Annie M. Fonte

02/04/2025

It is becoming more evident each day that what we eat, how we sleep, and the choices we make regarding our medical care significantly affect our health. No matter your age, this is an essential and informative podcast conversation. And, for all parents out there, please listen to this soon!
https://open.spotify.com/episode/6S8gjtBcSWFcOteDRAItmk

01/30/2025

Sometimes, trusting this to be true can be challenging. There are days when we have doubt, feel anxious and uncertain, and question how things will all work out. It is during these times we have to surrender control.
Surrender is to yield power, control, or possession...it is about letting go. Although challenging, being present in the moment and simply accepting it for what it is gives you freedom from pain. Humans tend to be collectors and hangers-on, grasping tightly to things, people, feelings, and circumstances, oftentimes to our detriment.
There are things we never want to let go of, people we never want to leave behind. But remember that letting go isn't the end of the world; it is the beginning of freedom and a new life.

01/27/2025

Tim Agnew is my second podcast guest from my Harvard Business School section.
Tim Agnew grew up in a wholesome yet affluent family in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He attended private schools through his senior year in high school and then obtained his undergraduate degree in engineering from Princeton. After leaving Princeton, Tim left for Melbourne, Australia, as a factory engineer. During his experience in Australia, Tim determined that his engineering degree might have limits unless he pursued rounding it out with an MBA.
Tim's Dad had graduated from Harvard Business School in 1958, and Tim was attracted to the general business curriculum offered at HBS. After visiting the school and getting a taste of the program, he
applied early and was accepted.
Although challenging, Tim's experience at HBS was fulfilling. He was paying for the lion's share of his HBS experience, so he was hungry to learn. The program was intimidating, but the Socratic learning method suited him well.
After leaving HBS, Tim spent 14 years with Sony, went on to work with joint venture start-ups, and did some freelance consulting before landing in San Diego, CA, and delving into residential real estate.
On the human side of life, one of the most challenging life experiences that Tim and his wife navigated through was wanting children but not being able to have them. After years of medical intervention without success, Tim and his wife explored the option of adoption and once again ran into challenges.
During this time, they attended a weekend seminar about infertility and came away, agreeing that a life without children would bring advantages and opportunities that they had not previously considered.
After going through an unexpected grieving period, they pursued volunteer work and other activities that have been fulfilling and rich with experience.
Tim currently resides in San Diego, CA, with his wife, Monica, and they manage a portfolio of residential properties together.

Podcast Episode · The Bad-Ass Soul Seeking Warrior Podcast Series · 01/24/2025 · 1h 17m

01/23/2025

Sometimes, we fail to see the truth because we only look at half of the equation--our side.
This can cause the downfall of organizations, marriages, friendships, and other relationships. No matter how thin you spread the batter, a pancake has two sides. The next time you are convinced you are 'right,' stop for a minute and ask the 'other side' to tell you more. You may not see eye-to-eye, but you will have learned something in your willingness to listen to a different perspective.

01/22/2025

"Every transformation demands as its precondition 'the ending of a world'-the collapse of an old philosophy of life." -Carl Jung
We all go through 'endings'. Some call it loss, break-up, or breakdown; some say, "I've had enough." It can be sad, uncomfortable, painful, and unbelievable. Life happens. Endings give rise to new beginnings, adventures, relationships, and opportunities.
Whatever you need or want to end, remember there is a new beginning around the corner. Trust that.

01/21/2025

Of all the paths you can take in life, make sure a few of them are dirt. I think of this almost on a daily basis because every single day I see people with their heads down and engaged with their cell phones. Many times, it is while they are driving. Veering off into another lane or not going when the light turns green, often putting others in danger.
I have seen people walking with their focus on their phones, and they often trip or run into a person or other object because they are not present.
PUT YOUR PHONE DOWN. Go on a Nature walk and enjoy the sights and sounds around you. Find the dirt paths and explore. Personally, I think the world was a better place without cell phones.

01/20/2025

Today is a great day.

01/16/2025

Question:
Do you focus more on what you have or what you don't have?
Be honest. Do you catch yourself thinking about the things, places, or people you do have or those you don't have?
Getting lured toward all the shiny objects out there can be easy, tempting you to want more. But how often do you find a quiet corner and take inventory of your blessings, all that you do have?
For instance:
A roof over your head
Running water
Comfortable clothes and shoes
A vehicle or bicycle or other transportation
A close friend
Food in your pantry
Lights that go on when you flip a switch
A heart that keeps beating
Lungs that keep breathing
Eyes that keep seeing
Ears that keep hearing...
And a mind that can make just about anything possible if you are willing.
Today, I'd like to invite you to answer this question.
You have so much.
Remember that.
Every.
Single.
Day.

01/10/2025

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/from-a-soloist-in-the-san-francisco-opera-boys/id1353482128?i=1000683222947
Throughout 2025, I will be having podcast conversations with my Harvard Business School classmates. This year is the unfolding of our 33rd year post-Harvard. I know you will enjoy these conversations. Better yet, you will receive words of wisdom, encouragement, and inspiration from a group of men and women who have done incredible things while facing the personal challenges of being human.
My first HBS guest is Dan Howard. He is currently the V.P. of Visit Park City. However, his path to getting to this point is fascinating. Have a listen.

Podcast Episode · The Bad-Ass Soul Seeking Warrior Podcast Series · 01/08/2025 · 1h 14m

01/08/2025

This Rumi quote came up in my planner today: "Life is a balance of holding on and letting go."
Like so many of you, I am heartbroken by the loss that thousands of people living in the Los Angeles area of Southern California face. In these times, we often visit the out-of-the-way places of our hearts. I have experienced the total loss of my home in a California wildfire. For me, it was a time when my destination was not yet clear, but I had to trust in the promise of a new opening.
These folks have many hard days, months, and maybe years before them. I hope they will unfurl themselves into the grace and space of new beginnings. And that soon enough, a new rhythm will arise out of the ashes because, as Rumi so wisely shared, Life is a balance of holding on and letting go.
Please keep these folks in your thoughts and prayers as they navigate the challenging days ahead.