Made For This

As soon as you ask for more, it says you’re done with what you have and you don’t have enough. So you look out there for something else to satisfy you. But there is nothing out there that will satisfy the desires deep within here. Are you made for more? More than what you are? More than who you are at this moment? I would say, no. You don’t need any more than you already have. If you’re always longing for more, it won’t be long before you find yourself wishing for less.  At the end of this conversation, I hope you choose to use the word ‘more’ a whole lot ‘less’ in your life. 

How do you make the most of any job opportunity? Does what you do make a difference to the rest of the world? How does the film industry really work? // Obviously there’s some brotherly banter in this conversation, along with a few stories about our past; and the conversation brings with it a vulnerable insight to the life of a creative. Tomas has by all accounts lived his dream - to direct his own movie - but what has life been like since that experience? He brings us into the journey of failure and finding new hope while hitting hard on the point that whatever you do you have to understand who you are more than anything. And who you are, is important to the rest of us. // The last time Tomas was on the show was way back in episode 2, he was just starting out on a new film crew, he was excited and passionate about his budding career and seeing this dream finally begin to take off. Since then, he’s seen nothing but big, bold, and beautiful new experiences; from getting married to directing his own feature film, to living off the grid, Tomas is simply trying to be true to who he is.

“A dream will remain a dream unless there’s a plan around it.” // How do you make the shift from doing it all to leading the team? What’s it really like to run an organization focused on an ever-changing demographic? And what is the most important aspect to focus on as a leader? // The last time Jordan was on the show was all the way back on Episode 8. He was one of my first guests because I knew him as a friend and I knew he was stepping into a call bigger than himself. At that point, we talked about how Youth One moved from dream to reality, and the wild ride of finding the funds, location, and team necessary to launch a Youth Centre. Since then Youth One has only been growing. Now Jordan is learning how to lead a team, how to manage a vision for the future of an organization, and how to keep helping young people find a place of belonging. // You’re going to love this conversation if you are passionate about helping the next generation, or you are in a role you didn’t necessarily expect to be in a few years ago, or if you’re struggling with finding the main focus again for the dreams and goals you once saw so clearly.

““If you need it, there will be people in your corner.” // What happens when the thing you do becomes who you think you are? Is burnout something we should be ashamed of? How do you start to actually speak up when you’re simply not okay with where you’re at? // Natalie gives us a real gift of vulnerability in this catch-up conversation. She knows that someone will need to hear her story and her encouragement to share your journey with others. We get deep into the feelings, expectations, and difficult practices of working through burnout to find what is waiting on the other side. This is a journey of sustainable life rhythms, being honest with yourself, and leaning on your community. // The last time Natalie was on the show was way back in episode 13. We talked about the ups and downs of being a Midwife, how she discovered this was what she was made for, and the budding idea of opening her own practice. A few years later, now she has been through significant trauma, burnout, and has had to hold this career with an open hand as she separates her identity from her job.

“The process is the destination, because all you ever get is process." // Are you ever going to slow down or actually land in a long term career? Is THIS difficult experience really going to be beneficial in any way? What is the real usefulness of the Myers Briggs personality test? // We talk about his journey, the joy of discovery, and what Jordan would say to his 20 year old self. This episode is all about the story, this is a story you’re going to find your story somewhere within. Jordan, as a life coach, has a gift in calling out what’s real in this life, and we have a fun back and forth chat. Jordan is a certified Myers-Briggs coach (MBTI Practitioner), so I took a good chunk of time in this conversation to get him to explain this personality assessment on an expert level and help us all understand ourselves a little bit better. // He’s been all around the world, through all kinds of jobs, and through it all has learned to enjoy the process. His journey is bumpy, unexpected, and full of small adventures, and a ton of different work opportunities. Through it all, his faith in God and his own purpose in this world has carried him and his family to this place of doing what he’s made for.

I used to think that by 36, I would be more than settled and secure in who I am, and what I’m doing in this world. But now I’m learning, that this is only the beginning of a new chapter on an ever-changing and growing story. This is a story of growing up. But not growing old. Or maybe it’s the other way around, I’m not sure. See, I’ve been fighting this idea of growing up for years - I’m Peter Pan, ya know. Never grow up. No matter how old I get, I’ll always live with an imagination and wonder and joy like that of a child. And I think that’s possible, but unlike Peter Pan, I don’t want to stay in Neverland. I want to get older as well. Getting older is one of the great gifts of this life, so don’t fight that. So yes, I’m growing old, and I’m going to enjoy it. I’m going to enjoy the ride while its here. I’m going to learn and change and reflect, and the truth of it all is that I will also grow up. Otherwise, I’m just getting old and staying in the same mindset as before - and that’s no good to anyone either. So this, then is a story of growing up and growing old. Are you fighting one of those? Are you fighting against the idea of a higher number to your age? Or more responsibility? Or less opportunity to play? I invite you today, to stop fighting it. Step into the next chapter, whatever that is. As soon as you do, that’s when the ride really begins.

