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About This Episode: In this week’s podcast we talk with entrepreneur extraordinaire Steven Goodman. After he left school at only age 15, Steven experimented with several businesses from his late teenage years from manufacturing, to selling kitchens, to running a Kosher style deli, to selling jewelry and textiles, running a restaurant, selling insurance policies and even working as a traveling salesman of greeting cards and adult toys.  He finally settled in the real estate market, where he has been able to share his enthusiasm for talking, reading people, and sharing his infectious positivity. Doing what he loves has always inspired Steven, as has his attention to details about the things that interest him most. Whether he is looking for the angle, flying by the seat of his pants or waiting for the feeling in his waters, Steven’s instinct has powered him forward where he has enjoyed his work and life so much that he finds it difficult to slow down. No matter how much money one has, happiness is not something you can buy- this is something Steven has invested in over the years and is reaping the rewards as he enjoys the miracles of his life and family. I am privileged to be able to share this journey with him as he is my one and only father-in-law. Connect with nine dots: E-mail Geoffrey nine dots Media Twitter  Instagram LinkedIn Facebook  

 About This Episode You might think that being such an accomplished musician, that my guest, jazz professor Dr. Bill Bares, played from a very young age. Bill’s story, however, has taken some unexpected twists and turns. Just like jazz, Bill’s journey can be characterized by improvisation, a strong distinctive tone & performance techniques, and syncopated rhythmic patterns.  We hear about his music through story and the story of his music in our talk with Bill, and hear about some of the jazz greats who influenced him to write and perform along the way.   It is not clear whether Bill is a musician that happens to be an academic or an academic who happens to be a musician - and therein lies the beauty of Bill’s character and personality. As one of my closest friends, listening to Bill play on the piano has always been music to my ears and now with live jazz piano mini-performances in this episode, you can enjoy it as well.  Connect with Bill: https://www.facebook.com/baresmusic/ University of North Carolina Ashville Connect with nine dots: E-mail Geoffrey nine dots Media Twitter Instagram LinkedIn Facebook   

 About This Episode: Born and raised in Manchester England, after the second World War, Ruth was inspired by her parents to appreciate the simple and happy childhood she was given.  By carrying on the legacy of her family values, she has been a life-long role model for creativity, volunteer and charity work to anyone who meets her. In the post war years, color, dressmaking and fashion inspired Ruth to learn to sew, and this was the beginning of a lifetime of enjoying and honing her creativity which has grown into a variety of talents and skills that she shares with others in both her work and personal life.  She was upcycling and redesigning before it was a ‘thing’ and is known in her family as an ambassador for the make-do and mend attitude in her daughters and their families. We hear how Ruth learned the value and entertainment of storytelling from her parents at a young age and how together through the tireless and rewarding voluntary work she has done over the years, she has had the opportunity to continue to hone her skills. Kind, leader, altruistic, creative, legacy- these are just some of the values we can associate with Geoffrey’s mother-in-law. Mentions: League of Jewish Women  Connect with nine dots: E-mail Geoffrey nine dots Media Twitter Instagram LinkedIn Facebook        

About This Episode: In this week’s podcast, we invest our time talking with seasoned financial and investment professional, sustainable hedge fund manager, Edward Lees. According to the Financial Times Edward’s fund was the #1 sustainable equity fund globally in 2020 and then #2 equity fund across all categories globally. Edward’s focus is on sustainability and environmental social governance - which combine his personal and professional interests.  We learn some tips for investing and although we do not have an inside track to the future of the markets, we hear about trends both long term and short term. Edward’s versatile background from working with his hands, to studying neuroscience to working in investment banking, influences and shapes his perspective and approach to business. Edward’s extensive travels from Hawaii to China and everywhere in between have exposed him to the different thoughts and beliefs of people across the world.  As an American living in London, worldly is an understatement. Fun, calm, interesting and interested, Geoffrey is honored to call Edward his financial advisor and one of his closest friends. Connect with Edward: LinkedIn Practical Meditation: Tools for Emotional Dysregulation Connect with nine dots: E-mail Geoffrey nine dots Media Twitter Instagram LinkedIn Facebook    

About This Episode: In this week’s podcast, we talk with executive coach, leader and business owner Emmy Miller. Growing up as an immigrant child, Emmy had a somewhat un-American childhood. As a young child, she was exposed to the arts and European literature, but rebelled as a teenager and went on to study math and business. Choosing independence and leveraging her upbringing, Emmy carved out a career in helping others that has expanded over four decades.   Her success comes from a passion in helping others to be successful. Encouraging the use of storytelling in business Emmy creates an environment for her clients to explore their vulnerability on a journey to being the best version of themselves and achieving their goals. Emmy recognizes the importance of the role that culture and cultural intelligence play in today's  global business world and she seeks to make a difference in the lives of her clients and family. Geoffrey has had the benefit of her professional and personal influence and is proud to call her his mother. Mentions: The Effective Executive- by Peter Drucker The Third Opinion- by Saj-nicole Joni Connect with Emmy: LinkedIn Liberty Business Strategies Connect with nine dots: E-mail Geoffrey nine dots Media Twitter Instagram LinkedIn Facebook

About This Episode: In this week’s podcast, we hang out with the one of Geoffrey's closest friends, Mike Jackson, an award-winning producer as  a partner at Get Lifted Film Co. We hear about his exciting journey beginning with his professional nomadic roots that eventually lead him to Hollywood and into his current roles - father, family man, and film, tv and theater producer. From a young boy inspired by his father’s creative storytelling, Jackson was encouraged to tell tall tales and create moments out of any situation - traits that have served him well in his career. Jackson specializes in producing content that creates awareness and highlights the stories of diverse people, protecting and rehabilitating culture in the entertainment industry. His continuing award-winning body of work shares impactful, multicultural stories that connect with an equally diverse audience.  Mentions: Jingle Jangle 40 Years a Prisoner Giving Voice Connect with Mike Jackson: Instagram Connect with nine dots:  E-mail Geoffrey nine dots Media Twitter Instagram LinkedIn Facebook  

