Welcome back to another episode of The Defying All Odds Podcast!Join us for an incredibly educational and motivational conversation with special guest, Professor James "Jim" Holtje. For over three decades, Jim has been a pivotal force in corporate communications and speechwriting, crafting the voices of global leaders, including the CEOs of IBM and Siemens AG, and the Director-General of UNESCO. As an award-winning Adjunct Professor at Columbia University School of International Public Affairs (SIPA). Jim embodies the powerful message he once wrote for an IBM Chairwoman: "Never let anyone define you. Define yourself." This episode is a masterclass in resilience, showing you how communication, global perspective, and persistence can unlock your greatest potential.Jim Holtje’s personal story is a testament to the fact that labels do not equal destiny. He reveals the profound challenge of being declared "learning disabled" in the 5th grade and how his mother's unwavering support became the catalyst for his future success. What followed after instilled a fire in him to have a relentless drive to graduate from the system that judged him, leading him to earn degrees from NYU and Columbia University. Hear Jim discuss how he tackles adversity, including recent health challenges, and why he agrees with the profound philosophy: it's not whether life knocks you down, it's whether you pick yourself up stronger. Learn practical strategies for overcoming educational and professional setbacks and using them as fuel for academic and career advancement.As the founder of Speak Up International LLC, Jim's passion lies in empowering non-native speakers to master the art of influential communication. Discover the intricate process behind writing speeches that shape global policy and corporate strategy. We speak about the importance of international political economy, the role of writing (as a seven-time author), and the cultural insights gained from extensive overseas travel and fluency in four foreign languages (German, Italian, French, Spanish). Whether you are an aspiring executive, a student of international affairs, or someone seeking to refine your communication skills, Jim's expertise offers valuable lessons on building a global citizen mindset and commanding influence.As a Professor, Jim is always finding ways to promote research and educational literacy in the classroom. We touch on the importance of finding a balance with AI such as Chat GPT and how AI will continue to advance in educational settings. Tune in to learn more!🔔 Don't forget to like, comment, share, and subscribe for more inspiring stories! Turn on that notification bell so you don't miss another episode! 🔔Professor James (Jim) Holtje Email: jph107@columbia.eduLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimholtje/FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/JamesHoltje?mibextid=wwXIfr&rdid=lDlONQP41qhmgFM6&share_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fshare%2F1BCtWVKtxD%2F%3Fmibextid%3DwwXIfr#Columbia Professor: https://www.sipa.columbia.edu/communities-connections/faculty/james-holtjeNYU Professor: https://www.stern.nyu.edu/faculty/bio/james-holtjeBooks: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B001IQZBT0/allbooks?ingress=0&visitId=0f82360a-5cb1-4789-83e4-e0d2be5372de&ref_=ap_rdr&ccs_id=3ac47f2e-c3fb-4feb-b52a-8a03a65cd5c1As always, thank you for listening in and be sure to check out The Defying All Odds Podcast On YouTube, Spotify, Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, FaceBook, Threads, iHeart Radio, Amazon Music and contact us via email. LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/thedefyingalloddspodcast_______________________________________________________________#education #college #speech #professor #podcast

Welcome back to another edition of The Defying All Odds Podcast!In our next segment of our Educational Series, we had the opportunity to sit down with the Honorable New York City Councilwoman Mercedes Narcisse, representing District 46 - covering covering the neighborhoods of Bergen Beach, Canarsie, Flatlands, Georgetown, Gerritsen Beach, Marine Park, Mill Basin, Mill Island, Sheepshead Bay. Councilwoman Narcisse has defied odds in different ways beginning with a career shift from taking care of patients as a registered nurse (RN) to winning Brooklyn's District 46 in City Council. Mercedes conveys how the spirit to always fight for others and what is right began with her childhood back home in Haiti. Born in Saint Marc, Haiti, Mercedes attributes her early teachings to her grandmother, which she then brought with her when she migrated to the United States as a teenager, settling in Brooklyn. She attended public high school in Brooklyn, and is a proud CUNY graduate. Her wish to give back led her down the path of healthcare, where she worked as a registered nurse and was also a small business owner. Here Mercedes explains how nursing and tending to those who fell ill taught her how to be resilient and fight for those who needed a voice to be heard.Elected to the New York City Council in November, 2021, she had defied all odds after winning in her third time running - having lost the previous two elections. Stepping into her first term as a New York City Council Member, Mercedes Narcisse immediately established herself as a formidable and tireless advocate for her Brooklyn community. Her commitment goes beyond rhetoric, translating directly into tangible results: her district office has quickly earned the reputation for having one of the highest constituent service ratings across all of New York City. This remarkable achievement demonstrates her unwavering effectiveness, deep dedication, and sophisticated understanding of the complex needs of her district. As a devoted mother of four and a lifelong, proud resident of Brooklyn’s 46th District, Councilwoman Mercedes Narcisse brings a deeply personal perspective to her legislative work. Her effectiveness is powerfully demonstrated through her crucial role as a member of the Council’s Budget and Negotiation Team. In this high-stakes capacity, Mercedes has delivered nothing short of unprecedented fiscal victories for her constituents. Her adept negotiation skills have secured millions of dollars in critical city funding, directly earmarked for the comprehensive upgrade and renovation of essential community infrastructure—from local parks and libraries to vital schools across the district. 