"When You Commit Something To The Universe, The Universe Will Conspire To Align"

Jen Groover

Jen Groover is a non-stop source of inspiration and motivation, and in this week's conversation, she provided so many solid action steps that anyone at any time can implement into their life. Whether you are a teacher, mother, entrepreneur or have a yearning to put an idea out into the world – here are my Friday Five Favorites that will help you fast track your dreams into reality.

1. What can you say “Yes” to before you know it is going to work? Jen talks about the fact that there are a million ideas out in the world, but it is only the people who put action behind them, that move their dreams into reality. I have heard it said that ideas are worth nothing, and action is everything. What Idea have you been holding onto? What idea can you put action behind to move it out of your head and heart and into the world?
What if it worked?
Why not you?

2. FEAR – Jen talks about playing small to our own potential. Our fear is often the silent force that stops us from taking action. What is one thing you can do today to move your fear into the sidecar of your life? What is one thing you can do today to move your potential and passion into the driver's seat of your life?

3. What Mantra can you create to remind yourself of the powerful human being that you are? Jen’s mantra is “I have more fear of regret than a fear of failure.” My Mantra is "Be Here Now" and "It does not need to be perfect to make a difference."
Write your power phrase down on post-it notes, on index cards and place them wherever you can see them throughout your day. Plant small reminders to help you stay buoyant when those doubt demons trickle into your life.

4. Is there something that is feeling super hard to get accomplished right now? Jen talks about the balance between ideas and timing and the difference between being persistent and consistent. If something feels as though it is too hard to get out into the world it may just be the timing. What would happen if you stopped pushing so much, eased up and allow for it to unfold in its right time?
Do you have an idea journal? Create a space to write down all your ideas so that you can allow yourself to dream, stay inspired and free think. One day the right time will appear for the right idea – be ready –stay inspired – don’t fall asleep

5. What is one thing on your to-do list that seems daunting? – That one thing that you keep moving to the bottom of your list. Jen talks about the process she has in place that allows her to take seemingly difficult tasks and simplify the process. Sit down and break up your monster item into bite sized. Create doable mini steps and complete one each day. As Jen says “stop future tripping” Each night plan the night before for your magnificent tomorrow. That includes organizing your purse, your desk, and your mindset.

"We Are Often Playing Small To Our Own Potential" Jen Groover

From her earliest memories of being tied to her chair as a young girl by “Sister Elizabeth” for being too curious, Jen Groover she knew she was intrigued by conversation and networking.

In college, Jen studied education and psychology. During that time she expanded and shifted her approach to creativity and begun to apply it to her work. It just so happened that Jen's first business venture was in the world of fitness. Jen had experienced the high that comes from teaching (after facing her fears of no-one showing up for her first class) and realized that she wanted to experience the energy and high of creating something new and partnered with an existing company to open a gym space.  But that was just the beginning. During this part of our conversation, we also revisit the hey day of fitness and step aerobics. It so happened Gin Miller and myself were the videos she was using for inspiration. I love that this has now come full circle and Jen is one of my mentors and reminds me how to show up fully in the world every day.

Jen shares marvelous advice on how to get out of your head and into the world. How to face your fears, value your own ideas and take big action steps to put your dreams in motion. We discussed "fear" and how Jen now has more fear of regret, than fear of failure and I too am the same way. We also talk about the glass ceiling often being our own belief system. Jen talks about creativity assets are dropping out of the sky every day, but it is not until we take action that those assets can be turned into as many verticals and companies as you have time for.

I ask Jen about where it is that she finds her inspiration. It was interesting to hear Jen talk about Reebok being one of the companies that she looked at to learn how to create, execute and repeat. It was then at QVC she discovered the importance of telling stories that would sell into people’s desires. It was here that she learnt the art of pitching and positioning for other brands, she then put that education behind her own company. Jen is also an expert at partnering with strong people around her to move great ideas faster and more efficiently.