“If you get a gut feeling about something, lean into it.” // Does it really matter what you put in your body? Is it ever too late to make a change in your diet or lifestyle? What do you do when you’re so passionate about something you have to act on it? // We get into what the daily rhythm of a holistic health coach looks like, from food to focus. We talk about how to implement some of these principals into a home with children, how to shorten your labor and delivery time, and we talk about the difficulties and confusion of starting something new when you simply can’t hold it back anymore. Needless to say, this was a lot of fun. // Mya is tired of doing things just because it’s the way it’s always been done, and she’s got good news, that it doesn’t have to be this way, there are changes we can make to our diets and lifestyles that can drastically affect our health and wellbeing.

“There’s something untouchable about the experience of art.” // How do you turn a passion into a career? Is the journey more about reaching for every opportunity, or letting go of expectations? How much work really goes into putting an album together? // We start our conversation talking about what Marlon is listening to now, then we dip into what he’s currently doing, take a journey together through discussing the transcendent power of music, and then explore what it really takes to create music as a career. Marlon is vulnerable, honest, thoughtful, and as you might expect from a pro songwriter he’s got a beautifully poetic way of seeing the way things work in this world. // Marlon grew up listening to the classics and started playing instruments when he was a kid. He remembers the first time he played in front of people; something sparked within him, making him relentlessly pursue any opportunity to make music for people since.

Dagmar Morgan is a performer, spoken word poet, and a pastor. She is an internationally published writer and two-time slam poetry champion who often uses spoken word as a healing mechanism. Dagmar has a deep compassion for women in the prison system, and anyone willing to connect with their brokenness on the way to healing together. -Her Story- To Dagmar, poetry is an expression of a story already being told. She is inspired by what she sees and lives and hears, and is able to translate what she experiences into an art form that allows the recipient to find their story within it. She has a deep love and passion for the craft of poetry and the spoken word, and hopes to bring light to the darkness in our lives with her transformative words. -Why You’ll Care- She discovered a passion within her, she responded to it, gave it a shot, and is still battling the creative journey every day: to listen, be inspired, create, and share this work with as many people as possible. You’re going to love this conversation if you consider yourself a creative or an artist, if you’re starting something new, or you just want a raw and real conversation about the life of a poet today.

She grew up in an entrepreneurial home, worked as a florist, ran a cleaning company, and worked in a management position, and spiritual direction. It’s always been about the people and the opportunities to create for April, more than the work itself. Now being in her role with Flow Office Wisdom, she has all the opportunities in front of her to help people create their own futures in their leadership and not-for-profit work. - Episode Hook - She’s helping the visionary leader get clear on what the next step is and begin to actually take that step. April as the chief dot-connector at Flow Office Wisdom, listening to the vision and ideas of small businesses and working with a team of plan producers to set the next steps in front of them. - Why You’ll Care - You’re going to love April’s story - especially the part where she talks about a major part of her career path sparking from one email sent to 50 people. There’s hope, discovery, patience, and joy found in the process of April’s story as she has done what she’s made for all along the way. She helps remind us about the importance of being aligned with your own purpose, being abundantly clear on what you need to do in this world, and stepping into where you fit best.

RT says it himself, he wasn’t a ‘watch guy’ until he started a watch company. He likes to solve problems, and loves a good story. With Vortic Watches his team is able to preserve American history by collect and restoring pocket watches that are decades old creating something new with them. - Episode Summary - In some ways RT is pushing against the norms of culture today which looks for something new, something digital, and something quick. With Vortic, he is being intentional on finding pocket watches that tell a story, building one watch per day, and getting them on the wrists of people that appreciate being a part of history. This episode isn’t all about watches though, this is about how to build a thriving physical-product-based business in a fast-paced digital world. - Why You’ll Care - RT is living through all the ups and downs of entrepreneurship, and with an attitude of ‘just going for it and seeing what happens’ he and his team have built a rapidly growing company that is serving a niche market with a brilliant product. If you have any interest in starting a business, or watches, or creating a product and learning how to market it well - you’re going to love this conversation.

We need each other. We need to learn from each other. We desperately need to not base our lives off some subtle tendency to compete in every little way. Whether you're parenting small kids - or big kids for that matter - or you're starting a business or getting married or buying a house or creating art or feeding others or any number of other noble efforts you might be up to today, you're new at it, and so are we. So stop comparing your life to the snapshot you see of others while thinking they have reached some pinnacle that you never will. They're new at this too. Give yourself a healthy dose of grace and get to doing what YOU are supposed to be doing. Lean in to your family, your home, your job, your self-betterment and if you get lost somewhere along the way ask for help. We expect you to, because we know you're new at this.

Mack and Abby McRuer, owners of Sage & Shepherd Farm, a pasture-raised, regenerative farm is in Ontario. They are learning as they go, eating what they grow, and spreading a message of conscious food production one sheep at a time. Mack and Abby met when he was a musician and she was a landscape designer. They discovered they’re shared passion for sustainable living and just a few years into their marriage they are first generation farmers with a rapidly expanding business. These young Millennials are not living the typical story. They are pushing back against the system, one pasture-raised lamb at a time. With dreams of growing the business, sharing great food, and providing another option to our fast food culture. They are well-educated, passionate about the cause. In our conversation today, we get into what led the McRuer’s to buy a farm, what is wrong with the food industry today, and the difficulties of living off the land while making a change and trying to make a profit. They are clear on their mission, wanting to not only live on a farm and produce their own food but also build a business and make a living from their livestock. Mack and Abby have fallen in love with not only being a part of a new farming culture, but also the life of working long hours on your own land, building their own home and life each day. They will inspire you to make a difference where you are, and start with what you care about most.

