Ikigai Stories

Ikigai Summit 2024 Purpose & Play: Empowering Youth & Connecting Community Through Sport Victor Johnson(CJHS), Dr. Julie McCleery (UW Center for Leadership in Athletics), and Mari Horita (Seattle Kraken) discuss sports as a transformational force for good. The current landscape of youth sports reveals significant inequities, with access and participation heavily influenced by socioeconomic status. This is a problem because sports can be a powerful catalyst for positive change. When done right, sports offers opportunities for healing, growth, and the development of crucial life skills. However, the prevalent pay-to-play system often prioritizes competition and extrinsic rewards, undermining the intrinsic joy and developmental benefits of sports. This model creates a situation where many children are denied the chance to experience the transformative power of sports. Sports, at their best, are about connection, movement, and manageable stress, all of which contribute to healing and resilience5. They provide a space for children to learn about teamwork, perseverance, and self-discovery. When we shift the focus away from winning and towards intrinsic motivation, sports can truly become a vehicle for personal growth and community building. Organizations like the Seattle Kraken's One Roof Foundation are demonstrating this by creating programs that prioritize access and community engagement. These initiatives show that a collaborative approach between the public and private sectors can ensure that all children can experience the power of sports. Key Takeaways: ●Sports as a Catalyst for Transformation: Sports have the potential to be a transformational force for good, offering opportunities for healing, growth, and the development of critical life skills. ●Shifting the Focus: The current emphasis on competition and extrinsic rewards often overshadows the inherent value of sports, underscoring the need to prioritize intrinsic motivation and community building. ●Equity is Key: Ensuring that all children have access to sports is essential to unlocking their potential and building a stronger, more equitable society. Action Steps: ●Champion equitable access: Advocate for policies and programs that remove barriers to sports participation, especially for underserved communities. Support organizations focused on play equity. ●Reimagine the adult role: Parents and coaches can foster a healing-centered environment that prioritizes skill development, intrinsic motivation, and the joy of movement, while modeling positive behaviors. ●Promote unstructured play: Encourage opportunities for children to engage in free play, and provide opportunities for diverse sports experiences that foster enjoyment and discovery. www.ikigaistories.com

Ikigai Summit 2024 - Ikigai Stories: Katherine Cheng, Seattle Mariners. Courage | Resilience | Inquiry Katherine Cheng's life and career are a testament to the power of core values in shaping one's path. Raised by a resilient single mother who was a Chinese immigrant and cancer researcher, Katherine learned early the importance of perseverance in the face of adversity. This upbringing, combined with the influence of figures like Phil Donahue, instilled in her a deep commitment to courage, resilience, and inquiry. Her mother's journey, from a championship runner in Taiwan to a math genius in the U.S., demonstrated the value of continuous learning and the ability to overcome challenges, further solidifying these values. Katherine's emphasis on connection and community is also a significant part of her story, influenced by her family's open-door policy and her work with the U.S. Surgeon General's office. Katherine's career path, while seemingly non-linear, is unified by these core principles. From government to high-tech PR, and roles at Starbucks, Microsoft, Expedia Group, and now the Seattle Mariners, her choices were driven by a desire to stay true to her values and a commitment to authenticity. She emphasizes the importance of taking calculated risks, learning from meaningful relationships, and embracing servant leadership. Katherine's insights on balancing courage and inquiry highlight the value of continuous learning and diverse perspectives. Three Key Takeaways 1) Resilience is a Learned Strength: Adversity can forge resilience, as seen in Katherine's life, and the experiences of her mother. 2) Values Guide Decisions: Core values like courage, resilience, and inquiry can be a compass in both personal and professional life. 3) Meaningful Connections Matter: Community and human connection are powerful tools against isolation and loneliness, as well as drivers of personal and professional growth. Three Steps to Take Action 1) Reflect on Your Values: Identify your core values and assess how they guide your decisions. Consider how your upbringing has shaped them. 2) Embrace Discomfort: Challenge yourself by taking calculated risks and being open to new perspectives. Difficult situations can lead to growth. 3) Build Your Community: Seek out and cultivate meaningful relationships for support and guidance. Help to create welcoming spaces for diverse connections. www.ikigaistories.com

