Purpose Pro Podcast

Do you know anyone who experiences high days then the next minute you turn around they are at the lowest point of their life? Bipolar disorder, also known as manic depression, is a mental condition that includes extreme mood swings. The reason for this disorder is unknown. It may be genetics, environment, altered brain chemistry or maybe even a combination of all. What does the life of one diagnosed with bipolar disorder look like? Mrs.Diana Mosley, a bipolar patient, who is now a successful business woman shares her story with her struggles and obstacles she faced.  Highlighted Quotes: “What I was doing was abnormal, over the top, not normal” “The extreme lows were suicidal thoughts, depression, and the lowest it could possibly go” “It was always chasing something and never just being happy with what I had and not being happy with who I was”  

It's 2023, not 1960.  We live in a world where electronic devices are there at any turn, are in any pocket, and are in any hand.  Where there are phones, there is social media. Where there is social media, there are pictures online. Pictures with lighting enhancement, filters, photoshopping, editing and much more. Seeing these pictures leads to a body dissatisfaction and wishing that one could change the way they look. These photos aren't just photos people view online; they increase body image insecurity and negative self-talk offline as well. What is the correlation between the media and the way we view our bodies?  What do teenagers do with a phone? Click on an app, swipe, and watch…  That watching affects the mental health of many teenagers and creates behavioral problems and outburst of emotions  Many questions may arise when you hear the phrase “social media and body image” To answer those questions join me on this episode with Dr.Len Newman, a professor of psychology and a social psychologist at Syracuse University Who conducts research on a wide range of mental health topics He specializes in the different effect social media pictures have on body image Join me on my next episode on bipolar disorder and the day to day life with one who is diagnosed Lastly, email me at mentalhealthimage@gmail.com for questions you would like answered or any concerns! Highlighted Quotes:  “ ‘I wish I looked like that', it is possible that spontaneously that is your first reaction, to compare yourself” “We compare ourselves to others more than we are consciously aware we are” “There are media effects on people's bodies satisfaction” 

Are you a teenager that constantly picks at specific parts of your body appearance you don't like? Are you constantly flooded with negative comments? Then you may want too look into BDD. Body Dysmorphic Disorder is the constant obsession with body image and the continual worry about flaws and how others perceive your opinions. In this episode we have a guest, Dr.Cynthia Van Golen a professor of neuroscience at the University of Delaware. We will go over the factors that play a role in BDD, the symptoms, the effects in behavior as well as go over questions you may have. Body dysmorphia and the feelings along with it can affect lives.  Hiding, feeling ashamed, embarrassed, can happen one day and the another day you are basically being eaten alive by negative self comments. Covering yourself, going to extreme lengths to hide yourself, constantly picking at yourself wishing you could look different.  The list of the thoughts that go around in patients diagnosed with BDD is endless. People have negative thoughts which leads to depression, suicidal thoughts and more.  This can be caused by a variety of reasons whether it may be the environment all the way to childhood drama. And many more factors. So how can we help those who are diagnosed?  Today we will answer this question with Dr.Cynthia Van Golen  Dr.Cynthia Van Golen is a professor of neuroscience at Delaware State It is vital to create a safe environment, make them feel comfortable and most importantly to be in a complete judge free zone. Letting an individual open up is the first step in getting better. Once that is established, help is the next step.  There are different treatments whether it may be therapy or medication or sometimes both.  How would I even know if someone is diagnosed?  What do I look for? To dive into these answers check out this episode on BDD with our guest speaker Dr.Cynthia Van Golen for more.  Join me on my next episode on how social media pictures affect teenagers where we can dive into the main root of this arising BDD problem  Lastly, email me at mentalhealthimage@gmail.com for questions you would like answered or any concerns! Highlighted quotes: “BDD is a gradual increase from an obsession of their appearance to the point it's affecting school, work, etc.”  “BDD and OCD have a very similar incidence.”  “This isn't ego, this isn't self absorption, there are changes that actually occur in the brain with people with BDD meaning this is a true illness.”  “If this is something you are facing, get help and do not feel alone.”

Lily is diagnosed with BDD and is invited to a pool party which she dearly wants to go to but is held back by this invisible rope of fear: how others will analyze and criticize her body.  She goes through stages of sadness, frustration, embarrassment, and obsession due to the obstacles she faces throughout the story.  As she goes through these moments, it is important to analyze and break down what is happening and what is going through her head, as her internal monologue screams at her and floods her with negative thoughts.  Highlight Quotes:  Lily desires to be perfect and look like the ideal image she has in mind because “BDD is all about being obsessed with the whole idea of looking perfect even when there is no such thing as perfect”.  She goes through and expresses different behavior changes such as covering herself since “a patient with BDD would go to extreme lengths to make them feel comfortable and not bring attention to their appearance.”  Throughout the whole story she has negative comments filling her head. “It's quite simple. If you don't like the way you look or think there is something wrong, you won't have the confidence you wish to have.” Wishing she could change herself she does an online search looking for different ways to lose weight scrolling for hours and hours browsing through weight loss treatments and surgeries to diets to pre-made workouts that focus on losing fat.  For more research here are some resources I found helpful in my studying:  https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=k9jQCwAAQBAJ&oi=fnd&pg=PR9&dq=body+dysmorphic+disorder+feelings&ots=CITdRdWEA2&sig=2qEGLx3pNAgy4TMTEm5zUxx2Fu4#v=onepage&q=body%20dysmorphic%20disorder%20feelings&f=false https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7114025/ https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/1357034X09347222  https://link.springer.com/article/10.1023/A:1022090200057 https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0005796700001029 https://bmcresnotes.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1756-0500-6-36 https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/body-dysmorphia/#:~:text=BDD%20can%20seriously%20affect%20your,and%20even%20thoughts%20of%20suicide.  

