In this heartfelt episode, we’re joined by Michael Klein, a TEDx speaker, emotional healing expert, and adventurer who takes us through his journey of self-discovery, resilience, and joy.

Michael shares how he hiked across Costa Rica, delivered a TEDx talk, and immersed himself in Spanish all to redefine what "enoughness" really means. He explores the healing power of RIM (Regenerating Images in Memory), how we can release generational trauma, and why saying "yes" is the key to unlocking a joyful, fulfilling life.

Whether you’re on a healing journey, searching for purpose, or just wondering what’s next, this episode is your reminder that joy is within reach and it starts with saying yes.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The power of saying yes

• How Michael set three bold goals for his 60th year: hike 175 miles across Costa Rica, learn Spanish through immersion, and deliver a TEDx talk and how those decisions transformed his life.
• Why saying yes (even when it's uncomfortable) creates opportunities you never saw coming.

Healing emotional trauma with RIM

• An introduction to RIM (Regenerating Images in Memory) therapy, a powerful tool for dissolving emotional pain stored in your body and mind.
• Real stories of healing from childhood grief to generational trauma, and how imagination and body awareness can release stuck emotions.

Lessons from the trail

• Michael recounts his 175-mile trek across Costa Rica, including encounters with indigenous communities, breathtaking landscapes, and inner breakthroughs.
• How the hike became a metaphor for overcoming life’s toughest challenges and finding purpose.

Generational trauma and inherited memories

• The science behind how emotional pain and beliefs can pass down through generations and how to break the cycle.
• How healing your own trauma creates freedom for future generations.

The path to enoughness

• Insights from Michael’s TEDx talk on the life-changing concept of "enoughness" and why it’s something to remember, not achieve.
• Practical tips to shift from self-doubt to self-acceptance, releasing the need to prove your worth.

“Saying yes opens doors you didn’t even know existed.” – Michael Klein
“Trauma isn’t about the event—it’s about the emotion that gets stuck.” – Michael Klein
“Enoughness is not something to achieve; it’s something to remember.” – Michael Klein

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

If Michael’s story moved you, share this episode with someone who’s ready to start saying yes to joy and healing.

Listen & Subscribe:
Apple - https://tinyurl.com/mtkxjcez
Spotify - https://tinyurl.com/2cs7z8mj
Amazon Music - https://tinyurl.com/2hnfynpm

Email guest suggestions or thoughts: connect@jaimemarco.com

Follow Michael Klein:
Michael Klein’s website: https://www.michaeljkline.com/
Watch Michael’s TEDx talk: https://youtu.be/HD1Q4_2EhPc?si=3auPdFNHfjZQLS8B

Follow Jaime Marco:
Website - jaimemarco.com
Instagram - www.instagram.com/JaimeSpeaks
LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jaimeamarco
Facebook - www.facebook.com/JaimeMarcoSpeaks

In this high-energy episode, Dennis Klemp shares how his journey from karate kid to corporate sales leader shaped his approach to business, mentorship, and personal growth.

Dennis dives into the power of discipline, resilience, and humor, revealing how lessons from martial arts continue to influence his career as a sales coach and leadership consultant. Whether you’re a sales pro, entrepreneur, or just looking to level up your mindset, this episode delivers real talk, practical strategies, and a few laughs along the way.

Key Topics Discussed:

Martial arts meets business:

• How starting karate at 14 taught Dennis discipline, focus, and resilience lessons he carries into sales and leadership today.
• Recovering from double knee replacement and continuing his training because a true black belt never quits.

From the Dojo to the deal room:

• How selling karate studio memberships unexpectedly launched his sales career and why starting small led to big wins.
• His rise through 3M, Xerox, and beyond and the surprising sales lessons he learned along the way.

Mentorship & leadership:

• The game-changing impact of mentors like Jack Tipton and Mike St. Lawrence and how Dennis pays it forward by mentoring others.
• Why authenticity, empathy, and building trust are non-negotiables in sales and leadership.

Humor & humanity in the workplace:

• Unforgettable stories from Dennis’s career including his offbeat approach to boosting team morale (hint: it involves laughter).
• Why a balance of professionalism and personality is key to creating a winning workplace culture.

