227: Make an Impact by FOLLOWING YOUR PASSION with Val Chmerkovskiy

<p>As some of you know, my husband and I are huge fans of ballroom dancing, so it’s only natural that we’re huge fans of Dancing with the Stars’ Val Chmerkovskiy. After spending time with him earlier this year in Guatemala with Pencils of Promise, I just knew I needed to have him on the show to share more about his story and why making an impact is so important.</p> <p> </p> <p>Born in Ukraine, at age 8, he and his family immigrated to Brooklyn, NY. As you can imagine it was a challenging transition but his parents inspired him to meet challenges by never backing away from theirs. To help occupy him and his brother’s time, they were enrolled in both violin and later on ballroom dancing. This soon became a passion for the whole family. In addition to Val and his brother Maks’ successful dance careers, they have since opened 14 other dance studios.</p> <p> </p> <p>I cannot wait for you to hear Val’s inspiring story. Not only is he so passionate about his own life and what he does, he also hopes to inspire others to do the same. Tune in to hear how’s he connecting with others to do just that and how he’s making an impact in the world today. </p> <p> </p> <p>--   </p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Question Highlights:</strong></p> <ul> <li>What did your life look like growing up and where did your passion for what you do now come from?</li> <li>What is most exciting in your life right now?</li> <li>Was not giving up or quitting a mindset that you were taught growing up?</li> <li>What do you think it takes to be a good leader/mentor?</li> <li>What have you learned from being on your 50-city tour?</li> <li>Do you still get nervous before you perform?</li> </ul> <p> </p> <p><strong>In This Episode We Talk about:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Why Val is so inspired by his parents</li> <li>How Val and his brother got into dance (and violin)</li> <li>Val’s (and his parents’) entrepreneurial spirit</li> <li>Why it’s essential to have pride without the ego</li> <li>Why mentorship is important to Val</li> <li>Forming connections and making an