Motivate Forward with Craig Stargardt

You are a brand. Learn to develop it and live it. Looking for a promotion or a job. Learn how to build a strong personal brand that will get you noticed. The information that you will hear applies to everyone, no matter your age, gender, ethnicity or career. You will hear tips on topics that you rarely hear talked about, but make a huge difference when building your brand. Join Craig Stargardt as he shares the secrets of a 30+ year career of helping people develop a strong personal brand.

Owning Your Brand: A Conversation with Lucia on Authenticity and Career Impact 06/01/2025

Owning Your Brand: A Conversation with Lucia on Authenticity and Career Impact In this episode, we dive deep into the power of personal branding with special guest Lucia de los Heros de Uriarte, an inspiring professional in the design industry. Lucia shares actionable strategies and honest reflections that will help you elevate your personal brand with purpose. Whether you're building from scratch or refining your presence, this episode will give you the mindset and tools to own your story and stand out in your field. Join Craig Stargardt live for his upcoming virtual seminar: From Experience to Impact: How to Rethink Your Resume for Career Growth 📅 Wednesday, June 18th at 6:30 p.m. ET 💻 Virtual | Limited spots available 👉 Included with your ticket: FREE 1-on-1 session with Craig Stargardt, scheduled at your convenience, to fine-tune your resume and apply what you learned. This is your chance to get personalized guidance and make your resume work for you. For more resources and my booking information, visit my website . /episode/index/show/motivateforward/id/36807060

Crafting a Personal Brand That Stands Out: A Conversation with Dr. Felicia Hunter 04/29/2025

Crafting a Personal Brand That Stands Out: A Conversation with Dr. Felicia Hunter In this episode of Motivate Forward, host Craig Stargardt sits down with Dr. Felicia Hunter to explore the power of personal branding and career transformation. Dr. Hunter shares her journey and how Craig’s guidance helped her elevate her resume, clarify her personal brand and position herself for new opportunities. Together, they discuss the practical strategies Craig used to highlight her unique strengths, the importance of authenticity in personal branding, and how even seasoned professionals can benefit from a fresh perspective. Whether you're early in your career or looking to reinvent yourself, this conversation offers valuable insights on how to put your best self forward. For more resources and my booking information, visit my website . /episode/index/show/motivateforward/id/36314930

What is the 80/20 Rule and How to Apply It? 01/06/2025

What is the 80/20 Rule and How to Apply It? Looking to get more with less? In this quick episode, I’m breaking down the 80/20 Rule and how to apply it to your life and business for maximum impact. 💡 Tune in now for simple, actionable tips! 🚀 For more resources and my booking information, visit my website . /episode/index/show/motivateforward/id/34704115

Do It Right the First Time! 12/10/2024

Do It Right the First Time! In this short but impactful episode of Motivate Forward, Craig Stargart is joined by guest Ralph Winfrey, a seasoned creative. Together, they delve into the critical concept of doing it right the first time—an approach that emphasizes precision, planning, and excellence in every step of the process. Ralph shares his insights on how getting it right from the start can save time, resources, and energy in the long run, whether in business, personal projects, or everyday tasks. Craig and Ralph discuss the mindset shift required to prioritize quality over speed, and how this philosophy can lead to more sustainable success. For more resources and my booking information, visit my website . /episode/index/show/motivateforward/id/34366480

Breaking the Silence: The Importance of Engaging 07/28/2023

Breaking the Silence: The Importance of Engaging Engagement is the secret sauce to obtaining what you want. In the episode, listeners learn how to break the (awkward) silence. This is critical whether you are interviewing, in sales or even on a date. Craig and guest Ralph Winfrey explain the importance of engaging and the benifits that come from doing it right. For more resources and my booking information, visit my website . /episode/index/show/motivateforward/id/27593619

How to Apply Basic Selling Skills to an Interview 06/26/2023

How to Apply Basic Selling Skills to an Interview Many people go into interviews believing that the company has all of the power. This simply isn't true! As much as you want to join their team, they have an equal goal of convincing you to want to join them instead of their competitors. An interview is an opportunity for you to sell yourself (the product) to a company to help reach its goals. In this episode, we change our outlook on interviews from "trying to land the job", to how to use basic selling skills to entice the company to buy your product (YOU and the skills you would bring as an employee). For more resources and my booking information, visit my website . /episode/index/show/motivateforward/id/27281358

