7:47 Conversations

Episode SummaryIn this riveting and deeply personal conversation, Chris Schembra sits down with Grace Smith — one of the world's most respected hypnotherapists and the founder of the #1 hypnotherapy brand in the world — to explore how hypnosis can unlock peak performance, emotional clarity, and authentic leadership in the modern workplace.Chris opens the episode by recounting how Grace helped him through a dark moment in 2021, using hypnotherapy to reconnect him to purpose, possibility, and a record-breaking year in business. From there, the conversation expands to cover Grace's origin story, her groundbreaking work with high-achieving CEOs, and why hypnosis is less about “fixing” and more about revealing the strength already inside us.Grace shares stunning stories from her early career — including how she helped a paralyzed man regain movement in a single session, a man who would later become her father-in-law. Together, they explore how the subconscious governs behavior, how leaders can reprogram outdated belief systems, and why gratitude often lives just beneath stress, waiting to be uncovered.This episode is a masterclass in neuroscience, personal growth, and emotional intelligence for anyone looking to lead with clarity and courage in a world of chaos. Key ThemesSubconscious blocks and business growthThe science of theta brainwave states and peak performanceHow trauma and stress quietly shape executive decision-makingWhy hypnosis helps leaders find clarity, confidence, and intuitionThe power of gratitude as a renewable energy sourceHow to lead with presence in a world of distractionNotable Quotes“When the subconscious is working against you, you'll never reach your true potential.” – Grace Smith“Gratitude is there—it's just buried beneath stress. Hypnosis helps you feel what's already been inside you.” – Grace Smith“You're not fixing broken people—you're polishing the gem that was always there.” – Chris Schembra“Hypnosis gave me the pause I needed to take action toward healing. One week later, I bought a ticket to Italy.” – Chris Schembra“The brain doesn't just change overnight because your circumstances improve. You have to rewire it—consciously.” – Grace Smith“I work with people whose decisions shift tectonic plates. When their subconscious is clear, the world moves with more grace.” – Grace Smith“Every subconscious breakthrough is followed by what I call a bonus miracle—change you didn't even expect.” – Grace Smith“When you're in theta, you bypass the ego. That's where the intuition lives. That's where the clarity begins.” – Grace Smith“We're not adding anything. We're removing what's in the way of who you already are.” – Grace Smith“Hypnosis isn't mind control. It's mindset liberation.” – Grace Smith“Grace didn't just help me recover—she helped me remember who I was before the noise.” – Chris Schembra“You can read every business book in the world. But if your subconscious is working against you, you're building on sand.” – Chris Schembra“She's not giving you a new mind—she's handing you the keys to the one you forgot you had.” – Chris Schembra“Sometimes the only way forward is to pause long enough to hear the voice underneath the fear.” – Chris SchembraFeatured StoriesGrace's first hypnotherapy session helped her quit smoking — and changed the course of her lifeHow a United Nations peacekeeper paralyzed from a stroke moved his hand again in a single sessionChris's vulnerable account of his 2021 mental health crisis and the role Grace played in his recoveryWhy CEOs with billion-dollar companies are turning to hypnotherapy for their next breakthroughThe neuroscience of flow, intuition, and decision-making under pressureResources and LinksGrace App: Hypnotherapy on-demand for stress, sleep, success, and moreLearn more about 1:1 executive coaching with Grace

In this deeply moving and insight-rich episode of Gratitude Through Hard Times, host Chris Schembra welcomes Sara Hardwick, the Community Relationship Strategist at the Gift•ology Group and steward of the late John Ruhlin's enduring legacy. What begins as a conversation about gifting quickly unfolds into a masterclass in human connection, spiritual resilience, and the transformative power of long-game generosity.Sara shares her unexpected journey into this world of relational marketing—how a nudge from her college roommate and a single Google search led her to John's work, and how her bold outreach blossomed into a mentorship, a career, and a calling. Chris and Sara reflect on how the principles of Beyond Gift•ology are not just business strategies—they're spiritual frameworks for living well, loving deeply, and leading with purpose.The episode pays tribute to John Ruhlin, a father, husband, and business visionary who turned gifting into an art form and relationship-building into an enterprise. John passed away in 2024, but his wisdom—"Relationships can take you places marketing can't"—lives on in the systems, stories, and spirit that Sara now helps shepherd to the world.Together, Chris and Sara unpack practical strategies from Beyond Gift•ology: how to build a business based on Return on Relationship (ROR), how to gift without branding or ego, and how to become what Adam Grant calls a “strategic giver”—someone who gives generously and wisely without burning out.They explore the nuances between swag and soul, between a gift that gathers dust and a gift that transforms a relationship, and between a one-off act of kindness and a lifestyle of sustained generosity. Sara also speaks vulnerably about her faith journey, how her relationship with God guides her every decision, and how grief, gratitude, and giving are all connected.Chris draws parallels between his own work at the dinner table and John's commitment to elevating relationships through thoughtful gestures. They explore how tiny, consistent acts—handwritten notes, engraved knives, warm introductions—create ripple effects that build not just revenue, but legacy.Whether you're a founder, a sales leader, a service-based professional, or simply someone who wants to live more intentionally in your relationships, this episode offers a generous mix of soul and strategy. It's a reminder that business doesn't have to be cold, marketing doesn't have to be manipulative, and giving—when done well—can be your greatest competitive edge.What You'll Hear in This Episode➤ A Powerful Opening TributeChris opens with a personal story of how a 20-minute call with John Ruhlin in 2017 changed his life. That call turned into a two-and-a-half-hour conversation, a lasting mentorship, and the permission to go “all-in” on human connection.➤ Sara's Origin Story: From College Gifting Club to Gift•ology LeaderYou'll hear how Sara's best friend Chloe encouraged her to Google “gift giving company”—a search that led to John Ruhlin's work and, eventually, to Sara founding the internet's largest gifting community while still in college.➤ The Long Game of Generosity: ROR > ROISara and Chris dive deep into the difference between Return on Investment (ROI) and Return on Relationships (ROR). Sara explains why short-term thinking in business keeps us stuck—and how giving first, without expecting anything in return, can actually become your greatest long-term growth engine.➤ Gifting as Strategy, Not SwagSara outlines the key rules of strategic gifting:It's not about you—it's about the recipient. No logos, ever. Personalize for their life, not your brand. Love on the inner circle—spouses, kids, even the family dog. Focus on “practical luxuries” that create 5,475+ moments of thoughtfulness over time.➤ The Rise of the Rich Relationship SocietySara introduces the R.I.C.H. framework:Reciprocal Influential Connected HumbleShe shares how this system is designed to help entrepreneurs and service-based professionals build referral-based businesses rooted in trust, warmth, and mutual growth.➤ Jesus, Dinner Parties, and the Divine Power of a KnifeIn one of the most personal moments, Sara credits her faith—and specifically, her renewed relationship with Jesus—as the compass guiding her work. They connect the dots between Jesus' Last Supper, dinner tables as sacred community spaces, and how something as simple as a personalized kitchen knife can become a legacy of love.➤ Beyond the Business Tactic: Legacy as the Ultimate ROIThe episode closes with a powerful reminder: while gifting is a strategy, true generosity is a posture of the heart. Sara shares that she's not just playing for business success—she's playing for eternity. Key TakeawaysGenerosity isn't a transaction—it's a transformation. Strategic gifting isn't about getting something back immediately. It's about creating meaningful moments that compound over time.Your swag isn't a gift—it's a billboard. The most powerful gifts are useful, personal, and logo-free.Business is human-to-human. In a world overrun with AI, algorithms, and advertising, it's the relationships built at your dinner table—not your Instagram grid—that truly move the needle.Legacy is built in the little things. A handwritten note. A kitchen knife. A prayer. A hug. These are the moments people remember. Links & ResourcesBeyond Gift•ology by John Ruhlin – Buy the bookLearn more about the Rich Relationship Society – giftologygroup.comContact Sara Hardwick – sara@giftologygroup.comConnect with Sara on LinkedIn – linkedin.com/in/sarahardwickGiftology (Original Book) – Buy here

What if your inner critic isn't the enemy—but a misdirected inner coach waiting for the right conversation?On today's soul-shifting episode, Chris Schembra sits down with licensed clinician and Wall Street Journal bestselling author Britt Frank to explore the untapped potential of your internal world. Britt's new book, Align Your Mind, blends Internal Family Systems (IFS), neuroscience, trauma therapy, and radical compassion into a user manual for becoming a better leader—by leading yourself first.In this raw, riveting, and often funny dialogue, Britt shares the ALIGN framework: a five-step method to transform the swirl of internal chaos into clarity, confidence, and calm leadership. You'll walk away with tools to stop spinning, drop shame, and start collaborating—with all the voices in your head.Chris and Britt explore:How circus training helped Britt tame her mind and discover flow Why shadow parts aren't saboteurs—they're secret allies The real difference between solitude and loneliness How to negotiate with your inner critic like it's your toughest client Why authentic leadership doesn't mean “bring all your parts to work” A powerful reframe: Your brain isn't broken—it's brilliant Whether you're a CEO, a team leader, or just trying to keep your head above water, this episode offers both practical tools and deep encouragement for navigating inner and outer leadership challenges. Key Moments[00:08] Chris' poetic New York City intro + welcoming new and loyal listeners [02:27] Britt's dynamic background: therapist, speaker, author… and circus performer [05:47] The Gratitude Question: Britt thanks her first circus coach for raising her standards [07:36] Defining flow as alignment—not perfection [10:38] Intro to Parts Work and why leaders must embrace their inner multiplicity [12:38] What “shadow work” really means: turning inner tension into innovation [15:15] The ALIGN Framework:Acknowledge Listen Investigate Give Gratitude (to your brain!) Negotiate [22:42] From loneliness to solitude: why inner gratitude is the first step to connection [25:32] Why some stress is good stress: shifting mental gears instead of stalling [28:57] Britt's take on DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) and how it saved her life [31:35] Busting three myths of the workplace:Don't bring every part of yourself to work Workplaces aren't families—they're teams Positivity isn't the same as leadership [36:53] Britt's backstory: addiction, cults, hiding IFS books inside cult literature, and the breakthrough that changed her life [39:28] Final takeaway: your inner critic isn't a bully—it's your most loyal bodyguard [40:16] Chris' signoff + why Align Your Mind is essential reading for anyone leading a team in 2025 Memorable Quotes“Flow is not the absence of thought. It's movement in the presence of noise.” – Britt Frank“Every part of you has value. You don't need to silence them—you need to negotiate.” – Britt Frank“The solution to loneliness is solitude—but only if your inner world isn't at war with itself.” – Chris Schembra“Your brain isn't wired for success. It's wired for survival. Say thanks, and lead anyway.” – Britt Frank“Leadership is not about being positive all the time. It's about being real—with curiosity and compassion.” – Britt Frank About the BookAlign Your Mind is Britt Frank's empowering new guide to taming anxiety, healing trauma, and overcoming self-doubt using Parts Work. Combining practical exercises, storytelling, and cutting-edge neuroscience, Britt introduces readers to their internal cast of characters—from the anxious controller to the tired inner child—and shows how to bring them into harmony.With Britt's warm and witty voice, readers learn how to:Reframe the inner critic as a coach Move from chaos to clarity with the ALIGN method Use curiosity as an antidote to burnout and self-sabotage Stop waiting to feel motivated and start getting things done Whether you're a leader or simply a human navigating complexity, this book gives you the tools to realign and rise.Order now: Penguin Random House About Britt FrankBritt Frank, LSCSW, is a licensed clinician, author, and speaker specializing in trauma, Parts Work, and mental health. Her work has been featured in The New York Times, NPR, Forbes, Esquire, and New York Magazine. She is the author of The Science of Stuck, The Getting Unstuck Workbook, and now Align Your Mind.Based in Kansas Citybrittfrank.comInstagram: @BrittFrank About Your HostChris Schembra is the Wall Street Journal bestselling author of Gratitude Through Hard Times and founder of the 7:47 Gratitude Experience™, which has impacted hundreds of thousands through the power of meaningful connection. He's been featured in Rolling Stone, USA Today, Forbes, and beyond—and hosts this podcast as a space for leaders to explore the intersection of hardship, hope, and human potential.

Welcome back to another episode of Gratitude Through Hard Times! Today, your host Chris Schembra is joined by the insightful and inspiring Dr. Steve Elias, Dean of the Katz School of Business at Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado. Amidst the polar vortex sweeping through New York City, we dive into a heartwarming discussion about mentorship, leadership, and the power of gratitude in shaping our personal and professional journeys. Tune in as we explore how small acts of kindness, mutual respect, and a commitment to connection can create a lasting impact in our lives and communities.In This Episode, You'll Learn:How a simple shoulder tap can change the course of a careerThe importance of mentorship and building reciprocal relationshipsLessons from Governor Gary Carruthers on leadership and respect across differencesWhy celebrating the success of others (Mudita) is key to fulfillmentThe Platinum Rule: Treating others the way they want to be treatedHow small, cumulative actions can create meaningful changePractical ways to express gratitude, even to those who are no longer with usGuest Bio: Dr. Steve Elias is an experienced and approachable leader who knows how to bring people together and create positive change. As the Dean of the Katz School of Business at Fort Lewis College, he has worked hard to improve teamwork, build partnerships, and develop strategies that make a real difference for students, staff, faculty members, and the community. Steve is known for being down-to-earth and easy to talk to, with a leadership style based on open communication, fairness, and collaboration. With a background in applied social psychology and years of experience at Minority Serving Institutions, he understands people's needs and makes them feel included and supported. Steve has a gift for inspiring others, building strong relationships, and finding creative ways to help organizations grow and succeed.Episode Highlights:[00:03:15] Chris introduces Dr. Steve Elias and the story of how they met in Durango, Colorado.[00:07:45] Steve shares his gratitude for Governor Gary Carruthers and the pivotal moment he was "tapped on the shoulder."[00:14:30] The Platinum Rule in leadership: why treating people how they want to be treated matters.[00:21:10] Finding joy in the success of others - the power of Mudita.[00:28:50] Overcoming the challenge of appreciating personal accomplishments without feeling egotistical.[00:35:20] Chris and Steve reflect on the impact of small, everyday acts of gratitude.[00:42:10] Exploring the legacy of Bob Graetz and his contributions to the civil rights movement.[00:49:00] Practical advice for leaders on building a culture of recognition and gratitude in the workplace.Resources Mentioned:ResearchGate profile of Dr. Steve EliasDeviant and Criminal Behavior in the Workplace by Dr. Steve EliasMaria's Bookshop in Durango, ColoradoThe Platinum Rule conceptHarvard Study on Adult Development by Dr. Robert WaldingerA&E Biography of Bob GraetzKey Takeaways:Celebrate the success of others and recognize the role you've played in their journey.Small gestures, like lighting a candle or sending a kind message, have a profound impact.Gratitude should be practiced daily and can help overcome regret and guilt.Leaders should focus on relationship-building and understanding their team's unique needs.Call to Action: If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to Gratitude Through Hard Times and share it with someone who could use a little inspiration today. Have thoughts or questions about this episode? We'd love to hear from you! 

Welcome to a soul-stirring episode of Gratitude Through Hard Times with your host, Chris Schembra. Set against the festive backdrop of New York City during the holiday season, this conversation is an inspiring reminder of the power of gratitude, connection, and intentional living. Joining Chris is Felipe Gómez, a world-renowned thought leader, virtuoso pianist, and keynote speaker who has captivated audiences across 33 countries with his unique blend of music and leadership insights.Felipe's journey is nothing short of extraordinary. From his early days learning piano under a patient and dedicated teacher to delivering over 1,000 electrifying performances on global stages, Felipe's life is a testament to the power of passion and purpose. As a speaker, he combines ancient philosophies, modern leadership principles, and his prodigious musical talent to create experiences that resonate deeply with audiences. In this episode, Felipe and Chris unpack timeless lessons on gratitude, love, learning, and leadership, offering listeners a playbook for transformational living.Chris kicks off the episode with his signature warmth, reminding us all of the magic of small moments and the power of shared experiences. Felipe's reflections on his first piano teacher, Clara Lucia Sanchez, lay the foundation for a conversation that seamlessly weaves personal stories with actionable insights. Together, Chris and Felipe explore themes like the tension and release of life, the science of gratitude, and the profound impact of small, intentional choices.Felipe's philosophy is rooted in Aristotle's golden mean—the balance between excess and deficiency—and he brings this ancient wisdom to life with practical examples and heartfelt anecdotes. He also highlights the transformative power of listening, encouraging leaders to embrace questions like “Tell me more” and “How can I help?” to build trust, empathy, and connection. Throughout the episode, Felipe and Chris demonstrate how gratitude, music, and human connection can serve as antidotes to a world often consumed by division and distraction.As they close out the conversation, Chris and Felipe share their vision for a live event series that combines their passions—food, music, and leadership—to inspire and unite communities. This episode is a masterclass in finding beauty in the everyday, cultivating resilience, and making the choice to live with gratitude and purpose. What You'll Learn in This Episode:Felipe reflects on the life-changing impact of his first piano teacher and how her dedication inspired his lifelong love of music.Chris and Felipe explore the golden mean, Aristotle's philosophy of balance, and how it applies to modern leadership and life.The importance of listening as a leadership skill is unpacked, with Felipe urging listeners to ask powerful questions like “Tell me more.”Chris shares the science of gratitude, detailing how it improves physical health, mental resilience, and overall happiness.Felipe draws a parallel between life and music, emphasizing the rhythm of tension and release as essential for growth and harmony.Together, they discuss how small, daily choices to learn, love, and explore can lead to a more meaningful and joyful life. Notable Quotes:"Gratitude is the bridge between where we are and where we want to be." – Chris Schembra"We are designed to learn, to explore, and to love—every day is a chance to do all three." – Felipe Gómez"The most profound moments of joy come when we serve others, not ourselves." – Felipe Gómez"Ingratitude is the seed of all wickedness—it's time we turn it into gratitude and growth." – Chris Schembra"Listening is an act of love, and it opens the door to empathy, understanding, and trust." – Felipe Gómez"Tension is part of life, but release is where growth happens. Don't dwell in the tension." – Chris Schembra"Love, in its truest form, is the ultimate virtue—it has no limits, only power to transform." – Felipe Gómez"If you want to live a life of gratitude, don't wait for the big moments. Start with the small ones." – Chris Schembra"In every conversation, the most important thing isn't what's said—it's what remains unsaid." – Felipe Gómez"Virtue is found in the balance—between excess and deficiency lies the path to greatness." – Felipe Gómez"The greatest civilizations crumbled when gratitude disappeared. Let's not repeat history." – Chris Schembra"To become virtuous, you have to act virtuously. Justice requires acts of justice, love requires acts of love." – Felipe Gómez"Gratitude is more than a feeling—it's a tool for healing, hope, and humanity." – Chris Schembra"Ask two questions every day: 'Tell me more' and 'How can I help?' These will change your life." – Felipe Gómez"You don't need permission or privilege to make the choice to learn, explore, and love. It's yours to claim every day." – Chris Schembra Actionable Takeaways:Gratitude fuels growth: It fosters healing, connection, and personal transformation.The power of small choices: Everyday acts of learning, exploring, and loving lead to a meaningful life.Listen to lead: Effective listening builds trust, empathy, and innovation in leadership and life.Tension and release: Life's challenges are part of a rhythm—embrace the tension and find moments of release to thrive. ABOUT OUR GUEST:Felipe Gómez is a globally renowned speaker, virtuoso pianist, and thought leader whose work bridges the worlds of music, leadership, and personal transformation. With over 1,000 captivating performances delivered in 33 countries and 111 cities, Felipe has earned standing ovations from audiences around the world. His unique ability to blend classical music with practical leadership insights makes him one of the most sought-after keynote speakers today.Felipe's success is built on his extensive experience as an entrepreneur, business leader, and artist. He has delivered his message at some of the world's most prestigious management and leadership forums, including the Global Peter Drucker Forum, the Oslo Business Forum, and the World Business Forum in New York, Madrid, Milan, and Sydney.In his keynote presentations, Felipe uses a grand piano on stage to create a deeply interactive and transformative experience. Through music, he teaches profound lessons on leadership, trust, innovation, and teamwork, inspiring individuals and organizations to achieve greatness. His philosophy is rooted in the teachings of Aristotle and the concept of the “golden mean,” which he applies to modern challenges in life and business.Felipe is also a celebrated author. His best-selling book, Attitude-E, offers practical frameworks for living with an entrepreneurial mindset, while his upcoming release, Virtuoso, explores the art of living and leading with excellence. Felipe hosts Pensando en Voz Alta, a weekly interview program where he engages with global leaders on topics of creativity, resilience, and transformation.Born in Colombia, Felipe holds an MBA from the International Institute for Management Development (IMD) in Switzerland, where he also completed a program on Leading Digital Business Transformation. He combines his global perspective with the sensibility of an artist, delivering a message that resonates across cultures and industries.Whether he's inspiring corporate executives, performing on stage, or engaging with audiences through his 42-Day Listening Challenge, Felipe's mission is clear: to help people orchestrate transformational change in their personal and professional lives. Connect with Felipe Gómez:Website: Learn more about Felipe's work and upcoming events.Felipe GomezLinkedIn: Connect with Felipe on LinkedIn. ABOUT OUR HOST:Chris Schembra is the Wall Street Journal bestselling author of Gratitude Through Hard Times and Gratitude and Pasta. USA Today calls him their "Gratitude Guru", he's a Founding Member of Rolling Stone Magazine's Culture Council, and he sits on the Executive Board at Fast Company Magazine.He is the Founder and Chief Question Asker of the 7:47 Gratitude Experience™ — an evidence-based framework used to strengthen client and team relationships in profound ways. He's used the principles of gratitude to spark thousands of relationships within the workplace. FOLLOW CHRIS:**WEBSITE |INSTAGRAM |LINKEDIN |BOOKS** RESOURCES MENTIONED:Felipe's 42-Day Listening Program: Subscribe for a daily dose of classical music and reflection.Chris Schembra's Book: Gratitude Through Hard Times: Finding Positive Benefits Through Our Darkest Hour.Adam Grant's Book: Give and Take: Why Helping Others Drives Our Success.Barbara Fredrickson's Research: Learn about the broaden-and-build theory of positive emotions.

In this captivating episode of Gratitude Through Hard Times, host Chris Schembra welcomes innovation expert, entrepreneur, and jazz musician Josh Linkner to explore the profound connection between creativity, gratitude, and success. Josh, a New York Times bestselling author and founder of five tech companies, shares how his diverse experiences—from navigating high-stakes business ventures to performing over 1,000 jazz concerts—have shaped his unique philosophy on unlocking human potential.Josh dives deep into the principles behind his latest book, Big Little Breakthroughs: How Small Everyday Innovations Drive Oversized Results. He explains how small, consistent acts of creativity—not risky moonshots—are the key to driving transformational outcomes in business and life. Together, Josh and Chris unpack the importance of mindset, the power of gratitude in unleashing creative potential, and why celebrating others' success (a concept known as Mudita) can bring unparalleled fulfillment.This episode is packed with actionable insights, including Josh's “Two-Minute Creativity Ritual” for daily innovation and his revolutionary approach to brainstorming—“Role Storming”—that encourages you to think outside the box by stepping into a new persona. Josh also shares vulnerable stories of overcoming self-doubt, from learning to sing in his 50s to embracing mistakes as vital stepping stones to greatness.Whether you're an entrepreneur seeking fresh ideas, a leader looking to inspire your team, or simply someone striving for a more creative and fulfilling life, this conversation offers a roadmap to transform fear into curiosity, inaction into experimentation, and stagnation into growth. Prepare to be inspired to awaken your inner artist and embrace the small, deliberate acts of creativity that can lead to life-changing results.Grab a notebook, settle in, and get ready to tap into the power of gratitude, belief, and everyday innovation to create a life filled with purpose and possibility. What You'll Learn in This Episode:The Power of Gratitude: How gratitude opens the door to creativity, minimizes fear, and enhances problem-solving.Big Little Breakthroughs: Why small, incremental innovations often outperform giant moonshots in driving success.The Two-Minute Creativity Ritual: A simple daily practice to cultivate creative thinking in just two minutes.Role Storming vs. Brainstorming: A fun and effective technique for generating bold ideas by stepping into a character or role.Overcoming Limiting Beliefs: How Josh shattered his own self-imposed limits by learning to sing at 50—and how you can tackle your own doubts.Mudita: The joy of celebrating others' success and its transformative impact on personal and professional growth. Notable Quotes:"Gratitude is the antidote to fear and suffering. It helps us plug into our creative potential and see the world through a lens of abundance." — Josh Linkner"Instead of ‘I'll believe it when I see it,' shift to ‘I'll see it when I believe it.' Belief is the starting point for innovation." — Josh Linkner"We're all artists. Whether you're a chef, a trial lawyer, or a parent, creativity is about challenging norms and creating something new." — Josh Linkner"The riskiest move is often inaction. Small creative experiments allow us to de-risk and learn as we go." — Josh Linkner"Gratitude doesn't just shift perspective; it opens the door to innovation and creates space for others to succeed alongside us." — Chris Schembra Actionable Takeaways:Try the Two-Minute Creativity Workout: Spend one minute immersing yourself in another's creativity (e.g., music, art, poetry) and one minute brainstorming solutions to an unrelated problem.Challenge a Limiting Belief: Identify something you've told yourself you “can't do,” and take one small step to prove yourself wrong.Practice Role Storming: At your next team meeting, role-play as someone like Lady Gaga, Yoda, or an alien to generate bold ideas without fear of judgment.Reflect on Gratitude: Answer the question, “Who's one person you've never thanked, but whose impact on your life deserves recognition?” Take action to express that gratitude. ABOUT OUR GUEST:Josh Linkner— a New York Times bestselling author — is a rare blend of business, art, and science. On the business front, he's been the founder and CEO of five tech companies, which created over 10,000 jobs and sold for a combined value of over $200 million. He's the co-founder and Managing Partner of Muditā (moo-DEE-tah) Venture Partners - an early-stage venture capital firm investing in groundbreaking technologies. Over the last 30 years, he's helped over 100 startups launch and scale, creating over $1 billion in investor returns. He's twice been named the EY Entrepreneur of The Year and is the recipient of the United States Presidential Champion of Change Award. While proud of his business success, his roots are in the dangerous world of jazz music. He's been playing guitar in smoky jazz clubs for 40 years, studied at the prestigious Berklee College of Music, and has performed over 1000 concerts around the world. His experiences in both business and music led him to become one of the world's foremost experts on innovation. Josh is the co-founder and Chairman of Platypus Labs, a global research, training, and consulting firm. Today, he's on a mission to help leaders Find A WayTM through creative problem-solving, inventive thinking, and ingenuity. FOLLOW JOSH:Website:joshlinkner.comLinkedIn:Josh LinknerInstagram:@joshlinknerTwitter:@JoshLinkner ABOUT OUR HOST:Chris Schembra is the Wall Street Journal bestselling author of Gratitude Through Hard Times and Gratitude and Pasta. USA Today calls him their "Gratitude Guru", he's a Founding Member of Rolling Stone Magazine's Culture Council, and he sits on the Executive Board at Fast Company Magazine.He is the Founder and Chief Question Asker of the 7:47 Gratitude Experience™ — an evidence-based framework used to strengthen client and team relationships in profound ways. He's used the principles of gratitude to spark thousands of relationships within the workplace. FOLLOW CHRIS:**WEBSITE |INSTAGRAM |LINKEDIN |BOOKS** RESOURCES MENTIONED:Josh Linkner's Latest Book: Big Little Breakthroughs: How Small Everyday Innovations Drive Oversized ResultsMudita Venture Partners: WebsitePlatypus Labs: WebsiteFelipe Gomez's Art of Listening: Subscribe

In this inspiring episode of Gratitude Through Hard Times, host Chris Schembra sits down with David Landman, a former senior HR executive at Goldman Sachs, to explore his transformative journey from corporate success to living a life centered on joy, gratitude, and purpose.David, who is passionate about making work more sustainable, fulfilling, and inclusive for everyone, shares how his career transition was sparked by a desire to escape stagnation and create a more meaningful life. After 20 years at Goldman Sachs, David now dedicates his time to supporting visionary founders, investors, and innovators who are redefining what it means to thrive in the workplace.Through his work, David:Advises some of the world's most innovative HR tech startups and venture capitalists.Builds communities of CHROs and HR executives passionate about giving back.Shares his knowledge with the next generation of HR leaders.In the episode, David introduces “The Long Exhale,” a framework for rediscovering joy and purpose. He shares actionable steps for leaders to break free from burnout, foster gratitude, and create lasting impact—both in their personal and professional lives.This conversation is filled with practical insights, including how to:Take small actions to get unstuck.Shift from an inward to an outward mindset.Adopt an abundance mindset and embrace joy over achievement.David's guiding principle is clear: When we lift others up, we can all succeed. This episode is a call to action for leaders and changemakers to co-create a better future of work together, fueled by empathy, gratitude, and human connection. Key Discussion Points:David's Journey from Corporate Executive to Joyful LivingSigns of Feeling StuckThe Long Exhale FrameworkThe Role of Gratitude in Leadership and LifeRedefining SuccessNature as a Tool for Perspective and RenewalChallenges of Transitioning to a New Way of BeingPractical Actions for Leaders and IndividualsDavid's Vision for the Future of WorkThe Call to Rediscover JoyNotable Quotes:David Landman:“I'm working for joy now, and it's so freaking amazing.”Chris Schembra:“Misery is optional. Let's rediscover joy and wake up to the beauties of life.”David Landman:“The Long Exhale is about relaxing into the moment, finding gratitude, and following the things that bring you purpose and joy.”David Landman:“When we lift others up, we can all succeed. Let's co-create a better future of work together.”Chris Schembra:“Just because you find your purpose doesn't mean the journey will be all sunshine, rainbows, and unicorns. But it will be worth it.”David Landman:“I was stuck, not because I didn't know what to do next, but because I was afraid to take that first step. Small actions are the key to big transformations.”David Landman:“I spent 20 years climbing the corporate ladder, and now I've discovered the joy of walking the forest trail.”Chris Schembra:“Adopting an outward mindset opens the door to connection, gratitude, and rediscovering joy.”David Landman:“Life doesn't have to be about rigid plans or fixed destinations. It's about following the breadcrumbs of what brings you joy and meaning.”Chris Schembra:“Gratitude isn't just a feeling—it's a practice that can transform your relationships, your leadership, and your life. ABOUT OUR GUEST:David Landman is a seasoned Human Resources executive with a distinguished career, primarily spent at Goldman Sachs where he served for over 20 years. As the Global Head of Talent Development and a member of the Human Capital Management Executive Committee, he played a pivotal role in shaping the firm's talent strategy and implementing strategic initiatives that drove business performance and enhanced diversity. Renowned for his expertise in talent practices, Landman's work has been featured in notable publications such as Forbes. Following his tenure at Goldman Sachs, he has dedicated his time to supporting visionary companies and innovators, serving as an advisor to HR technology companies and leading the CHRO community at PeopleTech Enterprise. An active speaker at institutions like Columbia University and a participant in various conferences and podcasts, Landman emphasizes the importance of feedback in personal and professional growth. He recently joined Loupe's Advisory Board, where he promotes employee development and feedback as key business priorities, advocating for a humane, connected, and fulfilling work environment. Connect with David Landman:LinkedIn:David LandmanABOUT OUR HOST:Chris Schembra is the Wall Street Journal bestselling author of Gratitude Through Hard Times and Gratitude and Pasta. USA Today calls him their "Gratitude Guru", he's a Founding Member of Rolling Stone Magazine's Culture Council, and he sits on the Executive Board at Fast Company Magazine.He is the Founder and Chief Question Asker of the 7:47 Gratitude Experience™ — an evidence-based framework used to strengthen client and team relationships in profound ways. He's used the principles of gratitude to spark thousands of relationships within the workplace.FOLLOW CHRIS:**WEBSITE |INSTAGRAM |LINKEDIN |BOOKS** Resources Mentioned:Book: 4,000 Weeks: Time Management for Mortals by Oliver BurkemanPractice: Japanese Forest Bathing (Shinrin Yoku)

