Jeff McManus grows things. As the Director of Landscape Services at the University of Mississippi, he grows plants, people and ideas. Faced with a multimillion-dollar landscape beautification project, a demand for excellence, high productivity and a stagnant budget, Jeff knew that growing the people was critical to growing the plants. Understanding that all humans either have or strive for the innate elements of greatness, resiliency, opportunity and wisdom, Jeff developed his GROW Theory into an impactful management and professional development leadership program.

Danny Iny compares the crash of his dream start-up to the painful breakup of a relationship. “As an entrepreneur, your identity is deeply invested in your work.” In hindsight, he can say, “Sometimes the rebound turns out to be the one.” He sees the irony of being a high school dropout who is passionate about providing business education. He has a soft spot for helping entrepreneurs succeed. Together, his acclaimed Audience Business Masterclass and Course Builder’s Laboratory training programs have graduated more than 5,000 value-driven online entrepreneurs. 

Sarah E. Brown has had several careers, all of which she says took her full circle to what she originally set out to do right out of college: teaching, writing, and researching. Along the way, she has learned what she believes makes for a happy, successful work experience. She is married and lives in Wilmington, Delaware. When she is not working, she can be found rowing on the Christina River or romping through the woods with her standard poodle, Maharani.

Lauren McLaughlin was delighted to take six years off to be a full-time mom. But as soon as her son went to school, Lauren plunged back into a career. So far, it spans public relations for the Red Cross, newspaper publishing, politics, real estate, and now a ministry. She's a writer, speaker, teacher, retreat coordinator, keynote speaker, counselor, ordained Unity minister and professional student. Lauren is always seeking to learn about people and new ideas.

Jeremy Paris’ teenage rebellion might have led him into a surly adulthood, as just another guy with a chip on his shoulder. But a high school teacher saw beyond his “in-your-face” art project and praised his originality and courage. That changed Jeremy from that point forward. After a career in the military and as a defense contractor, he started the Veteran Resource Podcast to inform veterans about the many organizations, programs and opportunities available to veterans and their family members.

Alison Cardy, author of “Career Grease: How to Get Unstuck and Pivot Your Career,” is a certified career coach who has guided hundreds of people at career crossroads to find innovative and functional career solutions. She encourages people to get clarity by self-analysis, but just as important, by taking action. In this interview she shares why people get stuck at crossroads and recommends steps to get unstuck. Alison’s work has been featured on Monster, Forbes, the Huffington Post, and the Chicago Tribune.

Claudia Penningtonand her husband were reflecting on their past 10 years together and realized they had been living the daily grind without goals, a budget or a plan, and a vague desire to help people. They decided to tackle some massive changes in their lives, starting with eliminating their debt. Claudia is a digital marketing consultant and trainer of side hustlers, freelancers, and small business owners in the fundamentals of digital marketing and SEO.

Tanner Gers thought his life was over when he lost his eyesight at 21. Then, he discovered a game changer–where there were no disadvantages, where everybody was on an even playing field. His sight did not return, but he regained a vision and enthusiasm for life. Since that day in 2004, Tanner has influenced the world as host of the podcast, "The Creative Success Show", and on his health and fitness blog, ABSolutelyLean.com, and as a professional speaker, author, and Paralympian.

Dr. Don McDonald has spent 17 years in the health and wellness industry as a chiropractor. It was from his position at the adjusting table that he noticed a common frustration developing into a major stressor in the lives of many patients. He identified it as ‘the Underdog Curse,’ and his chiropractic patients seemed unable to break out of it. It stopped people from living their best lives, and often stripped them of true happiness.

Ivy LaClair always thought of herself as a shy person, but when she joined her college Student Activities Council, she quickly had to learn how to put herself “out there.” A couple of years later she became president of the Council and had “a goosebump moment” when she realized who she had become. Co-founder of the personal development company, Motivational Millennial, Ivy is an expert on change, transformation and millennial success.

Ellen Antonelli was at a ballet with her parents at the age of 10 and witnessed a dance that portrayed inexplicable violence against women. It both angered and puzzled her. Her mother could not answer her questions about what she felt. In hindsight, she realizes how this moment has driven her career and passion for more than a quarter of a century. Her life’s work has been about empowering students and women and speaking out against violence and oppression.

Craig Ballantyne helps people get more done, make more money, and still get home on time for dinner. He offers five templates for creating rules of life that can be personalized. They act like the operating system for our lives. His templates are built on a foundation of Five Pillars of Success, which encompass time-tested principles such as professional accountability and a "Big Deadline." A co-owner of EarlyToRise.com, he is also the creator of the home workout system, Turbulence Training.

Seth Buechley experienced towering success in building a cellular network. He saw and experienced towering success in building a cellular network. He saw the upside, then the downside, of ambition. His Golden Touch became a reverse Midas Touch for a while. He tells how gratitude and humility turned him around.