The Activate Podcast with Eric English

You could think of Koula Callahan as Donald Miller's right-hand woman. After all, as director of content, she touches everything that goes out of StoryBrand, from training programs to content for live events, from teleprompter scripts to content of sales and marketing campaigns... After college, Koula had a secure job in the healthcare field with a good salary and great benefits, but she found herself living for the weekends and itching to make a meaningful change in her work. That change came in the form of a part-time job at what would become StoryBrand. The scope of her work has grown along with the company. And today she's thrilled that she took that risk nearly five years ago. With the current coronavirus pandemic, StoryBrand, like many businesses, has had to pivot to stay relevant. StoryBrand was centered around live events. Let that sink in. Once it became clear that no one would be traveling for a while, the company quickly shifted to move events and courses into the digital space. It's like they didn't miss a beat. Koula shares how they stayed agile and made the shift happen.In today's episode, Koula shares about her work at StoryBrand and explains why she likes to say she's Don's boss. We get a glimpse of Koula as the yoga instructor, how she's doing self-care during the pandemic, as well as some of her book recommendations.For businesses, she shares three things they can and should be doing to stay relevant now and to be remembered once the pandemic is over: Over-communicate – your customers need to hear from you frequentlyCommunicate with empathy and with authority. Identify with the human suffering we're all experiencing. At the same time, exude confidence in the areas of your expertise. Repackage your products or services in a quarantine-friendly way This is a fun episode offering a glimpse into Donald Miller's Storybrand, practical business advice from Koula, and Koula's tips for self-care and mental health.Quotes:“I was making a great living, had great benefits and then just totally abandoned it to take this part-time job at a company that I didn't really know that much about.” – Koula Callahan“What we do is help people take the reins back on their business and understand how to do it better so that they can grow their business, have a more fruitful life, and also provide jobs and security, and help for other people too.” – Koula Callahan“Our territory is simplifying things that are pretty complex.” – Koula Callahan “We take ideas that are hard to communicate or might have previously been seen as complex and make them super simple so that everyone can understand.” – Koula Callahan “What you say online and what you distribute digitally is your brand at this point. It's not your product. It's not your service. It's not the good that you sell. It's what you say.” – Koula Callahan“This crisis forces you to get creative and innovate.” – Koula Callahan“If you're not emailing your people or getting on social media...at least two or three times a week, you're getting ignored. Your customers need to be hearing from you.” – Koula Callahan“We teach our customers to play the guide and not the hero. To be a good guide, you must establish empathy and demonstrate authority.” – Kaula Callahan“I am not ignoring the fact that this is a weird, scary, anxiety-inducing time, and also at the same time, it's an opportunity to be really, really creative.” -- Kaula CallahanSome Questions I Ask:Tell us about you and how you arrived at StoryBrand. (3:14)How did your work in the healthcare sector prepare you for StoryBrand and the importance of connecting through stories? (7:25)How has your role developed with StoryBrand, especially as director of content? (10:38)How has StoryBrand shifted during COVID-19? (16:26)What was the feedback from your initial live-stream event? (22:45)What are three things businesses can begin to work on right now? (25:45)What is the right context for over-communicating? (27:59)How do you communicate in an empathetic and authoritative? (30:58)Has there been a new habit or a behavior that you would say has improved your life? (38:45)What do you do when you're feeling overwhelmed or unfocused? (43:29)Is there a weird or absurd thing you do that not many people know about? (46:06)What do you believe your purpose is? (47:25)In This Episode You Will Learn:How Koula decided to leave her secure but relatively unfulfilling heathcare job for something less established but more meaningfulThat you can serve/help others in many different fields Why all businesses should be in the content businessHow StoryBrand has pivoted from live events to live streaming and adapted their content to suit the COVID-19 atmosphereThree things your business can do right now to help weather the COVID-19 stormAbout Koula's daily personal care routine that keeps her grounded, sane, and reduces anxietyWhy Koula believes it's important that we find meaning in sufferingConnect with Koula Callahan:Find Koula on Instagram and LinkedInAlso Mentioned on This Show:StoryBrand.comBuilding a StoryBrand: Clarify Your Message so Customers Will Listen by Donald MillerThe Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma by Bessel van der KolkThe Forgotten Body: A Way of Knowing and Understanding Self by Elissa CobbPower of Now by Eckhart Tolle

