“Finding your way doesn’t require having it all figured out.”

In this episode, I sit down with Brittany Whitenack, founder and owner of Antique Candle Co., to explore how her relationship with work grew from early lessons in grit to leading a team of 40 making thousands of candles a day. Brittany reflects on her first jobs, her time at Purdue, and the intense season of managing 70 employees at age 22. She shares the burnout that led her to walk away with no plan, the months she spent reconnecting with creativity, and how a simple candle-making hobby slowly turned into a real business.

We talk about the unglamorous parts of entrepreneurship, including signing her first lease, hiring help for the first time, and holding the weight of responsibility during moments like the 2020 shutdown. Brittany also gives a look into the craft behind her candles, from testing to naming, and why building a caring workplace matters to her as much as the products themselves.

Timestamps:
(00:00) Intro

(02:01) Growing up with grit and hard work

(05:14) Finding her path in college and early jobs

(07:58) Learning hard lessons in retail leadership

(10:58) Walking away and starting over

(13:32) A simple hobby that sparked something new

(15:19) The first steps toward Antique Candle Co

(20:22) Carrying the weight of leading others

(24:29) Trust, courage, and leading through hard moments

(26:23) Inside the craft of candle making

(31:51) Navigating the pace of the holiday rush

(33:29) The honest reality behind entrepreneurship

(35:07) Looking ahead at what comes next

Connect with my guest:

Brittany Whitenack on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brittanytruax/

Check out Antique Candle Co.: https://antiquecandleco.com/

Connect with me:

Ami Graves on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amigraves/
The People of Work on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepeopleofwork/

Explore The People of Work: https://www.thepeopleofwork.com/

“Explore your curiosity, because that’s where you’re going to find you.”

In this episode, I sit down with Sara Whitley, licensed clinical social worker and owner of Complete Peace, to explore her journey from growing up in a hardworking family in Indiana to building a thriving private therapy practice in North Carolina. From her first job at KFC to navigating cross-country moves and career pivots, Sara’s story is one of resilience, curiosity, and faith in action.

We talk about her decision to leave behind the safety of a government role to start her own practice, how she’s built a mission-driven business rooted in compassion, and the challenges of balancing care for others with caring for herself. Sara also shares how her husband Jason’s recent health crisis reshaped her perspective on strength, priorities, and what it truly means to find peace in chaos.

Timestamps:
(00:00) Intro

(01:42) Early influences and work ethic

(03:21) Educational journey and early career

(07:49) Adventures and career shifts

(20:51) Building a career in social work

(21:06) Starting a private practice

(26:26) Navigating stress and mental health

(26:53) Challenges in the mental health industry

(31:41) Personal reflections on family dynamics

(34:51) Her husband Jason’s medical crisis

(49:38) Advice for aspiring social workers

Connect with my guest:

Sara Whitley, LCSW on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/s4r4whitley/

Check out Complete Peace: https://www.completepeace.net/

Connect with me:

Ami Graves on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amigraves/
The People of Work on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepeopleofwork/

Explore The People of Work: https://www.thepeopleofwork.com/

“Strength isn’t built in the gym. It’s built when life knocks you down and you get back up anyway.”

In this episode, I sit down with Monica Derhammer, owner of Hoosier Trainer in Brownsburg, Indiana, to talk about her journey from young athlete to gym owner, and everything in between. Monica shares how her mom inspired her hustle, how early jobs taught her independence, and how an unexpected opportunity turned her passion for fitness into a business.

She opens up about the realities of entrepreneurship, the sacrifices behind success, and the challenge of rebuilding after COVID nearly shut her doors. Monica also reflects on her own battles with body image and mental health, and how those struggles shaped the way she supports her clients today.

We talk about community, resilience, and what it really means to be strong, not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually. Monica’s story is one of perseverance, purpose, and using your pain to help others find their power.

Timestamps:

(00:00) Intro

(00:59) Monica's early life and work ethic

(05:32) Becoming a trainer

(07:47) Owning a gym

(14:13) Navigating COVID challenges

(20:53) Inspiring success stories

(23:32) Realness and accountability as a trainer

(25:42) Struggles and triumphs with body image

(27:44) Importance of certifications and education

(29:43) The role of nutrition in fitness

(39:10) Quick hits and real talk

Connect with my guest:

Check out Hoosier Trainer: https://www.hoosiertrainernow.com/

Connect with me:

Ami Graves on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amigraves/
The People of Work on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepeopleofwork/

Explore The People of Work: https://www.thepeopleofwork.com/

“Every pastor must preach, but every preacher is not a pastor.”

