The SoulFire Sessions

Spark Series, Episode 4: Connection, Community, and Belonging

Introduction The Sparks Series is a special series within The SoulFire Sessions. While our regular episodes explore a wide range of conversations around purpose, leadership, and growth, the Sparks Series is dedicated to spotlighting purpose-driven leaders who are creating meaningful impact in their work and communities. Each episode centers on their story, their leadership, and the moments that sparked the work they’re doing today. Summary In this episode of Sparks, Alex sits down with May Spark Kelley Drebes, a leader whose impact is rooted in connection, community, and helping people feel like they belong. Known by many as a “human dot connector,” Kelley shares how experiences of loneliness and searching for community shaped the way she leads today. Through mentorship, culture-building, intentional relationships, and creating spaces where people feel seen and valued, Kelley has built a leadership style grounded not in authority, but in influence and authenticity. Together, Alex and Kelley explore leadership beyond titles, workplace culture, mentorship, motherhood, friendship, books that shaped them, and the importance of staying true to yourself in every season of life. This conversation is a reminder that leadership is not about position, but rather it’s about how we show up for the people around us.  Takeaways ~ Leadership is about influence, not authority.  ~ Community and belonging can change lives.  ~ People want to feel seen, heard, and valued.   ~ Authenticity matters in every season of life.   ~ Small acts of connection can change someone’s world.    ~ Creating belonging starts with intentional relationships.   ~ Your spark and purpose may evolve through different seasons of life. Chapters 00:00: Welcome to Sparks & Introducing Kelley Drebes 03:55: What It Means to Be a “Human Dot Connector” 06:45: Loneliness, Community & Why Connection Matters 10:40: The Questions Kelley Uses to Truly Know People 16:20: Identity Beyond Job Titles & Leadership Through Influence 20:40: Kelley’s Career Journey in Healthcare & Walmart 24:15: Growing a Mentorship Community Through Connection 28:25: Family, Reading, Friendship & Life Outside of Work  Connect with Kelley Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kelleydrebes/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KelleyRaeBell [https://www.facebook.com/NM.JoshMontanez] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelleydrebes/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-montanez-cfp%C2%AE-chfc%C2%AE-clu%C2%AE-crps%E2%84%A2-29162b52/] Favorite Book (A Raisin in the Sun): walmart.com  [https://www.walmart.com/ip/A-Raisin-in-the-Sun-9780679755333/379801?classType=VARIANT&from=/search] Keywords Kelley Drebes; Sparks Series; SoulFire Sessions; connection; community; belonging; leadership; mentorship; authentic leadership; workplace culture; women in leadership; human connection; personal growth; leadership podcast  Connect with The SoulFire Collective Website: thesoulfire.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesoulfireco/ [https://www.instagram.com/thesoulfireco/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577017224180 [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577017224180] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-soulfire-collective/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-soulfire-collective/]

Financial Series, Episode 2: Your Money Blueprint

Introduction This Money Matters for Real People series is designed to explore the intersection of financial strategy, mindset, and long-term decision making. Each episode breaks down complex financial topics into clear, actionable insights to help individuals, families, and business owners make more confident financial decisions. Summary In this episode of Money Matters for Real People, Cristina Easterling and Joshua Montanez discuss the foundations of creating a financial plan and why understanding where you are financially is the first step toward building confidence with money. Together, they explore how to inventory your finances without judgment, identify personal financial goals, and create a plan that reflects your real life—not someone else’s.  The conversation also breaks down Josh’s simple “bucket” approach to money management, covering cash flow, savings, investments, and the role credit can play in long-term planning. Listeners will learn why automation, consistent check-ins, and realistic goal setting can help reduce financial stress and create greater peace of mind over time.  Disclosure Please remember that all investments carry some level of risk, including the potential loss of principal invested. No investment strategy can assure a profit and does not protect against loss in declining markets. Indexes and/or benchmarks are unmanaged and cannot be invested in directly. Returns represent past performance, are not a guarantee of future performance and are not indicative of any specific investment. Members use Montanez Wealth Advisors as a marketing name for doing business as representatives of Northwestern Mutual. Northwestern Mutual is the marketing name for The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company (NM) (life and disability insurance, annuities, and life insurance with long-term care benefits) and its subsidiaries, including Northwestern Mutual Investment Services, LLC (NMIS) (Investment Brokerage Services), a subsidiary of NM, registered investment adviser, broker-dealer and member FINRA and SIPC and Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company® (NMWMC) (Investment Advisory Services) , a federal savings bank. NM and its subsidiaries are in Milwaukee, WI. To view detailed disclosures regarding individual representatives, view their information at www.montanezwealth.com.  Connect with Josh Montanez: Scheduling Link: 15 Minute Phone Call with Josh Montanez [https://www04.timetrade.com/app/nwmf/workflows/NWMUTUAL-RLPA/schedule?resourceId=5zqfny7zt8&appointmentTypeGroupId=uc7hwa8x&appointmentTypeId=h2yf4t8n] Instagram: Montanez Wealth Advisors Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/montanezwealthadvisors?fbclid=IwY2xjawQuKwlleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFtcDJ2Vlk4eGlnR08zSXpUc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHpUa63SwZ3vkKAcQ_eV9dBcOgzKit4aLOz7YmfNdrKVtnM1b7en6w_mCzxey_aem_00zLlFaSHagrlzsplwLXVA] Facebook: Montanez Wealth Advisors Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/NM.JoshMontanez] LinkedIn: Josh Montanez LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-montanez-cfp%C2%AE-chfc%C2%AE-clu%C2%AE-crps%E2%84%A2-29162b52/] Keywords: Financial planning; money mindset; budgeting; savings; investing; retirement planning; emergency funds; debt management; financial goals; wealth building; money habits; financial confidence; financial wellness; financial literacy Connect with The SoulFire Collective Website: thesoulfire.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesoulfireco/ [https://www.instagram.com/thesoulfireco/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577017224180 [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577017224180] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-soulfire-collective/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-soulfire-collective/]

