Marli Williams

Curious about how to actually achieve inner peace—even when everything around you feels chaotic? In this episode of the Podcast, I sit down with Reba Parker, author of “The Peaceability Mindset,” to discuss practical tools for cultivating peace, which is something we need a lot more of right now. Listen in as we reimagine what “peace” really means, breaking it down into actionable steps like building safety, nurturing well-being, and fostering interconnectedness. Reba Parker explores how our perceptions have shaped what peace looks like, and how we can redefine it for ourselves, our families, and our teams. If you’re searching for real-life strategies to create a more grounded, harmonious environment at work or at home, this is your opportunity to start your peace journey!Reba's Bio: Reba Parker is a highly respected sociology professor, peace advocate, and community organizer with over 25 years of teaching experience at institutions including the College of Charleston and The Citadel. Known for her groundbreaking work in peace studies, Reba has redefined peace as a practical, measurable process that individuals can incorporate into their daily lives. Her innovative approach has inspired students and communities to view peace not as a distant ideal but as an achievable skill set for personal growth and societal harmony.Reba’s expertise lies in combining sociology with applied peacebuilding, a mission she has championed through teaching, writing, and community leadership. She founded Charleston Peace One Day, a nonprofit organization that brought peace education to life through citywide festivals, creative campaigns, and the planting of over 25 peace poles in Charleston and at institutions like The Citadel. She also co-created a conflict resolution curriculum for at-risk youth in partnership with college students, empowering young people to break cycles of violence. Her dedication has been recognized with numerous awards, including the College of Charleston’s inaugural Distinguished Adjunct Faculty Teaching Award and Charlie Magazine’s 50 Most Progressive award.Reba lives in Portland, Oregon, with her wife and has three children and two dogs. When she’s not teaching or writing, she nurtures her creative spirit by tending to her vineyard, playing the ukulele, and participating in a weekly writers’ group.For practical insights on integrating peace into your life and community, visit her athttps://thepeaceabilitymindset.com.Marli Williams is an international keynote speaker, master facilitator, and joy instigator who has worked with organizations such as Nike, United Way, Doordash, along with many colleges and schools across the United States. She first fell in love with transformational leadership as a camp counselor when she was 19 years old. After getting two degrees and 15 years of leadership training, Marli decided to give herself permission to be the “Professional Camp Counselor” she knew she was born to be. Now she helps incredible people and organizations stop waiting for permission and start taking bold action to be the leaders and changemakers they’ve always wanted to be through the power of play and cultivating joy everyday. She loves helping people go from stuck to STOKED and actually created her own deck of inspirational messages called StokeQuotes™ which was then followed by The Connect Deck™ to inspire more meaningful conversations. Her ultimate mission in the world is to help others say YES to themselves and their big crazy dreams (while having fun doing it!) To learn more about Marli’s work go to www.marliwilliams.com and follow her on Instagram @marliwilliamsStay Connected to The Marli Williams PodcastFollow us on Instagram: @marliwilliamsOur Website: www.podcast.marliwilliams.comHire Marli to Speak at your next event, conference, workshop or retreat!www.marliwilliams.comReally love the podcast and want to share it??Give us a review on your favorite platform and share this (or any) episode with a friend. Let's Lead Together and reach more people - we appreciate your support!!

What if the root of your exhaustion isn’t burnout, but loneliness? In this thought-provoking episode, DeDe HalfHill—retired Air Force colonel turned leadership expert—shares vulnerable stories about the hidden costs of leadership and reveals why addressing “the messy human side” is non-negotiable. Together Marli & DeDe explore the power of authentic leadership, emotional intelligence, and what happens when leaders give themselves and their teams permission to be real. You’ll hear surprising examples from the military and beyond, plus practical mindset shifts for navigating chaos, self-doubt, and the ever-present imposter syndrome. Ready to upgrade your leadership toolkit and banish the myth of the lonely leader? Tune in and discover why normalizing messy emotions might be the ultimate performance hack.DeDe Halfhill Bio:Colonel DeDe Halfhill, USAF (Ret.), is a leadership strategist, keynote speaker, and founder of TAIOH Partners who helps organizations turn hidden friction and burnout into trust, momentum, and measurable performance. Her leadership has been featured on CBS’s 60 Minutes and in Dr. Brené Brown’s Dare to Lead, where Brown describes her as one of her “leadership heroes and a total badass.” Through her Master the UnseenTM framework, DeDe gives leaders practical language and tools to navigate hard conversations, name what’s really going on, and build resilient, deeply connected teams, especially amid uncertainty and change. Her clients include Salesforce, Lockheed Martin, Bank of America, Hearst, FEMA, and other organizations where courageous, emotionally intelligent leadership is a non‐negotiable.Marli Williams is an international keynote speaker, master facilitator, and joy instigator who has worked with organizations such as Nike, United Way, Doordash, along with many colleges and schools across the United States. She first fell in love with transformational leadership as a camp counselor when she was 19 years old. After getting two degrees and 15 years of leadership training, Marli decided to give herself permission to be the “Professional Camp Counselor” she knew she was born to be. Now she helps incredible people and organizations stop waiting for permission and start taking bold action to be the leaders and changemakers they’ve always wanted to be through the power of play and cultivating joy everyday. She loves helping people go from stuck to STOKED and actually created her own deck of inspirational messages called StokeQuotes™ which was then followed by The Connect Deck™ to inspire more meaningful conversations. Her ultimate mission in the world is to help others say YES to themselves and their big crazy dreams (while having fun doing it!) To learn more about Marli’s work go to www.marliwilliams.com and follow her on Instagram @marliwilliamsStay Connected to The Marli Williams PodcastFollow us on Instagram: @marliwilliamsOur Website: www.podcast.marliwilliams.comHire Marli to Speak at your next event, conference, workshop or retreat!www.marliwilliams.comReally love the podcast and want to share it??Give us a review on your favorite platform and share this (or any) episode with a friend. Let's Lead Together and reach more people - we appreciate your support!!

