The 3 Types of NPCs You Must Have in Your D&D Game To Engage Your Players

Hello Tech Pros - Motivation, Soft Skills & Business Advice

More info on this campaign.

33:58

On June 25th 2025, in collaboration with Open Folk, we presented our first ever live interview event in Los Angeles. As Open Folk put it: "In These Lines is a live event where three artists each bring one song — not just to perform, but to explore. They sit down with Sofia Loporcaro, host of Before The Chorus, to talk about where the song came from, what it meant to write it, and what it still holds. Then they play it. Just the song, and the truth behind it." Find Open Folk on Instagram: @openfolkla Find Gaby on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0K9pSmFx0kWESA9jqx8aCW?si=Wz4RUP88Qlm_RKs7QTLvWQ On Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/gaby-moreno/472697737 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gaby_moreno/ Find Lily on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0p0ksmwMDQlAM24TWKu4Ua?si=Bmdg-uIUTHu-zRUc_dqL3g On Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/lily-kershaw/526884610 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lilykershaw/ Find James on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3u50TPoLvMBXNT1KrLa3iT?si=OoLoq7ZTRZyUiytQcz0FsQ On Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/james-spaite/905076868 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamesspaite/ Subscribe: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://beforethechorus.bio.to/listen⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Sign up for our newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.beforethechorus.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@beforethechoruspodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@soundslikesofia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ About the podcast: Welcome to Before the Chorus , where we go beyond the sounds of our favourite songs to hear the stories of the artists who wrote them. Before a song is released, a record is produced, or a chorus is written, the musicians that write them think. A lot. They live. A lot. And they feel. A LOT. Hosted by award-winning interviewer Sofia Loporcaro, Before the Chorus explores the genuine human experiences behind the music. Sofia’s deep knowledge of music and personal journey with mental health help her connect with artists on a meaningful level. This is a space where fans connect with artists, and listeners from all walks of life feel seen through the stories that shape the music we love. About the host: Sofia Loporcaro is an award-winning interviewer and radio host who’s spent over 8 years helping musicians share their stories. She’s hosted shows for Amazing Radio, and Transmission Roundhouse. Now on Before the Chorus, she’s had the chance to host guests like Glass Animals, Feist, Madison Cunningham, Mick Jenkins, & Ru Paul's Drag Race winner Shea Couleé. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

9 years ago 49:43

MP3•Episode home

The roles of the NPCs that will help push and pull the player characters into emotional reactions.

This is the final episode of a multi-part podcast series on roleplaying games and Dungeons & Dragons.

Part 1: 10 Business Lessons Learned in Roleplaying Games

Part 2: Interview Players for Your D&D Campaign by Playing Board Games

Part 3: Picking a Genre and System for your RPG

Part 4: Developing an Epic D&D Campaign Story

Part 5: Cultural Inspirations For Your D&D Homebrew

34 episodes

#Business #Careers #Tech #Technology #Chad Bostick #Entrepreneur #Coaching #Code #Communication #Development #Interviews #Job #Leadership #Programme #Programming #Softskills

The 3 Types of NPCs You Must Have in Your D&D Game To Engage Your Players

Hello Tech Pros - Motivation, Soft Skills & Business Advice

published 9 years ago

MP3•Episode home

The roles of the NPCs that will help push and pull the player characters into emotional reactions.

This is the final episode of a multi-part podcast series on roleplaying games and Dungeons & Dragons.

Part 1: 10 Business Lessons Learned in Roleplaying Games

Part 2: Interview Players for Your D&D Campaign by Playing Board Games

Part 3: Picking a Genre and System for your RPG

Part 4: Developing an Epic D&D Campaign Story

Part 5: Cultural Inspirations For Your D&D Homebrew

More info on this campaign.