Aaron Hurst and Katie Mooney discussed the US Chamber of Connection, a national initiative focused on building infrastructure to address the growing crisis of disconnection and distrust in society. This organization emphasizes that connection is not merely a social nicety, but a fundamental human need with significant implications for individual health, community well-being, and economic prosperity. The Chamber of Connection is currently piloting a program in Seattle to support new residents in building strong social bonds during their first year in the city. Three Key Takeaways ●The decline in connection is a major societal issue that is harming individuals, communities, organizations, and the country as a whole. *26 million American adults report having no friends. *44 million American adults are experiencing significant loneliness. *Loneliness is as harmful as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. *United States ranks LAST among 24 countries in the percentage of people who feel connected. ●Connection is not just a "nice to have," but an economic imperative. Lonely employees are less productive and more expensive, while socially connected people contribute to the economy and are better brand ambassadors. Loneliness contributes an estimated $466 per person to our annual healthcare costs. Loneliness costs employers $4,200 per employee due to drops in productivity. ●The six points of connection provide a framework for understanding and building healthy social connections: neighbor for emergency contact, a community with shared identity, two meaningful interactions per week, a third place for casual interactions, a community around a shared interest, and service to others. Three Steps to Take Action 1)Assess your own level of connection based on the six points. Identify areas where you can improve and take intentional steps to strengthen your connections. 2)Become a "Welcome Committee Ambassador." Look for newcomers in your community and encourage them to get involved in the Chamber of Connection's programs. You can also become a welcome facilitator or neighborhood lead with the US Chamber of Connection. 3.)Spread the word and change the conversation. Talk to others about the importance of connection and help them realize that it is a critical issue. Help build the political will to create change. www.ikigaistories.com

Ikigai Summit 2024 - Ikigai Investing: Meaning & Money Jeri Andrews, Toussaint Bailey (Uplifting Capital) and Johny Mair (Ethic) discuss the integration of personal values and purpose within financial investing, advocating for a shift from traditional, profit-focused models to a more human-centered and impactful approach. The conversation highlights the need for the financial industry to evolve beyond commoditized services, emphasizing the importance of building meaningful relationships with clients through transparency, data-driven decision-making, and a focus on individual values. The conversation underscores that aligning investments with personal values can foster both financial success and a deeper sense of fulfillment. Key takeaways: ●Integrating values and purpose into financial planning is essential for both client satisfaction and the long-term sustainability of the wealth management industry. ●The traditional approach of focusing solely on profit is becoming obsolete, as there is an increasing demand for investments that resonate with personal values and contribute to positive global change. ●The financial industry must prioritize human-centered practices, deeper client connections, transparency, and data-driven methodologies that extend beyond traditional financial metrics. Actionable steps: ●Challenge assumptions: Question the belief that financial success is incompatible with doing good or acting on personal values. Seek investment options that align with your values and promote positive change. ●Engage in open dialogue: Initiate conversations with financial advisors or firms specializing in sustainable, values-based investing to discuss personal goals and values. ●Seek deeper connections: Look beyond financial gains by exploring how investment decisions can create joy and impact on issues you care about. www.ikigaistories.com

Dr Britt Yamamoto is a visionary entrepreneur, educator, and author of "The Soil of Leadership." The discussion centers on his ikigai journey from working on a sustainable farm in Japan to working with leaders from around the world. Dr Yamamoto shares tenets from his best-selling book, including a key insights that shaped the perspective on leadership and life: conventional farmers grow plants and sustainable farmers grow soil. Britt's core values are adaptability and love. This episode was recorded in front of a live audience on October 9, 2024 in partnership with the US-Japan Council

IKI Conversation with Eliza Arai Carrington. For more information on the IKI Network, visit: www.ikigailab.co/iki Shift from Perfectionism to Learning and Adaptability: Eliza's early focus on achievement and perfectionism gave way to a more sustainable approach centered on learning, flexibility, and growth. She emphasizes the importance of responding to change rather than rigidly pursuing fixed goals. The Power of Connection and Presence: Eliza highlights connection as a core value in her life, both professionally and personally. She overcomes imposter syndrome by valuing authentic human connections over titles and accomplishments, and stresses the importance of being present to listen and engage meaningfully. Reflection and Resilience in Leadership and Mentorship: Eliza advocates for taking time to reflect on both successes and challenges, helping herself and others build resilience. Her leadership approach, based on the concept of “Yes, and,” involves balancing commitments with self-care and trusting in her ability to make thoughtful, intentional decisions.

