founder and Chief Connector Cyndi ONeill-Dady at cyndi@exceptionalconnections.com