Laid Off. Now What? 04/09/2023

Laid Off. Now What? Saja Al Weshahi joins Craig to discuss her next move after being laid off from her job. Layoffs are inevitable in this economy and this podcast sheds light on the importance of being prepared for an event like this. Join Saja and Craig as they discuss her experiences during this transition. For more resources and my booking information, visit my website . /episode/index/show/motivateforward/id/26347191

College VS Trade School: Which Do I Choose? 03/25/2023

College VS Trade School: Which Do I Choose? How do you choose between Trade School and College? Whether you are a high schooler with graduation approaching or someone already working in an industry, you will walk away from this podcast more educated about the differences and benefits of each. Craig brings decades of life experience and success without a college degree to the conversation while Ralph contrasts by being a recent college graduate. For more resources and my booking information, visit my website . /episode/index/show/motivateforward/id/26157696

How to Increase Your Pay by Finding Your Skill Set 03/11/2023

How to Increase Your Pay by Finding Your Skill Set What are your skills? If you do not have a concise answer to that question then this episode is for you! Join Craig and Ralph as they discuss Craig's tried and proven ways to determine your personal skill set which can ultimately lead to getting that raise or job that you want. Pen and paper will be needed to get the most out of this episode. For more resources and my booking information, visit my website . /episode/index/show/motivateforward/id/26158248

Is Your Job Safe? 11/22/2022

Is Your Job Safe? In this quick episode, Craig scratches the surface on how to make yourself indispensable, thus furthering your job security. In today's market, jobs can come and go. Make sure your job is one that stays by being multi-faceted and always learning. For more resources and my booking information, visit my website . /episode/index/show/motivateforward/id/25101090

Design Thinking with Chris Good 08/12/2022

Design Thinking with Chris Good What is Design Thinking...? - Chris Good describes it as "Solving problems in a very human and iterative way", but that just scratches the surface. Stay tuned and be a fly on the wall as Craig Stargardt and Chris converse about the holistic advantages and uses of design thinking. Craig and Chris spent many hours working together to develop the Masters of Fine Arts in Design Thinking graduate degree program at Radford University. This conversation covers that process and how they implement Design Thinking in their everyday lives. **To watch this full episode, search "MotivateForward" on Youtube or @Motivate_Forward on Instagram** For more resources and my booking information, visit my website /episode/index/show/motivateforward/id/24038703

Professional Courtesy with Craig Stargardt 07/31/2022

Professional Courtesy with Craig Stargardt Summer is in full swing. This means shorts, outdoor meetings and vacation time. In this quick episode, I go over a few professional courtesies that will help you maintain your business relationships throughout this busy time. For more resources and my booking information, visit my website www.MotivateForward.com. /episode/index/show/motivateforward/id/23886648

The Importance of Mentorship with Saja Al-Weshahi 04/12/2022

The Importance of Mentorship with Saja Al-Weshahi The importance of a mentor can not be understated, it can literally change your life! In this episode, Craig interviews Saja Al-Weshahi, one of his mentees on the value of having a mentor. For more resources and my booking information, visit my website www.MotivateForward.com. /episode/index/show/motivateforward/id/22773302

A Teachable Moment 04/12/2022

A Teachable Moment The slap heard around the world seems comical to some, but could carry serious consequences for most non-celebrity people. In this episode, Craig zooms out to look at the big picture and the impact that this can and will have on a person's personal brand. For more resources and my booking information, visit my website www.MotivateForward.com. /episode/index/show/motivateforward/id/22729217

Who is Craig Stargardt? The Background Episode 04/02/2022

Who is Craig Stargardt? The Background Episode Craig is often asked about his background, where he came from, and those dark and cold nights lit by kerosene lanterns. In this episode, Craig and his sound Engineer Ralph discuss the pivotal moments in his life, how he founded Motivate Forward in 2012 and strategies that helped him change his situation that are still relevant today. For more resources and my booking information, visit my website www.MotivateForward.com. /episode/index/show/motivateforward/id/22555574

What is GOOD Customer Service? 02/18/2022

What is GOOD Customer Service? With over $30 million worth of textiles sold and over 30 years of skin in the game, I know what GOOD customer service is(and also what it isn"t)! In this episode, I explain all of the nuances and strategies that have made me successful over the years. These strategies can be applied to all industries and markets! Shoutout to RVisuals, a creative solutions team specializing in small businesses for sponsoring this episode. My listeners will receive a free business analysis by mentioning Motivate Forward in your inquiry. Redeem your free analysis by visiting . For more resources and my booking information, visit my website /episode/index/show/motivateforward/id/22182482

