When we see public figures, we rarely see the human being. We see a policy, a headline, a viral moment. What we don’t often glimpse is the person—the father fixing his daughter’s tiara, the husband leaning on his wife, the runner who finds peace by railroad tracks after a long day.

In my recent Rise to More conversation with Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, I set aside politics entirely. I wanted to know the man behind the title.

We live in polarized times. Outrage is the easiest currency to spend. Nuance is rare, compassion rarer. So I wanted to create a different kind of room. A room where we listen for humanity, not ammo. Where we remember we’re far more alike than different. And where transformation—individual and collective—still feels possible.

What unfolded was a raw and deeply human conversation about fatherhood, resilience, and the quiet costs of leadership.

Jacob spoke openly about being a father of two young girls and how they changed everything: the way he values time, the city he hopes to shape, the example he wants to set.

We don’t talk enough about the toll of being known. The loss of breath and private space. The reality that when he steps outside, he is “the mayor” within seconds—no matter if he’s running alone by the railroad tracks or holding his four-year-old’s hand.

He also spoke of hardship—moments when he stood firm in his decisions, was publicly shamed, and yet slept peacefully knowing he had done what he believed was right. From those experiences, he described something profound: post-traumatic growth—the ability to not just endure crisis, but to grow from it.

We talked about the echo chambers, the easy blame, the brittle certainty. He said something simple and brave: when we’re unhappy, it’s seductive to assign our pain to an “other.” It’s also the beginning of dehumanization.

The antidote? Burst your bubble on purpose. Seek people who think, pray, vote, and work differently than you. Have coffee. Share stories. Discover you actually like each other. It’s not naive—it’s necessary. Our nervous systems heal in proximity, not in posts.

Topics we covered in this episode:

* The perspective shift of fatherhood and raising daughters

* How resilience is built in crisis and why “post-traumatic growth” matters

* Running as both meditation and emotional release

* Jewish tradition and the teaching of the “36 righteous people”

* Keeping a soft heart in a hard, polarized world

* His personal mantra: Find a way—to lead, to serve, to keep moving forward

* What greatness and legacy mean to him

What I found most moving was Jacob’s candor. He admitted flaws. He spoke of the weight of criticism, the freedom of authenticity, and the small, grounding rituals that keep him human.

In the end, this wasn’t an interview about a mayor. It was a conversation with a man navigating the complexity of public life while striving to remain whole.

And perhaps that is the lesson for us all: whatever our role, we must find a way. To love, to lead, to soften, to rise. And for the love of God, to see humanity in one another regardless of our differences.

Please watch, listen or share.

With gratitude,

Jasna

Thanks for reading! This post is public so feel free to share it.

Today’s guest on Rise to More completely blew my mind. Dr. Simone Xavier isn't just another entrepreneur—she is one of the most remarkable minds behind one of the world’s biggest makeup brands, Sigma Beauty.

When I first heard her story—a veterinarian, infectious disease researcher, and professor who pivoted into beauty—I was fascinated. How does someone go from vaccines and bacterial diagnostics to building a global cosmetic brand?

As Simone revealed to me, it began very simply: with curiosity, intuition, and solving a problem. Simone and her engineer husband René had zero experience in beauty, yet found themselves bringing makeup brushes from the US to their friends and family in Brazil. René, noticing he could make better brushes himself, said, “I can do this better, cheaper.” And that’s how Sigma Beauty was born.

Seventeen years later, Sigma Beauty is everywhere—from Nordstrom to Neiman Marcus, from boutiques to Sephora shelves. But Simone didn't start by setting out to build a multi-million-dollar brand. She started by wanting better tools for herself. The first set of Sigma brushes—which Simone meticulously researched from YouTube makeup tutorials—sold out immediately, catapulting the brand overnight.

What moved me deeply during our conversation was Simone’s gentle yet powerful wisdom. She said simply, yet profoundly:

“I don't try to beat anyone. I want to inspire myself, inspire others. Everything I do is service, solving problems, bringing beauty and simplicity.”

We talked openly about her transition from a respected academic career to entrepreneurship. Simone admits the pivot felt natural, not fearful—she followed excitement, trust, and flow. Her research background empowered her to innovate in beauty, resulting in over 60 patents. From waterproof brushes to specialized cleaning tools, every Sigma product is deeply intentional—crafted with science, innovation, and love.

But what truly sets Simone apart isn’t just her trailblazing business savvy or her 60+ patents in the beauty space.

It’s her soul.