You may remember that Kevin was on the podcast a year ago. A few years ago, Kevin left the corporate world and reinvented himself as an author and speaker. Since then he's taken his Hero Effect message on the road, traveling to speak to groups and businesses, spreading a message of positivity, motivation, and optimism.And then COVID-19 hit. No more conferences, no more travel, no more live audiences.Like most of us, Kevin has been stuck at home. In today's episode, he shares how he let himself have a pity party for 24 hours, and then it was time to get out of the funk, be the leader he was meant to be, and get to work doing what he could do.Keven exhorts us to, rather than feed our anxiety, do what we can to serve others. Work in whatever way you can. Cheer someone else up. Connect with the people you love. Be positive. Learn a new skill. Start by getting dressed. Bring some routine to your day. Have an agenda. Designate your workspace. Ask, “What can I do to move my relationships, my personal life, or my business forward right now?” Use this time to reflect on “life as usual.” Do you really want life to return to what it was? Kevin confides that he hopes “we don't come out of this ‘business as usual.'” Hopefully there will be some honest reflection and reevaluating. What is the purpose of having monetary wealth if we're impoverished in practically every other area of our lives?There are so many gems packed into this interview. Take time to listen and reflect.Quotes:“That's what leaders do. They take the storyline that life gives us, and they start to rewrite it.” – Kevin Brown“We're seeing heroes emerge in every corner of our nation, rising to the occasion to fight COVID-19.” – Kevin Brown“We believe that heroes are extraordinary people who choose not to be ordinary.” – Kevin Brown“[In a crisis], people don't stop needing what it is that we have to offer. We just have to get creative about how we do it.” – Kevin Brown“Heroes gain perspective quickly, and they figure out what needs to be done.” – Kevin Brown“Anxiety is future-based. It's like paying interest on a loan that's not even due.” – Kevin Brown“There are heroes at every level in our country, and now we're seeing them more than ever before. They're proving what I've always believed: heroes are extraordinary people who choose not to be ordinary.” – Kevin Brown“Anxiety, fear, and doubt – that's the modern-day form of kryptonite.” – Kevin Brown“How many people are paying the price today for not having sharpened the saw yesterday?” – Kevin Brown“When the valleys come, those who prepared well will be able to capitalize and leverage.” – Kevin Brown“If you serve well, the money has a way of taking care of itself.” – Kevin Brown“People don't fail in life for a lack of knowing what to do. They fail in life for a lack of knowing how to be.” – Kevin Brown“You want to be a hero? Just give somebody the best version of yourself, fully and completely, in the moment.” – Kevin Brown“My greatest fear is that we go back to a complacent lifestyle that we were living prior to COVID-19.” – Kevin BrownSome Questions I Ask:Tell us about yourself. (3:56) What's your take on how we should be looking at a time like this when we've been completely disrupted? How do we look at that without it becoming the story that we don't want in the end? (6:40)Let's talk about the human need for connection. (12:04)What's a new habit or skill to combat anxiety? (16:34)What are some ways that people can continue to innovate during this time? (20:39)Let's talk about reinventing ourselves and learning new skills. (27:19)Let's talk about non-monetary wealth. (31:36)Prior to writing The Hero Effect, how you would have viewed what we're going through? (37:33)How can businesses make the right decisions during this time? (44:35)How can we be heroes in our communities right now? (48:24)In This Episode You Will Learn:About Kevin's autistic son, Josh, and his heroic, optimistic wife (4:30)Why we must learn to manage anxiety (17:02)How to combat anxiety by taking control of what you can (18:10)That it's possible to innovate during a crisis (26:31)That Kevin is not naturally an optimistic person, but he's learned to exercise his optimistic muscles (43:10)Kevin's advice for businesses during this time (45:26)How to have a servant's mindset (51:35)How to be a better spouse, parent, neighbor, or friend (52:29)Also Mentioned on This Show:Qbq! The Question Behind the Question by John MillerThe Hero Effect by Kevin BrownKevinBrownSpeaks.comText the word “hero” to 33777 for a discount code for Kevin's bookConnect with Kevin Brown:Find Kevin on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn

Jeff Kern: Finding Peace in the Midst of a CrisisEven if you haven't gotten sick or know anyone who has, COVID-19 has upended life as we know it. Daily routines have been disrupted. Projects have been put on hold. Many are struggling financially. Our social and mental states have been taxed beyond what many have ever experienced. Businesses are failing…Yet there is hope. And there are things you can do to cultivate practices that will help bring peace to your soul in the midst of this current storm. In today's episode I'm joined by Jeff Kern who serves as a pastor of Summit Church here in Orlando. Jeff is married, and he and his wife of 32 years, Jill, have 4 children, 3 sons-in-law, and 2 grandchildren. Jeff has a diverse professional background both in the business sector and the non-profit sector. He has served as a CFO and COO in the marketplace as well as a CEO of an international non-profit. Jeff specializes in increasing the capacity of leaders and the organizations they serve. Jeff is an interesting mix of businessman and pastor. He can make the tough, careful decisions a businessman faces while simultaneously being mindful of the greater purposes businesses serve and of the souls of the people those businesses touch.That's why I wanted to talk to Jeff today. I felt he could bring a sense of balance to the crisis – and, boy, did he!We talk about many different things in our conversation, but the two big topics we cover are self-care and advice for small businesses.On self-care…We're wired for connection. We're wired to be in community and in relationships. Jeff recommends that we connect through digital means, chat with neighbors at the recommended distance, and if you're lucky enough to have family members in your home, connect with them. We're wired for structure. Reestablish routine in your life and provide some semblance of routine and order for your kids. We all do better when we know what to expect of ourselves and others. We're wired with a fight or flight response. So limit your exposure to the news. Just get what information you need, and then turn the negative flow off.We thrive when we feel a sense of control. There are many things we can't control right now, but instead of focusing on what is outside our control, focus on what you can control – your thoughts, your habits, your personal development, your daily routines…We're designed to accomplish things. It's important that you feel like you've accomplished something. So set goals with clear finish lines. Even the very small goals count. Reaching small milestones will help you keep up momentum. So, celebrate even the small wins!Jeff's recommendations to businesses:To move forward, operate in reality. Many businesses with fail, but the end of a business doesn't mean the end of you, and challenges will draw out strength and character qualities you didn't know were there.As a business leader, you've got to protect the core. Get rid of everything not fixed and try to negotiate terms with your vendors. Consider applying for government aid. If you need to trim and/or layoff, lead by example. What sacrifices can you make? Consider a “share sacrifice” method, where everyone's wages are lowered. Furlough option – is basically a promise of future work once the business is back on its feet.For marketing and your presence in the community, just focus on building relationships and creating win-wins. Tell your stories during this time. Add value wherever you came. It will both show your brand and develop your brand by showing who you are and what you're made of. If you're an employee, make yourself invaluable to the organization that's employing you. Listen in and begin to cultivate the practices that will bring a sense of peace during this time. Quotes:“Distancing is not good for the emotions, not good for the soul.” – Jeff Kern“Peace comes when I gain perspective.” – Jeff Kern“Learn the practice of looking upward.” – Jeff Kern“Peace is not passive.” – Jeff Kern “There's always an opportunity in the midst of a challenge.” – Jeff Kern“Do your best to future think…Now is the time for recreating and creating for the future.” – Jeff Kern Some Questions I Ask:How can we find peace in times of crisis, like COVID-19? (10:15)How does fear relate to our ability to live fully in the present? (28:01)How can we honestly look at the situation without dwelling on it but moving forward? (40:43)How does a business deal with potentially having to lay off employees? (43:56)How can small businesses learn more about federal aid? (49:28)During this time, how should businesses do branding and marketing, and how can they help the community? (51:56)In This Episode You Will Learn:How Jeff realized he was wired for management and leadership (06:39)How to find peace in the midst of a crisis (11:00)About the psychology of crisis (21:00)How to feel connected to others during this time (21:51)How to create a needed sense of structure and routine (23:53)About our wired fight-flight response (26:30)How to feel more in control (33:47)That we're designed for competency (35:38)Why it's important to stay productive (39:11)About the tough decisions small business are facing during this them. (43:56)Connect with Jeff Kern:jeffkern@me.comAlso Mentioned on This Show:Boys and Girls Club of Central FloridaJohn 16:33Psalm 13 message at Summit Church, March 29Psalm 27:13-14Power of Now by Eckhart TolleInformation on Paycheck Protection Program Loans

