Backstage Pass: Ep. 18 - Tara Renze: Be Who You Came To Be - Living the Life You Deserve & Desire

Backstage Pass: Ep. 18 - Tara Renze: Be Who You Came To Be - Living the Life You Deserve & Desire

tara renze bio

Tara Renze is an author, keynote speaker, emotional intelligence & positive intelligence practitioner, podcaster, thought-leader, wife and mother and is redefining how we unleash purpose, level up our success and create sustainable happiness and fulfillment in all aspects of our lives. After two decades of success in corporate leadership and social selling, she started writing and keynote speaking to empower others to "be who they came to be" and create, own and live the life they desire, envision and deserve. Tara has a true passion and talent for guiding others to harness and realize their full potential.

Early Beginnings and Corporate Success:

Tara Renze's journey to empowerment and inspiration began in the competitive arena of corporate America. At CareerBuilder.com, her exceptional leadership and sales acumen were quickly recognized, earning her the coveted "Sales Leader of the Year" accolade. Tara's impact expanded as she took the helm of the national new hire sales training program and served as a national sales manager consultant, shaping the future of sales leadership with her innovative approaches and insights.

Transition to Social Selling and Entrepreneurship:

Building on her corporate success, Tara ventured into the world of social selling with Stella & Dot. Here, she founded a nationwide, multi-million-dollar business, blending her corporate expertise with entrepreneurial spirit. This phase of her career not only showcased her business acumen but also her ability to connect with and inspire a new generation of women entrepreneurs.

Current Role as a Beacon of Authenticity and Empowerment:

Today, Tara Renze is a beacon for those seeking to "be who they came to be." Her grandmother's transformative note to her son in 2007 became the cornerstone of Tara's mission. As an author, keynote speaker, and emotional intelligence practitioner, Tara has dedicated her life to empowering others. Her work is supported by her impressive educational background, with a degree from the University of Kansas and leadership studies at the Wharton School and Kellogg Graduate School of Management.

Tara's influence extends through her books, such as "Be Who You Came To Be" and the collaborative children's book "Be Who You Came To Bee," along with her eagerly awaited "Perfectly Flawed." Her "Be Who You Came To Be" merchandise line further embodies the spirit of her empowering message.

Trusted by Leading Brands:

Tara's credibility is underscored by her collaborations with renowned brands such as Aflac, T-Mobile, Amazon, American Century Investments, Baxter, the Women's Foodservice Forum (WFF), Farmasi, and many more. These partnerships reflect the trust and value placed in her expertise and the universal appeal of her empowering message.

Personal Life and Advocacy:

Her favorite titles in life are wife to Scott, mom to Ben and Jack, daughter, sister and friend. Her dogs, Olive & Phog, are by far her biggest fans. Tara enjoys traveling, cooking, fitness, live music, all things sports and dancing in the kitchen.

Beyond her professional achievements, Tara is a passionate advocate for breast cancer awareness, inspired by the battles faced by her loved ones.

Bee Who You Came To Bee

By Renze, Tara, Johnson, Karen

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Be Who You Came To Be: A Little Book of Notes, Ah-ha's, Daydreams, & Butterfly Goals

By Renze, Tara

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Be Who You Came To Be: A note that changed my life and the secrets that will change yours too

By Renze, Tara

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show notes

On this episode of Backstage Pass, Gail Davis sits down with Tara Renze to explore how emotional intelligence, self-acceptance, and pursuing fulfillment over happiness can transform lives. Hear how Tara helps audiences “Be Who You Came To Be” and why her work is resonating now more than ever. 

In this engaging conversation, host Gail Davis speaks with Tara Renze, an award-winning keynote speaker and emotional intelligence expert. Tara shares her journey from corporate America to becoming a sought-after speaker, emphasizing the importance of emotional intelligence and mental fitness in personal and professional development. The discussion covers Tara's impactful message of 'Be Who You Came To Be,' her various keynote topics, and the significance of workshops in transforming lives. Listeners gain insights into how emotional intelligence can enhance workplace success and the necessity of self-acceptance for both adults and children. In this conversation, Tara Renze discusses her journey as a speaker, focusing on the importance of igniting purpose in audiences through relatable messages. She shares her experiences speaking at various events, including women's conferences and corporate settings, emphasizing the impact of personal development and self-acceptance. Tara highlights the significance of vulnerability in connecting with audiences and the tools she uses for self-assessment. She also addresses the growing mental health crisis and her commitment to advocating for mental health awareness through her speaking engagements.

Key topics in this episode include:

• The importance of emotional intelligence in the workplace.

• Emotional intelligence accounts for 58% of success in the workforce.