There's something for all of you in this story. A story told in three chapters: Chapter 1 - What a difference a few years can make - What do you do when the thing you expected to be doing for life isn't the 'thing' anymore? What about when your faith and beliefs shift from the community you're in? Where do you go? Who do you talk to? Chapter 2 - The Other Side - So you're ready to make a change but you're afraid of what people will think of you. Will they be upset? Lose respect for you? Will you lose influence where you once had it? Chapter 3 - What to do when you're not who you were - So now what? How do you move forward? How do you create a new identity for yourself if you're not who you were? **This is the most honest I've gotten on the podcast about my story, my faith, and my identity now. I hope it's helpful for you and you find a safe place in this.**

Ron Kitchens, he is an author, business development expert, podcast host, and CEO of one of the best places to work in America. More than anything, Ron is looking for ways to help people discover what they want in their lives and take the right steps to make that happen. His story begins with failing on the high school football team, which led to an entrepreneurship opportunity that seems odd by today’s standards - opening a chain of convenience stores - and the journey of exploring new careers and finding out how business works for the next 30 or so years, so he can give back to those in a similar position he was in. In our conversation today, Ron brings us in to what it’s like to always be working with emerging leaders, entrepreneurs, and business owners, to develop, learn, and grow in incredible new ways. There’s a lot of movement and success in Ron’s story, and as you’ll hear, it all comes from a deeply aware and connected place to his own struggles in life. Ron will help inspire you to take the next step and begin doing what you want, he will remind you why you’re doing what you’re doing, or he may just give you the kick you need to get out of the situation you’re in and find something new.

I’ve been working on Gen Z Matters (.com) for many months, and finally feel ready to send it out into the world and help as many people as possible with this mission. On THIS episode of the Made For This podcast, I’m going to bring you into the process of starting something new; the Why, the What, and the How.

Kathryn Ducey's story includes multiple jobs, a wide array of opportunities, falling backwards into an advertising career, quitting with no plan, numbing her pain through substance, confidently stepping into a role as a recruiter, and finding her power and her voice throughout so she can stand up and boldly help others through their journeys. She speaks today from a place of strong self-awareness. As Kathryn has opened herself up to self-development, to explore her own story, and explore the shared human story of all of us, she has helped hundreds of people along the way. Hers is a beautiful journey of self-awareness leading to confidently doing what she’s made for. Oh, and Kathryn has an incredible ability to make you feel like her story is your story, you will certainly be inspired in your own journey while listening to hers.

When I was 15 I went to a concert. I lied about what happened at that concert for the next 15 years. It wasn’t anything significant, but it was a lie I chose to continue to tell, even though I knew it wasn’t based in reality. It’s so easy to lie about who you are and what you’re doing, in big ways and small ways to make yourself feel better, or to make peace with whatever expectations you think others have on you. My friend, today is a great day to tell the truth and be free to be who you truly are made to be.

Is there a right time to invest and start the business you’ve been dreaming about? Can you be an entrepreneur and raise kids at the same time…and do both well? And how do you break into a market with a different demographic than you’re used to? Karen Street, she has been making beautiful things since she was a kid and has now figured out how to turn her passion into a growing business. Karen is the Owner and Founder of Karen Street Longarm Quilting and wants to see this niche business thrive. Karen is unique in her position as a guest on this show. She’s not the only family member I’ve had on the show, though she the only guest to actually be married to me, but she is the only guest, in fact she’s the only person I know that is paid to quilt! To me, and maybe to you, quilting is an old woman’s thing to do, but Karen has taken this skill, taught to her by her mom, and is building a successful business within that classic quilter’s demographic. And she’s doing it all while raising three of my favourite humans on the planet. In our conversation today, Karen not only brings us into a wholly relatable story of learning a craft and craftiness as a child, then wanting to do something with those skills as an adult. But she helps us understand the niche world of quilting, what it is exactly that she does to make money, and how she built her business as a stay-at-home mom. God I love this woman. If you are feeling like there aren’t enough hours in the day to get started, or you’re struggling with patience and want your idea to be successful right now, or you’re looking for the permission to turn your childhood passion into a business, Karen is here to help inspire you to action.

Let's talk about NO. Your entire life story can be narrowed down to whether you say 'yes' or 'no'. Every day, every conversation, every meal, every game you play, each picture you post, they all require you to say yes to something and no to something else. I love it when people say yes, because that means you are opening a door to a new experience. But I also love it (maybe more) when people say no, because that can mean you know what you want and [this thing] is not it. The bad side of no is when we are apathetic or entitled. The worst side of no is from a place of comparison. The best no is said with confidence. The joy of no is being liberated to do what you are made for. The best 'no' is about no longer doing something because it is what you ought to do. One of my favourite questions to ask during a coaching session is all about the NO. “If you’re saying yes to this (goal), what are you saying no to? The power of no, allows for the best yes. When we say no in confidence we are saying yes to opening a new door. You can say now. You can create that boundary. This is your permission. Create a healthier life by saying no more.

