On a whim, a prayer, and without a job to support his dual income life, he made a crazy move, leaving his dead end hotel career to pursue whatever would come way In Sunny Southern California. 10 years later, after 13 years marriage and becoming a father to two beautiful daughters he made the heart wrenching, yet necessary bold move to come out of the closet, living his truth as a gay man.
In the midst of this new life path, Rick took a bold risk to walk away from his life in hospitality technology, leaving the worlds of Microsoft, IBM, Hilton, Starwood Hotels, Intercontinental Hotels, and Ian Schrager to reevaluate what was truly important in life – no excuses, no fears, no apologies.
Ricks bold, yet unplanned move, led him into speaking, personal development, podcasting, and coaching after his last position at a technology start-up laid him off the day he returned from vacation after 5 years of building someone else’s dream.
That was the moment Rick took a stand, said, “I’m done. Done building other people’s businesses,” and decided to live his life – no excuses, no fears, no apologies. Rick is a Professional Certified Coach, author, podcaster, who inspires corporations, entrepreneurs, college and university students, and individuals to make their bold moves – without apologies. His keynote speeches, workshops, coaching, and podcasts touch people’s souls, ignite their desires, and help them break through the taboos of living by other people’s damn expectations.
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Did you know that it is gay pride month? I must admit that I was unaware until someone told me. Also I must admit that I had never taken time to even understand it’s roots but then I looked it up and here is what I learned from good old Wikipedia:
“Gay pride or LGBT pride is the promotion of the self-affirmation, dignity, equality, and increased visibility of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people as a social group. Pride, as opposed to shame and social stigma, is the predominant outlook that bolsters most LGBT rights movements.
Ranging from solemn to carnivalesque, pride events are typically held during LGBT Pride Month or some other period that commemorates a turning point in a country’s LGBT history, for example Moscow Pride in May for the anniversary of Russia’s 1993 decriminalization of homosexuality.”
Wait… What? Did that just say decriminalization? The things I am learning… First, I learned that it is gay pride month and then I learned that it was considered a criminal activity in Russia.
This made me wonder how many other countries make it illegal. Turns out there are 70 countries that make same sex-sexual activity a crime. Sentences range from fines to life imprisonment and even the death penalty. In 13 countries being gay is punishable by death.
Maybe you already knew these things, but I didn’t. This made me sad because I have friends who are gay. They are great people and it hurts me to think they could be subjected to fines, life imprisonment or even death for their sexual preference.
Now I understand why there is an LGBT rights movement. I certainly would not want these friends I just mentioned to be put to death for their sexual preference.
In honor of gay pride month, we invited Rick Clemons to be on our podcast. Rick was my speaker coach for a period of time while I worked with a company called the Speaker Lab. Rick is a motivational speaker, podcaster, business consultant and life coach.
Rick helps people to face fears, overcome excuses and live an unapologetic life. The name of his podcast is Life Uncloseted. We think Rick is an awesome human being and we hope you do too.
MORE ON THE EPISODE
4:19 – 4:59
In this episode we are interviewing Rick Clemons who hosts a podcast called Life Uncloseted. As you might have guessed by the title of the show Rick is a gay man but this show is not just about gay people coming out of the closet. It is about the fact that everyone has closets. What closets do you have?
12:56- 14:56
How would you like to dump your fears, face your excuses and live your unapologetic life. That is what Rick Clemons helps people do everyday through coaching and podcasting
15:43 – 16:00
In this clip Rick Clemons gives what he believes to be the secret to Overcome any situation and live life unapologetically.
18:37 – 20:23
In this clip we are discussing with Rick how he coaches people to Overcome their ingrained belief that they need to be what others have told them to be.
20:32 – 20:56
June is gay pride month. In honor of gay pride month we interviewed someone who has a podcast called Life Uncloseted. In this clip he asks an interesting question
21:42 – 23:09
Rick Clemons “What somebody says is all about them. What you hear is all about you.”
25:02 – 25:56
In this podcast Rick took over and interviewed us. He said “give me your one word for what you value most.” Listen to what we said and comment below what your word would be?
30:45 – 31:22
“The truth of who you are is far more powerful than the false truth of who you are pretending to be so go out and show the world who you are” – Rick Clemons
ARE YOU A TRAINER OR COACH SEEKING TO START YOUR OWN BUSINESS?
Before Travis Barnes became a best-selling author, international presenter, founder and franchisor of Journey Fitness 333 he spent a decade of his life in prison for a nonviolent drug offense. Upon returning home to his wife and daughter he worked hard to grow himself in the fitness industry so he could buy his family a home of their own. 2 months after buying their home Tropical Storm Lee caused it to be flooded to the second floor. Approximately 1 year after the flood while still rebuilding their home and during the Christmas holiday season Travis was let go from his employment as COO for a local fitness company. After he and his wife spent 6 months as traveling trainers and while still living on an unemployment check and in a FEMA trailer, they began what is now a fitness franchise . Most recently and with the rest of the industry Travis has overcome the obstacles of the pandemic by redesigning his business. Travis has used the pandemic as an opportunity to instead of returning to business as normal, he has returned to business as better than normal. Travis is an Overcomer.
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