🔔 Don't forget to like, comment, share, and subscribe for more inspiring stories! Turn on that notification bell so you don't miss an episode! 🔔City Councilwoman Mercedes Narcisse D-District 46Email: District46@council.nyc.govWebsite: https://council.nyc.gov/district-46/FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/CMMercedesNarcisseInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mercedesnarcisseThreads: https://www.threads.com/@mercedesnarcisse?xmt=AQF0MTJOTDv7Txzv4YvrOjOfsTDYrR4fVobQdvpbYFnZMeYX: https://x.com/CMMercedesCD46As always, thank you for listening in and be sure to check out The Defying All Odds Podcast On YouTube, Spotify, Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, FaceBook, Threads, iHeart Radio, Amazon Music and contact us via email. LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/thedefyingalloddspodcast_______________________________________________________________#brooklyn #politics #nursing #haiti

Purchase "The Wisdom I Can't Teach" By Paul Coyne Here: https://www.amazon.com/Wisdom-I-Cant-Teach/dp/B0DVFYSTGY?ref_=ast_author_dpWelcome back to another episode of The Defying All Odds Podcast.In this episode we have a very special guest - Paul Coyne DNP, MBA, MS, APRN, AGPCNP-BC - a healthcare leader, clinician, inventor, poet, and inspirational keynote speaker whose journey spans finance, clinical care, analytics, entrepreneurship, and the arts. Paul feels like he's lived many lives in a life that's been filled with tragedy, career changes, and resilienceBeyond the struggles of being born with heart disease (hypertrophic cardiomyopathy), Paul has always found a way to persevere. From not being able to play sports at the age of 10 to a pacemaker implant in high school to intermittently being fully paralyzed from the neck down returning to high school in wheelchair - Paul has always found a way to keep going. At just the young age of 22 and 1 week after graduation from Providence College, Paul suffered a stroke - — a defining moment that reshaped his sense of purpose. While relearning to walk and speak, he began his career as a financial analyst at Goldman Sachs, specializing in derivatives and system optimization. Though successful in finance, he felt called to serve in a more human-centered way.He made a transformational pivot into healthcare, simultaneously enrolling in Columbia University’s BSN/MSN/DNP program and Northeastern University’s MBA in Healthcare Management / MS in Finance program. Despite all of the setbacks healthwise, physically and mentally, Paul went on to obtain 5 more degrees in just 4 years leading to a career shift from finance into healthcare. Paul became an adult-gerontology nurse practitioner with a subspecialty in palliative care. In 2017, he transitioned to Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS), where he rose through roles including Chief Nursing Informatics Officer before ultimately being appointed Senior Vice President and Chief Nurse Executive at the age of 36. At the time, the youngest in the United States of a major academic medical center. At HSS, he led 2,000 clinical professionals across multiple states, driving improvements in care quality, patient safety, staff engagement, and collaboration.Beyond his operational and technological impact, Paul is a poet and author whose writing explores resilience, healing, and purpose. His poetic trilogy—The Wisdom I Can’t Teach (2025), Greatness Not Yet Born (2026) and Blank Page and a Pen (2027)— reveals that a focus on these truths, coupled with faith, can turn even the deepest suffering into wisdom, grace, hope, and triumph.His life is proof that expertise can be built across disciplines—and that overcoming is not a one time occurrence, but a daily event. 🔔 Don't forget to like, comment, share, and subscribe for more inspiring stories! Turn on that notification bell so you don't miss an episode! 🔔Paul CoyneEmail: paulecoyne@gmail.comWebsite: PaulECoyne.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulecoyne/As always, thank you for listening in and be sure to check out The Defying All Odds Podcast On YouTube, Spotify, Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, FaceBook, Threads, iHeart Radio, Amazon Music and contact us via email. LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/thedefyingalloddspodcast_______________________________________________________________Timestamps:0:00 Intro1:44 Paul’s History4:26 Paul’s Life Philosophy7:17 Having a Stroke at 2211:07 - The Comeback of a Lifetime12:12 - Pause. Say That Again?13:20 - Faith and Spirituality14:32 - I Graduated. Now What?20:23 - The Wisdom I Can’t Teach22:34 - Why He Became a Poet27:55 - How to Define Yourself31:36 - Paralyzed in High School34:19 - High School Philosopher36:44 - Hidden Disabilities43:17 - The Wisdom of Nine Lives49:20 - Paul’s Advice to the Viewers52:54 - Final Thoughts/Outro#stroke #heart #resilience #motivation