Well Wisconsin Radio

Interviewer: Well, welcome everyone to today’s episode of Well Wisconsin Radio. I’m your host Alexis Krause, and today we have a very special round table discussion. We’re diving into the topic of living a fulfilling life, and there are many ways to live and experience life, but today I’m excited to talk with three incredible community leaders and business owners who have found a way to weave their individual purposes into the work that they do and the communities they serve.

Interviewer: These are people who are doing more than just ‘the work at hand’. They’re also building lives of meaning impact. So, without further ado, let me introduce our guests. Would each of you like to take a moment to tell our listeners a little bit about yourself? I’d love to hear first from Ambrose. We have on the line here.

Guest 1: Hey everyone. I’m Coach Ambrose Wilson-Brown. I’m a multi hyphenated professional by day, I serve as a Community Program Coordinator at the [Medical College of WI] Cancer Center where I focus on men’s health and lead our Health Griots initiative. Outside of that, I’m also the founder of MiSpiBo Fitness, and I work as a deep health and mixed performance coach. My approach blends mindfulness, life skills, and holistic health to help people, from athletes to professionals, breakthrough mental barriers and align mind, body, and spirit. When I’m coaching one-on-one, leading workshops or building community programs, my mission is simple, help folks live with more clarity, resilience, and purpose.

Interviewer: Amazing, thanks Ambrose. Marquayla I’d love to hear from you.

Guest 2: Good morning, everyone. My name is Marla Ellison. Um, and just a, I love how you said, um, multifaceted professional Ambrose. I love that. So, yeah, I do many things. I am a creator, um, a graphic designer, full-time Ellastic Designs. So working with different businesses and organizations to create things for them. I’m usually coming in as a subcontractor to assist for special projects, and I’ve been doing a lot of work in public health recently. I’m also president of Social X Milwaukee, which is a group, um, that’s been around for over a decade and focused on entertaining and retaining, um, professionals here. Mainly focused on professionals of color, introducing ’em to Milwaukee in different ways to thrive and enjoy Milwaukee.

Interviewer: And Carmen, I’d love to hear from you as well, if you could introduce yourself.

Guest 3: Carmen Pitre with Sojourner Family Peace Center, um, local nonprofit executive, trying to get by, survive the changing times day to day. I’ve been in the nonprofit arena for 41 years. I have the privilege of being at Sojourner for the last 23 of those years, and I would say who I am, uh, full-time as a person living in integrity and sobriety, living in a spiritual framework, trying to have my outsides and my insides match in everything that I do. At Sojourner I have the privilege of working with about a hundred other people who are trying to hold space for people impacted by violence, uh, family violence in Milwaukee, and the way that ripples out in people’s lives. But right here trying to run this organization, trying to set it up for the future, trying to create a blueprint that really is community driven, community owned, uh, which is sometimes not our approach to solving problems.

Interviewer: Well, thank each of you for being here today. I’m really excited to talk with you more. It’s a pleasure to have you here. Um, today we’re gonna be talking about living a fulfilling life, as I mentioned, and I think that’s something everyone is really striving for. Um, but it can look different depending on who you ask. You each carved out your own paths in the Milwaukee area, but I think a common thread with all of you is that you’ve managed to align your work with your personal purpose, and that itself is very inspiring and I’m excited to hear more about how you’ve been able to shape that purpose around your lives. So to kick things off, let’s dive into our first discussion question of what does living a fulfilling life mean to you, and what parts of your work and service are the most fulfilling to you? So, um, Ambrose, I know your work focuses on connecting people from various communities and helping others discover their full potential. So how does that connect to your own sense of fulfillment?

Guest 1: Yeah. For me, I’ll say living a fulfilling life means showing up every day in a way that aligns with my values, and my values are being present, um, serving others, but also growing in a holistic way in my spirit and body. Um, also say that it’s about making intentional choices that not only like uplift people and have a ripple effect in my community, but also that helped me be a better person as well. Most fulfilling part of my work is helping people, helping be able to see people reach their potential, um, especially if they don’t know that existed. So seeing that aha moment in people through coaching or mindfulness, even just being a presence in their life is really fulfilling as well. And when I see someone that can take ownership of their own wellbeing and step into that with power, that’s really fulfilling to me as well.

Interviewer: I love that. Quala, could you tell me a little bit about, I know you’ve built a community centered business that thrives on connecting people to one another and feeling connected to where they live. Uh, can you tell us a bit about those relationships that have shaped your own sense of fulfillment in life?