IKI Conversation with Jamie Hopkins. For more information on the IKI Network, visit: www.ikigailab.co/iki

IKI Conversation with Theresita Richard, Chief People Officer, Patagonia. For more information on the IKI Network, visit: www.ikigailab.co/iki

IKI Conversation with Ryan Wolf, Human Resources and Wellbeing Consultant. For more information on the IKI Network, visit: www.ikigailab.co/iki

IKI Conversation with Aki Ohashi, Vice President, Evolution VC. For more information on the IKI Network, visit: www.ikigailab.co/iki

IKI Conversation with Ali Benter, Senior Product Designer, Microsoft Outlook & Lead Inclusive Design for Mental Health & Cognition

IKI Conversation with Tim Bristow, President of Operations, ProHabits, the world's first campaign platform.

Ikigai Economics: Purpose | Belonging | Impact w/Toussaint Bailey and Aparna Rae How can ikigai support a more economically vibrant world filled with thriving people? A dynamic conversation with Toussaint Bailey, CEO of Uplifting Capital, and Aparna Rae, Founder of Moving Beyond, on the societal benefits and economic value unlocked through the ikigai pillars of purpose, impact, and inclusion.

Purpose at Work with Theresita Richard, Chief People Officer, Patagonia, and Katie Mooney, Managing Director, Seramount An inspiring and enlightening discussion on the power of purpose with Theresita Richard, Chief People Officer, Patagonia, and Katie Mooney, Managing Director, Seramount. Purpose fosters greater job satisfaction, increased motivation, improved well-being, and a deeper sense of fulfillment. Learn insights from two visionary leaders as they share how purpose fuels their journey at work, home, and beyond.

A World of Well-Being: Happiness & Human Flourishing Fireside w/Dr. Tim Lomas, Human Flourishing Program, Harvard University and Sam Ushio, Founder, Ikigai Lab What can ikigai and other "untranslatable words" teach us about flourishing and happiness? Dr Tim Lomas, a leading researcher scientist on well-being and positive psychology, will share findings on the importance of cross-cultural insights in our understanding of happiness, human flourishing, and the human condition. Dr Lomas will provide perspective on "Wellbeing for All: Incorporating Harmonic Principles of Wellbeing in Subjective Wellbeing Research and Policymaking," a collaboration between Gallup and the Wellbeing for Planet Earth Foundation, a Tokyo-based organization.

Sam talks with Micah Baldwin: executive coach, angel investor, and serial entreprenuer. Micah courageously shares his battle with addiction, depression, and anxiety while simultaneously achieving high levels of entrepreneurial success. He highlights how he's carved a path forward through serving others and the realization that it's okay to ask for help. Micah's three core values: Kindness, Distinct Point of View, and Acceptance/Vulnerability.

Sam talks with Rebekah Bastian, CEO & Co-Founder of OwnTrail, author of "Blaze Your Own Trail," and leader of the AuthenTech movement. She shares key milestones on her professional and personal journey that led to an entrepreneurial leap, the compassion and depth associated with a re-imagined social platform, and her mantra of "trust the process." Rebekah reinforces two important reminders that life isn't a linear path and we're better together.

A podcast series at the intersection of emotional intelligence, purpose-driven change management, and strengths-based positive psychology. In this episode, Sam and Josina discuss the EI concept of Relationship Management, why it's important in leadership, and provide actionable ideas for implementation.

A podcast series at the intersection of emotional intelligence, purpose-driven change management, and strengths-based positive psychology. Sam Ushio and Josina Garnham discuss the Social Awareness, why it's important, and provide actionable ideas for implementation.