Do you know who you’re selling to? Are you clear on your messaging? How much can your branding really influence how successful you are? Jared Henriques, the founder and Chief Strategist at Renga, a brand therapy resource helping startups, entrepreneurs, and long-existing businesses get clear on their message to truly stand out and be successful. Jared has been on the show before. We went into his story of discovering what he’s made for and starting out the business he’ll be talking about today. For that conversation go back to episode 33. Today, we’ll hear a little bit about what has transpired over the last 2 years, as Renga went from concept to reality and is now humming along with a growing team working together. In our conversation today, Jared is helping us out as a branding expert - to bring us absolute gold as we struggle to get clear on our purpose and message - both as a person and as a business. If you are working for an organization, you are starting your own business, or you are just trying to be more clear on your personal LinkedIn bio, Jared is here to help you narrow your focus and connect with the right people, so you and your teams can thrive.

Let's talk about YES. Your entire life story can be narrowed down to whether you say 'yes' or 'no'. Every day, every conversation, every meal, every game you play, each picture you post, they all require you to say yes to something and no to something else. I love it when people say yes, because that means you are opening a door to a new experience. But I also love it (maybe more) when people say no, because that can mean you know what you want and [this thing] is not it. The bad side of yes is when we are afraid of what others will think of us if we don't say yes. The worst side of yes is when we are comfortable with the easy decision, the way it's always been done. The best side of yes is when it is not based on the mass, fictitious opinion of 'them' but the trusted, caring advice from your few. When it's right, "YES" can open a door to a new experience that could change everything. The best yes opens up possibility for something new to happen. The joy of yes is seeing what adventure the next chapter holds. Today, open new doors by saying Yes more.

Is there a ‘right’ age to begin living your dream? What do you do when it seems like there’s a wall holding you back? And what do you do if you don’t ‘fit into the system'? Joey Speers, a 20 year old entrepreneur who has been using his passion, joy, and unrelenting talent behind a camera to launch a successful media company over the past 7 years. That’s right, he started this business when he was 14, and he’s not slowing down. What I love is that although Joey’s stories and experiences seem untouchable on the surface, traveling the world photographing for unique brands, and networking with some of the biggest influencers out there…when he opens up about his journey we realize it’s such a relatable story he’s telling. One of discovery, struggle with the system, connecting with empowering people, and taking risks to move into the dream. In our conversation today, Joey of course takes us through his exciting journey of discovering what he’s made for and the difficulties of working as a creative, and he also helps us figure out where to begin if we’re thinking of going down a similar path. If you need that one swift kick in the butt to get going, or if you need someone to give you more energy than your coffee this morning, or you need to be reminded of the potential you have and how valuable it is even if you don’t fit where you are…Joey is going to be a great friend for you to meet.

How would your life change if you pushed passed the nature and began to nurture what matters most right now? Today we’re going to dive into the importance of learning, perseverance, and development, I’m going to give you two clear steps to take to clarify your journey, and it all begins with my grade 6 track and field meet. I could run fast, that came naturally to me. Just like acting, and being a pastor, and coaching, and parenting all come pretty easy to me. These are natural skills and passions I have. You have some skills that come naturally to you. You have done these things as long as you can remember, you have moved through life using what you have and getting by. But here’s where the innate, the in nature, the natural skills we have can bite us in the butt. They give us a false sense of success and security. Your work has been fine, your family is fine, your health is fine. And typically our world is fine with fine. I’m not fine with fine anymore. It’s time to break through the nature, and truly nurture some specific skills and practices so you can thrive in the place you're made to be right now. *Success is found when you nurture what comes naturally.*

Do you feel like you’re stuck in your job, in a cage? Is it really possible to live a free lifestyle, working on your own terms? And if you have an idea for a new business, what’s the RIGHT first steps?? - Her Work - Rebecca Tracey helps business owners figure out what exactly they’re doing and how to get more clients. Her business, the Uncaged Life is making an impact among all kinds of business owners helping them get clear on the right first or next steps - Her Story - Becca’s story has so many twists and turns, you couldn’t make up a better story for how she got to where she is now than the one she actually lived. It’s a story of slowly discovering the biggest impact she can have in this world right now, through a series of different experiences all narrowing down her niche. And now she’s helping others go through that journey with clarity and community. - Episode Summary - In our conversation today, Becca opens up about her rocky journey which you will surely connect with, and then she gives us some absolute gold as she shares some of the process she teaches to new business owners as part of her main program, Uncage Your Business. -Why You’ll Care- If you are starting out something new, or you’re an entrepreneur that’s feeling stuck. If you are working a job that you know isn’t where you’re meant to be but you feel trapped or stuck, or caged up. If you are overwhelmed by all the information out there and need someone to be super clear about the next step. Rebecca is here for you.