Take a listen and be inspired. There are so many nuggets of wisdom that can be applied into your life, whatever you are doing and whatever your dreams. If you live in NYC or Philadelphia click here to find out more about the upcoming Jump Start Pop Up events:

Connect With Jen Online and In Social Media

Website

Facebook

Twitter

More About Jen

Jen Groover has been tagged by SUCCESS MAGAZINE as a “One-Woman Brand,” a “Creativity and Innovation Guru” and a leading “Serial Entrepreneur” by Entrepreneur Magazine and ranked #8 by SAP in the Top 51 Influencers of Human Potential. Jen Groover’s name has become synonymous with innovation, entrepreneurship and transformation. She was recently nominated as a UN delegate to the first ever Global Accelerator for the Global Entrepreneurs Council.

She also made history at the NYSE, as a member of the first all-female group to ring the opening bell and made Forbes’ list of “50 Founders You Need to Follow on Twitter.” Jen’s energy and multi-faceted, diverse wisdom make her a highly sought after international speaker for Fortune 500 companies to top Universities, Non-Profits, Chamber of Commerces, Business Conferences, and more on topics ranging from business to leadership, empowerment to emotional intelligence to healthy living, and enhancing productivity. Her influence and leadership has aligned her with amazing brands, such as Avon, Independence Blue Cross, Verizon, USANA Health Sciences and SkyMall, for which Jen has had various roles as a spokeswoman and consultant for brand development and leadership training.

Her success skyrocketed with the creation of the Butler Bag, the world’s first compartmentalized handbag, that became a multi-million dollar brand, and has not stopped since. Jen springboarded the Butler Bag’s success into an entire lifestyle brand, found at a variety of price points and well-known retailers, which is led to the creation of subsequent lifestyle brands, Leader Girlz, and Empowered by Jen Groover.

Jen has been a top business and lifestyle contributor and content creator for major television networks such as ABC, CBS, CNBC, NBC, MSNBC, Fox News, Fox Business News, and the The CW. Jen also contributes editorial pieces to several prominent business magazines and online resources including The Huffington Post, Entrepreneur Magazine, Inc Magazine, The Wall Street Journal, Positively Positive, The Daily Love, and HealthyStyle NY. Her products, brand, and work have been featured in hundreds of media outlets including O! The Oprah Magazine, Redbook, People, US Weekly, SUCCESS and Forbes.

Jen continues to strive toward her ultimate goal, which is to innovate in every industry she is inspired to play in, while empowering others to achieve their goals. Jen is more than a multifaceted, multitalented individual - she is, undoubtedly, a force to be reckoned with. Jen believes in active participation and lives by the belief that “if you are going to complain about something you better be willing to inspire change.”

 "You Have To Step Out Of Your Comfort Zone To Get To The Next Level"                                     

1. Cathe talks about her love of learning and always staying curious. She is constantly is learning and evolving, which allows her to stay relevant and always on the forefront of fitness. Is there something you have put on the back burner that you have wanted to explore? Perhaps go online to see if there is an introductory class or video you can watch to learn more and see if it is something you would carve out time for.

2. Cathe talks about the importance of partnering with people who complement the strengths you already have. This way you can work together to expand the reach and impact of your message. Is there someone in your circle who you could partner up with to help move your passion and projects out into the world? If you are creative team up with someone who is great at project management if you are fantastic at execution but are not an “idea” person – partner up with a creative who needs your help organizing their ideas. Ideas die in isolation and thrive in collaboration

3. Cathe talks about the importance of integrity and always doing the right thing. I do believe that integrity is black or white. You either have it or you don’t and once you lose it you can never get it back. Today check in with your heart and make sure all your actions, the big and the small, are in alignment with your highest values.

4. Cathe talks about the courage and skillset needed to step out of our comfort zone and stretch our courage. Is there something you can do today to expand your courage zone? Is there something that you could do today to take one small step forward towards your dreams? Just a small step, one action, that you can do today to allow yourself to feel what it is like to say “Yes” to your dreams.

5. Cathe talked about when she feels as though she is coming undone that she knows it is time to move into radical self-care.