About This Episode: In this week’s podcast, we visit with Rabbi Vicki L. Axe.   Singer, choir geek, teacher, clergy, wife, mother, grandmother and rabbi to name but a few roles Rabbi Axe has held in her diverse life.  Inspired in childhood by her father’s storytelling, in college by her choir director's leadership and throughout her life by her family, Rabbi Axe is well travelled, well read, and in touch with her community both near and far. Rabbi Axe is a quintessential outside the box thinker.  She is driven by excellence and creativity. The most important part of this story is that we were brought together by what Rabbi Axe calls "divine choreography" - her spiritual concept of connecting the dots and Geoffrey is honored to call her his aunt. Mentions: When Bad Things Happen to Good People by Harold S. Kushner Rabbi Emerita of Congregation Shir Ami, CT Connect with Rabbi Vicki Axe: Facebook Connect with nine dots: E-mail Geoffrey nine dots Media Twitter Instagram LinkedIn Facebook  

In this episode we talk with the multi-instrumentalist, one woman band, artist, educator and World Beatbox Champion Kaila Mullady.  From street performing and making friends in NYC, Kaila has risen to championship status with her beatrhyme and rapping to be a role model for young creatives across the country. Kaila’s travels have taken her all over the country to perform, teach and speak to promote expression and leadership through her music.  An integral part of her work as an artist is education and language development, which have led to working with speech therapists to designing and creating tools used to help build confidence and language skills in people of all ages. Kaila continues to promote the message that fInding the power of your voice helps people stand up for what they believe in to create better leadership skills.  She is passionate about the work she does in helping people build confidence using their voice, improving listening and speaking up.  Enjoy Kaila’s story... CONNECT WITH KAILA Kaila Mullady E-mail Kaila Instagram Kailia on You Tube The Academy of Noise- Beatbox Education CONNECT WITH GEOFFREY KLEIN E-mail Geoffrey nine dots Media Twitter Instagram LinkedIn Facebook

In this episode we talk with the award-winning documentary filmmaker, Professor of Multimedia Journalism and Big Wave Surf Photographer, Sachi Cunningham.   Sachi developed a love of the water at a young age and from competitive swimming and lifeguarding.  Her ambition and passion for the ocean have become an integral part of her storytelling.  Her body of work has covered international political stories, the arts, disability and the ocean environment.     As a bi-racial female, Sachi is passionate and experienced about speaking up for women whether it is equal pay, voicing ideas or chasing desire.  Sachi’s experience in student councils over the years has given her the confidence to speak up and out about the changes she wants to see in the world.   Sachi’s background in film making together with her love of art has taken her on a worldwide journey that has helped hone her unique voice to capture the stories of people far and wide.  Sachi continues to break barriers for women surfers with her coverage and content of competitive female Big Wave surfers.   CONNECT WITH SACHI Sachi Cunningham   Instagram She Change- The Film E-mail Sachi CONNECT WITH NINE DOTS E-mail Geoffrey nine dots Media Twitter Instagram LinkedIn Facebook

In this episode we talk with the gifted and very talented street artist Tracy Lee Stum.  Her globally immersive experiences in 3D street painting, 3D murals and anamorphic installations attract viewers all over the world.   Born with crayons in her hand and the ability to tell incredible visual stories, Tracy was always drawn to a career as an artist.  Inspired by the stories her mother would tell that unlocked her imagination, she describes her childhood filled with journeys into the imagination. After a career in visual merchandising crafting vignettes for retailers, Tracy discovered chalk sidewalk drawing at a festival in CA and was hooked. The ability to travel internationally was a bonus to come out of this experience of making artwork, and meeting and working with local artists in other countries connected her to the world.  We hear how Tracy’s ephemeral and precious artwork invites viewers to step into her world, and connects her with the ideas, thoughts and opinions of her viewers.  Her interactive 3D street art is a magical experience that once discovered is treasured forever. CONNECT WITH TRACY Tracy Lee Stum Instagram Facebook Tracy’s Book- The Art of Chalk Team 3D at American Dream- Nickelodeon Universe CONNECT WITH GEOFFREY E-mail Geoffrey nine dots Media Twitter Instagram LinkedIn Facebook

In this episode we talk with Emmy-Award winning veteran journalist, speaker and author, Lu Ann Cahn.  Storytelling has played a major role in Lu Ann’s career, but it is the combination of grit, persistence and hard work along with her natural talent that has contributed to her successes. Initially attracted by the excitement of being a TV news reporter, Lu Ann decided to pursue a career in journalism.  Her instinct for great storytelling and understanding what makes a compelling and factually based story is what has steered her through four decades of newscasting.  We hear how storytelling in the news has evolved over the years and where it could be headed. We also hear how Lu Ann challenged herself to turn the No’s in her life into Yes’s, with her year long challenge of ‘I Dare’ to ‘Do the New’- on a journey to becoming ‘unstuck’ and rewarding herself with new experiences and a new perspective on life.   Lu Ann’s personal story has changed over the years, but her sensibilities and humor has remained constant.  Her adventurous spirit and journey is inspirational and encouraging.  We enjoyed connecting with Lu Ann and encourage our listeners to dare yourself by trying new things each and every day. CONNECT WITH LU ANN Lu Ann Cahn Instagram Blog Book LinkedIn Twitter CONNECT WITH GEOFFREY E-mail Geoffrey nine dots Media Twitter Instagram LinkedIn Facebook THANKS - Please let us know what you think!  Review, share and comment.