We are taught from a young age to keep our deepest longings quiet. Think about making a wish and blowing out the candles. “Don’t say it out loud or it won’t come true.” This teaches us to stay quiet about the things we really want: the stuff, the situations, the desires of our heart. Keep it quiet. Maybe that’s because we know there’s no magic, maybe it’s because we don’t want to burden anyone else with the accountability, maybe it’s because we don’t want to burden ourselves with the accountability. Because, if you say it out loud you need to acknowledge that it’s a real thing. But saying it out loud is exactly what you finally need to make a change in your life. Make the wish. Say it out loud, or it won’t come true!

When you get stuck thinking about all the things happening, or all the mistakes you're making, or all the possible options going forward, stop. Pause. Be here. The most important decision you can make is to declare what is RIGHT for you. Once you have that, choose what you're going to do NOW to move towards what is right. It's time to begin doing what you're made for rn.

We’re finishing up a conversation that has taken place over 4 episodes of the podcast over these couple of months, it’s a conversation that I believe will bring great value to on your journey, and it begins by asking the question, “Am I doing what I’m made for?” Today, we’ll explore that big topic by answering the question: What is your emotional state? There are three elements in your life acting as powerful emotional detectors and deflectors: Body. Word. Vision. You can use these elements as measurements to detect what your emotional state really is. And you can use these elements as change agents to deflect what’s coming at you and shift your emotional state to what it needs to be so you can step forward. Body. Word. Vision. Are your emotions helping you move forward with confidence or are they acting as a barrier?

Can we really make the process of giving more beneficial for everyone involved? When you decide on a business plan, are you locked in to that idea, or should you leave room for adapting? What question should you ask people if you really want your idea to work? Jay Whitelaw is a trying to change the way people interact with charitable giving. And he’s learning to adapt as he goes. The first half of our conversation covered Jay’s story of eye-opening moments leading him to doing what he’s made for today. He is trying to connect the donor with the project in a transparent connection using today’s technology like nobody else in the charitable world, because he saw change in his own life when he experienced that connection. In our conversation today, Jay tells us about the difficulties of leaving a job to start something brand new. The failures he’s learned from along the way. And the people he had to get around him if this thing was going to fly. This is an honest conversation about what being an entrepreneur is really like. You’re gonna get a ton of value out of the second half of my conversation with Jay Whitelaw.

Jay Whitelaw is a trying to change the way people interact with charitable giving. He is the founder and executive director at Givesome, an app that lets you see the impact your donations are having around the world. Could one moment or experience really change everything for you? What do you do with those ideas that are 5, 10, or 15 years old? And can one person with an idea actually transform an entire industry? Like many of our guests, Jay’s story spans years of eye-opening moments and earth-shattering experiences leading him to doing what he’s made for today. He is trying to connect the donor with the project in a transparent connection using today’s technology like nobody else in the charitable world. In our conversation today, Jay brings us into his transformative story, one that you really have to hear to believe. And throughout his story he is wide open to dropping absolute gold nuggets of wisdom for anyone else on a similar journey. If you are interested in non-profit work, or you want to give money to something that matters, or you aren’t sure if you should take that leap and build that idea you’ve had, or you aren’t even sure if that idea that’s been sitting idle for 10 years is still relevant…Jay’s inspiring insight will help you take the next step for sure, whatever that may be.

What’s more important, hard work or good work? How do you really make a career out of blogging? What does someone do after they just drove a car over 200km/h? James is enthusiastic, in a soft-spoken kind of way, about his work. In fact, you might say he’s obsessed with getting a good story, writing a great post, or capturing a perfect image to bring his audience into what he sees. The first half of our conversation covered James’ journey to being a renowned watch blogger, as well as letting him show off his skills a little bit as a watch expert. He’s the real deal, folks. In our conversation today, James brings us more into his experience of creating great work to get noticed. He challenges us with an attitude of excellence in your craft. And he tells us what goes through his mind as he’s driving the most powerful and extravagant cars on the planet. You’re gonna love this opportunity to dive more into the fascinating life of James Stacey.

In our conversation today, James takes us through his story of getting into watches, and how he specifically worked his way up to make a full-time career out of this passion. Though you may not be a watch enthusiast, James’ story is incredibly relatable, as he brings us into what it takes to be aware of what you have and what is the right opportunity to move into. Can you turn your niche passion into a career? When is the right time to quit your day job? And how much can you really write about something as small as watches? I think you’ll be surprised by the answers to these questions and many more as we dig into today’s conversation. James Stacey is a writer, photographer, and always curious world-traveller. He is a Senior Writer with Hodinkee.com, a watch blog with millions of readers, as well as a magazine for automotive, architecture and all kinds of other intricately fascinating worlds of design. James also co-hosts of the Grey Nato podcast, which explores a little bit of everything, again with a main focus on watches. So, how does someone get into this niche market? Well, as you can imagine, there are sparks through his story of discovering the inner-working of watches, but it always comes back to his skills of writing and photography. James’ enthusiasm is infectious. Whatever he talks about, I find I want to ask him more about. James is a great case study of putting your strengths, skills, and passion together to bring you into a specific, unique role that may just be what you’re made for.

