“Strength isn’t built in the gym. It’s built when life knocks you down and you get back up anyway.”

In this episode, I sit down with Monica Derhammer, owner of Hoosier Trainer in Brownsburg, Indiana, to talk about her journey from young athlete to gym owner, and everything in between. Monica shares how her mom inspired her hustle, how early jobs taught her independence, and how an unexpected opportunity turned her passion for fitness into a business.

She opens up about the realities of entrepreneurship, the sacrifices behind success, and the challenge of rebuilding after COVID nearly shut her doors. Monica also reflects on her own battles with body image and mental health, and how those struggles shaped the way she supports her clients today.

We talk about community, resilience, and what it really means to be strong, not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually. Monica’s story is one of perseverance, purpose, and using your pain to help others find their power.

Timestamps:

(00:00) Intro

(00:59) Monica's early life and work ethic

(05:32) Becoming a trainer

(07:47) Owning a gym

(14:13) Navigating COVID challenges

(20:53) Inspiring success stories

(23:32) Realness and accountability as a trainer

(25:42) Struggles and triumphs with body image

(27:44) Importance of certifications and education

(29:43) The role of nutrition in fitness

(39:10) Quick hits and real talk

Connect with my guest:

Check out Hoosier Trainer: https://www.hoosiertrainernow.com/

Connect with me:

Ami Graves on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amigraves/
The People of Work on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepeopleofwork/

Explore The People of Work: https://www.thepeopleofwork.com/

“Every pastor must preach, but every preacher is not a pastor.”

In this episode, I sit down with Rashad Cunningham, Community & Formation Pastor at Church@Main in Brownsburg, Indiana, to explore his journey from hip-hop producer to pastor. Rashad opens up about growing up in Indianapolis, navigating identity as one of the only Black students in Brownsburg, and how those early experiences shaped his faith and calling to build bridges in his community. He reflects on his time in the Navy, his years making music, and the pivotal church event that changed his life and set him on a path toward ministry.

We also talk about the difference between preaching and pastoring, what it means to truly shepherd people, and how his creative roots continue to influence his work today. Rashad shares the inspiration behind his book Spaces, his perspective on redemption, and how faith, family, and storytelling remain at the center of everything he does.

Timestamps:

(00:00) Intro

(01:41) Rashad’s early life and influences

(03:43) Navigating identity and challenges

(08:52) Journey to the Navy and beyond

(11:29) Discovering a passion for music

(15:41) Transition to pastoring

(23:24) Reflecting on Brownsburg’s transformation

(26:45) Balancing ministry and personal life

(27:36) Dealing with past mistakes

(35:04) Writing and publishing a book

(40:10) Becoming a grandparent

Connect with my guest:

Rashad Cunningham on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rashadcunningham/

Explore Church@Main: https://www.churchatmain.org/

Check out S.P.A.C.E.S.: Permission-Based Discipleship Journey: https://a.co/d/8NzrsxJ

Connect with me:

Ami Graves on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amigraves/
The People of Work on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepeopleofwork/

Explore The People of Work: https://www.thepeopleofwork.com/

“Be confident in your voice and don’t sell yourself short.”

In this episode, I sit down with Kylie Bright-Schuler, civil engineer and project manager at American Structurepoint, to explore her journey into engineering and the lessons she’s learned along the way.

Kylie shares how her family’s influence and early mission trips sparked an initial interest in environmental engineering, and how her path eventually led her to civil site design and project management. We talk about her early challenges navigating a male-dominated field, the role mentorship has played in building her confidence, and why having leaders who make space for your voice can change everything.

She also opens up about her podcast, Cheers with Engineers, which highlights the diverse paths within the profession. Kylie reflects on the importance of mentorship networks like IndyCREW, the value of her environmental science background, and her ongoing pursuit of her professional engineering license.

Timestamps:

(00:00) Intro

(03:09) A grandfather’s push toward engineering

(05:50) Pivoting from environmental to civil engineering

(08:47) Lessons from a first consulting role

(12:21) Stepping into project management

(17:01) Navigating a male-dominated field

(18:02) Mentors who make space for women

(20:10) Launching Cheers with Engineers

(25:07) Misconceptions about engineers

(26:46) The value of soft skills

(30:53) To never selling yourself short

(35:00) The power of mentorship

Connect with my guest:

Kylie Bright-Schuler on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kylie-bright-schuler-ei-560171128/

Explore American Structurepoint: https://www.structurepoint.com/

Check out Cheers with Engineers: https://open.spotify.com/show/0cjJVioTBVVstVoRgtpa8y?si=033317ef9ab340b3

https://podcasts.apple.com/tw/podcast/cheers-with-engineers/id1712169234?l=en-GB

Connect with me:

Ami Graves on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amigraves/
The People of Work on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepeopleofwork/

Explore The People of Work: https://www.thepeopleofwork.com/