On this episode of A Shot of Inspiration, I sit down with Dean Otto, a man who was given just a 2% chance of ever walking again after a devastating cycling accident. What followed was an incredible journey of faith, forgiveness, resilience, and purpose. Dean’s story is proof that even in life’s darkest moments, hope can prevail and miracles can happen

About Dean:

Before the accident, Dean spent over three decades in high-performing executive roles across sales and marketing at companies like Pillsbury, Frito Lay, KPMG and at software companies like Marigold and Braze. He led global teams, built multi-million-dollar business units, and thrived in environments that demanded accountability, grit, and results. He understands corporate leadership because he’s lived it—and rebuilt it from the ground up.

In his most recent role at Braze, Dean served as a Senior Strategic Global Account Lead for 5 years, entrusted with managing and expanding key relationships with marquee clients such as Warner Bros. Discovery, Paramount Global, McDonald’s, and YUM! Brands. Despite thriving in the role—consistently surpassing his goals and earning recognition as Braze’s top salesperson in 2024—Dean made the bold decision to leave the corporate world. Driven by a deep passion to inspire others, he chose to pursue his lifelong dream of sharing his miraculous personal story and the powerful lessons it taught him.

Today, Dean’s message reaches companies not just because of what he survived—but because of what he knows. He bridges real-world business experience with life-changing insight, creating a message that meets teams where they are and moves them toward what’s possible

LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/deanottospeaking/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thedeanotto

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/otto.dean/?hl=en

Website:  https://deanottospeaking.com/

Email:  rdeanotto@gmail.com

Book:  2% Chance: A Journey In Resilience, Recovery, And Rebirth:  https://www.amazon.com/2-Chance-Journey-Resilience-Recovery/dp/1642252727

On this episode of A Shot of Inspiration podcast, I sit down with my longtime friend Mark Shearer, creator of the Quantum Leap Technique, to explore how subconscious beliefs may be influencing every area of our lives. Mark shares insights from decades of studying consciousness, personal transformation, and human potential. We discuss hidden patterns, emotional blocks, and how becoming aware of what’s operating beneath the surface can help create meaningful change in our relationships, health, finances, and overall well-being

About Mark:

Mark Scherer is a life coach, entrepreneur, and founder of Encompass Life. For more than 30 years, he has studied consciousness, language, spiritual principles, and personal transformation. As the creator of the Quantum Leap Technique (QLT), Mark helps individuals, families, business leaders, and organizations identify limiting patterns and align with their highest potential.

Since founding Encompass Life in 2018, Mark has worked with thousands of individuals and facilitated programs for corporations, leadership groups, and Fortune 500 companies. Drawing from both professional experience and personal transformation, he is passionate about helping people create meaningful change in their lives, relationships, and careers

Website: encompasslife.com

Email:  mark@encompasslife.com

qlt@encompasslife.com

On this episode of A Shot of Inspiration podcast, I sat down with Susan Schmitt Winchester to explore how our past experiences shape the way we lead, communicate, and respond to conflict at work. Susan shares insights from her book Healing at Workand explains how self-awareness, emotional healing, and personal responsibility can transform both our careers and our lives.

About Susan:

Susan Schmitt Winchester is an HR leader, consultant, speaker, and author with more than 36 years of experience, including serving as Chief HR Officer for Fortune 150 Applied Materials and Fortune 500 Rockwell Automation. Co-author of Healing at Work, she helps leaders and organizations improve performance, well-being, and workplace culture by addressing the beliefs and patterns that drive stress, burnout, and conflict.

A Fellow of the National Academy of Human Resources, Susan has been featured in Harvard Business Review, Forbes, U.S. News, and Thrive Global. Through executive coaching, speaking, and consulting, she equips professionals with practical tools for personal growth, emotional resilience, and effective leadership.

Websites:  https://susanwinchester.com/   

https://healingatwork.com/

LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/susanschmittwinchester/

Book Co-Authored with Martha I. Finney:  https://bit.ly/4voaDyN