Sam talks with Toussaint Bailey, CEO of Enso Wealth and Founder of Just Listen Project. Toussaint describes how "uplifting" has become his primary focus, inspired by finding meaning in the grief associated with racism, and his lived experience of anguish and hope. He outlines how a journey of self-awareness has impacted his leadership style, the importance of an organizational culture built upon loving and trusting relationships, and the gifts afforded by vulnerability and authenticity.

A podcast series at the intersection of emotional intelligence, purpose-driven change management, and strengths-based positive psychology. Sam Ushio and Josina Garnham discuss the definition of self-management, why it's important, and provide actionable ideas for implementation.

Sam joins Gregory Heller on the Conversations on Careers and Professional Life Podcast as the two play both the host and guest role. Gregory is a Senior Associate Director in MBA Career Management at the Foster School of Business at the University of Washington. The two discuss their professional and personal journey, the MBA mindset, and the evolving landscape of business.

Sam Ushio and Josina Garnham introduce the new podcast series focused on the intersection of emotional intelligence, purpose-driven change management, and strengths-based positive psychology.

A podcast series at the intersection of emotional intelligence, purpose-driven change management, and strengths-based positive psychology. Sam Ushio and Josina Garnham discuss the definition of self-awareness, why it's important, and provide actionable ideas for implementation.

Sam talks with K. Ishibashi, acclaimed musician known as "Kishi Bashi" and director of the upcoming film, "Omoiyari: A Song Film by Kishi Bashi." The Japanese word "omoiyari" can be interpreted as empathy, compassion, and altruism. In the spirit of omoiyari, K created music at locations connected to the Japanese-American WWII Incarceration, providing a foundation to deliver a powerful message about social inequality and the complexities of humanity. K also shares the inspiration behind the new "song film" genre and how the Japanese phrase "ichi-go-ichi-e" has shaped his personal and professional ethos. https://www.omoiyarisongfilm.com/

Sam talks with Jonathan Rauch, Senior Fellow at the Brookings Institution, Contributing Editor at The Atlantic, and author of "The Happiness Curve." Jonathan reflects on important milestones that contributed to writing "The Happiness Curve," including: • How winning the equivalent of the Pulitzer Prize in magazine journalism at 45 years old provided only momentary relief from his midlife malaise. • Viewing the Voyage of Life at 19 years old and how the art series has shaped his perspective on life's journey. • The 30-year anniversary of walking the streets of Tokyo with an influential mentor and their simple but profound conversation about the "midlife crisis" The discussion highlights key concepts for those at/near middle age;,while inspiring a movement to rebuild society around the natural trajectory of adult development in midlife and beyond. Link to Voyage of Life: Manhood: https://www.nga.gov/collection/art-object-page.52452.html

Sam talks with Brigitte Granger, CEO and Founder of Supporti, a technology company that pairs people as accountability partners to increase the probability of goal success. The personal experience of moving away from Boston and losing her running buddy sparked the idea to create a human-powered app for people helping people. Brigitte shares the insight that she learned on Day 1 of her Masters Program in Health Policy at Harvard University: Telling people what to do does very little for behavior change, but social determinants of health, like community and relationships, can have a profound impact on well-being.

Sam talks with Jake, Instructor at the Flores MBA Program at Louisiana State University, where he teaches management classes with an emphasis on leadership, organizational culture, and motivation. Jake spent nearly a decade in financial services, with much of his time in Australia, where he eventually noticed his job satisfaction and motivation on the decline. The question, "If money didn't matter, what would I do?", led him to pivot his career toward the PhD path. Jake shares a beautiful story about honoring his mother's legacy of compassion by incorporating kindness and gratitude assignments into his curriculum.

Sam Ushio, Andrew Venrick, and Dr. Jake Smith from LSU discuss the intersection between ESPN's The Last Dance, personal well-being, and purpose. Dr. Smith highlights research in organizational culture, shared values, and social structures that benefit both sports and business teams. The three discuss well-being examples from the documentary and highlight how viewers can grow through the lens of well-being.