When you feel stressed or overwhelmed what do you do to nurture yourself and refill your energy tank of goodness? Is there something you can take off your plate this week to create a little more space for self-reflection and self-care?

“When You Give Goodness, Goodness Comes Back” Cathe Friedrich

What a treat to finally get time to sit down and connect with the incredible Cathe Friedrich. I have been a fan of Cathe’s for as long as I can remember, but it was about 5 years ago that we connected in person for the first time.

We dive right in and talk about how from the very first fitness class she took, she knew this was her calling. From the music to the moves, Cathe connected with her passion and found her sense of purpose on that fateful day.

We talk about the early days of the CIA Instructor VHS series with Greg Twombly, and how after ordering and watching her first video, Cathe had the courage to call Greg to see what it would take to be in a video. From that conversation her on camera career began.

In the early days of her career Cathe commuted daily from New Jersey to NYC to practice her craft and build her resume. It was here, at a Boutique Studio over Carnegie Hall that she discovered the gift of creative movement and developed some of her first bench workouts before any of us had heard about “step aerobics”

It was so fantastic to hear how she did her 10,000 hours of practice and study to develop her own unique style and brand of fitness. From the start she incorporated HIT, Strength and Cardio training - decades before it was cool to do so.

Step n Motion One was the first video that Cathe filmed under her own name. With just a VHS player, her videos and a small booth space she took a leap of faith and went to World IDEA. From three people to ten people watching her class, to selling out of her inventory, it was at this moment that she knew she was onto something special and her rise to stardom began.

We discuss the balance between the ever evolving use of technology and how it compares to the heart to heart connection in a studio setting. Cathe talks about the importance of connecting with her community and how much she cherishes her fitness family of Cathletes.

We wrap the interview with a conversation on balance and her thoughts on how to manage your time and do the best that you can.

Connect With Cathe Online and in Social Media

Website

Facebook

Twitter

Instagram

More About Cathe

Cathe Friedrich is a long time certified fitness professional, entrepreneur, gym owner and leading innovator in the home exercise video industry. Very early in her fitness career, Cathe recognized the need to provide a simple, flexible, affordable and motivating way for individuals to exercise and stay fit. In 1988 she founded Step N Motion Videos, and in 1989 created and released one of the first step aerobics videos on the market. More than thirty years later, Cathe continues to produce fun, intense, and challenging workouts for all body types and fitness levels.

Cathe is the founder of Cathe dot Com, one of the largest and most-visited fitness websites. Cathe has created and produced over 300 advanced fitness videos and over 120 livestream workouts. Her award-winning workouts have been featured in The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Fox Business News, Shape, Oxygen and Self, to name a few. Cathe continues to stay cutting edge through her CatheLive streaming channel, On Demand offerings and mobile video app. Cathe prides herself on staying true to three guiding principles: professionalism, passion, and quality. Her dedication to her craft and to the fitness industry led to her induction into the Fitness Hall of Fame in 2011.

Today, Cathe continues to teach fitness classes at her gym, Four Seasons Fitness, in Glassboro, NJ. Cathe utilizes her brand and social media platforms to continue to share her message of healthy living directly with her fans, known as “Cathletes.” Cathe hosts yearly fitness events in major cities such as New York, Chicago, San Diego as well as in her own fitness facility. At these events, fitness enthusiasts come together to share their love of health, wellness and exercise.

Since 1986, Cathe has been certified through the American Council on Exercise (ACE). Additional specialty fitness certifications include: Indoor Cycling, Body Pump, Body Flow, Kickboxing, Boxing, Silver Sneakers, Prenatal Fitness, Resist-A-Ball, Yoga Fit, Barre and more.

Cathe is the proud mother of two boys, Eric and Kyle.