Mentoring teens is a scary thought, isn't it?  They carry attitudes, think they know more than you and rarely show gratitude.  Why would anyone want to invest in them when there are easier ways to contribute to society? And yet, they are our future.  They want to be successful, they just don't know how.  Between media addictions, fast access to drugs, mental health breakdowns, campus lockdowns, threats of mass shootings, the absence of available mentors and so much more, the odds are against them. In the second of our two part, bonus episode series, we interview a group of 7th and 8th grade students who recently completed the Purpose Project at their school.  We ask them about their thoughts on a range of topics and have them share the personal insight they gained while working through our innovative, social-emotional style curriculum.   Again, we think you will love what they have to say and also be inspired yourself to invest in the young people in your life who are starving for mentorship.  If you feel the tug to do something but you are not sure what, consider scheduling a 15 minute call with us to explore becoming a certified Purpose Project Guide.  It may be easier than you think and more rewarding than you can possibly imagine. Learn more at www.catalystcollective.community

Have you ever wondered what young students think about their future?  In a world filled with pressures, mental health issues, school violence and a desperate longing for identity, purpose and belonging, the next generation is starving for guidance. In the first of our two part, bonus episode series, we interview a group of 5th and 6th grade students who recently completed the Purpose Project at their schools.  We ask them about their thoughts on a range of topics and have them share the personal insight they gained while working through our innovative, social-emotional style curriculum.   We think you will love what they have to say and also be inspired yourself to invest in the young people in your life who are starving for mentorship.

Marriage is a lot like business. Some days you're on top of the world, and laughs and successes abound at every turn… Then another, you're angry and ready to give up due to a joke that went too far or a day that didn't go quite right. Or some days, your spouse is staring at you, trying to cram that one last suitcase into the car before you are off on that road trip… Then others, you wish you were left behind at the office or home altogether. Or… The list could go on.  Because whether we like it or not, relationships are messy, and life NEVER goes quite how we plan it out to. People fail, our ideas don't pan out, those peaceful meetings turn into fights, we lose money, and we might end up sleeping on the couch. It happens to everyone. And I mean everyone. So how do we gather enough to weather through the tough days and push through to the days that bear fruit? Whether that be the white picket fence with little ones running around or having that thriving organization living out our wildest dreams. Well, for Season 5's finale, we have a drive-in double feature on both with a special treat. Our cohost Aaron Alba has talked a lot about hilariously bad ideas or balancing passions and work. But today, we dive through the business - marriage parallels with his favorite guest he's maybe ever had, his wife, Olivia! Aaron and Olivia had just made it through their first year of marriage right around the time of this filming. Ironically, both had also stepped out to start their own businesses. With so many difficult days behind them and ahead, our lead Joe and previous guest Tyler take Aaron and Olivia through the gauntlet. How did their first year of marriage compare to "unsuccessfully" launching businesses? What strategies did they use to lean into and onto each other instead of away? How do you balance a full plate of responsibilities, strengths, and weaknesses while also trying to continue to choose each other? Even when it's next to "impossible." To dive into these answers and maybe get reminded of your own first year of marriage or business, check out the episode and laugh obnoxiously with us! Afterward, please leave a review with us and let Aaron and Olivia know how fun it was to avoid hurdles of your own from what has to be the wildest first year of marriage we've heard of! And PS, From our team to you, thank you for riding along with us these first 5 seasons. We so truly appreciate each and every one of you! We have had a blast and cannot wait for what's to come! Quotes and Highlights from the Episode -" You think you are doing the right thing, and then you realize you're not." -Aaron Alba -" We're in this for the long haul." -Aaron Alba "It is healthy to talk about most things, but it's not healthy to talk about everything." -Olivia Alba 19:00-"Everyone has strengths and weaknesses, but the best way to get over that  -"Sometimes the simplest, most effective things are the simplest, most effective things." -Coach Mark Rogers -"Listen more and talk less." - Aaron Alba -"I wouldn't tell him what was wrong, I would just be irritable. (Listen more, speak more)" -Olivia Alba -"Sometimes the best way to step into your passion is to slow down and be honest and be vulnerable." - Aaron Alba -"The idea of excellence was more important than actually being excellent." -Aaron Alba -"When you romanticize or idolize perfection for yourself it puts unhealthy expectations on other people." - Aaron Alba "Why are you expecting 30 year results in year 1?" -Eric Mejia "To get there is going to take longer than you anticipated." -Joe Elliott -"Trying to lead a sheep with legs only on one half of its body." -Olivia Alba -"It's not about being right anymore." -Olivia Alba  -"In business, be Olivia … Be the person that says I'm gonna work my butt off and I'm not gonna figure it out today, and probably not tomorrow, but I know I'm going to get there." -Aaron Alba "It's really easy to look at [your spouse or partner] and say, you're in my way." -Tyler Schuetze  -"Either you change, adapt, and maneuver or you don't last." -Tyler Schuetze -"There is a lot of resetting … sitting down every 3 months and changing everything." -Olivia Alba  -"95% of your best is still not 100%… let's pivot a little bit [for that last 5%]." -Aaron Alba -"True excellence comes from paddling water." -Aaron Alba -"We just got to do today well." -Joe Elliott   Links -Follow along with Olivia's hair business journey at @LivForHair on Instagram. -Connect with Aaron on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-alba-b9931811b! -Take our Purpose Quiz at PurposePro.Org to help you tap into being a better spouse and business owner!