A Conversation with Sarah Johnston: How You Can Help Your Community During The COVID-19 CrisisThere's no doubt the coronavirus has been tough on all of us. Our day-to-day has been disrupted and plans have been upended and some jobs are hanging in the balance. It's a gloomy time, but the vast majority of the audience listening in has a lot to be thankful for: a comfortable home in which to isolate, ample food in the fridge, digital devices to keep us connected, learning, and entertained, and you get to be stuck at home with the people you most love (even though your patience might grow thin with them from time to time).But the coronavirus has been much harder on the less fortunate, especially those who live in the rough areas of town that we usually try to avoid.These are the areas served by Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Florida. In normal times, they have 16,000 children in their clubs, providing wholesome activities, structure, educational support, and positivity to give them a boost in life.But now the families of these children are suffering even more.In today's episode, Sarah Johnston, Vice President of Development shares how, due to the virus, life has changed for the worse for many of the kids served by the Clubs. Many don't have digital devices and aren't able to school virtually. They're at risk of falling behind. Some of them are in negative environments with few resources, bare cupboards, and stressed-out adults to boot…and, like you and me, they're not sure when these extra hardships are going to end.Sarah shares how the Boys and Girls Clubs have responded to the new rules and how they're positioning their resources to have the most positive impact during this time. She shares ways the community can help and support them in their efforts – both in monetary and in other ways. She tells about the amazing staff of the clubs, and her sense of hope and determination is infectious.Sarah has a heart of gold. She has served in many roles with Boys & Girls Clubs and Central Florida and was asked to lead the organization's development efforts in 2017. Her team connects individuals who want to invest in the future of children with opportunities. Sarah's favorite part of her role is building relationships with investors and the opportunity to work with Club members on sharing their stories.Listen in to discover ways that you too can make a difference in the lives of children and families in our communities.Quotes:“We're ‘whatever it takes' to help get this child to a place where they can reach their full potential.” “We've been trying to stay relevant and still serve our kids in a new way that's not our normal.”“Our kids vote with their feet.”“We don't have a choice. We have to stay open for them.” “Every dollar makes a difference.”“Our service directors are like surrogate parents.” “Out clubs keep our kids out of jail.”“Keeping in touch, keeping those relationships, and keeping the spirits of our kids up, we do it like no one else does.” “The most beautiful things come out of some of the hardest times.” Some Questions I Ask:How has COVID-19 affected the Boys and Girls Club? (04:46)Can you share a story about one of the kids? (9:17)Tell us about the COVID Relief. (12:28)How have the staff been affected by the pandemic? (16:04)How can the community help? (19:48)Are you talking with businesses about staying involved with the Club, even outside of financial resources? (21:49)How are you maintaining connectivity between the staff and kids? (25:31)In This Episode You Will Learn:About Sarah (1:24)About the Boys and Girls Club of Central Florida (1:45)The impact of COVID-19 on the less fortunate (04:46)About the financial strain of this time on the Club (8:10)The virtual and hand-on solutions the Club has put in place during this time (8:29)About the Family Discretionary Fund (12:38)About the COVID Mission Relief Fund (13:28)How you can help (14:44) and (20:10)About the impact of the Boys and Girls Club staff members (17:09)About the level of involvement and creativity of the service directors of the Club (26:27)Connect with Sarah Johnston:Find Sarah's bio and contact info at the BGCCF Leadership pageAlso Mentioned on This Show:Central Florida Boys and Girls Club

Nathan Whitaker: Small Encounters, Big ImpactIt would be easy to assume that being intimately acquainted with big names like Tony Dungy and Tim Tebow would either make a guy proud and cocky or it would have the opposite effect and make him feel small and insignificant. So it seems like a pretty special case when the guy is level-headed, inspired, and inspiring all at the same time.You may already know the name Nathan Whitaker. He co-authored Quiet Strength: The Principles, Practices, and Priorities of a Winning Life with Tony Dungy and then Through My Eyes, co-authored with Tim Tebow. But Nathan didn't start out as an author. He was a two-sport college athlete in college, then studied law, and eventually he found himself working in Tampa for the Buccaneers on legal, salary cap, and scouting matters. It was there that he got to know Dungy, who would later remark that if ever a biography were to be written about him, it would be authored by Whitaker. But Whitaker wasn't even a writer then! Still, the idea fell on fertile ground. The project took three years for Nathan to complete, and along the way, he lost his job with the Buccaneers and worried he wouldn't be able to provide for his family.In today's episode, Nathan reflects on his journey to authorship and motivational speaker. He believes that what some might call “coincidences” are actually Divine Appointments that God uses to steer, instruct, and encourage us. Nathan shares stories about both Dungy and Tebow. We discuss the self-doubt and questions he faced at various twists and turns of his life. Nathan shares some powerful thoughts about impact. When we look back on our own lives and think of the people who have helped us get to where we are today, we rarely credit star athletes or “influencers” for our