What does it take to turn personal adversity into lifelong advocacy and meaningful change?

In this episode of Route to Success, host Sara Orellana sits down with Michael J. Langley, executive director of the Florida Justice Institute, to explore the power of resilience, grit, and community-focused leadership. Michael shares how growing up in a challenging environment shaped his lifelong commitment to supporting marginalized communities and closing opportunity gaps.

Through stories from his upbringing in rural Virginia, his civic engagement with the NAACP, and interactions with civil rights leaders like the late Muhammad Ali and Dr. King’s family, Michael illustrates the lessons that guide his work today. He explains how small, persistent actions compound into real change, and why showing up authentically is critical when leading organizations that serve vulnerable populations.

In this episode, we cover:

Michael’s early experiences with adversity and the growth mindset lessons they inspired

How personal resilience translates to leadership and advocacy

The importance of seeing and giving a voice to marginalized individuals

How the Florida Justice Institute empowers communities through access to justice, housing, and resources for people with disabilities

Practical ways listeners can support systemic change through time, talent, treasure, ties, and testimony

Strategies for maintaining hope and self-care while working with vulnerable populations

How setbacks and challenges strengthen grit and reinforce leadership principles

The role of public-private partnerships, faith leaders, and community engagement in social change

Upcoming opportunities to support Florida Justice Institute, including Miami Gives Day

Michael emphasizes that no action is too small—from volunteering, sharing connections, or donating, every contribution fuels transformative progress. His insights are a blueprint for anyone looking to make a tangible impact while cultivating empathy, resilience, and leadership in their own communities.

👉 Learn more about Michael J. Langley and the Florida Justice Institute:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikelangleyfl/

https://fji.law/

How do you take a personal tragedy and turn it into a movement that supports families and accelerates pediatric cancer research?

In this episode of Route to Success, host Sara Orellana sits down with Oscar Ortiz, co-founder of Sebastian Strong, to explore his journey from the devastating loss of his son to creating a nonprofit that fills critical gaps in childhood cancer care. Oscar shares the inspiration behind the foundation, the development of the innovative Navigator program, and the lessons learned from running a nonprofit with a mission-driven, business-minded approach.

Oscar dives deep into how Sebastian Strong focuses on:

Accelerating pediatric cancer research

Providing comprehensive resources for families

Raising awareness of the critical gaps in treatment

Building sustainable, mission-driven nonprofit operations

Throughout the conversation, Oscar emphasizes the moral imperative of prioritizing children’s health over profit, the importance of authentic messaging, and the power of community support to create meaningful change.

In this episode, we cover:

The personal journey that led to founding Sebastian Strong

Gaps in pediatric cancer treatment and research funding

The moral obligation of healthcare systems for children

Lessons in building a nonprofit that functions like a business

How the Navigator program helps families navigate complex care

Strategies for raising awareness and increasing support

The importance of authentic, heartfelt communication

Practical ways listeners can get involved and make an impact

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in childhood cancer advocacy, nonprofit leadership, and making a real difference in the lives of families affected by pediatric cancer. Oscar’s story is a powerful reminder that even in the face of loss, purpose and action can create lasting change.

👉 Learn more about Oscar Ortiz and Sebastian Strong:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/oscarportiz/

https://sebastianstrong.org/

Discover how true workplace flexibility transforms productivity, work-life balance, and overall job satisfaction. In this episode, we explore what it really means to build a judgment-free work culture - one where employees are empowered to work in the ways that serve them best. From remote work freedoms to respecting personal commitments, this conversation breaks down the difference between saying you offer flexibility and actually creating an environment where people can thrive.

You'll hear why clear boundaries matter, how trust fuels better results, and why honoring individual needs—from kids’ events to caring for pets—creates a happier, more productive team. Whether you're a leader shaping company culture or a professional seeking a healthier work environment, this episode offers valuable insight into building a workplace that genuinely supports people.

Topics Covered:
✔ Real flexibility vs. performative flexibility
✔ Empowerment and autonomy at work
✔ Creating a judgment-free, trust-driven environment
✔ Remote work and results-focused productivity
✔ Work-life balance without guilt
✔ The power of strong boundaries
✔ Improving client satisfaction through empowered teams

If you care about better workplaces, modern culture, and happier teams, this conversation is for you. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share!

Connect with Christine on : https://www.linkedin.com/in/cmbarney/

On this episode of the Route to Success, host Sara Orellana sits down with Jose Vazquez-Rojel to explore the world of authentic travel and community-centered tourism. Jose shares his insights on how travelers can move beyond cookie-cutter tourist experiences to truly engage with local cultures, history, and communities.

From understanding the commercialization of tourism to uncovering the secret to meaningful travel, this conversation highlights how authentic experiences can restore your soul, connect you with real communities, and even inspire scalable business models.

Whether you’re a traveler, entrepreneur, or curious about the future of tourism, this episode provides actionable insights on embracing authenticity in travel while respecting the cultures you visit.

Listen in and discover why “the authentic of each destination is how people live.”

🔑 Takeaways

The secret to really good travel is getting off the beaten track.

Experiencing real community is essential for soul restoration.