Sam Ushio and Andrew Venrick discuss the intersection between ESPN's The Last Dance, personal well-being, and purpose. The three-part miniseries will tackle Episodes 1-6(#1), Episodes 7-8(#2), and Episodes 9-10 (#3). Following the three-part series is a live, facilitated conversation on May 26th at 2p PST with Sam, Andrew, and Dr. Jake Smith from LSU. Participants will have the opportunity to connect with others and discuss the intersection between the documentary and well-being. Free registration here: gvg17.com/be-like-mike1/

Sam talks with Shelly Kurtz, Co-Founder of Giving Tech Labs, a Seattle-based company that delivers sustainable technology for public interest. Shelly's extensive media background (NBCUniversal and Comcast)combined with co-founder Luis Salazar's technology background (including Microsoft as co-founder of Office 365) deliver digital and business best practices that yield large societal gains. Shelly outlines Giving Tech Lab's organizational adoption of the ikigai philosophy, her personal ikigai of "human connection", and the "second mountain journey" that inspired the launch of a tech company.

Sam Ushio and Andrew Venrick discuss the intersection between ESPN's The Last Dance, personal well-being, and purpose. The three-part miniseries will tackle Episodes 1-6(#1), Episodes 7-8(#2), and Episodes 9-10 (#3). Following the three-part series is a live, facilitated conversation on May 26th at 2p PST. Participants will have the opportunity to connect with others and discuss the intersection between the documentary and well-being. Free registration here: gvg17.com/be-like-mike1/

Sam Ushio and Andrew Venrick discuss the intersection between ESPN's The Last Dance, personal well-being, and purpose. The three-part miniseries will tackle Episodes 1-6(#1), Episodes 7-8(#2), and Episodes 9-10 (#3). Following the three-part series is a live, facilitated conversation on May 26th at 2p PST. Participants will have the opportunity to connect with others and discuss the intersection between the documentary and well-being. Free registration here: https://gvg17.com/be-like-mike1/

Webinar was recorded on April 30, 2020. To view the video, please click here: https://gvg17.com/resilience-webinar/ [Mindset | Movement | Nutrition ] Equip yourself with insights and practical tools to build resilience amidst the dynamic COVID-19 landscape. Learn from experts in the fields of positive psychology, nutrition, mind/body, and yoga. Sam Ushio is the founder of Ikigai Lab, a purpose-driven change management firm based in Seattle, WA. Inspired by a 100-year old family story of legacy, sacrifice, and triumph, Sam launched Ikigai Lab to empower organizations, teams, and individuals to maximize the power of purpose. Ushio blends expertise in traditional management consulting + large-scale program design with ongoing research into the areas of positive psychology, design thinking and experiential learning. Prior to founding Ikigai Lab, Sam was Director, Practice Management at Russell Investments where he led a nationwide team of management consultants that delivered strategic consulting + coaching to wealth managers and financial advisors. Sam is frequently quoted in the press, including Wall Street Journal, Investor’s Business Daily, Financial Advisor Magazine, and InvestmentNews. He has an MBA from Foster School of Business at the University of Washington, holds a Bachelor of Science from University of Nebraska in marketing and finance, and is a Gallup-Certified Strengths Coach. Erica Mouch, RDN, CD is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist with a Bachelor of Science from Eastern Michigan University and a Bachelor of the Arts in Psychology from Elon University. Practicing since 2013, Erica advocates and follows the Health At Every Size® approach in order to support people from all shapes and sizes in finding how to support their health. Erica has practiced in a clinical nutrition (hospital) setting, long term acute care setting, outpatient services, and concierge-style nutrition and lifestyle coaching. These varied experiences allow her to provide support to a wide variety of diseases and illnesses, in addition to those looking to focus on achieving specific health goals. Krista Steinbach is a certified SomaYoga Teacher and Co-Founder of WholeMe, a grain-free food company available at Whole Foods, Costco, and Amazon.com. Named on the 40 under 40 by the Minneapolis/St Paul Business Journal, Krista's diverse experience includes founding Sweets Bakeshop and serving as Pastry Chef at The Bachelor Farmer, a James Beard Award Winning Restaurant in St. Paul, MN. She has a Bachelor of Science in Marketing from the University of Minnesota - Carlson School of Management, a Baking and Pastry Certificate from the Culinary Institute of America in Napa Valley, California, and served in the Army National Guard with two deployments in Kosovo and Iraq.