In this insightful episode of Gratitude Through Hard Times, host Chris Schembra welcomes Mitch Warner, Managing Partner at The Arbinger Institute and co-author of Leadership and Self-Deception. Mitch guides us through the core principles of Arbinger's groundbreaking work, exploring the central idea of self-deception—a psychological barrier that prevents individuals from seeing others clearly and, ultimately, impedes personal and organizational growth.Mitch introduces the concept of self-deception as the tendency to see ourselves inaccurately, often with a biased or distorted lens, which leads us to misjudge others as obstacles or tools rather than as people with legitimate needs and perspectives. This inward mindset results from what Arbinger terms self-betrayal, a failure to act on our internal sense of how we should treat others. Mitch emphasizes that self-deception is not just a personal issue but a core problem in organizations, affecting everything from team collaboration to leadership effectiveness. He explains how leaders unwittingly create and sustain the very conflicts they seek to resolve by failing to see their own role in the challenges they face.The discussion shifts to Arbinger's proposed solution: shifting from an inward mindset to an outward mindset. Mitch explains that an inward mindset centers on self-justification, blame, and defensiveness, where others are seen merely as obstacles or means to achieve personal goals. By contrast, an outward mindset recognizes others as individuals with needs, goals, and aspirations as real as our own. Mitch discusses how adopting an outward mindset can transform workplaces, leading to stronger relationships, better communication, higher accountability, and improved results.One of the most powerful concepts discussed is the idea of collusion—a cycle of conflict where two or more people reinforce each other's negative behaviors. Mitch describes how this dynamic is fueled by self-deception, as individuals are more focused on defending their own views than understanding others' perspectives. Collusion often manifests as blame, resentment, and resistance, creating silos and perpetuating dysfunction in teams. Mitch explains that breaking the cycle of collusion requires leaders to first recognize their own part in the conflict, shifting their focus from changing others to changing themselves.Mitch also offers insights into the updated 4th edition of Leadership and Self-Deception, which features modernized examples, diverse characters, and new scenarios that address contemporary workplace challenges. The new edition incorporates practical tools and study guides to help readers apply Arbinger's principles in both personal and professional contexts. Mitch outlines some of these tools, such as identifying moments of self-betrayal, practicing active curiosity about others, and implementing feedback loops that promote transparency and accountability.The episode concludes with a discussion of why these concepts are particularly relevant today. Mitch emphasizes that in a world marked by uncertainty, division, and rapid change, the ability to see others clearly and adopt an outward mindset is more urgent than ever. He explains how leaders who embrace these principles can create workplaces that are more inclusive, resilient, and adaptable. By fostering cultures where people are genuinely seen and valued, organizations can enhance performance, improve retention, and unlock greater potential at every level.Why You Should Listen:If you're a leader, manager, or someone interested in personal development, this episode offers a practical framework for understanding how mindset shapes behavior, relationships, and organizational outcomes. Mitch Warner presents Arbinger's concepts with clarity, making complex psychological principles accessible and actionable. Whether you're facing communication breakdowns, conflict, or disengagement within your team, the concepts of self-deception, collusion, and outward mindset will provide you with new ways to diagnose and address root problems. By applying these principles, you can transform not only your leadership but also your everyday interactions, creating deeper connections and achieving sustainable results. Key Discussion Points:Self-Deception as a Barrier to Leadership.The Inward vs. Outward Mindset.Collusion: A Cycle of Blame and Justification.Self-Betrayal as the Root of Dysfunction.Practical Tools for Mindset Shift. Notable Quotes:“Self-deception isn't about the other person—it's about us and the stories we create to justify our behavior.” — Mitch Warner“To change others, leaders must first change themselves. It starts by seeing our own contributions to the problems we face.” — Mitch Warner“When leaders have the courage to recognize how they contribute to problems, they open the door to transformational change—not just for themselves, but for their entire organizations.” — Mitch Warner“Imagine a workplace where no one has an image to protect—where people are fully open to feedback and focused solely on the mission.” — Mitch Warner“We often create the very conflicts we seek to resolve by failing to see others clearly and acting from a place of self-deception.” — Mitch Warner“Gratitude is one of the tools that can shift us from an inward to an outward mindset, helping us to acknowledge the humanity and value of others.” — Chris Schembra Action Items:Subscribe: If this conversation resonated with you, don't forget to subscribe for more heart-centered discussions on leadership, empathy, and gratitude.Share: Send this episode to someone who could use inspiration and a reminder to practice gratitude.Reflect: Who in your life deserves a thank you? Take a moment today to reach out and express your gratitude. ABOUT OUR GUEST:Mitch Warner is a bestselling author and Arbinger managing partner with a background in healthcare and organizational turnaround. Mitch is the co-author of Arbinger's latest bestseller, The Outward Mindset. He writes frequently on the practical effects of mindset at the individual and organizational levels as well as the role of leadership in transforming organizational culture and results. He is an expert on mindset and culture change, leadership, strategy, performance management, organizational turnaround, and conflict resolution. Mitch is a sought-after speaker to organizations across a range of industries, bringing his practical experience to bear for leaders of corporations, governments, and organizations across the globe. Specific clients include NASA, Citrix, Aflac, the U.S. Army and Air Force, the Treasury Executive Institute, and Intermountain Healthcare. Mitch carries his first-hand perspective as a proven leader into his speeches and facilitation, dynamically bringing Arbinger's concepts and tools to life through his powerful stories and hands-on experience. His audiences leave inspired to improve and equipped with a practical roadmap to effect immediate change. In his role as managing partner, Mitch directs the development of Arbinger's intellectual property, training and consulting programs, and highly customized largescale organizational change initiatives. He has been instrumental in Arbinger's rapid growth, including its expanding international presence in nearly 30 countries. Mitch received his B.A. in philosophy and is a licensed nursing administrator. Trained in fine art at the Art Students League and the National Academy, he spends much of his free time painting. His work hangs in organizations nationwide. FOLLOW MITCH:Leadership and Self-Deception (4th Edition):Amazon LinkThe Arbinger Institute:WebsiteFollow Mitch Warner on LinkedIn:LinkedIn ProfileFollow the Arbinger Institute on Twitter:@ArbingerInst ABOUT OUR HOST:Chris Schembra is the Wall Street Journal bestselling author of Gratitude Through Hard Times and Gratitude and Pasta. USA Today calls him their "Gratitude Guru", he's a Founding Member of Rolling Stone Magazine's Culture Council, and he sits on the Executive Board at Fast Company Magazine.He is the Founder and Chief Question Asker of the 7:47 Gratitude Experience™ — an evidence-based framework used to strengthen client and team relationships in profound ways. He's used the principles of gratitude to spark thousands of relationships within the workplace. FOLLOW CHRIS:**WEBSITE |INSTAGRAM |LINKEDIN |BOOKS**

In this deeply moving and insightful episode of Gratitude Through Hard Times, host Chris Schembra engages in a heartfelt conversation with Sandeep Angra, Chief Information and Technology Officer (CIO/CTO) of the 40,000 person strong company, Unifi, the largest airport ground-handling company in North America and Europe. With over three decades of IT leadership experience spanning various industries, Sandeep's professional achievements are significant, but today's conversation takes us beyond his impressive resume.This episode focuses on the themes of gratitude, humility, and spirituality, offering listeners a rare glimpse into the personal beliefs and life lessons that have shaped Sandeep's journey. He reflects on his upbringing in a small village in India, where his parents made enormous sacrifices to provide him with the opportunity to pursue education—a theme that resonates deeply throughout the episode. Sandeep's father, a schoolteacher who walked 15 kilometers to work to save money for his children's tuition, and his mother, a primary school teacher, instilled in him values of hard work, humility, and gratitude that continue to guide him today.Sandeep's personal philosophy centers on the belief that gratitude is the cornerstone of success, both in life and leadership. He speaks candidly about the importance of acknowledging the people who have supported us along the way—whether they are still with us or not—and how expressing gratitude strengthens both personal and professional relationships. Throughout the conversation, Sandeep delves into his spiritual beliefs, sharing his thoughts on karma, incarnation, and the interconnectedness of life, drawing on influences from both Eastern philosophy and scientific thought, such as Einstein's reflections on the nature of reality.Listeners are invited to consider three essential questions: Who am I? Why am I here? How can I help others? These questions form the foundation of Sandeep's life philosophy, one that calls us to live with purpose, to give selflessly, and to remain humble regardless of external achievements.The episode is not just a reflection on leadership in business, but also on the leadership of the heart—how empathy, kindness, and serving others can lead to both personal fulfillment and professional success. Sandeep shares stories from his career in global IT leadership, highlighting the ways in which gratitude and humility have not only helped him navigate challenges but have also allowed him to build high-performing teams, implement transformative technology projects, and align corporate objectives with human values.Chris and Sandeep also explore the power of giving without expectation—a recurring theme that underscores the entire conversation. In a world that often values material success and self-promotion, Sandeep reminds us that true fulfillment comes from giving generously, whether through acts of kindness, mentorship, or simply acknowledging the contributions of others.By the end of the episode, listeners will walk away with not just actionable leadership advice, but a renewed sense of purpose and a deeper understanding of how gratitude can enrich both their personal and professional lives. Sandeep's wisdom reminds us that the journey of giving, whether to our families, our communities, or even to strangers, is a difficult but immensely rewarding one—one that ultimately defines our legacy.Whether you're an executive, a leader, or simply someone seeking more meaning in life, this episode offers valuable insights into how we can all lead with humility, harness the power of gratitude, and create a more compassionate, connected world. Key Discussion Points:Sandeep's Humble Beginnings: Growing up in a small village in India, with parents who sacrificed everything to ensure their children received a quality education.Gratitude for Life's Guides: Sandeep reflects on the people who shaped his journey, including his parents, teachers, and his wife, who supported him through difficult decisions.Living with Gratitude and Humility: The importance of giving thanks and remaining humble, no matter where life takes you.Spiritual Reflections: How spirituality and karma play a significant role in Sandeep's approach to life, including his belief in reincarnation and universal connection.Leadership through Service: Sandeep shares the idea that true leadership is about serving others selflessly, and how that has been the foundation of his career.Applying Gratitude to Everyday Life: Simple yet profound questions everyone should ask themselves: "Who am I?" and "How can I help?"Notable Quotes:Sandeep Angra: "If you want to attract good, you must be good. What you give to the world is what you will get in return. That is the law of karma."Chris Schembra: "To do something without expecting anything in return is the most difficult journey a human being will take."Sandeep Angra: "You cannot give to the world what you don't have. If you have anger, that's what you'll give. If you have kindness, that's what you'll give."Action Items:Subscribe: If this conversation resonated with you, don't forget to subscribe for more heart-centered discussions on leadership, empathy, and gratitude.Share: Send this episode to someone who could use inspiration and a reminder to practice gratitude.Reflect: Who in your life deserves a thank you? Take a moment today to reach out and express your gratitude. ABOUT OUR GUEST:Sandeep Angra is the Chief Information and Technology Officer (CIO/CTO) for the largest airport ground handling company, which operates across more than 250 airports in Europe and North America. With over 30 years of experience in IT leadership, Sandeep has worked in industries including Big4 consulting, travel and logistics, pharmaceuticals, financial services, and consumer goods. He has led a range of digital transformation projects, such as ERP implementation, Cloud Adoption, AI/ML integration, and Automation, managing budgets up to $250 million. These projects have contributed to business growth, improved customer value, increased productivity, and cost reductions. Sandeep is experienced in building teams, developing IT strategies, and aligning technology initiatives with business objectives.ABOUT OUR HOST:Chris Schembra is the Wall Street Journal bestselling author of Gratitude Through Hard Times and Gratitude and Pasta. USA Today calls him their "Gratitude Guru", he's a Founding Member of Rolling Stone Magazine's Culture Council, and he sits on the Executive Board at Fast Company Magazine.He is the Founder and Chief Question Asker of the 7:47 Gratitude Experience™ — an evidence-based framework used to strengthen client and team relationships in profound ways. He's used the principles of gratitude to spark thousands of relationships within the workplace.FOLLOW CHRIS:**WEBSITE |INSTAGRAM |LINKEDIN |BOOKS**

In this insightful episode of Gratitude Through Hard Times, host Chris Schembra sits down with Michael J. O'Brien, founder of The BluePrint Toolset®, Inc., to explore how leaders can ignite the joy of work and foster positive cultural transformation within organizations. With over 35 years of experience coaching executives and consulting across diverse industries, Michael shares his journey from finance to becoming a leader in behavioral economics and corporate culture.Michael explains the significance of focusing on strengths through appreciative inquiry—shifting attention from solving problems to amplifying what works well. He introduces his coaching model based on five key questions that help leaders foster growth and resilience in their teams. They discuss how mindset plays a crucial role in shaping outcomes, drawing on Barbara Fredrickson's Broaden and Build Theory to highlight how positive emotions drive innovation and productivity.The conversation also touches on the parallels between leadership and parenting, emphasizing the importance of helping others grow independently. Michael reflects on the power of gratitude in overcoming adversity and building resilient teams. They discuss the negativity bias, which makes it easier to focus on problems, and how cultivating a mindset of gratitude can break this cycle, leading to greater fulfillment.The episode closes with an exploration of whether kindness is on the rise or decline, with both Chris and Michael asserting that while negativity captures our attention, acts of kindness are more prevalent than we think. This episode is packed with valuable insights for leaders and anyone looking to bring more joy, purpose, and positivity into their work and life. Key Discussion Points:From Problem Solving to Possibility Thinking:Michael's BluePrint Toolset helps leaders unlock their teams' potential through positive psychology and mindset shifts.Focus on what's working and build on that through appreciative inquiry.The Importance of Joy in Work:Instead of striving for happiness, aim for joy and flow in work. When people find joy in their work, productivity and fulfillment follow.Michael highlights that joy can be as rewarding in the workplace as it is in personal hobbies.Leadership & Parenting Parallels:Michael draws a parallel between leadership and parenting, stressing that great leaders inspire and develop others, much like a good parent fosters growth in their children.He encourages leaders to focus on the long-term development of their teams and help them see how their efforts make a difference.Gratitude & Growth in the Face of Adversity:Gratitude plays a crucial role in personal and professional growth. Adversity, if reframed positively, can lead to resilience and transformative change.Referencing research, both Michael and Chris discuss how mindset and gratitude can create an upward spiral of growth and fulfillment.Shifting from Negativity to Opportunity:The human brain has a natural bias towards negativity, but by shifting focus to positive experiences and possibilities, leaders can create a more optimistic, resilient, and productive culture. Notable Quotes:“To go from average to amazing requires appreciative inquiry. It's about focusing on what's working and finding ways to do more of it.” – Michael J. O'Brien“Joy in work leads to happiness, not the other way around.” – Michael J. O'Brien“Gratitude shifts our perspective, which shifts our beliefs, our actions, and ultimately our reality.” – Chris Schembra Action Items:Take the Blueprint Toolset® Assessment: Unlock your organization's potential and enhance your team's leadership abilities.Practice Appreciative Inquiry: Begin asking your team members about their recent successes and how you can help them grow. Implement Michael's five questions for regular one-on-one check-ins. ABOUT OUR GUEST:Michael J. O'Brien is the visionary founder of The BluePrint Toolset®, Inc., a platform that transforms intangible cultural insights into actionable strategies for organizations, leaders, and teams. With a diverse background in finance, economics, and human behavior, Michael has been guiding organizations to success for over 35 years. He has personally coached over 5,000 senior executives across six continents and co-authored ThinkBanking & Corporate Webbing — 50 Secrets to Success in the Digital Age. Michael currently resides in Houston, Texas, with his wife Angela and their dogs, Luna and Daisy.DOWNLOAD MICHAEL'S NEWEST BOOK ABOUT OUR HOST:Chris Schembra is the Wall Street Journal bestselling author of Gratitude Through Hard Times and Gratitude and Pasta. USA Today calls him their "Gratitude Guru", he's a Founding Member of Rolling Stone Magazine's Culture Council, and he sits on the Executive Board at Fast Company Magazine.He is the Founder and Chief Question Asker of the 7:47 Gratitude Experience™ — an evidence-based framework used to strengthen client and team relationships in profound ways. He's used the principles of gratitude to spark thousands of relationships within the workplace.FOLLOW CHRIS:**WEBSITE |INSTAGRAM |LINKEDIN |BOOKS**

In this powerful episode of Gratitude Through Hard Times, host Chris Schembra engages in a deep and insightful conversation with Dr. Tony Nader, a leading neuroscientist, global head of the Transcendental Meditation (TM) movement, and author of the groundbreaking book Consciousness Is All There Is. Together, they explore the profound impact of understanding and expanding consciousness on personal well-being and collective transformation.Dr. Nader shares his journey from his early life in Lebanon to his academic pursuits at MIT and Harvard Medical School, and ultimately to his role as a global leader in the TM movement. He explains the core idea that consciousness is the foundation of reality, challenging the traditional belief that the material world is the primary source of existence. The discussion dives into the four states of consciousness—sleeping, dreaming, waking, and transcendental consciousness—and how TM uniquely allows access to a deeper, more restful state that enhances creativity, peace, and fulfillment.Listeners will also learn about the higher states of consciousness—cosmic, God, and unity consciousness—and how they can be achieved through the practice of TM. Dr. Nader emphasizes the practical benefits of regular meditation, including improved health, increased productivity, and a profound sense of inner peace.This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking to understand the deeper aspects of consciousness and how it can transform their life. Whether you're new to meditation or an experienced practitioner, Dr. Nader's insights offer valuable guidance on living a more meaningful and connected life. Key Discussion Points:Core Philosophy of Consciousness:Dr. Nader introduces the central thesis of his book Consciousness Is All There Is, proposing that consciousness is the fundamental reality that shapes everything in existence.He challenges the traditional materialistic worldview that prioritizes physical reality as the basis of life, instead arguing that consciousness is primary and material reality emerges from it.This paradigm shift encourages listeners to reconsider their understanding of reality and their place within it, highlighting the transformative potential of expanded consciousness.The Four States of Consciousness:The episode dives into the four major states of consciousness: sleeping, dreaming, waking, and transcendental consciousness.Dr. Nader explains how TM uniquely facilitates access to transcendental consciousness, a state of restful alertness where the mind is deeply quiet yet fully awake.This fourth state of consciousness is described as a gateway to profound inner peace, heightened creativity, and a deeper sense of fulfillment, distinguishing it from the other three states.Higher States of Consciousness:The discussion expands to the higher states of consciousness: cosmic consciousness, God consciousness, and unity consciousness.Dr. Nader explains that these states represent increasingly refined levels of awareness, where one begins to perceive the interconnectedness of all things and experiences a profound sense of unity with the universe.These advanced states are attainable through consistent practice of TM and contribute to a deeper spiritual awakening, where the individual self merges with the universal self.Practical Benefits of Transcendental Meditation:TM is presented as a simple yet powerful practice that, when done for 20 minutes twice a day, can have significant impacts on both mental and physical health.Dr. Nader outlines the practical benefits, including reduced stress, improved focus, enhanced creativity, and greater emotional resilience.TM is also linked to better sleep, lower blood pressure, and a more balanced nervous system, making it a highly effective tool for overall well-being.Meditate America Initiative:Dr. Nader introduces the Meditate America program, set to launch on September 12th, with participation from celebrities like Hugh Jackman and public figures like the U.S. Surgeon General.The initiative aims to bring the benefits of TM to a broader audience, particularly in America, to address societal challenges such as stress, crime, and public health.The program highlights the potential for TM to not only transform individual lives but also to create positive shifts in collective consciousness, leading to a more peaceful and harmonious society.The Role of Gratitude and Inner Awareness:Chris Schembra and Dr. Nader explore how gratitude plays a crucial role in expanding consciousness by focusing on the sources of our blessings, not just the material outcomes.They discuss the importance of appreciating the creator behind every creation, encouraging listeners to shift their perspective from the external to the internal.The combination of gratitude and meditation is presented as a powerful practice for deepening one's connection to the self and the world, leading to a more meaningful and fulfilling life. Notable Quotes:Dr. Tony Nader:"Consciousness is not just another aspect of life; it is the very foundation of reality itself.""When we dive deep into our consciousness, we discover that we are not just individual waves in the ocean, but the entire ocean itself.""True happiness and fulfillment come not from acquiring more, but from realizing and being more—expanding our awareness to its fullest potential.""The beauty of Transcendental Meditation is that it allows you to connect with the deepest part of yourself, that infinite reservoir of creativity and peace.""In the stillness of transcendence, we find the clarity to see the world as it truly is—not as we think it should be."Chris Schembra:"Meditation is a way to retire within yourself, to find peace in a world that often feels overwhelming.""We often look outside for fulfillment, but the truth is, everything we need is already within us—if we take the time to access it.""By giving ourselves the gift of meditation, we're not just investing in our own well-being, but in the well-being of everyone we interact with.""Dr. Nader's work teaches us that the most profound changes in our lives come from within, from the simple act of being present with our true selves.""Gratitude isn't just about acknowledging what we have; it's about appreciating the source of all that we are and can be." ABOUT OUR GUEST:Dr. Nader is a medical doctor trained at Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (Ph.D. in neuroscience). He was a Clinical and Research Fellow in Neurology at the Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School; and the Assistant Director of the MIT Clinical Research Center. He has conducted research in neurochemistry and neuroendocrinology; the relationship between diet, age, behavior, mood, seasonal influences, and hormonal activity; and the role of neurotransmitter precursors in medicine. As founder and editor-in-chief of the International Journal of Mathematics and Consciousness, Dr. Nader also offered a mathematical model for how the multiplicity of matter arises from a fundamental “singularity” of Transcendental Consciousness. For decades, Dr. Nader worked closely with TM Founder Maharishi Mahesh Yogi on the science of consciousness, which integrates modern research with the broad-based areas of knowledge stemming from the ancient Vedic tradition, including landmark studies in peer-reviewed journals establishing Transcendental Consciousness as a fourth major state of consciousness and expanding the scientific understanding of enlightenment. Today Dr. Nader directs the international organizations that teach the Transcendental Meditation program in over 100 countries and is the definitive authority on the TM technique. ABOUT OUR HOST:Chris Schembra is the Wall Street Journal bestselling author of Gratitude Through Hard Times and Gratitude and Pasta. USA Today calls him their "Gratitude Guru", he's a Founding Member of Rolling Stone Magazine's Culture Council, and he sits on the Executive Board at Fast Company Magazine.He is the Founder and Chief Question Asker of the 7:47 Gratitude Experience™ — an evidence-based framework used to strengthen client and team relationships in profound ways. He's used the principles of gratitude to spark thousands of relationships within the workplace. FOLLOW CHRIS:**WEBSITE |INSTAGRAM |LINKEDIN |BOOKS**

In this episode of Gratitude Through Hard Times, host Chris Schembra sits down with Ash Shehata, Chief Information Officer of AHMC Healthcare System, to explore the intersection of leadership, adaptability, and human connection. Ash shares the story of a life-changing health crisis that transformed his perspective on healthcare and leadership, leading him to adopt a philosophy inspired by the adaptability and humility of water.Chris and Ash dive into the importance of human connection in leadership, emphasizing the value of truly listening to understand rather than just waiting for your turn to speak. Drawing on lessons from Ross Perot Sr., Ash discusses how vulnerability, empathy, and the courage to make mistakes are crucial for effective leadership. They also explore the challenges of the ever-evolving healthcare landscape, highlighting the need for proactive pauses—moments to step back, prioritize, and move forward with purpose.In addition to his professional insights, Ash reflects on how the principles he applies as a father—understanding, listening, and unconditional love—inform his approach to leading a large healthcare organization. Whether you're in healthcare, business, or simply looking to lead a more connected and purposeful life, this episode offers valuable lessons on the power of empathy, adaptability, and human connection. Key Discussion Points:The Philosophy of Water: Ash discusses how a TED Talk on the adaptability of water profoundly influenced his approach to leadership and life. He explains that water's qualities of being adaptable, humble, and harmonious have become central to his personal and professional philosophy (06:42:305).A Life-Altering Health Scare: Ash recounts a near-death experience in 2017 that reshaped his perspective on healthcare delivery and leadership. This moment of vulnerability emphasized the importance of empathy and the human connection in healthcare, leading Ash to re-evaluate the systems he once helped build (08:37:537).Leadership Lessons from Ross Perot Sr.: Ash shares valuable insights learned from working at Perot Systems under Ross Perot Sr. He emphasizes the importance of listening to understand rather than just waiting for a pause to speak, a lesson that has deeply impacted his leadership style (19:56:654).The Power of Human Connection: Reflecting on a dinner party where they first met, Chris and Ash discuss the significance of understanding and connecting with people at a human level. Ash notes that despite the differences in professional roles, we are more alike than different, and it's these shared experiences that bind us together (22:28:042).Navigating Healthcare Challenges: Ash talks about the complexities of the healthcare industry and the importance of taking proactive pauses to evaluate and prioritize initiatives. He shares how sometimes taking two steps back is necessary to move forward with greater clarity and purpose (30:57:397).Closing Thoughts on Fatherhood and Leadership: Although not deeply explored in this episode, Ash's principles of fatherhood—seeking to understand, listening without always solving, remembering childhood complexities, and loving unconditionally—are touched upon as part of his broader leadership and life philosophy (36:28:833). Notable Quotes:"Technology is irrelevant without the human connection, the ability to listen, to support, to understand, to connect." — Chris Schembra"Water is silently successful; it adapts to its environment and grows, nourishes, and feeds. That's how I strive to live my life." — Ash Shehata"Some of the most thought-provoking conversations I've had were during those 47 days in the hospital, where I learned the true power of empathy from the nurses who cared for me." — Ash Shehata"The biggest mistake in leadership today is listening for the pause instead of listening to truly understand the person in front of you." — Chris Schembra"You don't have to be everything to everyone. Sometimes, the most powerful thing you can do is pause, listen, and then respond with intention." — Ash Shehata"Human connection is the foundation of great leadership. We are more alike than different, and it's those shared experiences that bind us together." — Ash Shehata"The unavoidable pause is where growth happens. It's where you step back, evaluate, and decide how to move forward with purpose." — Chris Schembra ABOUT OUR GUEST:Ash Shehata is the Chief Information Officer of AHMC Healthcare System, one of California's largest healthcare providers. With over two decades of experience in the healthcare industry, Ash is known for his innovative approach to technology and leadership. He has played a pivotal role in transforming healthcare delivery by integrating cutting-edge technology with compassionate patient care, overseeing a system that serves over 200,000 patients annually.Ash's leadership philosophy is deeply rooted in adaptability, humility, and empathy, principles that were significantly shaped by a life-altering health crisis in 2017. This experience gave him a unique perspective on the importance of human connection and the critical role of empathy in healthcare. Beyond his professional achievements, Ash is a dedicated father and husband, drawing on his personal life to inform his approach to leadership. He is passionate about fostering environments where teams can thrive by prioritizing human connection, understanding, and the courage to make mistakes.Ash's career has also been influenced by his time at Perot Systems, where he worked under Ross Perot Sr., learning valuable lessons about the importance of listening, understanding, and leading with integrity. Today, Ash continues to advocate for a patient-centered approach to healthcare, combining the latest technological advancements with the timeless values of empathy and human connection. ABOUT OUR HOST:Chris Schembra is the Wall Street Journal bestselling author of Gratitude Through Hard Times and Gratitude and Pasta. USA Today calls him their "Gratitude Guru", he's a Founding Member of Rolling Stone Magazine's Culture Council, and he sits on the Executive Board at Fast Company Magazine.He is the Founder and Chief Question Asker of the 7:47 Gratitude Experience™ — an evidence-based framework used to strengthen client and team relationships in profound ways. He's used the principles of gratitude to spark thousands of relationships within the workplace. FOLLOW CHRIS:**WEBSITE |INSTAGRAM |LINKEDIN |BOOKS**

In this episode of "Gratitude Through Hard Times," host Chris Schembra welcomes Francesco Pastore, the Chief Marketing & Sales Officer and Corporate Communication Director of the global paper leader, Sofidel.Francesco discusses the concept of a "portfolio career," emphasizing the importance of diverse experiences, continuous learning, and adaptability. He shares his strategy for balancing short-term business results with long-term personal and professional growth, using a blend of strategic focus and the Pareto principle (80% execution, 20% learning).The conversation delves into the significance of soft skills in leadership, with Francesco stressing the importance of humility, vulnerability, and communication. He shares his approach to inspiring his team, especially those early in their careers, to invest in their long-term growth.A key takeaway from Francesco's leadership philosophy is the importance of creating space for failure and learning. He highlights how AI can facilitate rapid testing and learning, enabling leaders to fail fast and small, which ultimately drives innovation and growth.Chris and Francesco discuss the role of gratitude in leadership, with Francesco expressing his deep gratitude for his wife, Paola, and how her support has been crucial throughout his career. This moment underscores the personal side of leadership and the power of acknowledging those who support us.In closing, Francesco shares a powerful quote about treating people as they could be, not just as they are, emphasizing the impact of a future-focused leadership approach. Chris echoes this sentiment, reflecting on how envisioning and supporting people's growth can lead to remarkable business outcomes.Join Chris and Francesco in this insightful conversation on leadership, growth, and the power of gratitude.Quotes:"If you treat an individual as he is, he will remain how he is. But if you treat him as if he were what he ought to be and could be, he will become what he ought to be and could be." – Francesco Pastore"Live as if you were going to die tomorrow, learn as if you were going to live forever." – Francesco Pastore's LinkedIn header"When you have space, you can fail more." – Francesco Pastore"Strategy is the ability to say no." – Francesco Pastore"Leadership is not a framework. Leadership is adaptable and you have to programmatically deliver your style of leadership based on what the person needs in the moment." – Francesco Pastore"Soft skills are crucial in this new world of work." – Francesco Pastore"AI helps us fail in a much more healthy way." – Francesco Pastore"You need to test more things. Otherwise, you will just copycat the other and doing marginally better. You want to be much, much better than the other." – Francesco Pastore"You can't chase two rabbits at the same time; they'll both get away. Focus equals growth." – Chris Schembra quoting Dave Lindsey"It's important to fail fast and fail small on a continual basis to achieve the long-term growth in the future." – Chris Schembra"For me, a portfolio career has two directions: one is the core experiences you have had, and the other is the balance between soft skills and hard skills." – Francesco Pastore"Learning agility is the key to navigating different roles, companies, and cultures successfully." – Francesco Pastore"The ability to say no is linked to clear strategy and prioritization. Without this, everything becomes equally important, which means nothing is important." – Francesco Pastore"To me, failure is not the devil. Failure is learning." – Francesco Pastore"A good strategy means building the organization and building the business. You need to know how to build both for long-term success." – Francesco Pastore"Theory seems easy, but execution is what brings the theory to life." – Francesco Pastore"Connecting the dots backwards is easy, but doing it forward requires adaptability and a focus on continuous improvement." – Francesco Pastore"Communication and visioning are essential to help people understand that there's more beyond short-term results." – Francesco Pastore"In any job, always secure 20% of your time for learning or growing as a person and leader." – Francesco Pastore"Leadership is about being humble and honest, showing vulnerability, and leading by example." – Francesco Pastore5 Key Takeaways from the Episode:Importance of a Portfolio Career:Balancing Short-term and Long-term Goals:Significance of Soft Skills in Leadership:Embracing Failure for Growth:Gratitude in Leadership:ABOUT OUR GUEST:Francesco Pastore is a seasoned and dynamic leader, holding a degree in Economics from Pisa, earned in 1996. His portfolio career journey began at Procter & Gamble, where he honed his fundamental skills in sales and marketing. After departing from P&G in 2004 in Geneva, Francesco continued to cultivate his international career, initially at Bain & Company, and later at leading consumer goods companies such as Coca-Cola and Coty.In 2019, Francesco took on a pivotal role at Sofidel, where he oversees the European market as the Chief Marketing & Sales Officer. Since December, he has also assumed the role of Corporate Communication Director, showcasing his versatility and ability to manage diverse business areas.With a longstanding passion for digital, his expertise lies in general management, sales, and consulting. Thanks to Sofidel, he has gained significant experience in ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) issues.ABOUT OUR HOST:Chris Schembra is the Wall Street Journal bestselling author of Gratitude Through Hard Times and Gratitude and Pasta. USA Today calls him their "Gratitude Guru", he's a Founding Member of Rolling Stone Magazine's Culture Council, and he sits on the Executive Board at Fast Company Magazine.He is the Founder and Chief Question Asker of the 7:47 Gratitude Experience™ — an evidence-based framework used to strengthen client and team relationships in profound ways. He's used the principles of gratitude to spark thousands of relationships within the workplace.FOLLOW CHRIS:WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | LINKEDIN | BOOKS

In this episode of "Gratitude Through Hard Times," host Chris Schembra welcomes Steve Tcherchian, Chief Product Officer and Chief Information Security Officer at XY Pro, to discuss the profound impact of gratitude, resilience, and vulnerability in leadership. The conversation begins with Steve's journey through the competitive cybersecurity industry, where he transitioned from a high-pressure, success-driven mindset to a gratitude-centered approach that transformed his personal and professional life.Steve shares his experience of hitting rock bottom after being passed up for a promotion and losing his marriage. These events became catalysts for a profound transformation, leading him to embrace gratitude and vulnerability as core principles in his leadership. Steve introduces the concept of "return on rock bottom," highlighting how the lowest points in life can lead to significant personal growth and renewed purpose.Throughout the episode, Steve and Chris explore the importance of empathy, communication, and creating a safe space for connection within teams. They discuss how leaders can turn failures into learning opportunities and persist through adversity with purpose and vision. Steve emphasizes the value of serving his team and finding joy in the service of others, contrasting this with the fleeting happiness derived from material success.This episode is a testament to the enduring power of gratitude and the importance of empathy and human connection in achieving lasting success and fulfillment. It offers listeners practical insights and strategies to navigate life's challenges with resilience and a mindset geared toward continuous improvement. Key Takeaways1. Embracing failure as a valuable learning opportunity.2. The importance of vulnerability in leadership.3. Gratitude can ground us amidst chaos and stress.4. Persistence with purpose can turn adversity into growth.5. The concept of "return on rock bottom" as a measure of personal growth.6. Shifting from a competitive mindset to a service-oriented approach.7. The role of empathy and human connection in effective leadership.8. How resilience and optimism can transform challenging situations.9. The impact of gratitude on personal and professional fulfillment.10. Strategies for leading teams with purpose, vision, and resilience. Quotes1. "Gratitude grounds us all and gives us a different perspective."2. "Rock bottom was not the end; it was the beginning of my biggest growth."3. "You succeed because of adversity, not in spite of it."4. "Failure is not the end; it's just the beginning of something greater."5. "Return on rock bottom measures the growth from our toughest times."6. "Leaders eat last, serving their teams to drive collective success."7. "Empathy, communication, and closeness are key to impactful leadership."8. "Finding meaning and purpose in service brings lasting joy."9. "Adversity and failure are the greatest teachers."10. "Every day is a learning experience; there's always room for growth." ABOUT OUR GUEST:Steve Tcherchian is a visionary cybersecurity executive with over 20 years of experience in the industry. In this role as Chief Product Officer and CISO, Steve leads global sales, technology, product direction, and go-to-market strategy for XYPRO's cutting-edge cybersecurity solutions that fortify the digital backbone of economies worldwide.Based on his unique leadership, strategic vision, deep cybersecurity experience and penchant for relationship building with customers and partners, Steve has helped transform XYPRO into a top tier cybersecurity provider evidenced by record growth and accelerated adoption of XYPRO's threat detection and compliance solutions across diverse sectors.As a passionate advocate for cybersecurity, Steve is dedicated to demystifying the complexities of the industry, sharing invaluable insights and experiences across global stages as a sought-after speaker at events and conferences.His contributions extend beyond the podium; as a former member of the ISSA CISO Advisory Council, the X9 Security Standards Committee, the Forbes Tech Council, and a patent holder, he has influenced pivotal cybersecurity standards and innovations. ABOUT OUR HOST:Chris Schembra is a philosopher, question asker and facilitator. He's a columnist at Rolling Stone magazine, USA Today calls him their "Gratitude Guru" and he's spent the last six years traveling around the world helping people connect in meaningful ways. As the offshoot of his #1 Wall Street Journal bestselling book, "Gratitude Through Hard Times: Finding Positive Benefits Through Our Darkest Hours," he uses this podcast to blend ancient stoic philosophy and modern-day science to teach how the principles of gratitude can be used to help people get through their hard times. FOLLOW CHRIS:WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | LINKEDIN | BOOKS

