Orion3

How did entrepreneurship change the life of someone who was locked up by the Justice System for 18 years? Last night Chris shared his life before he was incarcerated, being locked up from 1998 to 2016, and the transformation of his life after being released. He's now an entrepreneur, a motivational speaker, a mentor, and a VERY positive impact on society. What he said in that room does not get shared publicly. But just imagine everything that happened in the world that he missed for those 18 years! What saved him was his passion and drive to learn and get his degrees during that time. We take for granted the freedoms that we have in our daily lives and the access to what we have access to. During this intimate conversation, I think all of us experienced a significant moment in empathy. Because of his real life experiences, he has now committed his time and energy to helping Defy Ventures. An organization that gives all their energy to helping people, who have been impacted by the justice system, learn about entrepreneurship so that they can build a life and add value to society when they're released. I LOVE and support everything that Melissa, Jon, and the team at Defy Ventures are doing! So far I've gone to two different maximum security prisons, to volunteer to help teach real world business skills to the people that did the work to qualify for this program. Both times were the most impactful experiences I've had doing any type of volunteer work. Last time there were 10 of us from Orion3 that went with them. There was not a single person in the room that didn't have tears in their eyes, during the graduation ceremony, when some of them saw their families for the first time in over a decade. I didn't have the confidence to say this a couple of years ago, but the truth is, I've had more friends, from back in the day, who went to prison or died of unnatural causes than anyone else I know. I've seen the impact prison makes on people and its a place I never want to be in. When I was a kid, there was saying 'don't end up in jail because of a girl.' Little did I know that, as an adult, I would go to prison because of a woman... Kristi Zuhlke 😁. Kristi is my very good friend and an OrionCore Member. It was seeing, in her eyes, how she felt about her experience being on the Board of Defy that made want to do it. I am SO grateful for her and I will support Melissa, Jon, Kristi, Chris and the entire Defy team in any way I can with Orion3. Please to reach out to Melissa Gelber-O'Dell, if you're interested in volunteering or helping in other ways. Most of us look at people who have more than us and are always thinking about what we don't have. But seeing people who have been forgotten (and mostly neglected) by society, makes you grateful for what you have. Thank YOU to: - my Killerspin Family for hosting, - Nina for the Delicious Gerdy's Popcorn - Hive2o for all the drinks! #orion3 #CreatingConsciousSerendipity

These moments captured in these pics, from the first half of 2024, are more validating for me than money or accolades. They're different groups of Orion3 Members, who I intentionally select and invite (6 - 14 People), for specific reasons, at specific places. Most of them come into the evening not knowing each other or not knowing much about each other. The questions that I ask are on a level that is so deep, with no right or wrong answers, which makes you have to look deep into yourself on a level that you rarely see. After 3 - 5 hours of sharing some of the most intimate and private feelings, thoughts, and perspectives, everyone leaves with: - Feeling NOT alone - Understanding real perspectives from real experiences - Getting to know others on a deeper, transcendent level beyond work - A higher level of self awareness, because this is a space where they can be fully, unapologetically, authentic because it's a safe space of Trust I facilitate this with intentionality and control all of the variables, so that it lead to the best unexpected outcomes... ("Creating Conscious Serendipity"). If I don't know you, don't genuinely like you, and don't genuinely respect you, I can't take money from you and I can't have you involved in anything I do. The reason the moments in these pics happen is because the people in it trust me to be the filter so that they know it's fully a space that is safe. Loneliness is real and it's sad that more people feel lonely right now than ever before. We have more access to connect with more people than ever in human history, yet more people feel more lonely. You can be in a room full of people and still feel high levels of loneliness. It's NOT about being around people. It's about being around humans who you can be human around. Orion3 is the cure for my loneliness and it's my way of making sure that the members of the Orion3 Family can feel connected to others who are real, kind, fun, and beautiful inside and out. It's about being around the right people who can make you understand yourself better. To me, Authenticity happens at those intersection points of our professional and personal lives. These pics are examples of those moments. These Jeffersonian Dinners and Mixology classes came forth because of my brother Kenneth Clay and foode, last year. In 2024 we took it to the next level by adding Caitlin Fox (Authentico Organic Tequila) and Jake Ireland & Ari (Off Hours Spirits). Thank YOU to Eastlake Studio (acquired by geniant), Katalyst Group, and Sterling Bay for letting these beautiful moments happen in your beautiful spaces! #Orion3 #CreatingConsciousSerendipity

