Episodes

  • #116: The Transformative Power of Gratitude: From Pain to Purpose with Valeriya Hjertenaes

    #116: The Transformative Power of Gratitude: From Pain to Purpose with Valeriya Hjertenaes
    Jun 12 2025
    The Transformative Power of Gratitude: From Pain to Purpose with Valeriya Hjertenaes What if the very thing that broke you became the catalyst that built you? In this powerful and deeply personal episode of GRASP Confidence, I sit down with Valeriya Hjertenaes, a courageous scholar and rising thought leader whose journey proves that gratitude can be the bridge between pain and purpose. Born and raised in Ukraine, Valeriya grew up in a home shadowed by her father’s alcoholism and the heavy weight of unworthiness. Despite being intellectually gifted and outwardly beautiful, she silently battled depression and struggled with self-confidence for much of her life. But everything changed when she made a life-altering decision: to no longer be defined by her past, but by the woman she knew she was always meant to become. Now pursuing her PhD at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Valeriya holds Master’s degrees in Finance, Knowledge Management, and Innovation Management. Her doctoral research explores the role of diversity management in advancing industrial sustainability—focusing on gender, cultural, and neurodiversity. She is also a passionate mental health advocate, proudly neurodivergent, and on a mission to create spaces of inclusion and understanding. In our conversation, we explore the transformative power of gratitude—how it can rewire identity, elevate confidence, and serve as a spiritual and emotional compass when the world feels uncertain. Valeriya vulnerably shares how gratitude and responsibility became the anchors that allowed her to heal and rise—and how she is now walking boldly toward her next dream: becoming a TEDx speaker. I’ve had the honor of coaching and mentoring Valeriya through this next chapter, and what’s unfolding is nothing short of inspiring. If you’ve ever felt stuck in your story or unsure of your worth, this episode is your invitation to reclaim your power through the lens of gratitude. Because healing doesn’t begin with what happened to us—it begins with what we choose to do next. 💫 Let this be the reminder: Gratitude doesn’t just change your mindset, it transforms your entire life. ✨ What does GRASP stand for? Gratitude. Responsibility. Action. Sight. Purpose. These five pillars form the foundation of authentic, confident leadership and every episode of the GRASP Confidence Podcast is designed to help you embody them more fully in your life, business, and calling. 🎙️ Have you subscribed yet? Join thousands of high-performing leaders who tune in weekly for powerful conversations with world-class guests sharing real stories, mindset shifts, and actionable insights. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ If you loved today’s episode, don’t forget to leave a review—it helps us reach more leaders like you. 🎧 Available on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon/Audible | iHeartRadio Share the inspiration Send this episode to a friend or post it on your favorite social platform, we rise by lifting others. Follow our host, Tara LaFon Gooch: Book: How To GRASP Confidence & Own Your Power is available on Amazon. Grab your copy today for a confident tomorrow!Speaker Community: Join Tara's global speaker community and step on stage with confidence: Talk Your Way to the TopLinkedIn: Follow Tara LaFon Gooch on LinkedInWebsite: Visit Tara's website to learn more about her work: TaraLafonGooch.comBranding Services: Want to grow your brand and expand it massively? Visit Tara's company website to learn about our services: BestBranding.Solutions Hire Tara to speak at your next event!