In this episode of "Gratitude Through Hard Times," Chris Schembra welcomes Elaine Knight, the Chief People Officer at Behavioral Health Link. Elaine shares her journey and insights on creating a positive and supportive work culture in the behavioral health sector. The conversation delves into the importance of gratitude, mindfulness, and empathy in leadership, and how these values can transform workplace dynamics. Elaine also discusses the challenges and rewards of crisis work, the significance of servant leadership, and the systems that support employee well-being and engagement. Join Chris and Elaine for a heartfelt discussion on leading with purpose and compassion. Takeaways:1. Gratitude in Leadership: Integrating gratitude into leadership can foster a positive and resilient work culture.2. Servant Leadership: Effective leadership involves removing obstacles to help team members perform their best.3. Importance of Onboarding: A smooth onboarding process is crucial for setting employees up for success.4. Performance Management: Regular feedback and clear communication are essential for maintaining employee engagement.5. Systems Theory: Addressing systemic issues can help prevent employee burnout and enhance productivity.6. Personalized Leadership: Tailoring leadership styles to individual needs can strengthen manager-employee relationships.7. Role of Optimism: Maintaining a positive outlook can significantly impact personal and organizational success. Quotes:1. "Gratitude is an expression of love. It's the heartbeat of a thriving work culture, fueling our connections and lifting our spirits."2. "People inherently want to do well; we just need to create systems that empower them to unleash their full potential."3. "Slow down to speed up. In the rush of daily life, taking a moment to breathe and reflect can propel us forward with greater clarity and purpose."4. "Servant leadership is about removing obstacles so your team can shine. It's about putting others first and fostering an environment where everyone can succeed."5. "Mindfulness and self-care are not just nice-to-haves; they're essential for well-being. They are the anchors that keep us grounded in the stormy seas of life."6. "Leadership is about inspiration and helping others find their best selves. It's about lighting the path so others can walk confidently and boldly."7. "Invest in your people proactively to prevent burnout and attrition. A thriving team is the backbone of any successful organization."8. "Start with why: It brings clarity and motivation. When we understand our purpose, we are unstoppable."9. "Optimism is a great predictor of success. Believing in positive outcomes can create a self-fulfilling prophecy of achievement."10. "In the face of adversity, ask yourself: What is this challenge teaching me? Every struggle is an opportunity for growth and learning." ABOUT OUR GUEST:Elaine Knight, MBA, SPHR, is a transformative and engaging HR executive with over fifteen years of expertise in human capital strategy and execution. As the Chief People Officer at Behavioral Health Link, Elaine has crafted unparalleled employee experiences through well-planned and data-driven business strategies, specializing in environments where high performers thrive and drive optimal business results.Elaine's distinguished career includes a proven track record in revitalizing performance management initiatives and ensuring legal compliance across multiple states. She excels in supporting rapidly growing organizations with a unique blend of corporate and consulting experience. Elaine's credentials include a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) certification and a Master's in Business Administration from Georgia State University.At Behavioral Health Link, Elaine has implemented organizational strategies, HR system infrastructures, and programs to drive operational excellence and employee engagement. Her leadership has been instrumental in streamlining contract workflows, launching a new talent acquisition strategy, and overhauling the performance management system. She has also played a key role in supporting the organization's growth across 26 states, improving retention, and reducing turnover.Elaine's dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), wellness, employee relations, and engagement is reflected in her past achievements, including the creation of employee resource groups and fostering a companywide culture of inclusion. Her service-oriented mindset and team-oriented approach have made her a strong communicator and collaborator, providing executive teams with invaluable HR insights.Elaine is deeply passionate about mindfulness, gratitude, empathy, and self-care She believes that nurturing these qualities within workplace cultures is essential for building resilience and fostering a supportive environment. Her personal interests include enjoying nature walks by the Chattahoochee River, practicing yoga, and exploring new cultures and cuisines through international travel. ABOUT OUR HOST:Chris Schembra is a philosopher, question asker and facilitator. He's a columnist at Rolling Stone magazine, USA Today calls him their "Gratitude Guru" and he's spent the last six years traveling around the world helping people connect in meaningful ways. As the offshoot of his #1 Wall Street Journal bestselling book, "Gratitude Through Hard Times: Finding Positive Benefits Through Our Darkest Hours," he uses this podcast to blend ancient stoic philosophy and modern-day science to teach how the principles of gratitude can be used to help people get through their hard times. FOLLOW CHRIS:WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | LINKEDIN | BOOKS

In this conversation, Chris Schembra interviews Enrico Galasso, the CEO of Peroni, an iconic Italian beer brand. They discuss Enrico's new book, “Per I Prossimi 175 Anni”, the importance of empathy and meaningful connections in leadership, and the challenges and opportunities of managing a brand with a long history. Enrico emphasizes the need for leaders to be adaptable, to learn from both successes and failures, and to create a culture of connection and psychological safety. They also explore the value of investing in a premium experience and the role of emotions and experiences in building a brand.Enrico talks about Peroni's efforts to translate the Italian lifestyle into a global success, focusing on rugby and Ferrari as partnerships that embody the brand's values. He emphasizes the importance of empathy in leadership and shares his personal journey of becoming more empathic. Enrico's purpose is to leave a better place for future generations and to give his children the opportunity to be happy. The conversation highlights the power of authenticity, simplicity, and connection in leadership.Support Enrico's New Book HEREhttps://www.store.rubbettinoeditore.it/catalogo/per-i-prossimi-175-anni/ TakeawaysLeaders need to be adaptable and learn from both successes and failures.Creating a culture of connection and psychological safety is crucial for fostering innovation and engagement.Investing in a premium experience and building a brand that evokes emotions and experiences can differentiate a product from a brand.The world is moving towards premiumization, where people are willing to spend more for products and brands that offer value and a sense of accomplishment.Success in the long run requires investing in people's well-being and creating a culture that attracts and grows talent.Empathy is a crucial trait for leaders, and being intentional about connecting with people in an empathic way can have a significant impact.Enrico's purpose is to leave a better place for future generations and to give his children the opportunity to be happy.Authenticity, simplicity, and connection are key elements of effective leadership.Success and happiness come from being true to oneself and serving others.Taking small steps, such as asking people how they feel instead of how they are, can lead to more meaningful connections and better understanding in the workplace.Leaders should strive to be consistent in their awareness of who they are and be open to learning and growing.Changing one person's whole world is a powerful way to make a positive impact.The Italian culture embodies a commitment to tradition and innovation, honoring history while dreaming of the future. Sound Bites"Sometimes you also need to be looking at the positives even when something doesn't go well. Everybody can be somebody you can learn from.""Peroni is a historical icon, but every icon has to be relevant in the moment. To be relevant in the moment, it has to look at the future to ensure that when the moment comes, it is ready.""When you look back too much, it becomes a form of nostalgia. It's not something you actually look for to find your strengths.""We are here for a legacy. We always need to think what the new people of Peroni and the new Italians and consumers worldwide will think of us in 20 years, in 25 years.""Successes of the past can be a fuel for future success, or they can be a weight that should hold you back.""Excellence is something that changes every year. Whatever helped you have success yesterday, probably it's not going to be enough.""You need to learn from your failures, but also from your successes because there is always an inch that you can gain and be faster in what you do.""In an organization, the ability to deliver a plan, to build a strategy cannot be of one person. Whatever strategy you are building is going to be old tomorrow.""You need people that don't feel like they have a hierarchical barrier in front of them or they need to feel like they have the courage to actually talk and express what they think.""The more you realize that with the impact you can do good, then you can be much more intentional in doing good at being empathic with people."Chapters00:00 Introduction and Earthquake01:10 Welcoming Repeat and New Listeners03:36 Enrico's Book and Peroni's History04:15 Expressing Gratitude to Enrico's Father07:18 Remembering Challenging and Great Moments in Peroni's History10:15 Understanding the Present Moment and Building the Future12:25 Learning from Successes and Failures13:24 Managing Ambiguity and Elevating Excellence15:35 Creating a Culture of Connection and Horizontal Leadership19:10 Avoiding Excuses and Investing in People21:22 Investing in a Premium Experience and Building a Brand23:25 The Shift Towards Premiumization25:18 Investing in People's Well-being and Talent25:45 Translating the Italian Lifestyle into Global Success26:42 The Power of Rugby and Ferrari in Peroni's Brand31:36 The Importance of Empathy in Leadership41:24 Leaving a Better Place for Future Generations45:34 Authenticity, Simplicity, and Connection in Leadership

In this episode of Gratitude Through Hard Times, we're thrilled to welcome Lisa Besserman, a luminary in both the technology and venture capital worlds. Lisa, the Founder of Startup Buenos Aires—which was successfully acquired—has made remarkable strides in the tech industry, earning her a spot among Business Insider's "Top 100 Most Influential Women in Tech," alongside notable figures like Sheryl Sandberg and Arianna Huffington. It's worth noting, with a humble chuckle, that she ranked #94 on this illustrious list.Currently, Lisa serves as the Head of Innovation at JP Morgan Chase Operations. In her role, she collaborates with startups and leverages emerging technologies to address complex challenges within the world's leading financial institution. Before this, she was the Managing Director at Expa VC, a venture fund and startup studio with a $350M investment focus ranging from pre-seed to series A startups.Lisa's entrepreneurial spirit was sparked as the Founder and CEO of Startup Buenos Aires, an accelerator program designed to nurture and connect startups across Latin America. Her influence and insights have been recognized by NBC, Bloomberg TV, Reuters, Entrepreneur Magazine, Forbes, and CNN, and she's shared her knowledge through guest lectures at prestigious institutions like NYU, MIT, Northwestern, Harvard, Berkeley, and the University of Pennsylvania.Aside from her professional accolades, Lisa shares her personal journey to Everest Base Camp in this episode. She delves into the essence of mountaineering versus hiking, the value of setting finite goals, and the emotional rollercoaster of nights spent on the mountain. Lisa's story is a testament to the power of living in the moment, embracing challenges, and the profound impact of pursuing meaningful goals.TakeawaysMountaineering offers a unique sense of completion and achievement, unlike many other pursuits.Embracing the present and the journey itself is key to personal fulfillment and happiness.Success in reaching challenging goals demands perseverance, effort, and an open mindset.The investment in meaningful experiences yields lasting benefits.Chapters00:00 The Dream of Everest03:20 Mountaineering as a Finite Goal05:22 Atelic Activities06:22 Finding Calm in the Midst of a Daunting Goal08:57 The Moving Goalpost of Success11:21 The Challenges of Nights on the Mountain13:41 Type 1 Fun vs Type 2 Fun15:42 The Desire to Achieve17:04 Living in the Present19:44 Stepping Out of the Future and into the Present22:02 The Positive Benefits of Bucket List Achievements23:23 The Impatience of the Impulsive World27:14 Investing Time for Energy33:16 Feeling Nothing at the Destination39:48 The Trainer Who Took a Chance42:07 Closing RemarksLisa's multifaceted life—from her accolades in tech to her adventures in the great outdoors—inspires us to pursue our passions, tackle formidable goals, and cherish the moments of tranquility along the way.

We've all experienced it: that feeling of being stuck on an endless treadmill. It can be soul-crushing, but our guest on this episode of Gratitude Through Hard Times is a peak performance coach is here to help us change the narrative heading into 2024. Erin Stafford, author of "The Type A Trap: Five Mindset Shifts to Beat Burnout and Transform Your Life," explains to Host Chris Schembra the underpinnings for her five mindset shifts. Each of her valuable techniques is designed to check and challenge the assumptions that leave us stuck in overdrive. You'll learn how to interrupt hyper-focused pursuits, be agile in the face of dead-ends, let go of counter-productive self-criticism and celebrate the wins that are often all too fleeting. “Burn-out will keep knocking on our door. It's not going anywhere,” says Erin, who has herself been on the frontlines as marketing director for a healthcare brand undergoing exponential growth, “but there are tools you can gather to get you out of that black hole.” Find out about the tools this dynamic keynote speaker uses to help business leaders connect with and honor their highest selves with an attitude of gratitude all along the way!Ready to read Erin's new book? Click here to get your copy of "The Type A Trap: Five Mindset Shifts to Beat Burnout and Transform Your Life." Or click here to book a discovery call!If you'd like to learn more about Chris and his 7:47 Virtual Gratitude Experience or subscribe to his newsletter, please visit this link.Click hereto hear more fascinating conversations with Fortune 500 CEOs, professional athletes and entertainers who have shared their human stories on Gratitude Through Hard Times. KEY TOPICS:If you could give credit or thanks to one person in your life that you don't give enough credit or enough thanks to – that you've never thought to thank – who would that be? So many amazing people, but most importantly a high school math teacher, Randy Scott, who showed Erin respect and taught her to simplify hard things.The Trap: Why so many of us don't realize the full-scale stress we're under until a life-altering (often painful) experience opens our eyes to the toll “success” is taking.Type A Profile: What it looks like to define success based on ability to achieve and derive self-worth based on a scarcity mindset.Getting Off the Treadmill with Five Key Mindset Shifts:Decoding Your Flow: Realize that you don't have to do it all. Releasing the Reins: Focus on letting go, rather than grasping and controlling.Pivot Like a Pro: Be nimble and able to shift away from a singular goal.Slow Down to Speed Up: Be okay with doing a little less.Take that Victory Lap: Enjoy your wins before moving on to the next challenge.Stress Is Here to Stay: Why Erin believes there's no silver bullet for curing (or avoiding) burn-out. It's the small decisions we make and self-care we practice daily.Moving Towards Gratitude: How human connection is crucial in today's world and finding like-minded people leads us deeper into our most authentic selves and self-acceptance.What's Your Status? Why everyone can benefit from taking Erin's self-assessment (featured in her book) to determine their place on the burn-out spectrum and set a course for inner balance. QUOTABLE “The more simple you can make it, the more you actually understand the subject matter.” (Erin) “I think we live in a world that rewards stress, burnout and anxiety. We idolize people who are ‘doing it all.' … but we don't know the toll it is taking on their physical and mental health, relationships and spirituality.” (Erin) “You can have the big dream of things you want to accomplish AND you can take care of yourself and the people around you and do it in an efficient way. Both can be true at the same time.” (Chris) “Just because you've said you're going to do something doesn't mean that if it's no longer interesting you can't pivot. Move! Change. Be okay with cutting losses.” (Erin) “We have to make the mindset shift. We have to change ourselves, our thinking, our behavior, so that we don't burn out again.” (Erin) “All you really need to make this full shift away from burn-out into well-being is yourself. You don't have to rely on your external situation to make the change.” (Chris) “Burn-out will keep knocking on our door. It's not going anywhere … but there are tools you can gather to get you out of that black hole.” (Erin) LINKS/FURTHER RESOURCES:Find out more about Impact Eleven trainings at this link.Listen to this talk by Laura Gassner Otting to find out why “I'll be happy when” are the four worst words in the English dictionary.  ABOUT OUR GUEST:Erin Stafford is a marketing guru, burnout survivor and hyper-growth business leader. From working with the world's highest achievers throughout her 20+ year career, being a Type A poster child herself and interviewing Olympians, start-up founders, Fortune 500 CEOs, leading researchers and celebrity coaches, Erin has seen firsthand how Type A personalities and constant over-achievement are coveted in the world of business, yet can lead to debilitating burnout. In addition to her current role as the head of marketing for the country's largest healthcare staffing company, where she leads dozens of marketing professionals and has helped the organization grow by 9x in two years, Erin has made it her mission to help leaders, most recently with her book: "The Type A Trap: Five Mindset Shifts to Beat Burnout and Transform Your Life." FOLLOW ERIN:WEBSITE | LINKEDIN | BOOK ABOUT OUR HOST:Chris Schembra is a philosopher, question asker and facilitator. He's a columnist at Rolling Stone magazine, USA Today calls him their "Gratitude Guru" and he's spent the last six years traveling around the world helping people connect in meaningful ways. As the offshoot of his #1 Wall Street Journal bestselling book, "Gratitude Through Hard Times: Finding Positive Benefits Through Our Darkest Hours,"he uses this podcast to blend ancient stoic philosophy and modern-day science to teach how the principles of gratitude can be used to help people get through their hard times. FOLLOW CHRIS:WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | LINKEDIN | BOOKS

Nothing creates team buy-in more effectively than the “ownership mindset” espoused by our guest on this episode of Gratitude Through Hard Times. What's the secret sauce? Kerry Siggins, CEO at StoneAge Inc., shares with Host Chris Schembra her powerful building blocks for cultivating workplace cultures rooted in accountability. It's about caring – for colleagues, customers and ourselves – and ensuring that everyone feels seen and heard as well as empowered to act. She explains how StoneAge, an employee-owned manufacturer of waterjet tools and equipment for industrial cleaning based in Colorado, instills a sense of community and the safety to fail among its 250 employees (all of whom Kerry hopes to see become millionaires one day, thanks to their Employee-Owned Stock Plan, or ESOP). You'll also hear all about Kerry's latest passion project, her recently released book, "The Ownership Mindset: A Handbook for Transforming Your Life and Leadership." In it, she highlights her personal “hero's journey” as well as hard-won lessons about how to conceive and execute corporate strategy. The formula includes several ingredients, the most important of which is learning how to formulate the right questions. Then ask, ask, ask again! Says Kerry: “You learn so much and quickly get to the root of what's really going on if you're curious. So that's my superpower: Questions!” Find out how to find and foster an “ownership mindset” in your workplace by prioritizing gratitude, empathy, agency and curiosity. The show wraps up with a reminder from Chris that in today's business global environment, these aren't just soft skills, “they're the hard skills needed to instill an ownership mindset within your team!”Click here if you'd like to grab a copy of Kerry's just-released book, "The Ownership Mindset: A Handbook for Transforming Your Life and Leadership."Or check out her podcast, Reflect Forward: Conversations on Leadership, at this link.If you'd like to learn more about Chris and his 7:47 Virtual Gratitude Experience or subscribe to our newsletter, please visit this link.Click here to hear more fascinating conversations with Fortune 500 CEOs, professional athletes and entertainerswho have shared their human stories on Gratitude Through Hard Times. KEY TOPICS:If you could give credit or thanks to one person in your life that you don't give enough credit or enough thanks to – that you've never thought to thank – who would that be? So many people, but above all her first boss out of college, whom she “did wrong” and disappointed but who taught her so much nonetheless.It's Never too Late: About the power of bringing shame out of the shadows.Why Now and Why This Book?For starters, Kerry loves to write!It provided a creative outlet and alternative to her day-to-day tasks as CEO.A compelling need to give back by sharing her personal story. Changing One World at a Time: How Kerry's journey – both personally and professionally – is a reflection of the “ownership mindset” she exemplifies.Defining “Ownership”: Why taking full responsibility for everything that happens in your life is transformational, empowering and foundational to leadership. Leaning In: About what it looks like to take full accountability, even when the future is unclear and outcomes unpredictable.Building an Ownership Mindset Culture:Ensure everyone feels like part of something bigger than themselves.Cultivate engagement and self-motivation.Encourage an ethos of caring – for co-workers, customers and ourselves.How StoneAge Team Members Learn to Take Full Agency:Training in both how to give and receive feedback.Teaching strategies for collaborating with people who hold differing viewpoints.Making it easy for people to admit mistakes and learn from them.Infusing the workplace culture with a communal sense of purpose, commitment and accountability.Modeling behaviors that reinforce an “ownership mindset” across the enterprise.You Must Act: Why all the best intentions in the world will not make things happen.Three Key Components to an Ownership Mindset:Take ownership: Lead yourself: Lead others.Curiosity is Key: How a growth mindset depends on asking questions.Kerry's Superpower: Giving people the space to open up and brainstorm valuable ideas!Best Advice for Leaders: Learn how to ask good questions!Then ask, ask, ask!Research Shows: Managers who demonstrate empathy by asking their direct reports questions are viewed by bosses as better performers in their jobs.Gratitude & Recognition: Why people excel and businesses thrive when leaders foster workplace cultures in which everyone feels seen, honored and empowered.Look Inward: How problem-solvers and champions can (and must!) come from up, down and across the corporate structure.Two Questions to Check Imposter Syndrome and Quiet Self-Doubt: What's the best things that can happen?What's the worst thing that can happen?The Power of Reframing: What it looks like to move from a place of fear to a “posture of otherness” that focuses on bringing tools like empathy and gratitude to others.What's Next for Kerry?She can't wait to get started on her next book, about transformational change and the power of purpose in the workplace of today – tomorrow!Leveraging a culture of ownership, growth and innovation to create a thousand millionaires through StoneAge's employee stock ownership plan.Speaking about and inspiring others to build an “ownership mindset.” QUOTABLE “When you feel shame, regret or guilt, the action urge is usually to hide, avoid, withdraw, shy away, be meek and small and that doesn't help. Then we just ruminate on the guilt and shame.” (Chris) “It was really important for me to get back in touch with the creative, free spirit that is within me. And writing is a way to do that!” (Kerry)  “If (my story) inspires even one person to overcome their own shame around choices they've made in life or show up differently as a leader and be the very best version of themselves … then I've done my job.” (Kerry) “(The ownership mindset) is the idea that things don't happen to me, they happen because of me and I'm willing to lean into the responsibility of my choices, attitude and the way I show up.” (Kerry) “(The ownership mindset) is really a tool to help people feel like they're more in control of their work, that they have autonomy and are trusted, that they're cared about.” (Kerry) “The only way to own it is to act, but you have to create the safe space for people to act.” (Chris) “People want to share their stories, their opinions and ideas. So, if you ask really good questions, you can find out all kinds of information and get all kinds of new ideas.” (Kerry) “You learn so much and quickly get to the root of what's really going on if you're curious. So that's my superpower: Questions.” (Kerry) “The economic potential of any successful team or organization lies not in the strength of individuals on your team but in your ability to help them connect, collaborate and champion a shared vision.” (Chris) “When we're feeling Imposter Syndrome and fear, we're really focused on ourselves ... (but) you can make it about somebody else and turn that negative self-doubt into a positive impact on someone else's life.” (Kerry) “The power of questions, empathizing with those around you, giving gratitude around you – these are not just the soft skills that were once avoided in the boardroom. They're the hard skills needed to instill an ownership mindset within your team.” (Chris) LINKS/FURTHER RESOURCES:Learn more about “Oh, the Places You'll Go!” by Dr. Seuss, at this link.Click here to find out about “the hero's journey” and work of Joseph Campbell.More about the Gallup Organization's survey work and CliftonStrengths here. ABOUT OUR GUEST:Kerry Siggins is the CEO of StoneAge, Inc., a global leader in designing and manufacturing high-pressure waterblasting and sewer cleaning tools and equipment used in the industrial cleaning industry. StoneAge sells and supports its products throughout the world and has over 170 dealers in 45 countries. She is also the Vice President of the Waterjet Technology Association (WJTA). Kerry joined StoneAge in January of 2007 as the Director of Operations. In 2009, she was named CEO by StoneAge's Board of Directors and has since led the company in building a robust global presence resulting in double-digit growth year over year. She recently acquired Breadware, an Internet of Things (IoT) product development firm based in Reno, NV.  FOLLOW KERRY:WEBSITE | LINKEDIN | BLOG ABOUT OUR HOST:Chris Schembra is a philosopher, question asker and facilitator. He's a columnist at Rolling Stone magazine, USA Today calls him their "Gratitude Guru" and he's spent the last six years traveling around the world helping people connect in meaningful ways. As the offshoot of his #1 Wall Street Journal bestselling book, "Gratitude Through Hard Times: Finding Positive Benefits Through Our Darkest Hours,"he uses this podcast to blend ancient stoic philosophy and modern-day science to teach how the principles of gratitude can be used to help people get through their hard times. FOLLOW CHRIS:WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | LINKEDIN | BOOKS

Seek the stress. Scale with soul. Embrace your uniqueness. These are just a few of the pearls of wisdom flying fast and furious when Christina Luconi, Chief People Officer at Rapid7, visits with Host Chris Schembra on this episode of Gratitude Through Hard Times. Her self-awareness, strength and positive vision have not only been central to building out staff for some amazing startup companies (from inception through IPO). These are also the traits that have defined her full and fascinating life – whether taking her teen-aged daughters on a transformational trip to Tanzania or snatching life-giving lessons from a life-changing cancer diagnosis. This is a woman who brings her whole, authentic self to every interaction and in the process offers connection and empathy to others. You'll learn about how Christina expresses gratitude and the powerful benefits it confers, rippling out in how she frames “negative autobiographical experiences.” Where did she find the courage to reinvent herself at the age of 14 without erasing who she was before? When did she realize that she held within her the ability to embrace things in tension and turn them into opportunity? Christina shares her journey and explains how she has been able to bridge her reality as the lone woman in many C-suites by staying true to her core values: “If you work hard enough, there aren't a lot of boundaries you can't overcome. IF you're committed and drive towards that!” Tune in to find out why this Bostonian dynamo hopped in her car to pay Chris a visit. It's a very special episode chalk full of “news you can use” and that you won't want to miss!Interested in hearing more from Christina? She offers a treasure trove of interesting perspectives in more than 200 LinkedIn posts you can find at this link.Check out this brand new website to learn about the keynote topics and workplace leadership trends that are top of mind for Chris these days! And if you're interested in having a 7:47 Virtual Gratitude Experience or subscribing to our newsletter, please visit this link.Click hereto hear more fascinating conversations with Fortune 500 CEOs, professional athletes and entertainerswho have shared their human stories on Gratitude Through Hard Times. KEY TOPICS:If you could give credit or thanks to one person in your life that you don't give enough credit or thanks to – that you've never thought to thank – who would that be and why? Although she's always been very intentional about sharing her appreciation, she still feels she couldn't possibly have thanked her parents – whom she so admires – enough.Using the Right Words: About the power of expressing gratitude in language that resonates with the recipient.Breaking Rules: How Christina reinvented herself at the age of 14, figuring out how to expand her world and thinking in ways that have served her well ever since. Three Options for Managing Through a “Negative Autobiographical Experience”:Ignore it, pretend it didn't happen and just move on.Talk it out with a therapist or by journaling and then move on.Specifically assign positive benefits that have occurred as a result and give thanks to it for becoming a beneficial part of your life story, a practice known as "grateful processing."Why Not Me? What Christina has come to understand about our ability to challenge our self-imposed limitations through humility, determination and drive.Breaking the Ceiling: How Christina figured out ways to leverage being the only woman in the room to break boundaries and elicit vulnerability in C-suites full of male entrepreneurs. A superpower!Buck the Statistics: Why it's important not to get trapped by what is and surrender to a victim mentality rather than pushing the envelope and making change!Leading With Empathy: About the importance of understanding other people's experiences and perspectives when navigating corporate culture and decision-making.Be the Change: When living with unresolved conflict impacts others with forms of entitlement and hearts at war.How Trauma Lands: Why every person's threshold is different.Scaling With Soul: How to stay authentic under even the most stressful circumstances, like taking Rapid7 from being a startup with 75 employees to a publicly traded company with more than 2,000 global personnel.Christina's World View: About the role of challenge and seeking while also keeping balance through life experiences that promote openness and awareness.Observing Versus Engaging; Empathy Versus Sympathy: It's all in the perspective!Hope & Healing: How an attitude of gratitude – not found in comparison – yields very real mental, emotional and physical rewards. 365 Days: About Christina's decision to write – and post publicly – her thoughts and experiences by pretending no one was reading them! It was about seeking connection with others and by putting herself out there, she did exactly that.When In Rome: How pasta and all its associations creates magic for Chris and Christina!Three Things From the Conversation:The power of Mudita, the dharmic concept of joy that comes from delighting in other people's well-being (as Christina experienced in her chemo encounter).Christina lives life in a dialectic posture, embracing black and white as well as the gray. She is able to hold things in tension.While she's open to therapy, what Christina finds most helpful and healing is candid conversations like this one with Chris!Timing Is Everything: How, when and why Chris and Christina connected.Honor the Moose: About the concept of aligning individual and team collaboration as part of the core corporate ethic at Rapid7.The 3C Model of Collaborative Leadership: Connect, Collaborate and Champion.In Parting: What it was that inspired Christina to get in her car and drive 3.5 hours from Boston to NYC in order to connect and share meaningful conversation with Chris!Closing the Gratitude Loop: Christina's message for her parents and daughters. QUOTABLE“Life is about connections … For me what has made the work that I've done or my life interesting is the connections I've made with people. It makes my world expand.” (Christina) “There's something beautiful about (not) turning your back on the past but looking for the positive benefits in it and keeping it as part of your life story.” (Chris) “Everything I have lived through is an opportunity. There are things that I've screwed up or am not proud of, but I don't dwell on them. I look at what I can take away from that moment and do better.” (Christina) “If you work hard enough, there aren't a lot of boundaries you can't overcome. IF you're committed and drive towards that!” (Christina) “Life is not about avoiding bad things happening to you. Life is about avoiding a negative mental attitude when those things occur.” (Chris) “Scaling with soul is about how you keep the essence of your value set and what you're trying to be … You can still be a really great place!” (Christina) “You can observe or you can engage. And those are two really different things.” (Christina) “There's good in everybody. You just have to be open to finding it and open-hearted to know that just because someone is different from you doesn't make them better or worse. We're all just humans.” (Christina) “Hard times don't have to create loneliness. Hard times can create meaningful moments of connection.” (Chris) “All the best things in my life have happened when I've said ‘yes,' versus ‘no.' ” (Christina) LINKS/FURTHER RESOURCES:Click here to learn more about “Taking Care of Business? Grateful Processing of Unpleasant Memories,” the study conducted by researchers at Eastern Washington University."The Anatomy of Peace: Resolving the Heart of Conflict," by The Arbinger Institute.More about the many benefits of an attitude of gratitude available at this link."No One Wins Alone," by Mark “the Moose” Messier. ABOUT OUR GUEST:Christina Luconi leads Rapid7's strategic people initiatives as its Chief People Officer. She is responsible for the entire employee lifecycle, with critical focus on recruiting stellar talent, building and inspiring corporate culture, acquisition integration, and “scaling with soul.” Prior to joining Rapid7, Christina was the owner of People Innovations, an independent consulting firm focused on the creation of innovative people strategies for startups and high-growth companies, primarily in the high technology industry. Christina also served as Chief People Officer at @stake, a professional services security firm that she helped build from the launch through its acquisition by Symantec. She also played the role of Vice President of People Strategy at Sapient Corporation. Joining the company prior to its public offering, she was responsible for building the people-focused side of the company from the ground up, aligning business strategy with people needs. Christina also played a critical role as a member of the senior management team, focusing on the strategic and operational direction of the company as well as executing acquisitions, from due diligence through integration. FOLLOW OUR GUEST:WEBSITE | LINKEDIN ABOUT OUR HOST:Chris Schembra is a philosopher, question asker and facilitator. He's a columnist at Rolling Stone magazine, USA Today calls him their "Gratitude Guru" and he's spent the last six years traveling around the world helping people connect in meaningful ways. As the offshoot of his #1 Wall Street Journal bestselling book, "Gratitude Through Hard Times: Finding Positive Benefits Through Our Darkest Hours,"he uses this podcast to blend ancient stoic philosophy and modern-day science to teach how the principles of gratitude can be used to help people get through their hard times. FOLLOW CHRIS:WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | LINKEDIN| BOOKS

Core values take center stage on this heartfelt episode of Gratitude Through Hard Times, featuring a highly successful entrepreneur whose accomplishments reflect his commitment to creating human connection. Rich Balot, CEO at Victra (the largest authorized retailer of Verizon products in the nation), is all about fostering innovation, collaboration and integrity – at home, on the job and in his community. That passion for doing the right thing infuses the ethic you'll encounter at any of his 1,700 locations across all 50 states and in the dedication his 7,500 employees bring to their work. Host Chris Schembra gives us a window into what drives Rich – from his reverence for family to his belief in offering kids alternatives to traditional four-year college educations; from thoughts on how to build a great and growing company to why celebration is critical to making a meaningful life. “If you get a really well-functioning group of people together, you can get way more out of them and they can accomplish much more than they would individually,” says Rich, whose leadership and vision have secured for Victra a place on Inc. Magazine's list of top 5,000 fastest growing U.S. companies every year over the past decade. Most of all, you'll come away with the strong sense that – no matter the current economic, technological or political climate – we're not meant to be in isolation or make the journey all on our own!Don't miss the far-ranging and fascinating topics that Rich and his team tackle in the Victra Blog. You may also be interested in supporting Haven at Blue Creek, an amazing nonprofit run by Rich's wife, Colleen, that provides residential support for women in recovery.Check out this brand new website to learn about the keynote topics and workplace leadership trends that are top of mind for Chris these days! And if you're interested in having a 7:47 Virtual Gratitude Experience or subscribing to our newsletter, please visit this link.Click here to hear more fascinating conversations with Fortune 500 CEOs, professional athletes and entertainerswho have shared their human stories on Gratitude Through Hard Times. KEY TOPICS:If you could give credit or thanks to one person in your life that you don't give enough credit or thanks to – that you've never thought to thank – who would that be and why? Mom! Marlene is on the quieter side and not in the business, but she's the heart of Rich's family-oriented company!The Quiet One: How listening is a skill that Rich has cultivated (with assists from his mom and wife) as part of a bigger philanthropic mission to give back on a daily basis. The Hitchhiker Rule: Why it's important to recognize those who are trying to help themselves. It's about giving a “hand up” not a “hand-out.”Critical Skill: How a desire to reach, give effort, try to do better shows up in outcomes.Big-Picture Education: About Rich's belief that traditional four-year colleges aren't for everyone and that trade schools are a great, financially viable alternative.An Entrepreneur is an Entrepreneur: Anyone who founds their own business – no matter its size – represents independence, innovation and opportunity.The Pursuit of Happiness: How challenging, meaningful work intertwines with and serves our sense of purpose, quality of life, mental, physical and emotional well-being.Renewable Resources: Why it's important to cultivate practices and hobbies that nourish us and recharge our batteries so we can be of service to others.Brand Identity: How a sense of belonging is woven into the culture at Victra, where customers are considered “guests” and given the attention and help they deserve.Rich Cultivates Human Connection in the Workplace By: Recognizing that humans need social interaction.Looking for ways to replicate things that work.Sharing notes about what works – and doesn't!Promoting collaboration as the secret sauce!What Drives Victra's Success: A good model, a good team. It's not just a J-O-B.What Excites Rich Most? Learning! And inspiring curiosity and drive among younger generations as well. (Also: catching fish – including a recent 500-pound blue marlin!)In Closing: We aren't meant to be alone or isolated on our journeys – and we don't have to be when we persevere, keep faith, seek connection and hold space for one another! QUOTABLE“One of the goals of our giving has been to not tell people what we're doing … because we're not doing it to get credit.” (Rich) “When you can give, you do. When you can do, you do. And you're not doing it because you need credit for it. You're doing it because it's the right thing and needs to be done.” (Rich) “There are some people out there who say they want help but don't do anything about it.” (Rich) “I can't make someone hungry – and I'm not talking about food but about wanting that next thing.” (Rich) “Not everyone needs to go to college. Not everyone needs a college degree … Kids need to be exposed to more than technology and books. Technology is very important but they need to be exposed to other opportunities.” (Rich) “Not everyone was designed for college and, by the way, in our work force we need tradespeople to keep the world moving forward day by day.” (Rich) “An entrepreneur is an entrepreneur. It doesn't matter whether you're running a huge company or a small company.” (Rich) “I'm in business to make money for both myself and my employees but we're not going to just cram things down people's throats.” (Rich) “If you get a really well-functioning group of people together, you can get way more out of them and they can accomplish much more than they would individually.” (Rich) “Your people are your secret sauce for human connection and that leads to outsized business results.” (Chris) “Do the hard stuff you need to do to get ahead in life, but celebrate it all thoroughly – with your family, amongst community. Do things that are good for the heart at the same time that you're doing things that are good for others.” (Chris) “We are suffering under the agitation of uncertain times. But the good news is that we can get through these tough times if we go through it together. Don't go through it alone!” (Chris) LINKS/FURTHER RESOURCES:More about Ron Carson, Founder of Carson Wealth, at this link.To learn about Catholic Charities' relief efforts, click here.Find out about the Ron Clark Academy charter school in Atlanta, Ga.Harness passion with Dwayne J. Clark and his E.P.I.C leadership offsite at this website.Learn more about the residential recovery work being done at Haven at Blue Creek. ABOUT OUR GUEST:Rich Balot is a serial entrepreneur with a demonstrated history of building successful teams and businesses. Skilled in Business Planning, he also provides coaching expertise in sales and retail strategy as well as how to build a winning culture. FOLLOW OUR GUEST:WEBSITE | LINKEDIN ABOUT OUR HOST:Chris Schembra is a philosopher, question asker and facilitator. He's a columnist at Rolling Stone magazine, USA Today calls him their "Gratitude Guru" and he's spent the last six years traveling around the world helping people connect in meaningful ways. As the offshoot of his #1 Wall Street Journal bestselling book, "Gratitude Through Hard Times: Finding Positive Benefits Through Our Darkest Hours,"he uses this podcast to blend ancient stoic philosophy and modern-day science to teach how the principles of gratitude can be used to help people get through their hard times. FOLLOW CHRIS:WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | LINKEDIN| BOOKS

