The Un-United State of the World

Francis Vigurs

Bio: 
Educated at a prestigious naval school in Central London, Francis chose a different path after completing his rigorous training and opting to forgo a naval career to explore other interests. His academic journey took him through art and computer science, which led to a diverse career trajectory. Initially, venturing into the real estate market as an estate agent, navigating the turbulent waters of a property crash when he was just 20. At 19, Francis successfully sold his first development project—a daring conversion of a maisonette above a shop into three apartments—by the skin of his teeth on the third contract. This early success was a testament to Francis's resilience and adaptability. Following the downturn in the property market, he shifted gears to run a car garage, focusing on sales while the real estate sector remained stagnant. Driven by a passion for property, Francis expanded his horizons to the French Riviera, purchasing a holiday flat in Nice and delving into refurbishing properties on the picturesque coast. Upon returning to the UK, he undertook a significant project: converting a barn set on nine acres of land and purchasing a large doctor's surgery practice, where Francis was granted planning consent for 41 flats. The COVID-19 pandemic profoundly reshaped his perspective on global dynamics, offering him new insights into the world's intricate systems and prompting a reevaluation of his role within them. Francis is a father to a daughter and currently lives in the UK.

Jay Heckendorn-Telenda

Bio: 
Jay embarked on his real estate career in 1989 at the young age of 18, leveraging the wisdom and mentorship of industry veterans to make an early impact. Specialising in innovative transaction structures like "Equity Trade" and "Subject To," Jay helped buyers transition from their existing homes while facilitating the sale of builder projects. This expertise quickly garnered attention from local and national banks, propelling Jay into a role where he managed thousands of defaulted mortgages and foreclosures nationwide. Beyond his professional achievements, Jay has been a dedicated community leader. His service includes roles in the Boys & Girls Club Board of Directors, the Board of Advisors for Chevron Oil, various police departments, and the Board of Trustees for Adventist Hospital. In these capacities, Jay provided critical advice on operational and development issues, including acquisition, entitlement, financing, and fundraising. Currently focusing on commercial lending, Jay continues to leverage his extensive network, representing government agencies, national banks, insurance companies, and hedge funds in managing defaulted loans, loss mitigation, and asset disposition. His comprehensive knowledge ensures that whether you're navigating your first home purchase, apartment building investment, or development project, you have the expert guidance and insights needed for success from A to Z.

Monique Lore` Stinson

Bio: 
From surviving a dramatic ceiling collapse as a child to triumphing over adversity as a teenager, Monique Lore` Stinson has turned life's hurdles into stepping stones. At just 16, she was thrust into independence, yet she channelled her challenges into extraordinary achievements. Monique shattered her high school track record in the 100-meter hurdles, mirroring her father's own legacy, and clinched 8th place in the state of California—proof of her relentless drive and athletic prowess. Her journey took her through nearly every job imaginable, yet it was in the health and fitness industry where she discovered her true passion. Rising quickly through the ranks to become a Fitness Manager at a leading brand, Monique's career seemed to be on a promising trajectory. But destiny had other plans. A chance favor to a friend, helping with a casting call, ignited a newfound passion for television production. For over two decades, Monique played a pivotal role in shaping the reality TV genre, earning two Daytime Emmys along the way. In a bold move during the COVID-19 pandemic, she embarked on a nationwide tour to create the world’s first independent documentary trilogy. The film’s trailer, a testament to her visionary talent, earned numerous accolades at film festivals around the globe. The final film in the trilogy will conclude in South Africa in the Winter of 2024, which has been her entry into global philanthropy.Monique’s unyielding energy doesn’t stop at television. Over the past five years, she’s hosted her own successful podcast on LA Talk Radio and ventured into multiple startups, spanning wine, media, film, coffee, brand placement, and pet products. Her entrepreneurial spirit is matched only by her commitment to personal growth—she’s currently pursuing an MBA at Pepperdine Graziadio Business School and has been accepted into NYU’s Journalism program in collaboration with Rolling Stone. Living in Southern California with her beloved adopted English Bulldog, Monique embodies a message of resilience and continuous evolution. Her mantra is clear: transform every hardship into an opportunity for growth, add value, and never give up.
Show Time: 
Sunday 2:00PM - 2:59PM
(PST)
Show Description: 
“The Un-United State of the World” is distinguished by its thoughtful yet engaging approach to these complex topics. The hosts, drawing from their rich and diverse backgrounds, engage in spirited discussions and debates, exemplifying how critical examination of contentious issues can be conducted with both respect and civility. Infused with humour and a touch of irreverence unique to their style, this series promises to provide listeners with both insightful analysis and a refreshing perspective on the world’s most pressing concerns.