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Changemaker Interviews

Launching Careers, One Story at a Time with John Goodwin

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Launching Careers, One Story at a Time with John Goodwin

When you think about someone who has truly lived and breathed the world of publishing, John Goodwin stands out. With a career that spans nearly four decades, John has worn just about every hat in the industry. He’s not just a behind-the-scenes guy – he’s someone who believes deeply in the power of storytelling and the importance of giving writers and artists the opportunity to shine.

A Publishing Career Rooted in Purpose

John began his journey in publishing in 1986, initially working to bring all the works of bestselling author L. Ron Hubbard to readers. Then in 2002, he shifted his focus to Hubbard’s fiction, which led him to take the reins on something very special: the Writers of the Future anthology.

This contest and publication, now in its 41st year, has become a beacon for emerging writers and illustrators around the globe. Under John’s leadership, Writers of the Future has grown from just 600 entries in its first year to thousands each quarter, coming in from over 175 countries.

For John, this growth is more than impressive numbers – it’s a reflection of how powerful encouragement can be when it’s paired with opportunity.

Creating a Platform That Launches Careers

At the core of the Writers of the Future contest is a mission to uplift. “Providing that launching pad for a dozen writers and a dozen artists every year,” John says, “and an opportunity for thousands more to have an outlet to share and encourage creativity with nothing but encouragement” – that’s what drives him.

The integrity of the contest matters. And because of that commitment, winners now come from 50 different countries. “It is always a treat to add a new country to the list,” he shares with pride.

Extending the Vision Through Podcasting

In 2019, John expanded the reach of the contest through the launch of the Writers and Illustrators of the Future Podcast. Now in its fifth year, the podcast has over 320 episodes and regularly sees over 2 million listens per episode. His next goal? Reaching 3 million.

The podcast features the personal journeys of well-known writers and artists who started from humble beginnings. It’s become a meaningful source of inspiration for creatives around the world – offering honest, motivating stories that prove success is possible with talent, persistence, and a little bit of guidance.

Serving the Creative Community Beyond Publishing

John’s dedication to creativity and community doesn’t stop at publishing. He currently serves as a Board member for the Friends of Hollywood Central Park, an initiative that’s turning a bold idea into reality by creating a 38-acre park over the Hollywood Freeway. He’s also the President of the Hollywood Christmas Parade, bringing joy and tradition to the heart of the city.

His past roles include board memberships with the Audio Publishers Association and the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce – clear signs of his lasting impact on the broader entertainment and publishing industries.

A Champion for Writers, Artists, and Dreamers

John Goodwin isn’t just in publishing – he lives for it. His work with Galaxy Press, Writers of the Future, and the podcast all reflect a deeper mission: to open doors for creatives and help them believe in their voice.

His legacy isn’t only built on books or podcasts. It’s built on every writer who finally felt seen, every artist who gained the confidence to keep going, and every listener who was reminded that big dreams often begin with small steps.

With thousands inspired and millions listening, John is still reaching for more – always looking ahead to what’s possible, and always ready to welcome one more story into the fold.

Connect with John Goodwin

Changemaker Interviews

Building a Life That Aligns: The June-Marie Outlaw Way

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Building a Life That Aligns: The June-Marie Outlaw Way

June-Marie Outlaw is not just a life coach, etiquette expert, and entrepreneur—she’s a woman on a mission to help others align with their purpose, build confidence, and create lasting impact. Through her businesses and communities, she empowers individuals to move beyond motivation and step into inspiration. But her journey hasn’t been without obstacles. Like many entrepreneurs, she’s had to navigate self-doubt, lack of support, and the challenge of balancing multiple roles. Yet, she continues to rise, using her experiences to inspire and uplift others.

From Challenge to Purpose

For June-Marie, her purpose for teaching etiquette stems from a deeply personal experience. Her father instilled the values of etiquette in her, but his approach was often harsh. Instead of letting those negative experiences define her, she chose to reshape them into something positive. After his passing, she honored his lessons by launching her etiquette business—teaching youth and professionals the power of confidence, presentation, and personal polish.

But etiquette is only one piece of her mission. She founded The She Knows Experience, a space designed to bring women together to discuss business, faith, family, and finances. This community, which includes Wine Down Wednesday, Saturday Sips & Tips, and 9 to Thrive, serves as a support system for entrepreneurs, particularly those still working a nine-to-five.

“I wanted to create a community where women feel seen, supported, and understood. So many of us are juggling multiple roles—careers, businesses, families—and we need a space to talk about it, learn from each other, and grow together,” June-Marie shares.