Episode 16: The Life Blueprint: Unlocking Your Full Potential with Intention

In this episode, Alex sits down with Robert Rathje to talk about intentional living and what it really takes to reach your full potential. Robert shares how a defining belief from his childhood shaped his purpose of helping others grow, and how a major health transformation became the catalyst for deeper change in his life. That journey led him to create his Life Blueprint: a framework built around six core areas that help guide intentional decisions, habits, and long-term impact. Instead of focusing on temporary goals, Robert emphasizes the power of standards...the daily behaviors that shape who you become. Together, they explore the importance of reflection, personal responsibility, and building consistent habits that align with the life you actually want. This episode offers both mindset shifts and practical steps to help you move from potential to action.  Takeaways * Your potential requires ownership: No one can want your growth more than you do  * Standards > goals: Goals are temporary, standards shape how you live daily * Clarity creates action: Knowing what you want drives meaningful habits * Self-actualization = potential + execution * You don’t have to do everything at once: Build your life intentionally, one area at a time  * Reflection is essential: Growth happens when you slow down and evaluate  * Life is seasonal: Your standards and priorities will evolve as your life changes  * Progress over perfection: Consistency matters more than doing it perfectly every day  * Community matters: Growth accelerates when you invite others into the process  * Intentional time creates transformation: Even 15–30 minutes of reflection can change everything Connect with Robert Website:  https://www.optimyzedgrowth.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-rathje/ Chapters 00:00: Welcome & Episode Introduction 02:00: Robert’s Story & Early Influences 06:00: Discovering Purpose & Career Shift 09:00: Health Journey & Turning Point 11:00: The Life Blueprint Explained (6 Core Areas) 14:00: Goals vs. Standards: The Mindset Shift 18:00: Building Habits That Actually Stick 22:00: Reflection, Growth & Life Seasons 26:30: Finding What Sets Your Soul on Fire 29:30: Practical Steps for Intentional Living  Keywords Intentional living, life blueprint, personal growth, self-actualization, reaching your potential, mindset, habits, discipline, clarity, purpose, goal setting vs standards, self development, leadership, performance, productivity, reflection, life design, coaching, holistic growth, work life integration  Connect with The SoulFire Collective Website: thesoulfire.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesoulfireco/ [https://www.instagram.com/thesoulfireco/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577017224180 [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577017224180] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-soulfire-collective/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-soulfire-collective/]