34 episodes

#Business #Careers #Tech #Technology #Chad Bostick #Entrepreneur #Coaching #Code #Communication #Development #Interviews #Job #Leadership #Programme #Programming #Softskills

All episodes

1
Internal Dialogue Management with Alex Rubinchek 38:55

9 years ago38:55

38:55

Alex Rubinchik oversees Marketing and Business Development at Philadelphia-based ServiceWhale. Prior to moving to Philadelphia, Alex received his first degree in Political Science, History and Philosophy from Hebrew University and his MBA from Brandeis University. Alex’s interests and hobbies are as diverse as his travels. When he isn’t discovering new solutions and opportunities for ServiceWhale, an online marketplace that provides instant on-demand quotes for big-ticket home improvement projects, he enjoys teaching yoga, spinning vinyl, and exploring unplugging practices. Show notes at http://hellotechpros.com/alex-rubinchik-unplugged/ What You Will Learn In This Episode Why the biggest enemy in your life is your internal dialogue. How technology and information misleads us and derails our mindset. The philosophy behind a healthy state of mind that has existed for over 2,000 years. Practical steps you can take to achieve peace and serenity. Activities that will help your health, education and social health all at the same time.…

1
10,000 Easy Steps to Finding Your Passion — Fabian Geyrhalter on Being Unplugged 36:28

9 years ago36:28

36:28

Fabian Geyrhalter is the Founder and Principal of FINIEN, a Los-Angeles based consultancy specialized in turning ventures into brands. Fabian has been published internationally by the likes of The Washington Post, Graphis and The Huffington Post and he has written about branding for publications including Mashable and Entrepreneur and is a columnist for Inc. His consultancy has worked on branding projects for startups like Jukin, Survios, Bandito Brothers and Vimmia to large companies like Evolution Juice, The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and W Hotels. Show notes at http://hellotechpros.com/fabian-geyrhalter-unplugged/ What You Will Learn In This Episode Why it's a good thing that we are constantly "ON" about business. How to work harder with less stress. A process that will allow you to filter through the thoughts in your head, reduce your anxiety and get clear on the most important actions you need to take. Why your stress levels increase when your mind and body are out of balance. How to determine which activities you can safely stop doing by finding and aligning to your purpose.…

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War Stories From the Airsoft MilSim Field — James Studdart on Being Unplugged 43:24

9 years ago43:24

43:24

James Studdart is a full stack .NET developer, solutions architect and team leader based in the UK. He has experience in a wide range of markets from tropical fish and domestic services to international freight to the holiday industry, to name a few. James does a lot of commuting and fills that time with podcasts as much as possible. When he’s not working he keeps and breeds tropical fish. James is on the committee for the British Cichlid Association and is the chairman of North Wales Aquarists Society. When he’s not doing anything fishy he is also an active member of the Shock Team 6 airsoft team at Shock and Awe Airsoft in North Wales. James also has a young family, twin boys who recently turned one. James Studdart doesn’t know the meaning of downtime and being unplugged. Show notes at http://hellotechpros.com/james-studdart-unplugged/ What You Will Learn in This Episode The difference between airsoft and paintball. How to get started playing airsoft milsim. The weapons and gear airsoft players use. "War" stories from the field. Resources Mentioned HTP-107: Why Tigger is More Productive Than Eeyore - James Studdart on Productivity Cynical Developer podcast…

1
How to Achieve a Level 10 Life by Channelling Your Inner Yoda — Boom Shikha on Being Unplugged 41:37

9 years ago41:37

41:37

Boom Shikha is a serial entrepreneur, wanderluster, online-business owner, yogi, author, and avid meditator. She's interested in helping you find your life purpose, and get to your Level 10 life. Show notes at http://hellotechpros.com/boom-shikha-unplugged/ What You Will Learn in This Episode How to achieve "Level 10" in every aspect of your life without sacrificing the things and people you love. How to get more brilliant ideas that will move your business and life forward. How to calm your "monkey mind" through meditation and become focused. The easiest way to get started with meditation without being intimidated.…

1
How to Avoid Turning Your Startup into Just Another Job 41:04

9 years ago41:04

41:04

This is Part 7 of the free 7-day audio and email course Start Your First Business . What You Will Learn In This Episode Why money is not a long-term motivator for many people. What happens to us emotionally when the lust / newlywed phase is over in your business. How the customers you serve will determine whether this is a job or a calling. How to identify your "soulmate business." When is the right time to make a pivot in your business and why I'm excited about the pivot I'm making. Next Steps The next step you need to take is to complete the homework assignment for Module 7 in the follow-along email course. Click here to request access to the course materials and homework . Anxiety? If you struggle with anxiety in your career, your business or in life, I can help. I've learn how to silence the inner voice that tells me I'm no good and channel my inner champion. Click here to learn how to deal with the anxiety that is troubling your career, your business and your personal life .…