Her work goes beyond coaching and etiquette—it’s about transformation. She believes that how you present yourself, both internally and externally, plays a crucial role in success. And as someone who has walked the path of self-doubt and uncertainty, she knows firsthand how powerful it is to have a community that believes in you.

Overcoming Challenges

Like many entrepreneurs, June-Marie has faced moments of doubt. “The biggest challenge I’ve faced has been getting in my own way—overthinking, second-guessing, and expecting support from people who didn’t always show up,” she admits. But instead of letting these challenges break her, she used them as fuel.

She learned to shift her focus. Rather than dwelling on who wasn’t supporting her, she poured her energy into those who did. And in the process, she built something even greater—a thriving network of women who uplift and hold each other accountable.

Balancing multiple roles—wife, mom, business owner, life coach, and community leader—is no easy feat. But through discipline, resilience, and time management, she’s made it work. “Every obstacle has only made me stronger and more determined to keep going,” she says.

Impact and Legacy

Through The She Knows Experience, June-Marie has created more than just a business—it’s a movement. She wants women to go beyond simply being motivated and step into true inspiration. “Motivation fades, but inspiration lasts,” she explains. “When you’re truly inspired, you don’t just dream—you take action.”

With 9 to Thrive, she’s helping individuals understand that they don’t have to choose between their careers and their entrepreneurial dreams. “You can thrive in both,” she says. “It’s about strategy, community, and staying the course.”

But her vision extends far beyond her current work. She plans to travel the world as a speaker, publish books that inspire and transform lives, and leave a lasting impact on everyone she encounters.

“I want my daughter to know she can achieve anything she sets her mind to, and I want my son to understand the importance of starting strong and finishing what he begins. I want to be a living example of what’s possible when you walk in faith, perseverance, and purpose,” she shares.

Defining Success

For June-Marie, success isn’t just about accomplishments—it’s about alignment. “Success means having the determination to start and the perseverance to finish,” she says. “It’s about staying true to my mission, walking in my purpose, and making a meaningful impact.”

When challenges arise, she turns to God for clarity. “No matter what obstacles come my way, I remind myself that His plan is greater than any challenge I may face,” she says. “That’s what keeps me going—trusting in His vision for my life.”

June-Marie Outlaw is proof that purpose can be found in the most unexpected places. She has taken life’s lessons—both the good and the difficult—and turned them into opportunities to uplift others. Through her coaching, etiquette training, and community-building efforts, she continues to inspire, empower, and create spaces where others can thrive.

Her journey is far from over. But if there’s one thing she wants people to know, it’s this: “You don’t have to do it alone. With faith, strategy, and the right support, you can achieve anything.”

Connect with June-Marie Outlaw

 

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Changemaker Interviews

Dr. Allison Snyder Is Delivering More Than Healthcare

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Dr. Allison Snyder Is Delivering More Than Healthcare

When you talk to Dr. Allison Snyder, it’s clear that medicine is more than a profession for her — it’s personal. Born and raised in Arizona, Allison grew up surrounded by the world of women’s health. Her father, a respected ObGyn with 40 years of experience, taught her not only time-tested clinical techniques but also the lost art of connecting with patients. Now, with more than a decade of her own experience, she’s on a mission to change the way healthcare reaches women in rural America.

Her story is featured as part of our 2025 Women Leading the Way Changemaker Interview Series, a written collection of powerful conversations with women driving change in their fields.

A Journey Rooted in Family and Purpose

Allison’s story begins in Scottsdale, Arizona, where she started her medical career alongside her father in a busy private practice. From medical school in Missouri to training in Phoenix, she always knew she was stepping into a field that required resilience and heart. But as the years went on, she noticed a troubling shift — more paperwork, more barriers, and less time for what mattered most: patient care.

It became clear that the traditional system wasn’t sustainable — not for her, not for her family, and certainly not for the communities falling through the cracks. So, she took a leap.

Building a Business with Heart

Leaving a stable, well-paying W2 job was terrifying. As the sole income for her household, Allison had every reason to stay in the system. But what she saw around her pushed her to think differently.

“I found that the administrative burdens, blurring of work/life balance, and barriers to delivering high quality healthcare to my patients were too great,” she shared. With her husband’s support and guidance from a trusted mentor, she launched her own business, Dr. Allison Snyder Delivers, LLC, and started working as a traveling ObGyn, bringing care to the places that needed it most.

Meeting a Growing Crisis Head-On

Allison’s work brings her to rural communities across the West Coast, from Oregon to Arizona. These areas are often caught in what she calls “healthcare deserts,” especially when it comes to women’s health. With fewer providers, rising burnout, and increased political pressure, some communities are left with little to no access to obstetric or gynecologic care.