18 Private Events in the first 6 months of 2024. Sometimes I have to take a minute to remember what happened. There's way too many people to thank, so I'm not going to list everyone on just one post. As you see this post, you have to ask yourself a couple of questions: I'm the only person I know that says, "Don't forward this invite and Don't bring guests", yet every single time I got people together, there's never been an issue with attendance (especially considering more than 75% of Orion3 Members live in the suburbs). I Don't make money on events, nor do I charge people to come to them. I Don't even spend a lot of time putting together these events, yet most people think Orion3 is an events company or a networking company. Don't ask "what" Orion3 is, instead look at "who" are in these pics, and ask them "why" they're a part of Orion3. There are no name tags in any of these pics, yet people leave these Private events feeling energetic and happy because they met great humans who are genuine and authentic. From looking at these pics you can see the most inclusive environment with people from all different backgrounds, countries, religions, industries and perspectives grown ORGANICALLY. If you look closely at these pics, you'll see some of the most successful people from almost every single industry in Chicago. But even from these pics, you can tell there's no arrogance nor any ego driven energy. From the pics you can tell that the people are beautiful on the outside, but the best part of my life, is that I get to see the beauty of their hearts and minds. Building this, something that doesn't have to be defined, is my life, my dream, and my purpose. Thank you to everyone in the Orion3 Family! I never take for granted how lucky I am to have these incredible people in my life. I'm the only human being who does not have to spend more than a minute with anyone I don't like. I never ever ever take that for granted. Thank YOU ***These pics are from the "Private Events" side of Orion3. There was a lot more that happened this year and a lot more to come for the 2nd half of 2024. #orion3 #CreatingConsciousSerendipity

#LinkedIn friends, please join me in congratulating my good friend, Ana Prokic-Kostic, on her promotion! Ana is someone who I am so grateful to have as a friend and an OrionCore Member in the Orion3 Family. She is one of the hardest working people in Corporate Finance and is someone who is extremely passionate to pave the way for others, especially women. When ever there are announcements about awards or promotions, we congratulate that person on reaching that career milestone. We don't realize though, what that person went through to get to where they're at now. Why I am SO happy for and why I am so proud of Ana, is because I know what it took for her to get here. She shared a lot of that story at an Orion3 Fireside chat, which inspired every single person in the room. That was the only Fireside Chat that I hosted, where every single person in the room had tears in their eyes (at different points), listening to the story. From coming to the United States as an immigrant from Serbia (by herself), to graduating with her Bachelors, then getting her MBA, and starting her career at CBRE 9 years ago (yes, 9 years in an industry that was one of the most impacted by Covid), all while building her family life, Ana is nothing short of Inspirational! If you want to know the meaning of the American Dream, talk to Ana about her story and ask her about her perspectives on life. By now, anyone that knows me knows how much love and respect I have for my CBRE Team. Ana Prokic-Kostic is one of the main reasons for why I hold this team at the highest level, in one of the most competitive industries! Please join me in Congratulating Ana on this Milestone and end this week on a VERY positive note! CBRE Brad Serot Tony Coglianese Ciana Carpenter, Esq. Sharada Sullivan Madison Olinger Paola Sprenzel Varvara Alva #Orion3 #CreatingConsciousSerendipity

This is why I (Me) HAVE TO Like you and Respect you to be a part of Orion3 Loneliness comes in so many forms and just because you're around "people" doesn't mean you don't experience it. In fact, I think there are certain people that can make you feel more lonely. Having the right people and creating an enviornment that is fully authentic leads to Trust. Trust is one of the variables needed for Serendipity. Serendipity makes you feel connected to something bigger than yourself. Serendipity eliminates loneliness in both our professional AND personal lives. I've sacrificed a lot of different financial opportunities to build this the way I want to and I will continue to do what I think is right. You have no idea how many people have let me know about the Serendipity they've experienced because of Orion3. You have no idea how much the people I surround myself with have helped me to feel a certain level of love and confidence that I've never experienced. I get asked, "have you ever told someone they can't be a part of it anymore?" ---The short answer is, "yes I have." I have zero tolerance for people's superiority complex, arrogance, or transactional mindset. In this world, in 2024, we have more ways to meet and talk to more people than ever before. Yet, there are more people who are experiencing loneliness than ever before. I've learned a lot about why this is happening and (if you pay attention, you'll see) everything I do is to eliminate that mindset of loneliness for the Orion3 Family. If you are experiencing loneliness most of your week, I think you should focus on doing the work on yourself to understand yourself better. I can almost guarantee you that you have a hard time being your authentic self. I can almost guarantee you that you have people around you that drains your energy. I can definitely guarantee you that YOU have more control over the level of loneliness that YOU feel, than you give yourself credit for. The first step is to realize that. Alex B Sheridan and I talked about it on his podcast. I'll put a link in the comments below. #Orion3 #CreatingConsciousSerendipity