Guest 2: Yes, definitely. Working at UW-M while I was in undergrad. Um, exposed me to a lot of interesting things. I worked in the chancellor’s office and had to take notes for all these different interesting meetings, kind of the first work around DEI and inclusion and really what it meant to like collaborate across different sectors, um, was very interesting to me. My boss kind of made me go to these meetings and I’m just like, why? What does this matter? But, you know, just building relationships, understanding what other people do and how to best, um, assist them. So as a graphic designer, I come in on a lot of projects and you know, I’m always saying, bring me in sooner. You know, there I have thoughts and ideas. Let’s think about the way-finding. You know, most people will bring me in when they’re ready to create the visual, but um, there’s so much behind the idea as well. So really just building relationships within different industries, really focusing on the work, focusing on the goal. I. Just being a champion, um, within the spaces that I’m in, being open to conversations, it’s led me pretty far. It’s taken me to some interesting places, um, such as, you know, helping out with the prostate cancer team, um, to learn so many things and from there to branch out and do more with different people from that team. Um, so really just being focused on my expertise and skills and how in every space I can be helpful and thoughtful, and then how I can bring other people in as well.

Interviewer: Thanks for that, Quay. And Carmen, your programming revolves around creating connections to resources and others around them through support groups. What about that part of your work brings you fulfillment?

Guest 3: Well, you know, I often say there’s no reason I should be sitting in this chair. I grew up in a violent home poor in the south, and I moved to Wisconsin 41 years ago. My first job was a nursing assistant job, and I just am a product of really good mentors and people who poured into me and helped me get to the next right place in my life. What’s fulfilling for me is creating an environment that honors and respects the autonomy and self-determination of people and sees them as their inherent dignity and their right to safety. You know for us, ending violence is a human rights issue. Uh, article three of the UN Declaration of Human Rights says we all have the right to live in safety and security. Very short sentence. I put up the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in, in our reception area because it really is the bedrock of our work. And you know, for me, the most fulfilling thing is to see people watch people walk towards their own freedom. It’s not something we do for them or do to them. Um, you know, this concept of self-determination and autonomy and sovereignty I think is really important. Uh, we live in a world where a lot of human services and structures are anchored in this belief that I have something you need, I’m gonna give it to you, you’re gonna be better. And, um. Our philosophy here is we hold space for you and your decision making and reflect to you that you know your inherent dignity and give you the space to make your own decision, which it, you know, could be a variety of things. Leaving, not leaving, staying, you love the person. So I think what’s fulfilling is to see our staff, um. Do that on a day in, day out basis. Like yesterday when I left shelter, our uh, food coordinator was teaching four women how to bake bread. And, um, I love food, I love bread. And I thought, wow, I need to be taking this class. Um, and just to see ordinary life things happening for people who’ve been exposed to violence and see how they begin to find their way.

Interviewer: That’s beautiful. And I love hearing how each of you is finding fulfillment in different and yet powerful ways throughout the Milwaukee area. And, uh, you know, Carmen, you just mentioned you weren’t always from the Milwaukee area, and yet you’re still making such an impact in finding your way. Um, it’s clear that the roles are more than just places of work. They’re reflections of your values and passions. So let’s move on to something that I think often plays a big part in finding fulfillment. Um, how did you find your route to a meaning and fulfilling way to live your life? Were there, you know, any pivotal moments? I know each of you talked about some of those, but just kind of wanna dive into that a little bit more. Um, or different influences that have helped you discover your path. If each of you would like to talk about that a little bit, we could start with Ambrose.

Guest 1: Yeah, sure. Uh, first my journey wasn’t linear. Um, I went through seasons where I was doubting and struggle and definitely questioning my direction. Uh, but one pivotal moment was when I realized that success isn’t about achievement, it’s about impact. For a moment, I put my business on pause and I went to go work at Youth Center in the community. And I saw how transformational it could be to just show up consistently and offer support. So I went from being a business person selling products and services to being, um, a member of the community. Another influence is understanding the concept of deep health. The word holistic never sat right with me. It still doesn’t to some extent, but, um, just the idea that it’s not just about physical fitness, but it includes being emotionally, mentally, socially, and spiritually well as well, but in a way that makes it meaningful on, on every level.

Interviewer: Thanks, Ambrose. I like what you said about, you know, you don’t always like the word holistic, but there are different facets that you definitely have found value in. Marquayla, I’d love to hear what’s brought you to this point.