But Allison is determined to change that. Her role as a Locum Tenens physician allows her to offer high-quality care where it’s needed most while also helping to ease the burden on overworked local providers. And her message to other doctors is simple but powerful: know your worth.

Challenging the Status Quo in Medicine

Contract work in medicine isn’t new but Allison is pushing for a better way to do it. Traditionally, staffing agencies take a massive cut, overcharging hospitals and underpaying physicians. She’s working to cut out the middlemen, encouraging doctors to contract directly with hospitals. The goal? Lower costs for patients, higher pay for physicians, and better care across the board.

“I hope to recruit other physicians to work outside this system,” she says. “It will bring down costs for the hospitals and patients, and pay physicians directly and fairly for the work they are doing.”

Leading by Example

Allison’s decision to move into independent practice didn’t just give her more control — it gave her back her time. “Traveling work finally allows me to draw a clear line: when I am at work, I can give 100% of myself to my patients. And when I’m home, no work can call me away.”

That separation has made all the difference. With a spectacular family of five and a home on the Oregon Coast, she now spends her off days running, whale watching, reading, and camping fully present with her loved ones and in awe of the natural beauty around her.

A Call to Courage and Community

For new physicians, Allison offers this advice: believe in yourself. It’s not easy to walk away from the traditional system, but the rewards — autonomy, balance, impact — are worth it. “The value of controlling your destiny in medicine, your own schedule, your own income, is immeasurable.”

And she’s not doing it alone. Allison is part of a growing online community of women in medicine fighting for equal pay and sustainable careers. Together, they’re moving the needle — demanding more transparency, less bureaucracy, and better care for all.

Connect with Dr. Allison Snyder

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Changemaker Interviews

Anthony Lane’s Journey from Military Service to Transformational Coaching

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Anthony Lane’s Journey from Military Service to Transformational Coaching

For many, stepping away from a stable career into the unknown is terrifying. For Anthony Lane, it was the only path forward. After serving 22 years in the U.S. Navy, he faced a personal crossroads: stay within the security of a government career or take a leap into entrepreneurship. He chose the leap.

Now, as the founder of Connecting Lane, LLC, Anthony is on a mission to help others break through their own limitations and design lives filled with purpose, clarity, and confidence. But this journey wasn’t without its challenges.

From Military Service to Coaching

Anthony’s years in the Navy weren’t just about serving his country—they were about learning resilience, leadership, and adaptability. Over time, he realized that his greatest fulfillment came from mentoring and guiding fellow service members. When it was time to transition to civilian life, he experienced firsthand the struggles that come with redefining one’s identity outside of a structured environment. That experience fueled his passion for transformational coaching.

“I knew there were so many people out there—veterans, professionals, individuals feeling stuck—who needed guidance in rediscovering their purpose,” Anthony shares. “I wanted to be the one to help them navigate that journey.”

Taking the Leap into Entrepreneurship

Leaving a stable government position to start his own business wasn’t an easy decision. Friends and family questioned his choice, warning of financial risks and uncertainty. But Anthony trusted his intuition. He invested in personal growth, built a strong support network, and leaned into meditation, self-reflection, and continuous learning to stay on course.

His coaching philosophy centers on emotional mastery, mindset transformation, and strategic action. By helping clients break free from limiting beliefs, he empowers them to step into their full potential—whether they’re facing career transitions, personal struggles, or the challenge of simply feeling stuck.

A Vision for Impact

Through Connecting Lane, LLC, Anthony works with ambitious professionals—particularly women—who feel overwhelmed or lost. His coaching approach blends mindset strategies with real-world tools to help clients gain confidence, resilience, and direction. And he’s not stopping there.

Looking ahead to 2025, Anthony has bold goals:

  • Help 500 individuals through his coaching programs
  • Develop a life blueprint tool for personal transformation
  • Expand into digital courses, group coaching, and immersive experiences using VR and AI

His vision? A global coaching brand that fosters personal growth, transformation, and emotional mastery.

More Than a Coach

Beyond his coaching business, Anthony is also a male model with Runway for a Cure DC, where he participates under Zaddies for a Cause to raise awareness and funds for cancer research. His commitment to service extends beyond personal coaching—it’s about making an impact wherever he can.

“I want to create a ripple effect,” Anthony says. “If I can help someone transform their life, they’ll go on to inspire others. That’s how real change happens.”

With his background in leadership, his unwavering dedication, and his heart for helping others, Anthony Lane isn’t just building a coaching business—he’s building a movement.

Connect with Anthony Lane

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