So you’ve figured out your Enneagram type, but now what? How does this really help me in the real world? Should I go for certain types of jobs because of my Type? In the first half of our conversation Beth McCord helped us understand the up front details making each of the nine Enneagram types unique. It was a whirlwind, but so helpful as you enter this process of discovery. In today’s conversation, I ask Beth what to do with all of that? If I am able to clearly identify my type, what’s the next step? When I figure out that I am an Investigative Thinker (or, type 5), how will that affect my relationships? How will knowing that I am a Protective Challenger (type 8) really help me with my team at work? And what if I think I’m actually two or three types all lumped into one, is that possible? Beth is an expert on the Enneagram and graciously dives right into any question I have. This is going to be really valuable for you, as we try to spend some time on the practical presence of all the types on the Enneagram.

In our conversation today Beth shares a bit of her story discovering and doing what she’s made for, but as a Made For This Expert I have her on the show to really dive into the Enneagram and help clarify what it’s all about. What is all this talk about the Enneagram? What even is an Enneagram? How do I figure out my type? Like for real this time And once I figure it out, then what am I supposed to do about that? Beth McCord is going to bring us into the transformational world of the Enneagram - a personality typing system - to help you discover what is motivating you to do what you do from way down in your core. Beth is Your Enneagram Coach, from Yourenneagramcoach.com, where she is making a huge impact in people’s lives by helping them finally understand why they think and act the way they do. Not only that, but her work helps people understand why OTHER people think and act the way they do. If you find the tension keeps building between you and your own way of life, or you and your boyfriend, or you and your wife, or you and a co-worker, teacher, pastor, whomever it is - the Enneagram brings centuries-old wisdom to explore and embrace the many different personality types we see in this world. Part 1 of this conversation covers all nine types on the surface, while part two has us going deeper on how knowing your type will apply directly to your life today and the journey of doing what you’re made for.

Taking some time to talk about the motivation behind launching a Patreon community. It's all about sharing what you have. Because giving can be done from a distance, but sharing creates a bond. Let's share something through this podcast together and build a more authentic community. A more relaxed episode than normal, chatting for a bit about my journey with this podcast, doing what I'm made for, and how important it is to not only admit that you cannot do this alone but also to then invest in a community you can support.

We’re continuing a conversation that will take place over 4 episodes of the podcast over these couple of months, it’s a conversation that I believe will bring great value to on your journey, and it begins by asking the question, “Am I doing what I’m made for?” Today, we’ll explore that big topic by answering the question: What is driving you forward? Motivation is not something you get from a Youtube video or snappy podcast, its something driving your actions and thoughts constantly. But where does your motivation come from? Is it external motivation driving your forward, or internal? Once you understand where the motivation is coming from, you get to tell it what to drive you towards. We will talk about what ‘drive’ and motivation is all about. We will dig into these two types of motivation and go even deeper with some options to identify the internal driver If the driver isn’t taking you where you want to go, change the driver.

Is it possible that all those 'meaningless' and 'random' jobs can be preparing you for the thing you're made for? During the first half of the conversation, Tara brought us through much of her journey to becoming a the owner of a cafe in small town, Ontario. From dropping out of her first college degree, to working hard through culinary school, and working in that field until a mentor suggested she’s made for something slightly different. Her story is a hugely relatable tale of bumps and twists and questions and misses and failure and moving toward an unknown future on a hunch that this feels right. On this second half of this conversation, Tara brings us in even more to the all too familiar journey of what it takes to do what you’re made for and begin living your dream. What I love most of all is Tara’s confidence that what she is made for is to build community, then with her skills and passions she puts that together in the form of a cafe. Come with us as we go through Tara’s story of searching for the right place and time to build that community.

Is it possible to find the job where your strengths, skills, and passions really do come together? Does your life feel like there’s too many twists and turns to make any sense at all? What do you do when the people you trust say something that knocks you off course? Tara Warriner is a cafe-owner, a chef, a pastor (though might would say she isn’t), and a great storyteller. She has been on a journey so many of us can relate to over the past decade - changing college degrees a few months in, looking for deeper purpose in her work, quitting jobs because they just weren’t right, and moving across the country for a new opportunity. When I meet up with her she has landed in Mt. Albert, Ontario to open the Lighthouse Cafe, a place for this small community to gather around good food and quality coffee and spend time with actual real-live people. In our conversation today, Tara takes us through the journey of becoming a chef, the pain of failure and the joy of getting back up, the weight of advice offered by mentors, and she opens us up on an honest story of discovering your strengths, skills and passions to do what she’s made for. She doesn’t hold back any details, and because of that, there will be a lot of little points for you to relate to, find value in, and be inspired by to move in your own life.

In the first part Christian talked about his passion, the Magician’s code, and a little about learning the craft. But I had more questions, like: - How does a magician find a gig? - When do you decide to turn pro? - And why are people so receptive to magic? Plus, at the end of the show, Christian will actually perform some podcast magic on me, it’s a great Made For This first! For so many of us, that’s the difficulty, especially when transitioning through graduation, or ending a year of school, or switching jobs, or changing relationships - it’s in figuring out how to focus in on one thing you’re passionate about, while also doing all the other things in life that just need to get done to survive. Christian is on this journey, continuing to discover and do what he’s made for, he keeps improving his craft, and he keeps trying to build this thing up into a business. I just hope you do the same. Whatever it is that you’re sitting on this week, the dream, the goal, the idea…move on it. I bet people will be a lot more receptive to it than you think they will.

