Hope Lives: A Conversation About Leadership, Resilience, and the Power of Presence
By Rosabel Zohfeld | Life Unscripted Podcast
In this moving episode of the Life Unscripted Podcast, I had the honor of speaking with Dan Shaker, the founder of HopeLives LLC, a certified behavioral analyst trainer, and a member of the John Maxwell Team. Our conversation unpacked what it truly means to lead with intention, live with courage, and show up with compassion—even when life gets hard.
From Setbacks to Service
Dan’s journey into entrepreneurship wasn’t born out of convenience but out of necessity and heart. After years of working with leaders worldwide, Dan saw how lonely the path to entrepreneurship can be. So he built HopeLives, a space for small business owners and visionaries to recharge, relaunch, and reconnect with their purpose.
Lessons from Near-Death Experiences
In 2001, Dan had a near-death experience while whitewater rafting that changed his life forever. A few weeks later, he witnessed the 9/11 attacks as a high school senior. Those back-to-back traumatic events sparked a life of service and a passion for helping others embrace the present and lead with authenticity.
Leadership, the HopeLives Way
Dan teaches three powerful rules of leadership based on integrity, commitment, and care:
- Do Right: Build trust through consistent actions.
- Do Your Best: Commit to excellence in everything you do.
- Show You Care: People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.
Through HopeLives, Dan offers workshops, coaching, and resources that help leaders reset, recharge, and relaunch—bringing humor and humanity into every step of the journey.
My Story: Courage in Every Chapter
During this episode, I also opened up about my journey from Colombia to the United States. I lost my mother at 17, moved to a new country with no family or English skills, and worked for over a decade to become a nurse practitioner. My book, The Courage to Succeed: A True American Dream, captures that story and the lessons I've learned about perseverance, identity, and creating a meaningful life.
Be Present, Not Perfect
Dan reminded us that presence is a gift. In a noisy, distracted world, giving someone your full attention is rare—and transformative. Whether it's your children, your business, or your dream, show up fully. That’s how we build trust. That’s how we lead.
🎧 Listen to the Episode
Ready to dive into this robust conversation? Listen now:
📚 Get the Book
Feeling inspired? Grab your copy of The Courage to Succeed: A True American Dream on Amazon. Discover how courage, grit, and heart can shape a life beyond all odds.
📲 Connect with Dan Shaker
- Website: https://hopelivesllc.com
- Facebook: @danshaker
- LinkedIn: Dan Shaker
🙋🏽♀️ Let’s Stay Connected
- Instagram & Facebook: @RosabelUnscripted
- YouTube: Life Unscripted with Rosabel
- Blog: Rosabel Unscripted
👉 Don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who could use a reminder that hope lives.
💬 Final Thought
Even if your past is tainted, your future is spotless. Your story matters. Keep writing it with courage.
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