1
Hacking for Fun and Profit, But Mostly Fun — Anthony Delgado on Being Unplugged 39:50

9 years ago39:50

39:50

Anthony Delgado is a full stack developer and technology hero at websignia, a digital strategy and innovation agency. websignia has worked with a wide variety of different companies including sports, media, entertainment, healthcare, government agencies and non-profits. Anthony has been an explorer of the digital space for over a decade. From developing front end user interfaces, to creating advanced backend applications, Anthony's passion is using software to help change the way people interact with the world around them. Show notes at http://hellotechpros.com/anthony-delgado-unplugged/ What You Will Learn In This Episode Why Chad is a software guy not a hardware guy. How Anthony hacked the airwaves to broadcast Sega Genesis games over the television broadcast channels. Why you should do extracurriculars in the tech industry. How to get your boss to pay for conferences. What San Francisco is like from an outsider's perspective.…

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How to Defrag Your Brain and Live Like a Local in the Philippines, Cambodia and Siberia — Kris Reid on Being Unplugged 32:46

9 years ago32:46

32:46

Kris Reid Computer geek and SEO super star based in the Philippines and Cambodia. Show notes at http://hellotechpros.com/kris-reid-unplugged/ What You Will Learn in This Episode Why you should take extended time off for travel and where you should go. What happens to your mind and body when you make too many decisions. What the heck Ashtanga yoga is and how it can benefit you. How to live like a local, no matter where you go.…

1
How to Spend More Time at the Cantina Without Worrying About Bounty Hunters 38:15

9 years ago38:15

38:15

Career Hyperdrive Course: Day 7 The Career Hyperdrive Course is a free 7 day email and audio course for technical professionals to help launch your career into hyperspace. Each module in this course is designed to help you overcome a major barrier to your career growth. Here's what you're going to get out of the course. The motivation you need to overcome your biggest career obstacles and navigate asteroids. Productivity tips to help you crush it at work without killing your personal life (leaving more time at the cantina). Jedi mind tricks that will build your respect and influence across the organization without needing to move into a management track. A droid masterclass that’s going to guide you through the process of selecting the right technology for the right problem, every time. Social engineering hacks to break into the elite inner circles and get a seat at the Jedi Council. A strategy that will raise your value (and salary) within your organization and increase your reputation and negotiation power across the galaxy. The peace of mind to unplug from the job without the guilt of leaving your friends to fight the Death Star on their own, or the fear and anxiety of being pursued by bounty hunters. The audio lessons are available to everyone, but the action items and homework are exclusive to the students who subscribe to the email version of the course. (Hint: If you don't take action and do the homework, you're probably not going to change anything.) Click here to enroll in the full course. It's completely free. Module 7 How to Avoid Job Burnout Without Killing Your Career Here's what you're going to learn in the final module of the Career Hyperdrive Course. What your career is defined by (hint: it's not your title). How to measure your personal performance . The exact moment career growth happens. Why unplugging from your job leads to a more successful career. The personal story of my struggle with work-life balance and how my career grew when I took more vacations. A secret about this entire 7-day course that has to do with a big boat and sand between my toes.…

1
The 3 Types of NPCs You Must Have in Your D&D Game To Engage Your Players 49:43

9 years ago49:43

49:43

The roles of the NPCs that will help push and pull the player characters into emotional reactions. This is the final episode of a multi-part podcast series on roleplaying games and Dungeons & Dragons. Part 1: 10 Business Lessons Learned in Roleplaying Games Part 2: Interview Players for Your D&D Campaign by Playing Board Games Part 3: Picking a Genre and System for your RPG Part 4: Developing an Epic D&D Campaign Story Part 5: Cultural Inspirations For Your D&D Homebrew More info on this campaign .…