Are you all in? Our guest, Valeria Torres, wants to know! As Director of Operations & Strategic Consulting at 8 Figure Firm – a fast-growing Atlanta-based provider of professional services for law firms – she is sharing with Host Chris Schembra the key ingredients for leadership success on this episode of Gratitude Through Hard Times. A research maven, Valeria explains the value in personality assessments and has stats to back up her approach to increasing workplace flow (and life flow, too, for that matter!). You'll learn about the pivotal figures (shout out to her brother, Pablo) and very personal experiences that have shaped Valeria's dynamic approach to life. She's also teaching us how to managing through those inevitable “fight-or-flight” moments and highlighting the benefits that accrue to leaders (at law firms and everywhere else) who recognize the good in themselves and extend that gratitude out towards others. As we know, both from science and lived experience, an atmosphere of empathy in which people feel seen, heard and valued is an atmosphere of growth without limitation. Don't miss this lively conversation with an industry thought leader whose unique perspective and suggestions will leave you clamoring for more!Whether you're looking for dedicated consulting, group coaching, marketing management or a mastermind experience, 8 Figure Firm was created by lawyers for lawyers. Founded by Seth Bader and Luis Scott, based on practices developed in their tremendously successful practice, they offer the tools you need to grow the legal team you desire!In other breaking news, please join us in inaugurating a new phase of 7:47's quest to help amazing companies build strong, connected client and team relationships. With the launch of ChrisSchembra.com comes an exciting opportunity to explore the power of asking the right questions and framing the important conversations. Founder Chris Schembra, the bestselling author of "Gratitude Through Hard Times: Finding Positive Benefits Through Our Darkest Hours," offers compelling keynotes on topics such as how to elevate workplace engagement by fostering human connection and why it's critical to cultivate client relationships that are transformational – not just transactional!If you'd like to learn more about Chris and his 7:47 Virtual Gratitude Experience or subscribe to our newsletter, please visit this link.Click hereto hear more fascinating conversations with Fortune 500 CEOs, professional athletes and entertainerswho have shared their human stories on Gratitude Through Hard Times. KEY TOPICS:If you could give credit or thanks to one person in your life that you don't give enough credit or thanks to – that you've never thought to thank – who would that be and why? Her brother, Pablo, whose empowering love has been an “instrumental” part of her life.Finding the Words: How Pablo's acts of service and ability to express love set the stage for Valeria's drive and commitment to “being there.”Making the Climb: Why it's important to remember that leaders are made – not born – and it's a process that requires grace along the journey.Valeria's Leadership Learnings:Allow yourself to sit back and listen rather than speak.Ask – don't assume.Don't take things personally.Find ways to receive constructive feedback.Put yourself in a place to embrace the wisdom of others.Holding Space: How Valeria learned (through mentors as well as trial and error) to take a step back and open herself to lessons she needed to learn and hear.Listening vs. Solution Design: Chris shares a recent client breakthrough – realizing that leaders don't necessarily have to have all the answers. Not at all!Teaching Leaders How to Listen:Know who you are talking to and how they can best be reached.Tailor your message in a way that your audience can hear it.Use the “mirroring technique” to shift motion and tone.Ask questions that reframe the communications dynamic.Use what, when, where, why and other questions to open conversation.Leveraging Your Personality Profile:Be self-aware and able to step back, observe.Know that there's no such thing as perfection.Leverage personal tendencies to optimize potential.Valeria's Formula for Strong Law Firm Leadership:Moving drive into discipline.Moving motivation into obsession.Having a drive to succeed and accomplish goals.Being all in!Passing on the Gratitude: Why thanks for things or people in the past can't always be given, but the chance to pay it forward is always there!Getting Into the Flow: How a challenge to her mental health enabled Valeria to know and face fears that were holding her back from claiming an authentic life of self-awareness.Know Your Amygdala: How to manage “negative memory bias” by deliberately balancing "fight-or-flight" reflexes with gratitude, which invites positivity.Scaling Gratitude: Why Valeria invites participants in leadership trainings to offer something that's going right! Opening Doors: About recognizing the good in ourselves as a conduit to feeling similarly generous and open-hearted towards others. It creates community!Concentric Circles of Gratitude: First: Find gratitude for yourself.Second: Find gratitude for your team.Third: Find gratitude for your customers.Fourth: Find gratitude for your communities and humanity as a whole.In Closing: Valeria asks, “Are you all in?” If not, it's time to commit to locating your truest self and purpose! QUOTABLE“I've learned to sit back and listen rather than speak; ask and not assume.” (Valeria) “The biggest lesson in asking a question is not asking just to ask it, but asking and waiting to listen to what has to be said.” (Valeria) “It's about creating space for transformation – asking or sharing something that might shift a perspective on life. You need space to process that.” (Chris) “You're going to touch people's ego when you try to teach them something. You're going to have doubt, fear, all these emotions that are very human and normal but that people don't talk about.” (Valeria) “Not all successful people know everything. Not all successful people are without fear or doubt. All of us have it. It's just how well can you manage it and move forward rather than stay stagnant and stuck?” (Valeria) “Not all gratitude given is gratitude heard. Gratitude … can sometimes come across as convenient, selfish or lazy.” (Chris) “The failures and bad moments can be a privilege to experience … (because) what you don't know can start eating away at you.” (Valeria) “Gratitude is just really good for business and it's really good for people. Because, at the end of the day, we aren't profit-making monster machines. We are humans and every human deserves to be loved, heard and valued.” (Chris) LINKS/FURTHER RESOURCES:More about Dr. Gary Chapman's 5 Love Languages can be found here.Learn about mirroring and other communication techniques in Chris Voss's book, "Never Split the Difference: Negotiating As If Your Life Depended On It.""The Art of Impossible: A Peak Performance Primer," by Steven Kotler.Learn about how Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) works at this link. ABOUT OUR GUEST:Valeria Torres is the Director of Operations and Business Portfolio Consultant for 8 Figure Firm. She provides operations management methods to law entrepreneurs nationwide, helping them streamline their operations and strengthen their businesses' portfolios. Using a specialized methodology, she fosters new ways of thinking and develops strategic opportunities and managing projects intended to enhance your law firm's growth. FOLLOW OUR GUEST:WEBSITE | LINKEDIN ABOUT OUR HOST:Chris Schembra is a philosopher, question asker and facilitator. He's a columnist at Rolling Stone magazine, USA Today calls him their "Gratitude Guru" and he's spent the last six years traveling around the world helping people connect in meaningful ways. As the offshoot of his #1 Wall Street Journal bestselling book, "Gratitude Through Hard Times: Finding Positive Benefits Through Our Darkest Hours,"he uses this podcast to blend ancient stoic philosophy and modern-day science to teach how the principles of gratitude can be used to help people get through their hard times. FOLLOW CHRIS:WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | LINKEDIN| BOOKS| SPEAKING

We're shining a light on the difference between luck and blessings when Patty Arvielo, co-founder & CEO of New American Funding, joins host Chris Schembra on this episode of Gratitude Through Hard Times. Running the largest Latina-owned mortgage company in the U.S. while nurturing a network of younger women coming up behind her, Patty is all about leaning into humanness. She shares the many ways in which gratitude and empathy have served as beacons professionally, as a parent and throughout a 27-year marriage that embodies commitment and respect. You'll learn about how Patty and her husband, Rick, founded New American Funding in 2003 and grew it into a juggernaut that has underwritten 250,000 mortgages worth $69 billion and employs 4,000 people – a majority of whom are women and 41% of whom are minorities. All this success is rooted in Patty's intentionality around core values, like creating positive impact and improving the lives of others. Want to manifest abundance and overcome fear? Patty is here with words of wisdom and perspective you won't want to miss!You can learn much more about what Patty is up to and the mentorship opportunities she hosts by clicking this link to follow her on Instagram and following #WeAllGrow and the many initiatives she supports.Cultivating moments of meaningful connection is hard – and perhaps not a value central to our workplace cultures. But if we show up in vulnerability and truth, we erase poverty of the soul while building great businesses!If you'd like to learn more about Chris and his 7:47 Virtual Gratitude Experience or subscribe to our newsletter, please visit this link.Click hereto hear more fascinating conversations with Fortune 500 CEOs, professional athletes and entertainers who have shared their human stories on Gratitude Through Hard Times. KEY TOPICS:If you could give credit or thanks to one person in your life that you don't give enough credit or enough thanks to – that you've never thought to thank – who would that be? Her husband, Rick, who has committed his life to the project of building a life, business and family together.It All Takes Work: How her commitment to marriage mirrors the commitment Patty believes is required to establish and grow anything meaningful in life.Expressing Gratitude: Why it's so important that we teach our children to appreciate and cultivate a sense of appreciation in the day to day.Consider This: Are you using fear or a lack of gratitude as a protection mechanism against pain or disappointment?Managing Fear:Look at life holistically as a full range of experiences, including adversity.Build self-awareness and spiritual strength into your framework.Prepare for hard times.Learn from setbacks (and how to stop repeating them!).Climbing Out of the Hole: How life's hard times provide us a necessary invitation to growth and human connection.Being Blessed: How Patty's commitment to doing the right thing combined with hard work and gratitude add up to “getting what I give.” It's not luck!Dreams v. Manifestations: About being fully awake to the visions we want to work towards and building a solid infrastructure for what we want.Being in the People Business: Why the heart of Patty's daily work is understanding, developing, mentoring and celebrating the people with whom she's in business.Seeking Change and Practicing Radical Acceptance: How Patty pursues her goals and dreams while also tempering them through self-awareness and understanding the “why.”Questioning: The key to growth, purpose and recognizing what's most important!Daily Impact: How Patty is using her experience and skill set to empower and support younger Latinx women embarking on their entrepreneurial paths.Closing Thoughts:The person Patty respects most on the planet is her husband, Rick, with whom she has built a committed and intentional life.Because of its positive nature, Patty felt good about visiting the GTHT pod.Promoting empathetic leaders in all their humanness is a core value and priority for Patty, who leads with her heart.The levels of despair among members of the American workforce – including among executive ranks – are troubling. You can push back by focusing on abundance, gratitude and human connection. QUOTABLE“(My husband and I) see commitment as a daily event in our lives. Not just walking down the aisle and a piece of paper.” (Patty) “When I feel fear or am scared of making decisions, it's in action that I'm able to move forward. I'm not complacent. I don't hide. And I don't complain.” (Patty) “If you look at a negative autobiographical experience that put you in a hole or a moment of adversity, the positive benefits far outweigh the negative. You can actually be grateful that that thing occurred.” (Chris) “Anything you intend to do to impact your life and make it better is creating blessings for yourself and putting in the work to create the life you want. That isn't luck. That's work!” (Patty) “I find myself getting a lot of satisfaction in helping others and creating happiness for others when they're aligned with things that I'm doing.” (Patty) “If you're competing with companies that are like yours, they have the same journey and struggles as you. When you're around like-minded people in the same business as you, it's really an ‘aha' moment!” (Patty) “When you seek out and find your purpose, things will become clearer to you … I know my purpose is to impact others. It's what I enjoy. I love the little wins.” (Patty) “Yes, cultivating meaningful moments is hard. It requires unyielding vulnerability and courage and deep trust and truth … but it erases the poverty of the soul. It's the way to build a business that you're proud of.” (Chris) LINKS/FURTHER RESOURCES:Check out Gary Chapman's book, "The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love that Lasts."Find out more about the Hogan Personality Assessment.Click here to find out about Kurt Vonnegut's “Man in the Hole” theory.About "Grateful Processing," a concept developed by Prof. Phillip Watkins of Eastern Washington University.Explore Mike Foster's "Seven Primal Questions."Follow this link to learn about “Ubuntu” and how the South African philosophy triggered one of the biggest turnarounds in NBA history. ABOUT OUR GUEST:Patty is an award-winning entrepreneur and Co-Founder and CEO of New American Funding. A first-generation Hispanic, her path to mortgage industry began at age 16 with a hard-work ethic and an entry-level position at TransUnion Credit. From there, she landed a job at a prominent mortgage company, where she would rise through the ranks and learn the business from the ground up, eventually becoming branch manager and assistant vice president. In 2003, Patty and her husband, Rick Arvielo, launched their own mortgage company, New American Funding. In the years since, Patty has helped transform the company into one of the largest independent mortgage lenders in the United States today with a servicing portfolio of over 250,000 loans for $69 billion. She also oversaw the creation and expansion of the company's retail lending operation, which grew a small local operation to a national powerhouse with more than 170 locations and thousands of employees across the country. Today, Patty oversees nearly 4,000 employees, 54% of whom are women and 41% who are minorities. FOLLOW PATTY:WEBSITE | LINKEDIN| INSTAGRAM | #WeAllGrow ABOUT OUR HOST:Chris Schembra is a philosopher, question asker and facilitator. He's a columnist at Rolling Stone magazine, USA Today calls him their "Gratitude Guru" and he's spent the last six years traveling around the world helping people connect in meaningful ways. As the offshoot of his #1 Wall Street Journal bestselling book, "Gratitude Through Hard Times: Finding Positive Benefits Through Our Darkest Hours,"he uses this podcast to blend ancient stoic philosophy and modern-day science to teach how the principles of gratitude can be used to help people get through their hard times. FOLLOW CHRIS:WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | LINKEDIN | BOOKS

Are you ready to awaken your greatness? On this episode of Gratitude Through Hard Times we learn why Darleen Santore – known affectionately as “Coach Dar” – is all about cultivating self-awareness and clarity – not tomorrow, but today! A bestselling author, she mentors professional athletes at the peak of their careers as well as C-suite leaders across a spectrum of Fortune 500 companies. Host Chris Schembra invites Coach Dar to share insights into the 9 Principles that form the basis for her powerful new book, "The Art of Bouncing Back: Find Your Flow to Thrive at Work and in Life -- Any Time You're Off Your Game." We've all experienced – and will continue to experience – adversity. That's just part of the human condition, explains Coach Dar. The question is: Are we willing to do the work and bring the awareness? Do you have the toolkit to ensure “Setbacks don't define you. Comebacks only refine you.” If not, you're in luck! You'll come away from this compelling conversation with actionable ideas to help propel you through even the toughest downturns (which Coach Dar, who has battled back from three strokes, understands very intimately). Based on decades of experience as an occupational therapist, mental strength and conditioning coach, her book is full of scorecards, exercises and a concrete framework to help us find our flow and thrive – even (or especially) when we're facing hard times! Here's your invitation to increase mental toughness, resilience and a sense of wellbeing. Embrace your “why” power!Visit this link if you'd like to order Coach Dar's empowering book full of tips to shift your mindset and ensure peak performance, "The Art of Bouncing Back: Find Your Flow to Thrive at Work and in Life -- Any Time You're Off Your Game."If you'd like to learn more about Chris and his 7:47 Virtual Gratitude Experience or subscribe to our newsletter, please visit this link.Click here to hear more fascinating conversations with Fortune 500 CEOs, professional athletes and entertainerswho have shared their human stories on Gratitude Through Hard Times. KEY TOPICS:“If you could give credit or thanks to one person in your life that you don't give enough credit or thanks to – that you've never thought to thank – who would that be? The go-to has to be Dar's mom, Linny. Even though she's no longer alive, the inspiration and faith she inspired in her daughter are a living, breathing part of every day.Setbacks don't define you. Comebacks only refine you! About understanding the power of getting back up from our knees, only to do better and be stronger.Cultivating Resiliency: What it looks like to use Coach Dar's tools to develop mental toughness (of the kind she has used in overcoming multiple strokes).Raising the Bar: Why human beings have within them the ability to sow seeds of hope and nurture them into powerful advances for the collective good.Understanding Principle #6: Activating emotional intelligence – and embracing the full range of human response – is not only empowering but a platform for leadership and connection.Learn to take a pause, bringing intentionality to what you're feeling and then expressing it in a clear, constructive way.Reactivity does not serve or enhance communication.It's a balancing act between expression and self-restraint that leaves room enough for meaningful conversation.Actionable Advice: How Coach Dar interweaves scorecards, worksheets and other exercises throughout the 9 Principles framework spelled out in her bestseller.The Transformational Power of Gratitude:Principle #1: Embracing the suck fosters hope.Principle #7: Reframing setbacks shifts perspective.About the Journey: The message of hope Coach Dar found while recovering from three strokes and how it applies to the lives of professional athletes and the rest of us as well!It's All Waves: Coach Dar reflects on the cycles of challenge we all inevitably face and how we can navigate adversity by marshalling tools like those she offers.Words to the Wise:Do not do this work alone!Our life journeys require communal wisdom and support.Never be too proud to work on being better!“Why” Power: About the importance of developing a clear understanding of what motivates you and will propel you forward, even when things get tough.Remember: Will power dies where “why” power stays lit and lives on! QUOTABLE“It's all about the impact we make on the community in front of us.” (Coach Dar) “When you give someone hope and something to hold onto and look forward to, they're    going to get up – even when everything is working against them.” (Coach Dar) “I can't take adversity away from you but I can sure as heck help you be stronger when it hits!” (Coach Dar) “We connect not through our accolades but through vulnerability. When we behave vulnerably we have a bond that is so beautiful. It's showing the humanness in us.” (Coach Dar) “Feeling emotion is so important. And then what you do with it is equally important ... Feel emotion and then do the right thing with it!” (Coach Dar) “When you shift your perspective, you shift your life. If you can go to a place of gratitude, then you can start to see … how obstacles become opportunities.” (Coach Dar) “When you love and are grateful for where you are, everything starts to shift.” (Coach Dar) “You're going to leave this world. How you leave it, what people feel around you, the work you put out there – let it be of excellence, service or gratitude.” (Coach Dar) “When you live with greater intention, you show up better. And when you show up better, things happen. Let your ‘why' fuel you!” (Coach Dar) LINKS/FURTHER RESOURCES:More about the Pixar film – heartily recommended – "Inside Out."Click here to find out about Kurt Vonnegut's “Man in the Hole” theory. ABOUT OUR GUEST:Known as “Coach Dar,” Darleen Santore helps individuals gain mental strength, clarity and focus in order to live well, lead well and reach new heights. She believes the key to achieving goals and dreams is to Raise the Bar in our thinking and daily approach to life through customized coaching techniques. Coach Dar has spent the past 24 years as an occupational therapist, personal development, and mental strength & conditioning coach helping thousands reach their fullest potential. Her clients range from Fortune 100 executives, artists, professional athletes to high school and college students as well as large organizations. FOLLOW COACH DAR:WEBSITE | LINKEDIN | BOOK ABOUT OUR HOST:Chris Schembra is a philosopher, question asker and facilitator. He's a columnist at Rolling Stone magazine, USA Today calls him their "Gratitude Guru" and he's spent the last six years traveling around the world helping people connect in meaningful ways. As the offshoot of his #1 Wall Street Journal bestselling book, "Gratitude Through Hard Times: Finding Positive Benefits Through Our Darkest Hours,"he uses this podcast to blend ancient stoic philosophy and modern-day science to teach how the principles of gratitude can be used to help people get through their hard times. FOLLOW CHRIS:WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | LINKEDIN | BOOKS

Welcome to another insightful episode of 'Gratitude Through Hard Times,' where we explore the profound impact of emotional intelligence in leadership and its role in fostering meaningful connections within the workplace. I'm thrilled to introduce our esteemed guest today, Cinzia Beretta, a true trailblazer in the world of global communications and people operations.With over two decades of experience, Cinzia has not only honed her expertise in culture, employee engagement, talent growth, and leadership development, but she has also become a champion of emotional intelligence. Her passion for her Italian heritage and her remarkable journey within a multinational American company have provided her with a unique perspective on the power of EQ.In this episode, we have the privilege of delving into Cinzia's wealth of experience and wisdom. She will share practical insights on how to leverage emotional intelligence to transform leadership styles and achieve remarkable results. Cinzia's approach is grounded in authenticity, empathy, and self-awareness — key pillars of EQ that can revolutionize the way we connect with others.In a world where the dynamics of workplaces are constantly evolving, Cinzia's insights remind us of the timeless value of emotional intelligence. By embracing these principles, we can navigate challenges, nurture genuine connections, and pave the way for exceptional personal and professional growth. If you'd like to learn more about Chris and his 7:47 Virtual Gratitude Experience or subscribe to our newsletter, please visit this link. Click hereto hear more fascinating conversations with Fortune 500 CEOs, professional athletes and entertainerswho have shared their human stories on Gratitude Through Hard Times. KEY TOPICS:Importance of Connection: Gratitude, empathy, and human connection in the workplace for meaningful interactions.Workplace Challenges: Addressing disengagement crisis and loneliness epidemic, advocating for authentic connections.Emotional Intelligence (EQ): Introduction of EQ as a solution for better relationships, based on the EQ I 2.0 model.Mindset Shift: Emphasizing present moment awareness, acknowledging emotions, and demonstrating empathy in leadership.EQ I 2.0 Model: Overview of the five key areas - self-perception, self-expression, interpersonal relationships, decision-making, stress management.Living in the Present: Discussion on the value of being present, fostering authentic interactions and connections.EQ and Leadership: Exploring EQ's role in effective leadership and building meaningful workplace relationships.EQ and Well-Being: Linking EQ to personal well-being and improved performance, leading to a positive outlook.Practicing EQ: Encouragement to actively develop emotional intelligence, cultivate empathy, and create genuine connections. QUOTABLE"We have a disengagement crisis. We have a loneliness epidemic and the principles you'll hear today help solve that pressing issue.""This is a podcast series around the importance of gratitude, empathy, and human connection to create meaningful moments of connection within your workplace.""The great news about what Cinzia has just said to build your emotional intelligence muscle. The good news is that you don't have to be born with emotional intelligence. It can be developed over time.""We have record low stakeholder engagement levels within the workplace and that creates record high stress and depression levels amongst our teams.""The need to create meaningful moments of human connection within the workplace is greater now than ever before.""If you're not living in the present moment, how can you authentically react, relate, connect, or serve authentically?""We are wired to react emotionally first and then we move on to rationalize them.""You have all the answers so you are empowering this person to find their own way. You're just walking next to them.""Emotional intelligence might be expressed and shown like all emotions in different ways across the world because of different cultures, diversity.""Acknowledging the emotions of others, that's developing empathy, that's understanding the feelings and perspectives of those you serve." ABOUT OUR GUEST:Cinzia Beretta is a multicultural global leader living in Italy. She is passionate about diversity, cultures, languages, inclusiveness and building meaningful human connections across the globe.Her energy comes from leading and working with senior leaders, teams and individuals, enabling them to thrive, unleash their potential and stay engaged with experiential learning, transformative growth programs, coaching and culture communication.She has spent her 20+ year career working in a variety of communication areas, focusing in particular on culture and employee engagement and (more recently) on leadership development in a big multinational company. On top of her communication activities, she currently leads multi-language learning, growth and coaching programs for emerging leaders, to accelerate their transformative growth in international environments and retain top talents during moments of change.She believes coaching and emotional intelligence are key to help leaders (and people in general) connect with other human beings in an authentic way and pursue a fulfilled balanced and ultimately happy life. FOLLOW OUR GUEST:LINKEDIN ABOUT OUR HOST:Chris Schembra is a philosopher, question asker and facilitator. He's a columnist at Rolling Stone magazine, USA Today calls him their "Gratitude Guru" and he's spent the last six years traveling around the world helping people connect in meaningful ways. As the offshoot of his #1 Wall Street Journal bestselling book, "Gratitude Through Hard Times: Finding Positive Benefits Through Our Darkest Hours,"he uses this podcast to blend ancient stoic philosophy and modern-day science to teach how the principles of gratitude can be used to help people get through their hard times. FOLLOW CHRIS:WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | LINKEDIN| BOOKS

Welcome Back to Gratitude Through Hard Times! You'll learn on this episode how one of the nation's insurance leaders is fueled by authenticity and vulnerability, superpowers available to all of us if we're brave enough to go there. In the case of our guest, Heath Ritenour, a bout with cancer proved an opportunity to drop the corporate mask in favor of prioritizing human connection among the 1,500 employees and 72,000 customers affiliated with Insurance of America (IOAUSA), among the nation's largest private agencies. We learn about how Heath came to embrace the family business, founded by his parents, and carve out a leadership style that has supported exponential growth. As he explains to Host Chris Schembra, Heath has reaped profound rewards through the practice of gratitude, personally and in the workplace context. He doesn't bother with the posturing and business armor so many of us reflexively wear, looking instead for those human places where relationships flourish. It's a formula that attracts and retains great talent and cements loyalty among customers in direct proportion. “The transformational side of building deeper relationships and being open, of being connected with your team, is more growth, more profit and a happier, more cohesive team,” says Heath. And that's exactly how things have played out at Orlando-based IOA's 60 locations and counting. Empathy is woven into the corporate fabric and serves as an invitation for growth through hard times. So go ahead! Be brave. Drop the mask and make that shift. When we remember to witness life's blessings, we are generating more of the same. It's all a question staying mindful, says Heath: “It's not what you gotta do but what you get to do!” Want to follow what the thought leaders at IOAUSA are up to? You can find their blog  at this link. You can also learn all about their corporate 1° Difference philosophy by clicking here. If you'd like to learn more about Chris and his 7:47 Virtual Gratitude Experience or subscribe to our newsletter, please visit this link. Click hereto hear more fascinating conversations with Fortune 500 CEOs, professional athletes and entertainerswho have shared their human stories on Gratitude Through Hard Times. KEY TOPICS:If you could give credit or thanks to one person in your life that you don't give enough credit or thanks to – that you've never thought to thank – who would that be and why? Coach Fred, a recently deceased high school football coach who was tough but also helped Heath learn to prioritize his commitments in business – and life!Shifting Mindset: How thoughtful, deep conversations with an early mentor helped Heath reorder his sense of what really mattered in life (well beyond girls, partying and football!).About Authenticity: A look at the sense of trust and honesty Heath's high school football coach cultivated and how it enabled the younger man to embrace enduring values.Leaning Into Vulnerability: Why Heath has come to understand that being transparent, even where we feel weak or challenged, is integral to establishing real trust with teams.Getting Real: About Heath's bout with cancer and how that journey became an opportunity to shed the posturing, discard the corporate mask and lead with empathy.Tip of the Hat to Mom & Dad: What it looks like to develop a business based on advocacy, partnership and consultative advice and how Heath ultimately took the baton.If Not You, Who? How Heath came to a spiritual understanding that he had something to bring to his family business and clientele.Exponential Growth: About the organic way in which Heath (in spite of his fears) has worked with his team to build IOA and its unique corporate culture and values.It's the Setbacks! Heath explains why challenge and adversity are a growth opportunity. It's when we blow it or fall short that we're offered the chance to evolve and deepen.The Impediment to Action Advances Action: Why today's atmosphere of scarcity, anxiety and rapid technological change offers an invitation to turn suffering – and whatever stands in the way – into a path towards promise.Heath's Top Advice:Take stock and recognize that very likely the most challenging times are also the ones that prompt the most growth and spiritual development.Recognize the power in offering vulnerability as a meeting place and valuable intersection for bonding in every arena of life.Be brave. Drop the mask – then watch good things happen!Remember that profit and growth are an outgrowth of nurturing relationships.Closing Thoughts:Navigating the current crisis of disconnection and alienation in the workplace demands an attitude of empathy, service and heart. Do business the right way – by investing in your people – and the community will thrive and demonstrate great returns!When you cultivate gratitude through daily practice, you have it to share!Make the shift! Remember: It's not what you “gotta do,” it's what you get to do!  QUOTABLE“Heath has grown his company by investing in his people, doing business the good way, honoring faith, taking care of families and knowing your business is only as good as your people.” (Chris) “So much in people's lives we forget the importance of the impact we make on people … and there's nothing better than (changing lives). It's better than money or anything I can think of.” (Heath) “Gratitude just feels good to give, even if the recipient isn't here to receive it.” (Chris) “When I'm open with my weaknesses and challenges – when I'm authentic and vulnerable in that way – it opens (others) up to feel comfortable being more open with me. And then you can build a more cohesive relationship from there.” (Heath) “We all know there's no perfect. It's a fool's errand. It's a treadmill to nowhere. We're all flawed and we all have issues!” (Heath) “The greater you can empathize with what your teammates are actually going through, the greater your ability to actually work together to innovate and create outsized business results.” (Chris) “The transformational side of building deeper relationships and being open, of being connected with your team, is more growth, more profit and a happier, more cohesive team. And that's what I think any business leader should want!” (Heath) “It's very simple: Take off your mask. Number two: Invite your team to take off their masks. Number three: Invite your customers to take off their masks.” (Chris) “Having a mindset of being grateful changes the way you feel and how you show up. It changes the way you deal with and overcome difficulties. Take a few minutes to think not about what you want and don't have but the blessings in your life!” (Heath) LINKS/FURTHER RESOURCES:Click here to listen to episode 225, featuring Geoff McDonald's insights into Mental health and well-being.Learn more about “emotional regulation,” why it's important and strategies to help you get there at this link.Click here to find out about Kurt Vonnegut's “Man in the Hole” theory.More thoughts on gratitude from CEO Ron Carson on this episode of Gratitude Through Hard Times.Check out works by Marcus Aurlelius and the Stoics at this website.Listen to Jim Harter of the Gallup Poll correlate customer engagement with employee engagement on this episode of Gratitude Through Hard Times. ABOUT OUR GUEST:Heath has been in the insurance industry for over 20 years, and I currently serve as chairman of Insurance Office of America (IOA). He also holds the property and casualty general lines (2-20) and health and life (including variable annuity contracts, 2-15) insurance licenses. His experience with insurance includes personal, business, risk management, and countless other types of coverage. Since becoming a member of the team in 1996, Heath has worked with his peers and professional network to continue expanding and improving IOA — which is now one of the largest privately held insurance agencies in the country.He also plays an active role as president of the IOA Foundation and is proud to have been acknowledged as an industry leader. FOLLOW OUR GUEST:WEBSITE | LINKEDIN ABOUT OUR HOST:Chris Schembra is a philosopher, question asker and facilitator. He's a columnist at Rolling Stone magazine, USA Today calls him their "Gratitude Guru" and he's spent the last six years traveling around the world helping people connect in meaningful ways. As the offshoot of his #1 Wall Street Journal bestselling book, "Gratitude Through Hard Times: Finding Positive Benefits Through Our Darkest Hours,"he uses this podcast to blend ancient stoic philosophy and modern-day science to teach how the principles of gratitude can be used to help people get through their hard times. FOLLOW CHRIS:WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | LINKEDIN| BOOKS

If you haven't been part of the conversation about Human Resources and its impacts on workplace cultures and society at large, then you need to check out Hacking HR, a global community of 350k+ members invested in transforming the way we live. Founder Enrique Rubio joins Host Chris Schembra on this episode of Gratitude Through Hard Times for a blunt exploration of what it means to demonstrate human-centered core values and how that translates into critical business ROI in the form of retention, productivity and positivity that uplifts not only enterprises but the lives of everyone we touch. Enrique challenges us to look in the mirror and ask: Are you practicing kindness, compassion and empathy in your daily transactions and – if not – why not? Is your ego or a sense of entitlement keeping you from meaningful connection in the workplace or on the elevator, at the grocery store or over the course of transacting business? A vocal advocate for giving remote work a chance, Enrique shares thoughts on leveraging our roles – whether as leaders or individual contributors – for social change in the workplace and beyond. You'll also learn about why mental health is a critical component of overall corporate health and how we can find in gratitude the baseline for starting important conversations. “There are so many things we can do in HR to leave an incredible legacy of transforming work for good,” says our guest. “We know that it's not fluffy and doesn't make you weak.” Join us for a fascinating no-holds-barred discussion that will challenge you to bring your best self to work and every other area of your life. And don't forget those words of affirmation, an investment in positivity you'll never regret!To hear more of Enrique's groundbreaking insights, tune in to his Hacking HR Podcast, featuring a range of leading innovators in the human relations space. You can also join his huge and growing Hacking HR community by clicking this link.If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with a fellow trailblazer! Click here to hear all the fascinating conversations Chris has had with Fortune 500 CEOs, professional athletes and entertainerswho have shared their human stories on Gratitude Through Hard Times.If you'd like to learn more about Chris and his 7:47 Virtual Gratitude Experience or subscribe to our newsletter, please visit this link. KEY TOPICS:Meeting of the Minds: Why Enrique is energized by the vision he and Chris share of workplaces (and a world) informed by values like empathy, gratitude and authenticity. If you could give credit or thanks to one person in your life that you don't give enough credit or thanks to – that you've never thought to thank – who would that be? Mom and Dad – whose radically different (but complementary) views of the world shaped Enrique's approach to life. He can never offer enough thanks!The Power of Modeling: About the positive energy Enrique very consciously puts out into the world in all his everyday interactions, even when it's not reciprocal.Hacking HR: How Enrique has built a community by offering an umbrella to 350k+ members interested in the full spectrum of human resources issues – from mental health to technology to making cultural change in the workplace.Trailblazing Ambitions: About closing gaps by using HR as a leader in creating community and connections with transformational impacts on workplace cultures.Understanding the Gap: Chris and Enrique take a closer look at the new technologies and social mandates that HR must learn to balance against the traditional admin. and other corporate services they provide.The Role of Gratitude: Why it's important to acknowledge that progress – especially of the proactive variety – doesn't magically happen.Enrique's Two-Pronged Gratitude and Appreciation:For the journey and lessons learned along the way.For the community – including those who challenge or push back on assumptions.Operationalizing Empathy: Why it's so important to provide the framework for a variety of points of view, building bridges among competing interests and blending core values.Two Sides of the Same Coin: How business success hinges on “people” success and vice versa. They are mutually reinforcing and transformational.Regarding Retention: About appreciation as a valuable source of engagement that bonds employees to their jobs and each other – far more than any product or mission.Epidemic of Entitlement:  How ego-based demands for recognition and empathy erode gratitude, which requires an atmosphere of mutuality. It's a ‘give in order to get' thing!The Language of Gratitude: Enrique reflects on the words of affirmation that his parents deserve in recognition of the example they set – and he never wants to take for granted!Parting Thoughts:Whatever your role, you can make things happen. You can create a better workplace and world just by being compassionate and kind.Don't let ego divert or block your best intentions. You can transcend! QUOTABLE“There are so many people in the world working on all things empathy, kindness, compassion, gratitude. We know that it's not fluffy and doesn't make you weak.” (Enrique)“With all my imperfections, limitations and shortcomings, I am the way I am because of the way (my parents) raised me and for that I'm forever thankful.” (Enrique)“All of these conversations need to happen for HR to close the gap … between where we are and our potential to become that (cultural) leader.” (Enrique)“There are so many things we can do in HR to leave an incredible legacy of transforming work for good.” (Enrique)“Hacking HR hasn't gotten too far from its original vision. It's still a vehicle for connection, learning and coming up with innovative ideas.” (Chris)“People are more engaged, more satisfied, happier, finding more joy, are more creative and even have higher financial returns … when they are treated with kindness and respect, dignity and compassion at work.” (Enrique)“When you practice gratitude, it broadens the thought-action repertoire within your brain needed to seek innovation, creativity, curiosity, joy and pride.” (Chris)“The greatest cultures are not built because of something a leader says. Great cultures happen because of everyday interactions. You see it and feel it in the way people talk to each other and work.” (Enrique)“Whether you are in a leadership position or you are just an individual contributor, don't let your ego get in the way. Just get it done. Begin the conversation!” (Enrique)“If you know that gratitude, compassion, empathy and kindness are the right thing to do and you're not doing them, you've got to look at yourself in the mirror because your ego is blocking you from doing the right thing.” (Enrique) LINKS/FURTHER RESOURCES:About Jim Harter's Harvard Business Review article about worker satisfaction, "What Great Managers Do to Engage Employees."Read the “Broaden and Build” chapter in Chris's bestseller, "Gratitude Through Hard Times: Finding Positive Benefits Through Dark Hours." ABOUT OUR GUEST:Enrique Rubio is passionate about Human Resources, People Operations, Technology and Innovation. He is an Electronic Engineer, Fulbright Scholar and Executive Master in Public Administration with a focus on HR. Also certified in Design Thinking, Scrum Master and PMP, Enrique has over the past 20 years worked in the HR and tech worlds. He is very interested in the digitization of the workplace, Human Resources and the intersection of the future of work, technology and HR.  FOLLOW OUR GUEST:WEBSITE | LINKEDIN ABOUT OUR HOST:Chris Schembra is a philosopher, question asker and facilitator. He's a columnist at Rolling Stone magazine, USA Today calls him their "Gratitude Guru" and he's spent the last six years traveling around the world helping people connect in meaningful ways. As the offshoot of his #1 Wall Street Journal bestselling book, "Gratitude Through Hard Times: Finding Positive Benefits Through Our Darkest Hours,"he uses this podcast to blend ancient stoic philosophy and modern-day science to teach how the principles of gratitude can be used to help people get through their hard times. FOLLOW CHRIS:WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | LINKEDIN| BOOKS

Are you tired of constantly comparing yourself to others? Do you feel like you're not measuring up to society's standards of success? In this episode of "Gratitude Through Hard Times," host Chris Schembra interviews Shauna Schwartz, author of "How to Stop Caring What Others Think for Real," about the concept of internal success. Shauna explains how internal success differs from external success factors such as grades, money, and career achievement, and emphasizes the importance of recognizing internal growth and development. She also discusses the negative impact of the hoax of self-esteem on children and encourages people to embrace failure as a path to personal success and growth.Shauna's book focuses on bringing acceptance to the reality in front of us and shifting our focus from external factors of success to our internal essence. She emphasizes that leaders cannot see themselves as puppeteers who control everything and everyone around them. Instead, they need to recognize that the people they lead are not puppets and cannot be controlled. The desire for control can create unhealthy anxiety and lead to unhealthy behavior from leaders. Chris and Shauna discuss the importance of emotional regulation in leadership and how it relates to dialectical behavioral therapy.If you're ready to shift your focus from external success factors to your internal essence, this episode is for you. Join Chris and Shauna as they discuss the importance of recognizing internal growth and development, embracing failure, and letting go of the need for control.