There was something deeper we discussed, too—Simone’s spiritual awakening. Her voice softened as she confessed, “I've never talked publicly about this.” She revealed that 2020 marked a profound shift, deepening her understanding of connectedness, quantum physics, and the power of visualization. She shared something I've always felt in my bones:

“I believe everyone is a mirror of myself. My energy matters. What I visualize manifests. I truly believe we create our reality.”

When I asked what “Rise to More” meant to her, Simone smiled gently:

“It means showing up authentically, consciously. Inspiring others, but staying humble, present, and true.”

Our conversation went beyond makeup and patents. We touched upon what it means to truly live authentically, consciously, and intentionally in a rapidly changing world.

Simone reminds us all that great success isn't about recognition or money—it's about fulfillment, genuine service, and staying deeply connected to our truth. Her brilliance, creativity, and heart are evident in everything she creates.

I hope Simone’s story lights something within you today—the possibility to pivot, innovate, and trust in your innate genius. We don’t have to chase success blindly; instead, let’s create joyfully, solve meaningful problems, and live consciously, intentionally connected.

Because when we rise consciously, the world rises with us. Simone, that was a moment I will never forget. That day in the studio, I met a new friend. Thank you for your heart.

Check out Sigma Beauty: https://sigmabeauty.com

Follow Dr Xavier on LinkedIn HERE

Lauren Bennett McGinty on Leading Explore Minnesota’s $25B Revival

When you think of transformative leadership, you might not immediately think of tourism. But Lauren Bennett McGinty is here to change that.

As the Executive Director of Explore Minnesota, Lauren has taken the reins of a $25 billion industry in a state recovering from global disruption, cultural shifts, and long-standing misconceptions. Her work isn’t just about promoting lakes and cabins—it’s about elevating the spirit of a place. It’s about reminding us what joy, belonging, and visibility can do for an entire state’s identity.

This conversation reaffirmed how blessed I am to be living in Minnesota and why I love it here so much.

Minnesota attracts nearly 90 million visitors every year, bringing nearly $25 billion into our economy. From our incredible arts and culture scene to our award-winning chefs, pristine lakes, and endless forests, Minnesota quietly holds everything the soul needs to reconnect and recharge. And that matters as Lauren tells us that we are the least stressed state in the country!!

Lauren's role isn’t just a marketing job—it’s a mission. After COVID brought an economic loss of billions, her team stepped in to revive hope and connection, promoting local businesses, state parks, and hidden gems. But at the heart of it, Lauren reminded me, "It's about inviting people into what we already know is special. It's about feeling at home wherever you go."

What touched me most about our conversation wasn’t just the incredible statistics or Lauren’s undeniable passion—it was her heart and humility. When I asked her how she manages criticism, she paused and said quietly:

“When someone’s upset, I first ask myself: Why? What pain or fear might they be feeling? If I can start from empathy and understanding, we both rise.”

Lauren shows us the kind of leader we need more of—one who listens deeply, leads compassionately, and seeks common ground, even in polarizing times.

Toward the end, I asked Lauren, "What does Rise to More mean to you?" Her eyes sparkled as she said:

“It means stepping beyond expectations others have of you—especially if you're underestimated. It means showing up again and again because you believe in something greater.”

I left our conversation deeply inspired, feeling lucky not just to call Minnesota my home, but to know someone like Lauren is advocating for it with passion, grace, and vision.

So, my friends—perhaps Minnesota has never crossed your mind as a must-visit spot. But perhaps it’s time it did. Take Lauren’s challenge—discover it for yourself, invite your friends, share the hidden beauty.

As Lauren put it beautifully:

“Travel is more than seeing new places—it’s discovering who we are and what connects us.”

And Minnesota? It turns out, it's exactly where many of us have been longing to go all along.

Time to explore MN at https://www.exploreminnesota.com and follow Lauren on Linkedin HERE.

Sometimes, the most powerful voices are the quiet ones. The people who don't speak to be heard—but to serve. Today's Rise to More guest, Nick Engbloom, is exactly that kind of quiet powerhouse.

Nick is Senior Director of Development at the University of Minnesota Foundation, and just this year - he was recognized as part of the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal (MSPBJ) 40 Under 40. He’s quietly raised hundreds of millions of dollars for life-changing causes like the Masonic Children's Hospital and created attention behind Special Olympics coming to Minnesota. But it isn't the money or the big numbers that set him apart—it's the heart behind it.