"Live Your Life So That It Is Not A Once Upon A Time Story, But Is A Time That Happened Once" Jon Giswold

Jon and I go back over 30 years and he is truly one in a million. He was my idol when I first began teaching, became my mentor for several years and now is my best friend who lives two blocks away from me in NYC. Jon shared so much wisdom this week on the importance of kindness and empathy along with many other nuggets. Here are my five favorite takeaways from this week’s conversation with fitness and lifestyle expert Jon Giswold.

1. Can you put your phone away for 15 minutes and create one more face-to-face moment? Jon Talked about the importance of kindness and about moving from behind our screens and out into the real world and bringing compassion and empathy with us.

Be it a smile to a stranger, a hug for a friend or opening a door for someone behind you. Can you get out into the world and carry out a random act of kindness today?

2. Are you able to listen more actively today? Jon talks about the skillset of being a listener. Listening is not a passive act and skilled listening requires us to remove any expectations from how a conversation is going to work out. Can you be a conversation without waiting for, and already writing the script for, what the other person is going to say?

Today I invite you to listen without trying to fix anything. Simply hold a safe and compassionate space for the person in front of you.

3. Is there something you can do today to increase you level of passion and curiosity? Jon talks about keeping the passion and curiosity in life and the importance always remaining the student. When is the last time you did something for the first time?

4. Can you diversify your skills in someway? Jon talked about the importance of diversification within the industry he is in which is fitness. Is there one thing you can do to share your work and your message in a different way than you are now? For me recently it was this podcast. What is one thing you can do expand your reach so that your wisdom and knowledge can extend to more people?

5. Can you let your magic shine? Jon talked about the time when his nephew asked him “what does it like to be magic” YOU are magical, and by owning your own story you allow yourself to sprinkle your magic on others. Can you let a little more of yourself out into the world today? Can you shine your light a light brighter and then spread your light so you can illuminate the life of those around you?

“Don't Be One In a Million, Be One In a Lifetime” Jon Giswold

What a treat to sit down with fitness expert and my dearest friend Jon Giswold. I have known Jon for almost as long as I have been teaching. We reminisce about how we first met at the New Yorks Sports Club when I took one of my first step workshops in NYC over 25 years ago. I have learned so much from Jon over the years, and he shares so many beautiful words of wisdom in this episode.

Jon discusses his backstory of the fashion world and how he rose through the ranks and entered the high fashion market, which eventually led to him starting his own label. He candidly shares his spiral downwards into the world of disco and drugs and how it took him seeing himself in a mirror, after almost taking his own life that finally enabled him to get the help he desperately needed. It was a few days later he met the one and only Molly Fox and through their meeting and her kindness that Jon moved from fashion and into fitness and never looked back.

Jon talks about becoming a Chaplin and finding his purpose in being an empathetic listener. He shares how he has learned the skill of holding a safe space for those around him. Jon talks about the importance of creating an environment where everyone can fit in. He does this daily by living his life in the present moment and sharing his undivided presence with those around him.

More About Jon

Fitness and lifestyle expert Jon Giswold, has been a leader in the fitness industry for over two decades. A best-selling author, fitness consultant and international master instructor/trainer, Jon has traveled the world pioneering new ideas and techniques, bringing these exciting group experiences to the masses. His experience has led him to become one of New York’s best personal fitness coaches and one of the New York’s most sought after gym consultants/designers.  His company JMG Management has outfitted luxury fitness amenities for some of the most prestigious real estate and urban development companies in New York City.  These include The Brodsky Organization, The Claret Group, Field Real Estate and more. Jon has developed programs for leading fitness companies Nautilus, Schwinn, BodyWedge 21 and Les Mills of New Zealand. His DVD programs are currently available on the PumpOne Fitness Builder App, offering subscribers a variety of his original signature classes for the iPad and iPhone.

Jon’s previous career in fashion has led him into the field of interiors with a concise collection of handmade blankets and throws under his own label, MADE BY HAND by Jon Giswold.  These modern heirlooms are part of a growing trend toward old world craft but with a modern aesthetic.
On a personal note, Jon has been on a personal quest for truth and awareness through training as a Prayer Chaplain and attending The School of Practical Philosophy in New York City.