If you’ve ever felt isolated, judged, or wondered if true connection could transform lives, this episode is for you. As your host, I invite you into an unforgettable, deeply honest conversation with George Orwa, founder of Safi Nyuolo Safi Community Based Organization in Nairobi, Kenya. This isn’t just a story of surviving seven years of incarceration in a foreign land: it’s about finding purpose, forging new connections, and learning how vulnerability, honesty, and faith can rebuild not only one’s own life but also ignite hope for others still imprisoned physically or emotionally. Know someone who needs to hear this? Please share the episode, subscribe for more soul-nourishing stories, and join the Circle of Hope, where second chances create new circles of influence. Watch This If: ● You want to understand the realities of incarceration and life after prison ● You believe everyone deserves a second chance (or want to learn why that matters) ● You’re searching for the courage to share your true story and build authentic trust ● You work in community-building, rehabilitation, faith-based service, or nonprofit outreach ● You want actionable inspiration to support marginalized or forgotten people Episode Highlights (with Timestamps): 02:38 Why George said yes to sharing his story 04:41 The truth behind his project and personal experience with incarceration 09:31 The moment it was safe to share his real story 19:09 George’s journey: Seven years incarcerated in England 22:40 The personal fallout—marriage, family, and isolation 29:09 Staying connected through faith and action inside prison 36:47 Building trust and community among inmates 41:10 Coping with pain and being a silent support to others 46:03 Rebuilding life, family, and finding real love 54:42 Coming home: Why George started giving back in Kenya 57:01 Conditions in Kenyan prisons and how George’s organization is supporting inmates 1:02:43 The impact of empathy, prayer, and practical help in rehabilitation 1:14:42 Closing thoughts: Why everyone deserves a second chance What You’ll Learn: • How radical honesty and vulnerability can transform relationships—even when shame or fear is present • Ways faith and service create resilience and a sense of purpose for those facing adversity • The vital importance of support networks for incarcerated people—and how you can help • How to rebuild trust after betrayal and navigate painful family fallout • Actionable steps to get involved or start your own project for marginalized communities Contact Information: Guest: George Orwa • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/george.orwa.795376 Host: Valerie Hope ● Website: https://www.valeriehope.com ● Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/valeriehope/ ● LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valeriehope/ ● Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ValerieVHope ● YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ConnecttoJoy Production Support: Lucy Hope - Podcast Editing, Copy, and Publishing. #ConnecttoJoy #CircleOfHopePodcast #SecondChances #RestorativeJustice #PrisonRehabilitation #HumanConnection

If you’re seeking deeper connections, hope through life transitions, and inspiration for your own purposeful living, this episode is for you. In this episode, I sit down with Iris Huang, multicultural executive coach, global citizen (hello, Uruguay + Taiwan roots!), and my inspiring peer from the Berkeley Executive Coaching Institute. This episode is a celebration of how two “third culture kids” find belonging, spark each other’s growth, and co-create meaning in a world that demands we code-switch every day. Iris and I break down how building connections online (yes, on a random alumni Zoom!) leads to powerful, real-world breakthroughs. Hear her story of feeling “stuck” on her path from corporate leader to solopreneur coach…and how a single conversation unlocked a wave of clarity and action for both of us. We talk about cross-cultural identity, what belonging really means, our favorite code-switching adventures (from Moscow to Dallas!), and why finding YOUR circle isn’t just heartwarming, it’s a survival skill for the soul. Packed with behind-the-scenes stories, actionable insights, and plenty of laughs (plus surprise Spanish!), this episode embodies the true spirit of the Circle of Influencers. Get ready to rethink how you connect, lead, and grow. Watch This If: • You’re experiencing or contemplating a major life transition and yearn for more hope, belonging, and purpose • You lead (or want to lead) with emotional intelligence and authenticity and wonder what it really takes to connect deeply in a digital age • You feel like an “in-betweener”—multicultural, multi-hyphenate, or just searching for your circle • You’re curious about how meaningful connection sparks personal growth, creativity, and resilience—especially for women, leaders, and entrepreneurs • You believe in the power of shared stories to transform, heal, and guide you toward purpose-driven living Episode Highlights (with Timestamps): 00:00 — Meet Iris Huang & the story of our first connection 02:13 — Recalling how a single breakout room sparked a lasting friendship 09:00 — Progress, paralysis, & the courage to start (the domain name story!) 17:00 — Hope and resilience: becoming your own challenger and finding your parallel people 25:00 — Code-switching, belonging, and building your herd across cultures 36:00 — Powerful moments of being “seen” as a multicultural leader 47:00 — Authentic leadership and emotional intelligence in action 56:00 — What elephants and humans teach us about connection 1:00:00 — Final reflections & staying connected in a changing world What You’ll Learn: • How to cultivate hope and resilience in the midst of uncertainty, change, or self-doubt • Why personal growth conversations—especially with fellow seekers and mentors—are catalysts for authentic leadership and purpose-driven living • The key mindsets and behaviors that drive emotional intelligence and meaningful connection (in life, leadership, and entrepreneurship!) • How to consciously create belonging and “find your herd,” whether in a new country, a new professional arena, or your own family • The truth about code-switching, self-acceptance, and redefining identity as a strength for career and life transitions • Actionable tips for sparking deep connections—digitally or in-person—and why every “hello” could change your life Resources Mentioned • StrengthsFinder assessment (discover your top strengths: https://www.gallup.com/cliftonstrengths) • Alison Armstrong’s “Understanding Men” & “Understanding Women” courses: https://www.alisonarmstrong.com/ Contact Information: Guest: Iris Huang ● LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/irishuang1 ● Website: [Coming soon—stay tuned!] Host: Valerie Hope ● Website: https://www.valeriehope.com ● Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/valeriehope/ ● LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valeriehope/ ● Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ValerieVHope ● YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ConnecttoJoy #CircleOfHopePodcast #ExecutiveCoaching #cross-cultural #multicultural #Connection #codeswitching Know someone who’s nourishing their circle or needs a reminder that growth starts with connection? Rate and share this episode to invite others into our Circle of Hope. Join us in the conversation - drop a comment below if this story resonated or share how you’re rooting your life in hope and resilience! Don’t forget to subscribe, your next breakthrough might be just one episode away. Production Support: Lucy Hope - Podcast Editing, Copy, and Publishing.

