Episode #674 Confidence, Storytelling & Purpose — Newton VanRiel on Inspiring the Next Generation
“Confidence is the most important thing; there is a confidence crisis in this world.”
— Newton Vanriel, Author and Fundraising Expert
_____________________
What if changing the world didn't begin with a speech... but with a story that helps one child believe they belong?
Episode Summary
Some conversations leave you inspired. Others leave you smiling. This one somehow managed to do both.
When Newton VanRiel joined me on The Audacious Living Podcast, we spent as much time laughing as we did reflecting. Between stories about motion-sensitive office lights, pickleball, Michael Jordan practice habits, and his dream of seeing Soul Sisters become an animated series, one message kept rising to the surface:
Confidence changes everything.
Newton's journey is anything but conventional.
An urban planner by education...
A fundraiser by profession...
A mentor by calling...
And now an award-winning children's author.
Rather than seeing those as separate chapters, Newton sees them as one continuous story. Every experience—from political fundraising to coaching soccer, from community leadership to raising two confident children—prepared him for the work he's doing today.
His Soul Sisters series was born during the pandemic and inspired by both lifelong friendships and the social climate surrounding George Floyd. Instead of responding with anger alone, Newton chose to respond with hope.
His answer to division wasn't another debate.
It was a children's story built around friendship, confidence, belonging, and love.
Throughout our conversation, Newton reminded us that confidence isn't something we're born with.
It's something we build.
Usually one uncomfortable experience at a time.
Failure isn't proof that you're not enough.
Sometimes it's the very thing that teaches you that you already are.
And perhaps that's why his work resonates so deeply—not because he pretends life is easy, but because he believes every setback can become part of a better story.
Meet Our Guest:
Newton Vanriel is an award-winning children's author, veteran fundraising professional, speaker, and consultant with more than three decades of experience helping charities, educational organizations, and community initiatives create meaningful impact.
Throughout his career, he has worked with organizations including United Way, The Salvation Army, World Vision, and the Durham Learning Foundation. His award-winning Soul Sisters series celebrates confidence, diversity, belonging, inclusion, and the power of embracing differences. Newton is also a passionate advocate for education, mentorship, storytelling, and empowering young people to recognize their worth and potential.
Top 4 Key Takeaways
Confidence comes before achievement - Waiting until you're successful to believe in yourself is backwards. Confidence is the starting point.
Stories have the power to change people - Whether you're fundraising, writing books, leading teams, or raising children, storytelling creates connection
Failure is part of building resilience - Every setback teaches something valuable if you're willing to learn from it instead of being defined by it.
Live with purpose and help someone else along the way - Success becomes more meaningful when it creates opportunities for others.
Special Offers
Soul Sisters" book series, available at local bookstores and online platforms.
Soul Sisters
Soul Sisters Go to School
Upcoming: Soul Sisters Wannabe
Related Blog Post
Why Confidence Is Built Before Success
Many people believe confidence comes after accomplishments. In reality, confidence is often the very thing that gives us the courage to pursue them. Explore how choosing confidence today can transform tomorrow.
Personal Insights from Audley:
One of my favorite moments from this conversation wasn't a lesson—it was the realization that Newton and I had worked together more than twenty years ago and somehow found our way back into each other's lives. It reminded me that people who consistently lead with purpose tend to leave lasting impressions. Watching Newton continue to serve others with the same energy and heart all these years later was genuinely inspiring.
What stands out to me most about Newton is his unwavering authenticity. He has remained true to himself, even as he has embraced new challenges and opportunities. It’s a rare quality to find someone who can evolve without losing sight of their core values. Newton embodies that balance perfectly, and it’s inspiring. His journey is not just about personal achievement; it’s about how he has chosen to uplift and empower those around him.
Best Point of Contact:
Website:SoulSistersBook.ca
Connect with Newton on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn by searching Newton Vanriel to stay updated on his books, speaking engagements, workshops, and upcoming projects.
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