Jamie Perez's storytelling journey takes us from the quiet streets of Sacramento to television newsrooms in the Midwest and ultimately back to California as a thriving entrepreneur. Her path exemplifies the transformative power of authentic stories—both in business and in personal reinvention.

Despite growing up in an emotionally unavailable household with a father with narcissistic personality disorder, Jamie channeled her innate drive into academic excellence. This same determination would later fuel her entrepreneurial success when life threw devastating curveballs her way. Jamie's career in broadcast journalism took her from Los Angeles to Iowa and Wisconsin, where she honed her storytelling craft while facing the harsh realities of the news industry—low pay, constant relocation, and the emotional toll of covering primarily negative stories.

When a non-compete clause destroyed her attempt to transition careers, Jamie found herself at a crossroads. Rather than giving up, she secretly launched her own video storytelling business while working at a nonprofit. Within a year of being legally free to promote her services, she achieved remarkable success, hitting six figures by helping businesses and nonprofits connect emotionally with their audiences.

What makes Jamie's approach to storytelling exceptional is her unwavering focus on the "why" rather than the "what." As she explains, "People are going to forget all those facts, but they will never forget the emotion and how you made them feel." This philosophy has become the cornerstone of her business, creating videos that serve as powerful, enduring marketing assets for her clients.

After leaving an abusive relationship and returning to California, Jamie now navigates another rebuilding phase with the same determination that has carried her through previous challenges. Her willingness to share her story while still in progress—not just in retrospect from the mountaintop—offers a rare glimpse into authentic resilience in action.

Ready to transform how your business connects with customers? Discover how emotional storytelling can elevate your brand by visiting Beyond Words Production or reaching out to Jamie directly to create content that makes people truly care about your mission.

What does it take to build a successful career when the odds are against you? Sandy Finley's remarkable journey from Southern California surfer to innovative real estate broker-manager reveals powerful lessons in resilience, mentorship, and finding purpose through life's most devastating challenges.

Sandy's story begins in the beachside communities of Southern California, where she balanced high school with surfing Huntington Beach and racing cars—unusual pursuits for young women in the 1980s. With no family emphasis on higher education and feeling she had something to prove, Sandy's path took unexpected turns: from opening (and losing) a restaurant in her early twenties to working multiple jobs while raising three daughters and supporting her ex-husband through his MBA.

When Sandy finally entered real estate in 2006, just before the market crash, she turned what many would consider terrible timing into an advantage. The slower market allowed her to master fundamentals that would serve as her foundation for the next 20 years. Her approach—combining door-knocking persistence, client advocacy, and an unwavering commitment to honesty—contrasts sharply with industry stereotypes.

The heart of Sandy's story lies in how she's redefined success. From initially measuring achievement through financial gain, she now finds fulfillment in mentoring agents and creating a collaborative brokerage culture at her newly-opened REMAX Dream Homes. The beautiful facility, complete with a communal kitchen and podcast studio, reflects her vision of real estate as a people-centered profession built on relationships rather than transactions.

Perhaps most compelling is how Sandy built this dream while navigating unimaginable personal tragedy. Through this devastating loss, Sandy found that focusing on her professional vision provided crucial purpose and an opportunity to create meaning from suffering.

Ready to hear how resilience, mentorship and personal growth can transform both challenges and opportunities? This episode offers wisdom for anyone navigating their own journey through adversity, whether in business or life.

Ever wonder how someone discovers their true career calling? In our conversation with Hunter Rappleye from InterWest Insurance Company, we explore exactly that journey—from competitive collegiate golfer to thriving commercial insurance agent.

Hunter's story begins as the youngest of five in a bustling household, where his competitive spirit was forged chasing his older siblings' accomplishments. Those early experiences shaped his approach to golf, which became his pathway to higher education. Though initially focused on potentially playing professionally, Hunter eventually recognized his natural affinity for numbers and business problems—talents that led him to the insurance industry.

What makes Hunter's approach to commercial insurance particularly refreshing is his client-first methodology. Rather than overwhelming business owners with insurance terminology, he prioritizes understanding their specific challenges. "If they don't have a problem or if you don't know what their problem is, it's just jargon to them," Hunter explains. This perspective transforms the traditional sales approach into genuine problem-solving.

Perhaps most remarkable is Hunter's redefinition of success through the lens of family. As a father to two young daughters (who occasionally paint his nails before client meetings!), he measures accomplishment not by sales targets but by his ability to provide while remaining present for life's important moments. Starting his family during the pandemic brought unique challenges that further crystallized these priorities.

Whether you're contemplating a career change, seeking to improve client relationships, or struggling with work-life balance, Hunter's journey offers valuable insights about finding fulfillment through alignment of personal values with professional choices. His story reminds us that sometimes our greatest strengths emerge from unexpected places—and that success looks different for everyone.