How to Work the Room & Make Real Connections 07/23/2021

How to Work the Room & Make Real Connections In this episode, I cover how to make the most out of conferences, events, and any social gathering. Learn how to talk to everyone and make real connections that will benefit you in the future. The methods I talk about can be applied to every situation, from a busy convention to a corporate holiday party. Remember these tips, and I am sure that networking at your next function will be much easier. /episode/index/show/motivateforward/id/19911047

How to Sell Your Product: Part 3 05/11/2021

How to Sell Your Product: Part 3 In this episode, Craig explains how to market your product. This is where you begin to sell it. From your business card to your resume, everything needs to be aligned with your brand. Consistency is a simple way to generate confidence and trust which translates into loyal returning clients. Use this 3 part series as a reference and starting point whenever you are inspecting your brand for ways to improve. /episode/index/show/motivateforward/id/19065260

You are the Brand: Part 2 03/09/2021

You are the Brand: Part 2 In part 2, Craig discusses how to package your product. You are the brand. And you represent your personal brand even when you are not working. This episode focuses on how to maintain your personal brand through an ever-changing environment and stay ahead of the competition. /episode/index/show/motivateforward/id/18252911

With Everything Stacked Against Zahnea, She Found a Way 03/07/2021

With Everything Stacked Against Zahnea, She Found a Way Craig had the pleasure of interviewing friend and client, Zahnea John. Her story is really inspiring because of her ability to find a way to succeed, no matter the circumstance. Even while working 3 jobs she still had laser focus on her goals. She doesn't let anything get in her way and during this interview, she details exactly how she did that, her experience with college and what's next for her. /episode/index/show/motivateforward/id/18221702

You are the Product: Part 1 01/30/2021

You are the Product: Part 1 To start this series, Craig Stargardt will teach you how to look at yourself as a company, see yourself as a product of that company and ultimately improve your product to grow your business. This includes knowing the language of your industry, critical thinking and how to present yourself in a professional manner. Craig put this series together to help teach what isn't taught in school, a real world, pragmatic commonsense approach to success. Stay tuned for the next episode where Craig will explain "your packaging", the second part of the 3 part series. For more information and the personal evaluation form, visit my website /episode/index/show/motivateforward/id/17749901

Protect Your Brand During the Holidays 12/17/2020

Protect Your Brand During the Holidays Don't let this holiday party cost you your job! In this episode Craig will discuss how to use holiday gatherings to your advantage. Mingle, have fun and protect your brand with these essential tips. REMEMBER, just because you are at a party, you still represent your brand. Don't let years of hard work be tarnished by drunken comments. /episode/index/show/motivateforward/id/17232719

Your Resume Gets You The Interview 10/26/2020

Your Resume Gets You The Interview Today, I interviewed Ralph, a recent Radford University graduate that I helped secure a job by transforming his resume and preparing him for the interview. We go over the importance of how you word your resume from the client's perspective and the impact it had on his job search. Learn the importance of your resume representing your brand and how what you say on your resume will determine if you get the interview. For more information and resources visit my website www.MotivateForward.com /episode/index/show/motivateforward/id/16556714

Zoom Etiquette with Craig Stargardt 10/20/2020

Zoom Etiquette with Craig Stargardt In this episode of Motivate Forward, Craig will guide you through Zoom etiquette. As video conferences and working from home become the new normal, this doesn't mean you can stop being professional. From controlling your background to muting yourself when not speaking, Craig goes over everything you need to know to represent yourself or your company over Zoom. /episode/index/show/motivateforward/id/16468601

Invest in Yourself 08/30/2020

Invest in Yourself You are your most valuable investment. Are you doing all that you can to stay ahead of the competition? In this episode, I will explain why it is crucial to invest in yourself and I will give you a personal evaluation form to help you determine what you need to work on. Visit www.MotivateForward.com/Resources /episode/index/show/motivateforward/id/15807335

Don't let Perception Cost You the Sale! 07/31/2020

Don't let Perception Cost You the Sale! Perception is one of those things you don't think about...until it happens to you. In this episode, Craig dives into how perception and non-verbal communication can have a serious impact on your business and home life. /episode/index/show/motivateforward/id/15429473

You are a Brand! How can your brand be better? 07/18/2020

You are a Brand! How can your brand be better? Did you know that you are a brand? From the coffee you drink to the glasses you wear, everything reflects on your brand. Learn how to represent your brand in a way consistent with your goals. /episode/index/show/motivateforward/id/15257411

How to give better directions 06/18/2020

How to give better directions I'm going to share a tip that you can use when a task doesn't go the way you expected and how to communicate better with your employees, family and friends. /episode/index/show/motivateforward/id/14869139

Motivate Forward with Craig Stargardt

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