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The Art of Presence: Rob Salafia on Leadership, Transition, and Growth

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The Art of Presence: Rob Salafia on Leadership, Transition, and Growth

Rob Salafia has spent his life mastering the art of presence—both on stage and in the boardroom. A former performing artist turned executive coach, he now helps top talent navigate the corporate world and develop authentic executive presence. As the CEO of Protagonist Consulting Group and a lecturer at MIT Sloan School of Management, Rob brings a unique perspective to leadership development, blending theater methodologies with corporate training. In this interview, he shares insights on career transitions, leadership authenticity, and the evolving nature of executive coaching.

From the Stage to the Boardroom

Rob’s career has taken him across vastly different worlds. He spent 15 years in theater, traveling the globe as a tap dancer, wire walker, and storyteller. But at a pivotal moment, he transitioned from the performing arts into corporate training. This wasn’t just a career shift—it was a complete reinvention.

“I navigated two massive career transitions,” Rob shares. “It took deep self-reflection and the willingness to start over. But I was determined to take all of my skills and talents with me along the way.”

This mindset became the foundation of his work. Today, he helps professionals harness their strengths and show up as the best versions of themselves. “I help others bring the best parts of themselves and their personalities to their work,” he says. “To become genuine and authentic leaders that create environments where people and ideas can thrive.”

The Meaning of Resilience

For Rob, resilience isn’t just a concept—it’s a way of life. Having been knocked down many times, he’s always found a way to get back up and move forward. His motivation? A quote from Picasso:

“The meaning of life is to discover your gifts. The purpose of life is to give them away (or put them to the best and highest use).”

“That’s what keeps me going,” he says. “I’ve faced setbacks, but my purpose remains the same—to help others grow, learn, and become better leaders.”

Adapting to Change in a Shifting Industry

The executive coaching landscape has changed significantly since Rob started, and he’s had to evolve with it. Before COVID, the majority of his work was in-person. Now, 90% of it is online. Instead of resisting the shift, he embraced it.

“I saw the change happening and adapted,” he explains. “Virtual learning actually solves a key problem—it helps sustain and reinforce new behaviors back in the workplace.”

His ability to pivot is a lesson in itself. Growth, both personal and professional, requires flexibility and an openness to change.

Creating Balance and Staying Grounded

Even in a fast-paced career, Rob prioritizes balance. His secret? Meditation and active energy work.

“I make these a part of my daily activities,” he says. “And I bring this awareness and these skills to everyone I work with.”

Self-care isn’t just personal for him—it’s woven into his coaching philosophy. Leaders who take care of themselves are better equipped to inspire and support others.

Breaking Through Limitations

One of the most rewarding parts of Rob’s work is witnessing transformation in others.

“Seeing someone break through their self-imposed limitations, learn, and grow—that’s the most fulfilling part of what I do,” he says.

Growth isn’t just about skills; it’s about shifting mindsets. Rob helps professionals step into their leadership potential by building confidence, refining their executive presence, and mastering the art of storytelling.

The Role of Inclusion in Leadership

Diversity and inclusion are at the core of his leadership philosophy.

“If we want to develop the best and most innovative ideas, we need to lean into differences,” he says. “That means creating a psychologically safe learning environment—one that is, by definition, inclusive.”

For Rob, leadership isn’t about fitting into a mold. It’s about embracing individuality and fostering spaces where diverse perspectives can thrive.

Looking Ahead

At 70 years old, Rob is as energized as ever. His goal over the next five years is to continue building his brand and broadening his client base—so that his business can eventually run itself or be sold.

“I love what I do,” he says. “And as long as I can keep helping people grow into their best selves, I’ll keep going.”

Rob’s journey is a testament to the power of reinvention, resilience, and authenticity. From the theater stage to executive coaching, he’s taken every skill, every lesson, and every setback and turned them into something meaningful. And in doing so, he’s not just leading—he’s inspiring others to do the same.

Connect with Rob Salafia

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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Changemaker Interviews

The Power of Going All In: How Carrie Williams Helps Leaders Achieve Big Goals

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The Power of Going All In: How Carrie Williams Helps Leaders Achieve Big Goals

Success isn’t just about talent or intelligence—it’s about mindset, resilience, and commitment. That’s the philosophy that drives Carrie Williams, an executive and leadership coach who has helped professionals at Amazon, Activision, TikTok, and Warner Brothers reach their full potential. With over a decade of experience coaching high-achievers, Carrie understands what it takes to turn big audacious goals into reality.