Spark Series, Episode 3: Clarity, Confidence, and Follow-Through

Introduction The Sparks Series is a special series within The SoulFire Sessions. While our regular episodes explore a wide range of conversations around purpose, leadership, and growth, the Sparks Series is dedicated to spotlighting purpose-driven leaders who are creating meaningful impact in their work and communities. Each episode centers on their story, their leadership, and the moments that sparked the work they’re doing today. Summary In this episode of the Sparks Series, Alex sits down with Josh Montanez, founder and lead wealth advisor of Montanez Wealth Advisors, to explore how clarity around finances can create confidence, stability, and forward momentum in life. Josh shares how his journey began as a young intern and grew into a purpose-driven career centered on helping people connect their money to their life path. At the heart of his work is a simple but powerful idea: when people truly understand their finances, they gain the confidence to move forward. Throughout the conversation, Josh emphasizes that leadership isn’t just about ideas or advice…it’s about follow-through. It’s about showing up, doing what you say you will do, and walking alongside people as they navigate important decisions in their lives. From navigating business growth and family life to advocating for hydrocephalus awareness, Josh’s story is a reminder that clarity builds confidence, but it’s follow-through that creates lasting impact. Takeaways ~ Clarity creates confidence: when you understand your finances, you can finally move forward with intention.   ~ Follow-through builds trust: leadership isn’t what you say, it’s what you consistently do.   ~ Money is personal: your experiences, emotions, and habits all shape how you manage it.   ~ Security changes everything: when you feel financially safe, you can take risks, grow, and step into more.   ~ Growth is ongoing: staying “green and growing” means always learning, both in life and leadership.   ~ You don’t have to have it all figured out: progress comes from showing up and staying committed.   ~ Passion can be built: sometimes what you love comes from sticking with something long enough to grow into it.   ~ It’s okay to pivot: changing direction doesn’t mean starting over, it means evolving. Connect with Josh Website: MontanezWealth.com [http://montanezwealth.com] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/montanezwealthadvisors/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NM.JoshMontanez [https://www.facebook.com/NM.JoshMontanez] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-montanez-cfp%C2%AE-chfc%C2%AE-clu%C2%AE-crps%E2%84%A2-29162b52/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-montanez-cfp%C2%AE-chfc%C2%AE-clu%C2%AE-crps%E2%84%A2-29162b52/] Hydrocephalus Association Website: https://www.hydroassoc.org/ [https://www.hydroassoc.org/]  Keywords Financial clarity; follow-through; financial security; money habits; financial planning; confidence; purpose-driven leadership; mentorship; family leadership; hydrocephalus awareness; resilience; emotional intelligence; decision-making; growth mindset Connect with The SoulFire Collective Website: thesoulfire.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesoulfireco/ [https://www.instagram.com/thesoulfireco/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577017224180 [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577017224180] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-soulfire-collective/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-soulfire-collective/]

Financial Series, Episode 1: Mind Over Money

Introduction This Money Matters for Real People series is designed to explore the intersection of financial strategy, mindset, and long-term decision making. Each episode breaks down complex financial topics into clear, actionable insights to help individuals, families, and business owners make more confident financial decisions.  Summary In this episode of Mind Over Money, Cristina Easterling and Josh Montanez explore how our thoughts, fears, and habits shape our financial future. They discuss the powerful role of money stories and inherited beliefs in influencing everything from spending and saving to risk-taking and long-term planning. Cristina and Josh unpack the shift from operating in “survival mode” to a more intentional, strategy-driven approach. They explore how early experiences shape financial behaviors, highlight common limiting beliefs, and share how shifting those beliefs can lead to greater confidence and control. With over 14 years of experience, Josh is the founder of Montanez Wealth Advisors, where he leads a team delivering comprehensive financial planning across investments, tax efficiency, retirement, and risk management. Together, they bridge mindset and strategy to show how awareness and action create lasting financial change. Disclosure Please remember that all investments carry some level of risk, including the potential loss of principal invested. No investment strategy can assure a profit and does not protect against loss in declining markets. Indexes and/or benchmarks are unmanaged and cannot be invested in directly. Returns represent past performance, are not a guarantee of future performance and are not indicative of any specific investment. Members use Montanez Wealth Advisors as a marketing name for doing business as representatives of Northwestern Mutual. Northwestern Mutual is the marketing name for The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company (NM) (life and disability insurance, annuities, and life insurance with long-term care benefits) and its subsidiaries, including Northwestern Mutual Investment Services, LLC (NMIS) (Investment Brokerage Services), a subsidiary of NM, registered investment adviser, broker-dealer and member FINRA and SIPC and Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company® (NMWMC) (Investment Advisory Services) , a federal savings bank. NM and its subsidiaries are in Milwaukee, WI. To view detailed disclosures regarding individual representatives, view their information at www.montanezwealth.com [http://www.montanezwealth.com/]. Connect with Josh Montanez: Scheduling Link: 15 Minute Phone Call with Josh Montanez [https://www04.timetrade.com/app/nwmf/workflows/NWMUTUAL-RLPA/schedule?resourceId=5zqfny7zt8&appointmentTypeGroupId=uc7hwa8x&appointmentTypeId=h2yf4t8n] Instagram: Montanez Wealth Advisors Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/montanezwealthadvisors?fbclid=IwY2xjawQuKwlleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFtcDJ2Vlk4eGlnR08zSXpUc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHpUa63SwZ3vkKAcQ_eV9dBcOgzKit4aLOz7YmfNdrKVtnM1b7en6w_mCzxey_aem_00zLlFaSHagrlzsplwLXVA] Facebook: Montanez Wealth Advisors Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/NM.JoshMontanez] LinkedIn: Josh Montanez LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-montanez-cfp%C2%AE-chfc%C2%AE-clu%C2%AE-crps%E2%84%A2-29162b52/]  Connect with The SoulFire Collective Website: thesoulfire.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesoulfireco/ [https://www.instagram.com/thesoulfireco/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577017224180 [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577017224180] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-soulfire-collective/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-soulfire-collective/]