This webinar was recorded on March 26, 2020. To view the video of the webinar, please click here: https://gvg17.com/recording-well-being-while-working-from-home-webinar/ Join Sam Ushio from Ikigai Lab and Ryan Wolf from Gallup to discuss well-being while working from home. According to Gallup's State of the American Workplace report, 43% of US employees work off-site some or all of the time. As organizations across the world respond to the COVID-19 pandemic and more workers find themselves working remotely, what steps can be taken to prioritize well-being? Wolf, co-author of the article "How to Keep Remote Worker Wellbeing High" will highlight practical well-being tips for remote workers. Ryan Wolf is the Physical Wellbeing Lead at Gallup. He leads Gallup’s physical health and wellbeing initiatives through strategic partnerships with Gallup’s research team, benefits department and external medical and wellness partners. He administers In The Zone, Gallup’s wellbeing curriculum that provides Gallup associates, spouses and family members with opportunities to pursue greater wellbeing by participating in challenges, campaigns and education. He works closely with Gallup fitness center staff who coach and consult Gallup associates. Ryan earned a bachelor’s degree in exercise science from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and is currently pursuing his master’s in business administration from Nebraska Methodist College. He is a National Strength and Conditioning Association Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, and he is a Gallup-Certified Strengths Coach. Sam Ushio is the founder of Ikigai Lab, a purpose-driven change management firm based in Seattle, WA. Inspired by a 100-year old family story of legacy, sacrifice, and triumph, Sam launched Ikigai Lab to empower organizations, teams, and individuals to maximize the power of purpose. Ushio blends expertise in traditional management consulting + large-scale program design with ongoing research into the areas of performance psychology, human-centered design and experience-based learning. Prior to founding Ikigai Lab, Sam was Director, Practice Management at Russell Investments where he led a nationwide team of management consultants that delivered strategic consulting + coaching to wealth managers and financial advisors. Sam is frequently quoted in the press, including Wall Street Journal, Investor’s Business Daily, Financial Advisor Magazine, and InvestmentNews. He has an MBA from Foster School of Business at the University of Washington, holds a Bachelor of Science from University of Nebraska in marketing and finance, and is a Gallup-Certified Strengths Coach.

Sam shares thoughts on HOPE and an update on new content coming from Ikigai Stories. For more information on Well-Being Wednesdays, click here: www.wellbeing-wednesdays.com

Sam talks with Gary, a 73-year-old learning advisor/retired school psychologist who describes his journey as a "story about war, but it's not a war story." Gary's experience as a soldier in the Vietnam War fueled his interest in the developmental process throughout life; ultimately leading him to challenge the status quo in education. The experience introduced him to the field of positive psychology which would serve him both professionally and personally. Sparked by his daughter's middle school project on Vietnam, Gary began traveling back to the country to mentor and advise educators and professionals, while also helping launch an international school. For over 15 years, Gary has continued his participant/observer journey of excellence by immersing himself into the foreign land to increase his knowledge in psychology, sociology, education, and personal development.

Sam talks with Dragos, Founder and CEO of Novo Fogo, a 100% Certified Organic and Zero-Waste Cachaça distillery in Morretes, Brazil.  Forbes calls Novo Fogo “a case study in conscientious capitalism” given their efforts across the stakeholder ecosystem. This includes their latest project, The Un-Endangered Forest, an effort to save native Brazilian trees from extinction.   Dragos discusses his personal journey growing up in Romania, fleeing when the iron curtain fell, and launching a successful company with his father. The company’s rise and fall would serve as an inspiration for Novo Fogo’s ethos of “doing well by doing right.”

