How I Got Here with Dave Fiore
Host Dave Fiore talks with Tallahassee-area leaders, business owners and neighbors about their personal stories – all the challenges, opportunities and influences that led them to where they are today. Emotional, inspirational and almost always surprising
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Lashawn Gordon
Host Dave Fiore speaks with Lashawn Gordon, executive director of United Partners for Human Services. Lashawn grew up in Pensacola as a big sister to four boys with lots of responsibility but also support from extended family and a caring community. She saw that education and work could also lead to other opportunities, which she took full advantage of. She came to Tallahassee to finish her undergraduate education at FAMU and got connected to the Pace Center for Girls, where she would serve the young women in our community for 16 years. Lashawn has the heart of a counselor and mentor with the vision for leading an organization and finding innovative solutions to serve our local human services agencies and those who depend on them.
David Clark
Host Dave Fiore speaks with David Clark, owner of Allegiant Strategies Group and MyGovGuide. The Tallahassee-area native is a former military officer and entrepreneur with a passion for leadership and making the most of every opportunity. David began his career answering phones at the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, saw opportunities to make himself invaluable and eventually was named Deputy Chief of Staff to Gov. Ron DeSantis, which included helping deliver Florida's response to the worldwide pandemic. Raised by a World War II veteran father and a mother from British Guiana, David learned early the value of hard work, humility and learning from others. That perspective carried him into the Army, where he graduated at the top of his class and allowed him to choose his assignment to the 82nd Airborne to honor his father. After a parachute malfunction and traumatic brain injury ended his military service, David transitioned into entrepreneurship. They talk about being coachable, servant leadership and the importance of mentorship, faith, and most of all, family. The conversation also covers David's decision to start multiple companies—including Allegiant Strategies Group, MyGovGuide, and also Divergent Solutions, all while pursuing concurrent MBA degrees. When it comes to tackling new challenges, David's philosophy is actually pretty simple. He just asks himself, "Why not, why not me, and why not now."
Sky Nobles
Host Dave Fiore talks with Sky Nobles, a Tallahassee native, entrepreneur and the creative mind behind Fizz & Foam and Sky Pop Balloons. Sky grew up immersed in books and storytelling, a love that led her to study editing, writing and media at Florida State University and eventually to a career in public relations. Sky's path has been fueled by curiosity and connection. After experiencing agency life at BowStern, the Zimmerman Agency and now with True Story PR, her journey took an unexpected turn when a Pinterest-inspired idea led to Tallahassee's first mobile bartending service for weddings and other special occasions. That success opened the door to Sky Pop Balloons, a spin-off that adds color, joy and a little bit of whimsy to any occasion. Today, Sky juggles entrepreneurship, a growing PR career, a thriving social media presence and the launch of Tallahassee Gals — an online community designed to uplift and connect local women. Along the way, she's learned the power of trusting her instincts, asking for help and staying grounded in purpose.
Mark Mustian
Host Dave Fiore speaks with Mark Mustian, attorney, author and founder of the Word of South Festival of Literature and Music. Mark grew up in Tallahassee, learned discipline in the Leon High School band and was elected student body president. At the beginning of his career, Mark said he had three life goals: be an attorney, teach and write a book. While he would eventually accomplish all three, he also would serve 10 years on the City Commission, get appointed as Tallahassee Chamber Board Chair and be instrumental in the creation of Cascades Park, turning a decades-long eyesore into a community treasure. Mark recently published his third book, receiving great reviews and literary awards. But it is the impact of Word of South for which he is perhaps best known locally. Now more than 10 years old, the festival attracts national attention and talent, held appropriately in the park he helped make a reality. Mark is already working on his next novel but wanted to keep the details under wraps – at least for now. Learn More About Mark Mustian LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-mustian-17066776 Website: https://markmustian.com/ Books "The Return:" https://markmustian.com/the-return "The Gendarme:" https://markmustian.com/the-gendarme "Boy With Wings:" https://markmustian.com/boy-with-wings Word of South: https://wordofsouthfestival.com/
5 Years Later – Tom Derzypolski
On this mini-episode of How I Got Here: 5 Years Later, host Dave Fiore catches up with Episode 17 Guest Tom Derzypolski. At the end of each original episode, Dave asks his guests the same question: Where do you think "here" will be for you in three to five years? Tom and Dave listen to his answer from 2020, and he thoughtfully shares how his predictions compare to life today. If you have not already, please also listen to Tom's original episode. It will put some context to this conversation and add additional insight into his journey. Thank you for supporting this podcast and connecting with your community.
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