You made it. The spouse, the house, and the kids.  Your career is beginning to take off, and you are working hard, and it feels good. But not great…  Something is just not there.  You have a bad taste in your mouth, or there's a yearning for more. That is what we call a passion deferred.  Anyone with a pipe dream, a brilliant business idea, or that big passionate pursuit will one day find themselves facing a loaded schedule and needing more time to flex those muscles. All kinds of obstacles or fears can get in the way; and eventually, after a few years, we tuck it away into a box in our closet to be forgotten about.  It is something we often feel but rarely ever talk about or address head-on.  Running in circles and working overtime does not end each week with your creativity and passion cup being full.  But does it even matter to get back to filling that? What kind of impact does that have on us? How do we get back into the rhythm of what we use to call our passion?  Is it possible to find time to balance or integrate it all? The answer is yes. And a great example of who lived this out is our guest on our penultimate episode of Season 5! EV startup leader, self-published author, and full-fledged creative Tyle Schuetze went from working 60+ hours a week at Tesla to writing a book while working 60+ hours a week at Tesla. He breaks down his methodology and his WHY in tandem with our cohost Aaron's story of doing the same while working four jobs and also releasing music.  The challenge during the journey is not impossible, and it might feel like you are close to burning out and will never get there, but YOU CAN.  Just start. First, by checking out this episode. Second, by partnering alongside a Purpose Pro guide today to get back on track for your passions.  Your family and friends will thank you. But so will that inner you, that part of you that knows that dream isn't just a dream; it's today.  Quotes and Highlights from the Episode -" Do I choose life, poverty, and passions or do I have the basic necessities?" -Tyler Schuetze -" You only have so much capacity each day." -Tyler Schuetze -" It's Important that we do things to keep that flame alive in some way shape or form. We stay engaged with that passion." -Joe Elliott -" Hey man, I finished half of a book." -Tyler Schuetze -" I think a lot of the time, it's easy to get caught up in the what instead of the why." -Tyler Schuetze -"If you use the fire and the funds from your work, you're gonna make the best stuff you've ever made in your life." -Aaron Alba -"If you're not willing to make those sacrifices and bleed over this, then it isn't your passion anyways. It's a cute idea better than your full time work" -Joe Elliott -" You really don't need more money all the time, you need reps." -Tyler Schuetze -" Are you willing to run the marathon here?" -Joe Elliott -" You have to." -Tyler Schuetze -"Maybe you're the obstacle." -Joe Elliott  -" You gotta have a tribe to support you, and if you don't have that, then you haven't met that tribe yet." -Joe Elliott Links -Start processing your passions at www.PurposePro.Org -Check out Jude Barclay's music and videos on YouTube here https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-neYWiNTX5OmzhI48C15GQ -Get a copy of Tyler's book, The Awkward List on Amazon now at https://www.amazon.com/Awkward-List-Finding-Epic-Story/dp/B08DC1P4MC -Check out Aaron Alba's music on Spotify or Apple Music or follow him on Instagram at @AaronCAlba

We live in a day and age where a small number of imaginary stars can bolster or kill your business. It can bring a brand new restaurant owner to have a "batten down the hatches" approach weeks after opening because the reviews and the food are just that good. Like lines out the door at 7 am, good. Or, a business could be one rude manager moment away from being virtually canceled with floods of "I wish I could give 0 stars!!" Stepping into that mountain of worry and trying to keep that from happening is difficult enough, but building traction for good reviews is even more difficult. In the face of that, imagine not just securing 500 positive reviews but 500 reviews that lead to an average of '5 Stars' at multiple locations. Well, that's Mark Rogers for you. Our guest on today's episode was one of the key founders of the aforementioned award-winning gym Austin Simply Fit.  His recipe for success did not just stop there; however, he had the heart to impact football players of varied ages who might have needed a second shot. So, he helped start and is the head coach for the Leander Wolfpack, a championship-winning semi-pro football team.  Mark's humble and wise approach to leadership and coaching has led to many trophies and medals for his gyms, teams, coaches, and players. His straightforward style can be boiled down to doing things right with the right people and then holding them accountable. Finding good people who can become good in their specific roles helps them and the business/team succeed. Here is that in Mark's words: Top 2 Things to Look For in People (Mark's Secret to Success) Responsibility (availability is your best ability) Coachability (people can almost pretend to be coachable) Today's episode is full of more simple and quotable lessons like this. So click play and get ready to be hoisting your trophy with your team in no time. The podium isn't that far! After listening, if you want to learn how to become a coach (mentor) yourself, head to PurposePro.Org