Have you ever wondered what it takes to be a magician? Where does that passion come from to keep performing for people? And if the tricks are secret, how do you learn them?! Christian Au is a magician trying to make his mark in the industry and turn this passion into a sustainable occupation. In this first half of the conversation we’ll talk about his process of discovery, and get into some of the wonders of performing magic for people. Like so many other creative and performance careers, becoming a Magician is about learning a craft, becoming a master, putting in the hard work to make it look like its easy. In our conversation today Christian goes into where the love for magic comes from, the desire to perform, and if the Magician’s Code really does keep people from passing tricks on. ---- In part two of this conversation, Christian goes more into the specifics of booking shows, performance anxiety, and why magicians have it easy.

During the first half of the conversation, Iain brought us into the journey to become the elected Mayor of this town. It’s a weird and unexpected ride, that he simply opened himself up to as he went. On the second half of this conversation, Iain brings us in to the daily workings of life as a Mayor, and opens up his vision for this great community even more. Whitchurch Stouffville is just a town of 50k. But I love getting an inside look at what it takes to become the mayor, from the mindset, to the drive, the skillset, and mostly the teamwork necessary every day - this conversation could be with a politician on the provincial or federal scale and it would still have the same themes running through it of discovery, direction, and doing the thing. What I love most of all is Iain’s determination to prioritize his family, and to bring a team around him. My friends, if you’re on track for politics, or you want to get involved, or you are staying far away, you still need to focus on your family and get a team around you.

Mayor Lovatt of Whitchurch-Stouffville sits down with me in his chambers (office) with a coffee and a wide open conversation about what it’s really like to be the Mayor, to go through the grind of a campaign, to react to the changes life brings your way, and to put family and community as priority through it all. I’m really just so curious throughout this conversation, as I’ve never been anywhere close to holding political office, I take this conversation as an opportunity to ask everything I’ve ever wanted to about the life of the Mayor. This conversation is an open door to the life of the Mayor, my friends. Iain is 48 years old, with an unexpected journey that led to this moment. Has Iain always thought of being Mayor, or running for office? Absolutely not, in fact he says, “I had no political aspirations ever, growing up…it’s been a process that’s evolved over time.” But at this point in life there is no doubt this is what he’s made for. His journey is a fantastic picture to study and rest in, whatever stage you may be at in life, to know that what you’re doing right now may not be what you’re doing in 5 years and what you’re doing later in life may surprise you. Enjoy part one of this chat, all about the journey to get into office - from the days of college wanting to be a teacher, to knocking on doors during the campaign. Part two will drop in a couple of days.

We’re continuing a conversation that will take place over 4 episodes of the podcast over these couple of months, it’s a conversation that I believe will bring great value to on your journey, and it begins by asking the question, “Am I doing what I’m MADE for?” Today, we will be looking at the second of four crucial questions to ask yourself; “What are you paying Attention to?” If attention is a non-renewable commodity you possess, you should treasure it. But you pay your attention to so many different things in your life. Maybe it’s time to confront yourself and consider if you are really okay with how much attention you’re paying. We will talk about what ‘paying' attention really means. We will work through an attention-budget exercise, and we’ll focus on what matters most. Be intentional about paying attention.

Luis started a company not too long ago centered around the ideas of positive psychology and embracing our ability to play - in our lives and workplaces, and well, really everywhere. He did the typical path to career success and found that even though there may be a pot of gold at the end of that rainbow, it comes at a cost we shouldn’t be willing to make. // In our conversation today Luis takes us into the purpose behind his business, and more importantly how it was discovered through his own journey. He is wide open with me, diving into some of the most vulnerable parts of his story so I can fully understand what failing joyfully looks like. // Get ready for an inspiration bomb, my friends. // Luis is so delightfully authentic in his storytelling and humility as he shares any wisdom he’s discovered along the way. There’s a lot to this conversation if you’re stuck in a rut, you’ve let go of some of your passions, or you’re starting out building a business. You’re gonna learning about: - Play elevating learning to a whole new stratosphere. - Positive Psychology is like taking a car and turning it into a racecar - Following your curiosities // Once again, we have this conversation split into two parts. So Luis and I chat here for a while, then we’ll take a break and invite you into the conversation again later this week.

Luis started a company not too long ago centered around the ideas of positive psychology and embracing our ability to play - in our lives and workplaces, and well, really everywhere. He did the typical path to career success and found that even though there may be a pot of gold at the end of that rainbow, it comes at a cost we shouldn’t be willing to make. // In our conversation today Luis takes us into the purpose behind his business, and more importantly how it was discovered through his own journey. He is wide open with me, diving into some of the most vulnerable parts of his story so I can fully understand what failing joyfully looks like. // Get ready for an inspiration bomb, my friends. // Luis is so delightfully authentic in his storytelling and humility as he shares any wisdom he’s discovered along the way. There’s a lot to this conversation if you’re stuck in a rut, you’ve let go of some of your passions, or you’re starting out building a business. You’re gonna learning about: - Play elevating learning to a whole new stratosphere. - Positive Psychology is like taking a car and turning it into a racecar - Following your curiosities // Once again, we have this conversation split into two parts. So Luis and I chat here for a while, then we’ll take a break and invite you into the conversation again later this week.

