Las Vegas was never built on playing it safe but on vision, risk, and the audacity to dream bigger than anyone thought possible. But what happens when the city that invented betting big starts thinking small?

In this episode, I sit down with Minja Yan, TEDxLas Vegas alum, commercial real estate agent, former adjunct faculty at UNLV's Lee Business School, and community leader for a conversation that is equal parts love letter and wake-up call to the city we call home and that many visitors love and enjoy.

We get into:

• Why Las Vegas is 20 years behind cities like Phoenix and Denver in mass transportation
• How short-term political thinking is putting our long-term future at risk (e.g., water shortages, gridlock, and the looming threat of LA-style traffic)
• The spirit of Las Vegas Chinatown and the generational wisdom Minjia's grandmother passed down: to give without expecting anything in return

• Why this city's greatest strength is the same thing that built it — the fire to keep going when the odds say stop.

"We were not built on thinking small. We were built by dreaming big and betting against the odds." — Minjia Yan

What happens when music becomes a bridge in a divided world? In this powerful episode, we sit down with Dr. Tianxi Wen, founder of UNLV's World Music Chamber Ensemble, to explore how the East and the West can meet in harmony through sound. Inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s timeless truth—“Where words fail, music speaks”—she shares why music remains one of the most powerful ways to unite cultures when society feels increasingly divided.She also offers an honest reflection on the cost of staying devoted to art: while many gifted musicians are forced to leave in order to survive, a few remain because purpose for them calls louder than profit. Nevertheless, it is not a sacrifice she asks others to make, but one she deeply respects—because those who continue often do so out of quiet conviction, preserving beauty, meaning, and cultural memory in a world that does not always reward what matters most.

Before Joana Nwamerue became the first Bulgarian female professional boxer with a 7-0 record, she was a woman obsessed with a question: What do we do with the fire inside us? In this episode of the Courageously Speaking Podcast, we didn’t play nice. We went deep into the "Sweet Science" of boxing to show how raw, dangerous aggression can be transformed into elite discipline and mental clarity. Joana has proven this by developing a prison program in Bulgaria that turns life-altering rage into life-saving focus behind prison walls. Now, based in the fight capital of the world, Las Vegas, she shared her evolution to the woman she is now who is also struggling with the "Strong Woman’s Paradox." If you are a woman who leads, fights, and wins, why is it so hard to find a partner who can handle your power? We explore why high-impact women like Joana are searching for men who aren't intimidated by their strength, but are secure enough to love them because of it.In this episode, we discuss:- How Joana taught the most "aggressive" people in society to find peace through a punch- How her journey as the first female pro boxer in Bulgaria was no easy feat but led her to the United States of America- Why strong women need strong-secure men - How to stop apologizing for your intensity and start using it as your greatest assetThis Courageously Speaking Podcast episode is for the fighters, the leaders, and the "too much" crowd. Whether you're in the ring or the boardroom, it's time to stop shrinking.

In a world that equates pursuing music to becoming a "starving artist," this episode of Courageously Speaking challenges that notion with multifaceted musician and entrepreneur, Patrick Worley. From his time as a backing musician in Nashville to building a thriving business in Las Vegas, Patrick proves two main things: 1) You can thrive as an artist if you do it right (luck is good but since it's rare, try hard work and strategy) and2) Time is not the hours you have but how you spend themDiscover how he merged his classical training with business acumen, and why for any creative, show business is more about the business than the show.

In this episode of Courageously Speaking, host Maria Soriano sits down with beauty industry founders Savannah Harmon and Alexis Chapman to explore what it really takes to step to leave your comfort zone to step into the unknown. From leaving behind full client rosters to chasing purpose across state lines, these women prove that courage isn’t loud—it’s intentional.Drawing from faith, psychology, and lived experience, this episode will inspire you to:- Stop waiting for the “perfect moment”- Reframe rejection as redirection- Trust your inner voice—even when it defies logicBecause real transformation begins when you stop asking “What if?” and start saying “Why not?”Tune in and discover how to leave your comfort zone in style!

What does it take to transform self-doubt into self-belief? In this episode of Courageously Speaking, we sit down with Maria Cabande—Senior Manager of Raiderettes The Studio, global cheer ambassador, and cultural advocate—to explore how embracing your identity, learning through failure, and leaning into community can unlock a powerful sense of purpose. From once hiding her Filipino American roots to becoming a leading voice for AAPI visibility in the NFL and beyond, Maria shares her journey from elite cheerleader to boardroom boss. She opens up about facing imposter syndrome, navigating leadership in unexpected spaces, and using failure as a teacher. If you’ve ever questioned your worth, feared standing out, or struggled to find your place, Maria’s story will remind you that you already belong—

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In this episode of Courageously Speaking, we ask a bold question: Are you too ambitious?

Maria Soriano and FinTech executive Willayna Banner dive into the realities of ambition — how it shapes our careers, identities, and personal lives. We explore the fine line between striving for success and the pressure to prove your worth, especially in high-pressure industries. Through our honest conversation, we discuss the challenges women face when balancing assertiveness with being perceived as aggressive and how decoupling self-worth from job titles can lead to true alignment.

Willayna shares her experiences navigating imposter syndrome, the importance of a strong support system, and the courage it takes to embrace uncertainty. We reflect on the tension between company loyalty and personal growth and the journey of finding purpose through exploration. T

his episode is an invitation to reflect on your own ambitions — when they serve you and when they might be holding you back.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Willayna Banner, has over two decades of leadership experience spanning some of the world’s most influential organizations. She has served as the Senior Director and Global Head of Growth & Innovation for Retail, CPG, and Agriculture at Microsoft, where she drove cutting-edge solutions in Artificial Intelligence and cloud technology. Her other roles include leading Web3 and blockchain initiatives at Microsoft, serving on Morgan Stanley’s Investor Advisory Committee for the Next Level Fund, and holding senior executive and transformational positions at Wells Fargo, Bank of America, American Express, HBO and Morgan Stanley.

Stay Courageous,

Maria

In this episode, Leanne Duong-Ma opens up about her inspiring journey from corporate professional to founder of Direct Source Procurement. She shares how she built a successful business from the ground up, all while balancing the demands of family life.

Get her expert advice on managing time, staying grounded, and building a sustainable business, embodying the Mompreneur values we can all learn from.