Raise your hand if you ever had a mentor that changed your life. And I mean really got into the weeds with you and helped you realize your worth. If you are one of the lucky people to say yes to that with your hand up, then you are in a much smaller group than you might realize. Now watch that group get smaller. Raise your other hand if you have taken the time to mentor a teen in need. If you are like most people, you will probably only have one or no hands up at all.  It is a tough pill to swallow, grasping that we live in such an interconnected world where mentorship is a fun buzzword that is, more often than not, foreign to us.  Tragically, we are in a time where the next generation needs us to awkwardly have both of our hands up, high-fiving ourselves reading this. In recent years, any parent or family member knows of or has heard of a tragedy, mental illness, or stressor that teens today have gone through. With the recent pandemic, shutdown, the explosion of comparison culture on social media, and much more, teens are now going through more than ever.  With that, it makes three core questions more difficult to decipher and answer, leading to three of the most significant issues teens face today. 3 Core Hurts and Needs of Teens They do not have a connection to their identity → Who am I? They do not have a connection to their purpose → Why am I here? They do not have a connection to their sense of belonging → Where do I fit in? So many programs around the country have fought to help teens answer these questions without getting too lost or hurt in the process. Unfortunately, all of the largest teen mentoring organizations combined still only impact 1% of teens in America.  But we can do better. They need us to do better. Building a mentor model that is scalable and sustainable is something the next generation is yearning for, as you probably did too. With that, after decades of varied experience in the non-profit, corporate, and church world, our team has built a model that we believe can disrupt the teen mentoring industry. And while we don't think we have the silver bullet, we do believe that we are offering a different version of mentoring that is more efficient and effective.  Court systems, educators in classrooms, college sports teams, local businesses, and so many more have all experienced and been impacted by the Purpose Project.  Currently, we are on track to reach 10,000 students in the next three years. That will make us the biggest mentoring program in the state of Texas. And all of that happens inside of a mentoring model that only takes 1 hour a week, for 6 weeks. How, you might ask?  It's also the only thing standing in the way of the next generation of teens finding purpose and belonging. You! Your choice of whether or not to get involved. With our limited, part-time staff of 7 people, we have had the honor and privilege of partnering with hundreds of mentors already, and we know that with you, that's only the beginning. So check out today's episode and find out how you can help alter a teen's life in just 6 hours. After, if you're curious and want to find out more? Go through the Purpose Project yourself or sign up to become a certified guide and mentor at www.PurposePro.Org.  We cannot wait to see how the life of a teen is going to change by your impact. And neither can they!

Marketing is actually pretty, stupid, simple. But simple does NOT mean easy. That is where most people get tripped up.  The all-encompassing view of marketing is a do all - be all - end all.  When asking a marketer, most business owners would say, "Hey, we need marketing. Can you do that?" without fully understanding the nuances or intricacies that lead to that being a vast and ultimately loaded question. Our guest today gave the best possible answer to that question an expert in the field could, "Neat, which part?" Because in marketing, just like with any industry, there are an infinite amount of moving and congruent parts that compound and build on one another.  Seeing each of these parts for precisely what they are, and learning the importance of championing each appendage, leads to a holistic and rewarding pursuit. No one knows that better than the star of this episode, a true marketing architect, Nick Alter. Nick is a multi-faceted entrepreneur with many irons in the fire. He is the (former) CEO of Alter Endeavors, helps optimize the workplace with The Tent Makers Network, and is also a soon-to-be author. From successfully starting his own firm and getting major clients to going on to the next best thing, Nick exemplifies mastering skills to foster his purpose, all while leapfrogging with the best of them. So carve out some time to listen to this episode. It may start with helping you practically focus on your marketing needs, but it will surely end with much more wisdom and encouragement behind being the best champion and expert you can be. Then, head over to PurposePro.Org to keep that momentum going.  And hey, you might also find out why the circus failed.

Imagine the city you live in right now running out of water. And I mean just plain out of it. At first, it's a comical yet worrisome thought, right? What would you drink? How would you shower? What would you swim in? The list goes on. Now let's say you could do something to work against that or even prevent it. Where would you start? Or How? Or even would you? This simple question sparked a sense of service and care in this week's guest, former police officer and veteran, David McDonald.  David spent decades of his life serving how he knew best, whether in Desert Storm, deep in the communities of Austin, and now, he's set his sights on something even closer to home.  With his response to that water question being, "Yes, now how do I get involved?" He decided to try to join his city's council to make a difference. And he did just that by knocking on hundreds of doors campaigning for a position without pay, going on to win his runoff, and getting himself elected to since the time of this filming.  He did all that while serving in marriage ministry alongside his wife and mentoring local youth as a certified Purpose Pro mentor and guide.  David is a prime example of a value highlighted here by one of our co-hosts in this episode: You can do so much more with the 5 miles around your house than the 500 miles. Where your arms can reach is who you can most easily touch and impact.  David got off his couch in retirement and chose to do more than he was asked by impacting teens, marriages, and his city in the process. All because someone asked him, what if we don't have water?  Which led to: What if you can change that? What if you can impact this marriage? Or this teen? How could that change the trajectory of their life? Maybe all of that starts with clicking play on this episode, and then taking that inspiration even further by investing in the life of a teen just down the road from you. So go listen and then head over to PurposePro.Org to find out how you can be a certified Purpose Pro Certified Guide!

Episode Quotes and Highlights -”We are masters at scaring ourselves” - Lucia Csoma -”More than ever we are isolated” - Lucia Csoma -”Use your 1:1s to CONNECT with your people” - Lucia Csoma -Coaching is the second fastest growing industry after tech 3 Fears Keeping Leaders From Success The fear of looking vulnerable” The Imposter Syndrome” The fear that they won't deliver on the mission” The 3 Question Leadership Framework What are you working on? What is important about that to you?” What is one step that you can do to get you closer?... Then follow up” Links from the Episode -Connect with Lucia on Linked In at https://www.linkedin.com/in/luciacsoma/ -The Coaching Habit book around 7 main questions -Soundtrack by Jon Acuff book -Sign up for a Purpose Project workshop on our website at PurposePro.Org

We try to define success in so many different ways. For some, it is how much money they make, and then, for others, it is how many followers they attain. But regardless of whether it's those feats or new titles or influence gained, being successful boils down to vulnerability in the pursuit of your goals. However, it can be challenging as we get caught up with our work and personal lives. We get distracted very quickly and forget about the root of our purpose or "why?" Our own team has walked that path ourselves and, in turn, has led countless business executives back to timeless truths in drawing out the best in who they are wired to be. If any of this resonates with you, with these last 10 minutes of Season 4, Joe and Zac use a common business resource, the SWOT analysis, to equip you with important success factors for reaching your goals.  So head on over to the episode, and afterward, you can go to PurposePro.Org to sign up for a private workshop to kick off your success story!

