Steve P. Reese is a trailblazer on a mission to transform how we approach health and success—one night’s sleep at a time.

With nearly three decades in sports technology, personal battles with sleep challenges, experiencing domestic violence as a child, and groundbreaking work with the Phoenix Suns, Steve brings a unique blend of humor, data, and heartfelt storytelling to the table.

He highlights alarming statistics on sleep deprivation—from increased cancer risks to metabolic disturbances—while championing studies that reveal how quality sleep fuels better decisions, healthier lives, and even weight loss. As he leads a cultural revolution in organizational wellness, Steve invites us to reimagine our nights as the key to unlocking our full potential.

In his own words, "Imagine a world where every night’s sleep unlocks a new level of potential—a world where champions aren’t just defined by their performance on the court but by the simple choices they make in their personal lives. While at the Phoenix Suns, I lead a revolution in organizational culture, championing health, wellness, and mental fitness. During this podcast, I would like to explore how sleep science is transforming our health and the very culture of success."

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In this enlightening episode of "Awake in the Network," hosts Billy Dexter and Melissa G. Wilson sit down with healthcare innovator and author Robert Slayton to explore the intersection of healthcare reform and human wellness. From his early days in rural Ohio, learning the value of community to becoming a leading voice in healthcare supply chain management, Slayton shares how he's helping companies reclaim trapped profits while creating healthier, happier workplaces for employees.

The conversation takes a powerful turn as he opens up about his journey into men's mental health advocacy, sparked by personal challenges that led to creating resources for men seeking emotional support. Slayton, author of "Next Generation Healthcare" and "33 Ways Not to Screw Up Health Insurance," offers practical insights on navigating healthcare costs, advocating for yourself at doctor's appointments, and the importance of human connection in an increasingly digital world. This episode masterfully weaves healthcare innovation, personal growth, and the vital importance of building supportive communities, concluding with a heartfelt call to prioritize genuine human connection over digital interactions.

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Cheryl Stokes

Cheryl is the CEO of CNEXT, a leadership development and executive networking company that helps connect, develop and advance high-impact leaders. Before taking on her CEO role, Cheryl was a Partner at Heidrick & Struggles, consulting in the firm’s Leadership Development, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, and Culture Shaping practices.

Before joining Heidrick & Struggles, Cheryl was the regional managing director for Duke Corporate Education’s European operations. Under her leadership, the region enjoyed its strongest growth and profitability in Duke CE history. Previously, Cheryl was the director of organization capability for The Coca-Cola Company, where she worked with the company and the bottling system across the US, Europe, Russia, Latin America, and the Philippines. Cheryl’s wide-ranging career experience also includes work as a Senior Metallurgical and Process Engineer at Alcoa and in Electrical and Product Engineering at General Motors.

Cheryl was named one of the 25 Influential Black Women in Business by The Network Journal in March 2020 and was named one of Paradigm for Parity’s Women on the Rise in August 2020. She is currently on the Executive Leadership Team for the American Heart Association’s Triangle-area Go Red for Women Initiative and was named the 2022 Woman of Impact for the Triangle area.

Cheryl earned dual Master’s degrees in Management and Materials Science and Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology as part of the Leaders for Global Operations Program and a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from GMI Engineering & Management Institute (formerly General Motors Institute, now Kettering).

 "Your career path is fascinating - from engineering at GM and Alcoa to leadership development. How did your technical background shape your approach to developing leaders, and what insights from engineering still influence your work today?"

 "CNEXT focuses on high-impact leaders. Based on your experience across multiple industries and continents, what leadership qualities have you found to be most crucial for driving meaningful organizational change in today's complex business environment?"

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Join us for a transformative episode of the Awake in the Network Pod featuring Barb Burgess, founder of Corluma and former COO of the Wright Foundation. With over three decades of experience transforming organizations and leaders, Barb shares her unique perspective on leadership that turns traditional performance-based approaches on their head.

"Leadership is like being an archeologist," Barb reveals in this enlightening discussion. "You're just going to see what's there, which takes all the pressure off. I don't have to go perform, I don't have to do anything better than anybody else. I get to dig and see."

Drawing from her extensive experience as a corporate consultant, executive coach, and author of "Enough: Finding Peace in a World of Distractions, Hustle, and Expectations," Barb challenges conventional wisdom about professional development and career transitions. She shares how letting go of the need for everything to "make sense" led to opportunities and connections that would have been impossible through traditional strategic planning.

In this milestone 50th episode, you'll discover:

• Why heart-led decision making often outperforms logical planning
• How removing the pressure for outcomes can lead to richer results
• The unexpected power of connections that "don't have to make sense"
• Why your heart, not your mind, might be your best career counselor

As the creator of the one-woman show "The Extraordinary Experience of Being Ordinary" and a leader who has guided countless executives through transformative change, Barb brings both vulnerability and practical wisdom to this conversation.

Don't miss this opportunity to learn from a leader who has helped shape organizations from the Chicago Mercantile Exchange to numerous Fortune 500 companies. Whether you're navigating a career transition, leading a team, or seeking a fresh perspective on professional growth, this episode offers insights that challenge conventional wisdom and open new possibilities.