In the world of marketing, customer advocacy has moved in recent years from a piecemeal hit-or-miss effort to a scalable discipline and Ari Hoffman is at the forefront. Vice President of Customer Marketing & Advocacy at Influitive, he shares his powerful framework on this episode of Gratitude Through Hard Times with Host Chris Schembra. It's all about building authentic community and loyalty to your brand, product or service not by soliciting the same customer testimony over and over again but by engaging fans as part of a growing, dynamic ecosystem. You'll learn what makes this marketing approach so powerful, how Ari rolls out programs that generate customer obsession across sectors and why defaulting to ad-based lead generation is not the way to go in times of recession. If you've been trying to figure out how to connect with customers in meaningful ways and turn them into spontaneous evangelists for your company, then here's your starting place. Ari is a thought leader with the set of tools (like his DRIVE methodology) you'll need on the journey!Learn more about Influitive's Fearless 50 Elite 18 Awards and how to nominate, vote for or otherwise celebrate the customer-led marketers whose work you appreciate most!If you'd like to learn more about Chris and his 7:47 Virtual Gratitude Experience or subscribe to our newsletter, please visit this link.Click here to hear more fascinating conversations with Fortune 500 CEOs, professional athletes and entertainerswho have shared their human stories on Gratitude Through Hard Times. KEY TOPICS:Freeze and Squeeze: Ari spells out some of the sales-centric, demand-gen defaults, like emphasis on advertising, that companies mistakenly fall back on in times of recession.Customer Obsession: Why companies oriented towards user experience see 2.5 times faster growth and 1.7 times better retention.Fearless 50 and Elite 18: How Influitive is inspiring a customer-first approach through awards that exemplify it.Moving Messages: Ari highlights the importance of creating ecosystems that engage customers and inspire them to proactively speak up on behalf of your product or service.Stepping Stones for Moving Towards Customer Engagement:Start an advocacy “well,” documenting customers who are already in your corner.Identify customers you've gone back to for testimony too often – burning them out and generating a stale message.Create a mini-advocacy program that invites customers to connect.Map out a handful of things to ask of your customers, including:Committing to connect with other customers.Writing a review.Providing 30 minutes of product or messaging feedback.Incentivize customer advocacy by offering in exchange things like:Early access to your new lines of business or free use for a limited time.Swag bags.Free attendance at dinner gatherings.An honorary jacket.Scaling requires an engagement engine to nurture customers and help them see the value-add in advocacy. Giving versus Taking: How customer advocacy programs can turn on generosity and other benefits in the long run.Why Customer Obsession is a can't-lose campaign because it's all about:Being thankful.Celebrating people who are doing things right.Leveling up the skill sets of others.Inspiring others while creating demand generation for your company.Spreading the Love: How to nominate, vote or otherwise tee up gratitude by participating in Influitive's Fearless 50 customer-led marketing awards.Uncovering Marketing Gold: How Ari connects with customers and helps them see their importance by providing connections, resources and words of affirmation.DRIVE Advocacy: Deliver value first.Refine what people are good at.Iterate the Value.Expand the delivery.Leveling Up: How Influitive trains people to become internal and public advocates for – and champions of – their own customer success and achievement.The Hero's (and Heroine's) Journey: About gratitude as a tool that taps into powerful emotions that create a symbiotic customer narrative and outcomes.Value Realization: You can deliver value all day long, but if the person receiving it doesn't realize it then did you actually do anything?If It's Just Transactional, It Won't Work! The gratitude you're giving has to:#1 Be of value to the recipient.#2 Be inconvenient or cost you something in some way. #3 Be genuinely something you're glad to be offering.Don't forget to check out Fearless 50 and if you've missed the nominating or voting window, bookmark it for next year! QUOTABLE“We are the biggest of the big in customer marketing … but the reality is that the customer marketing world is a fractional sliver of the entire marketing world.” (Ari) “The more collective value our industry and each individual contributor and thought leader in our space has, the more that rubs off on the larger marketing community and the way that we think about leveraging our customers.” (Ari) “It's about creating a community and ecosystem where customers are literally raising their hands because they want to share their success stories.” (Ari) “The neat thing that gratitude has the ability to do is reactivate weak or dormant ties.” (Chris) “I don't make champions, but I find them and I shine a spotlight on them. I find those diamond-in-the-rough people who don't even realize the talent they have.” (Ari) “(Your customers) are the champions. They are the heroes of the story. Let them shine and bring you along for the ride.” (Ari)  “We're dealing with humans at the end of the day, but we lose sight of that. We get caught up in the numbers, then can't understand why we can't move the needle the way we want to.” (Ari) “The heroine's journey is filled with emotion and connection and reflection and introspection. And gratitude is the tool that taps into those emotions.” (Chris) “Make someone feel personally validated, appreciated and connected to your community of customers and they will talk about you ‘til the cows come home.” (Chris)  LINKS/FURTHER RESOURCES:Click here to learn about Forrester's thought leadership around Customer Obsession.Gartner's Top Customer Experience Trends for 2023.More about Influitive's Fearless 50 and Elite 18 at this link.Visit this link to learn more about Mark Granovetter's work at Stanford around the strength of weak ties.Click here to find out what all the buzz about Gong is about!About Google's study, "Promotion to Emotion: Connecting B2B Customers to Brands."Learn about Barbara Frederickson's groundbreaking research on happiness and the power of positivity. ABOUT OUR GUEST:Ari Hoffmanis the VP of Customer Marketing and Advocacy at Influitive. His human-first approach to work and passion for customer success are fixtures of his career. A seasoned veteran and trusted advisor, Ari supports customer-centric businesses, primarily in the enterprise SaaS industry. He is a natural organizer and people-connecter, using empathy to relentlessly shine light on others. FOLLOW OUR GUEST:WEBSITE | LINKEDIN ABOUT OUR HOST:Chris Schembra is a philosopher, question asker and facilitator. He's a columnist at Rolling Stone magazine, USA Today calls him their "Gratitude Guru" and he's spent the last six years traveling around the world helping people connect in meaningful ways. As the offshoot of his #1 Wall Street Journal bestselling book, "Gratitude Through Hard Times: Finding Positive Benefits Through Our Darkest Hours,"he uses this podcast to blend ancient stoic philosophy and modern-day science to teach how the principles of gratitude can be used to help people get through their hard times. FOLLOW CHRIS:WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | LINKEDIN| BOOKS

Get ready for fascinating and relevant insights on this episode of Gratitude Through Hard Times, featuring Jim Harter, PhD, Gallup's Chief Scientist of Workplace Management and Wellbeing. He's sharing with Host Chris Schembra all the eye-opening research and analysis behind his latest book (co-authored with Jim Clifton of the Clifton Strengths Assessment),"Culture Shock: An unstoppable force has changed how we work and live. Gallup's solution to the biggest leadership issue of our time." The key takeaway? Nothing cements employee performance, satisfaction and retention more effectively than regular, meaningful conversations – especially when they include recognition for work well done. It costs leaders very little and, data indicate, pays off over and over again in bottom-line results. Dr. Jim explains the research and analysis that the Gallup organization has undertaken to address the biggest leadership challenges of our time, including the stresses of remote work, the limited wellbeing associated with four-day work weeks and the critical role that empathy plays in engaging with and bringing out the best in our workplace cultures. Dr. Jim's new book is jam-packed with stats and evidence-backed solutions to align your company's purpose with employee satisfaction – which ultimately translates into that all-important customer success!Want to hear much more from Dr. Jim Harter? Pick up a copy of his latest collaboration, "Culture Shock," check out his bestselling book, "12:The Elements of Great Managing" or click here to check out "Wellbeing: The Five Essential Elements."If you'd like to learn more about Chris and his 7:47 Virtual Gratitude Experience or subscribe to our newsletter, please visit this link.Click here to hear more fascinating conversations with Fortune 500 CEOs, professional athletes and entertainers who have shared their human stories on Gratitude Through Hard Times. KEY TOPICS:If you could give credit or thanks to one person in your life that you don't give enough credit or thanks to – that you've never thought to thank – who would that be and why? Frank Schmidt, PhD, a research scientist and mentor who reshaped Dr. Jim's approach to people, research and the role of gratitude in the context of employee engagement.Culture Shock: Co-authored with Jim Clifton, this latest collaboration uses Gallup data and qualitative snapshots to unpack the post-Covid workforce and workplace future.Important Findings:For workers, overall stress has continued on an upward trajectory but remote work has offered welcome freedom (from things like commuting).For leaders, there's uncertainty about how to monitor remote worker productivity.Data suggest that there's plenty of room for businesses to thrive.A Great Reset: Why leaders who clearly define (and communicate) workplace culture, customer experience and organizational values are most likely to ride out recession. Customer Success: About the importance of employee satisfaction and loyalty when it comes to quality service delivery and long-term, bottom-line corporate results.Managing Strengths: Understanding employee styles, aspirations and experiences is a key component for engagement, retention, job and customer satisfaction.Manager to Employee to Customer: How the interplay among all three elements determines corporate success. Changing the Dialogue: How empathy can open up the conversations that managers need to be having with employees to overcome workplace disconnects.Meaningful Conversations: Gallup research indicates that recognition and gratitude are among the most powerful tools we have to cultivate workplace community and loyalty.Components of Meaningful Conversations:Recognize specific, recent work efforts.Understand what motivates good work.Know the context of the employee's particular work.Meet on an ongoing basis.Collaborate and coordinate remote compared with in-person hours.Wellbeing v. Engagement: Why stats indicate that the benefits of four-day work weeks are offset in many cases by the stress of compressed schedules and loss of autonomy.Blenders and Splitters: About the difference between people who prefer to compartmentalize work and family life and those who take a multi-task approach.Step. No. 1: Dr. Jim recommends managers adopt the coaching habit of one meaningful conversation every week grounded in empathy, understanding and accountability. QUOTABLE“A lot of people don't know their impact on you until you tell them.” (Dr. Jim) “Gratitude is an inherently pro-social trait that feels good to give, to receive and to observe. But we have to take the first step.” (Chris) “Gratitude is contagious and creates a positive upward smile. It's one of the most positive forces in the universe because it keeps on giving.” (Chris) “There's plenty of data to show that great managing can make workplaces more productive than they've ever been before. If we combine autonomy with great performance management, we can reach all-time highs.” (Dr. Jim) “To get the right customer experience, you've got to have the right employee experience.” (Dr. Jim) “Sometimes all you need to do to shorten the distance between employer and employee is just ask your team, ‘How do you like to be recognized? How do you like to receive gratitude?' How do you like your wins celebrated?' ” (Chris) “The reason managers are so important is that they're the only ones inside organizations who know the idiosyncrasies of each person and have the opportunity to get to know their situations – and that's never been more important than it is right now.” (Dr. Jim)  LINKS/FURTHER RESOURCES:Learn more about the Clifton Strengths Assessment.Jim's Harvard Business Review article, "What Great Managers Do to Engage Employees." ABOUT OUR GUEST:Jim Harter, Ph.D., is Chief Scientist for Gallup's workplace management and wellbeing practices. He is the coauthor of the No. 1 Wall Street Journal and Washington Post bestseller, "It's the Manager", released in 2019. His work has appeared in the Harvard Business Review, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Fast Company and Time magazine in addition to many academic publications. FOLLOW OUR GUEST:WEBSITE | LINKEDIN ABOUT OUR HOST:Chris Schembra is a philosopher, question asker and facilitator. He's a columnist at Rolling Stone magazine, USA Today calls him their "Gratitude Guru" and he's spent the last six years traveling around the world helping people connect in meaningful ways. As the offshoot of his #1 Wall Street Journal bestselling book, "Gratitude Through Hard Times: Finding Positive Benefits Through Our Darkest Hours,"he uses this podcast to blend ancient stoic philosophy and modern-day science to teach how the principles of gratitude can be used to help people get through their hard times. FOLLOW CHRIS:WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | LINKEDIN| BOOKS

On this very special episode Gratitude Through Hard Times, Host Chris Schembra and his guest, Drahomíra Mandikova, celebrate meaningful connection and its power to generate profitable solutions not just for shareholders but the world at large. Chief Corporate Affairs Officer at Asahi Europe & International, “Drahus” (as she is known to friends) shares with us the unique North Star principles that drive one of the world's largest alcoholic and non-alcoholic beer companies, with 19 breweries exporting to 90 markets globally. You will be intrigued to learn about the meaning, power and intentionality behind Asahi's emphasis on four simple words: “Let's have a beer.” It's about bringing awareness and building community – person to person – as the foundation to individual wellness and a sustainable “human-environmental ecosystem.” For Drahus, the first step is the critical one: Pause. Reflect on the talent, passion and ultimate purpose you bring, as well as the legacy you wish to leave. Her values-driven vision has shaped Prague-based Asahi's workplace culture and brought clarity to the company's mission statement. “We have all these goals,” says Drahus, “but to really bring them to life and enjoy the good feeling, we need to be in the present, work together and create connections to step-by-step bring about those long-term dreams.” We are on the road together, folks, and it starts with gratitude!If you'd like to learn more about Chris and his 7:47 Virtual Gratitude Experience or subscribe to our newsletter, please visit this link.Click here to hear more fascinating conversations with Fortune 500 CEOs, professional athletes and entertainerswho have shared their human stories on Gratitude Through Hard Times. KEY TOPICS:If you could thank someone who helped you through some of your darkest hours, who would that be and what were you going through? A mentor with an especially keen way of helping Drahus unhitch from unnecessary catastrophizing and impatience.A Moment of Reflection: About the importance of taking a pause to come into the present, then step into the past through reflection.2030 Legacy of Good: How Drahus and Asahi's company culture have coalesced around a mission based on a multidimensional balance of past, present and future.A Mentor's Advice: About Inner Child work and how it can reintegrate intuition and help return us to the essence of who we are and wish to be.Empathy is Everything: Why Drahus believes that the companies that actually care about the human-environmental ecosystem in which they function will bring profitable solutions to very real pain points. A win-win-win!Embracing Failure: False starts and falling short are part of a holistic learning process.Brand Purpose: About the Asahi brand's commitment to fostering a sense of belonging and community for its tens of millions of consumers.Remarkable Marketing: How Asahi has mounted campaigns that bring people together, helping them feel connected and seen on a personal, human level.The Problem of Loneliness: About the creative ways Asahi's multi-national team is trying to build bridges – old to young, left to right, across lifestyles and geographies.Asahi's Legacy Mission Includes Being Bold:Speak directly and compassionately to tough issues, like mental health.Moving 20% of the corporate portfolio into nonalcoholic beverages.Beer as a vehicle for making meaningful connections.Drahus's Personal Purpose: Making business and environmental growth sustainable.What She's Up To:Coordinating breweries across Europe to build sustainability into their production.Creating a strategy to ensure Asahi becomes carbon neutral.Midwifing a new economic model driven by profitable solutions for all stakeholders – not exclusively profit for shareholders.Action Item: All purpose-filled journeys start with a pause to reflect and re-center on your personal talents, passion and the positive impact you wish to make.Remember: When we are clear about ourselves and our purpose, the work comes into focus – and it becomes easier to shed obligations and distractions that do not serve!Why Do We Do What We Do? From intentionality flows business success and ultimately a healthier, more sustainable world.Parting Thought:Focus on what you want to know say “no” to rather than what's driving you to say “yes.”Resist the shiny things that distract your ego but don't serve your greater purpose or desire to create impact.Meaningful connection is fueled by gratitude – and makes life much, much easier. QUOTABLE“We have all these goals … but to really bring them to life and enjoy the good feeling, we need to be in the present, work together and create connections to step-by-step bring about those long-term dreams.” (Drahus) “You have to have a long-term dream so that you know where you're going.” (Drahus) “Be proud of the past so you can build the confidence and learning, but what is really important is how you bring everything to the present: Your ‘self,' your actions, reflecting on the future and also on the past.” (Drahus) “One of the biggest pain points I see in our world is the loneliness epidemic, the idea that there are a lot of people on this planet who are disconnected or do not feel seen.” (Chris) “Belonging is not about blending in. It's not about meeting people that believe in the same things that you believe in. Belonging is about showing up as you authentically are and being accepted.” (Chris) “My purpose now is really to advocate for a new era for businesses to think about the new economy, where we are moving from maximizing profit for shareholders to bringing profitable solutions for all stakeholders.” (Drahus) “Whether you're an accountant, a lawyer or CEO of a software firm, you can find your purpose and it can be as simple as creating meaningful connections with others.” (Chris) “Years from now – when we've long passed on – maybe someone will look back on our life and say, ‘They made others feel safe, seen and heard.' And if that's your purpose, it's going to be a great legacy – and lead to some good profitable growth!” (Chris) LINKS/FURTHER RESOURCES:Click here to listen to episode 225, featuring Geoff McDonald's insights into Mental health and well-being.Listen to Johann Hari's Ted talk, "Everything You Think You Know About Addiction is Wrong." ABOUT OUR GUEST:Drahomíra started her career working for the banking sector in Slovakia. In 2000, she joined Plzensky Prazdroj in Slovakia, and worked in a variety of Corporate Affairs roles, before becoming Corporate Affairs Director in the Czech Republic in 2010. She played a key role in the integration of the Czech and Slovak businesses and contributed to strengthening a positive reputation of Prazdroj as the most responsible company in the Czech Republic. She was also seconded to SABMiller in India to support them with their long-term CA strategy. Drahomíra became Corporate Affairs Director of Asahi Europe in 2017 and following this Chief Corporate Affairs Officer of the newly created Asahi Europe & International in 2021. FOLLOW OUR GUEST:WEBSITE | LINKEDIN ABOUT OUR HOST:Chris Schembra is a philosopher, question asker and facilitator. He's a columnist at Rolling Stone magazine, USA Today calls him their "Gratitude Guru" and he's spent the last six years traveling around the world helping people connect in meaningful ways. As the offshoot of his #1 Wall Street Journal bestselling book, "Gratitude Through Hard Times: Finding Positive Benefits Through Our Darkest Hours,"he uses this podcast to blend ancient stoic philosophy and modern-day science to teach how the principles of gratitude can be used to help people get through their hard times. FOLLOW CHRIS:WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | LINKEDIN| BOOKS

You've got the business, the car, the boat, the house. You're blessed with a great family, friends, access to more than your wildest dreams. But something is missing. Something is gnawing at you. If this sounds familiar, you may be in need of “soul fulfillment,” which is what Host Chris Schembra's guest on this episode of Gratitude Through Hard Times has provided thousands of people. At his Rythmia Life Advancement Center in Costa Rica, Founder & CEO Gerry Powell offers comprehensive plant-based medicine retreats. The modalities work at a deep level to help remove shame, fear, trauma and the anger that fuels – and is a downfall for – so many hyper-successful people. You'll learn about Gerry's transformational journey and how he stepped away from the multimillion-dollar serial IPO lifestyle he thought would bring him happiness – but that instead left him profoundly empty and suicidal. Working with plant-based shamanic techniques opens up new pathways to self-acceptance and compassion. It's a journey that 97% of Rythmia participants describe as nothing short of a “miracle,” a source of relief and revelation that transcends our ingratitude, confusion and old, unhealed wounding. Most of all, says Gerry, people leave his one-week retreats with an entirely new regard for life: “I made it out of sheer perseverance and brutality, but there are so many other ways to do it and feel different.” You're invited to explore and see your soul's fulfillment in a completely new way!More information about the medically licensed plant medicine and transformational retreat experience offered at Rythmia is available at this link, along with a video about Gerry's very personal journey to wellness (here).If you'd like to learn more about Chris and his 7:47 Virtual Gratitude Experience or subscribe to our newsletter, please visit this link.Click hereto hear more fascinating conversations with Fortune 500 CEOs, professional athletes and entertainerswho have shared their human stories on Gratitude Through Hard Times. KEY TOPICS:When the Bucket Doesn't Feel Full: Why Gerry wants to reach out to successful entrepreneurs who very often feel something missing and don't understand what or why.If you could give credit or thanks to one person in your life that you don't give enough credit or thanks to – or that you've never thought to thank – who would that be? So many people, but Shaman Gina was pivotal.The Gift of Perspective: How plant medicine can help reveal to us the ways in which even those who hurt us are of help in our lives – even when we don't see it.Sections in Chris's book that are relevant to plant medicine:Connect the Dots Backwards: About gratitude as a link to our past.Struggles into Benefits: About the science behind “grateful processing.”Feeling the Feelings: How a lifetime of numbing and other corrosive emotional coping mechanisms turned around only after Gerry was able to embrace a shamanic experience with plant-based medicine.Repairing the Fraction: Gerry turned his life over to healing, creating a unique retreat space at @Rythmia in Costa Rica, changing the lives of more than 14,000 seekers.Coming from Ingratitude: How a hypervigilant “brute” approach to the pursuit of goals yields only more anger, shame, guilt, regret.Plant Medicine: It's a conduit to compassion, self-love, wisdom and generosity that enables us to be collaborative, empathetic, curious leaders.Knowing When You're Ready: Plant medicine comes into focus when we are ready to put the pieces together and open ourselves to transformation.The Comeback Story: Rythmia is about taking people out of their hole, to the brink and back from despair to a “miracle.”Joining the Tribe: Why plant medicine work of the type Gerry practices offers hyper-achievers a place to reconnect, work through shame and guilt and find wholeness in a safe community environment. QUOTABLE“It's the perfect time to be in this work as the world is waking up that there is a greater human potential out there.” (Chris) “There are people who help pull you towards your higher self and people who hurt you who keep pushing you towards your higher self.” (Gerry) “Gratitude is about looking into the past and being grateful for all the steps that took you to where you are today – the good and the bad.” (Chris) “Once you die you can actually live life without the fear of death, which makes you really want to be more than anything a beneficial presence here on earth.” (Gerry) “The secret to success and happiness is not necessarily a new go-to-market strategy, not a higher intellect or new network … It's actually to look inside yourself and be at peace with who you are.” (Chris) “Very few of us who are hyper-successful were raised in the right way. There's a reason those folks are in the one-tenth of one percent. And it's not because everything was nice and tidy.” (Gerry) “Guilt and shame and regret are extremely lonely emotions and the thing you think you should do is not talk about it. But it's actually the opposite: Confront it, talk about it and forgive yourself. Plant medicine really helps you do that.” (Chris) “The obstacles you've overcome – the shame, guilt and trauma you feel right now – are the best parts about you because true human connection and belonging do not occur when our lives appear to be perfect.” (Chris) LINKS/FURTHER RESOURCES:More about the global leadership community YPO at this link.About "Grateful Processing," a concept developed by Prof. Phillip Watkins of Eastern Washington University."The Magic of Thinking Big," by David J. Schwartz, PhD.About Michael Beckwith's Agape Spiritual Center.More about author Kurt Vonnegut's "Six Emotional Arcs of Storytelling." ABOUT OUR GUEST:Gerry is Founder and CEO of Rythmia, an all-inclusive, luxury, medically licensed plant medicine center in Guanacaste, Costa Rica. His singular goal is to serve guests and help each individual get their Miracle. FOLLOW GERRY:WEBSITE | LINKEDIN | TWITTER|INSTAGRAM ABOUT OUR HOST:Chris Schembra is a philosopher, question asker and facilitator. He's a columnist at Rolling Stone magazine, USA Today calls him their "Gratitude Guru" and he's spent the last six years traveling around the world helping people connect in meaningful ways. As the offshoot of his #1 Wall Street Journal bestselling book, "Gratitude Through Hard Times: Finding Positive Benefits Through Our Darkest Hours,"he uses this podcast to blend ancient stoic philosophy and modern-day science to teach how the principles of gratitude can be used to help people get through their hard times. FOLLOW CHRIS:WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | LINKEDIN | BOOKS

These are bumpy times economically and for many of us it's a period of professional redefinition. What path are we on and is it the career we truly desire? How can we best showcase our skill sets and the value-add we bring? Host Chris Schembra's guest on this episode of Gratitude Through Hard Times has a methodology that focuses on these questions and much more. Loren Greiff, Founder & President at PortfolioRocket, has developed a framework that's applicable across industry sectors as well as the many phases of our career development. It's as much about defining our own core values and the expertise we offer as it is identifying the workplace culture best suited to our fundamental vision. Loren shares her proprietary four-step process for reimagining – and bringing to reality – a job that feels like exactly the right fit. You'll come away inspired to redefine what you bring to the table and leverage your network – most especially those 2nd, 3rd and 4th degree contacts that hold far more promise than you might imagine! The market right now is fluid, but the one thing that remains consistent always, says Loren, is the importance of being fully ourselves and clear about what we have to contribute: “This is not about contorting yourself and playing Cirque du Soleil with your career,” says Loren, who also hosts Career Blast in a Half. “This is about really advocating and treating yourself as somebody who is going to transform an organization.”If you're ready to retool your career trajectory, now is the time to book a discovery call with Loren, which you can do at this link. You'll also find inspiration and wisdom in her podcast, Career Blast in a Half.If you'd like to learn more about Chris and his 7:47 Virtual Gratitude Experience or subscribe to our newsletter, please visit this link.Click hereto hear more fascinating conversations with Fortune 500 CEOs, professional athletes and entertainerswho have shared their human stories on Gratitude Through Hard Times. KEY TOPICS:If you could give credit or thanks to one person in your life that you don't give enough credit or thanks to – that you've never thought to thank – who would that be and why? No doubt or hesitation – Eileen Jones, a high school English teacher who was the first person to acknowledge Loren's writing talent and develop her voice. Cheers to her!Yes, And: What enabled Loren to be both an outlier and standard-bearer; perform as a maverick while also maintaining impeccable dignity.Research shows that thought leaders are regarded as having two things:Authenticity.Information to share of value to others.Applying the Methodology: How Loren's framework has proven elastic enough to adapt easily across the full range of industry sectors, from legal to ops to HR to creative.Shedding the Cloak: What prompted Loren to break with the hiring/recruitment industry status quo in order to establish a creative alternative model.Sheltering: About putting a repeatable process in place for migrating out of blocked, unhappy workplace situations.Loren's Four-Step Proprietary Process:Step 1: Get Clear!Ask yourself what you've been doing and why.Determine your core values, the benchmark for evaluating opportunities going forward.Establish how people are going to find you via 15-20 keywords relevant to your skill set .Identify 10-15 companies that meet your ideal criteria.Showcase specific problems you've solved or successes you've had.Create boundaries around the conditions under which you want to meet.Step 2: All about Your Assets!Reimagine LinkedIn as more than a profile. It needs to convert interest and generate activity/connections.Create content – which includes strategically commenting on other people's posts. Join conversations!Develop marketing materials with effective (timely) messaging.Design collateral (visual and written) that is accessible.Step 3: Networking with strangers!Reach out to 2nd, 3rd and 4th degree links – which are going to be your more useful allies in finding a new niche.Formulate pitches that will demonstrate preparation and initiative.Learn how to ask sharper, more mind-blowing questions.Step 4: Do your homework (aka Sniff Testing)!Perform due diligence on your prospective employer.Ensure that onboarding and your 30/60/90-day plan are in place.Keep eyes and ears open for unexpected leads or connections.Scan the landscape for business challenges to which you can bring your vision, expertise and solutions.Shout-Out for Eileen Jones: Thank you for your example, bravery, wit, class – all the known and unknown gifts you've given Loren over the years! QUOTABLE“Being a rebel can be blended with a lot of discernment, decorum and the ability to be kind and loving and just a really wonderful person.” (Loren) While it's not without its merits, the whole industry of hiring and recruiting was just broken. It was a calling for me that you are either going to be part of a continuous problem or you are going to create a different kind of solution.” (Loren) “I realized that if I was going to launch a business it had to solve a big problem – a problem so relevant that it resonates with anyone in the job search process.” (Loren) “If you don't know how to navigate forward in your career, you need to have a system that is rinseable and repeatable (because) with the churn rate this will happen over and over and over again.” (Loren) “At some point in life when we realize we're miserable, we either continue the same patterns and getting the same jobs … or we take a pause and a new approach.” (Chris) “The real transformation happens when you are developing relationships with 2nd, 3rd, 4th degree connections, which are known as your weaker ties. The weak links are your stronger ties.” (Loren) “The hidden job market is available to every single one of us … and can come through multiple areas – content, conversation, somebody standing in line at the post office. You don't know so you have to keep your eyes and ears open.” (Loren) “This is not about contorting yourself and playing Cirque du Soleil with your career. This is about really advocating and treating yourself as somebody who is going to transform an organization.” (Loren) “You've got to figure out the unique problem that you can solve … You want to really know and be able to articulate what that problem is and what it will change.” (Loren) LINKS/FURTHER RESOURCES:Seneca's Letter 13 on “groundless fears” can be found here.More about Stanford's study: "Strength Through Weak Ties" by Mark Granovetter as featured in "Gratitude Through Hard Times: Finding Positive Benefits Through Our Darkest Hours,""Personal Socrates: Questions That Will Upgrade Your Life from Legends & World-Class Performers," by Marc Champagne.Learn about the podcast Big Questions with Cal Fussman.More about the marketing and branding maestro, Seth Godin, available here. ABOUT OUR GUEST:Loren Grieff's career took off in New York as a VP at J. Walter Thompson. For the past decade+ she has established herself as a top performer recognized for a unique ability to serve demanding clients, identify talent unicorns and drive excellence in the industry. PortfolioRocket is the culmination of more than 25 years of corporate design and marketing positions across global agencies, corporate in-house teams, creative staffing and management consulting. FOLLOW LOREN:WEBSITE | LINKEDIN | PODCAST ABOUT OUR HOST:Chris Schembra is a philosopher, question asker and facilitator. He's a columnist at Rolling Stone magazine, USA Today calls him their "Gratitude Guru" and he's spent the last six years traveling around the world helping people connect in meaningful ways. As the offshoot of his #1 Wall Street Journal bestselling book, "Gratitude Through Hard Times: Finding Positive Benefits Through Our Darkest Hours,"he uses this podcast to blend ancient stoic philosophy and modern-day science to teach how the principles of gratitude can be used to help people get through their hard times. FOLLOW CHRIS:WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | LINKEDIN | BOOKS