In this second half of the conversation, Joel digs into the tactics that have helped him find the success he has, and he informs us why LinkedIn is so critical! Joel Hansen is a 22 yr old from British Columbia, showing us just what Generation Z is truly capable of as they discover and do what they’re made for. Joel is the Business Development Manager for a PE firm, he is a Youth Editor for LinkedIn. He also speaks, writes and regularly advises companies on marketing strategies.  Joel is making connections wherever he lands. He carries an incredibly teachable spirit with him, so it’s no surprise he has learned a ton already in his roles, and has a lot to teach us about setting up great habits so you can do what you’re made for and reach the goals you’re meant to reach.  I love how freaking practical this conversation is.  Joel goes a little into his story of discovery, but mostly he’s got lessons learned while grinding away as a young professional. Learning his limits, learning the system, and learning how to make connections that count. You’re gonna love it. 

Joel Hansen is a 22 yr old from British Columbia, showing us just what Generation Z is truly capable of as they discover and do what they’re made for. Joel is the Business Development Manager for a PE firm, he is a Youth Editor for LinkedIn. He also speaks, writes and regularly advises companies on marketing strategies. Joel is making connections wherever he lands. He carries an incredibly teachable spirit with him, so it’s no surprise he has learned a ton already in his roles, and has a lot to teach us about setting up great habits so you can do what you’re made for and reach the goals you’re meant to reach. I love how freaking practical this conversation is. Joel goes a little into his story of discovery, but mostly he’s got lessons learned while grinding away as a young professional. Learning his limits, learning the system, and learning how to make connections that count. You’re gonna love it. We’re starting something new here and splitting our conversations in half to make the episodes shorter meals to chew on. So Joel and I chat here for a while, then we’ll take a break and invite you into the conversation again later this week.

Is there movement in your life? As we focus on the big question about what you're made for it's important to break it down into smaller questions. Over four upcoming episodes we will work through the acronym M-A-D-E, helping you confidently know if you are currently doing what you're made for and why/why not. This episode, we focus on "M" for movement. I'm going to help you answer the question, "is there movement in your life?" Then, we'll talk through a few tactics to begin to get moving, and how important the whole idea is.

Today I’ve got the conclusion of my conversation with Stephanie Rourke Jackson from Beacon Coaching about the voice in your head that keeps holding you back - your inner critic. What can you do to silence the critic in your life? Now that we have identified the voice of the inner critic in our lives, it’s time to get to work to create habits in your life that will silence that critic so you can finally move forward with your dreams. Stephanie addresses the reality of fear in your life and gives us practical tools to face fear and begin to quiet the critic highlighting that fear again and again. With her 5-Stone approach you will be equipped to move past the barrier in front of you and do what you’re made for. In this episode, Stephanie helps us identify and silence your inner critic.

What does your inner critic sound like?  Does it tell you you’re not smart enough to do this? Does is highlight the risk involved in everything? Does is compare you to others? Does is remind you of your failures? Whatever it is saying to you, we know that it’s holding you back from doing what you’re made for! Today’s conversation is hyper-focused, homing in on one pin point strategy that I think will bring immense value to you as you try to do the things you’re made to do in this life.  Stephanie is going to help us identify and silence your inner critic. You know, that voice that speaks up just when something exciting or new is about to happen in your life? Just when you’re going to take a step, quit the job, start the job, ask her out, go back to the gym, or hit record - the inner critic loves to speak up at these moments reminding you that you’re not good enough, smart enough, good looking, strong, or creative enough to do this thing.  “If we actually said these things to our best friends, it would be horrifying.” This episode packs a whole lot into it, and Stephanie doesn’t hold back as she uses me to work through her material. I get real here and explore my inner critic, letting you in to what’s really going on in my mind - of course, as you hear my effort to work through this, you will be encouraged to do the same work so you can finally crush that critic and do what you should be doing. 

Today, I have a great opportunity to host a conversation with a good friend of mine, someone I’ve known for a long time and have been able to watch go through a long journey of discovery to the point he’s at now. I’ll be in the barber’s chair today, talking with Evan McGilvray, owner and operator of Burrow Barbering Co in Stouffville, Ontario. Evan is cutting hair, yes, with all the skills and talent you can imagine are necessary to go with that. But Burrow Barbering Co is about so much more than just getting a trim - for Evan, this business is about creating confidence, encouraging authenticity, and creating a safe place for anyone making an appointment. This is a good conversation to listen to if you’ve ever wondered what’s really going through the head of the person cutting your hair - to be real practical about it - or if you’ve got a few different dreams and you’re wondering how they could possibly turn into something real in this life - or if you are wanting to start a small business and quite frankly you’re afraid to begin. Evan bares it all here for an honest and inspiring interview.