In this episode, I sit down with Rashad Cunningham, Community & Formation Pastor at Church@Main in Brownsburg, Indiana, to explore his journey from hip-hop producer to pastor. Rashad opens up about growing up in Indianapolis, navigating identity as one of the only Black students in Brownsburg, and how those early experiences shaped his faith and calling to build bridges in his community. He reflects on his time in the Navy, his years making music, and the pivotal church event that changed his life and set him on a path toward ministry.

We also talk about the difference between preaching and pastoring, what it means to truly shepherd people, and how his creative roots continue to influence his work today. Rashad shares the inspiration behind his book Spaces, his perspective on redemption, and how faith, family, and storytelling remain at the center of everything he does.

Timestamps:

(00:00) Intro

(01:41) Rashad’s early life and influences

(03:43) Navigating identity and challenges

(08:52) Journey to the Navy and beyond

(11:29) Discovering a passion for music

(15:41) Transition to pastoring

(23:24) Reflecting on Brownsburg’s transformation

(26:45) Balancing ministry and personal life

(27:36) Dealing with past mistakes

(35:04) Writing and publishing a book

(40:10) Becoming a grandparent

Connect with my guest:

Rashad Cunningham on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rashadcunningham/

Explore Church@Main: https://www.churchatmain.org/

Check out S.P.A.C.E.S.: Permission-Based Discipleship Journey: https://a.co/d/8NzrsxJ

Connect with me:

Ami Graves on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amigraves/
The People of Work on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepeopleofwork/

Explore The People of Work: https://www.thepeopleofwork.com/

“Be confident in your voice and don’t sell yourself short.”

In this episode, I sit down with Kylie Bright-Schuler, civil engineer and project manager at American Structurepoint, to explore her journey into engineering and the lessons she’s learned along the way.

Kylie shares how her family’s influence and early mission trips sparked an initial interest in environmental engineering, and how her path eventually led her to civil site design and project management. We talk about her early challenges navigating a male-dominated field, the role mentorship has played in building her confidence, and why having leaders who make space for your voice can change everything.

She also opens up about her podcast, Cheers with Engineers, which highlights the diverse paths within the profession. Kylie reflects on the importance of mentorship networks like IndyCREW, the value of her environmental science background, and her ongoing pursuit of her professional engineering license.

Timestamps:

(00:00) Intro

(03:09) A grandfather’s push toward engineering

(05:50) Pivoting from environmental to civil engineering

(08:47) Lessons from a first consulting role

(12:21) Stepping into project management

(17:01) Navigating a male-dominated field

(18:02) Mentors who make space for women

(20:10) Launching Cheers with Engineers

(25:07) Misconceptions about engineers

(26:46) The value of soft skills

(30:53) To never selling yourself short

(35:00) The power of mentorship

Connect with my guest:

Kylie Bright-Schuler on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kylie-bright-schuler-ei-560171128/

Explore American Structurepoint: https://www.structurepoint.com/

Check out Cheers with Engineers: https://open.spotify.com/show/0cjJVioTBVVstVoRgtpa8y?si=033317ef9ab340b3

https://podcasts.apple.com/tw/podcast/cheers-with-engineers/id1712169234?l=en-GB

Connect with me:

Ami Graves on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amigraves/
The People of Work on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepeopleofwork/

Explore The People of Work: https://www.thepeopleofwork.com/

“You don’t have to climb the corporate ladder to build a meaningful career.”

In this episode, I sit down with Abby Thompson, founder of Bloom Marketing, to explore her journey from growing up with two hardworking parents to carving her own path across corporate, higher education, and entrepreneurship. We talk about her decade at Rolls Royce, the lessons she learned through international travel and leadership roles, and how an unexpected layoff during COVID opened the door to new opportunities.