1
Cultural Inspirations For Your D&D Homebrew — Chad Bostick on Being Unplugged 37:53

9 years ago37:53

37:53

Fleshing out the First Campaign Arc This is Part 5 of a multi-part podcast series. Part 1: 10 Business Lessons Learned in Roleplaying Games Part 2: Interview Players for Your D&D Campaign by Playing Board Games Part 3: Picking a Genre and System for your RPG Part 4: Developing an Epic D&D Campaign Story More info on this campaign . Campaign Notes All the notes for this campaign are for subscribers only. Use the signup box below. Play this Campaign Info on how to play this campaign .…

1
Developing an Epic D&D Campaign Story — Chad Bostick on Being Unplugged 47:52

9 years ago47:52

47:52

Building a D&D campaign is a lot like writing a series of books. First you have to start with the overall series goals before you dive into the details. In this episode we come up with a new campaign story that will play out like a 5 act play or 5 book series. This is Part 4 of a multi-part podcast series. Part 1: 10 Business Lessons Learned in Roleplaying Games Part 2: Interview Players for Your D&D Campaign by Playing Board Games Part 3: Picking a Genre and System for your RPG This episode show notes: http://hellotechpros.com/dnd-campaign-design-unplugged/ Key Takeaways Feel free to steal ideas Snowflake method Campaign Hook, one sentence elevator pitch to sell players location, goal, obstacles "Several primitive and diverse tribes have assembled their leaders and heros to determine how to pacify the primordial spirits which have been devastating the area." Campaign Hook, one paragraph "Across the all lands where the springs and tributaries feed into the mighty Nelgenzes River, the primordial spirits are angry. Earthquakes, blizzards, tornadoes, floods and wildfires which were once rare are now more common and deadlier than ever. Crops have been destroyed, herds of animals scattered and killed and entire communities have been wiped out. The primitive and diverse tribes that populate the region have assembled their tribal elders, warchiefs, shamans and scouts to determine how to pacify the spirits of earth, fire, air and water from their frequent episodes of wanton destruction." Big Picture Summary (secret) Here + There + Resolve Us + Them + Resolve Secret 1 + Secret 2 + Secret 3 4 disasters/dilemas + ending 5 Parts of the overall story. Part 1: The tribes nominate their champions who must figure out how to work together to discover leads, track down information, survive the brutality of elementals and protect their people from nature and each other. Cooperation. Part 2: Resolution to learn about areas beyond Nelgenzes. Is everywhere affected? Can we relocate? Exploration. Part 3: The heroes discover an advanced civilization in a far away land which is very different than Nelgenzes. Rich in magic, manufacturing and longevity, their metropolises are a wonder to behold and feel extremely alien. The people are very homogenous. Reflection and Adaptation. Part 4: We learn that the overuse of magic and natural resources to try to control the environment and life expectancy of this civilization has created an imbalance in nature which is resulting in the devastation in the Nelgenzes Valley. Part 5: The heroes must decide on a course of action. Should they destroy or limit magic which will adversly affect the metropolis? Should they migrate and integrate their tribes into this society and learn to master the magical arts? Is there another way to restore the natural order? Resolution. Resources Mentioned HTP-147 10 Business Lessons Learned in Roleplaying Games HTP-154 Interview Players for Your D&D Campaign by Playing Board Games HTP-161 Picking a Genre and System for your RPG Snowflake Method by Randy Ingermanson Sponsors Minio Cloud Storage…

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Picking a Genre and System for Your Roleplaying Game — Being Unplugged 40:55