Listen now to episode 50 of the Awake Network Pod and discover why sometimes the most powerful strategy is simply being willing to dig deep and see what emerges.

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Join us for an extraordinary end-of-year conversation that marks two remarkable years of "Awake in the Network" - where destiny truly happens. In this intimate episode, your hosts Billy Dexter and Melissa G Wilson welcome our behind-the-scenes genius, producer John St. Augustine (former Oprah Radio producer), into a candid conversation that began at Chicago's exclusive Clayton club on a freezing December evening.

What starts as a casual meetup in a hidden Chicago gem transforms into a profound discussion about life's invisible threads of connection, featuring John's incredible journey from a near-fatal electrocution that left him clinically dead for two minutes to discovering his true purpose. "My life's gone in a 190 - not even a 180," John reveals, sharing how brushes with death transformed his perspective on life's urgency and meaning.

Billy Dexter, known for his "Billy-isms" and wisdom about walking in and out of networks, shares why he orchestrated this in-person gathering: "With the invention of technology... there's nothing like sitting across the table from each other." His insight into authentic connection resonates throughout this special episode.

As we reflect on two years of powerful conversations and look toward 2025, this episode embodies everything our show stands for - the magic that happens when we're truly awake in our networks, the power of authentic connection, and the extraordinary stories that emerge when we slow down enough to listen.

From Brené Brown's wisdom on connection to life-altering moments that reshape our paths, this conversation weaves together the essence of what makes our human connections so powerful and mysterious. Whether you're a long-time listener or discovering us for the first time, this episode offers a perfect glimpse into why staying "awake in the network" can transform your life in unexpected ways.

Join us for this special end-of-year episode that proves when we're truly present in our networks, destiny indeed happens.

To share your own "Awake in the Network" story or connect with us, find us on LinkedIn because your story might be the next one we share.

Listen now where three paths converge to reveal the magic of staying awake in the network where destiny happens.

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Want to get a lot of content in the shortest amount of time? Join John as he shares three of the best shows of 2024. Enjoy a hot cup of cider, coffee, or tea and cozy up on a couch while you will to those who are "Awake in the Network!"

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James' professional journey began at age 20, when he took a cosmic leap, teaching British Literature at a private school in London. Homerically returning stateside, he decided he didn't want to grade papers, so he moved to LA and became a waiter instead. Back in his hometown of Chicago he applied for a gig at the Chicago Recording Company (having fudged just a bit on a resume--stating he 'worked for' the top three LA studios, when in fact he had never set foot in a recording studio).

He nearly got fired-repeatedly-but quickly rose through the ranks to become the top jazz recording engineer in the city for two decades (that would be 80s and 90). Village Voice named two albums he recorded in the 1980s among the Top 50 Jazz Albums of the Decade.

Concurrent with recording legendary Chicago jazz artists, Cogan was hired to teach audio at Columbia College Chicago. In three years, he became full time faculty in the Audio Arts Department.

A book on the legendary recording studios of America, Temples of Sound (Chronicle Books, 2003) followed. Boasting a forward by Quincy Jones, Temples became an instant classic. Fans include Paul McCartney, Alicia Keys, Paul Shaffer (Late Night With David Letterman) Kanye West, Faith Hill and many more.

In the early aughts, Cogan changed course. He became, almost by accident, a Yogi. Garnering certification and experience, he opened the doors to his very own yoga studio, The Yoga Shop, in 2012, despite having zero experience as a brick-and-mortar business owner. At the same time, he obtained his Masters' Degree in Health and Wellness from DePaul University.

Cogan is now poised to go further and higher, finally realizing his dharma. His first solo book, Rampant Douchebaggery, The Death of the American Gent, will be released Spring of 2024. Twenty-two essays fill out an incendiary book that teems with uncomfortable topics, like the pornification of America; "wokeness" (ugh); the 'Hunger Games with Emojis' culture of Online Dating; and the frightening rise of the Manosphere.

James is available for your next intriguing Podcast, Workshop or Speaking engagement.

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Bert Allen possesses a valuable combination of Private Equity and public company executive experience. CEO’s and their leadership teams, across a broad range of industry sectors, value Bert as acoach and trusted confidante. Bert has a demonstrated passion for coaching clients to drive business results by maximizing individual performance and team effectiveness. In a forward-looking manner,

Bert gains the trust of his clients for their immediate and long-term success. He engages clients by asking penetrating questions to unlock more of their potential. They gain broader perspectives and insights, developing solutions for success through his interactive approach.

As a result of his coaching, his executive clients improved their skill in the following areas: holding others accountable; communicating effectively to key stakeholders including the Board of Directors, private equity sponsors, senior leadership, peers or team members; and building productive work relationships across the enterprise.

Additionally, Bert facilitates client team meetings to improve group effectiveness and to assist senior leaders in formulating the business plans for their organizations.

Join us as we jump in and get Bert’s perspective on what his work can show us how to be more . . . Awake in the Network: Where Destiny Happens!

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