458: Interview with Barb Stone

In this Episode:

In this episode of the "Achieve Results NOW!" podcast, hosts Mark Cardone and Theron Feidt welcome back Barb Stone, an entrepreneur, leadership development coach, trainer, speaker, and now an author and TEDx speaker. They discuss Barb's journey since her last appearance on the podcast four years ago, highlighting her significant professional growth.

Barb shares her background, starting with 25 years as a senior female leader in manufacturing after earning her MBA. Despite her success, she felt a desire for "more" than just climbing the corporate ladder. This led her to a journey of self-discovery, studying resiliency and positive psychology, getting involved with John Maxwell, and eventually becoming a leadership coach. She emphasizes that her motivation to become a coach stemmed from her own challenging journey as a first-generation American of Polish descent, wishing she had a guide earlier in her life.

The conversation then shifts to Barb's new book, "So Much to Drool About: Lessons for Living Large," which combines her coaching wisdom with her passion for Great Danes. She explains how the idea for the book was planted by a client in 2020 and how it evolved into a collection of inspirational stories, each accompanied by an illustration and a wisdom statement. Barb stresses the importance of following one's passion, even if the profitability isn't immediately clear, noting that the book is an investment in herself and a way to share her message. She believes that when you commit to your passion, opportunities will arise, such as speaking engagements and partnerships.

 Barb also discusses her target audience for the book, stating it's for anyone from four to 104 years old who seeks inspiration or loves animals. She shares her experience visiting an elementary school to discuss social-emotional learning using her book, demonstrating its broad appeal. She emphasizes that the book's creation process itself, with its many iterations and challenges, mirrors the life lessons it teaches about growth and perseverance.

A key takeaway from the discussion is Barb's belief in "leading ourselves first," and how life can "happen through us" when we share our wisdom and experiences to help others. She encourages listeners to "follow the breadcrumbs"—the small signs and opportunities that appear along one's path, especially for aspiring entrepreneurs.

To find out more about Barb Stone and her book, listeners are directed to her website, Barbstone.me, where they can purchase the book, sign up for newsletters, and find links to her social media profiles. The hosts commend Barb for her bravery in pursuing her passions and putting her work out into the world

Barb Stone Bio:

Barbara Stone is a Syracuse, NY-based Entrepreneur, Author, Leadership Development Coach, Trainer, and Speaker, dedicated to empowering individuals to define and achieve their authentic version of success. Her journey is marked by resilience and a passion for helping others. 

After a distinguished 25-year career in senior leadership roles within manufacturing, including Executive Vice President and CFO, Barb realized she was living someone else's definition of success. This led her to an intensive study of resilience and positive psychology, understanding that true opportunities are created, not accidental. 

In 2018, Barb launched Build Your Path LLC. As a leadership development coach, she now passionately guides individuals, teams, and boards to discover their authentic selves and build a life that truly reflects who they are, challen