Episode Links:

KultureCity -- https://www.kulturecity.org

LinkedIn -- https://www.linkedin.com/in/danvasquenza

"A Fatherless Curiosity" -- https://www.amazon.com/Fatherless-Curiosity-Daniel-Vasquenza/dp/B0C4N42D5L

Summary:

In this episode of The Corvus Effect, Dan Vasquenza, a relationship-focused sales professional and advocate for inclusion, joins the conversation. Dan discusses his journey from corporate sales with the Atlanta Hawks to his entrepreneurship and advocacy work with KultureCity, a nonprofit focused on creating accessible environments for people with sensory needs and invisible disabilities. The discussion covers his philosophy on authentic sales strategies, the importance of understanding customer objectives, and his transition to entrepreneurship during the COVID-19 pandemic. Dan also shares personal insights on fatherhood, his experiences raising a neurodiverse son, and how these influenced his contributions to the book 'A Fatherless Curiosity.' The episode emphasizes the importance of leaving a positive legacy and making impactful contributions to others' lives.

Show Notes:

00:32 Meet Dan Vasquenza: Redefining Authentic Business Development

02:49 The Importance of Genuine Connections in Sales

09:41 Transitioning from Corporate to Entrepreneurship

18:35 The Role of Culture City and Personal Growth

22:14 Partnerships with Major Sports Teams

23:30 Personal Journey and Legacy

26:14 Writing and Fatherhood

34:10 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

Summary:

This episode features a 'Too Long, Didn't Listen' (TLDL) summary of my conversation with Peter Schaller, executive director of Rayo De Sol and Community development specialist. Key points include how authentic leadership can lead to profound impact, starting with Peter's personal journey from the northeastern US to Nicaragua, where he followed his passion for international development. The episode delves into his philosophy of 'starting small, thinking big,' which enabled Rayo De Sol to expand from one school to serving 41 communities with education, nutrition, healthcare, and economic development. Another major takeaway is Peter's perspective on leading with purpose, focusing on loving and serving the person in front of you, and the importance of maintaining spiritual, emotional, physical, and intellectual well-being to serve others effectively.

Show Notes:

01:29 Key Points from Peter Schaller's Journey

02:55 Sustainable Development Approach

04:02 Leading with Purpose

Episode Links:

Rayo De Sol website -- https://www.rayodesol.org/

Peter's LinkedIn Profile -- https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-schaller-712ba57/

Summary:

In this episode of The Corvus Effect, Peter Schaller, a community development specialist and executive director of Rayo Del Sol, discusses his journey from Connecticut to Nicaragua, where he dedicates his life to transforming communities. The conversation dives into Peter’s early influences, his holistic approach to leadership, the origins and evolution of Rayo Del Sol, and the importance of ethical leadership. Topics also include overcoming organizational challenges, building local leadership, the impact of volunteer work, and the interconnectedness of global social issues such as poverty and immigration. Peter shares how to get involved with Rayo Del Sol and the various ways individuals can contribute to creating sustainable change.

Show Notes:

00:32 Meet Peter Schaller: Community Development Specialist

02:01 Peter's Early Influences and Path to Nicaragua

04:38 First Impressions and Settling in Nicaragua

07:39 Challenges in International Development Work

09:41 The Formation of Rayo Del Sol

13:38 Expanding Rayo Del Sol's Impact

18:33 Building Local Leadership and Empowering Women

20:33 Cultural Differences and Organizational Growth

22:18 Addressing Immigration and Poverty

27:08 The Outlier Project Partnership

31:54 The Importance of Ethical Leadership

35:22 Opportunities for Involvement and Volunteering

39:18 Final Thoughts & Takeaways