Guest 2: Yeah. Um, so many things. Uh, one of the things that comes to mind is I did some training called, um, Project Lead through United Way, which was really nice. I think I might have been the second, second or third cohort, but that was their training program to help prepare young professionals for servant leadership or board roles. Um, I feel like before that point, you know, I was just young and saying yes to things and you know, it all just worked out and was cool. But taking that training, you know, made me pause and think about ways to be more meaningful. We had a lot of guest speakers, a lot of executive directors of prominent nonprofits here in the city and you know, we have so many different nonprofits, so it was a nice variety. And I learned so much from those executive directors and what they’re looking for and their missions. We also spent so much time focusing on what our passions are. Um, and really when I figured that out, it helped me lay the path on what I wanna do next and what to focus on, and just keeping myself rooted. And, you know, making impacts for the arts. Um, the work that the arts does to encourage our youth, the soft skills that come out of it. But also for Social X, I consider myself a gatherer, a convener, a person that makes spaces and brings the energy to the space that makes people feel comfortable, whether it’s setting the music or the location or talking to everyone. But really I’m, you know, I’m a very observant person in spaces and what does this space need? How can we make it better? But those influences kind of help set me up for, you know, how do I want spaces, how do I want the room to be when I get there? You know, is this okay with the way that the energy is now? Or what are some things I can do to boost, boost it to make people feel more comfortable? Um, whatever activity we’re doing, how can I get people to naturally buy in? Marketing is so much about, um, for lack of better words, manipulation. And so I’m always trying to find the authenticity in that by figuring out what do people need, what are people lacking, and just going from there. Uh, but that program assisted a lot. Um, and then most of the groups I’ve worked in, I’ve usually been one of the, the younger folks. So my motto is always being open to learning. Um, and outside of just working with people, you know, I’m always asking, why did you do that? How did you come to that conclusion? Um, very interested in processes and materials. You know, I see artwork and wonder, oh, they use this. How long did it take? But just really, you know, just trying to be influential. But a lot of that is being understanding and then just being very mindful in every space you’re in.

Interviewer: Thanks Clay. And I’ve been to some of those events that you have put over and it’s amazing the vibe, you know, that you create. It does feel inviting, it does make people wanna engage and gather. So I think that’s a huge skill of yours that you have been able to hone in on.

Guest 2: Thank you.

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And now we’ll head back to the Well Wisconsin radio interview.

Interviewer: Carmen, I’d love to hear what got you to this point.

Guest 3: You know, I might be taking too deep of a personal dive, but, um, you know, I got to Milwaukee. I had a brother who died in a drinking and driving accident, which was really an awakening. I was 22 at the time, and it really was the beginning of a life I never could have imagined. Moved here. I didn’t know where Milwaukee was. Other than Miller Beer being here, uh, um, I moved here though and found a different way of life. Um, and I think that was the beginning of understanding that the work I’m doing in the world is, is guided by a higher purpose. It’s not something I own. There’s a higher power that is really in charge. And so my life has been about trying to be in partnership with that and that understanding. You know, off and on I’ve been a chronic self-doubter, um, and it’s taken a lot of mentoring to get me to the seat that I’m in. Um, certainly when my daughter was born, you know, 9/11, I had flown out. I was stuck for four or five days, terrified. And I landed here at, uh, Sojourner, uh, to do the work that I’m doing today. Um, and. So for me, my milestones have been things that have cracked me open, opened my heart, changed my way of seeing the world. Um. Sometimes when you think things are ending, it’s really the doorway to something else to be used for a higher purpose. So, um, early on in my career, I did a lot of thinking that, you know, like I know best now I understand, I know very little and that my job is to show up in the moment and to create space, hold space, pause. Um. And to be in partnership, uh, so that higher purpose can come through in the way that it needs to. So my daily like morning thing is to pause and say, okay, get everything higher power out of the way. Uh, even what I think I know so that I can be of service, uh, to others.

Interviewer: Thanks for that Carmen. I think that’s such a, a great through line to know that we always can learn more, can always do more, we can always serve more. There’s a lot more to be done, right? Those are all some really impactful stories. I really appreciate you sharing all of those. Um, it’s always interesting to hear about, you know, how challenges have turned into lessons, um, and key turning points that have led each of you to where you are today. And. Um, each of you has found a way to transform your experiences into something that not only shapes the businesses and the work that you do, but also contributes to your sense of purpose. It’s really beautiful. So I’d like to take a moment and transition into talking a little bit more about the human connection piece of this. What role does human connection and relationship building play in living a fulfilling life? How do you cultivate meaningful relationships within your community that you live in, work with, uh, serve all of those things. So, Carmen, I know that the relationship building is central to your work. Especially the way you interact with your clients and partners at Sojourner. So how do you nurture those relationships to make them truly impactful?