Tourism is increasingly commercialized and homogenized, losing authenticity.

Many tourist offerings are identical across cities, ignoring local uniqueness.

Authenticity in travel is tied to local history, culture, and daily life.

There’s a growing need for scalable business models in authentic travel.

Travel should reflect how people actually live in a destination.

Commercial tourism often overlooks the unique aspects of local culture.

Authentic experiences lead to more meaningful, transformative travel.

The future of tourism should focus on genuine community engagement.

On this essential episode of Route to Success, host Sara Orellana welcomes Tosha Connors for a critical conversation exploring how violence can become tragically normalized within households and communities. The discussion emphasizes the powerful role of social responsibility in driving change.

Tosha highlights that strengthening relationships and offering support are the only ways to enact real healing and systemic change. Discover the profound impact of simple acts of care, such as asking, "Are you okay?" The episode advocates for active community engagement, stressing that these small gestures are crucial for improving mental health and building resilience.

Learn why support must be tailored to individual needs, and how encouraging open dialogue helps break the cycle of violence. Tosha shares a powerful reminder that everyone has a role in fostering a healthier, more supportive community environment.

Key Takeaways:

The dangers of the normalization of violence and the need for awareness.

Why strengthening community support is essential for lasting change.

The impact of simple questions like, "Are you okay?" and "How can I support you?"

How active community engagement fosters better mental health and well-being.

The vital role of building supportive relationships to break cycles of harm.

If you are passionate about community building, social responsibility, and creating meaningful change, this episode provides actionable insights into offering effective support and fostering collective healing.

#violence #community #support #normalization #change #relationships #mentalhealth #socialresponsibility #healing #socialjustice #toshaconnors #saraorellana #routetosuccess

Discover the powerful role of empathy and kindness in modern leadership from Ben Campbell, the young CEO of Hospitality America. Ben shares his remarkable journey from starting as a night auditor to overseeing 850 employees across eight states.

This episode dives deep into how defining company culture is the foundation for success in the hospitality industry. Ben explains the rituals that keep a consistent culture, the importance of active listening for employee engagement, and how to coach your team for kindness—because, as he says, "Kindness becomes a system."

Key Discussion Points:

(04:39) Why Empathy in Leadership is non-negotiable for team success.

(06:37) The strategies for Defining Company Culture that allows for scaling.

(10:21) How Listening to employees drives genuine Engagement.

(17:32) Practical advice on Coaching for Kindness within your team.

(22:45) Navigating major setbacks (like COVID-19) and the strategy for recovery.

(27:04) The leader’s role in building hope and supporting hotel staff.

Whether you're interested in business growth, overcoming professional setbacks, or improving team listening, this conversation is packed with actionable advice for any leader in any industry.

#hospitality #leadership #empathy #companyculture #employeengagement #kindness #growth #setbacks #CEO #hotelmanagement #businesstips #culture #listening #recovery

On this episode of Route to Success, host Sara Orellana welcomes guest Joe Fiore for a deeply personal conversation about the inevitable nature of life challenges and the essential role of resilience. Joe shares his journey of facing and overcoming adversity, and how his perspective on obstacles has profoundly evolved over time.

Joe emphasizes that adversity is a natural part of life, and with a resilient mindset, any challenge can be navigated successfully. Learn the simple but profound mantra he uses to stay grounded: "This too shall pass." This episode provides a powerful look at reframing difficult situations, seeing them not as negative events, but as opportunities for personal growth.

Key Takeaways:

How the perception of obstacles changes as you gain more life experience.

The power of the phrase, "This too shall pass," in managing anxiety during tough times.

Why embracing challenges is essential for building inner resilience.

Strategies for shifting your mindset to view adversity as an opportunity for growth, not a setback.

If you are facing struggles or seeking to build greater mental strength, this episode offers a hopeful and practical perspective on overcoming adversity and celebrating your innate ability to persevere.

#obstacles #resilience #lifechallenges #personalgrowth #overcomingadversity #mindset #inspirational #selfimprovement #mentalstrength #joefiore #saraorellana #routetosuccess

In this episode of The Route to Success, host Sara Orellana sits down with Khanh Tran, first-generation Vietnamese American, co-owner of Beyond Group Cyber, and founder of TASLE (Technologists Aspiring through Servant Leadership). Khanh shares an inspiring journey from aviation to cybersecurity — and from self-imposed limits to empowered leadership.

They explore how mentorship, integrity, and servant leadership shape inclusive workplaces and why communication and collaboration are the keys to unlocking potential in nontraditional students. Khanh also opens up about how their son’s autism diagnosis transformed their life’s purpose and inspired advocacy for more inclusive programs in technology and education.

Listeners will walk away with practical steps for growth, insight into the human side of cybersecurity, and a reminder that failure truly is the mother of all success.

Listen to learn:

How to overcome self-imposed boundaries and take the first step toward your dreams

Why mentorship at every level—peer or professional—matters

How servant leadership builds stronger, more inclusive teams

The story behind TASLE and its mission to empower technologists through giving and growth

(Guest: Khanh Tran, Beyond Group Cyber | Host: Sara Orellana, The Route to Success)

Khanh's Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/khanh-t-48842151/