Rewind to March 2020. Life, business, careers, and church all changed for everyone. The way we went to work and pursued passions were all forced to be different. This extreme transition was commonplace for everyone, and Keith and Melinda Atkinson were no exceptions. Our guests on today's episode experienced rapid transition and change from decades of pastoring and teaching and have now found themselves in an entirely new season. They are trying to figure out what is next for their careers and family. Whether picking up on old dreams or adventuring into the unknown, they have an exciting story ahead! So join Zac and Joe as they talk through all the fears and excitement of "what's next" with this experienced couple as they adventure into the unknown! After you finish the episode, go ahead and head over to PurposePro.Org and get help in your journey of figuring out your next steps.

That is a HORRIBLE idea! Your heart sinks, and that is what you hear in your head as you slump into your chair.  That is what it feels like when our ideas get rejected, right? It hurts… a lot sometimes because our ideas can start to feel like an extension of us. We spend any time talking to friends or debating in a meeting with coworkers, and we realize that we are very rarely ever going to be on the same page about everything.  So for today's slice, we decided to take those sentiments even further with our Creative Director Aaron Alba joining the podcast. In a funny and light way, Aaron has explored his imagination and thoughts through the lens of bad/silly ideas for years. He has spent that time crafting a list of entries he thought of himself; people have pitched to him or are already out there in the real world. It is one part ridiculous and the other part unimaginable.  So join Joe and Zac today for all the laughs as they find out the true, sentimental heart behind Aaron's list. After you're done, take your list over to PurposePro.Org and jump into a workshop with one of our certified mentors and guides.

Are you okay with burning people out in order to achieve your goals? I mean literally going into leading a team with the sole goal of getting to the finish line climbing on the backs of burned out employees. Sounds ridiculous right? Who in their right mind would do that in order to get to their financial or professional marker?  Well, unfortunately it happens A LOT more than you think.  Chad Wright is the founder of Forward Partners and is on a mission to set leaders and entrepreneurs up for success by helping them achieve more without burning out, and re-igniting their passion for work again.

Your heart is racing, and the empty dance circle at the reception opens up. A family member just got married, and everyone is nervously waiting for someone to fill the emptiness in the center of the crowd. Your one and only thought is: "There is no way I am going in there." Until finally, someone does. And then, someone else, and then cheers, and then others, until eventually, the whole room has erupted into dance over early 2000 radio hits.  That's how it goes, right?  If you are like most people, you don't immediately jump in. You wait. But why? Why are we nervous? Is it because we care what people will think? Are we scared of messing up? Well, on today's episode, the wildly successful and pioneer of dance culture, Bradley Rapier, joins the podcast to break down how getting tapped into your groove for moments like at a wedding and beyond can shoot you into a fulfilled and successful life. From Dancing With the Stars to Ellen to a touring, off-Broadway play, and more, Bradley Rapier has achieved insane success in the entertainment industry. Still, he attributes his growth of hip hop and dance culture to be one of his most loved achievements. So tap in and get your groove on with us on today's episode. Afterward, head over to PurposeProPodcast.com to learn how to not just go through the movements but unlock your potential as a leader!

For most of us, the best we are wired to be is dormant. The fullest, maximized extent of your impact is probably - dormant. I'll let that sink in. Deciding to uncover fully and then step into your unique design saves you time, energy, and stress. It also saves all those things for your team around you or those who follow you. Starting to do that can be frustrating or even confusing. Luckily, this week we have another slice from Zac and Joe! They take us on a deep dive into 5 strategic ways leaders, much like yourself can maximize your impact. From dissecting your themes/core strengths to learning about emergent wholism, gaining clarity kick starts the impact, you don't even know you have yet. So head on over and check out this week's slice of wisdom, then afterward, go deeper with the full, free download on our website! 5 Strategic Ways Leaders Maximize Their Impact  #1 Study the unique thumbprint of who you are #2 Gain clarity on who you're influencing and how to creatively engage that audience #3 Frequently evaluate your strengths and weaknesses #4 Build teams and systems that draw out the best in others #5 Reach out beyond your walls to form partnerships

Raise your hand if your kid has ever thrown a tantrum? Now raise another hand if anyone you've ever led has thrown a similar tantrum before, whether externally or internally. If you are a parent or leader like most of our team here at the Purpose Pro Podcast, then you should awkwardly have both of your hands up with a headache full of stories and examples! Leading “free-spirited” kids or employees run hand in hand. But often we can misperceive where some of their frustrating actions come from.  Luckily, to navigate that, we have author, speaker, and mentor, Tami Overhauser joining us today!  Her new book entitled The Strong Willed Mama is a large dose of encouragement to all the weary mamas and leaders out there doing their best to raise strong willed kiddos. Joe and Zac join Tami in learning principles such as: strong willed kids and followers decisions are really rooted in leadership, independence, grit, stick to it ness and more! And despite the shame or frustration that might be involved in having trouble in leading strong willed kiddos and followers, raising and mentoring world changers, movers, shakers isn't easy, but it's so worth it. So tap in and get encouraged by this episode!