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    56 mins
  • #115: The Mission Within: From Covert Operations to Conscious Leadership with Ido Kalev

    #115: The Mission Within: From Covert Operations to Conscious Leadership with Ido Kalev
    Jun 10 2025
    The Mission Within: From Covert Operations to Conscious Leadership with Ido Kalev What if true leadership wasn’t defined by your title, but by your ability to stay grounded when the world shakes? What if the confidence you seek doesn’t come from proving but from pausing? Today’s guest knows what it means to lead under fire, literally and figuratively. Meet Ido Kalev, a former elite Israeli security officer who led covert operations across international borders, often with no room for error and no one to ask for permission. But behind the classified missions and silent victories was a man navigating invisible wounds, unspoken pressure, and the weight of leadership that doesn’t clock out. After two decades of service, Ido began a new mission—one that started within. His journey through trauma recovery, emotional healing, and post-military transformation led him to discover a deeper truth: leadership isn’t just about control—it’s about capacity. The capacity to feel. To see. To serve with presence. To rebuild from within. Today, Ido is a sought-after leadership strategist, speaker, and the author of the upcoming memoir The Spy Who Led Me, where he reveals how high-stakes leadership intersects with emotional resilience. His work empowers founders, CEOs, and visionaries to lead from a place of quiet strength, unshakable identity, and soul-level clarity—especially after the storm. If you’ve ever wrestled with performance pressure, past trauma, or the loneliness of leadership… this episode is your permission to go deeper. To heal, to reconnect, and to rise. This is your invitation to witness what happens when a man who once lived in the shadows steps fully into the light—with wisdom, courage, and compassion. 👉 Connect with Ido on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ido-kalev/ Follow his journey and join the movement to lead with truth, presence, and emotional integrity. ✨ What does GRASP stand for? Gratitude. Responsibility. Action. Sight. Purpose. These five pillars form the foundation of authentic, confident leadership and every episode of the GRASP Confidence Podcast is designed to help you embody them more fully in your life, business, and calling. 🎙️ Have you subscribed yet? Join thousands of high-performing leaders who tune in weekly for powerful conversations with world-class guests sharing real stories, mindset shifts, and actionable insights. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ If you loved today’s episode, don’t forget to leave a review—it helps us reach more leaders like you. 🎧 Available on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon/Audible | iHeartRadio Share the inspiration Send this episode to a friend or post it on your favorite social platform, we rise by lifting others. Follow our host, Tara LaFon Gooch: Book: How To GRASP Confidence & Own Your Power is available on Amazon. Grab your copy today for a confident tomorrow!Speaker Community: Join Tara's global speaker community and step on stage with confidence: Talk Your Way to the TopLinkedIn: Follow Tara LaFon Gooch on LinkedInWebsite: Visit Tara's website to learn more about her work: TaraLafonGooch.comBranding Services: Want to grow your brand and expand it massively? Visit Tara's company website to learn about our services: BestBranding.Solutions Hire Tara to speak at your next event!
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    43 mins
  • #114: Interview with Hall of Fame Speaker Chris Widener on Confidence, Calling, and Leadership

    #114: Interview with Hall of Fame Speaker Chris Widener on Confidence, Calling, and Leadership
    Jun 5 2025
    Interview with Hall of Fame Speaker Chris Widener on Confidence, Calling, and Leadership What happens when one of the world’s most celebrated motivational speakers turns his focus from stages to spiritual revival? In this powerful episode of GRASP Confidence, I sit down with the iconic Chris Widener—a man who has not only spoken to millions across the globe but has now answered a deeper calling. Chris has delivered over 2,500 speeches worldwide and is the author of 25 books translated into 14 languages, with accolades including: Top 50 Speakers in the World Motivational Speakers Hall of Fame inductee Top 10 Sales Speakers (SUCCESS Magazine) Top 100 Leadership Speakers (Inc. Magazine) Top 20 Sales Speakers in the World (Global Gurus, 2025) More than a prolific communicator, Chris has been personally mentored by legends like Zig Ziglar, Jim Rohn, and John Maxwell, and his impact continues to echo in both business and faith-based circles. But what truly sets this conversation apart is his recent transformation—from corporate inspiration to spiritual reformation. We talk about his new 501(c)(3), Chris Widener Ministries, and the heart behind his latest book, The Coming American Revival, endorsed by leaders across politics, entertainment, and faith. Chris shares how God redirected his platform toward deeper purpose, how confidence shifts when it’s rooted in calling, and why now—more than ever—we need courageous, faith-filled leadership. This is a conversation about legacy, alignment, and the revival stirring in our nation and hearts alike. 