success. No, it's parents, siblings, extended relatives, friends, colleagues, coaches, etc. who have had the greatest impact on our lives. So Nathan exhorts us to strive to make “small” impacts on the lives of those we encounter daily as those “small” interactions tend to be the most impactful ones. Quotes:“Often, some of the greatest opportunities and most exciting things come when you change up things.” – Nathan Whitaker“And Tony said, ‘Nathan, I can't help but think that there are times when God wants there to be a circus so that people can see how we behave, that we believe in something bigger.'” – Nathan Whitaker“There are a lot of God-ordained moments, and we don't often realize those.” – Nathan Whitaker“We underestimate the small interactions.” – Nathan Whitaker“A lot of times we're not where we want to be, but I've learned to try to own the role that I'm in.” – Nathan Whitaker“I've been more intentional about doing small things that are in the direction that I want to go, and those have made outsized impacts on me.” – Nathan Whitaker“If I can impact the person next door or the people under my roof, that's really my purpose, and that's where I'm supposed to be having an impact.” – Nathan WhitakerSome Questions I Ask:When thinking about practicing gratitude, who would you want to thank for your success today? (03:11)What can the listeners and I learn from your “changed careers”? (04:44)Share about the process of enduring through tough times while hoping for something better. (06:30)Tell me about your various degrees and how they relate to the three years of darkness you mentioned previously. (11:23)How did you meet and grow your relationship with Tony Dungy? (13:57)What do feel – or what are you reminded of – when you're in Tony's presence? (17:43)Would you consider Coach Dungy a mentor? If so, why are mentors crucial? (18:58)Tell about your work with Tim Tebow. (22:31)Do you believe in coincidences? (27:30)What type of groups do you like to speak to? (29:42)Why is having an impact important? (34:13)Why is practicing gratitude important? (40:32)What are you looking forward to? (43:05)What's one weird thing that most people don't know about you? (46:24)Is there a belief, behavior, or habit that has improved your life? (48:28)Besides working in the yard, where do you find peace in life? (50:11)What do you believe to be your purpose? (51:33)In This Episode You Will Learn:Why change can be hard but can also bring opportunities (05:06)Why “all things working for your good” won't necessarily look attractive (7:21)How persistence paid off for Nathan (08:16)About Nathan's background (11:53)How Tony Dungy was in inspiration to Nathan (4:05)The value of mentors (20:24)About Nathan's relationship with Tim Tebow (24:29)About the groups Nathan speaks to and what he speaks about (30:09)About the impact everyday interactions can have (35:30)About the importance of living in the now (39:08)How being grateful can change your perspective (41:12)Connect with Nathan Whitaker:NathanWhitaker.comNathan's booksNathan on TwitterAlso Mentioned on This Show:Romans 8:28Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones by James Clear

Frazer Buntin of Nashville, TN started his career in discount retailing with Dollar General as a logistics planner. Today he's a C-suite executive and an author, his career having traversed through the retail sector, to business school, and then into healthcare, entrepreneurship, and authorship. Along the way, Frazer would have what he calls “intense personal reflections” every few months to reevaluate where he was in his career and personal life. He credits this deep reflection time for helping him move forward in his career and in his personal development. Those reflections were times of sharpening the saw and of redefining his strengths, talents, and priorities. Intense personal reflection from a business standpoint provides a roadmap to make decisions around what you want to do. From a personal standpoint, it addresses questions like “How am I spending my time? What types of people am I surrounding myself with? What personal things do I want to accomplish this month/year?”Frazer recently wrote a book, A Monkey Could Do Your Job. Each chapter addresses a feeling or emotion that one might have while on the job and gives tactics for how to handle those feelings. In today's episode, Frazer shares some of those feelings and tactics. A master of operations, Frazer intentionally plans his time. He believes the advent of email has put many employees and managers in a reactive rather than proactive stance. He shares tips on how to take back control of your day and how to prioritize your time. Apart from work, Frazer loves to trail run and paddleboard, and he likes to train for day-long events in those sports in a way that some would call “extreme.” But he likes to take on big challenges and push himself in those ways.Listen in and be inspired!Quotes:“There is much more portability in [leadership] skills than most people believe.” – Frazer Buntin“For me, intense personal reflection has been the largest enabler of individual wellbeing and professional success.” – Frazer Buntin“The question, ‘What do I want to do?' is not answerable. The better question is ‘What is the next best thing that I can do now?'” – Frazer Buntin“There really is no end goal. It's the experience all put