• How Tara’s 'Be Who You Came To Be' message is relatable and impactful.

• Mental fitness helps individuals manage negative thoughts effectively.

• Fulfillment is more valuable than constant happiness.

• Tara's journey illustrates the power of personal storytelling.

• Teaching self-acceptance can change lives.

• Owning one's success stories is crucial for personal growth.

• The Be Who You Came To Be methodology to live the life you desire and deserve.

• Honoring each other's authenticity.

• You are not your thoughts.

• Relating through human connections.

Visit gdaspeakers.com to learn more about bringing Tara Renze to your next event!

Backstage Pass: Ep. 17 - Kim Becking: Ignite Unstoppable Momentum in a Rapidly Changing World

Backstage Pass: Ep. 17 - Kim Becking: Ignite Unstoppable Momentum in a Rapidly Changing World

kim becking bio

The driving force behind the Unstoppable Momentum™ Movement, Kim Becking is changing the way we think about change and resilience in a rapidly changing world that NEVER SLOWS DOWN. An engaging, high energy and impactful international keynote speaker, New York Times Bestselling Author, human behavior expert and change and resilience researcher, Kim’s strategic insights and practical solutions have been utilized by hundreds of organizations ranging from Fortune 50 companies to associations and organizations around the world.

Kim’s expertise on reframing change and redefining resilience is regularly featured in media outlets such as the New York Times, People, Good Morning America, USA Today and Harvard Business Review.

Kim has helped companies and organizations around the world empower their leaders, teams, and communities to redefine resilience, reframe change, and understand what it truly means to lead, live, and lean into a rapidly changing, ever-evolving world that never slows down. Her mission is to inspire everyone she meets to be more adaptable, more resilient, and better equipped to own what’s now and embrace what’s next with a deep breath and a big cup of Bring It On.

Using humor and vulnerability, Kim has the ability to connect with her audiences at a deeper level. Her authentic, engaging, humorous, and empowering messages of extraordinary resilience, conquering change, and creating success regardless of your circumstances have made her a favorite among her audiences.

She has boosted communication, collaboration and consensus building capabilities for companies, associations, government, and non-profit organizations. And coached Fortune 50 CEO’s and C-Suite leaders, association executives and government leaders to accelerate their success and momentum.

Kim knows a thing or two about change and challenges through her own experiences in business and life. As a “recovering” attorney, serial entrepreneur running 2 successful businesses, communications and public affairs strategist and “recovering” political consultant, Kim has conquered the ever-changing, tough worlds of business, government, and politics. She’s also conquered life challenges - as a breast cancer thriver, mom of 3 with a blended family, caregiver with aging parents and many other unexpected changes.

Kim has spent decades discovering research-based strategies, tools, and the Unstoppable Momentum™ Framework, rooted in positive psychology, emotional intelligence, and communications - and then proving them in her life and in the work she has done with hundreds of organizations.

Unstoppable Momentum is the power to use any change or challenge as a catalyst to bounce forward—not just bounce back—no matter what. Fueled by emotional intelligence, a Momentum Mindset, and intentional action, it is the fastest way to build sustainable resilience and adaptability in this ever-evolving world where change is happening at breakneck speed.

After hearing Kim, leaders leave with the framework, mindset, and tools to revolutionize their approach to change, challenges, and uncertainty; embrace the power of possibility; and use any change or challenge as rocket fuel for forward growth, transforming their lives, leadership, and your organization.

Kim resides in Columbia, Missouri, and delivers programs as a keynote speaker, consultant, and executive coach both in-person and virtually throughout the world.

*Note: Kim delivers a one-size-fits-you Unstoppable Momentum experience, customized to your unique needs, challenges, and goals. Every client also receives exclusive access to her Momentum-Boosting Vault, packed with tools and resources to keep the momentum going long after the event. Because building Unstoppable Momentum isn’t a one-time event—it requires ACTION.

show notes

On this episode of Backstage Pass, Gail Davis is joined by Kim Becking who shares what it takes to lead with resilience and build unstoppable momentum. From embracing failure to fostering emotional intelligence, Kim explores practical ways to help teams thrive in times of change and uncertainty. 

In this energizing and insightful episode, bestselling author, change and resilience strategist, and keynote speaker Kim Becking shares how to build sustainable resilience and create Unstoppable Momentum during times of nonstop change and uncertainty. Drawing from her personal experiences and work with thousands of leaders and teams, Kim introduces her powerful framework—Stop, Shift, Reframe—and explores what’s busting our momentum and what can boost it. You'll walk away with actionable tools, and the reminder that you are allowed to feel, lead, and grow in the “so muchness” of life and work.