This episode of Gratitude Through Hard Times issues an unmistakable call to action: Join the crusade for workplace openness and compassion! Host Chris Schembra's guest, Geoff McDonald, is explaining the business and moral case for making mental health integral to our corporate cultures. Why? Because beyond fostering top performance and competitive advantage, it saves lives. As a keynote speaker and business transformation consultant with decades of HR leadership at Unilever, Geoff is uniquely positioned to destigmatize the mental health challenges that are all too common in today's noisy world. Having navigated a diagnosis of anxiety-fueled depression, he understands the paralyzing impacts and basic ingredients for restoring equilibrium. His experience was painful and frightening but, as Geoff shares, it was also an invitation to enable change and human connection. You'll learn through this conversation how a combination of unconditional love and willingness to be vulnerable ultimately empowered Geoff, a UK-based native of South Africa, to open a global dialogue around mental health in the workplace. “Too often we have not focused on the concept of the health and energy of our people as a critical enabler of performance,” says Geoff. But we can reject stigma and isolation! Join us as Geoff outlines the steps we can take to bring more gratitude, kindness, quality of life and bottom-line results to our workplaces!If you want to be further inspired by Geoff's perspective on mental health and wellbeing as key indicators for thriving workplace cultures, check out his powerful TedX Talk, "Let's Talk About Mental Health."If you'd like to learn more about Chris and his 7:47 Virtual Gratitude Experience or subscribe to our newsletter, please visit this link.Click here to hear more fascinating conversations with Fortune 500 CEOs, professional athletes and entertainers who have shared their human stories about Gratitude Through Hard Times. KEY TOPICS:If you could give credit or thanks to one person in your life that you don't give enough credit or enough thanks to – that you've never thought to thank – who would that be? It has to be mom, in recognition of the unconditional she provided as Geoff's baseline.Midnight, January 25, 2008: How a massive panic attack on the eve of his daughter's 13th birthday triggered debilitating anxiety, a diagnosis and a transformational choice.The Power of Love: About the curative effects of both embracing his humanity and accepting the love Geoff's family and friends offered through a dark passage.Four Ingredients that Healed Geoff's Anxiety-Fueled Depression:Getting a concrete diagnosis that integrated various symptoms.Being authentic and forthright about the feelings he was experiencing.Trusting the credibility and respect he'd built over 20 years at Unilever.Working for a compassionate leader who had experience dealing with mental illness within his circle of family and friends.How Geoff empowered himself – and others – through openness and vulnerability.Common Conditions: Why depression, anxiety and other mental health challenges are just part of being human in the world today.Implementing the Cure: Why purpose is integral to creating workplaces that are healthy.About a Finite Resource: How pervasive burnout and pernicious stress erode the energy we need to fuel our teams and move mountains.Making Mental Health and Wellbeing a Strategic Priority:Supports and energizes workers – a key ingredient for workplace success.Enhances people's lives – which is simply the right thing to do.Yields performance metrics – that support leadership objectives.Why actively de-stigmatizing mental health at an organizational level cultivates psychological safety, retention and potentially saves lives.Chris Captures the Alchemy: About the combination of openness and cushion of unconditional love that supported Geoff's recovery and fuel his mission today.In closing, please join this crusade by doing three things:Reflect on (and get curious about) your own relationship to mental health and ask: Is it one of intolerance or true compassion?Keep the conversation going. The more of us who are candidly discussing mental health, the greater the de-stigmatization.When you're ready, consider sharing your story, which is like sending a small lifeboat out into the ocean of people now suffering in silence and feeling alone. QUOTABLE“The purpose-driven work that we do is very tiring … But every time I talk to (Geoff) the energy is real, I feel it in every bone in my body and it inspires me to do greater good for our world.” (Chris) “That sense of unconditional love – and how powerful that can be … is so important.” (Geoff) “The decision I took was that I wouldn't be burdened by the stigma associated with (mental) illness and that empowered and liberated me.” (Geoff) “A sense of love and a sense of hope were probably the two most powerful ingredients in my recovery ... Those two emotions kept me going.” (Geoff) “I am not good at masking my feelings. It's just who I am and – you talk about gratitude – I am so thankful that my personality is ‘what you see is what you get.' ” (Geoff) “An expression of your vulnerability just makes you more human and allows for deeper, more meaningful connection between two human beings.” (Geoff) “If overall health and wellbeing is a critical enabler of performance, then why don't you make it one of your strategic (business) priorities? Why don't you create workplaces … that will enhance the lives of people working there?” (Geoff) “Too often we have not focused on the concept of the health and energy of our people as a critical enabler of performance.” (Geoff) “It's time to step up bigger and think of the purpose and legacy that you're leaving with the people that surround you ... the energy and connection and social wellbeing.” (Chris) “Sometimes just being more open to receiving love from others is the first step to your own healing.” (Chris) LINKS/FURTHER RESOURCES:About Alastair Campbell, podcast host and communications strategist.More information about the WorkHuman Live Conference, where Geoff will be a keynote speaker, from April 17-20, 2023 in San Diego.Geoff's Tedx talk "Let's Talk About Mental Health." ABOUT OUR GUEST:Geoff McDonald is now best known as a global advocate, campaigner and consultant who is passionate about addressing the stigma of mental ill health in workplaces, and about helping organizations embed purpose as a key driver of business performance. Prior to this he was the Global VP of Human Resources for Unilever. In 2008 he was diagnosed with anxiety fueled depression, recovery from which led him to discover a new personal purpose. And in 2014 he left his role with Unilever to devote his time, energy and expertise to ending the stigma of depression and anxiety in the workplace. He tells his powerful story to audiences around the globe, knowing first-hand that talking about mental health saves lives. FOLLOW GEOFF:WEBSITE | LINKEDIN | YOUTUBE| TWITTER ABOUT OUR HOST:Chris Schembra is a philosopher, question asker and facilitator. He's a columnist at Rolling Stone magazine, USA Today calls him their "Gratitude Guru" and he's spent the last six years traveling around the world helping people connect in meaningful ways. As the offshoot of his #1 Wall Street Journal bestselling book, "Gratitude Through Hard Times: Finding Positive Benefits Through Our Darkest Hours,"he uses this podcast to blend ancient stoic philosophy and modern-day science to teach how the principles of gratitude can be used to help people get through their hard times. FOLLOW CHRIS:WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | LINKEDIN | BOOKS

Have you transcended the transactional? Host Chris Schembra's guest on this episode of Gratitude Through Hard Times embodies the abundance that flows from giving without the constant expectation of receiving in return. Galen Hair, a highly successful plaintiff's attorney, speaker, author and podcaster, has built his practice around a purpose-driven approach to both law and service. The outcome? Prosperity, yes. But yet more importantly Galen and his team at Insurance Claim HQ are working for clients they believe in arguing cases with merit. They come from a place of gratitude and, as Galen explains, “I find that when you give something without expecting anything you tend to get much better stuff in return.” In this case, we're talking about the huge impacts his firm of 119 employees with more than $30 million in annual revenue is making on behalf of 10,000 clients. You'll learn how his involvement with Hurricane Katrina clean-up in New Orleans foreshadowed the meaning-infused work Galen would go on to do as an attorney representing those who have been wronged and evolving his industry's mindset through platforms such as his Level Up Claims Summit, the nation's No. 1 property casualty conference, which takes place this year on June 9th in New Orleans. Click here to learn more and register!If you'd like to connect with Chris and his 7:47 Virtual Gratitude Experience or subscribe to our newsletter, please visit this link.Click here to hear more fascinating conversations with Fortune 500 CEOs, professional athletes and entertainers who have shared their human stories on Gratitude Through Hard Times. KEY TOPICS:If you could give credit or thanks to one person in your life that you don't give enough credit or enough thanks to – that you've never thought to thank – who would that be? How a music teacher at his Texas public school went above and beyond to impact Galen's life artistically, emotionally and financially.Giving for the Sake of Giving: Why life can be looked at like a series of bank accounts from which we draw and replenish at any given time – and often to the benefit of all.In the Aftermath of Hurricane Katrina: About Galen's intimate involvement with both the horror and generosity that rocked New Orleans – diving in with no real skill set (he'd been training as an opera singer) but a huge amount of heart.Embracing Purpose: How Galen refocused his career, creating a legal “practice with a purpose” that combined his desire to do good with an ability to earn a secure income.How to Practice Law with Integrity:Take cases that make sense for you – not your bank account.Remember that you're a lawyer, but also an individual.Take cases for people and causes in which you believe.Don't worry about the rest of it!Staying on Task: Even when building a venture feels challenging, it's easier to remain focused and disciplined when the big picture feels right.Timing and the Universe: Galen recalls how a life-changing case fell into his lap in the space of a day in which he'd suffered an acute panic attack about his firm's viability.Building Community: How Galen's Level Up Claims Summit and podcast have helped people within the legal industry connect and inspire gratitude among one another.The Proverbial Silver Lining:Remember that seemingly negative things can yield positive impacts.Recognize tools available to meet challenges today versus in the past.Use gratitude as a vehicle to leverage lessons learned.Parting Thought: Why Galen holds special admiration and gratitude for Chris, who has been there at pivotal moments to help him with the mindset he needed to adopt!The Bookkeeping of Benefits: Chris honors the act of kindness and vote of faith Galen placed in him and his company in the midst of Covid19. QUOTABLE“I came from a tumultuous family environment and one of the things that I discovered as an adult is that my family's survival was not an accident. We were really lucky to have people help us out.” (Galen ) “We're often really guilty of paying attention to our financial bank account and not the people we love or the things we have around us.” (Galen) “The good news about gratitude is that it doesn't always have to be given back. Sometimes it can be paid forward.” (Chris) “You can pump up that bank account as fat as you want it but you will not be fulfilled if what you're doing isn't bringing you some sense of purpose.” (Galen) “As a leader, take care of yourself as much as what you are building. People are what's behind the business.” (Chris) “I find that when you give something without expecting anything you tend to get much better stuff in return.” (Galen) “You have in some way, shape or form – intentionally or unintentionally – helped me adopt a mindset that was going to be necessary for what was coming next.” (Galen) “The people on your team, the people that you serve, are counting on you to lead with integrity, hope, optimism and connection. Be there for them when they need it most!” (Chris) LINKS/FURTHER RESOURCES:Bader Scott Injury Lawyers in Atlanta.More about Mike and Jessica Magill's Crisp coaching program.More about the Student Hurricane Network.Learn more or purchase tickets for this year's Level Up Claims Summit.Stoic quotes about the peril of ingratitude from Lucius Seneca.The work of gratitude researcher/author Adam Grant, featured in his book "Give and Take: A Revolutionary Approach to Success.""Lonely at the Top: The High Cost of Men's Success," by Thomas E. Joyner. ABOUT OUR GUEST:Galen M. Hair, an aggressive and relentless litigator, is licensed in multiple states and boasts clients from around the world. He focuses not only on the litigation in front of the client, but the long-term personal and business effects that his clients' issues will cause. A best-selling author, he has already helped thousands of policyholders navigate their own insurance claims. He's a national speaker on all areas of insurance recovery and has won numerous accolades, stays active in non-profits and the community at large. He also is an Assistant Examiner for the Louisiana Bar Exam in Constitutional Law. FOLLOW GALEN:WEBSITE | LINKEDIN | CONFERENCE| PODCAST ABOUT OUR HOST:Chris Schembra is a philosopher, question asker and facilitator. He's a columnist at Rolling Stone magazine, USA Today calls him their "Gratitude Guru" and he's spent the last six years traveling around the world helping people connect in meaningful ways. As the offshoot of his #1 Wall Street Journal bestselling book, "Gratitude Through Hard Times: Finding Positive Benefits Through Our Darkest Hours,"he uses this podcast to blend ancient stoic philosophy and modern-day science to teach how the principles of gratitude can be used to help people get through their hard times. FOLLOW CHRIS:WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | LINKEDIN | BOOKS

Do you know your four key quadrants and how to bring them into balance? On this episode of Gratitude Through Hard Times, Host Chris Schembra welcomes back best-selling author Robert Glazer, who is taking us inside his Elevate framework. As the founder of Acceleration Partners, he and his team provide clients a unique framework through which to optimize the core capacities foundational for healthy, thriving enterprises. You'll come away from this lively give-and-take with concrete steps for restoring life elements that are “out of whack” and in need of more attention. “It requires deep self-awareness and real authenticity to be the type of leader you actually are,” says our guest. “If I don't understand my values and why they are my values, I'm showing up as a completely different type of leader.” Don't miss pivotal insights from Robert's most recent book, "Elevate Your Team: Empower Your Team To Reach Their Full Potential and Build A Business That Builds Leaders," and frontlines perspectives on the leadership challenges we're facing daily, both personally and organizationally. Is it time you got your spiritual, emotional, intellectual and physical capacities into alignment? Sign up for Robert's on-demand course (use code GRATITUDE to receive $20 off). And once you've done your core work, let us know about the values that define you!You can hear lots more about how to push your personal limits by listening in to Robert Glazer's The Elevate Podcast. Or purchase his latest book, "Elevate Your Team: Empower Your Team To Reach Their Full Potential and Build A Business That Builds Leaders."Want to stay in touch with what Robert's up to? You can receive his weekly Friday Forward newsletter, click here.If you'd like to learn more about Chris and his 7:47 Virtual Gratitude Experience or subscribe to our newsletter, please visit this link.Click hereto hear more fascinating conversations with Fortune 500 CEOs, professional athletes and entertainerswho have shared their human stories on Gratitude Through Hard Times. KEY TOPICS:Because he's a repeat guest. Chris slightly tweaks the pod's signature gratitude question to ask: How has gratitude been foundational to Robert's “other-ish” orientation in life.From the Jump: Acknowledging the value and benefits we receive from the people who come into our lives and the relational elements that cement true success in life.About Robert's Writing Method: Interweaving the spiritual, emotional, intellectual and physical elements that are the framework for his myriad best-selling books.State of Mind: If you're constantly coming into conflict or dealing with negativity, it's probably time to ask: Are you bringing the best version of yourself?Rejection as a Catalyst: How the “Valley of Death” shapes ultimate business outcomes – if we adopt the tools necessary to adapt to and navigate the terrain.Reframing Growth: Why it's important for leaders today to figure out how to bring their entire team along through waves of expansion that are humane and sustainable.Robert's Four Core Competencies to Elevate Organizational Cultures:Spiritual Capacity: Understanding bedrock strengths and values.Intellectual Capacity: Improving your ability to think, learn, plan and execute on goals. It's your personal operating system!Physical Capacity: Tending to personal performance and optimized well-being.Emotional Capacity: Cultivating strong relationships and how you react to outside individuals and circumstances.Finding Your Values: About Robert's online course and how it expands our spiritual vocabulary and capacity.Examining the role of trust.Bringing awareness to core narratives that drive leadership styles.Finding solutions that reinforce psychological safety in the workplace.Take the free Four Capacities Quiz or use cod GRATITUDE to get $20 off the his on-demand core values course.The Role of Vulnerability: How sharing personal stories and normalizing our common humanity empowers teams to look inward, get honest and make necessary adjustments.The Growth Mindset: When we explore, attune to and build our core capacities our leadership abilities expand in ways that enable us to be agile and flexible.Shifting the Story: How developing the capacity (and helping our teams) to process negative autobiographical experiences turns those negatives into powerful positives.Parting Thoughts:Remember to model the importance in today's hybrid world of being intentional about creating breaks and separation between work and home.A vacation is allowed to be a vacation. Take a real break!Consider using delayed delivery to manage the flow of email – for your benefit and that of others up and down the organization.Don't forget that setting boundaries empowers everyone!Maintain not just a work-life balance but a life in balance – spiritually, emotionally, intellectually and physically.  QUOTABLE“I think gratitude is an orientation … It's outside of ourselves, thinking about what we can do for others.” (Robert)“If you're focusing (only) on internal, self-reflective things, you're forgetting about the most important part of humanity, which is to be in relation and connection with and acknowledge the benefits of others.” (Chris)"When we show up as an exhausted, diminished version of ourselves, we're not really helping anyone else.” (Robert)“If you're meeting a**holes every hour of the day, you're probably an a**hole. It's your state of mind. How we feel changes our perceptions in all those interactions with others.” (Robert)“The whole aspect of capacity-building within an organization is learning, evolving and future-oriented.” (Robert)“Leaders are having to wake up and say, ‘You know what? We can't do the growth-at-all-costs model anymore because we forgot about our people.' ” (Chris)“A big piece of organizational emotional capacity is psychological safety.” (Robert)“It requires deep self-awareness and real authenticity to be the type of leader you actually are … If I don't understand my values and why they are my values, I'm showing up as a completely different type of leader.” (Robert)“We make mistakes. We review them. We don't make them again. We focus on the things we control, not the things we don't control.” (Robert)“What's cool is that emotional capacity is how you react to challenging situations. It's your emotional mindset. It comes as resilience, hope, pride, self-confidence, optimism in the face of really difficult circumstances.” (Chris)“When you can assign a list of positive benefits to a negative autobiographical experience and give gratitude to it and make it part of your story, it becomes the best thing that ever happened to you.” (Chris)“Don't allow a focus on external variables … If a sales team lost a deal, it should not be about the competitor's price. It should be about how we showed up, were we prepared, what was the feedback? Things that you can control.” (Robert) “It takes a great level of discernment to look within and acknowledge the things that you can actually control and should change. That takes wisdom.” (Chris) LINKS/FURTHER RESOURCES:Find all of Robert's books at this link.Learn more about the Anatomy of Peace at The Arbinger Institute.Discover Robert's course on expanding core capacities here.Find out more about Alcoholics Anonymous's Serenity Prayer.About "Grateful Processing," a concept developed by Prof. Phillip Watkins of Eastern Washington University. ABOUT OUR GUEST:Robert Glazer is a serial entrepreneur, award-winning executive, bestselling author, and keynote speaker. Founder and Board Chairman of global partnership marketing agency Acceleration Partners, he has significant experience in digital monetization, affiliate & partner marketing, customer acquisition, e-commerce, and direct-to-consumer marketing. He has served as a board member and advisor to many high-growth companies in the e-commerce and marketing verticals. Bob shares his ideas and insights via Friday Forward, a popular weekly inspirational newsletter that reaches more than 300,000 individuals and business leaders across 60+ countries. He is a #1 Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and international bestselling author of five books: Elevate, Friday Forward, Performance Partnerships, Moving to Outomes, and How to Thrive in the Virtual Workplace. He has also been columnist for Inc., Forbes, and Harvard Business Review, and hosts the Elevate Podcast, a top podcast for entrepreneurship in more than 20 countries. FOLLOW ROBERT:WEBSITE | LINKEDIN | INSTAGRAM| PODCAST ABOUT OUR HOST:Chris Schembra is a philosopher, question asker and facilitator. He's a columnist at Rolling Stone magazine, USA Today calls him their "Gratitude Guru" and he's spent the last six years traveling around the world helping people connect in meaningful ways. As the offshoot of his #1 Wall Street Journal bestselling book, "Gratitude Through Hard Times: Finding Positive Benefits Through Our Darkest Hours,"he uses this podcast to blend ancient stoic philosophy and modern-day science to teach how the principles of gratitude can be used to help people get through their hard times. FOLLOW CHRIS:WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | LINKEDIN | BOOKS

Dear You! On this episode of Gratitude Through Hard Times an immigration activist and legal powerhouse teaches us how to write letters to the selves we intend to become. Hillary Walsh, President and Founder of New Frontier Immigration Law, explains how this simple tool can help us determine – and then manifest – the things we want to be, do and have. It starts with articulating a vision – then identifying the week-by-week, month-by-month steps necessary to make it a reality. It's exactly this kind of focused goal-setting that has driven Hillary's growing legal advisory firm and foundation. You'll learn how she transcended childhood abuse, as well as stints in foster care and lockup, to become a crusader for the rights of those without a voice – victims of domestic violence, human trafficking and a broken immigration system. Gratitude is at the root of Hillary's ambitious goal to empower marginalized people – the core mission that animates her whole team at New Frontier Immigration Law on even the toughest of days. Says Hillary: “The only way out of a ditch is not to dig more. It's not to have someone pull you out. It's up to you to levitate out.” Now there's a thought for your next motivational letter!Did you try our 60-second letter-writing exercise? If you'd like to share the thoughts you composed while listening to this episode, we'd love for you to send them to us via this contact.The short documentary at this link will give you the overview on Hillary's work and the passion she brings to immigration law. Click here if you're interested in learning more about the goal-setting retreats we discussed.If you'd like to learn more about Chris and his 7:47 Virtual Gratitude Experience or subscribe to our newsletter, please visit this link.Click hereto hear more fascinating conversations with Fortune 500 CEOs, professional athletes and entertainerswho have shared their human stories on Gratitude Through Hard Times. KEY TOPICS:If you could give credit or thanks to one person in your life that you don't give enough credit or enough thanks to – that you've never thought to thank – who would that be? Her longtime friend Lisa, a beauty pageant mentor who supported Hillary as a feisty teen-age competitor in pursuit of scholarship money. Decades later, it stands as “the most authentic demonstration of friendship and love” Hillary has ever known.Lonely at the Top: Bringing the intensity required to achievement and innovation can predispose judgment, projection and high expectations that not everyone shares.How Hillary Stays Committed: Ongoing goal-setting and targeted plans are key, as well as detailed letters to her future self that articulate concrete goals.New Frontier University: The platform, which will offer revolutionary access to education and skills, launches in the next six months.A Letter to Myself in Sixty Seconds:Investigate/Determine the things you want to be, do and have.Who do you want on your team five years from now?Imagine the gift you want to have cultivated five years from now.Include specific data and personal targets, then build backwards month by month, week by week.Speak your desires directly to the universe.Put it in writing: “Dear (Me), It's 2028 and I'm so glad I've been able to x,y and z.”New Frontier's Big-Picture Goals: To serve and support those who have experienced domestic violence and human trafficking.To compensate for shortcomings in the social welfare system.To provide options and a voice to undocumented people who are victims.To create a new line of defense for those who have suffered trafficking.Hillary's Ups & Downs:Challenge: Hiring and identifying partners has been an “intense learning journey.”Challenge: Losing confidence when senior hires “tank your leadership culture.”Victory: The funny, irreverent, high-energy team she has assembled.A Great Fix for Down Moments: Grab a piece of paper and jot down three things you have to celebrate and ask others around you to do the same. Try creating a dedicated Slack channel! You'll feel gratitude shift the energy!Parting Thought: If you feel like your team isn't working for you, then it's time to stop and take stock. Whenever you think your people are your problem, it's because you're out of alignment with your own core values! QUOTABLE“I hate pretending because authenticity is one of my core values.” (Hillary)“I've accepted that my life is going to be very out of balance. I think seeking balance is the enemy of innovation and achievement.” (Hillary)“I'm very dissatisfied, which is why I want to change so much and make a really lasting impact that outlives me.” (Hillary)“I don't need people to know my name when I'm gone, but I need the shit that I did now to matter in three generations.” (Hillary)“You're fighting for something really, really, really big and meeting resistance. And that resistance comes in the form of loneliness … self-doubt … Imposter Syndrome … pleasing others and challenging your ability to do what you need to get done.” (Chris)“As I started figuring out the ‘what' I wanted to do, the ‘who' that was going to make it happen started showing up in my life.” (Hillary)“We get so caught up in the minutiae. We are very short term-oriented people, but we can pause and broaden our perspectives.” (Chris)“Long-term thinking helps us to remember in the short term why we're doing things. It's a reminder of core values.” (Hillary)“Gratitude is not just about being grateful for positive things ... It can be used to help pick you up out of a hole, to find positive benefits in negative autobiographical experience. It's a tool for resilience, self-confidence, self-efficacy.” (Chris)“You think you've got it all figured out and then your business levels your ego in this exhilarating but exhausting kind of way.” (Hillary)“The only way out of a ditch is not to dig more. It's not to have someone pull you out. It's for you to levitate out.” (Hillary)“Money won't solve every problem, but having the comfort of knowing you consistently have enough and that you can change your trajectory … is a gamechanger.” (Hillary)“In order to see the change you want to see in others, first you have to make change within yourself … It's not about changing others. It's about clearing up your side of the street.” (Chris) LINKS/FURTHER RESOURCES:"Lonely at the Top: The High Cost of Men's Success," by Thomas E. Joiner.About The One Thing goal-setting retreats and the book by the same name.View Will Smith's Academy Award-winning performance in "King Richard.""The Long Game: How to Be a Long-Term Thinker in a Short-Term World," by Dorie Clark.More about Marty Seligman's Theory of Positive Psychology."Find Your Freedom: Financial Freedom for a Life on Purpose," by Jamie P. Hopkins.About The Arbinger Institute's "Anatomy of Peace." ABOUT OUR GUEST:Hillary Walsh helps immigrants live free in the United States. Through her experiences of suffering child abuse, being put in foster care and serving a stint in lockup, Hillary became committed to fighting for the rights of others. In the past 10+ years of practicing immigration law, she's represented clients before the U.S. Supreme Court, the Supreme Court of Nevada, the Ninth, Sixth, and Fifth Circuit Courts of Appeals, the Board of Immigration Appeals and immigration courts nationwide. Hillary is also a mother of four, a military wife, a law professor, a TEDx speaker, and an award-winning immigration lawyer.  FOLLOW OUR GUEST:WEBSITE | LINKEDIN | INSTAGRAM| YOUTUBE ABOUT OUR HOST:Chris Schembra is a philosopher, question asker and facilitator. He's a columnist at Rolling Stone magazine, USA Today calls him their "Gratitude Guru" and he's spent the last six years traveling around the world helping people connect in meaningful ways. As the offshoot of his #1 Wall Street Journal bestselling book, "Gratitude Through Hard Times: Finding Positive Benefits Through Our Darkest Hours,"he uses this podcast to blend ancient stoic philosophy and modern-day science to teach how the principles of gratitude can be used to help people get through their hard times. FOLLOW CHRIS:WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | LINKEDIN | BOOKS

What is it about building wealth that is so fraught? As we learn on this episode of Gratitude Through Hard Times, our relationships with money are deeply rooted in narratives that map back to our childhoods and often are mired in confusion or trauma. Lifting the veil on our complex dance with financial planning, respected industry leader Jamie Hopkins, Managing Partner of Wealth Solutions at the Carson Group, is sharing with Host Chris Schembra the framework on which he has built his latest bestselling book  "Find Your Freedom: Financial Planning for a Life on Purpose." Through the course of 23 carefully choreographed and info-packed chapters, we learn about some of the most common roadblocks to wealth building, how our personal money stories shape financial destiny and why it's so important  to challenge patterns of thought that do not serve. This lively conversation touches on everything from the importance of selfishness to the power of community to the multidimensional nature of giving. Most importantly, Jamie underscores how truly rich, impactful lives start at the core of who we are – with what we believe we deserve. “You are worthy of great financial freedom. That is the most important thing,” says our guest, whose work is all about helping clients make the shift. “If you don't believe that, all the other work, the investment strategy and tax tactics will be siloed off from the impact and your true meaning.” If – like so many of us – you're stuck in scarcity, this episode is your first step towards abundance!Did you know that we move better when we move within communities that align with our goals and support integral decision-making? Click here to get started exploring the important research and strategies featured in Jamie's bestselling books, "Rewirement: Rewiring The Way You Think About Retirement!" and "Find Your Freedom: Financial Planning for a Life on Purpose."If you'd like to learn more about Chris and his 7:47 Virtual Gratitude Experience, please visit this link. And clickhereto listen to previous episodes of Gratitude Through Hard Times. KEY TOPICS:If you could give credit or thanks to one person in your life that you don't give enough credit or thanks – have never thought to thank – who would you give that credit and thanks to? Two new friends who came into Jamie's life unexpectedly and without any forced ties or premeditated reasons for being in each other's orbits.Find Your Freedom: About the Carson Group's brand evolution and focus on building wealth and creating impact through a codified financial blueprinting process."Find Your Freedom: Financial Planning for a Life on Purpose:"How Jamie's latest book reflects a macroeconomic movement towards more sustainable – and human-centric – market economies and financial planning as a profession.The Monster of Wall Street: Jamie takes a brief look back at his work on the Bernie Madoff case and the ways in which that “complete abuse of trust” shaped his career.Trust Is Everything: Why good faith is essential to the healthy, collaborative advisory relationships Jamie believes must extend across the entire financial planning industry.It Starts With Our Stories: Jamie shares the trauma central to his childhood, a working-class upbringing upended when his father died unexpectedly in a construction accident.Giving As a Mask: A look at some of the complex dynamics that can occur when we dissect the motivations and compensations associated with gifts and philanthropy.Distinguishing How We Give:As the outgrowth (very often reflexive, even non-sensical) of a habit.As the communication and manifestation of a Love Language.Two Key Chapters:Chapter 23: Celebrate (and show gratitude) for your accomplishments for continued success. It's key to maintaining positivity and momentum.Chapter 20: The Power of Community. A look at why having a network that reinforces your values and long-term goals fosters kinder lives and better decision-making.Parting Words of Advice: You are worthy! Even if a sense of financial scarcity lurks, you have it within your power to claim impact, meaning and value. And if you struggle with it? That's okay, too. You are in good company! QUOTABLE“Part of your personality is to help those around you succeed by challenging the system.” (Chris)“I like this notion of having friends that don't rely on me for money, aren't asking me for things and (came into my life) serendipitously.” (Jamie)“(At Carson Group) we noticed that people the last couple of years were starting to crave more than a spreadsheet … They were craving meaning and impact on the world.” (Jamie)“(You) can have a lot of success and still live in fear … and I think it's a natural fear that a lot of people hold from a scarcity background.” (Jamie)“Generally speaking, everybody make selfish decisions … That doesn't mean that there aren't some selfless acts out there, but I think most decisions are based around this core sense of ourselves and survival.” (Jamie)“You've got to be a little bit selfish sometimes and pay yourself first so that by the end of your career you've received the dividends of these little selfish acts of paying yourself along the way.” (Chris)“It's not about the numbers. It's about what we are able to do … That's what financial planning and freedom is about for most people.” (Jamie)“We are not just individuals on an island. We are part of a community. We crave it and actually make better decisions inside of communities.” (Jamie)“As we become closer to more people, we actually make more altruistic and bigger picture decisions. When we become more isolated we actually make more selfish decisions.” (Jamie)“You are not determined by your net worth or your intellect or the job you have or even who's around you. Your success is determined by whether or not you can have a positive mental attitude and believe that you are worthy.” (Chris)“You are worthy of great financial freedom. That is the most important thing … If you don't believe that, all the other work, investment strategy and tax tactics will be siloed off from the impact and your true meaning.” (Jamie)“I've seen a lot of people – a lot of you listeners with some of the best networks and intellect in the world – completely squander it because you didn't believe that you were worthy of it.” (Chris)“A lot of you are fast-growth founders. You need to be planning for your own personal retirement, even in the midst of trying to plan on the financial well-being of your company. You need to be doing both at once.” (Chris) RELEVANT LINKS:Click here for Episode #72, “Learning from Failure,” featuring Ron Carlson.All about the Carson Group's “Blueprinting” process at this link.Check out the new Netflix docuseries about Bernie Madoff here.Scientific research about why "Birds Fly Faster in Flocks." ABOUT OUR GUEST:Jamie Hopkins is the Managing Partner of Wealth Solutions at Carson Group, a national wealth management firm that offers coaching and partnership to financial advisors. A nationally recognized writer, researcher and educator, Jamie is a regular contributor for Forbes, InvestmentNews and MarketWatch. He has been published in dozens of financial, educational and legal journals, and he's the media's go-to expert on retirement income planning and tax law. FOLLOW Jamie:WEBSITE | LINKEDIN | TWITTER ABOUT OUR HOST:Chris Schembra is a philosopher, question asker and facilitator. He's a columnist at Rolling Stone magazine, USA Today calls him their "Gratitude Guru" and he's spent the last six years traveling around the world helping people connect in meaningful ways. As the offshoot of his #1 Wall Street Journal bestselling book, "Gratitude Through Hard Times: Finding Positive Benefits Through Our Darkest Hours,"he uses this podcast to blend ancient stoic philosophy and modern-day science to teach how the principles of gratitude can be used to help people get through their hard times. FOLLOW CHRIS:WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | LINKEDIN | BOOKS

As Host Chris Schembra reminds us at the close of this episode of Gratitude Through Hard Times, it's never too late to learn something new – IF we're willing to take a pause, step back and offer ourselves grace. And few people embody this practice more vividly than his guest, Allison Hare, who is redefining what it looks like to be a so-called late bloomer. As the host of “Late Learner,” a popular podcast (formerly known as Culture Changers) that explores what it means to open up to new things at any stage of life, she encourages us to embrace spontaneity, authenticity and the unexpected. Having grown up programmed from childhood to be hard-charging, self-supporting and financially aspirational, Allison spent many years as a highly successful sales executive. Problem was, over time, the path she was on was depleting her – and burning through her creative energy. It wasn't easy to shake everything up and risk her secure status quo, but the outcome is undeniable. This is a woman who radiates joy and positivity. Today she is sharing that source of light by helping her clients, seminar participants and podcast listeners to get similarly unstuck. “It was an insane leap of faith when I made the decision not to make any decisions for the foreseeable future, until I could hear my own voice,” says Allison. She's inviting us to much the same: Pause, get quiet and make space for that inner knowing and the integration of gratitude. Are you ready to celebrate not just goals achieved, but the journey itself? This conversation will give you great ideas and tips for doing exactly that!Check out Allison's upcoming Calm in the Chaos retreat experience or book a free discovery call with her at this link.If you'd like to learn more about Chris and his 7:47 Virtual Gratitude Experience, please visit this link. And click here to listen to previous episodes of Gratitude Through Hard Times, featuring Fortune 500 CEOs, Academy Award winners, Grammy Award winners, Superbowl champions and more! KEY TOPICS:Love/Hate: Allison loves being a host and invites guests on her show based on a gut instinct. What she least likes? When she comes across as … less than her sharpest!Mirroring as a Tool to Create More Meaningful Connection: About the neurological impact that occurs when you repeat the last three words spoken by the person with whom you're in conversation. It makes them feel authentically heard!Signature Question Time: If you could give credit or thanks to one person in your life that you don't give enough credit or thanks to – that you've never thought to thank – who would that be? Herself! It feels self-indulgent but it's true, and a source of struggle.Cultural reasons why we can be so resistant to feeling gratitude towards ourselves:Gendered upbringing that emphasizes modesty for women.Biblical emphasis on not being boastful.Social norms that frown upon being “conceited.”I'll-Be-Grateful-When Syndrome: By tying our ability to feel gratitude and be happy to achieving certain metrics we set for ourselves tends to undermine good feeling available to us all along the journey.Comparing your success to the success of others is a recipe for perpetual ingratitude.Allison's Gratitude Inventory:Rest, pause and reflection.Taking the time and space to get quiet enough to hear her own voice.Consciously detaching from deeply ingrained messages that did not serve.Claiming freedom.The No. 1 Testimonial from Participants in Chris's Gratitude Experience: This was a space for me to pause, reflect and connect. Clarity is self-empowering!Words of Wisdom: Let it be easy! Move towards places with the least resistance.Allison's New Direction:Her successful “Culture Changers” podcast has been rebranded “Late Learners.”She's leaning into sharing her journey out of corporate America and into self-discovery and lifelong learning.The new roadmap is a work in progress whose DNA is a sense of wonder.It's all about the question: What can happen when you head in a new direction?A focus on teaching herself and others to take a brand new path – or embark on no path at all and just see what comes along!A sense of wonder and surprise prepares the way for unexpected delight.Feeling Stuck? Try This Simple Exercise: Break out of routine and instead pursue an “unplanned plan,” opening up to something new or spontaneous! (Chris and Allison share a very recent such adventure and how it lit them up!) QUOTABLE“The thing that once got you in trouble is also the thing that helps you out so much – being a good mirror of what's happening.” (Chris) “In my head, if I'm not further along (my entrepreneurial journey) then I don't have a right to trust me yet … and in the process give up my own power.” (Allison) “What an interesting thing that we as a society as a whole are so bad at giving ourselves gratitude.” (Chris) “It's very easy when you have big goals and big dreams … to measure your progress or happiness or gratitude on whether you've achieved that or not.” (Chris) “My value was truly wrapped around my productivity, my earning, my ability to stand on my own two feet without a man … and it was an insane leap of faith when I made the decision not to make any decisions for the foreseeable future, until I could hear my own voice.” (Allison) “One of the biggest lessons over the past (almost) year is that the harder I run, the harder I get yanked back … It's almost like I'm trying to microwave something that requires baking.” (Allison) “Money and prosperity and all of those things don't have to be exclusive to something that I hate. It's just finding the right combination and giving myself freedom and space to figure out and listen to my body.” (Allison) “My mission has always been, If you feel like you're stuck, it doesn't mean that you have to quit your job … but it does mean taking a new path, a new pivot, a new direction.” (Allison) RELEVANT LINKS/FURTHER RESOURCES:"Never Split the Difference: Negotiating as If Your Life Depended On it,"by Chris Voss."Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones,"by James Clear.Perfect locale for an “unplanned plan”: Just Add Honey. ABOUT OUR GUEST:Allison helps Entrepreneurs, Executives, and Business Professionals Disrupt the Status Quo so that they can create a better tomorrow. She's also a podcast host and producer, most recently at the Late Learner Podcast, which is ranked top 1.5% worldwide and was voted the Top Podcast in Atlanta Magazine of Dec 2022. She also authors the Allison's Journal blog,  FOLLOW ALLISON:WEBSITE | LINKEDIN | TWITTER|INSTAGRAM ABOUT OUR HOST:Chris Schembra is a philosopher, question asker and facilitator. He's a columnist at Rolling Stone magazine, USA Today calls him their "Gratitude Guru" and he's spent the last six years traveling around the world helping people connect in meaningful ways. As the offshoot of his #1 Wall Street Journal bestselling book, "Gratitude Through Hard Times: Finding Positive Benefits Through Our Darkest Hours,"he uses this podcast to blend ancient stoic philosophy and modern-day science to teach how the principles of gratitude can be used to help people get through their hard times. FOLLOW CHRIS:WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | LINKEDIN | BOOKS 

