Life is filled with unique journeys, and some of the most extraordinary stories come from individuals who blend their faith seamlessly with their ambitions. Maria Howell, a renowned actress, singer, and voiceover artist, is one such person. Recently featured on The Gloria Show, Maria shared her inspiring 40-year career in the entertainment industry and how her faith continues to guide her personal and professional decisions. Let’s dive into her powerful story and uncover actionable takeaways to help you live a life of purpose.

Maria Howell: A Multifaceted Talent

Maria Howell’s career began with a bang as the choir soloist in the Oscar-nominated film The Color Purple. Since then, her talents have taken her far and wide—acting in TV shows like Revolution and Devious Maids, performing alongside musical legends like Ray Charles, and lending her voice to audiobooks, video games, and more. From her early experiences working with iconic directors like Steven Spielberg, Maria initially thought the industry would always follow the glamour she encountered early on, but she soon discovered its complexity.

Despite setbacks and evolving challenges, Maria explored different creative outlets and kept pushing forward. Whether singing, acting, or doing voiceover work, she embraced every opportunity and saw her voice as the cornerstone of her life’s purpose.

Faith as the Foundation for Success

For Maria, her faith has consistently been the anchor of her career. At just 17 years old, during her heartfelt conversations with God, she realized her voice would be a key part of her life’s work. Whether performing on stage or in front of the camera, she considers it her mission to fulfill the purpose tied to her seasons in life.

Maria openly shared how prioritizing faith before a career may seem unconventional, but for her, it’s central to navigating an unpredictable industry. According to Maria, “My faith is what has sustained me in this career,” proving that a strong spiritual foundation doesn’t just complement success—it sustains it.

Takeaways from Maria Howell’s Journey

• Let Faith Ground You: Having faith—whether religious or belief in yourself—offers stability in life’s uncertain moments. Maria’s ability to stay rooted in her beliefs helped her make decisions aligned with her values and endure the ups and downs of a demanding industry.
• Adapt and Discover New Talents: Maria’s versatility is a lesson in ongoing growth. When one door closes or seems uncertain, explore other ones. Acting led her to singing, which led her to voiceovers—a reminder to explore your full potential.
• Stay True to Your Purpose:  Whether through mirror affirmations or prayer, Maria aligned her work with her deep sense of purpose. Knowing that she was gifted a special voice, she embraced roles and projects that allowed her to shine authentically.
• Embrace Faith as a Profession Ally: Faith isn’t just personal—it can bolster professional success too. Maria’s story reminds us that believing in something greater than ourselves can empower us when things feel uncertain.
• Celebrate Growth, Not Perfection:  From musical stages to voiceovers for video games, Maria constantly evolved while leaning on her faith to navigate challenges. Growth doesn’t mean perfection—it’s the ability to learn, adapt, and keep moving forward.

Maria Howell is more than an artist—she’s an inspiration for anyone striving to align their work with their life’s purpose. Her journey is a testament to the power of faith, perseverance, and the determination to grow wherever life takes you.

As you navigate your career and goals, take a moment to reflect: Are you prioritizing what truly matters to you? Are you anchoring yourself with faith, purpose, or core beliefs?

Maria’s legacy proves that success is more than what the world sees—it’s about living authentically and embracing the gifts we’ve been given to make a difference.

Watch the Interview on: YouTube

Listen to the Interview on: Spotify, iHeart Radio, Apple Podcast

Learn more about Maria Howell: www.mariahowell.com

In our journey toward achieving personal growth and success, we often encounter roadblocks that feel insurmountable. These challenges can leave us stuck, frustrated, and questioning our abilities. But what if these obstacles are simply part of a larger, predictable pattern? Enter The Resistance Cycle™, a process explored by Deborah Ivanoff, also known as “The Being Coach,” during her insightful appearance on The Gloria Show.

What Is the Resistance Cycle™?

The Resistance Cycle™ refers to the hidden forces that create emotional and mental roadblocks, often sabotaging dreams and derailing progress. This invisible and repetitive cycle keeps us trapped in an endless loop of frustration, holding us back from achieving ambitious goals. Understanding and mastering this cycle is the key to not only breaking free but also transforming resistance into a powerful tool for growth.