Sam wraps up Season 1 from the Brazilian Pantanal, the world’s largest wetland. He highlights multiple ikigai-related breakthroughs in academia, medicine, and business that occurred during Season 1 while unveiling the new Ikigai Lab. Sam closes with the concept of “seikatsu” through the lens of a personal story from Brazil. For more details on Ikigai Lab for Organizations and 1:1 Coaching, go to: https://gvg17.com/ikigai-lab-home/

Sam talks with Priyanka, Founder + CEO @ PopSmartKids, an educational technology company that's reimagining digital playtime. PopSmartKids offers tech tools that embrace a simple, yet powerful philosophy: Mentor > Monitor. Priyanka reflects on her journey including corporate jobs in three countries, making the entrepreneurial leap, and the evolving role of a parent in a technology-driven society.

Sam talks with Kim and Noelle, Co-Founders of BeanZ & Company, an inclusive café in Avon, Connecticut that employs people with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities. The mission is inspired by their special needs daughters, Megan and Cate, and the observation that 80% of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities are unemployed or underemployed. Kim and Noelle reflect on their journey as friends, successful professionals, and mothers of daughters with down syndrome that led to the BeanZ & Company's tagline: "Everyone Belongs."

Sam talks with Alex Mondau, Co-Founder and Community Ambassador at The Collective. The 15,000 square foot "urban basecamp" has evolved the traditional membership club model with a focus on inclusivity, experiences, and building community around shared passions. Alex shares his personal and professional journey that led to the Collective's launch; including a trip to Nepal that transformed his definition of generosity, the messy yet rewarding journey of entrepreneurship, and the clarity gained in letting go of control.

Sam talks with Tori, Founder of Her First 100k, a 25-year old "financial feminist" on a quest to empower millennial women with the resources to earn, save, and invest their way to the first six-figures. The money and career platform blends personal finance with behavioral psychology and has been featured on CNBC, Marketwatch, and Yahoo. Tori discusses her personal journey including launching her first business as a 9-year-old, tackling imposter syndrome, and the range of emotions associated with going viral.

Sam talks with Evan, a 22-year-old entrepreneur, about launching a successful coffee company in the backyard of the world's most iconic coffee brand....while in college. Evan shares the story behind Seattle Strong Coffee, a bootstrapped company initiated in a class at the University of Washington; as well as his decision-making process that led him to go all-in.

Sam talks with John about his remarkable journey from the streets of Cleveland - to the world of architecture - to a failed entrepreneurial leap - to a successful creative studio. He opens up to share the challenges he faced and conquered as a fatherless, African-American young man and the bond that he forged with his brother in prison as they simultaneously discovered greater meaning and purpose in life.

Sam talks with John about his remarkable journey from the streets of Cleveland - to the world of architecture - to a failed entrepreneurial leap - to a successful creative studio. He opens up to share the challenges he faced and conquered as a fatherless, African-American young man and the bond that he forged with his brother in prison as they simultaneously discovered greater meaning and purpose in life.

Sam talks with Ahmad Corner, the founder of Young Professionals of Seattle, (YPOS), a 13,000 member organization born from a personal desire to shift his career path out of law. Ahmad shares insight into his journey to launching YPOS, the balancing act between engagement and sponsorship, and the parallels between his passion for snowboarding and startups.

Sam talks with Erin Mursch about her journey to become the first KonMarie Certified Consultant in Texas and the experience of participating in the first global cohort to learn directly from Marie Kondo. Erin shares insights into her work that does much more than tidying one's home, she provides a tangible framework for self-discovery one item at a time.

Sam talks with Eric Silverstein about leaving a lucrative law career to open a food truck fraught with challenges, eventually finding traction and becoming one of the leading hospitality companies in Austin. Eric shares candid insights about growing up in Tokyo and Atlanta, his leadership philosophy, the balancing act between work + home, and his upcoming book, The Peached Tortilla: Modern Asian Comfort Food from Tokyo to Texas.

Josh Monuteux is an artist based in Seattle, and shares his story of overcoming cancer and finding purpose in his art.

Danna is the CEO and Co-Founder of HeyThrivy, a technology-based personal concierge service. Danna discusses her journey from working 17 years at Microsoft to moving to Spain for a summer with her 10-year old son to launching HeyThrivy.