Have you saved your life story yet? Yes… SAVED. If there was a Thanos snap and you disappeared right now, would your story be available to be passed on? Would your kids, family members, friends, or coworkers be able to sit down and remember you with tangible stories and insights?  Legacy is important, but so is the conservation of the story that got you there. That's why in this episode, the CEO and co-founder of the Capsll app, Clint Davis, joins us! In Clint's words, “Think of Capsll as digital time capsules where you can upload or record any and everything – photos, videos, text, audio – to continue sharing your story for generations to come. With Capsll, your story, your memories, your life will be preserved for the next generation… and the one after that….”  So join Joe and Zac in this chapter of our collective story while Clint expounds deeper on the what and the why of the industry-changing app he just launched! After the episode, download the app, and then make sure to enrich your ever-growing story by signing up for a private workshop on our website!

What if you could find out if you were truly a great leader from reading less than 150 words in just under 30 seconds? While there is definitely an exhaustive list of podcasts and TedTalks to listen to about the subject, Google may have narrowed it down to just a limited number of characters. Their semi-annual Manager Feedback Survey focuses on a Likert scale measuring very simple yet remarkably qualified bullet points towards what the best of the best leaders do consistently. Are you one of them? What does each point mean exactly, and how would you improve on an area you may be lacking? In this episode, Joe and Zac break down this golden list in our first quick slice of the new season! While they have decades of corporate leadership between them, they have also been on the opposite side of this list; whether wayward follower or lacking leader. So jump in and take yourself through a quick self-reflection. Who you get the pleasure to lead is worth it! Afterward, download our free resource under this podcast on our website: ‘The 5 Strategic Ways Businesses, Ministries and Parents Maximize Their Impact!'

In this episode, Joe and Zac sit down with a young employee in the corporate world that moonlights as a comedian. We go through the gambit of statistic driven conversation from cancel culture, to the impact of tech and social media, and we even touch on finding happiness and church.

Are you a Conductor? Or, do you follow the Santa and the Elves model? Also, are you tapped into the greatest trait you need to work on when you are leading your team?  The same trait your team probably talks about as soon as you end a meeting? If you are like our hosts, Joe and Zac, you probably got stuck on the Santa leadership part and are wondering how cards and elves connect to growing as a leader in your organization.  Well this week, the Purpose Pro podcast kicks off season 4 with a very special guest behind all of that and more. Alicia Thrasher, co-founder and CEO of MGR360, a leadership development and software company sits down to share a plethora of tools and resources to get to know the leader you really are, and help develop into the leader you NEED to be. From running a CEO ranch and retreat space, to using a  deck of cards that sparks insight and conversation into your leadership, Alicia even co-authored The Manager's Playbook: Make Exceptional People Management Your Competitive Advantage.  She is nothing short of an endless supply of leadership guidance for anyone from a CEO to an aspiring entrepreneur. So sit down and kick off this season with us on a strong note! And once you're done there, stay committed to your growth track by getting Alicia's book and signing up for a Purpose Pro workshop!

Joe and Zac talk about the upcoming season and what to expect.  Get ready for some of the most authentic and engaging conversations around leading yourself and others well!

Think back to every dream and thought of wonder you had near the end of high school. The world was at your fingertips, and your possibilities were endless.  The excitement or dread coming from going to college while also wondering where you and your friends would end up one day. It is all an exciting time, unlike many others.  Now imagine right before you hit launch, you suddenly get swept away to jail and get blamed for a horrendous crime that you know you didn't commit. All of your hopes and goals disappear in an instant, an unimaginable nightmare… However, that nightmare was a reality for the former high school football star, now successful business owner, and star of Emmy award-winning Showtime docuseries, Outcry, Greg Kelley. And through years of serving time for a crime he wasn't guilty for, to now fighting for his way into business school while starting his own tomahawk target company, Greg discovered the true meaning of finding purpose through and in his pain. Greg's story of fighting for his freedom and innocence takes us down a journey of inspiration of how you, too, can hone in on your purpose regardless of your circumstance!  After the podcast, follow Greg on Instagram at @GRKelley2, watch Outcry on Showtime for Greg's full story, and then head on over to TomahawkTargetsATX.com to keep supporting his entrepreneurial endeavors. Also, take our Purpose Quiz or schedule a call with us to discover your true passions at https://www.purposepro.org! Rate, Review, and Follow us! Links Get your own custom target today at TomahawkTargetsATX.com! Tap into your purpose with us at https://www.purposepro.org!

As we begin to see the finish line of Q4 with our teams and organizations, we mustn't forget that next year is fast approaching. And while so many systems and practices can be improved upon, what starts at the top and trickles down needs to be at the top of every priority list. ‘Leadership' needs to written on every white board and circled as many times as you can.  It isn't a tomorrow activity or “a delegate this to someone else” to figure out! Leadership is how teams or companies were started, but great leadership is how they last. It might seem daunting, but the leadership journey never ends and can always be improved. Luckily though, our hosts Joe and Zac have decades of thoughtful stories to put into workable action! Grab a pen and take a bite out of our quick slice on the top 4 Leadership Principles to Strategically Plan For 2022. Then, use that momentum and head on over to PurposePro.Org to sign up for a workshop that will revolutionize your leadership race!