👉 Don’t miss this powerful episode—an honest, soul-stirring dialogue on leadership, revival, and living out your purpose in a noisy world. 🎧 Listen now on Apple, Spotify, or your favorite platform. Grab Chris’s new book at ComingAmericanRevival.com Connect with Chris on LinkedIn ✨ What does GRASP stand for? Gratitude. Responsibility. Action. Sight. Purpose. These five pillars form the foundation of authentic, confident leadership and every episode of the GRASP Confidence Podcast is designed to help you embody them more fully in your life, business, and calling. 🎙️ Have you subscribed yet? Join thousands of high-performing leaders who tune in weekly for powerful conversations with world-class guests sharing real stories, mindset shifts, and actionable insights. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ If you loved today’s episode, don’t forget to leave a review—it helps us reach more leaders like you. 🎧 Available on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon/Audible | iHeartRadio Share the inspiration Send this episode to a friend or post it on your favorite social platform, we rise by lifting others. Follow our host, Tara LaFon Gooch: Book: How To GRASP Confidence & Own Your Power is available on Amazon. Grab your copy today for a confident tomorrow!Speaker Community: Join Tara's global speaker community and step on stage with confidence: Talk Your Way to the TopLinkedIn: Follow Tara LaFon Gooch on LinkedInWebsite: Visit Tara's website to learn more about her work: TaraLafonGooch.comBranding Services: Want to grow your brand and expand it massively? Visit Tara's company website to learn about our services: BestBranding.Solutions Hire Tara to speak at your next event!
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    44 mins
  • #113: The Science of Longevity, Confidence, and the Chemistry of Purpose with Chris Burres

    #113: The Science of Longevity, Confidence, and the Chemistry of Purpose with Chris Burres
    Jun 4 2025
    What if the breakthrough to a longer, healthier, more confident life wasn’t just in the lab—but in the quiet alignment of purpose and integrity? In this compelling episode of GRASP Confidence, Tara LaFon Gooch sits down with Chris Burres—visionary scientist, entrepreneur, published author, podcast host, and co-founder of MyVitalC, the company behind the world’s first nano antioxidant supplement based on a Nobel Prize–winning molecule. For over 30 years, Chris has been at the forefront of research and innovation in the field of carbon nanotechnology. His molecule, ESS60, played a key role in the longest scientifically documented life-extension experiment in history—extending the lives of test subjects by 90%. But what makes Chris’s story truly remarkable is not just the science—it’s the soul behind it. He never intended to enter the supplement space, and yet, through a series of surprising turns, he found himself at the intersection of chemistry, entrepreneurship, and purpose. What began as a scientific discovery has evolved into a mission to help people live longer, healthier, pain-free lives—grounded in truth, driven by integrity, and led by heart. In this conversation, Tara and Chris unpack the origin story of ESS60, explore the behind-the-scenes journey of writing his book Live Longer and Better, and examine the ethical challenges of building a supplement business with transparency in an industry rife with misinformation. Chris also shares powerful lessons from his Longevity Summit, where he interviewed 55 leading experts on health and biohacking, and discusses the surprising takeaways that emerged from those conversations. You’ll hear firsthand how Chris’s background in improv comedy shapes his communication style, how his commitment to values guides every business decision, and why he believes true innovation must be rooted in service. From the mechanics of mitochondrial health to the mindset shifts that foster confidence and resilience, this episode is both a scientific deep dive and a masterclass in authentic, purpose-driven leadership. Whether you're a wellness enthusiast, a mission-driven entrepreneur, or someone seeking more energy, clarity, and meaning in your life, this episode will leave you inspired to align your ambition with your higher calling—and to lead with both confidence and conviction. Together, we explore: 🧬 The science behind ESS60 and why it’s changing lives across the globe 🤝 How Chris built trust in a supplement industry plagued by hype—by choosing truth, transparency, and transformation 💡 What it means to be an entrepreneur guided by service, not just scale 🧭 The moment Chris realized that his real product wasn’t just a molecule—it was hope 🎭 How comedy and creativity shaped his approach to problem-solving and confidence 📘 The journey behind his book Live Beyond the Norms, and how it inspires readers to break free from societal scripts and design a life of vitality, authenticity, and meaning Whether you're a business owner, wellness enthusiast, or purpose-driven leader in the making; this episode will stretch your perspective and strengthen your belief that confidence, clarity, and calling are all connected. Because we believe that confidence is built on: Gratitude. Responsibility. Action. Sight. Purpose. And Chris