With all the craziness happening in this wild world, I want to share something VERY positive; an example of something great in the human spirit This past weekend, my brother and Orion3 Corporate Member (since day 1), Brad Serot , accomplished something that defines some of the best aspects of humanity, because of his unconditional love for his daughter, Ava. This was the fourth year in a row that Brad completed the Triple Bypass Ride in support of Cerebral Palsy and Epilepsy to support 3 different organizations: Easterseals DuPage & Fox Valley, Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Chicago, and the Cerebral Palsy Foundation! This year, Brad, Ian Murphy, and the team cycled over three mountains, 12,000 vertical feet, and 120 miles in a single day! Over the last four years, Brad has raised $1.9 MILLION for these organizations! It takes a special kind of person to accomplish something like this, especially while being at the level he is as an executive. I've gotten to know Kelly Moreland and the work work that Easterseals DuPage & Fox Valley does and it is nothing short of amazing. They support so many families who have children that need specific care and attention. But our healthcare/insurance system in this country makes it almost impossible for families who don't have the financial means to give their children the proper care. Kelly and her team at Easterseals supports those families and that's why I have so much respect for them!! Please join me in congratulating Brad Serot, Ian Murphy, and their entire team for doing something incredible (for the 4th year in a row)!! I will leave some links in the comments: - a link to donate if you would like to support them (you can still donate to support their cause) - a 30 minute podcast episode to hear the full story on this Congrats Brother! We are all so proud of you and your uncanny commitment and drive to create a better world! Tony Coglianese Ana Prokic-Kostic Ciana Carpenter, Esq. Madison Olinger Isaac Chinwalla Robert Blackwell Jr. Tim Arthurs Monali Patel, MD #Orion3 #CreatingConsciousSerendipity

Please join me in welcoming a true pioneer and trail blazer to the Orion3 Family as an OrionCore Member, my friend Dina Rollman !! Teddy Scott introduced me to Dina just after I started Orion3 in 2021. Our first time on zoom lasted about 2 hours because it was one of the best conversations I've had at the time. After talking to her, I felt like I got my Bachelors Degree in the Business of Cannabis. As one of the first employees of Green Thumb Industries (GTI), she was a pioneer, an OG, in the Cannabis space and has spent more time dealing with regulations and the government than anyone else I know. She was one of the main reasons for their growth and was the SVP of Government Affairs before she left. I remember seeing a list (can't remember which one) back in 2021, and it had her as one of the most powerful people in the Cannabis Industry nationally. Now Dina is starting the next chapter in her life and I am so grateful to have a front row seat to see what's next for her. More to come on this in the future =) Dina will always have a special place in my heart. I have so much love and gratitude for Dina, because she took so much time and made the effort to help me, when I started Orion3, without expecting anything in return. You see, she did not have to do that at all, but she did. She had SO MUCH on her plate for the business AND as a mother, so it gave me so much confidence when someone like her believed in me and genuinely wanted to help me back then. I'm not going to talk about it in this post, but her story and what she's overcome to get to where she's at now, is inspiration at the highest level. Soon, I will have her share that, in her own words, to the Orion3 Community. 😀 As I'm writing this, I'm thinking of all of the trail blazers that I have in the Orion3 Family, who have overcome adversity at the highest levels to make it to where they are now. I cannot articulate in words how much they've all impacted my life in the most positive way. The OrionCore Membership is the most unique one out of the 3 different ones. I describe it as a puzzle that only makes sense in my head. Dina Rollman fits into that puzzle perfectly and I am beyond excited to have her in the Orion3 Family!! Shaan Kapoor Chris Jeffrey #Orion3 #CreatingConsciousSerendipity