From a young age, Nick learned advocacy through necessity. Growing up with a brother who has Down syndrome, he saw firsthand how the world often overlooks or underestimates people who deserve to be seen. What began as love and protection for his brother grew into a lifelong mission: giving voice to the voiceless.

And he does this not through "fundraising," but what he calls "friendraising"—the simple, powerful act of creating genuine human connections. Nick doesn't start with the ask; he starts with understanding. Curiosity. Real relationship-building. He leads with his heart, trusting that generosity naturally follows connection.

Listening to him reminded me of something so profound: change isn’t transactional. It’s relational. The biggest impacts often come from quietly cultivating trust, empathy, and genuine partnership. Nick shared powerful stories of moments when major donors pulled away, yet deeper partnerships emerged—creating even greater impact than he first imagined.

Even his personal love story is woven through giving—he met his wife while giving her a tour of the children’s hospital. Because true generosity has a way of bringing the right people together.

What struck me most was Nick’s perspective on legacy. He doesn't want titles or acclaim. He simply hopes people remember him as someone who "did good," who served wholeheartedly and left every interaction a little kinder, stronger, better.

He asked us all one simple yet profound question:

"How can I be of service?"

Because rising to more isn’t about ambition alone—it's about generosity. It’s about lifting others as you climb, creating ripples of kindness and humanity that long outlive your name.

This conversation felt like a gentle, powerful invitation to examine how we show up every day. It left me wondering: How can each of us quietly, consistently, powerfully serve our communities and build connections that matter?

If you're seeking a reminder of what true leadership and heart-centered impact look like, this conversation with Nick is it.

Here's to “friendraising”, heart-leading, and quietly changing the world, one meaningful connection at a time.

And Nick and I talk about Special Olympics coming to MN and how we all need to show up and help to make it a success.

And lastly, Nick is a creative entrepreneur with many interests and one of those is auctioneering - so he did his best and put RISE TO MORE podcast appearance up for bids live on the show:)

Follow Nick on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholas-engbloom-52303b10/

Nick’s Auction Crasher website: https://www.auctioncrasher.com

Support Special Olympics: https://2026specialolympicsusagames.org

Recently, I recorded an episode of Rise to More that tackles something I've noticed again and again among incredibly talented, driven people: the unconscious habit of sabotaging their own success.

We all know someone (maybe even ourselves) who wants so badly to succeed that every interaction becomes transactional. It becomes all about "me": my job, my promotion, my next opportunity. They reach out only when they want something. The doors they're banging on somehow stay locked.

Here's the truth, my friends: Success doesn't flow toward those who only take—it flows toward those who give.

And this isn't just a feel-good cliché—it's proven science. The brilliant Adam Grant, in his groundbreaking research, showed unequivocally that the most successful people across every industry are not the takers, nor even the matchers—they’re the givers. They’re the ones who consistently and authentically help others rise. But there's an important nuance: these givers aren't naïve. They practice what Grant calls strategic generosity.

The Real Power of Giving

When you make the shift from taking to giving, you're working in alignment with the universal law of reciprocity—the fundamental, scientifically proven principle that humans feel compelled to return kindness, generosity, and help.

But this isn't about manipulating outcomes. It’s about genuine generosity. I deeply believe generosity is spiritual: it connects us to a force greater than ourselves. When my husband and I chose service as our way of life, our world changed dramatically. We didn't always get back directly from where we gave—but blessings returned abundantly, from unexpected directions, multiplied tenfold.

Four Simple Ways to Become an Intentional Giver:

* Lead with Value:Always ask yourself, "How can I make someone else's day easier or brighter?" Offer your skills, insights, or encouragement first, before ever making an ask.

* Notice Needs:Pay close attention to those around you. Who needs support, guidance, encouragement, or connection? Become the one who notices and acts.

* Think Like a Connector:Introduce people, opportunities, and resources to each other without expecting immediate return. Connect good people to good opportunities—just because you can.

* Play the Long Game:True success comes from genuine relationships cultivated over time. Invest in people. Trust in the process. Generosity pays off, often when you least expect it.

The Challenge

Here's my simple challenge to you today: Give without expectation. Reach out, not because you need something, but because you can help. Call someone to ask how you can support them. Offer advice, resources, or encouragement freely.

When you truly embody generosity, your whole perspective shifts. Doors open naturally—not because you kicked them down, but because people genuinely want to open them for you.

Because at the end of the day, rising to more is never just about you. It's about all the people you lift and inspire along the way.

With love,

Jasna