9 years ago40:55

40:55

After finding the right group of friends to play a role playing game, it's time to select the genre and system. So. Many. Options. This is part 3 of a multi-part series. Part 1 Part 2 Show notes at http://hellotechpros.com/rpg-genre-system-unplugged/ RPG Genres High fantasy - lots of magic. Low fantasy - little to low magic. Modern action / adventure. Historical action. Horror. Sci-Fi. Super Heros. Resources Mentioned Dungeons & Dragons board games Castle Ravenloft The Legend of Drizzt Wrath of Ashardalon Temple of Elemental Evil Lords of Waterdeep D&D roleplaying materials (5th edition) Starter Set Player's Handbook Dungeon Master's Guide Dungeon Master's Screen Monster Manual Curse of Strahd Princes of the Apocalypse Pathfinder materials Core Rulebook Bestiary 1 GameMastery Guide d20 Modern materials Core Rulebook Menace Manual Future Tech Critical Locations Apocalypse James Bond 007: Role Playing in Her Majesty's Secret Service Spycraft 2.0 Indiana Jones RPG Game of Thrones / Song of Ice and Fire Song of Ice and Fire RPG Night's Watch Chronicle Starter Call of Cthulhu Rifts Star Wars Star Trek…

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Interview Players For Your D&D Campaign By Playing Board Games — Being Unplugged 47:40

9 years ago47:40

47:40

So you want to start a roleplaying game? First, you need to find a group. Test out combinations of players by playing board games before starting a campaign. This is part 1 in a multi-part series. Show notes at http://hellotechpros.com/rpg-starter-unplugged/ Other Podcast Episodes HTP-147 10 Business Lessons Learned in Roleplaying Games HTP-21 What Star Wars RPGs can teach you about facilitating meetings with Robert Mitchell HTP-126 Hosting Remote Tabletop games with Roll20 with Nolan T. Jones Games Pandemic Board Game (original board game - cooperative) On the Brink expansion In the Lab expansion State of Emergency expansion Pandemic Contagion (stand alone spin-off game) Pandemic The Cure (stand alone dice-based game) Dungeons & Dragons: The Legend of Drizzt Board Game (cooperative) Castle Ravenloft Board Game Wrath of Ashardalon Board Game Lord of Waterdeep (competitive) Scoundrels of Skullport Expansion Settlers of Catan…

1
10 Business Lessons Learned in Role Playing Games - Chad Bostick on Being Unplugged 37:18

9 years ago37:18

37:18

I think I might have learned more about business while playing RPGs than I have from studying business. Here are my Top 10. Show notes at http://hellotechpros.com/rpg-business-lessons-unplugged/ Key Takeaways Confidence Leadership Facilitation Cooperation Negotiation Diversity Being a part of something bigger than ourselves Teamwork Sharing resources Overcoming adversity…

1
Training for Marathons Helps Achieve Career Goals — Steven Judd on Being Unplugged 57:20

9 years ago57:20

57:20

Steven Judd is a 23 year IT professional who has done individual consulting, worked for 20 person start-ups, Dot-Com growth companies, and Fortune 100 enterprises. He has implemented from zero to hero installations, as well as bleeding edge video delivery solutions, but is currently focused on application automation and procedural standardization. Show notes at http://hellotechpros.com/steven-judd-unplugged/…

Hello Tech Pros - Motivation, Soft Skills & Business Advice

1
Board Game Origin Story for ScrumBrawl - Being Unplugged Sunday with Tim Bugher 35:03

9 years ago35:03

35:03

ScrumBrawl is a competitive board game designed for 2-4 players where fantastic creatures vie for supremacy within a 20x20 battle arena. Tim Bugher, one-half of VicTim Games, shares the origin story of the game (conceived as a space battle card game) as well as his reasons for getting unplugged on this episode. Tim Bugher started working in the internet/web development field in 1997 as dial-up tech support. One day as a joke, he Photoshopped a picture of his boss and emailed it to everyone at the small local ISP where he worked. Instead of being reprimanded, he was promptly moved over to work in their web development dept. He's been involved with web development in some capacity ever since. For fun, Tim likes to play basketball and golf, ride motorcycles, draw, and play and invent board games. His wife also loves to ride motorcycles and is also involved in technology, working for the Air Force at the Air Force Institute of Technology. They have daughter who in the Air Force working on F-22s and they also have 2 boxers. Show notes at http://hellotechpros.com/tim-bugher-unplugged/ Win a copy of ScrumBrawl! I'm giving away a copy of ScrumBrawl to our listeners. Leave a review for Hello Tech Pros podcast on iTunes , then email chad [at] hellotechpros.com to let me know. At the end of the week, Tim and I will draw one lucky winner from the list of entries. I'll ship you a free copy of the game. Key Takeaways Don't build a board game trying to get rich; it has to be a labor of love ScrumBrawl launched in 2011 with 100 cards Expansion is coming soon 40 cards - 20 creatures + orb types + negative enchantments Resources Mentioned ScrumBrawl board game on Amazon Snap Inc. Hello Tech Pros is the daily podcast that interviews business professionals who work with technology and discuss Motivation, Productivity, Leadership, Technology, People, Entrepreneurship and Being Unplugged.…