together.” – Frazer Buntin“Usually the best people to have in your network or as a mentor are ones that someone has lifted them up in the past, and they are paying it forward.” – Frazer Buntin“The modern employee has slowly drifted, as technology has developed, away from owning our day. Our day has become everybody else's. We have stopped planning and prioritizing our work.” – Frazer BuntinSome Questions I Ask:Tell the story about how you got to where you are today. (1:57)What are the positives of “job hopping”? (6:27)Tell us about the title of your book. (8:42)Tell us about the process of writing and publishing a book. (12:58)What is intense personal reflection, and what does it do for you? (15:26)How have networks and mentorships impacted your work journey? (27:05)What are your thoughts on monetary investments in mentor relationships? (32:13)Talk about the “degree of stretch,” the “line of boredom,” and the “line of maximum capability.” (33:09)Tell us the story about the ball-bearing plant in Nebraska. (38:59)You're a master of operations. Tell us about how you manage your days. (45:46)What do you do to find peace? (53:37)What projects are you currently working on? (55:27)What's a weird thing that most people don't know about you? (56:40)Is there a new belief or habit that has improved your life? (58:22)In This Episode You Will Learn:About how average job duration has changed over generations (6:55)About the “portability of skill” that allowed Frazer to switch sectors (7:37)What is a student of the work (9:16)About the title of Frazer's book (10:28)Why we need to be comfortable not always having the answer (19:01)Why Frazer believes it's too easy to apply for jobs today (22:16)How to distinguish yourself and stand out from a field of applicants (23:13)How to productively hijack a job interview (25:59)About finding mentorship and support and increasing your network (27:48)How to know when it's time to seek a more challenging job or get help with a too-difficult job (34:26)How Frazer structures his day (47:52)Connect with Frazer Buntin:Frazer on LinkedInFrazer (Monkey Feelings) on PatreonMonkeyFeelings.com Also Mentioned on This Show:A Monkey Could Do Your Job: Practical Tactics for Understanding and Overcoming Crazy Feelings about Work by Frazer Buntin

Howard's story is truly one of rags to riches. He went from a boy in a leaky house in Mobile, Alabama to spending time at the beach while his multi-million-dollar company operates in his absence. His journey is one of ambition, taking risks, having some failures, learning along the way, and then teaching others how to succeed and fulfil their purpose. A turning point for Howard was when he read Michael Gerber's E-Myth. He rescued his failing business by creating and implementing systems. He went on to become a systems expert, and for over 20 years now he has been helping others succeed through his training and coaching. Howard teaches small business owners to develop systems in each of the following areas: Leadership – includes communicating your visions, goal setting, planning Marketing – what you do to attract prospects Sales – what you do to convert prospects Operations/Service – what you do to serve your clients, members, etc. Tracking – keeping track of finances Howard believes a business is only a vehicle for helping you achieve your personal life goals and purpose, so it's critical that you know your purpose and let it motivate you to systematize your business so that it can fuel your true calling. He eventually met and became friends with Michael Gerber. He had the privilege of introducing Michael at his 80th birthday party. Howard also crossed paths with Zig Ziglar, and they joined forces. Today Howard works as executive vice president of Training Operations for Ziglar Inc. and as Ziglar's Exclusive Small Business Coach. A strong believer in positive thinking, Howard shares some tips for getting back on track when you fall into “stinkin' thinkin”: Remind yourself of the truth that “God don't make no junk” and that you have a purpose to fulfill Listen to a motivational talk Read scripture – put the pure, powerful, and positive in your mind everyday Surround yourself with amazing people Listen to worship music Be aware of your thoughts and combat negativity with the truth In today's episode, you'll learn: About Howard's journey to success The backstory behind Howard's relationship with Zig Ziglar and Zigler Inc. About Ziglar's Wheel of Life About the book Howard is currently writing, The Number One Reason Businesses Don't Grow. (Spoiler: it's FTI -- failure to implement) The most powerful lessons Howard learned from Zig Why Howard spends most of his time and energy today on mentoring others Connect with Howard: HowardPartridge.com Mentioned in this episode: The E-Myth Revisited by Michael E. Gerber The Five Secrets of a Phenomenal Business by Howard Partridge The Power of Community by Howard Partridge Ellen Rohr, Financial Systems Expert Quotes The secret to a business is the system. Everything rises or falls on leadership. You can change what you are and who you are by changing what goes into your mind. It all comes back to what you truly believe. If you want to be successful faster, double your rate of failure. Success is defined by becoming the person you were created to be. Put the pure, powerful, and positive in your mind every day.