Abby also shares what it was like to build a student-run marketing agency at Butler University, the support system that carried her through a difficult career transition, and the bravery it takes to launch your own consulting business. From making Blizzards at Dairy Queen to building marketing foundations for clients, her story is one of resilience, reinvention, and the power of connection.

This conversation is full of practical wisdom on navigating career pivots, leaning on your network, and building a work life that truly fits the season you’re in.

Timestamps:

(00:00) Intro

(00:59) Zigzagging influences and interests growing up

(06:49) Gaining experience at Rolls Royce

(11:39) Work in rebranding Butler University

(14:26) How supportive networks help face career uncertainty

(17:19) Finding new opportunities through connections

(20:33) Launching Bloom Marketing

(22:35) Balancing work and family

(23:24) Exciting projects at Bloom Marketing

(26:07) Put yourself out there to create opportunities

Connect with my guest:

Abby Thompson on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abbythompson2/

Connect with me:

Ami Graves on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amigraves/
The People of Work on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepeopleofwork/

Explore The People of Work: https://www.thepeopleofwork.com/

“Your career is a jungle gym, not a ladder.”

In this episode, I sit down with Hollin Hart, brand marketing leader at Cummins Inc., to uncover the experiences, values, and resilience that have shaped her path in work and life.

We talk about Hollin’s early beginnings in South Bend, from babysitting and working at the Notre Dame bookstore to discovering her love for marketing through conversations, sports, and community connections. She reflects on her early ambitions of becoming a sports lawyer, her pivot into sales, and how those experiences prepared her for a successful career in marketing and communications.

Hollin shares what it means to translate complex ideas into clarity, the role of service and community in her professional journey, and how her faith and energy guide the way she shows up at work. We also discuss her perspective on balancing motherhood with a demanding career, why agility and partnership are critical, and how she’s turned imposter syndrome into a personal superpower.

Timestamps:
(00:00) Intro

(01:33) Hollin’s first work experiences

(03:54) Finding marketing in Ball State

(06:56) Roots in volunteer work and community involvement

(08:38) Starting a career in sales

(12:49) Journey to Cummins

(15:46) Three ways to balance career and motherhood

(20:02) Turning imposter syndrome into strength

(23:09) Marketing is about how people feel

(25:14) On creating a networking organization

(26:30) Lessons from a tug of war with work and life

(31:47) Professional growth is personal growth

(34:18) Leverage being new and thank your network

Connect with my guest:

Hollin Hart on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hollinhartmba/

Explore Cummins Inc.: https://www.cummins.com/

Connect with me:

Ami Graves on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amigraves/
The People of Work on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepeopleofwork/

Explore The People of Work: https://www.thepeopleofwork.com/

“You need to start a business so you can leave your job.”

In this episode, I sit down with Andrew Adeniyi, founder of AAA Solutions, and author of The Circle of Leadership, to explore his journey from growing up in an entrepreneurial home to building a consulting business focused on leadership, culture, and belonging. We talk about the impact of early internships, the lessons he carried from retail leadership at Aldi and Starbucks, and how a life-changing moment gave him the clarity to take the leap into full-time entrepreneurship.

Andrew also shares what it’s like to co-author a book with his 7-year-old son, how he’s using theater to spark courageous workplace conversations, and the not-so-sexy side of running your own business. This conversation is full of real talk about purpose, peace, and building a life that reflects who you are.

Timestamps:

(00:00) Intro

(00:58) Early work experience

(03:46) College and internships

(09:41) First corporate job at Aldi

(14:06) Kroger and Starbucks

(21:30) Writing “The Circle of Leadership”

(22:01) Transitioning from corporate to entrepreneurship

(25:02) Launching AAA Solutions and balancing DEI and workplace culture

(27:52) Mentors and guidance in professional life

(29:11) New book and new ventures

(33:36) Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs

(36:01) Defining freedom and self-care

Connect with my guest:

Andrew Adeniyi on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewadeniyi/

Explore AAA Solutions: https://www.aaasolutions.us/

Check out The Circle of Leadership: https://www.amazon.com/Circle-Leadership-Framework-Creating-Leveraging/dp/1641379081

Connect with me:

Ami Graves on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amigraves/
The People of Work on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepeopleofwork/

Explore The People of Work: https://www.thepeopleofwork.com/