Turning Resistance into Rocket Fuel

When resistance surfaces, it’s vital to recognize it as a signal of impending breakthrough—a sign that you’re stepping outside your comfort zone. Deborah Ivanoff emphasizes that resistance isn’t the enemy; instead, it’s an invitation to transformation. If approached correctly, these moments of tension and challenge can become the “rocket fuel” that propels you forward in life and career.

Deborah has spent over 20 years coaching thousands of professionals across the globe, guiding them to align their internal mindset (“inner game”) with external actions. This harmony, she explains, is the secret to breaking through resistance and achieving lasting success.

How to Overcome Resistance: A 3-Step Strategy

Deborah’s method is both powerful and practical, providing a step-by-step guide to conquer resistance:

1. Recognize the Resistance –Identify the emotional and mental tug-of-war happening within you. Acknowledge these feelings—they are not abnormal but a natural response to growth.
2. Interrupt the Cycle – Find ways to interrupt the endless loop of frustration. This could involve reflecting on the underlying fears or doubts contributing to resistance.
3. Transform Resistance into Progress – By reframing resistance as a sign of growth, you can use it as fuel to drive you forward. Deborah’s techniques focus on cultivating self-awareness to help you align with your aspirations.

Breakthroughs and Personal Freedom

Breaking free from the Resistance Cycle™ ultimately leads to a life of greater flow, fulfillment, and freedom. Deborah’s expertise, coupled with actionable strategies, empowers individuals to conquer self-imposed limitations and achieve personal breakthroughs. Whether it’s discovering what’s holding you back or devising a plan to align your inner game with your external goals, Deborah shines a light on how to navigate life’s toughest challenges and emerge stronger.

Learn More

If you’re ready to dive deeper and unlock your potential, explore Deborah Ivanoff’s work and resources. Her approach has transformed the lives of many, providing clarity and actionable strategies to overcome resistance and embrace change.

Empower yourself by learning to master the Resistance Cycle™ and take the steps to achieve your personal breakthrough.

Tune in to The Gloria Show for more insights like these, and check out Gloria’s programs for strategies to enrich and elevate your journey.

Watch the Interview on: YouTube

Listen to the Interview on: Spotify, iHeart Radio, Apple Podcast

Learn more about Deborah Ivanoff: www.deborahivanoff.com

Purchase Deborah’s book: Manifest at Light Speed: An Introduction to Self Coaching

In the latest episode of The Gloria Sloan Show, host Gloria Sloan dives deep into the transformative journey of Anne Alexander-Sieder, an inspiring actor and entrepreneur who proves that anyone, regardless of expertise or starting point, can turn their passion into profit. With actionable strategies and encouraging anecdotes, this episode highlights how overcoming fear, embracing imperfection, and taking small steps can lead to creating a fulfilling and sustainable career. Here’s a breakdown of key insights and ways to take the first step toward pursuing your dreams.

Key Lessons from Anne Alexander-Sieder

Dreams Can Be Revived at Any Age: Anne, a professional actor in her early career, took a 16-year hiatus before reigniting her passion for acting at the age of 47. Relocating to Germany and balancing family life, she demonstrated that life’s interruptions don’t have to mean the end of your dreams. Instead, they can be the precursor to a meaningful and successful pivot.

Embrace Imperfect Action: One weekend, with her husband away, Anne Googled “acting workshop Munich English” on a whim and signed up for the only available spot. This seemingly small, spontaneous step led to renewed confidence and exciting opportunities. Her advice? You don’t need a perfect plan to begin—just start.

Pursue What You Love Without Expertise: Anne explained how launching her now-successful passion project started with leveraging her network. By contacting elite acting coaches to host workshops locally, not only did she make advanced training accessible for herself, but she also served her surrounding community while curating programs that became sustainable businesses.

Invest in Personal Development and Branding: Through years of networking and self-education in branding and business, Anne built her acting career into one that thrived. Other actors began to notice, seeking her advice on replicating her journey. Her experience proves it’s essential to equip yourself with skills beyond your craft, such as marketing, networking, and self-promotion.