Key topics in this episode include:

• Change is constant and requires adaptability.

• The new definition of resilience and why traditional change management no longer works.

•  Resilience and adaptability are no longer “soft skills” in this rapidly changing world -they are REQUIRED. 

• Today’s leaders must learn to adapt in real time and thrive in the gray.

• Resilience isn’t about pushing and grinding no matter what. It’s about refueling yourself and your team so you can bounce forward, not just back.

• Resilience is no longer about bouncing back—it's about bouncing forward with intention.

• Emotional intelligence is crucial for effective leadership.

• The 'You Are Allowed' card helps normalize feelings during change.

• Building a resilient culture involves open communication and support.

• Daily habits and rituals can sustain momentum.

• Leaders must give themselves grace during challenging times.

• Failure is a part of growth and should be embraced.

• Strategic breaks during the workday enhance productivity and well-being.

• Personal experiences shape our perspectives and leadership styles.

• Kim shares her proprietary Unstoppable Momentum Framework - rooted in positive psychology, emotional intelligence and years or research. Her framework  empowers leaders and teams to embrace change as a catalyst- so that instead of holding them back, it becomes the rocket fuel that propels them forward - by learning to Stop. Shift. And Reframe the Change and Challenge so they can become more adaptable, more resilient and are able to grow in powerful, unexpected ways.

• Overview of Kim's Unstoppable Momentum Framework: STOP – Pause, assess, and give yourself and those around you to feel what you need to feel during change. SHIFT – Grit up, don’t give up. Turn obstacles into opportunity and fear into fuel. REFRAME – Take the next best step to move forward - even if you don’t have all the answers. 

• Key momentum busters: negativity bias, fear, uncertainty, change fatigue, inner critic

• Momentum boosters: emotional intelligence, psychological safety, connection, daily Momentum Micro-Moves to refuel

• Hope alone is not a strategy—action is what builds momentum.

• Sustainable resilience blends grit + grace—you need both to lead effectively.

Visit gdaspeakers.com to learn more about bringing Kim Becking to your next event!

Backstage Pass: Ep. 16 - David Allison: The Power of Values - Unlocking Connection

Backstage Pass: Ep. 16 - David Allison: The Power of Values - Unlocking Connection

david allison bio

David Allison is redefining how organizations solve problems and seize opportunities by proving a fundamental truth: everything we do is driven by our values. Known as “The Values Guy,” David is the world’s leading authority on human values and the founder of the groundbreaking Valuegraphics Project, the first global inventory of core human values.

Through nearly one million surveys conducted in 152 languages, he has transformed human values into actionable insights—unlocking the potential for profound human connection and influence. Over a 25-year career as a marketing strategist and branding expert, David worked with some of the world’s most recognized organizations, including General Motors, Toyota, Westin Hotels, and Sotheby’s International Real Estate.

Frustrated by the limitations of demographics and psychographics, he pioneered the Valuegraphics Project to create measurable, human-centered strategies based on shared values. His methodology ensures that every decision resonates deeply with the values that drive what we all do, think, and feel, delivering results that are eight times more effective than traditional methods.

As a dynamic keynote speaker and 2X best-selling author of The Death of Demographics, David combines the precision of data-driven insights with the inspiration of a world-class storyteller. Critics and audiences alike describe his work as “convincing, insightful, and...revolutionary,” and his groundbreaking methodology has been featured in textbooks and celebrated as the future of human-centered decision-making.

Organizations like Google, PayPal, Lululemon, and the United Nations Foundation have used David’s insights to align with what people care about most—fostering loyalty, building trust, and delivering impact on an unprecedented scale. By putting values at the center of leadership, culture, customer experience, and even the future of work, David empowers organizations to thrive in an era defined by connection and purpose.

David’s message is simple yet transformative: to solve any problem or achieve any goal, we must make business human. By honoring the values that matter most, organizations can build lasting loyalty, inspire trust, and achieve extraordinary results. Values are the answer: David Allison shows us how to put them to work.

The Death of Demographics: Valuegraphic Marketing for a Values-Driven World

By Allison, David

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We Are All the Same Age Now: Valuegraphics, The End of Demographic Stereotypes

By Allison, David

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show notes

Gail Davis is joined by David Allison who dives into why understanding what people care about leads to better leadership, stronger client relationships, and more impactful strategies.