In parenting and business leadership, it can, at times, feel like you're herding cats. It can get to a place where it's exhausting or difficult to get through. Cultivating methods to keep composure through a storm or stressor is integral to the makeup of a leader worth following. Tapping into ways to do this and excel in this however, can be quite challenging... That is where Sarah Covey, Executive Director of the Personal Excellence Foundation, comes in. Sarah has spent years developing tools and methodology of empowering one's self and the team surrounding them. Through various program and speaking engagements, Sarah and her team have become a model for how to set a tone with resilience and authority.  And along that journey, Sarah met founder and host, Joe Elliott as they adventured towards innovation together. In seeing overlap of mission and vision, they collaborated on an online assessment that would help teens and leaders do a sort of resiliency check in. So after you check out this info filled episode, go ahead and take The Purpose Project and Personal Excellence Foundation's collaborative quiz at ResilientTest.Com now!

As we all go through life, hardships are a part of the journey. Sometimes, those journeys can leave lasting impressions or even scars. As we continue to live and grow some of our reactions, or lack thereof, to these hurts can lead to a term called trauma. These stressful or hurtful experiences can leave an impact far after we live through them.  This all carries itself into new jobs and meetings too. Unkept trauma hurts anyone and everyone. It begins to deteriorate excellence in teams and the workplace. Don't believe us? Well just ask our guest this week, Expert Trauma Informed Care Educator, Anna Valdez. Anna has spent years working with and alongside the industry leaders in the field of trauma and response.  She sits down with hosts Zac and Joe on this episode to break down the ins and outs of recognizing and then addressing the hurts and memories of our past. One of her main points is that it's not a matter of if trauma will affect our productivity and leadership, but when. You can access tools and resources from Ana's team at IAmFosteringHope.Org. Then carry that journey over to PurposePro.Org!

Each passing day, culture and the popular language surrounding it rapidly changes. And with the explosion of the digital world, new terms and internet trends are hard to keep up with for the average leader. Knowing these words that newer generations use in their everyday lives can help with not just communication, but in connection.  Luckily enough, half of our hosts peruse the internet enough to be a culture guide for you and your team. From cyberbots, NFTs, or even chads and karens, staying up to date can lead to so much more than being in the know. Digital community is coming to the forefront of building relationships. Leveraging cultural trends to more intentionally lead your community is not just a potential but an inevitable need. Our host Joe is going to get a lesson about learning and growing in these needs from co-host Zac and our special guest, and creative director, Aaron Alba. So give this packed Slice a listen to not just stay up to date, but to learn how to better lead tomorrow!

One thing that everyone dreads annually is the stressful ‘move day'. Loading up your life into boxes and moving them across town is nothing short of exhausting. But there are a rare few who actually decide to not just do this often, but everyday for work. Then out of those, even fewer decide to build and lead a thriving business that does that exact service year round.  But that is exactly what our guest, CEO of the well known and highly successful Square Cow Movers, Wade Lombard chose to do years ago. And in his years of grinding, he discovered and fell into an employee-driven leadership model called “The Development Square”. That coupled with his natural heart for hard work in business and in leading his people well, brings a unique leadership story to life! Join in on this episode and be prepared to take notes of wisdom and encouragement about growing in how a leader should develop those under them, as well how to intentionally choose rest despite busyness. Joe, Zac, and Wade bring out their best in this episode all in hopes that you realize how much responsibility bosses and mentors hold. And after you finish the episode, make sure to keep that growth going by following Wade at @bham2atx and going to our website at PurposePro.Org today!

Caring lasts. Caring carries. The weight of our actions is a weight that carries on through generations. A prime example of this is when, in sports, great coaches from decades prior still influence leadership through their direct tree and legacy. It doesn't just happen with sports, but with communities, churches, and yes even the workplace. Someone who has experience in all three of these areas is former NBA first round draft pick, pastor, and businessman Dave Jamerson. From setting NCAA records to leading his leadership teams on a weekly basis, Dave is the prime example of how and why caring deeply changes lives.  You can start discovering your ‘how' and ‘why' for caring with this episode and by visiting us at PurposePro.Org! And keep discovering leadership know-hows from Dave at RenovateChurch.Com or at @RenovateChurchATX.

Every one of your favorite superhero movies has what? Superheroes! And each of those superheroes has what? Superpowers! Now what if I told you that with great power comes great responsibility?  Well it was true for Peter Parker and it's true for you! Yes, you! Each and every reader has superpowers or super gifts that you are born with and naturally inclined for. We call these spiritual gifts and they are applicable from your home life to your business life. No one is an exception to this rule, so stop waiting.  Get to know what powers you are equipped with right now at SpiritualGiftsQuiz.Com. Then, dive into our first ‘Slice' of Season 3 to discover how you can leverage those gifts to become the best leader you can be. 

Have you binged Apple TV+'s hit show Ted Lasso yet? Maybe in the midst of that, you have realized it is a great way to avoid some of those frustrations from work. But it does not have to be that way! Learning to lead your team well is as simple as great television and FISH! Sales guru, and innovative leader, Ramona (Mona) Elliott breaks down the 4 main components of being a good leader from the FISH! Philosophy. From being present and there, to having fun with your team, there are simple and effective ways to improve culture and joy as soon as you step foot into work.  The engaging lens that Mona takes this whole process through is that of the heartwarming and wholesome show, Ted Lasso. If you have not seen it yet, we suggest you watch episode one in tandem with this episode. Or maybe after, because you will be hooked! Tune in now!

Author and Speaker, Jennifer Mazzola, helps Joe and Zac kick off season 3 on a strong and vulnerable note. She breaks down every type, 1-9, and their strengths and pitfalls in between them. On top of being a speaker that draws you in to learn and listen, she draws many ideas from her future book that will hit stores soon. On top of learning your type and how to better work with others, supplemental wisdom can be found on her website at JenniferMazzola.com or on her social media at @Jennifer_Mazzola. And if you want to dive deeper into the Purpose Pro tool box, then start your journey at PurposePro.Org!