Nancy is a writer, speaker, mentor, coach, and founder of the Women's Prosperity Network. As a young woman, she was ready to head for law school when she found herself pregnant and decided to keep her baby and become a single mom. This was one of many surprising turns in her personal journey, and she's learned to find joy and abundance in making lemonade from whatever lemons life throws her way. With energy and positivity, Nancy spreads her message of kindness, responsibility, and living your purpose through her various channels. Her guidelines for living include: Talk less; listen more Hold and hone your vision and share it with others Never ever gossip Nancy teaches a philosophy of being “the one,” which references a Dr. Seuss quote: “To the world, you may be just one person, but to one person, you may be the world.” Her challenge is to treat every person you meet as if they're “the one.” You'll be more present and bring more positivity and energy to each encounter. You'll also be meeting the basic need of that individual of being seen, heard, and appreciated. In today's episode, you'll learn: About Nancy's career path How to find your purpose How to approach disagreements with others How to take control of and responsibility for each experience of your life Why it's worth it to view each individual with value Tips for avoiding distractions About the Women's Prosperity Network Connect with Nancy: The Women's Prosperity Network On Instagram and Facebook Nancy's website Mentioned in this episode: The One Philosophy by Nancy Matthews Outwitting the Devil by Napoleon Hill Earl Nightingale Quotes Everything that we do brings us to exactly where we are right now. What comes to you easily and naturally, that's where your gift, talent, and purpose lie. Who you're being determines the quality of life you're going to have. Success is bringing my best to every moment.

John Eldredge: On the Stages of Manhood, the Dangers of Social Media, and Why You Should Get out in Nature John Eldredge is a storyteller of his own and others' journeys. His own path has gone from brokenness to becoming wholehearted. It's the story of a kid who was into drugs, got kicked out of high school, encountered Jesus, and became a healing force in the lives of others. As a counselor, he's heard the stories of many who were seeking to restore that which was broken – hearts, lives, relationships. And through their many stories, he's observed truths and gained insight about the human condition. John has identified areas where the culture has failed in its preparation of boys for manhood. Gone are important rites of passages and the challenges, risks, and dangers of cultures past. Our digitized, sedentary, climate-controlled lives are leaving behind a culture bankrupt of true masculinity. Boys and men are living unfulfilled lives, and we, as a culture, need to make some structural changes. John identifies six stages of a man's life: Beloved son (boyhood) – A young boy needs to know that his father delights in him. Cowboy stage (begins at adolescence) – A time of adventure, hard work, and taking risks Warrior stage (around age 19, early 20s) – Young men need a mission, a cause, something worth fighting for. This stage is best entered before the Lover stage. Lover stage (20s to 30s) – The awakening of the heart. This could manifest as a love of poetry, nature, music…and eventually romance. King stage (40s to 60s) – At this stage, the character of the man and his wholeheartedness has been shaped enough to be entrusted with power, money, and influence. This is a beautiful, demanding stage that requires wisdom and selflessness. Sage stage (60ish and beyond) – The silver-haired sage steps aside to let younger men carry the load, but he's sought after for his wisdom and counsel. Also in today's episode, John shares his opinion on the potentially devastating effects of social media. The amount of data coming at us is “assaultive on the human soul.” The research is conclusive: envy, depression, and anxiety increase proportionally to one's intake and use of social media. John also urges listeners to get out in nature, to “experience the world that your soul was made for.” Nature has a healing effect on both the body and the spirit. In today's episode, you'll learn: About John's background About the stages of manhood Tips for how parents – especially fathers – should interact with their sons in the Beloved Son and Cowboy stages About the work of Ransomed Heart John's advice for what to look for in a church Why we should limit social media and spend more time outdoors Connect with John: Ransomed Heart Ministries Ransomed Heart on Facebook Mentioned in this episode: Francis Schaeffer C.S. Lewis Nicholas Carr's The Shallows: What the Internet is Doing to our Brains Fathered by God by John Eldredge Robert Bly Richard Louv's The Last Child in the Woods Quotes “The unique ability of Jesus Christ to heal humanity was a huge piece of what drew me there.” “I knew that if I ever discovered what was true about life and what was true about the world, it wouldn't just be true in one category, it would be true across the arts, the sciences, culture, nature…” “Reality comes to us in the shape of narrative. It comes in the shape of story. This is enormously hopeful in helping you sort out the story that you're living and the story of your life and what your contribution is.” “Nature is the habitat for human souls.” “Experience the world that your soul was made for.” Every man is fueled by the question, “Do I have what it takes?” The search for the answer to that question fuels what men do – or refuse to do – every day.

