“Explore your curiosity, because that’s where you’re going to find you.”

In this episode, I sit down with Sara Whitley, licensed clinical social worker and owner of Complete Peace, to explore her journey from growing up in a hardworking family in Indiana to building a thriving private therapy practice in North Carolina. From her first job at KFC to navigating cross-country moves and career pivots, Sara’s story is one of resilience, curiosity, and faith in action.

We talk about her decision to leave behind the safety of a government role to start her own practice, how she’s built a mission-driven business rooted in compassion, and the challenges of balancing care for others with caring for herself. Sara also shares how her husband Jason’s recent health crisis reshaped her perspective on strength, priorities, and what it truly means to find peace in chaos.

Timestamps:
(00:00) Intro

(01:42) Early influences and work ethic

(03:21) Educational journey and early career

(07:49) Adventures and career shifts

(20:51) Building a career in social work

(21:06) Starting a private practice

(26:26) Navigating stress and mental health

(26:53) Challenges in the mental health industry

(31:41) Personal reflections on family dynamics

(34:51) Her husband Jason’s medical crisis

(49:38) Advice for aspiring social workers

Connect with my guest:

Sara Whitley, LCSW on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/s4r4whitley/

Check out Complete Peace: https://www.completepeace.net/

Connect with me:

Ami Graves on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amigraves/
The People of Work on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepeopleofwork/

Explore The People of Work: https://www.thepeopleofwork.com/

“Strength isn’t built in the gym. It’s built when life knocks you down and you get back up anyway.”

In this episode, I sit down with Monica Derhammer, owner of Hoosier Trainer in Brownsburg, Indiana, to talk about her journey from young athlete to gym owner, and everything in between. Monica shares how her mom inspired her hustle, how early jobs taught her independence, and how an unexpected opportunity turned her passion for fitness into a business.

She opens up about the realities of entrepreneurship, the sacrifices behind success, and the challenge of rebuilding after COVID nearly shut her doors. Monica also reflects on her own battles with body image and mental health, and how those struggles shaped the way she supports her clients today.

We talk about community, resilience, and what it really means to be strong, not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually. Monica’s story is one of perseverance, purpose, and using your pain to help others find their power.

Timestamps:

(00:00) Intro

(00:59) Monica's early life and work ethic

(05:32) Becoming a trainer

(07:47) Owning a gym

(14:13) Navigating COVID challenges

(20:53) Inspiring success stories

(23:32) Realness and accountability as a trainer

(25:42) Struggles and triumphs with body image

(27:44) Importance of certifications and education

(29:43) The role of nutrition in fitness

(39:10) Quick hits and real talk

Connect with my guest:

Check out Hoosier Trainer: https://www.hoosiertrainernow.com/

Connect with me:

Ami Graves on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amigraves/
The People of Work on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepeopleofwork/

Explore The People of Work: https://www.thepeopleofwork.com/

“Every pastor must preach, but every preacher is not a pastor.”

In this episode, I sit down with Rashad Cunningham, Community & Formation Pastor at Church@Main in Brownsburg, Indiana, to explore his journey from hip-hop producer to pastor. Rashad opens up about growing up in Indianapolis, navigating identity as one of the only Black students in Brownsburg, and how those early experiences shaped his faith and calling to build bridges in his community. He reflects on his time in the Navy, his years making music, and the pivotal church event that changed his life and set him on a path toward ministry.

We also talk about the difference between preaching and pastoring, what it means to truly shepherd people, and how his creative roots continue to influence his work today. Rashad shares the inspiration behind his book Spaces, his perspective on redemption, and how faith, family, and storytelling remain at the center of everything he does.

Timestamps:

(00:00) Intro

(01:41) Rashad’s early life and influences

(03:43) Navigating identity and challenges

(08:52) Journey to the Navy and beyond

(11:29) Discovering a passion for music

(15:41) Transition to pastoring

(23:24) Reflecting on Brownsburg’s transformation

(26:45) Balancing ministry and personal life

(27:36) Dealing with past mistakes

(35:04) Writing and publishing a book

(40:10) Becoming a grandparent

Connect with my guest:

Rashad Cunningham on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rashadcunningham/

Explore Church@Main: https://www.churchatmain.org/

Check out S.P.A.C.E.S.: Permission-Based Discipleship Journey: https://a.co/d/8NzrsxJ

Connect with me:

Ami Graves on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amigraves/
The People of Work on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepeopleofwork/

Explore The People of Work: https://www.thepeopleofwork.com/