Practical Steps to Turn Your Passion Into Profit

If you’re ready to take action, these accessible steps will help you start pursuing your passion in a meaningful way:

Identify What Lights You Up: Think about what truly excites you. Whether it’s a hobby, skill, or profession, narrowing down your passion is the first step.

Start Small: Take a manageable action today. Sign up for a workshop, reach out to an expert, or even research your next move online. Remember, every big journey begins with small steps.

Utilize Your Network: Like Anne did with her workshops, consider reaching out to people who can help you expand your horizons. Collaborate and create opportunities where you currently are.

Overcome Fear with Action: Fear is natural, but it doesn’t have to paralyze you. Anne reframed fear as a protective mechanism and leaned into imperfection. Trust the process and let growth unfold as you go.

Focus on Community & Service: Anne’s “Passion Project to Pro” initiative built a community of actors who mutually benefited from elite training. When you serve others along the way, not only can you profit, but you also create lasting impact while pursuing what you love.

Why Listen to This Episode

This episode of The Gloria Sloan Show is perfect for anyone looking to reinvigorate their career, transition into something new, or simply build confidence in chasing a long-held dream. Gloria and Anne provide practical, actionable insights that make pursuing your passion feel less intimidating and more achievable.

Whether you’re at the beginning of your career, looking to pivot, or reigniting a forgotten dream, this episode will leave you inspired to take the first step. Don’t let fear or lack of expertise hold you back—there’s always a way to create fulfilling opportunities where you are.

Watch the Interview on: YouTube

Listen to the Interview on: Spotify, iHeart Radio, Apple Podcast

Learn more about Anne Alexander-Sieder: www.actboldtraining.com

This blog post explores the fascinating connection between pottery and personal growth, as discussed by author and potter Teresa Velardi in a recent interview on The Gloria Show. Teresa uses the process of creating pottery as a powerful metaphor for navigating life’s challenges and achieving self-discovery.

From Clay to Confidence: A Potter’s Journey of Transformation

Teresa Velardi, a multi-talented individual who is also an author, publisher, podcast host, and writing/performance coach shares her unique perspective on personal development. She masterfully weaves the intricate steps of pottery making – wedging, centering, opening, shaping, drying, firing, and glazing – into a compelling analogy for personal transformation.

The Stages of Transformation:

• Preparation (Wedging): Just as wedging clay removes impurities and prepares it for shaping, personal growth begins with preparation and making the decision to change. This may involve seeking guidance from a coach or mentor to help identify areas for improvement.
• Focus (Centering): Centering the clay on the wheel requires focus and intention, mirroring the importance of clarity and defining your goals in personal growth.
• Openness to Change (Opening): Opening the centered clay creates space for transformation, representing the willingness to embrace new possibilities and be open to suggestions that come your way.
• Shaping Your Vision (Molding and Shaping): This stage is all about envisioning the desired outcome and actively working towards it, much like shaping the clay into the desired form. This vision could be transforming a business, launching a new project, or enhancing relationships.
• Perseverance (Drying): The time spent letting the pottery dry reflects the perseverance and patience needed during the personal growth journey.
• Purification (Firing): The firing process, reaching temperatures of 1500-1800 degrees, symbolizes the purification process of personal transformation. It’s a time of letting go of things that no longer serve you, emerging stronger and more resilient. Velardi uses the biblical example of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego to illustrate this concept of overcoming the “fire” with faith and the presence of God.
• Beautification (Glazing): Glazing represents the final stage of beautification, where you add the finishing touches and express your unique qualities. The firing process again helps bring out the beauty of the colors and the final form of the pottery.

Community and Collaboration: The Potter’s Studio

Velardi’s publishing endeavors, particularly her “Daily Gift” book series, further emphasize the importance of community and collaboration in personal growth. The books feature stories from multiple authors, showcasing shared experiences of gratitude, hope, and kindness. Her own experience shows how God guided her through the process, using conversations with others and divine inspiration to create her own books and to lead her to publish others.

Embracing the Process

Teresa Velardi’s approach emphasizes that personal transformation is an ongoing journey, a process of continuous growth and refinement, just like the steps involved in making beautiful pottery. It’s a process that can be revisited time and again, allowing individuals to continuously refine their vision and goals.

For more information on Teresa Velardi visit: www.authenticendeavorspublishing.com.