Overcoming Multiple Myeloma: How Storytelling, Emotional Intelligence, and Empathy Transformed Ray Hartjen’s Life

Have you ever wondered how emotional intelligence, empathy, and the power of storytelling can help you overcome life’s biggest challenges? In this inspiring episode, I sit down with Ray Hartjen — a writer, musician, marketer, and cancer patient advocate — who shares his compelling cancer survivor story and journey through multiple myeloma. With over five decades of experience navigating career transformations, from investment banking to pharmaceuticals, consumer electronics to SaaS software, Ray’s story is a masterclass in emotional resilience, adaptability, and purpose-driven living. His multiple myeloma diagnosis became a powerful catalyst for personal growth, sparking a deeper passion for storytelling, advocacy, and empathy in leadership. 🎧 Key Takeaways: 💪 Embracing Life’s Challenges: A Cancer Survivor’s Perspective Discover how Ray turned his cancer journey into a source of strength by: 🎤 The Art of Storytelling in Business and Life Ray shares practical insights on: Whether you're a business professional looking to connect with clients, someone facing health challenges, or just eager to live more intentionally, this episode is packed with valuable insights. Ray Hartjen’s story will inspire you to rethink how you lead, communicate, and face life’s trials with grace and empathy. Don’t miss this powerful conversation on resilience, reinvention, and the transformative power of empathy and storytelling.Tune in now and start giving a heck about growing your emotional intelligence and creating meaningful connections that last. Connect with  Ray HartjenWebsite: https://rayhartjen.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ray.hartjenYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLGz0k3o0dK3g6c0aVJay_QInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/rayhartjen/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rayhartjen/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rayhartjen5X: https://x.com/RayHartjen   Connect with Dwight Heck: Website: https://giveaheck.com (Free Book Offer) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/give.a.heck Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dwight.heck Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Giveaheck YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@giveaheck LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dwight-heck-65a90150/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@giveaheck • Why authenticity and vulnerability matter in personal and professional relationships• How a cancer diagnosis can shift your mindset and life purpose• Strategies for building emotional intelligence and empathy in leadership and everyday life• Using storytelling for business success and human connection • Adopting a growth mindset through adversity• Becoming a vocal advocate for cancer awareness and research• Creating deeper human connections through shared experiences and storytelling • Crafting emotional connections through authentic narratives• Using storytelling as a leadership tool and marketing strategy• The underrated power of listening in becoming a better storyteller