Guest 3: You know, I think human connection is the solution to violence. When you’re connected to other people, so many meaningful things happen. For you as a person. I think we were designed to live in community, even on a biological level. Our, our nervous systems are not equipped to be living alone on our own. So, you know, first I think we see people as human beings when they walk in and we treat them as human beings. Um, we strive to do that, and then we give them opportunities to be in connection with each other. You know, like a support group. What’s really powerful is not what I say as a facilitator, but what they might hear from another woman in the same circumstance, right? Who can say things differently. Um, who has a lived experience that might match hers? It’s the same thing that happens in our restraining order clinics that we used to do. You know, so we respect the person, hold the space, and then we allow, uh, families to interact with each other and we support and provide resources. And keep that container intact. But I think many meaningful relationships, it’s how I’ve changed my life. You know, I’m here because people forgave me, corrected me, got me back on track, supported me, believed in me, and that’s still, uh, the things that are important to me as a person. I think the solution to violence is where people live, work, play, and worship. That’s where we have to bring our resources, is to those environments where people can interact and heal themselves and each other.

Interviewer: Thanks for that perspective, Carmen. I I really appreciate that. Ambrose, you’ve mentioned before that strong relationships are a cornerstone of your business and philosophy. What’s your strategy for ensuring those interactions are meaningful?

Guest 1: I’d say the strategy starts with intention. Uh, before any interaction, I have to ask myself, how can I serve in, in this moment. That helps me listen more than I speak, and I can meet people where they are. I also like to focus on consistency over intensity.

Guest 1: Small meaningful touches over time can be able to cheat deeper trust than any, any grand gesture that I could possibly make. I think I’m also really good at staying curious. Uh, everyone has a story and if you can approach people with genuine curiosity and respect, I think meaningful connection naturally follows.

Interviewer: Thanks for that Ambrose. And Marcola, you’ve created a community focused approach in your business. Um, can you share how you build authentic relationships that go beyond just transactional business?

Guest 2: Yeah. I feel like, um, it’s so hard for me to keep things transactional. I hate to use the word extrovert. I’m a social person, you know? And. I look for that piece and I, I need that piece. And I think especially with things like social media, we’re not, we’re not fully aware of all the people that are really watching us and the ideas and opportunities that have come from it and how people imagine themselves working and collaborating you based on the observations of the things they’ve seen, they’ve seen you do. And so a lot of times, you know, I try to be a good listener, but earlier on in my career I used to do like a lot of wedding invitations, and I would have people come up to me at an event and be like, girl, as soon as he popped the question, I wanna hire you. You know, like, they have already envisioned me doing things for them and that feels good. You know, I’m working within my community. Um, I don’t have to promote myself like run ads and things. I’m able to build from these different pots where I’m already doing authentic work and getting the referrals of different people within those same communities. So, it’s never transactional. It’s just kind of building up from step to step, from relationship to relationship. And I think it’s not the part that’s missing, but it’s just the big focus that we have to keep some part of ourselves, you know, social, how are you, what’s going on? Outside of like the business of things, I’ve started out doing like business oriented things for people and then they’ve invited me in to do things when their kids are graduating. I’ve done obituaries. Um, I’ve been invited to different events. And even had some odd requests because I’m a creative, uh, can you do face painting at my kid’s party? You know, I’m like, ah, you know, I tell ’em I don’t, I don’t know how to do that. You just so creative. Just come and do it. You are like, okay. But I love that piece. That piece in between the transaction, the thoughtful, the community, the, the, the conversations. Um. It just goes beyond it, you know, I want you to, to hire me. I want you to work with me because I do good work, but I also want you, you’re hiring me because you like my personality because you see what I do and you wanna be a part of that. So I, I feel like everyone is interacting with me and I’m interacting with them to be a part of the bigger picture of what they’re creating and what they’re trying to do. And I wanna be a part of that story. Um, so it’s a natural thing, just building those authentic relationships. And same for Social X. You know, we, everything is about being social. You can come to an event and take what you want from it, whether it’s community service or professional development. But my hope is that I try to make my way around the room and talk to everyone. How are you doing? Oh you’re looking for a job? What industry are you in? Let me point out a couple other people in the room. But really just sewing in the pieces. It’s almost like a quilt. You know, there are so many different pieces of the patchwork and they’re all sewing in differently and you know, they all bring their own flare. And then the other metaphor I tell people is like, I don’t know, it just seems like I have a garden and I’m definitely not a gardener, but if I water it and give it a little sun, something’s gonna work. Something’s gonna come from it. I’m gonna learn some things. And just being open to that, um, and being open to the responses you get from the community. Maybe you have to change your approach. Maybe it’s different depending on the groups you’re with, but we are so close to finding authenticity. I think it just takes a few additional questions and really just listening, um, and building from there, being natural about it.