From Casting to Coaching: The Journey to “Yes”

Carrie’s journey into coaching started in an unexpected place—Hollywood casting. Her job was to tell people “no” all day long. Not why they weren’t selected, not how to improve, just a simple no. Over time, she realized that what truly fulfilled her was helping people get to yes. She started mentoring actors, assistants, and professionals who needed guidance in reaching their next level. That’s when she discovered coaching—a career built around empowering people to step into their strengths and achieve success.

With a keen ability to recognize authenticity and potential, Carrie now helps leaders and teams hone their unique strengths, embrace their individuality, and gain the confidence to excel.

A Personal Wake-Up Call: Why Mindset Matters

Like many high-achievers, Carrie used to be a perfectionist and emotional stuffer. She pushed forward through stress, ignoring the toll it took on her well-being. But in her late 20s, life forced her to slow down. A series of challenges—losing a loved one, job transitions, and relationship strain—led to stress-induced anxiety attacks. It was a wake-up call.

Through therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) techniques, she learned how to manage stress and build resilience. She became a stress-reduction geek, committed to helping others avoid the burnout she once faced. Now, she equips professionals with the tools to manage pressure, develop mental resilience, and create a sustainable path to success.

The G.R.E.A.T. Goal Methodology

Carrie doesn’t just help people dream big—she gives them a structured approach to achieving their goals. Her Amazon best-selling book, Eyes on the Prize: A Kick-Ass Guide to Setting & Achieving G.R.E.A.T. Goals, introduces the G.R.E.A.T. Goal methodology, a system designed to help people set clear, achievable goals while maintaining momentum and motivation.

She also incorporates gamification into goal-setting, turning challenges into a rewarding process rather than a stressful grind. By making the journey engaging, she helps clients stay committed to their vision.

The All In Mindset: A Commitment to Excellence

Now, Carrie is expanding her impact through her All In Mindset philosophy. This approach is built on four key elements:

  1. Mindset – Training your brain for success.
  2. Mental Resilience – Bouncing back from setbacks.
  3. Momentum – Keeping forward progress, no matter how small.
  4. Personal Intention – Aligning actions with values and purpose.

She is currently working on a book, The All In Mindset, and pitching a TEDx talk on the same topic. She’s also building an All In Mindset Community, where professionals can share challenges, celebrate wins, and support each other in pushing past limitations.

Leadership With Integrity and Vision

Carrie doesn’t just teach leadership—she lives it. As a former President of the ICF Los Angeles Chapter, she led initiatives that supported coaches worldwide. She also founded and hosted the first International MCC Conference for ICFLA, creating a space for continued education and professional growth.

Her leadership style mirrors her coaching philosophy. She believes in leading with integrity, honesty, authenticity, and vulnerability. She’s not afraid to break old systems if it means rebuilding something stronger—an approach inspired by the Japanese art of kintsugi, where broken pottery is repaired with gold to create something even more beautiful.

Giving Back: Service Beyond Coaching

For Carrie, success isn’t just about personal achievement—it’s about giving back. She actively mentors ICF chapter presidents, helping them develop strong leadership skills. She also speaks at charities and volunteer organizations about stress reduction, mindset, and goal setting.

Her belief? Service is more than writing a check. It’s about sharing knowledge, supporting growth, and fostering change in individuals and communities.

The Biggest Lesson for Success

If there’s one thing Carrie wishes someone had told her earlier, it’s this: Your brain is the greatest tool for success. Background, finances, and external circumstances matter less than emotional fortitude, mental resilience, and the ability to commit with enthusiasm.

That’s the heart of her work—helping professionals rewire their thinking, build confidence, and push past perceived limits.

Join the Movement with Carrie Williams

Carrie’s work is expanding fast, with new coaching programs, mastermind groups, and the All In Mindset Community on the way. If you’re ready to take your career, leadership, or personal growth to the next level, you can connect with Carrie through:

Carrie Williams is proof that with the right mindset, resilience, and commitment, anything is possible. Are you ready to go All In?

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