Are you searching for ways to build courage and live your most authentic life during uncertain times? This episode of the Marli Williams Podcast welcomes Patricia Velasquez, acclaimed actor, author, and humanitarian, as she shares her inspiring journey from challenging beginnings in Venezuela to becoming a global changemaker. Explore the meaning of “certainty” when the future feels unclear, and learn why embracing your unique truth can unlock confidence and possibility. Patricia and Marli offer real-talk on overcoming self-doubt, finding your “why,” and taking small, actionable steps toward personal growth. If you’re ready to claim permission for the next chapter of your life, you’ll find insights and inspiration here. Tune in for powerful stories, empowering strategies, and a reminder that even small acts of bravery can create a ripple effect of transformation.Patricia Velásquez Bio:Patricia Velásquez is an award-winning actress, humanitarian, entrepreneur, transformational keynote speaker, author, and mother. Best known for her iconic roles in “The Mummy”, “The Mummy Returns”, “Arrested Development”, and “The Curse of La Llorona”, Patricia also became the first Latina supermodel gracing the covers of major fashion magazines like ‘Vogue”, “Elle”, and “Harper's Bazaar”. She has been the face of campaigns for top brands such as “Chanel” and “Cover Girl”.Born in Venezuela, Patricia's early life was marked by resilience and purpose. Growing up in Maracaibo, she carried water up 15 flights of stairs for her family, an experience that taught her the power of determination and community. That’s when her certainty was born. This deep sense of purpose inspired her lifelong commitment to giving back, leading her to establish “The Wayuu Taya Foundation” in 2002. Founded to improve the lives of unprivileged communities across Latin America, the foundation has benefited over one million people through education, health, water access, and sustainable development programs, all while respecting their traditions and cultures.Her humanitarian work has earned her global recognition. Patricia serves as a “UNESCO Artist for Peace” and a “Goodwill Ambassador for the Organization of American States (OAS)”. She has been honored by the “United Nations” and the “Human Rights Campaign” for her dedication to creating opportunities and improving quality of life for those in need.As a transformational keynote speaker, Patricia shares her journey with global audiences, empowering them to move through fear with certainty, lead with courage, take action rooted in values, draw from wisdom, and create lasting change in their lives and communities. Her powerful storytelling has inspired thousands at major platforms, including “Stanford University”, “TEDx”, the “Milken Institute”, the “Clinton Global Initiative”, and many more. Patricia’s message speaks to the universal desire for growth and purpose, offering actionable steps to transform challenges into opportunities.Patricia is also an accomplished author, sharing her journey and insights to inspire others to embrace their truth and break through limitations. Her experiences as a Latina, a mother, an entrepreneur, and a lifelong supporter of education and community development shape the authenticity and depth of her message.Whether on stage, in front of the camera, or working directly with communities through her foundation, Patricia Velásquez lives the principles she speaks about certainty, courage, action, wisdom, and change. Her story is one of purpose, resilience, and a commitment to empowering others to lead with heart, authenticity, and confidence.Marli Williams is an international keynote speaker, master facilitator, and joy instigator who has worked with organizations such as Nike, United Way, Doordash, along with many colleges and schools across the United States. She first fell in love with transformational leadership as a camp counselor when she was 19 years old. After getting two degrees and 15 years of leadership training, Marli decided to give herself permission to be the “Professional Camp Counselor” she knew she was born to be. Now she helps incredible people and organizations stop waiting for permission and start taking bold action to be the leaders and changemakers they’ve always wanted to be through the power of play and cultivating joy everyday. She loves helping people go from stuck to STOKED and actually created her own deck of inspirational messages called StokeQuotes™ which was then followed by The Connect Deck™ to inspire more meaningful conversations. Her ultimate mission in the world is to help others say YES to themselves and their big crazy dreams (while having fun doing it!) To learn more about Marli’s work go to www.marliwilliams.com and follow her on Instagram @marliwilliamsStay Connected to The Marli Williams PodcastFollow us on Instagram: @marliwilliamsOur Website: www.podcast.marliwilliams.comHire Marli to Speak at your next event, conference, workshop or retreat!www.marliwilliams.comReally love the podcast and want to share it??Give us a review on your favorite platform and share this (or any) episode with a friend. Let's Lead Together and reach more people - we appreciate your support!!