Passionate. Smart. Honest. Nice. These may not be your typically hard-charging business terms but for Chris Jackson, President at Stream Realty, they are bywords for long-term growth and success. As Host Chris Schembra's guest on this episode of Gratitude Through Hard Times explains, the commercial real estate powerhouse has long prioritized a human-centric approach – with amazing results! Chris sand his team at Stream foster not only a healthy workplace culture but resilience and retention of top talent. From the most senior leadership to the most recent hire – the shared mission is all about emphasizing integrity, authenticity, family and loyalty to the brand. It's clearly a recipe that's working! Over the past 20 years, Chris and his team have built this privately held company into a $5.8 million revenue juggernaut with 294 million square feet of real estate under management around the nation. You'll learn about Chris's 25-year marriage, a partnership that exemplifies the power of unconditional support, as well as the priority he places on showcasing team members, clients and partners alike. And with his “eternal optimism,” Chris finds a silver lining in even the bumpiest of economic times. “Downturns are what hold the greatest opportunities,” he says. “If you treat downturns as an opportunity for growth and connection, you'll build relationships that outlast any market cycle.” With its forward-looking workplace vision, Stream Realty challenges all of us to consider the power of making gratitude, empowerment and humility a core component of any business plan.You can learn much more about Chris and what Stream Realty has to offer at this link.If you'd like to learn more about Chris and his 7:47 Virtual Gratitude Experience, please visit this link. And click hereto listen to previous episodes of Gratitude Through Hard Times.  KEY TOPICS:When a Picture is Worth a Thousand Words: About the art work on display in Stream's HQ office – created by a broker and an embodiment of the human-centric, empowering ethos Chris promotes.The Signature Question: If you could give credit or thanks to one person in your life that you don't give enough credit or thanks to – that you've never thought to thank – who would that be? Chris pays tribute to Heather, his wife of 25 years and the unconditional partnership they share.Understanding the Narrative! About the “Six Emotional Arcs” that define a gratifying story – and in particular the perennial “back and better than before” storyline.About how Chris learned to turn downtimes (such as pandemic) into an opportunity to cultivate trust, resilience and ultimately growth (by standing by the team and doing the next right thing).Why Stream Realty has come out of Covid19 and other challenging circumstances stronger than ever. The secret sauce? Integrity and a commitment to the entire team.Hard Lessons Never Go to Waste: Chris shares the story of how he turned an impulsive (and, it was quickly clear, also misguided) career move into a career-defining pivot that became his 20-year journey with Stream.Word to the Wise: Eagerness, change and passion are great. But check the impulsivity!Thoughts and feelings that fuel ingratitude:Anxiety.Fear.Guilt.Anger.Shame.Regret.Conflict.Thoughts and feelings that fuel gratitude:Empathy.Courage.Compassion.Curiosity.Action.Innovation.How “eternal optimism” shapes Chris's leadership style and infuses it with:Empathy.Gratitude.Awareness of the contributions of others.Ability to celebrate and share the spotlight with others.About the core values (compassion, empathy and empowerment) central to the growth culture that supports a diverse group of 1,400 Stream employees nationally.Striking the Balance: Chris uses sports as a metaphor for knowing when to celebrate, when to regroup and how to keep the focus on an overall winning record year over year.Giving Up Control to Get Control: Myriad outside forces shape the real estate market, but Chris advocates taking charge of those things you can, like:Your attitude.How you treat one another.Your effort.Top Tips for People Launching their Careers:Find a company whose values align with your own.Prioritize environments that will support growth and advancement.Look for leaders who will champion and promote you.How Gratitude Shows Up with Stream's Clients  and Partners: Constant awareness that without their trust and confidence, there is no Stream.Long-term relationships based on reciprocal integrity and loyalty.About what Stream has to offer that publicly traded corporations (beholden to stockholders first) cannot in terms of prioritizing the team.Credit Where It's Due: Taking note of Chris's eagerness and the ease with which he gives praise to and calls out by name co-workers as well as customers and partners.What Chris is Grateful For:Incredible relationships – family, friends and colleagues.An opportunity to champion a company and industry he loves.The journey ahead and blessings he has known along the road so far.In Closing: What Stream Realty and its vision offer us as we reassess today's market, career opportunities and the pursuit of empathic, empowering workplace cultures! QUOTABLE“It's a crazy world out there … but we can hopefully inspire an attitude of curiosity, flow, innovation, so many amazing things!” (Chris S.)“Downturns are what hold the greatest opportunities. If you treat downturns as an opportunity for growth and connection, you'll build relationships that outlast any market cycle.” (Chris S.)“We're fortunate to be a privately owned company so we can do what we want, when we want and do right by our people. And the consequence of that was that our people … saw us do the right thing (curing pandemic) in terms of taking care of people and their families.” (Chris J.)“We've always come out of (setbacks) stronger because our people trust us more; they feel safe and the foundation we're all standing on is that much better.” (Chris J.)“If you wake up and dwell on the negative, you are plagued. You are falling victim of ingratitude. If you're waking up and appreciating the good, you are maintaining an attitude of gratitude.” (Chris S.)“Being a great leader is all about empathy and gratitude. Without those two characteristics, you're not able to recognize the qualities, skills and contributions of the other members of your team.” (Chris J.)“That's the thing with real estate. You can only control what you can control. There are outside forces that you have no control over. (But) you can control your attitude, how you treat one another, your effort.” (Chris J.)“Without our customers and partners, we would cease to exist. We would have no reason to be here … They've trusted us with big and important decisions.” (Chris J.)“This is the leader of a very large company telling you how they built a culture of recognition and appreciation – of gratitude – and how that's really fueled a lot of their success.” (Chris S.) LINKS/FURTHER RESOURCES:Click here to learn more about the artwork by Adam Jones, a senior VP at Stream Realty.More about author Kurt Vonnegut's "Six Emotional Arcs of Storytelling." ABOUT OUR GUEST:With 25 years of experience in commercial real estate, Chris serves as President of Stream Realty Partners, overseeing the company's business units and driving the growth and expansion of Stream's businesses nationally. Stream is one of the fastest-growing commercial real estate firms in the country with offices nationwide, over 250,000,000 square feet of commercial buildings under leasing and/or management, and $3.3 billion in transaction volume annually. FOLLOW Chris:WEBSITE | LINKEDIN ABOUT OUR HOST:Chris Schembra is a philosopher, question asker and facilitator. He's a columnist at Rolling Stone magazine, USA Today calls him their "Gratitude Guru" and he's spent the last six years traveling around the world helping people connect in meaningful ways. As the offshoot of his #1 Wall Street Journal bestselling book, "Gratitude Through Hard Times: Finding Positive Benefits Through Our Darkest Hours,"he uses this podcast to blend ancient stoic philosophy and modern-day science to teach how the principles of gratitude can be used to help people get through their hard times. FOLLOW CHRIS:WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | LINKEDIN | BOOKS

As Chris Schembra's guest on this episode of Gratitude Through Hard Times demonstrates every day, bringing an attitude of gratitude to the sales process fosters the kinds of quality relationships that are foundational to long-term success. Alex Ridder, VP for Global Accounts at The Adecco Group in Switzerland, has helped make the $20 billion-a-year global recruitment company the powerhouse that it is by emphasizing connection. And there's nothing squishy about it! As you'll hear highlighted throughout the show, studies and research clearly demonstrate that emotion and promotion go hand-in-hand. Chris and Alex talk about the importance of bringing empathy into the workplace, whether through expressing appreciation for team members' efforts or building trust relationships with clients. Alex explains why transactional sales are self-limiting and while holding space for people to explore pain points and reach out for support opens up infinite consultative possibility. Human interaction, these two gratitude gurus agree, is a key differentiator in the marketplace. In a world of automation and depersonalization, it's our ability to offer openness and trust that sets us apart – professionally as well as personally. Tune in to learn about the hard science that backs up the power of gratitude to build community, secure relationships and cement positive outcomes all the way around. “I don't believe gratitude has a finite limit,” says Alex, who is also an Ambassador to Adecco's Win4Youth initiative. “Interpersonal conversation creates a much more transparent and joyous conversation … which then leads to greater business outcomes.”If you enjoyed this episode and would like to learn more about Chris and his 7:47 Virtual Gratitude Experience, please visit this link. And click here to listen to previous episodes of Gratitude Through Hard Times. KEY TOPICS:If you could give credit or thanks to one person in your life that you don't give enough credit or thanks to – that you've never thought to thank – who would that be? While there are numerous people to thank on a regular basis, it's his dad Rick that Alex can never thank enough. Although “all about the numbers” as a sales guy, gratitude plays a prominent role in Alex's life that can't be quantified. It's infinite!No Destination: There is no perfect thank-you note or endpoint for expressing gratitude. It's an ongoing journey without specific metrics or obligatory reciprocity.Authentic emotion is a key ingredient when communicating gratitude. The practice isn't meant to be a check-the-box, but an expression of something heartfelt and genuine.It's a Fact: It feels good to give and to receive gratitude. Most people overestimate potential awkwardness and underestimate the good feelings they'll experience.Gratitude in Groups: In addition to the pleasures of giving and receiving, an added element of gratification and teambuilding comes from witnessing such exchanges.Peer-to-Peer Gratitude: Make it a public event to encourage the free flow of generosity, trust and affirmation.About the Difference Between Being Grateful to Some Thing and Some One: It's less about the transaction and more about the emotional journey.Here's an exercise to try: When you think about the things for which you're grateful, look for measurable, specifics to identify and articulate the why.About the Relationship Between Luck and Gratitude:Alex explains what he believes is the “soft correlation” between having a positive mentality, gratitude towards the people around you and positive outcomes.Chris explains that luck is what happens to you while gratitude is a perspective you embrace irrespective of what happens to you.How do you wake up and set intention for the day? Do you put gratitude front and center? The choice is yours – and the results undeniable!Emotion to Promotion: A Google study has demonstrated that long-term sales relationships thrive when they are based on mutual, reciprocal generosity and trust.Why human interaction is a key differentiator within hyper-competitive marketplaces:Personal touch helps uncover specific pain points.Personalized solutions distinguish themselves by not being homogenized.The stronger the relationship, the more likely a solution and sale emerge.How empathy and holistic relationships – which springs from gratitude – are game-changing superpowers when injected into the buying/selling process.About sharing market insights that Adecco clients can use to build community and connect in meaningful ways.Why eliciting gratitude also often creates serendipitous interpersonal connections that knit teams together through psychological safety and trust.Melding Atelic with Telic: The importance of immersing in activities as both journey and destination, integrating gratitude along the path to achievement and connection. QUOTABLE“There's an infinity of gratefulness that you have and as you continue to appreciate what people have done for you … I don't believe gratitude has a finite limit.” (Alex)“When your gratitude practice is mainly formulaic or commoditized, it's doing good but not using gratitude to its fullest.” (Chris)“We advocate giving gratitude when you genuinely want to give gratitude, when you genuinely feel the emotion.” (Chris)“There is a mutual gratification in giving and receiving gratitude in an altruistic way.” (Alex)“To be grateful is to be grateful to someone. Be grateful for the person behind the thing you are grateful for in a measurable and specific way.” (Chris)“A positive attitude that includes a grateful disposition towards others is going to lead to more positive interactions with others, which others might skew as lucky.” (Alex)Gratitude is a choice and perspective. You can either wake up in the morning and dwell on the negative or wake up in the morning and appreciate the good.” (Chris)“It's hard to architect luck but it's very easy to architect gratitude. The choice is yours.” (Chris)“Showing gratitude can be a strong way of starting the empathy conversation and also to really allow for a trusting environment.” (Alex)“Interpersonal conversation creates a much more transparent and joyous conversation for everyone in general, which then leads to greater business outcomes – if I'm putting my sales hat back on.” (Alex) LINKS/FURTHER RESOURCES:More about Sara Algoe's research on the power of witnessing gratitude."I Want to Thank You: How a Year of Gratitude Can Bring Joy and Meaning in a Disconnected World,"by Gina Hamadey Bergman.Think With Google: "Promotion to Emotion: Connecting B2B Customers to Brands."About the community engagement and advocacy work of Jeni Asaba at Jamf, who creates affinity groups for Apple-focused IT admins. ABOUT OUR GUEST:Alex is the Vice President for Global Accounts at The Adecco Group in Switzerland, where he takes a people-first approach to enhance client experiences through strategic and consultative engagements. As the world's leading workforce solutions company, Adecco offers flexible and permanent candidate placement, outsourcing and managed services across all sectors. Alex is deeply involved with Win4Youth the global charitable initiative of the Adecco Group. This programme encourages people throughout the world to be healthy, and through their healthy activity, the company responds with millions in donations supporting youth.  FOLLOW ALEX:WEBSITE | LINKEDIN | TWITTER|INSTAGRAM ABOUT OUR HOST:Chris Schembra is a philosopher, question asker and facilitator. He's a columnist at Rolling Stone magazine, USA Today calls him their "Gratitude Guru" and he's spent the last six years traveling around the world helping people connect in meaningful ways. As the offshoot of his #1 Wall Street Journal bestselling book, "Gratitude Through Hard Times: Finding Positive Benefits Through Our Darkest Hours,"he uses this podcast to blend ancient stoic philosophy and modern-day science to teach how the principles of gratitude can be used to help people get through their hard times. FOLLOW CHRIS:WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | LINKEDIN | BOOKS

What if everyone's overarching go-to-market strategy were kindness? Well, for Host Chris Schembra's guest on this episode of Gratitude Through Hard Times, it's a concept that has been central to building a $200 million company. CEO Sam Jacobs launched Pavilion, his membership-based leadership community, after coming to a deep understanding of something very basic: We start to gain when we learn to let go. He is sharing with us the human-centric elements that are foundational not only for successful business ventures but for successful (i.e. peaceful and meaningful) lives. Sam explains how he moved away from grasping and attachment to outcomes in favor of something more authentic expansive. You'll come away from this heart-centered conversation with a clear understanding of the interplay between how we talk to ourselves and what we offer the world; why failure can be our friend and how to take a long-term approach that replaces the transactional with ongoing connectedness, personal fulfillment and long-term business growth.Sam founded Pavilion in 2016 as a support network for revenue leaders and has since opened chapters globally, establishing a robust platform for peer-to-peer connection, training, development and career resources for all high-growth professionals. Most recently, Sam is out with a new book that will change the way you think about engaging with the marketplace, whether as a corporate employee or aspiring entrepreneur. Pick up Wall Street Journal bestseller "Kind Folks Finish First: The Considerate Path to Success in Business and Life"and you won't be able to put it down!If you'd like to learn more about Host Chris Schembra and his 7:47 Virtual Gratitude Experience, please visit this link. And click here to listen to previous episodes of Gratitude Through Hard Times. KEY TOPICS:What's a moment of adversity that you've overcome in your life or career that you're actually grateful for? After four firings from five jobs in a short period of time, Sam seized an opportunity to change his trajectory and patterns of thought/behavior.Ultimate Job Satisfaction: Knowing how to generate happiness and a sense of peace.About how high participation and low attachment correlates with a universal flow of abundance in our direction.Negotiation as a career hack (and source of protection) amidst constant turnover:Do your due diligence.Pre-negotiate your severance.Be realistic about the shifts that happen after the honeymoon phase.Sam Defines Success Based on Three Key Elements:What you're good at.What you're (truly) interested in doing.Where the market is moving.About Pavilion's evolution, based on letting go of pre-conceived notions and creating self-sustaining revenue as well as a source of kindness and light in the world.Contemplating an entrepreneurial risk? Consider what might happen when you stop giving all your best ideas (and energy) to someone else's enterprise.Sam reflects on the agility required to move with markets, keeping fluid and aligning through empathy with what's happening in real time (as Pavilion did while riding the waves of pandemic)Sam's Principles for Kindness – and Success:Thinking long-term rather than transactionally builds connection.Releasing attachment decreases neediness and increases openness to surprising outcomes.Winning every single negotiation isn't the endgame. It's about building relationships over time.Sam's Formula: How to manifest $25 million in funding and a business valued at more than $200 million by emphasizing not what's missing but the joy in what's already here!Creating the Mental Attitude to Prevail:Don't chase the dollar!Re-channel negativity (true or not) towards the big-picture goal.Change the negative narratives in your head.Retrain the Brain: Substitute affirmations and self-care for unkind mental tapes.It takes nothing from anyone else for us to be kind to ourselves! QUOTABLE“What I expected when I started my career was that as you became more and more senior you achieve some level of stability, prosperity and independence but that was not happening for me.” (Sam)“Five years ago I decided … I cared more about a feeling of being independent, believing in myself, establishing some level of stability. What I most wanted was peace.” (Sam)“Gratitude is the frequency most harmonious with abundance.” (Sam) “(Pre-negotiated severance) is not about the money, it's about reducing the level of anxiety you have when you show up to work every day.”  (Sam)“When you work for somebody else you're not even renting, you are selling – forever – your best ideas to somebody else.” (Sam)“If you can listen to what the market is telling you and try to respond and provide a solution rapidly, then you can be aligned with the market. It's a process – not a static state.” (Sam)“It increases the likelihood that wonderful serendipity will happen when I don't need anything specific to happen tomorrow.” (Sam)“I'm really good at being generous and thinking long-term … and it always has a way of coming back around.” (Chris)“I try to do the right thing and treat people well … I've left my mark on this planet and hopefully I'm only halfway done, so that's something to be proud of.” (Sam)“One of the cool things you can do in life is to not be so goal- or purpose- or destination-oriented but just give yourself the chance to do nothing, take a walk in nature with no particular aim.” (Chris) LINKS/FURTHER RESOURCES:"Never Split the Difference: Negotiating As If Your Life Depended On It," by Chris Voss.Click here to learn about the works of Nobel Prize-winning psychologist Daniel Kahneman. "The Long Game: How to Be a Long-Term Thinker in a Short-Term World," by Dorie Clark."Give and Take: A Revolutionary Approach to Success," by Adam M. Grant."The Untethered Soul: The Journey Beyond Yourself,"by Michael A. Singer. ABOUT OUR GUEST:Sam is focused on helping people unlock and achieve their professional potential. He has built Pavilion in order to help members, employees and stakeholders realize the greatness within themselves. Through its paid membership for leaders of all levels, Pavilion is dedicated to providing support, assistance, education, and career growth. A global organization with over 9,000 members and hubs in every major city, Pavilion is all about helping members (and their teams) perform better in their roles, develop the skills necessary to take the next step and expand their networks to create an engaged and supportive professional community.  FOLLOW SAM:WEBSITE | LINKEDIN | TWITTER ABOUT OUR HOST:Chris Schembra is a philosopher, question asker and facilitator. He's a columnist at Rolling Stone magazine, USA Today calls him their "Gratitude Guru" and he's spent the last six years traveling around the world helping people connect in meaningful ways. As the offshoot of his #1 Wall Street Journal bestselling book, "Gratitude Through Hard Times: Finding Positive Benefits Through Our Darkest Hours," he uses this podcast to blend ancient stoic philosophy and modern-day science to teach how the principles of gratitude can be used to help people get through their hard times. FOLLOW CHRIS:WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | LINKEDIN | BOOKS

This episode of Gratitude Through Hard Times features Josh Golden, CMO at the marketing powerhouse Quad, who is unpacking his special brand of digital marketing and communications magic. It's no coincidence that he has blazed a trail by making transformational inroads at legacy companies like Xerox, Ad Age and NBC Universal. As he explains to Host Chris Schembra, Josh believes “when you connect people together and are a positive influence, they kind of want to do hard things!” This consummate connector shares with us the “why” that drives both his humanity and humility. As two A+ students of gratitude, Chris and Josh share insights into falling in love with what we do in life – an intentional process that can be cultivated with patience and kindness towards others as well as ourselves.Enjoy this heartfelt conversation about the art and science behind effective leadership as well as the challenges Josh has navigated while acquiring the tools necessary to guide organizations – and inspire teams – to bring their best. Does that mean meeting fixed goals, one by one? Not necessarily! For Josh, who also hosts "Three Things I Know for Sure" and "Eureka," the emphasis – whatever the career or life context – has to start first with genuinely loving the process and enshrining collaboration as a living, breathing goal in and of itself. You'll come away from this passionate exchange ready to double down on the kind of can-do attitude that inspires rapid-fire growth and steady satisfaction. Looking for motivation? This episode of Gratitude Through Hard Times will leave you fired up and ready to go!Want to know more about the science and behavior that result from an attitude of gratitude? It's all detailed in Chris's book, "Gratitude Through Hard Times: Finding Positive Benefits Through Our Darkest Hours." If you'd like to learn more about Chris and his 7:47 Virtual Gratitude Experience, please visit this link. And click here to listen to previous episodes of Gratitude Through Hard Times.  KEY TOPICS:If you could give credit or thanks to one person in your life that you don't give enough credit or thanks to – that you've never thought to thank – who would that be? Josh lives in a world of “a thousand thank-you notes,” never leaving his appreciation unspoken. Points on the Compass: Josh holds a space of gratitude both for lessons learned from a person who treated him badly and a deep well of goodness bequeathed by his father.What Resonates: Josh makes a practice of observing leadership behaviors and noting what works – authenticity, emotion, humanity. That's what gets people engaged!Solving Puzzles: Josh looks to untangle hard things and then invites others to come along with him in rising to the challenge!Transformational Leadership and how Josh got there:Honing his craft – communications and storytelling.Learning what it means to manage people – assembling the best possible team and inspiring them to do great work.Evolving a replicable plan that motivates talented teams to tackle challenge, growth and change.Maintaining a Positive Mindset: Why a can-do attitude leads to rapid-fire growth!How the best working relationships resemble a process of falling in love, working together to build upon something flawed but always beautiful.If you aren't in love with what you're doing in your day job, find that passion on the side and grow it into a deeper pursuit.You don't have to quit your day job: Growing what lights you up professionally may take time and cultivation. It's okay to pursue multiple paths, organically and at the same time.The Paradox of Goal Setting as a Philosophical Approach to Life:Measurable goals and activity drive dissatisfaction and disappointment. An “atelic” mindset thrives on a love of doing rather than outcomes.Use Your Quiet Time! Josh uses moments of calm and focused, simple activity to clear his mind and reach next-level relaxation – and inspiration!Work In Progress: Optimal leadership starts with nurturing our own creativity and capacity through calm, reflection, gratitude and self-affirmation.  QUOTABLE“I don't believe I could have gotten to where I've gotten without the people helping me.” (Josh)“I really get upset when I see a lack of justice in the world … It's just so much better to be grateful and enthusiastic and positive. It's so much better to be very rarely pointed.” (Josh)“When you connect people together and are a positive influence, they kind of want to do hard things!” (Josh)“Everyone wants their company to evolve. I just happen to be the marketer that they come to when it's a task that's achievable but needs the right motivation behind it.” (Josh)“If you fall in love with what you do … it's this wonderful way to re-explore your own personal process.” (Josh)“If you can fall in love with your work, then it's not really work. It's like a great hobby that you're getting paid for.” (Josh)“You've got to take care of that heart and soul within you in order to take care of someone else's heart and soul, whether it's your customer's, a brand or a team you're leading.” (Chris)“You can stay where you are – in hopefully a healthy and stable work environment – and develop your passion on the side but not put pressure on to monetize it.” (Chris)“If you are trying to win at each moment and get to the next plateau, you will be disappointed when you get there. There's a let-down that happens actually.” (Josh)“The invention of a goal and the hitting of a goal in its own invention eliminates an activity that you love doing because you've just hit the goal.” (Chris)“The accomplishment of a goal is paradoxical because it robs you of something you love doing on a consistent basis.” (Chris)“The moments that I give myself when I'm not actively engaging … lets a secondary part of my brain that allows solutions to come to me.” (Josh)“In order to show up in an empathetic, curious, listening, humble and yet confident way for your team, you must do the good work on yourself – and appreciate the work that you do.” (Chris)“I love that a guru exists in the world who is letting us celebrate what I think is one of the most important characteristics we can offer: Feeling grateful.” (Josh)  LINKS/FURTHER RESOURCES:Learn more about Quad founder Harry Quadracci at this link.More about Stoicism and telic vs. atelic activity in this New York Times article.Two Great Books About Creativity and Time Management:"Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals," by Oliver Burkeman."The Creative Curve: How to Develop the Right Idea at the Right Time," by Allen Gannett.All about Philip Watkins, a professor of Gratitude at Eastern Washington University and the power in assigning positive benefits while processing negative experiences.  ABOUT OUR GUEST:Josh has had a high-profile career over two decades of award-winning experience in brand marketing, advertising, creative development, technology and production. Providing executive leadership across a wide array of businesses as a startup runner, publisher, agency & business leader, he maintains an entrepreneurial approach to grow brands, teams and revenue across multiple categories and geographies.   FOLLOW JOSH:WEBSITE | LINKEDIN | TWITTER ABOUT OUR HOST:Chris Schembra is a philosopher, question asker and facilitator. He's a columnist at Rolling Stone magazine, USA Today calls him their "Gratitude Guru" and he's spent the last six years traveling around the world helping people connect in meaningful ways. As the offshoot of his #1 Wall Street Journal bestselling book, "Gratitude Through Hard Times: Finding Positive Benefits Through Our Darkest Hours,"he uses this podcast to blend ancient stoic philosophy and modern-day science to teach how the principles of gratitude can be used to help people get through their hard times. FOLLOW CHRIS:WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | LINKEDIN | BOOKS

Even though he ran the sprint as a member of the track team at Cornell, Chris Schembra's guest on this episode of Gratitude Through Hard Times looks at life as a marathon. Steven Izen, the hugely successful entrepreneur behind Lokai bracelets with meaning and plant-powered Elements Drinks, shares insights into how he has taken a personal obstacle (dyslexia) and leveraged it as a superpower and why giving his team time off on Fridays is good for both individual and corporate health. This far-ranging conversation takes a look at humility, balance and the importance of connection (especially in our often disconnected and remote post-pandemic world). You'll enjoy learning about the alone-but-not-lonely practices that nourish Steven professional and personally as well as the power he has found in releasing attachment and emotional reaction to outcomes. He and Chris wrap up with a call to action: Energy is paramount! So remember always ton promote positivity and self-care for yourself and those around you. “If you are finding balance in the things that fill your bucket outside of work, in life,” says Steven, “you will be the best version of yourself.” If you'd like to learn more about Chris and his 7:47 Virtual Gratitude Experience, please visit this link. And clickhereto listen to previous episodes of Gratitude Through Hard Times. KEY TOPICS:If you could give credit or thanks to one person in your life that you don't give enough credit or thanks to who would that be? Easy! That would be Mom, whom Steven thanks privately all the time, but never in professional contexts.Modeling Humility: Steven's mother has always walked the walk by making other people's needs a priority.A spirit of adventure and nod to the highs and lows inherent in life has infused Steven's entrepreneurism since its inception as a tribute to a treasured grandfather's diagnosis with Alzheimer's – “the lowest low” he'd ever experienced.About building out www.lokai.comover the past decade, what fuels Steven's bracelets with meaning and the ventures he has added to his portfolio.No Time for Doubters: Steven has been fortunate to have – and cultivate – a circle of supporters who appreciate his tenacity and work ethic.Steven and Chris share workarounds that have helped them manage (with great results) their respective dyslexia and ADHD.Obstacles as Advantages: How so-called weaknesses strengthen alternative muscles.From Mt. Everest to the Dead Sea: About blending the hopeful and humble; competitiveness and long-term averages.About recalibrating our understanding of balance. It's a marathon, not a sprint, and best fortified against burnout by incorporating all facets of personal health and well-being.Steven provides perspective on quick-hit entrepreneurism and the truth of what it takes to succeed in the long run – pursuing the journey, not the destination.Balance Fridays: Steven's innovative (and humane) effort to provide team members time once a week to care for themselves physically, emotionally and practically.As a board member for the Make-a-Wish Foundation, Steven has had an opportunity to observe seasoned executives who are exemplars of work-life balance as well as purpose-driven values, priorities and decision-making.How to Get Out of Your Own Way: Neutralize emotion and attachment to outcomes!Human Connection is a central priority for Lokai, which is remote and thus requires an intentional commitment to team-building interactions.About the loneliness epidemic – chronic disconnection in a post-pandemic culture.Steven combats loneliness by embracing quality time communing with himself and focusing on a small, intimate group of close friends and family.Message for the Carols: Thanks to two moms from their sons! QUOTABLE“A lot of the gratitude and purpose in giving back that I incorporate into everything I do comes from (my mother).” (Steven)“Everybody experiences highs and lows in life. It doesn't matter your age, demographic, your income level.” (Steven)“I never let the dyslexia hinder my ability to succeed … and have always taken that mindset into everything I do, including business.” (Steven)“If I believe in something I'll have to be stopped by a brick wall because I'll do whatever it takes to make it happen.” (Steven)“If you are finding balance in the things that fill your bucket outside of work, in life, you will be the best version of yourself and be able to continue for as long as you want.” (Steven)“A connection to self is the thing that sometimes stands in the way of meaningful connection with others.” (Chris)“Energy is everything. What Steven helps you do through his bracelets is get energy … helps you find balance between the Mt. Everest of humility and the deep Dead Sea mud of hope.” (Chris)“Time is important. Money is important. Relationships are important. Energy is most important … You can get things done by being strategic, smart and doing things right.” (Chris) LINKS/FURTHER RESOURCES:More about the Make-a-Wish FoundationAbout "The Loneliness Pandemic,"chronicled by Harvard Business Review."Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals,"by Oliver Burkeman. (Chris reads an excerpt on page 155).More about Elements Drinks and Lokai. ABOUT OUR GUEST:Steven's Lokai brand of beaded bracelets are on sale at more than 5,000 locations in 170 countries. The $18 collectible multicolored rubber bangles have been spotted on the wrists of athletes and celebs alike. Committed to giving 10% of net profits to charity, Steven has raised more than $9.4 million to date. He is also founder of Elements Drinks and serves on the board of the Make-a-Wish foundation. FOLLOW STEVEN:WEBSITE | LINKEDIN | INSTAGRAM ABOUT OUR HOST:Chris Schembra is a philosopher, question asker and facilitator. He's a columnist at Rolling Stone magazine, USA Today calls him their "Gratitude Guru" and he's spent the last six years traveling around the world helping people connect in meaningful ways. As the offshoot of his #1 Wall Street Journal bestselling book, "Gratitude Through Hard Times: Finding Positive Benefits Through Our Darkest Hours,"he uses this podcast to blend ancient stoic philosophy and modern-day science to teach how the principles of gratitude can be used to help people get through their hard times. FOLLOW CHRIS:WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | LINKEDIN | BOOKS