Interviewer: I love that. Being natural about it. Just let it, let it happen, right? Connect with people. Well, before we wrap up today, I’d love to hear a final piece of advice from each of you. If someone was looking to live a more fulfilling life, whether that was through the work that they’re doing or their personal journey, what’s one piece of wisdom you’d like to leave them with?

Guest 2: Sure. I think I’m a servant leader first, and again, that’s based on my passions. I think people should do the work to figure out what they’re passionate about and find ways to plant themselves within that passion to be impactful. Um, so whether it’s serving on the board or doing community service, volunteering somewhere that resonates with you, I think that’s a great base for figuring out how to do, how to have a fulfilling life and building from there. There’s just so many opportunities. And it goes back to me just saying, I’m always asking people, how did you get there? What did you do? And it all started from answering a call, helping a friend. Uh, so I think using that as the base to figure out how you can serve others. You will figure out how you can fulfill yourself and have a fulfilling life.

Interviewer: And Carmen, could you share your last piece of advice with us?

Guest 3: I’m gonna try to condense this. I would say surround yourself with people who tell the truth. Who live in integrity and within values, and who bring love to the table and, you know, have some self-compassion as you’re navigating life.

Interviewer: And Ambrose, would you like to leave us with your last thoughts as well?

Guest 1: Yeah. My advice would be to slow down and, and listen to yourself and to others. I think fulfillment isn’t something that we, we can chase or we can catch, but we can create it through being present and, and living with purpose. You can take some time to clarify your values. You know, we do that. Most of us do that around the new year, right? With our resolutions. That can be a monthly or quarterly, weekly, daily, something that we keep in front of us because it helps us align what we do, our actions with those values. And if we do that one step at a time. Then we’re gonna be living fulfilling life. And, uh, we mentioned the pandemic. I think we mentioned, you know, some tragedies. I think it’s okay to, to pivot. I think we need to remember that, um, the multi hyphens actually got that from Renell Washington. Shout out to Renell. Uh, Marquayla’s friend from Social X. It’s okay to pivot so adding these hyphens to my professional career has been, um, something that has helped me stay dynamic and helped me grow. And it’s given me some permission to evolve as a, as a person and a professional. And lastly, stay, you know, start small. Uh, the, the base of my coaching is called Habits Coaching. So start small, stay consistent, and as Carmen said, surround yourself with people, uh, who not only, um, challenge you, but, but even better than that they can uplift you.

Interviewer: Amazing. Well, there are just so many gems in here for our listeners to take away, and even for myself, I feel like I’m growing just absorbing what the three of you shared today. Fulfillment, as you all were saying, isn’t a destination. It’s an ongoing journey. You know, be gracious with yourself. Be willing to add those hyphens to what you’re doing throughout your life. And to our listeners who are tuning in today, be sure to check out Ambrose, Marquayla and Carmen’s work. I’m gonna add all of those to our show notes. And remember that living a fulfilling life is built on intentional action, and that connection piece is so important to it. So thank all of you for being here today. I’m really glad you were able to make it.

Guests 1, 2, and 3: Thank you. Thank you. Thanks Alexis.

Interviewer: Thanks for listening to Wall Wisconsin Radio. I hope you enjoyed this show. You can find our survey in the Wal Wisconsin portal and our transcripts and previous episodes, all at www.webmdhealthservices.com/wellwisconsinradio. If you’re listening to this podcast on your platform of choice, be sure to subscribe so you can never miss an episode.

The information in this podcast does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It should not be used as a substitution for healthcare from a licensed healthcare professional. Consult with your healthcare provider for individualized treatment or before beginning any new program. 

In this month’s episode of Well Wisconsin Radio, ‘Living a Fulfilling Life’. We sit down with three Milwaukeeans, Ambrose Wilson-Brown, Marquayla Ellison, and Carmen Pitre, who have found their calling through the communities they are a part of, the service work they do, and their careers. We discuss how they discovered avenues to these parts of their life and ways others might find paths to a more fulfilling life for themselves.  

Links to organizations and resources referenced in this episode:

Ellastic Designs 

MiSpiBo Fitness 

Social X Milwaukee 

Sojourner Family Peace  

UN Declaration of Human Rights 

Project LEAD- United Way 

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