David Allison, an expert in engagement and human values, discusses the importance of understanding values over demographics in various fields such as sales, leadership, and organizational culture. He emphasizes that aligning strategies with people's values can lead to more effective engagement and influence. The discussion also highlights the limitations of demographic labels and how they fail to capture the complexity of individual motivations. David shares insights on how organizations can leverage values to improve client relationships and enhance leadership effectiveness. In this conversation, David Allison discusses the significance of understanding values through assessment tools, the importance of engaging audiences, and how data-driven insights can transform various industries. He emphasizes the need to unite diverse groups and the role of universal values in fostering connections. The discussion also covers the customization of presentations for specific audiences and the emotional impact of his talks, highlighting the transformative power of values in changing perspectives.

Key topics in this episode include:

• Everything in an organization is about getting people to do something.

• Understanding values is crucial for effective engagement.

• Demographics provide limited insight into individual motivations.

• Values are more accurate than demographic labels.

• Sales strategies should focus on values alignment.

• Understanding client values enhances communication and engagement.

• Leaders can resolve conflicts by identifying shared values.

• Values-based insights improve workplace culture.

• Research on values can transform organizational strategies.

• Effective leadership requires understanding team motivations. Values identification tools help individuals understand their motivations.

• Segmenting the workforce by values leads to better engagement strategies.

• Data-driven insights resonate well with industries focused on numbers.

• Generational stereotypes are often inaccurate and unhelpful.

• Shared values can unite diverse groups and foster collaboration.

• Transforming events by aligning them with attendees' values enhances experiences.

• Universal values like belonging and community transcend cultural boundaries.

• Customizing presentations based on audience values increases impact.

• Emotional connections are key to audience engagement after presentations.

• Changing perspectives on values can address social issues effectively.

Visit gdaspeakers.com to learn more about bringing David Allison to your next event!

Backstage Pass: Ep. 14 - Gaby Natale: Embracing the Pioneer Spirit

Backstage Pass: Ep. 14 - Gaby Natale: Embracing the Pioneer Spirit

gaby natale bio

Every individual has an opportunity to break barriers and redefine what is possible, and triple Emmy-Winning Journalist and Bestselling Author Gaby Natale is on a mission to awaken the PIONEER spirit in each of us.

Gaby is among just a few women in the entertainment industry who not only owns the rights to her media content, but also a television studio. This unique situation has allowed her to combine her passion for media and her entrepreneurial spirit, which continues to help her break barriers. In 2021, Gaby became the first Latina author to be published by the leadership division of HarperCollins.

Her first book, The Virtuous Circle, became an instant bestseller, topping Amazon’s New Releases charts in 3 different categories (Business, Inspiration and Self-Help). What has made the book so successful is that it offers readers actionable strategies on how to channel their innate strength and abilities to best work for them.

Gaby has been featured in Forbes, CNN, Buzzfeed, NBC News, Univision and Latino Leaders magazine. In 2023, SUCCESS Magazine named Natale as "Woman of Influence". People magazine named her one of the “25 Most Powerful Latinas,” highlighting the inspirational story of how she went from a local TV show that started out of a carpet warehouse to becoming the only Latina in US history to win triple back-to-back Daytime EMMYs. In the digital world, she has a thriving fan base with over 52 million views on YouTube and 250K+ followers on social media.

A consummate entrepreneur, Gaby is also the founder of AGANARmedia, a marketing company with a focus on Hispanic audiences that serves Fortune 500 companies such as Hilton Worldwide, Sprint, AT&T, eBay and Amazon. She holds a Bachelor’s in International Relations and a Master’s degree in Journalism from the University of San Andres and Columbia University. Prior to starting her career in television, Gaby taught Communication and Journalism courses at the University of Texas.

The Virtuous Circle: Restore Your Confidence, Bounce Back, and Emerge Stronger

By Natale, Gaby

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show notes

On the latest Backstage Pass episode, Gaby Natale joins Gail Davis as she shares how to embrace a pioneer spirit through innovation, resilience, and breaking barriers.

As the first Latina to win three Daytime Emmys® back-to-back, Gaby Natale has consistently demonstrated her ability to innovate and lead in diverse spaces. And now - as a speaker and emcee - she uses her signature frameworks to encourage people from all walks of life to break barriers and awaken the PIONEER spirit in each of us.

Key topics in this episode include:

• Where Gaby’s professional career began and how she embraced her unique perspective.

• What discomfort actually is and what that means.

• Gaby’s advice for avoiding joining a race to the bottom in your career.

• An impressive example of innovation and the ability to think differently.

• Tips for stepping into what makes you unique and truly embracing it.

• The message that gets everyone together and why it matters.

• What Gaby learned after decades of interviewing high achievers.

• What the virtuous circle is and how it works. 

• The types of events and industries Gaby is most asked to speak in.

• How the speaker you choose can change the energy in the room.

• The common elements of feedback Gaby often gets after she speaks.

• Why so many people can relate to Gaby’s speaking content.