The data are in – and impressive! Plant therapy is incredibly healing, a documented anxiety reducer that can even ease depression. What is it about the power of putting our hands in the soil? Host Chris Schembra's guest on this episode of Gratitude Through Hard Times illuminates the magic ingredient: The gratitude we cultivate when we stay in the present moment, which is the core mission of Founder Donna Letier's experiential gardening company, Gardenuity. A hit especially with corporate leaders interested in promoting empathy and reflection among team members across the enterprise, Gardenuity offers a platform not only to focus and quiet our attention but also to access the joy to be found in the simple act of getting dirty. You'll learn on this podcast about the complementary app Donna has developed specifically to help us stay in the now, where misting our plants and tending our gardens is a first step towards opening our hearts and bonding with others. “When you actually see and witness plants' growth, it teaches you instinctively that we're not alone; that everything is actually interconnected,” says Donna, whose vision for Gardenuity was sparked by a very personal story she is sharing with pride and joy. The much-studied benefits of nurturing plants as a form of cultivating personal engagement obviously resonates across the workplace, whether live or remote, since 85 percent of corporate clients rebook. At the intersection of gratitude and wellness, Donna's beautiful direct-to-your-doorstep personal gardens occupy a space rooted in our mutual humanity and desire to connect. Accessibility to gratitude, thanks to Gardenuity, is now available to all of us in a gardening kit you'll want to share with colleagues and friends!Just click here if you'd like to get started with your garden today, at a special discount Donna has put together for friends of Gratitude Through Hard Times.Many thanks to all our repeat visitors! Click here to listen to previous episodes of Gratitude Through Hard Times. We've got more than 200 in the archive and would love you to listen, rate and review! Your engagement, shares and comments mean the world! If you'd like to learn more about Chris and his 7:47 Virtual Gratitude Experience, please visit this link. And don't forget to check out his bestselling book, "Gratitude Through Hard Times: Finding Positive Benefits Through Our Darkest Hours." KEY TOPICS:About Gardenuity, which resides at the intersection between gardening and wellness. An experiential gardening company that delivers customized containers direct to your doorstep – and absolutely dominating the space.Opening Question for Donna: If you could give credit or thanks to one person in your life that you don't give enough credit or thanks to – that you've never thought to thank – who would that be?Her husband Scott – who has given Donna encouragement just to show up as herself. No need for perfection! (He is terrible at receiving compliments, but deserves to hear them!)Praise is a love language easily silenced by consumer technology that can mute connection and access to the present moment. Gardening does just the opposite!Meaningful Moments of Pause: The wellness benefits derived from gardening don't require devoting a whole weekend. All you need to do is get your hands dirty!In its mission to foster connection and accessibility to wellness across workplace cultures, Gardenuity takes a three-pronged approach: physical health, mental health and health of the planet.Donna's daughter “Joyful Jillian” inspired Gardenuity through her perseverance and resilience in the face of significant special needs. She is the embodiment of gratitude.About the research that underscores the instinctive response humans have when they interact with gardening or nurture a plant of any kind: Reduces anxiety by 63 percent.Reduces depression by 38 percent.Gratitude and anxiety can't coexist psychologically. According to a recent study of 10,00 trauma patients, the anxiety level among 86 percent dropped drastically shortly after they placed their hands in the soil.A new study out of Australia highlights what the act of connecting with nature does from a mental health and resilience standpoint.What a Gardenuity “grow kit” looks like when it arrives at your door and the awesome app that walks even the most inexperienced gardeners through how to interact with dirt, assemble garden components – and stay mindful in the process!Chris's “try this at home”: How about equipping team members across the enterprise with plants to share at a Monday morning all-hands hybrid meeting and have everyone write notes of gratitude into the group chat. The outcome? “Your team is going to be more creative, more empathetic, more innovative and work together better as a team.”Continuity and success are baked into Gardenuity because its app provides ongoing reminders and community around the act of tending our gardens, individually and collectively.How Gardenuity helps corporate teams connect through:An active onboarding process that includes live feedback.Conversation prompts about nature, which is a natural connector.Outdoor and indoor workshops, live and virtual, in which participants receive gardening kits, with everyone from execs to entry levels rolling up their sleeves.An amazing 85 percent rebooking rate!Learning to Listen Better. Donna reflects on how our ability to hear evolves through life:In our 20s we listen “to get ahead.” In our 30s and 40s we listen in a hurry.In our 50s and beyond, we find and experience the joy of listening.Closing Thought: Gardening and Gratitude are intimately connected. If you want to get started on your Gardenuityjourney at a discount, Donna is offering Gratitude Through Hard Times viewers/listeners a discount at www.gardenuity.com/7:47. QUOTABLE“I think gardening teaches you to be present. The similarities between gardening and gratitude and the science about how gardening grows gratitude is vast. I think we can all learn lessons from both.” (Donna)“Humility is not thinking bad of yourself or less of yourself. It's just thinking about yourself less.” (Chris)“Our mission has been to make gardening and gardening experiences accessible to everybody.” (Donna)“Wellbeing must be accessible. You shouldn't need to travel across town or show up to the office or dedicate your time outside of your own day-to-day ritual to receive the benefits of wellbeing.” (Chris)“When you actually see and witness plants' growth, it teaches you instinctively that we're not alone; that everything is actually interconnected.” (Donna)“A lot of amazing leaders are recognizing that if we give our team a foundation with a lot of different tools to manage their own wellbeing, we're going to be better off. Gardenuity is one of those tools.” (Donna)“The best way to retain your existing talent during these really hard times is by engaging them and building resilience and having them come together in meaningful ways.” (Chris) LINKS/FURTHER RESOURCES:Chris's reflection, written for Rolling Stone Magazine, on the ancient stoic Seneca and "Why Receiving Gratitude is Hard."Order your own “Gratitude Garden” at a special discount by clicking here! ABOUT OUR GUEST:Donna believes in the power of storytelling, smart data, and gratitude. With over 20 years of commerce experience, spanning public and private companies, she lets data and consumer realities drive strategy. Finding the connections between products and consumers ensures a smart perspective for solid businesses and tools that are operationally intuitive and aligned with consumer trends and technology innovation. FOLLOW DONNA:WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | BLOG | TWITTER | LINKEDIN | EMAIL ABOUT OUR HOST:Chris Schembra is a philosopher, question asker and facilitator. He's a columnist at Rolling Stone magazine, USA Today calls him their "Gratitude Guru" and he's spent the last six years traveling around the world helping people connect in meaningful ways. As the offshoot of his #1 Wall Street Journal bestselling book, "Gratitude Through Hard Times: Finding Positive Benefits Through Our Darkest Hours," he uses this podcast to blend ancient stoic philosophy and modern-day science to teach how the principles of gratitude can be used to help people get through their hard times. FOLLOW CHRIS:WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | LINKEDIN | BOOKS

SUMMARYIs your wounded inner child still in charge of your emotional playlist? Maybe it's time to update the soundtrack of your life! Host Chris Schembra's amazing guest on this episode of Gratitude Through Hard Times has developed a powerful program based on an interesting trifecta of tools for growth. As Susan Drumm explains in her new book, "The Leader's Playlist: Unleash the Power of Music and Neuroscience to Transform Your Leadership Style and Your Life," when paired with our most authentic selves, neuroscience and music can shift ingrained habits of thought with transformational results. Her concrete case studies illustrate how our brains can be highjacked – or healed – by the “anchor songs” we play in our heads. As CEO of Meritage Leadership Development, Susan's mission is nothing less than ushering in a new era of enlightened leadership. How? By shifting often outdated ideas and associations embedded within our deeply grooved neural pathways, we can reimagine the background music that sets the tone for everyday life choices. Offering a detailed step-by-step methodology for forging new patterns of thought, Susan is inviting all of us to release negative narratives as old as those hit summer songs we loved back in high school.You'll learn in this lively conversation about how we function at our highest level – and, quite literally, at our most potent energetic vibrations – when we bring awareness, acknowledgement and a new frame of reference. The Leader's Playlist is an innovative program that unlocks empowerment through one of neuroscience's well-documented treatments for childhood trauma and other psychic injuries: Music. Susan is urging: “We all need to collectively look in the mirror and say: ‘Where are we leading from old wounds and what needs to shift and heal so collectively we can all get to a higher level of enlightened leadership?' ” Ready to unlock the secrets of your own  "Leader's Playlist"? The time to start is now!Click here to find out all about Susan's debut book, "The Leader's Playlist: Unleash the Power of Music and Neuroscience to Transform Your Leadership Style and Your Life." And if you want to turbocharge, consider her upcoming master class, which you can register for here.If you'd like to learn more about Chris and his 7:47 Virtual Gratitude Experience, please visit this link. And click here to listen to previous episodes of Gratitude Through Hard Times. KEY TOPICS:If you could give credit or give thanks to one person in your life that you don't give enough credit or thanks to, who would that be?About Susan's framework, which is uniquely applicable to everyone because it uses music as a vehicle. Want to motivate growth in others? It starts with authentically believing in them, which undergirds development through the toughest of times and steepest of learning curves.Turning Early Childhood Trauma into a Superpower: Susan shares what she's observed and personally experienced when formative wounding triggers reactivity.About the metaphorical playlist that is the soundtrack to each of our lives and – whether you're aware of it or not – may be impacting your efficacy as a leader.Adaptive Upside: When he was raging, Susan's father could cast a long and frightening shadow. As a result? She developed a keen ability to read the room, intuit potential derailment and diffuse tension -- survival skills that are a great asset in coaching.When Stress Yields Gems: Trauma response can induce PTSD, but it can also spark skills that can be leveraged to create post-traumatic growth Music As a Healing Tool: Susan shares how she unlocked her neural pathways – and deeply embedded, reflexively negative feelings – in order to move from seething resentment  to a positive orientation.Create Your Own Empowerment Playlist! It's possible to choose songs that resonate in ways that bring optimism, healing and connection. Redirecting old neural pathways that do not serve, and carving out new ones that are more life-giving, can make permanent mindset change. That doesn't mean, however, that you'll never again find yourself defaulting to those old “neural highways to hell.”About Micro Interventions: One strategy for creating a desired shift is intervention in thoughts through the introduction of music.The Music of Healing: Susan helps her clients recover and shift by working with them to identify where they're stuck internally, usually rooted in patterns of thought that do not serve but can be re channeled in empowering ways.Music Lights Up All Regions of the Brain: Sense memory is stimulated by sound vibration and can be harnessed to shift energy.Higher versus Lower Emotions – Gratitude and peace vibrate at high levels while grief and sadness reside in lower levels. What do we do with that information?We can't dismiss or ignore difficult feelings, which carry messages.Rather than dwell in negativity, we can opt to acknowledge pain and move on.Well-practiced patterns of thoughts can be redirected through intentionality.Do you have ingrained neural pathways you'd like to change? There are multiple methods:Hypnotherapy.Psychedelic-assisted therapy.Meditation.Music intervention.A Case Study: From Lynyrd Skynyrd's Freebird to George Michael's Freedom.Susan deconstructs how she successfully coached an executive whose maverick leadership was alienating his team and stymying his business's growth.1) First she helped him excavate and learn how to interrupt his “I am Trapped” playlist – a medley of songs based on outdated beliefs that were not serving him.2) She helped him put in place a new “I Won't Let You Down” playlist to replace self-limiting, self-defeating beliefs with messages of stewardship balanced with freedom.Chris reflects on his longtime favorite “hype-up” song, Non-Stop from the musical “Hamilton” and how he applied Susan's framework to understand that his associations to the song were inauthentic and unsustainable.Susan and Chris review steps towards revising our playlists, including recognizing “bellyful” moments and getting curious (rather than judgmental). You are not alone if your playlist needs a refresh! Most of us are overdue to up-level our lives by re-envisioning the songs that provide the background music for our lives! QUOTABLE“Just because the world's going through a pretty tough time doesn't mean we can't find meaningful moments of connection, of hope, of optimism and positivity!” (Chris)“There are only so many ways that you can help a leader be a better leader. We all have to have our unique element and original framework.” (Chris)“Those of you who know this podcast, you know that my whole schtick in life is gratitude – how do we help people become more grateful for themselves, for others, for their situations, to build better business and live longer, happier, more successful lives?” (Chris)“I had a neural pathway grooved to my brain that was like an eight-lane highway and it wasn't just about this instant. I could trace it to the low points of my life and feeling frustrated, left out and treated unfairly.” (Susan)“I'd put a song on and it would shift my state. (My empowerment playlist) really gave me a choice not to go down the eight-lane highway to hell but to start to groove a new pathway.” (Susan)“The more I listened to (healing) music and the more I practiced that emotional resonance, the more it went from a country road to a two-lane highway to a four-lane highway and finally my own eight-lane highway that I can choose to go down.” (Susan)“We're not just talking about using music only to shift state – which it can do and that's the power – but it's also to uncover some of this deeper wounding, deeper patterning.” (Susan)“Is non-stop what I aspire for my life to be? … Hustling that hard develops emotional impotence. It took Susan's book for me to wake up to that.” (Chris)“Usually suffering is the impetus to make change. I wish it wasn't the case, but the reality is that it's not until … we get these wakeup calls and they are gifts from the universe to help us know it's time to make a shift, it's time to grow.” (Susan) LINKS/FURTHER RESOURCES:Summit Series – Global networking for change makers.Click here to learn more about micro interventions and how they work!Here's an infectious song that Chris has used to motivate himself at times: Non-Stop from the musical “Hamilton.” ABOUT OUR GUEST:Susan is a CEO Advisor and Leadership Coach as well as founder of Meritage Leadership, with over 20 years of experience leading teams and senior executives to achieve their potential. She has graduate degrees from Harvard Law School, Carnegie Mellon, and an M.A. in Drama from London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art. Combining her strategy and business background with experience as an actress in theater and film, Susan helps clients become extraordinary leaders and influencers. Her consulting firm, Meritage Leadership, focuses on leader and team effectiveness by helping leaders develop the capacity and mindsets to lead in today's disruptive environment — while inspiring their teams to do the same. FOLLOW Susan:WEBSITE | LINKEDIN | PODCAST ABOUT OUR HOST:Chris Schembra is a philosopher, question asker and facilitator. He's a columnist at Rolling Stone magazine, USA Today calls him their "Gratitude Guru" and he's spent the last six years traveling around the world helping people connect in meaningful ways. As the offshoot of his #1 Wall Street Journal bestselling book, "Gratitude Through Hard Times: Finding Positive Benefits Through Our Darkest Hours,"he uses this podcast to blend ancient stoic philosophy and modern-day science to teach how the principles of gratitude can be used to help people get through their hard times. FOLLOW CHRIS:WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | LINKEDIN | BOOKS

SUMMARYIf you've ever struggled with the idea of meditation, try this out: How about no beads, no sitting cross-legged, no chants or ashram journeys? The transcendental practice developed by Host Chris Schembra's guest on this episode of the Gratitude Through Hard Time podcast speaks to all of us who want to embody our deepest visions but find our busy minds get in the way. Vishen Lakhiani's practice, "The Six Phase Guided Meditation," skips the things that make mindfulness a challenge – especially for frenetic, creative entrepreneurs. As he lays out in his new book, coming out this week, his program's goals are transformational not because of a series of disciplines or rituals but because they bring alignment in the most direct, simplest of ways.Vishen's journey to wholeness began 20 years ago, when he abandoned a burnout job in Silicon Valley. That decision to look for a deeper connection with himself and others has culminated in the fundamentals he spells out in his compelling new book, "The Six Phase Guided Meditation" and can also be explored via his Mind Valley apps and the hugely popular seminar he conducts in cities across the world. If you're ready to “dream bigger,” then this episode will give you a powerful starting place to shift your mindset and make real what you see and feel. In wrapping up, Vishen reminds us that luck is something we can choose. Reality is something we can bend. And a more abundant world is something we can create, through the unity that lies within us all. “This is the grand magic trick that makes life easy; that helps build incredible businesses,” he says. “This is the secret that helps you live a life that seems blessed.”Whether you think you are an expert at meditation or that meditating is impossible for you, Vishen's new book is a must-read. It's transformational. Pre-Order before 9/20 and get 500 Customizable Meditations through his APP to use for a year - FREE! You can find the link here.If you enjoyed this conversation, please click here to listen to previous episodes of Gratitude Through Hard Times. And you can find out much more about Chris and his 7:47 Virtual Gratitude Experience at this link. KEY TOPICS:If you could give credit or thanks to one person in your life who hasn't been given enough credit or thanks, who would that be? Vishen recognizes his ex-wife for being an “incredible entity” and wonderful mother to his children.On souls and how Vishen believes they were meant to function – not necessarily as monogamous mates for life.Advancing Humanity: Businesses are capable of raising universal consciousness, but it doesn't have to be a blanket effort. Vishen challenges every owner to evolve individually towards consciousness and spiritual growth for the greater good.Our ultimate growth is rooted in awareness of our powers within, the consciousness we connect with and extend beyond our physical bodies.The Concept of Unity: Separation is a protective mechanism – and illusion.Try this exercise from the Sufi poet and thinker, Rumi: Close your eyes and think about the message you want to communicate in silence to another person and remember – whatever energy you put out is what you will receive back.Studies of gratitude practices and forgiveness confirm that they yield positive benefits, such as:Once we recognize how intrinsically connected we are to everything else on the planet, we move towards unity and understanding of the oneness we all share.The Truth About Meditation:How Transcendent Practices work by:About "The Six Phase Guided Meditation":About the Pillars of Happiness and Vision that comprise Vishen's six phases.Vishen reflects on the criticism and rejection he experienced at one point from peers in his native Malaysia and how he persevered with his practice, using it to transform his response to one of compassion.Dreaming Big: About using creative visualization to reprogram our brains and deliver a mindset embedded with powerful belief and emotional connection.All About Dan Sullivan's Happiness Gap and how Vishen has incorporated it.Vishen's Ultimate Hope: For people to understand that we are all spiritual beings having a human experience and that everything starts with tapping into the power of our souls and intuition, our ability to manifest the future and connect with all life.Parting Thought: The secret is to live in harmony, balancing balancing play, minimizing stress and overwhelm, feeling God's blessing – the love – everyday. QUOTABLE“Your business is not the most important thing. Your business, rather, is the ultimate vehicle for your personal evolution.” (Vishen)“If your business fails, it doesn't matter. If your business hits a billion dollars, it doesn't matter. What matters is that running your business is helping you grow.” (Vishen)“The greatest thing we can do as humans is move toward unity … and our own fundamental truth.” (Vishen)“Our consciousness never actually ends. It blends into all life. We are connected to plants, to energies, to animals. We are connected not just to our family but to the homeless person we pass on the street. When you can move towards that level of understanding, you cannot hurt someone else.” (Vishen)“What Vishen has done is written a book and invented a method that gives you access to this internal way of being through a 15- to 20-minute transcendental meditation.” (Chris)“What makes you an entrepreneur is the fact that your mind is constantly, creating, jumping from one thing to another. That is your superpower. You do not want to slow that down.” (Vishen)“Even the people who are judging you, the people who are tearing you down, their souls are connected to you. They are not necessarily evil or bad. They are simply people who are unaware of who they are and probably going through their own moments of grief, jealousy or bitterness.” (Vishen)“By creating a transcendent practice that shifts you into a mindset of love and compassion, gratitude, forgiveness, vision-making and happiness – all these things – you are relying on your agency to create that change. You don't have to rely on others to fix themselves in order for a conflict to be healed.” (Chris)“The Law of Attraction isn't based on your wants. It's based really on your resonance. The universe doesn't give you what you want. Rather, it gives you who you are.” (Vishen)“If you can appreciate how far you've come and live in that feeling of appreciation, what happens is that … what you appreciate appreciates.” (Vishen) LINKS/FURTHER RESOURCES:Learn more about Vishen's latest and previous books here.Neal Donald Walsch's book, "Conversations With God."About the program that kickstarted Vishen's own work: The Silva Method.Find out more about the Arbinger Institute's book, "The Anatomy of Peace: Resolving the Heart of Conflict."Dan's Sullivan's book, "The Gap and The Gain: The High Achievers' Guide to Happiness, Confidence and Success."Historian Ron Chernow's book, "Titan: The Life of John D. Rockefeller, Sr." ABOUT OUR GUEST:Vishen Lakhiani is one of today's most significant education reformers. As the founder of Mindvalley, he and his team serve over 20 million people globally through an evolving ecosystem of the world's foremost transformational programs, events, and technologies. His new book, “The 6 Phase Meditation Method,” teaches his revolutionary approach to meditation for peak performance in modern life. FOLLOW VISHEN:WEBSITE | LINKEDIN | INSTAGRAM | BOOK ABOUT OUR HOST:Chris Schembra is a philosopher, question asker and facilitator. He's a columnist at Rolling Stone magazine, USA Today calls him their "Gratitude Guru" and he's spent the last six years traveling around the world helping people connect in meaningful ways. As the offshoot of his #1 Wall Street Journal bestselling book, "Gratitude Through Hard Times: Finding Positive Benefits Through Our Darkest Hours," he uses this podcast to blend ancient stoic philosophy and modern-day science to teach how the principles of gratitude can be used to help people get through their hard times.FOLLOW CHRIS:WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | LINKEDIN | BOOKS

SUMMARYCuriosity. Care. Compassion. Connection. As we learn on this episode of Gratitude Through Hard Times with Host Chris Schembra, these words define Kapil Sharma's highly successful career as a leader known for bringing out the best in his teams. As Chief Transformation Officer at Microsoft India, he has brought home tools and lessons learned over 12 years living abroad in order to pay forward to others – particularly those who are fearful or marginalized. Throughout his career Kapil has seized opportunities and pushed himself hard, always with a sense of gratitude and commitment to giving back the gifts he has received. And for that deep well of both humanity and tenacity? Kapil gives a big tip of the hat to his mother, who lavished care and support on him from an early age. It was this foundation that enabled Kapil to take off, broaden his horizons and return to inspire others through his work transforming workplace cultures, tech stacks and customer relationships in Bengaluru (also known as Bangalore) and beyond.You'll learn about the Five Sage Powers for developing Positive Intelligence that have guided Kapil and the heightened acuity he attributes to both risk-taking and fear. He's also sharing professional and personal development resources that have influenced his management style as well as the ways in which his children's wonder and positivity are like a battery refresh when his energy runs low. Even with all today's unsettling challenges, Kapil finds tremendous promise in human, scientific and technological advances. Pandemic has been a great leveler, he says, inviting us to take stock, prioritize and most of all model gratitude and empathy: “If we can teach (our children) to be compassionate, caring, loving, I think there will be a great outcome that they will be able to create – if they remain connected as human beings.” It's a heartening outlook – one that we have it within us to make real!Kapil's engaging postings on a range of topics are available @LinkedIn. KEY TOPICS:Chris opens by asking: If you could give thanks to one person you don't credit enough, who would that be? Kapil gives a shout out to his mom, who supported her only son's decision to leave his hometown in India to explore – which became 15 years in London. She encouraged him in every way throughout that journey.Based in Bengaluru (also known as Bangalore) the past four years, Kapil sees his return as an opportunity to educate his children to Indian culture as well as to show his mom gratitude and respect for all her hard work as a parent.About Kapil's Sense of Service: As a young man he was driven to achieve and benefited from the generosity of wise elders and mentors. He sees his role today as one of providing the same to young people coming up behind him in India.Taking Risk: In order to live to his fullest potential, Kapil regularly sets challenges for himself – especially those that stretch him in ways that might be of service to others (like the decision to move his family back to India).Why Kapil is very tuned into inspiring hope in younger people – especially those who are unsure, overwhelmed or marginalized.Changing Questions, Changing Life: Kapil shares brave questions that have shaped his trajectory, which include:Turning Fear and Danger to Advantage: Kapil sees in today's unsettled crypto, stock and real estate markets an opportunity to hustle. And therein are gifts:How Covid19 has proved a great leveler, forcing all of us to ask:Kapil rejects the idea that we can't change the system. We can spur small changes in one person's world that chip away at larger systemic issues.Reframing hustling as staying positive, active and growth-oriented.About Shirzad Chamine's Five Sage Powers for developing Positive Intelligence – or hustle with humility:A recap of what has factored into Kapil's vision:Cogs in a Wheel: How Kapil evolved his management style and emphasis on providing smart people with understanding, validation, empathy and space to be vulnerable.Three Things that Kapil Requires:Democratized Leadership: Kapil enables his teams to do what they do best by inspiring high levels of commitment and accountability. It's a recipe that generates camaraderie and positive, self-reinforcing results.The Demands of Caring: Empathetic leadership can be grinding at times, but Kapil's two kids recharge his batteries. Their positive energy and wonder are therapeutic.Kapil shares an anecdote about a team member who was falling short of expectation and tried to take himself out of the position. Because of his skills and EQ, along with the right encouragement, he went on to flourish. Hire the right people and they will eventually succeed!Transgenerational Learning: Kapil is most excited to see his children inherit from his mother (and father) a living, daily example of caring and compassion. And honesty! Where they fall short, his parents will call them out!The Power of Human Connection: Kapil's wish for future generations, who will have tremendous technological and scientific advantages, is that they are intentional about maintaining connections to one another – not just machines.In closing, this conversation illuminated for Kapil a sense of gratitude for the opportunities he's had thus far – and excitement about what lies ahead as an aspirational son, husband, father, mentor and community leader.  QUOTABLE“Sometimes gratitude is untold. It's the way you do things for someone without saying and maybe that's what's happening. In my own way, I think I am thanking (my mother) … but sometimes it's also about being intentional in saying thank you.”“I believe there's so much more potential I can achieve as a human being … It is about making an impact on people's lives. It's about giving back to people in terms of knowledge. It's about giving back to young people.” (Kapil)“It's not about becoming immune to the dangers that exist around us, but how do we learn to find opportunity in the hard times? It's a question not only for a business landscape, but a human landscape.” (Chris) “Hustling is part of life. You need to be continually hustling … It keeps you sharp. It makes you look four steps ahead. It gives you options.” (Kapil)“(Teams) are looking to me to care and to be okay with their vulnerability and be vulnerable at the same time with them. To be a highly emotional leader, you need (these qualities) to be successful long-term.” (Kapil)“I've had many difficult conversations in my career and I always went into those with the view that I have the best for you in my mind and this is the right thing.” (Kapil)“If you're not looking at your peers' outcomes and what's stopping then from becoming successful, then you're not really operating as one tribe.” (Kapil)“To get vulnerability and trust and safety and care (from a leader) is the best thing you can do as a human being, let alone a leader in the corporate world.” (Chris)“If you hire the right people with the right EQ, they eventually come out on the right side. It takes some time, but if you create the right environment for them they will be successful.” (Kapil)“Eight out of 10 top performers have high EQ. It's the EQ that determines earning potential as well as Positive Intelligence … and the good news is that they can be developed over time.” (Chris)“If we can teach (our children) to be compassionate, caring, loving, I think there will be a great outcome that they will be able to create – if they remain connected as human beings.” (Kapil) LINKS/FURTHER RESOURCES:Click here to listen to Chris's conversation about "The Quest for Passion" with Tony Safoian.Further Reading: "Change Your Questions, Change Your Life: 10 Powerful Tools for Work and Life," by Marilee G. Adams,"Positive Intelligence: Why Only 20% of Teams and Individuals Achieve Their True Potential and How You Can Achieve Yours," by Shirzad Chamine. ABOUT OUR GUEST:As the Chief Transformation Officer at Microsoft India, Kapil Sharma leads the Field Transformation agenda that help us shape how customers, partners and employees feel about their experience with Microsoft. He works closely with the India Leadership team to help land the entire gamut of transformation initiatives across our field organization. Prior to Microsoft, he was Managing Director, Sales and GTM at Rackspace Technology. He created the strategy and led the execution that has resulted in tremendous business growth between 2019 - 2022 for India & SAARC region. In his 20+ years of career, Kapil has had the fortune of leading and building technology businesses across EMEA and APAC markets, hiring new successful teams, leveraging diverse commercial models, and working with enterprises and startups. FOLLOW KAPIL:LINKEDIN  ABOUT OUR HOST:Chris Schembra is a philosopher, question asker and facilitator. He's a columnist at Rolling Stone magazine, USA Today calls him their "Gratitude Guru" and he's spent the last six years traveling around the world helping people connect in meaningful ways. As the offshoot of his #1 Wall Street Journal bestselling book, "Gratitude Through Hard Times: Finding Positive Benefits Through Our Darkest Hours," he uses this podcast to blend ancient stoic philosophy and modern-day science to teach how the principles of gratitude can be used to help people get through their hard times. FOLLOW CHRIS:WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | LINKEDIN | BOOKS

The stars align on this episode of the Gratitude Through Hard Times podcast when two Italian empaths get together for a conversation about mentorship, leadership and personal growth that happens to coincide with the 7:47 Club's seven anniversary. Host Chris Schembra welcomes Matt Tedesco, VP & General Manager for  Americas East at the iconic furniture design company MillerKnoll, for a lively give-and-take about his passion for coaching and unique approach to group engagement and retention. It all starts with embracing the journey! They reflect on the pitfalls of results-oriented management, strategies for getting out from under social constructs that do not serve and the compounding power of positivity. Matt highlights a pivotal spiritual moment that has shaped his value system and explains how vulnerability has empowered him  — as a coach, an artist, a musician, a father, friend and colleague. Self-awareness is foundational to all the other elements that connect us with each other, says Matt, helping us tune into our own emotions and — as importantly — the challenges experienced by others.You'll also learn about what Matt calls his “cheat sheet to the world,” a simple but profound strategy that guarantees we're bringing our best selves, personally and professionally. Even when the world disappoints, we have it within us to learn and move on with open hearts. “Focus on gratitude, focus on the things that are positive,” says Matt. “Bringing positive energy is a matter of deciding.” This dynamic exchange is your first step! If you'd like to learn more about Chris and his 7:47 Virtual Gratitude Experience, please visitthis link. And click here to listen to previous episodes of Gratitude Through Hard Times. KEY TOPICS:Deflection and Dreams: Chris asks Matt reflect on his humility about accomplishments and the ways in which he feels pride in any endeavor that offers value-add in some way.Results-Oriented Living: The societal push is often towards outcomes, but Matt is committed to embracing the process and lessons learned along the way.Goals are finite. Then what? It's got to be the going — not the getting there — that's good.Putting It Out There: By making his music available on Spotify, which is a vulnerable thing to do, Matt is reclaiming an artistic part of himself. Self-consciousness be damned!We can't be good at everything. And that's the point! Art and other creative, spiritual or physical pursuits (even those that humble us) can be tools for continuous learning and movement towards self-actualization.Matt envisions members of his teams as ensemble musicians playing in concert; not basketball players taking unilateral command. The focus is on collaboration; not scrambling to hit every basket.Recalling a Pivotal Spiritual Moment: An angry kid lacking in confidence, Matt felt a spontaneous transformational release — and sense of equanimity in the world — following his eighth-grade confirmation in the Catholic Church.What does it mean to be of service and actually help? Matt believes the best coaching/mentoring starts with intentional, active listening. No pre-conceived notions or agenda.Above all, most people simply want to be heard — witnessed in a way that touches something deep in them and connects them to others and a sense of understanding.Nervous, sad confused: Matt's wife recently provided him safe harbor, a place to be fully seen, when he chose to get vulnerable and share personal and professional doubts.Defining the True Nature of Love: Borrowing inspiration from "Man's Search for Meaning," the Holocaust survivor Viktor E. Frankl's compelling take on what matters most in life, Matt's take is that our ultimate meaning isn't money, sex or power. It's simply love.Defining Leadership: Loving team members and those we serve requires whole-hearted commitment to listening and caring (that ideally resides in mutuality and reciprocity).Matt's Strategy for Moving Beyond Social Constructs That Do Not Serve:Cultivate awareness.Welcome uncomfortable, vulnerable feelings.Question and examine emotions as they arise.Own those moments of so-called “weakness” without judgment.How to erode performance? Deny, suppress or withdraw from vulnerable emotions.Gratitude as a Tool for Retention:No. 1: It must be authentic.Tokens like a pizza party or group “atta boy” aren't enough.Keep an eye out for the smaller acts, which often matter just as much as the big.Make the recognition specific and personal.Communicate in a way that makes people feel seen and heard.You will be most generous and present when leading from a place of love.Accentuate the Positive! Negative thoughts beget more. Don't miss the opportunity to energize everyone across the enterprise with the force for good that is gratitude!Finding the universal in the specific: By articulating exactly why we have gratitude and celebrating those who inspire it we are spreading a powerfully positive contagion.All in the Perspective: Whether kids on his son's lacrosse team or his top managers and staff, Matt focuses on Attitude and Work Ethic — the only two things we can fully control.The majority of us are capable, despite (or because of!) personal challenges or setbacks.The world will disappoint, but it's critical that we move on.Recipe for Success: For most of us, hard work and a smile are the two key ingredients.Looking for Outcome-Based Results? Here's a measure: Have you gotten a little better?You Are Not Alone: We're all on the journey together and interconnected There is tremendous power in it!QUOTABLE“He blends doing a good job in corporate American with having an artistic expression and play on the side. And it's a pretty cool balance!” (Chris)“To be a great leader, you have to do the work.” (Chris)“It is not about the result. It's about the process and really trying to enjoy and find meaning … If you only focus on the result, once you get that result, then what?” (Matt) LINKS/FURTHER RESOURCES:Matt's Spotify Albums"The Radical Leap: A Personal Lesson in Extreme Leadership," by Steve Farber."Man's Search for Meaning," by Viktor E. Frankl.Books about vulnerability and leadership by Brene Brown."Measure What Matters: The Revolutionary Movement Behind the Explosive Growth of Intel, Google, Amazon and Uber," by John Doerr, venture capitalist and OKR proponent. ABOUT OUR GUEST:Matt Tedesco leads cross-functional teams, manages P&L responsibilities and related metrics, and coordinates complex activities with myriad distribution partners, internal constituents, and outside stakeholders. His focus in on driving sustainable, profitable growth in a complex and challenging market. He has spent the last 20+ years developing the skills, experiences and network to deliver consistently at a high level for both colleagues and customers. FOLLOW MATT:WEBSITE | LINKEDIN | SPOTIFY ABOUT OUR HOST:Chris Schembra is a philosopher, question asker and facilitator. He's a columnist at Rolling Stone magazine, USA Today calls him their "Gratitude Guru" and he's spent the last six years traveling around the world helping people connect in meaningful ways. As the offshoot of his #1 Wall Street Journal bestselling book, “Gratitude Through Hard Times,” he uses this podcast to blend ancient stoic philosophy and modern-day science to teach how the principles of gratitude can be used to help people get through their hard times.FOLLOW CHRIS:WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | LINKEDIN | BOOKS

"All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy." This proverb is old but will always ring true. In this episode of Gratitude Through Hard Times, Chris welcomes David Goldstein, the Founder and Creator of Opportunities at TeamBonding, the leading creator and provider of virtual, hybrid, and in-person team building events. Listen in as Chris and David discuss the power of play, team building, creating opportunities, and developing a mindset of gratitude to propel your life forward.“We need to get to places and have experiences that allow people to have fun together, to play together, to meet each other, to trust each other. This is what life is about. It's not about going to work, it's about the things that work opens up for you.” – David GoldsteinDavid shares his origination story, from landing on the front page of the Wall Street Journal as a 26-year-old to running a team building company that hosts thousands of events for the world's biggest companies every year. He highlights the importance of sharing your creative ideas with others and rejecting the philosophy that every minute of every day as an entrepreneur should be spent thinking about work. “With [entrepreneurship], at any point you can fall, there's no safety net. But when you have someone by your side, that's where the safety net is.” – David GoldsteinDavid also sheds light on how he involved his kids in entrepreneurship and taught them the value of starting a business. He offers words of wisdom on making ADHD your entrepreneurial superpower and what to do when your success doesn't feel enough. Then, Chris breaks down the psychological benefits of being grateful for even the worst things that have ever happened to you (yes, there are benefits!).Plus… How is David staying optimistic about the future of human connection in the post-covid era? Tune in to find out! Books & Resources Mentioned:Learn more about TeamBonding: https://www.teambonding.comTribe by Sebastian Junger: http://www.sebastianjunger.com/tribe-by-sebastian-junger Tune in anywhere you listen to your podcasts!OR Watch this podcast as a video series: https://spoti.fi/3uZah52If you enjoyed this episode of Gratitude Through Hard Times, take a moment to share, rate, and review it so we can keep spreading the gratitude! About the Guest:David Goldstein is the Founder of TeamBonding, the leading creator and provider of virtual, hybrid, and in-person team building events. Chosen Seven times by INC. Magazine as one of the fastest-growing companies in the USA.Connect with David on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidgoldstein

Sarah Fern is Chief People Officer of Velocity Global, a global Employer of Record organization with over nine hundred employees scattered around the globe.   Fresh off the heels of a $400 million Series B, they are one of the world's leading firms as an employer of record.  Employer record organizations help with global expansion. They help with global hiring, timely and accurate payroll processing ongoing compliance with local labor laws, additional HR related tasks, in layman's terms that you're watching this. If you have a company and you want to expand into a global market, They are the team to help you do it. As Chief People Officer, Sarah is responsible for overseeing the people side of this fast growing company. In today's episode, we go deep.  We chat about how Sarah's parents instinctively put trust in her at a young age.  How she used books as an early escape.  She learned early on that life is about giving gratitude to the hard times we've been through, especially in the face of adversity.In this episode, Sarah shares the brave story of having three miscarriages over a decade ago.  She teaches us that when things don't go to plan, you don't have to become bitter.  If you become bitter in the face of adversity, you have a tendency to develop post traumatic stress. But if you turn that adversity into and positivity, you can actually develop post traumatic growth.She teaches us that her moments of adversity taught her empathy, acceptance, self efficacy, appreciation, and so much more.You can't know gratitude without knowing pain.We tie the conversation back to her leadership at Velocity Global. She teaches us that leadership isn't just about writing policies, it's about building trust, and seeing the uniqueness in nine hundred people across the world. What courageous conversations do the people at velocity global need to have in order to show up every day inspired and ready to connect?What do you need to find in the workplace to give you wings?This is a brave and vulnerable conversation with one of the world's great leaders, please enjoy.