One of the best things about what I do is being able to see the personal and professional growth of people at an intimate level I get inspired by seeing people DO things to better themselves and to create a better world for the people they love. Nick Stark is one of those people who I've gotten to see, directly, evolve over the last 3 years. I met him 3 years ago back when he was with Empower HR, which was a Corporate Member company of Orion3 before they got sold. Nick was extremely driven, passionate and I loved his customer focused approach. In fact, he closed the deal on the first referral to one of my OrionCore Members. After that company was sold, I got to know Nick more in depth on a human level. I've gotten to know his fiance, brother, and dad because of their family business in River North, (and one of my favorite bars) O'Callaghan's. Nick is a family guy to his core and his values that he got from his dad, is at the root of who he is. But what connected me even more with him is his self awareness and his focus on mental and emotional health. He knows that a high level of self awareness is the key factor to being who he wants to be: A great husband, a great entrepreneur, and one day a great father. He knows that AND he does the work to be the best version of himself. 2024 is a huge year for him, because now he's a Partner at his new company, WayRoll HR! Not only that, but him and his beautiful fiancé are getting married this year! I don't have enough space on LinkedIn to tell you how proud I am of this man and how grateful I am to have him as a brother in the Orion3 family. Nick - I'm proud of you brother and I'm grateful to have you and WayRoll HR as a Corporate Member of Orion3! I'm excited to see all of that's coming for you this year! If you're a company that's looking for HR/Payroll Compliance, feel free to connect directly with Nick Stark. Or let me know and I'm happy to make an intro. If you look at the people and companies I have as members, I pick the best of THE best based on both the Professional AND Personal. Nick Stark is a prime example of that. You can check out the other Corporate Members on the website. I don't reach out to people to be a part of Orion3. As weird as that sounds, that's the truth. If you see my posts on LinkedIn and you're interested in learning more, you can reach out to me. BUT the best way is to reach out to someone you know, that's already a member to learn about their specific experience. There's no way to get a hold of me or fill out any forms on the website, and that is very intentional 😁 Jennifer Guzman #Orion3 #CreatingConsciousSerendipity

A recap of the last week of June, one which I got to spend with my favorite people Monday - Attending my friends and Orion3 Corporate Member Company Work Friendly, Celia Balson and Ben Balson, happy hour after #SHRM with some of the OrionCore Members Tuesday - The second quarter Orion3 "CFO Roundtable" at my old stomping ground and Orion3 Corporate Member company Baker Tilly US with Chris Jeffrey, Victor M. Polanco, Joe Shusko, PMP, CISA. An intimate conversation about the governance of Ai that led to talking about the Psychology of the Perception of Ai. Wednesday - A Summer Evening at the in the Suburbs with an intimate group of Orion3 CFOs and HR leaders. A beautiful evening hosted by Gregg, Curt, Steve, and Matthew at my Corporate Member company USI Insurance Services in OakBrook. Thursday - A Summer Evening Celebration for Orion3 Members (and spouses) hosted by Marshall and I at our home office. We started at 5 PM, but there were some conversations that were so thought provoking and intimate, didn't stop till 12 AM. 😁 The weekend was relaxing at the pool with some of my Orion3 Family Members. There is no separation between my Personal Life and My Professional Life. ✨ I'm convinced that I am the only human being, who has the absolute honor of ONLY being around people who I genuinely like and respect. I am so damn grateful for that and I will never take it for granted. These moments are validation for the sacrifices I have made and the more I will have to make, in order to build this over the next 10+ years. Every week I get to see the best in humanity because I keep the best humans i know, around me. Thank YOU to my Orion3 Family for the support and love. Orion3 is about creating a mental and emotional space of AUTHENTICITY that leads to TRUST which results to moments of SERENDIPITY. A special shout out to Marnie for providing Hive2o, Tonya Romin for all the Hardly Water, and Caitlin Fox for the Authentico Organic Tequila 🙏🏾 First half of 2024 was amazing in every way, but it is done. The second half of the year will... well you'll just have to wait and see. 🤔😁 🥂 To Authenticity, Trust, Life, Love, Respect and Loyalty 🍻 To friendships that matter 🥂 To Serendipity #Orion3 #CreatingConsciousSerendipity

Do you want to know the story of how Orion3 started? 🤔 This was the first time I publicly talked about the Why and the How of the most important decision of my life. My friend and Orion3 Member, Alex B Sheridan, interviewed me on his awesome podcast "Founder Talk." All of this and all that's happend in the last 3 years was a complete unexpected fortunate accident... Serendipity at it's finest. The universe brought into my life some incredible people who gave me the courage and confidence to take a chance on myself. Although I can list so many, in this episode I specifically talked about the impact that Amanda Lannert, Tony Coglianese, Brad Serot, Chris Jeffrey and the team at Baker Tilly US had on me. Well also talked a lot about emotional health, mental health. A great question he asked was : Whats the difference between being lonely and being alone? I'm not some entrepreneur who had this well thought out plan to build a company that can scale massively and make a ton of money. I'm a guy that accidentally started a business because I focused more time on self awareness than anyone I know, paid attention to the signs the universe gave me and have the courage to follow my heart. I had no idea when all this started the impact it would make on myself and others. There's not a day that goes by that I'm grateful to ALL the people who support me. Link in comments for the full episode. Something fun, real, interesting to listen to this morning 😁 #Orion3 #CreatingConsciousSerendipity #founder