• The elements missing in traditional discussions about leadership.

• What people, generally, trust the most today and why.

• How she inspires action in her audiences (instead of just telling a story).

• Why Gaby decided to share something personal with the world.

Visit gdaspeakers.com to learn more about bringing Gaby Natale to your next event!

Backstage Pass: Ep. 13 - Mike Massimino: Zero Gravity, Maximum Impact: Lessons from Space

Backstage Pass: Ep. 13 - Mike Massimino: Zero Gravity, Maximum Impact: Lessons from Space

Mike Massimino Bio

Mike Massimino is a former NASA Astronaut, a New York Times bestselling author, a Columbia University professor, an advisor at The Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum, and a television personality.

A spacewalker on the final two Hubble Space Telescope servicing missions, Mike and his crews traveled faster (Mach 26) and higher (350 miles) than any other astronauts in the 21st century while increasing the discovery capabilities of arguably the greatest scientific instrument ever built by a factor of 100.

During the final Hubble servicing mission, Mike was faced with both success and life-threatening challenges as he performed the most intricate repair ever attempted in space. Mike set a team record for cumulative spacewalking time on a single space shuttle mission, was the last person to work inside of the Hubble Space Telescope, and was the first person to tweet from space. He persisted through three rejections over 7 years on his way to becoming an astronaut, including overcoming a medical disqualification by training his eyes and brain to see better.

Mike has made numerous television appearances and movie cameos, including a recurring role as himself on the CBS comedy The Big Bang Theory. He was featured in National Geographic Television’s One Strange Rock and in the Netflix series Worn Stories. Mike is a frequent guest on morning shows and late-night television including The Today Show, Good Morning America, and The Daily Show, and a guest expert on network and cable news including NBC, ABC, CBS, CNN, Fox News Channel, MSNBC, and CNBC.

Mike’s first book, Spaceman: An Astronaut’s Unlikely Journey to Unlock the Secrets of the Universe, has received rave reviews and is a New York Times best-seller. His second book, Spaceman: The True Story of a Young Boy’s Journey to Becoming an Astronaut (for young readers) is a National Science Teachers Association 2021 Best STEM Book Winner.

In Mike’s new book, Moonshot: A NASA Astronaut’s Guide to Achieving the Impossible, he distills stories and insights from NASA into an actionable guide to accomplish your biggest goals. Mike reveals how to make possible the seemingly impossible—on Earth. Written with characteristic wit and a big heart, Mike identifies ten hard-earned lessons of spaceflight and his other life experiences.

Mike uses humor and his unique storytelling ability to inspire audiences to identify the passion in their work, to use teamwork and innovation to solve problems, to provide leadership in the face of adversity and crisis, and to never give up when pursuing a goal.

Moonshot: A NASA Astronaut’s Guide to Achieving the Impossible

By Mike Massimino

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Spaceman (Adapted for Young Readers): The True Story of a Young Boy's Journey to Becoming an Astronaut

By Massimino, Mike

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Spaceman: An Astronaut's Unlikely Journey to Unlock the Secrets of the Universe

By Massimino, Mike

Buy on Amazon

Show notes

On the latest Backstage Pass episode, Gail Davis sits down with former NASA astronaut Mike Massimino to explore the out-of-this-world lessons he learned in space. From teamwork and communication to overcoming obstacles, Mike shares invaluable insights that apply far beyond the cosmos.

Mike Massimino, a former NASA astronaut and celebrated space walker who repaired the Hubble Space Telescope, is our guest today. As a keynote speaker, he brings authenticity and inspiration to every stage he steps on. Mike shares the biggest lessons he’s learned during his career in this conversation, as well as the strengths he brings to his speaking events.

Key topics in this episode include:

• What inspired Mike to become an astronaut, and who he brought to space.

• One of Mike’s biggest fears and why he didn’t let it stop him.

• How many times he applied to NASA before he actually got accepted.

• Why your goals are worth trying for, even if they seem out of reach.

• Why it’s better to speak up than stay silent, especially when it comes to ideas.

• What happens when a whole team focuses on one mission and goal.

• The value of adaptability in the workplace.

• Mike’s biggest lessons from his visits to space.

• What Mike did in space that no one else had ever done before.

• One of the best things you can do to support your team as a leader.

• The topics Mike covers in his speaking events and how he entertains the audience.

• How Mike can fulfill the specific needs of event planners.

• Why he loves doing Q&As and meet-and-greets with the audience.

• Tips for event planners who aren’t sure about setting up a Q&A.

• The view of space programs internationally and how those talks are received.

Visit gdaspeakers.com to learn more about bringing Mike Massimino to your next event!