Burres embodies every single step. Connect with Chris on Social Media: https://www.facebook.com/myvitalc https://www.instagram.com/myvitalc https://www.instagram.com/chrisburres https://www.tiktok.com/@myvitalc https://twitter.com/myvitalchttps://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisburres 📘 Explore Chris’s Book: Live Beyond the Norms: The Art & Science of Longevity → www.LiveLongerAndBetterBook.com 🎙️ Listen here wherever you consume podcasts → https://pod.link/1703502670 🎁 Exclusive Gift for GRASP Confidence Listeners Get $15 off Chris’s cutting-edge longevity supplement → https://www.myvitalc.com/grasp/ ✨ What does GRASP stand for? Gratitude. Responsibility. Action. Sight. Purpose. These five pillars form the foundation of authentic, confident leadership and every episode of the GRASP Confidence Podcast is designed to help you embody them more fully in your life, business, and calling. 🎙️ Have you subscribed yet? Join thousands of high-performing leaders who tune in weekly for powerful conversations with world-class guests sharing real stories, mindset shifts, and actionable insights. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ If you loved today’s episode, don’t forget to leave a review—it helps us reach more leaders like you. 🎧 Available on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon/Audible | iHeartRadio Share the inspiration Send this episode to a friend or post it on your favorite social platform, we rise by lifting others. Follow our host, Tara LaFon Gooch: Book: How To GRASP Confidence & Own Your Power is ...
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    43 mins
  • #112: Master Stage Presence and Own the Room | Brian LaFontaine’s Confidence Secrets

    #112: Master Stage Presence and Own the Room | Brian LaFontaine’s Confidence Secrets
    May 21 2025
    Learn How To Master Stage Presence and Own the Room You’ve seen him in Ozark, The Vampire Diaries, and Stranger Things—but today, Brian LaFontaine isn’t here to play a role. He’s here to reveal what happens when the lights go down, the script fades, and you’re left with the one character you can’t escape: yourself. In this candid and soul-stirring episode of GRASP Confidence, Brian sits down with host Tara LaFon Gooch to go far beyond the glitz of Hollywood and the world of performance. Together, they explore what it really means to stop performing—for others, for approval, for perfection—and to begin showing up in full alignment with your truest self. Brian is a celebrated actor and voiceover artist with a career spanning decades, but his real mission lives behind the scenes: to help others see that confidence isn’t about charisma or stage time, it’s about integrity with self. It’s about rewriting your inner narrative, owning your story, and standing grounded in who you are, even when no one’s watching. This episode is a masterclass in radical authenticity, quiet courage, and the power of presence. If you’ve ever struggled with self-doubt, imposter syndrome, or the pressure to be who the world expects you to be—this conversation will speak directly to your soul. Together, we unpack: 🎭 How to rewrite your story when the script no longer fits 🎤 The surprising truth about stage presence and confidence—on and off camera 🧠 What it takes to quiet the inner critic and own every room 💬 Why storytelling and vulnerability are your greatest leadership tools Whether you’re a speaker, leader, or creator—this conversation will remind you that the role of a lifetime is the one only you can play. If you’ve ever felt stuck, unseen, or like you’re living someone else’s story, this episode is your invitation to reclaim your voice and step fully into your purpose. Links: https://brianlafontaine.com/speaking-coach/ https://brianlafontaine.com/speak-easy/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-lafontaine/ Instagram: @blafontaineymhs brianlafontainecoaching@gmail.com ✨ What does GRASP stand for? Gratitude. Responsibility. Action. Sight. Purpose. These five pillars form the foundation of authentic, confident leadership and every episode of the GRASP Confidence Podcast is designed to help you embody them more fully in your life, business, and calling. 🎙️ Have you subscribed yet? Join thousands of high-performing leaders who tune in weekly for powerful conversations with world-class guests sharing real stories, mindset shifts, and actionable insights. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ If you loved today’s episode, don’t forget to leave a review—it helps us reach more leaders like you. 🎧 Available on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon/Audible | iHeartRadio Share the inspiration Send this episode to a friend or post it on your favorite social platform, we rise by lifting others. Follow our host, Tara LaFon Gooch: Book: How To GRASP Confidence & Own Your Power is available on Amazon. Grab your copy today for a confident tomorrow!Speaker Community: Join Tara's global speaker community and step on stage with confidence: Talk Your Way to the TopLinkedIn: Follow Tara LaFon Gooch on LinkedInWebsite: Visit Tara's website to learn more about her work: TaraLafonGooch.comBranding Services: Want to grow your brand and expand it massively? Visit Tara's company website to learn about our services: BestBranding.Solutions Hire Tara to speak at your next event!