Are you ready to break through the walls of team disconnection and transform the way you work with others? In this episode of the Marli Williams Podcast, Nathan Hall, an award-winning culture transformation expert, shares surprising truths about building authentic team culture, experiencing a sense of belonging, and rethinking what it takes to create genuine connection at work and beyond. Ever wondered why simply finding "common ground" isn’t enough for true connection? Learn more about the power of “contested ground,” and discover why friction within teams may be the very ingredient you need. If you’re a leader, manager, facilitator, or someone seeking new strategies for more meaningful professional and personal relationships, you’ll want to hear Nathan Hall’s personal story and unique framework for moving "in rhythm" together, even with those you disagree with. Authentic leadership and better team dynamics start here!About Nathan:Nathan Hall is an award-winning culture transformation expert, keynote speaker, passionate storyteller, and community builder. His work is rooted in both his professional and deeply personal experiences, which shape his understanding of leadership, inclusion, and togetherness. Check out Nathan's work here!Stay Connected to The Marli Williams PodcastFollow us on Instagram: @marliwilliamsOur Website: www.podcast.marliwilliams.comHire Marli to Speak at your next event, conference, workshop or retreat!www.marliwilliams.comReally love the podcast and want to share it??Give us a review on your favorite platform and share this (or any) episode with a friend. Let's Lead Together and reach more people - we appreciate your support!!Marli Williams is an international keynote speaker, master facilitator, and joy instigator who has worked with organizations such as Nike, United Way, Doordash, along with many colleges and schools across the United States. She first fell in love with transformational leadership as a camp counselor when she was 19 years old. After getting two degrees and 15 years of leadership training, Marli decided to give herself permission to be the “Professional Camp Counselor” she knew she was born to be. Now she helps incredible people and organizations stop waiting for permission and start taking bold action to be the leaders and changemakers they’ve always wanted to be through the power of play and cultivating joy everyday. She loves helping people go from stuck to STOKED and actually created her own deck of inspirational messages called StokeQuotes™ which was then followed by The Connect Deck™ to inspire more meaningful conversations. Her ultimate mission in the world is to help others say YES to themselves and their big crazy dreams (while having fun doing it!) To learn more about Marli’s work go to www.marliwilliams.com and follow her on Instagram @marliwilliams

Ever feel guilty for putting yourself first at work or in life? Tune into this enlightening episode of the Marli Williams Podcast with Dr. Laura Suttin, a board-certified physician, coach, and speaker who challenges society’s productivity-focused mindset. Together with Marli Williams, she explores how leaders, entrepreneurs, and change makers can create fulfilling lives—without guilt.Whether you struggle with setting boundaries, work-from-home distractions, or feeling you need to “do it all,” this conversation spotlights essential shifts in culture, self-care, and permission. Discover fresh perspectives on balancing ambition with well-being, why it’s human to need rest, and practical strategies that celebrate both your wins and your recovery days. If you crave meaningful work and want tips to lead without burning out, this episode is for you.Dr. Laura Suttin is a physician, executive coach, consultant, podcaster, and author who speaks nationally on creating healthcare systems where clinicians and leaders can thrive. As the founder of Purposeful MD and host of the Designing Healthcare That Cares podcast, Dr. Suttin helps organizations reimagine healthcare culture through leadership development, operational excellence, and human-centered design.With more than twenty years of experience in clinical practice, leadership, and coaching, she’s guided hundreds of physicians and medical executives to reclaim their energy, improve engagement, and lead with purpose. Her work blends science, strategy, and heart—challenging audiences to move beyond burnout toward meaningful, measurable change.When she’s not speaking or coaching, Laura enjoys running, traveling with her husband and children, and glamping in their travel trailer with their dog, Teddy.To learn more about Dr. Laura's work, visit her website at www.drlaurasuttin.com and connect with her on Facebook or LinkedIn.Marli Williams is an international keynote speaker, master facilitator, and joy instigator who has worked with organizations such as Nike, United Way, Doordash, along with many colleges and schools across the United States. She first fell in love with transformational leadership as a camp counselor when she was 19 years old. After getting two degrees and 15 years of leadership training, Marli decided to give herself permission to be the “Professional Camp Counselor” she knew she was born to be. Now she helps incredible people and organizations stop waiting for permission and start taking bold action to be the leaders and changemakers they’ve always wanted to be through the power of play and cultivating joy everyday. She loves helping people go from stuck to STOKED and actually created her own deck of inspirational messages called StokeQuotes™ which was then followed by The Connect Deck™ to inspire more meaningful conversations. Her ultimate mission in the world is to help others say YES to themselves and their big crazy dreams (while having fun doing it!) To learn more about Marli’s work go to www.marliwilliams.com and follow her on Instagram @marliwilliamsStay Connected to The Marli Williams PodcastFollow us on Instagram: @marliwilliamsOur Website: www.podcast.marliwilliams.comHire Marli to Speak at your next event, conference, workshop or retreat!www.marliwilliams.comReally love the podcast and want to share it??Give us a review on your favorite platform and share this (or any) episode with a friend. Let's Lead Together and reach more people - we appreciate your support!!