If you’re a leader, coach, or seeker who wants to create deeper meaning, comfort with vulnerability, and lasting personal growth through your connections—this episode is for you. Welcome to Circle of Hope! I’m Valerie Hope, and in this episode, I reconnect with my fellow Berkeley Executive Coaching Institute graduate David Ooley for a transformative conversation about meaningful connection, authentic leadership, and navigating life transitions with grace and hope. In our heart-to-heart, David and I break open what it truly means to move from self-doubt to self-assurance, and how the right circle of influencers and experiences can pull off the suit of old roles and reveal our authentic selves. Whether you’re pivoting in your career, looking for purpose-driven living, or curious about developing more emotional intelligence, you’ll find insight, warmth, and practical inspiration here. Watch This If: • You crave meaningful personal growth conversations that go below the surface of “small talk.” • You’re in a life transition, feeling stuck, or seeking more purpose in your work and relationships. • You want actionable insight into building lasting, hope-driven connections and community. • You’re committed to developing authentic leadership and emotional intelligence in yourself or your teams. • You need permission (and tools!) to step beyond your comfort zone and say YES to new possibilities. Episode Highlights (with Timestamps): • 00:00 – Introduction & Why this episode matters • 02:13 – Our story: Reconnecting after years apart • 06:00 – Facing fear, embracing risk & choosing growth (David’s journey to Berkley Coaching) • 10:06 – Taking off the “corporate suit,” connecting to authentic self • 16:00 – How childhood stories shape our sense of purpose & possibility • 20:14 – The power of being seen, supported—and self-validated • 27:00 – Navigating career pivots: When to listen and when to chart your way • 32:00 – Building your unique “flavor” as a leader & creator • 38:05 – Technology, distraction, & the discipline of managing your attention • 44:01 – The transformative power (and challenge) of stillness and self-awareness • 50:00 – Posting for meaning, not metrics: Authentic connection online • 58:00 – Why generosity—towards self and others—is the core of community • 1:01:11 – Closing reflections & next steps for hopeful leaders What You’ll Learn: • How to recognize (and step through) the invisible barriers holding you back from growth and connection. • Why hope and resilience flourish through courageous vulnerability—and why it’s never too late to take a new risk. • Strategies for cultivating emotional intelligence and authentic leadership, even if it doesn’t come “naturally.” • Tools for detaching from outcome, self-validating, and toggling between being a student and a teacher in your own life. • How to mindfully manage technology, distractions, and social media for connection—not depletion. Resources: • Book: “Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us” by Daniel Pink • Book: “Reboot: Leadership and the Art of Growing Up” by Jerry Colonna • Book: “The Creative Act: A Way of Being” by Rick Rubin • The Daily Show with Jon Stewart • Berkeley Executive Coaching Institute Contact Information: Guest: David Ooley ● Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidooley_thehammock/ ● LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-ooley/ ● Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/david.ooley.thehammock Host: Valerie Hope ● Website: https://www.valeriehope.com ● Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/valeriehope/ ● LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valeriehope/ ● Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ValerieVHope ● YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ConnecttoJoy #CircleOfHopePodcast #ExecutiveCoaching #LeadershipGrowth #Connection #Leadership Know someone who’s nourishing their circle—or needs a reminder that growth starts with connection? Rate and share this episode to invite others into our Circle of Hope. Join us in the conversation—drop a comment below if this story resonated, or share how you’re rooting your life in hope and resilience! Don’t forget to subscribe—your next breakthrough might be just one episode away. Production Support: Lucy Hope - Podcast Editing, Copy, and Publishing.