🚀 Streamline for Success: The Power of Simplicity

In this insightful conversation, Andy Thorton, CEO of the Greater Peoria YMCA, sits down with Harvard Business School Executive Leadership Coach Matt George to unpack one of the most overlooked strategies in leadership and life: streamlining.

Through real-world wisdom and executive-level insight, Andy and Matt challenge the myth that “more” means “better.” They explore how intentional simplification—cutting out the clutter, focusing on what truly matters—can unlock greater impact in business, personal growth, and even spiritual development.

If you're feeling overwhelmed by endless tools, tasks, or information, this episode will help you refocus, refuel, and realign your energy toward purposeful progress.

🎯 Less noise. More results.

👉Learn More at www.ivedecided.org

🎙️ Living a Life Decided: Jerry Harkness – From Retirement to Purposeful Service

In this episode of Living a Life Decided, we sit down with a man who proves that retirement isn’t the end—it’s a new beginning. Meet Jerry Harkness from Peoria Illinois, a retired Caterpillar Inc. professional who, instead of slowing down, chose to step up.

After decades of hard work, Jerry found himself in a maintenance role at a retirement home. But something stirred in him—a desire for more clarity, more purpose, and more impact. That’s when he joined I’ve Decided in February 2023, seeking what we provide in “all the pieces of the puzzle.”

Learn more at www.ivedecided.org

With his wife Jeannine by his side, Jerry made a bold decision: to retire—again—in December 2023. But this time, it wasn’t about stepping away. It was about stepping into something greater. Together, they launched Happy 2 Help, a business built on compassion and community. Their mission? To serve and support individuals in their area, offering practical help and heartfelt connection.

Jerry’s story is a powerful reminder that living a life decided means choosing purpose over passivity, and service over stagnation. He didn’t just retire—he re-fired his passion to make a difference.

📞 Want to connect with Jerry or see how Happy 2 Help can support you or someone you love? Reach out at 309-922-9630. Let him know you found his number from the podcast.

Michelle R. King currently works as a Registered Nurse (RN) in the Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) stabilizing patients after surgery.

She has worked in health care for over 35 years. She resides in Illinoi with her daughter, grandson, and son. When she’s not working in the hospital or writing she is focused on health, nutrition, wellness in addition to balancing her Mind, Body and Spirit.

She knew young that she wanted to help people and decided to write this book as an extension of that. she aspires to help as many people as possible in life because she finds it fulfilling, Michell also believes that everyone has a story about how to overcome different tests and trials in life. Something that she follows is, "I have learned that nobody knows you better than you. Wholistic care is essential to having a balance. Internal love supersedes any other form of love outside of us. Once we begin to look within our own heart, we will meet our "true self" and not who society has suggested you should be or become.

To God be the Glory,

Michelle R. King BSN, RNL

Learn more at www.ivedecided.org