Are you searching for ways to build courage and live your most authentic life during uncertain times? This episode of the Marli Williams Podcast welcomes Patricia Velasquez, acclaimed actor, author, and humanitarian, as she shares her inspiring journey from challenging beginnings in Venezuela to becoming a global changemaker. Explore the meaning of “certainty” when the future feels unclear, and learn why embracing your unique truth can unlock confidence and possibility. Patricia and Marli offer real-talk on overcoming self-doubt, finding your “why,” and taking small, actionable steps toward personal growth. If you’re ready to claim permission for the next chapter of your life, you’ll find insights and inspiration here. Tune in for powerful stories, empowering strategies, and a reminder that even small acts of bravery can create a ripple effect of transformation.

Patricia Velásquez Bio:

Patricia Velásquez is an award-winning actress, humanitarian, entrepreneur, transformational keynote speaker, author, and mother. Best known for her iconic roles in “The Mummy”, “The Mummy Returns”, “Arrested Development”, and “The Curse of La Llorona”, Patricia also became the first Latina supermodel gracing the covers of major fashion magazines like ‘Vogue”, “Elle”, and “Harper's Bazaar”. She has been the face of campaigns for top brands such as “Chanel” and “Cover Girl”.

Born in Venezuela, Patricia's early life was marked by resilience and purpose. Growing up in Maracaibo, she carried water up 15 flights of stairs for her family, an experience that taught her the power of determination and community. That’s when her certainty was born. This deep sense of purpose inspired her lifelong commitment to giving back, leading her to establish “The Wayuu Taya Foundation” in 2002. Founded to improve the lives of unprivileged communities across Latin America, the foundation has benefited over one million people through education, health, water access, and sustainable development programs, all while respecting their traditions and cultures.

Her humanitarian work has earned her global recognition. Patricia serves as a “UNESCO Artist for Peace” and a “Goodwill Ambassador for the Organization of American States (OAS)”. She has been honored by the “United Nations” and the “Human Rights Campaign” for her dedication to creating opportunities and improving quality of life for those in need.

As a transformational keynote speaker, Patricia shares her journey with global audiences, empowering them to move through fear with certainty, lead with courage, take action rooted in values, draw from wisdom, and create lasting change in their lives and communities. Her powerful storytelling has inspired thousands at major platforms, including “Stanford University”, “TEDx”, the “Milken Institute”, the “Clinton Global Initiative”, and many more. Patricia’s message speaks to the universal desire for growth and purpose, offering actionable steps to transform challenges into opportunities.

Patricia is also an accomplished author, sharing her journey and insights to inspire others to embrace their truth and break through limitations. Her experiences as a Latina, a mother, an entrepreneur, and a lifelong supporter of education and community development shape the authenticity and depth of her message.

Whether on stage, in front of the camera, or working directly with communities through her foundation, Patricia Velásquez lives the principles she speaks about certainty, courage, action, wisdom, and change. Her story is one of purpose, resilience, and a commitment to empowering others to lead with heart, authenticity, and confidence.

Marli Williams is an international keynote speaker, master facilitator, and joy instigator who has worked with organizations such as Nike, United Way, Doordash, along with many colleges and schools across the United States. She first fell in love with...

Are you ready to break through the walls of team disconnection and transform the way you work with others? In this episode of the Marli Williams Podcast, Nathan Hall, an award-winning culture transformation expert, shares surprising truths about building authentic team culture, experiencing a sense of belonging, and rethinking what it takes to create genuine connection at work and beyond. Ever wondered why simply finding "common ground" isn’t enough for true connection? Learn more about the power of “contested ground,” and discover why friction within teams may be the very ingredient you need. If you’re a leader, manager, facilitator, or someone seeking new strategies for more meaningful professional and personal relationships, you’ll want to hear Nathan Hall’s personal story and unique framework for moving "in rhythm" together, even with those you disagree with. Authentic leadership and better team dynamics start here!

About Nathan:

Nathan Hall is an award-winning culture transformation expert, keynote speaker, passionate storyteller, and community builder. His work is rooted in both his professional and deeply personal experiences, which shape his understanding of leadership, inclusion, and togetherness.

Check out Nathan's work here!

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Marli Williams is an international keynote speaker, master facilitator, and joy instigator who has worked with organizations such as Nike, United Way, Doordash, along with many colleges and schools across the United States. She first fell in love with transformational leadership as a camp counselor when she was 19 years old. After getting two degrees and 15 years of leadership training, Marli decided to give herself permission to be the “Professional Camp Counselor” she knew she was born to be. Now she helps incredible people and organizations stop waiting for permission and start taking bold action to be the leaders and changemakers they’ve always wanted to be through the power of play and cultivating joy everyday. She loves helping people go from stuck to STOKED and actually created her own deck of inspirational messages called StokeQuotes™ which was then followed by The Connect Deck™ to inspire more meaningful conversations. Her ultimate mission in the world is to help others say YES to themselves and their big crazy dreams (while having fun doing it!) To learn more about Marli’s work go to www.marliwilliams.com and follow her on Instagram @marliwilliams

Ever feel guilty for putting yourself first at work or in life? Tune into this enlightening episode of the Marli Williams Podcast with Dr. Laura Suttin, a board-certified physician, coach, and speaker who challenges society’s productivity-focused mindset. Together with Marli Williams, she explores how leaders, entrepreneurs, and change makers can create fulfilling lives—without guilt.

Whether you struggle with setting boundaries, work-from-home distractions, or feeling you need to “do it all,” this conversation spotlights essential shifts in culture, self-care, and permission. Discover fresh perspectives on balancing ambition with well-being, why it’s human to need rest, and practical strategies that celebrate both your wins and your recovery days. If you crave meaningful work and want tips to lead without burning out, this episode is for you.

Dr. Laura Suttin is a physician, executive coach, consultant, podcaster, and author who speaks nationally on creating healthcare systems where clinicians and leaders can thrive. As the founder of Purposeful MD and host of the Designing Healthcare That Cares podcast, Dr. Suttin helps organizations reimagine healthcare culture through leadership development, operational excellence, and human-centered design.

With more than twenty years of experience in clinical practice, leadership, and coaching, she’s guided hundreds of physicians and medical executives to reclaim their energy, improve engagement, and lead with purpose. Her work blends science, strategy, and heart—challenging audiences to move beyond burnout toward meaningful, measurable change.

When she’s not speaking or coaching, Laura enjoys running, traveling with her husband and children, and glamping in their travel trailer with their dog, Teddy.

To learn more about Dr. Laura's work, visit her website at www.drlaurasuttin.com and connect with her on Facebook or LinkedIn.

Marli Williams is an international keynote speaker, master facilitator, and joy instigator who has worked with organizations such as Nike, United Way, Doordash, along with many colleges and schools across the United States. She first fell in love with transformational leadership as a camp counselor when she was 19 years old. After getting two degrees and 15 years of leadership training, Marli decided to give herself permission to be the “Professional Camp Counselor” she knew she was born to be. Now she helps incredible people and organizations stop waiting for permission and start taking bold action to be the leaders and changemakers they’ve always wanted to be through the power of play and cultivating joy everyday. She loves helping people go from stuck to STOKED and actually created her own deck of inspirational messages called StokeQuotes™ which was then followed by The Connect Deck™ to inspire more meaningful conversations. Her ultimate mission in the world is to help others say YES to themselves and their big crazy dreams (while having fun doing it!) To learn more about Marli’s work go to www.marliwilliams.com and follow her on Instagram @marliwilliams

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