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

How to Apply Basic Selling Skills to an Interview

Jun 26th, 2023 13m 54s

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 int

Laid Off. Now What?

Apr 9th, 2023 45m 14s

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

College VS Trade School: Which Do I Choose?

Mar 25th, 2023 12m 13s

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

How to Increase Your Pay by Finding Your Skill Set

Mar 11th, 2023 10m 31s

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 gettin

Is Your Job Safe?

Nov 22nd, 2022 3m 21s

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 learnin

Design Thinking with Chris Good

Aug 12th, 2022 41m 34s

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 adv

Professional Courtesy with Craig Stargardt

Jul 31st, 2022 2m 33s

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 resourc

The Importance of Mentorship with Saja Al-Weshahi

Apr 12th, 2022 21m 43s

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 m

A Teachable Moment

Apr 12th, 2022 2m 22s

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 pers

Who is Craig Stargardt? The Background Episode

Apr 2nd, 2022 18m 4s

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

What is GOOD Customer Service?

Feb 18th, 2022 14m 4s

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

How to Work the Room & Make Real Connections

Jul 23rd, 2021 5m 36s

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 si

How to Sell Your Product: Part 3

May 11th, 2021 14m 56s

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

You are the Brand: Part 2

Mar 9th, 2021 7m 33s

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

With Everything Stacked Against Zahnea, She Found a Way

Mar 7th, 2021 30m 9s

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.

You are the Product, Part 1

Jan 30th, 2021 11m 53s

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,

Protect Your Brand During the Holidays

Dec 17th, 2020 1m 46s

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, yo

Your Resume Gets You The Interview

Oct 26th, 2020 18m 34s

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

Zoom Etiquette with Craig Stargardt

Oct 20th, 2020 4m 27s

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 yo

Invest in Yourself

Aug 30th, 2020 4m 38s

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

Perception & Nonverbal

Jul 31st, 2020 4m 44s

Perception is one of those things you don't think about...until it happens to you. Craig dives into how perception and non-verbal communication can have a serious impact on your business and home life. Leave me feedback on Instagram: Motivate_F

You are a Brand! How can you brand be better?

Jul 18th, 2020 3m 55s

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. For personal consulting visit MotivateForward.com

How to give better directions

Jun 18th, 2020 2m 31s

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.

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