Coaching for Sales Success:

• How Dennis helps sales teams and leaders sharpen their strategy using his proven six-step sales model.
• His advice on goal setting, meaningful connections, and staying intentional no matter the industry.

Memorable Quotes

“Martial arts taught me discipline and resilience lessons I’ve carried into every aspect of my life.” – Dennis Klemp

“Success is built on relationships. People work with those they trust and respect.” – Dennis Klemp

“The best coaches care. It’s that simple.” – Dennis Klemp

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

If Dennis’s story inspired you, share this episode with a friend who’s chasing success whether that’s in sales, leadership, or life!

Connect with Dennis:

• Recommended Book: The Full Focus Planner by Michael Hyatt
• Dennis on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dennis-klemp-5b0059135/

Listen & Subscribe:

• Apple - https://tinyurl.com/mtkxjcez
• Spotify - https://tinyurl.com/yhkw24v7
• Amazon Music - https://tinyurl.com/2hnfynpm

Email guest suggestions or thoughts: connect@jaimemarco.com

Follow Jaime Marco:

• Website - jaimemarco.com
• Instagram - www.instagram.com/JaimeSpeaks
• LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jaimeamarco
• Facebook - www.facebook.com/JaimeMarcoSpeaks

In this thought-provoking episode, we sit down with Coach AK, a former elite athlete, leadership strategist, and entrepreneur, to discuss how to own your story, lead with intention, and break free from burnout. From his journey in professional sports to coaching top executives, athletes, and entrepreneurs, Coach AK shares powerful lessons on resilience, vulnerability, and the power of intentionality.

He also takes us inside his 72-hour Darkness Retreat, how he transformed heartbreak into personal growth, and why he believes traditional work-life balance is dead. If you’re ready to rethink success, embrace your full story, and design a life with purpose, this episode is packed with raw insights and practical takeaways.

--------------------------------------------------------

Redefining work-life balance:

• Why traditional work-life balance is outdated and how to embrace work-life integration instead.
• Tools for assessing and improving career, relationships, well-being, and life satisfaction.

Owning your story & overcoming setbacks:

• How Coach AK turned heartbreak into purpose, rebuilding his life after a broken engagement right after the birth of his child.
• The power of vulnerability in resilience and why success isn’t about doing more, it’s about doing the right things intentionally.

Data-driven coaching for high performers:

• The Green Zone vs. Red Zone method, how tracking habits can optimize performance and well-being.
• Why high achievers often ignore burnout symptoms until it’s too late and how to change that.

The darkness retreat & finding clarity:

• How 72 hours in total darkness helped him reconnect with himself and rediscover his true purpose.
• The importance of silence, reflection, and removing external noise to gain real clarity in life.

Breaking the burnout cycle & prioritizing mental health:

• Why corporate culture glorifies overwork and how to reclaim balance without sacrificing success.
• Actionable steps to integrate mental well-being into leadership and business.

Memorable Quotes:

“Work-life balance is dead. It’s all about work-life integration and finding harmony between what matters most.” – Coach AK
“The fastest path to healing is vulnerability—owning your story and facing your truth.” – Coach AK
“Success isn’t about doing more; it’s about doing the right things intentionally.” – Coach AK

-------------------------------------------

If this episode inspired you, share it with a friend who needs to hear this message!

Connect with Coach AK:
Website: www.coachak.com/
Instagram: www.instagram.com/ak.ikwuakor/
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/akikwuakor/
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Coach-AK-Ikwuakor/author/B0C1KXK4C1?ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true

Listen & Subscribe:
Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/whats-your-story-with-jaime-stan/id1768048076
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/0aFWnedfyylxVs5vJrD8tY?si=8ebfff9579d14ded
Amazon Music - https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3c4c493e-e2f2-4b4b-bfd3-52174caeaf7c/what's-your-story-with-jaime-stan

Email guest suggestions or thoughts: connect@jaimemarco.com

Follow Jaime Marco:
Website - jaimemarco.com
Instagram - www.instagram.com/JaimeSpeaks
LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jaimeamarco
Facebook - www.facebook.com/JaimeMarcoSpeaks