Hello Tech Pros - Motivation, Soft Skills & Business Advice

1
What Star Wars Role-Playing Games Can Teach You About Facilitating Meetings - Sunday Being Unplugged with Robert Mitchell 41:15

9 years ago41:15

41:15

After taking a Lean Facilitation class at work, Robert Mitchell realized that leading a software development team is a lot like facilitating a role-playing game like Star Wars: Edge of the Empire. As a Game Master, you want to present the players with the challenges and help them talk through the possible options to find a resolution without railroading them into the "right" answer. As a Lean Facilitator on a software development team, you want to present the team with the challenges and help them talk through the possible options to find a resolution without forcing your agenda. As Robert Mitchell was not blessed to play soccer professionally, he has been working in the software development field for 12 years. He worked for several different sized shops, but found a great company with American Fidelity. In his time off, he chases after 15 month old twins, plays soccer and tries to find time to play RPGs. Key Takeaways Role-playing games are just an excuse to get friends together It's tougher to keep a group together the older you get Running a roleplaying game is a lot like facilitating a dev group Reskin a story from a different genre to fit your adventure Show notes at http://hellotechpros.com/robert-mitchell-unplugged/ This episode is sponsored by: Hello Tech Pros. Want to be a guest on the show? Chad Bostick here, and I’m helping professionals who work with technology build a personal brand and get connected to an audience of thousands of technologists, entrepreneurs, business leaders and investors. Download my cheat-sheet of interview questions and apply to be a guest today by texting HELLOPODCAST to 44222 or visiting hellotechpros.com/guest Hello Tech Pros is the daily podcast that interviews business professionals who work with technology and discuss Motivation, Productivity, Leadership, Technology, People, Entrepreneurship and Being Unplugged.…

Hello Tech Pros - Motivation, Soft Skills & Business Advice

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20 Acres, 9 Dogs, 2 Horses and a 336 sq ft Micro Cabin - Sunday Being Unplugged with Robert Wilkins III 27:42

9 years ago27:42

27:42

While dealing with PCI compliance issues with EMV in point of sales systems, Robert faced health issues due to stress. Taking his wife's suggestion, Robert sold most of his possessions and bought 20 acres and a 336 square foot micro cabin and shares the property with 2 horses and 9 dogs. There Robert enjoys relaxing and hitting golf balls across the open range. Robert Wilkins III is a disruptive cloud & mobile technology strategist for the biggest casino in the world. He is DevOps advocate, and farmer. This episode of Hello Tech Pros is sponsored by… ME, Chad Bostick. As an enterprise IT leader I’ve gotten the opportunity to solve a number of different business problems including field worker productivity, back-office process efficiencies, enterprise system integrations, big data analysis, resource management, and IT complexity reduction. Each project comes with it’s own unique challenge whether it be distributed teams, change management, stakeholder buy-in, availability of subject matter experts or just getting one technology to play nice with others. Let me know what business problem is keeping you up at night, and how you’d like me to help. Go to chadbostick.com and click the CONTACT button, or text HELLOCHAD to 44222. Show notes at http://hellotechpros.com/robert-wilkins-unplugged/ Hello Tech Pros is the daily podcast that interviews business professionals who work with technology and discuss Motivation, Productivity, Leadership, Technology, People, Entrepreneurship and Being Unplugged.…

Hello Tech Pros - Motivation, Soft Skills & Business Advice

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Invest Inspired - Find Your Inspiration and Purpose - Sunday Being Unplugged with Stephen Taylor 34:39

9 years ago34:39