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    30 mins
  • #111: Struggling to Grow Your Real Estate Business? Learn the Systems Top Coaches Use to Scale

    #111: Struggling to Grow Your Real Estate Business? Learn the Systems Top Coaches Use to Scale
    May 12 2025
    Struggling to Grow Your Real Estate Business? Learn the Systems Top Coaches Use to Scale Feeling like you're stuck in the grind of real estate—constantly hustling, but barely moving the needle? You're not alone. Many agents hit a point where hard work isn’t enough to create the kind of business (and life) they truly want. If you’re craving more structure, purpose, and real momentum… this episode is your breakthrough. In today’s conversation, I’m joined by Sarah Michelle Bliss—Master Coach, real estate industry leader, author, and a powerhouse behind the agent development movement. With over 28 years of experience in the real estate world and a deep passion for coaching others, Sarah knows exactly what it takes to help agents transition from burnout to business owner, from surviving to scaling. She shares how the right systems, mindset, and leadership skills are game-changers—not just for production, but for confidence, fulfillment, and longevity in the industry. We unpack the biggest mistakes agents make, what it really means to lead with impact, and how to build a business that doesn’t just run, it thrives. Whether you’re a solo agent ready to grow your business, a team leader looking to scale, or an entrepreneur navigating the highs and lows of leadership, Sarah’s wisdom will help you cut through the noise and focus on what actually moves the needle. Get ready to learn the systems top coaches and high-producing agents are using to scale strategically—without sacrificing your sanity or your soul. This episode is packed with actionable insights, inspiration, and heart and it just might be the shift you’ve been waiting for. Learn more about Sarah's book: 📘 Book: 8 Ways to Dominate Any Real Estate Market – https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09BJ7NY8K 🎧 Tune in now and don’t forget to subscribe to GRASP Confidence for more empowering conversations like this. 💬 Leave a review, share the episode with a fellow agent, and tag us on social when it hits home! Have you subscribed to GRASP Confidence Podcast? ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ Don't forget to leave a review and tune in weekly for amazing conversations with world-class guests. 🎙️ Available on Apple, Spotify, iHeart Radio & Amazon/Audible 👉 Share your favorite episodes on your social networks and with friends! Follow our host, Tara LaFon Gooch: Book: How To GRASP Confidence & Own Your Power is available on Amazon. Grab your copy today for a confident tomorrow!Speaker Community: Join Tara's global speaker community and step on stage with confidence: Talk Your Way to the TopLinkedIn: Follow Tara LaFon Gooch on LinkedInWebsite: Visit Tara's website to learn more about her work: TaraLafonGooch.comBranding Services: Want to grow your brand and expand it massively? Visit Tara's company website to learn about our services: BestBranding.Solutions Hire Tara to speak at your next event!