Joe provides a brief highlight of what's to come in Season 3 of the podcast and shares some insight into a major obstacle that prevents most people from achieving success and bringing their unique purpose to life.  HINT: It's not something we were ever taught in school!

Bar and Restaurant Concept entrepreneur, Jason Carrier, jumps on the podcast today! Not only is he a childhood friend of one of our hosts, Joe Elliott, but he is also a successful example of how pressing into one's core strengths can lead anyone to their dreams. Find out how Jason has been resilient during the pandemic by surrounding himself with a team, vision, plenty of ideas, and courage over failure to take his business to exponential heights!  

Retired US Army Col, CEO and Headmaster at the prestigious Summit Christian Academy, Scott McLeod, joins us as Joe and Zac break down his unique, leadership driven design. From self-proclaimed 8th grade underachiever to leading soldiers and now students, follow along as you hear nugget after nugget of wisdom about how you too can be a transformative leader.

Failure is unavoidable and most of the time, unplanned.  It strikes when and where we are the most vulnerable.  While we cannot control the punches that come at us, we can control how we react to them.  In this episode, we want to share with you our secrets on how to take life's punches and keep moving forward. Failure is no stranger to any of us, Joe and Zac review common areas we all fail in:  lying, trash talking, breaking our commitments, not controlling our finances or diet etc. Hear some wisdom from Elon Musk, learn about endorphins, hear about stocks, and find out 3 ways we can train ourselves to use failure to our advantage.

Ever been stuck between a few different jobs, paths or opportunities before you without clarity on which one to choose?Joe and Zac lay out a proven formula that has helped thousands of people make calculated decisions on what exactly they should do next by scoring their responses to these 5 questions.

This week we have the pleasure of having local Judge Edna Staudt take us through her years of experience in working with at-risk youth, leading teams of mentors, and guiding in the courtroom! See how tapping into her themes and strengths helped equip her into becoming such a successful and well-respected leader in her community.

Enthusiastic and brilliant young leader, Chris Graham, is our guest this week! From Tesla to Rivian, Chris's fast rise in the corporate ranks is attributed to his own aptitude in working in his strengths and core themes. We break what those are down and help him come up with a new LinkedIn profile in the process. This interview will remind you that age has little to do with how quickly you experience success, it's all about embracing your unique design!

In our search for pathways that lead to purpose, passion and fulfillment, sometimes the most obvious clues are right in front of us. Bringing ideas we have to life is not easy and in this bonus episode, we wanted to share a story with you that we believe you will find inspiring and educational.  If you have been stuck on how to move forward with your ideas, this episode is for you. We take a walk down JP Udenewu's journey from restaurant employee to running a viral recognized gourmet dessert, pancake food truck in the heart of Austin, Texas.

In this episode, we will take a peek into the unique design of author, marketing guide, and content creator Kenny Camp. Listen to how we take his core themes and piece them together to reveal his core strength and purpose as a leader and business professional! Kenny breaks down how he has leveraged his years of experience and turned them into a successful, service oriented career. You can get expert marketing and brand advice from Kenny at www.kennethacamp.com. And if you want to start your journey of discovering your unique purpose then visit us at either PurposeCourse.Org or PurposePro.Org!

What does it take to be a well rounded leader? How do you lead and execute well while building meaningful relationships with those around you? In this episode, CEO of MSB School Services, strong leader, and friend of the Catalyst Collective, Tabbatha Callaway, leads us into the world of authentically leading others by tapping into her unique design.   As we break down the building blocks of her purpose, we go on this journey of self-discovery and passionate fulfillment. But Tabbatha didn't turn into a sacrificial guide overnight. She started somewhere just like you can too! Check our PurposePro.Org and find out how you can start the steps to walking into and living out your design today!

What was your favorite story growing up and what was the main idea? Think about it. The same analysis we use on stories is the same logic we can apply to understanding our unique design. When you can identify main ideas, or themes, in yourself, you can begin to put language around your core strengths. This is what we call thematic analysis and in this episode, Joe and Zac will walk you through a simple process of learning what sets you apart from everyone else!

In this quick slice, we jump straight in with 4 tips on how you can manage some of your time better.  These hacks have saved us loads of time over the years and made us more efficient.  Give them a quick listen and share some of your own tips and time hacks with us!

Ericka Redic is the President of I Love Your Money, Host of Generally Irritable, and an Active Politician in Vermont whose journey began with the time she invested into the Purpose Project years ago.  Joe and Zac sit down with Ericka to talk about her journey, leveraging her unique design and taking risks.

If you had unlimited time, money and resources, what would you do to solve a problem in the world today?  This episode is filled with practical content including how to score your passions in order to evaluate which one you should be pursuing right now.  Joe and Zac also talk about the five steps to embracing your passion and bringing your unique purpose to life.

Have you ever thought about how your core values and motivators connect to the way you experience fulfillment in all aspects of your life?  In this episode, we explore one of the most overlooked parts of our unique design and guide you on how to not only discover your values and motivators in a deeper way, but align to them in order to find satisfaction at work and beyond.

Our natural talents can be the most overlooked part of our unique design.  What if some of the most powerful aspects of who you were made to be have been staring right back at you in the mirror for years?  Get ready to learn about the 5 questions that will help you identify at least 20 natural talents along with some bonus content that will guide you toward leveraging them in a meaningful way.