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    32 mins
  • #110: Unlocking Gratitude Through the Science of Learning with Dr. Gina Anderson

    #110: Unlocking Gratitude Through the Science of Learning with Dr. Gina Anderson
    May 3 2025
    Unlocking Gratitude Through the Science of Learning What if gratitude could be learned and not just felt? In this transformational episode of GRASP Confidence, I sit down with Dr. Gina Anderson, a 2x INC 5000 award-winning founder and CEO, accomplished learning scientist, 2x #1 Amazon best-selling author, keynote speaker, and motivational podcaster. With a mission to save lives by unlocking human potential through innovative education, Dr. Anderson offers a unique perspective on how the science of learning impacts the way we lead, grow, and connect. Together, we explore the intersection of neuroscience, personal development, and alignment—unpacking how gratitude can be cultivated intentionally through the way we learn, reflect, and lead. Dr. Anderson shares real-world insights from her career and personal journey, showing us that confidence isn’t built overnight—it’s a byproduct of consistent learning, meaningful reflection, and gratitude in action. If you’re a purpose-driven leader, lifelong learner, or someone seeking to reconnect with your confidence and calling, this conversation will reignite your fire. You'll leave this episode with a renewed understanding of how to rewire your brain for gratitude, build momentum through learning, and lead from both your head and your heart. 🎧 Connect with Dr. Gina Anderson: 🌐 Website: https://lumabrighterlearning.com 📘 Personal Site: https://www.learningwithgina.com 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gina-anderson-luma 📺 YouTube: youtube.com/@learningwithgina/about 🎧 Love this episode? Subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs a confidence boost today! Have you subscribed to GRASP Confidence Podcast? ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ Don't forget to leave a review and tune in weekly for amazing conversations with world-class guests. 🎙️ Available on Apple, Spotify, iHeart Radio & Amazon/Audible 👉 Share your favorite episodes on your social networks and with friends! Follow our host, Tara LaFon Gooch: Book: How To GRASP Confidence & Own Your Power is available on Amazon. Grab your copy today for a confident tomorrow!Speaker Community: Join Tara's global speaker community and step on stage with confidence: Talk Your Way to the TopLinkedIn: Follow Tara LaFon Gooch on LinkedInWebsite: Visit Tara's website to learn more about her work: TaraLafonGooch.comBranding Services: Want to grow your brand and expand it massively? Visit Tara's company website to learn about our services: BestBranding.Solutions Hire Tara to speak at your next event!
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    31 mins
  • #109: When Stress Speaks, Listen – with Business Psychologist Sue Firth

    #109: When Stress Speaks, Listen – with Business Psychologist Sue Firth
    Apr 26 2025
    What if stress wasn’t something to avoid—but a signal guiding you toward your purpose? In this powerful episode of GRASP Confidence, I sit down with Sue Firth, a Business Psychologist and international authority on change, leadership, and executive resilience. Together, we explore the hidden language of the body during stressful seasons and what it’s really trying to tell us when we feel overwhelmed, stuck, or afraid. We talk candidly about: The warning signs your body gives when you're out of alignment How to stop making fear-based decisions and start leading with clarity Why following your calling requires stepping outside your comfort zone How stress can be a catalyst—not a curse—when you learn how to listen Sue brings decades of clinical wisdom and business experience to help high-achievers reclaim their power, walk boldly in their purpose, and make confident decisions—even in the midst of change. This episode is your invitation to shift from survival mode to strategic growth—and to embrace the discomfort that often precedes your biggest breakthroughs. 🔗 Connect with Sue Firth: Website: https://suefirthltd.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sue-firth-psychology/ 🎧 Love this episode? Subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs a confidence boost today! Have you subscribed to GRASP Confidence Podcast? ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ Don't forget to leave a review and tune in weekly for amazing conversations with world-class guests. 🎙️ Available on Apple, Spotify, iHeart Radio & Amazon/Audible 👉 Share your favorite episodes on your social networks and with friends! Follow our host, Tara LaFon Gooch: Book: How To GRASP Confidence & Own Your Power is available on Amazon. Grab your copy today for a confident tomorrow!Speaker Community: Join Tara's global speaker community and step on stage with confidence: Talk Your Way to the TopLinkedIn: Follow Tara LaFon Gooch on LinkedInWebsite: Visit Tara's website to learn more about her work: TaraLafonGooch.comBranding Services: Want to grow your brand and expand it massively? Visit Tara's company website to learn about our services: BestBranding.Solutions Hire Tara to speak at your next event!
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    31 mins
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