Kevin Brown, author of The Hero Effect — being your best when it matters the most I was fortunate to spend one-on-one time with Kevin before he spoke to a group of executives. Not only is Kevin an exceptional communicator on stage, his sit-down conversations are authentic and speak straight to the heart about the things that matter most. Kevin came from a working-class background and was a straight-A student who went through some very turbulent teenage years, dropped out of high school, and was living in his car in his early 20s. Salvation came in the form of David, his boss, mentor, and friend who inspired him to do and be better. He gave Kevin the gift of optimism. "The past is a place of reference, not a place of residence.” David also introduced Kevin to his wife, Lisa. Kevin found his footing and had a successful career in franchise development and sales. At age 48, he left corporate American and reinvented himself as an author and speaker, spreading a message about heroes — who they are and how to be one. His message is a universal one of presence, gratefulness, being others-focused. It's a message he delivers to C-suite executives and to cleaning crews alike. It's a message for all of us. Each of us has been impacted by heroes, and — deep down — it's what we all want to be for others. The Hero Effect® is about being your best when it matters the most. And when, you may be wondering, does it matter the most? Right in this moment. In today's episode, you'll learn: • About Kevin's background • About the Hero Effect book • How Kevin got into public speaking • Why he decided to leave his corporate job to become a public speaker • About Kevin autistic son, Josh • Why Lisa and Josh are inspirations to Kevin • Why Kevin still gets nervous before speaking to a group...and why he doesn't want to lose those nervous jitters • Wisdom gleaned from Michael Jordan and Oprah Winfrey • Why we should rethink the concept of “outside the box.” • Kevin's perspective on technology and relationships Connect with Kevin: KevinBrownSpeaks.com Find Kevin on LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter Mentioned in this episode: The Hero Effect by Kevin Brown (Un)Qualified: How God Uses Broken People to do Big Things by Steven Furtick Monday Morning Leadership by David Cottrell Earl Nightingale's “The Strangest Secret” on YouTube and at Amazon Quotes We need people who love us enough to hold us accountable to what can be, not what is. People reach into this past, they grab the worst of yesterday, and they drag it right to today. And they use it as an excuse for not doing well. They stay stuck. You were born extraordinary. Heroes are extraordinary people who choose not to be ordinary. Heroes help people...with no strings attached. Heroes create an exception experience for the people in their lives, at work and at home. You are no hero if the people who mean the most to you think the least of you. — Rabbi Shmuley God doesn't give us “next” unless we master “now.” The extra mile doesn't take much. It just takes a little bit of intentionality. In the absence of a compelling vision, no strategy can save you. You don't have to know all the steps, you just have to know the next one. I'm striving to be less distracted and more present, less concerned about yesterday and tomorrow, and more focused on the connection that I have with the people around me. If you find your purpose, you'll work harder than you've ever worked in your whole life, and you'll love every single minute of it…mostly.

John is a Florida native, but his two passions — his wife, Monica, and brisket — he met while in Texas. Thanks to his 20-year stint in the healthcare industry, he got to experience barbecue in different regions around the country and determined to learn how to master the art of barbequing brisket. His combined passion of helping others and cooking was rekindled after John barbecued and hosted a fund-raising event for a child with cancer. That was the beginning of a four-year barbecue ministry operated out of his garage. As the barbecue ministry grew, John realized how much happier he was in his chef's hat than in his business suit, and he knew something had to change. Following his dream of opening a restaurant was anything but easy. Not knowing what he was doing was bad enough, but there are countless naysayers too. But he held to the belief that his passions were God-inspired. Today he's founder and CEO of 4R Restaurant Group, has won multiple prestigious awards, and he's still pioneering ways to minister to his community and to those associated with his businesses by living out his faith. In today's episode, you'll learn: • The backstory of how John left his corporate job to pursue his passions • About John's leadership style and the business culture he has created • About his team's weekly book study • John's advice to leaders of faith • Why John chooses not to attend the weekly Bible study at work • How John lives his faith in a genuine, non-pushy way • About John's next big project — a farm that will be a community learning tool and a community gathering place https://www.4r-foundation.org/4roots Connect with John: John Rivers on Instagram 4 Rivers Smokehouse on Instagram Mentioned in this episode: 4 Rivers Smokehouse The Coop, a Southern Affair The Sweet Shop, 4R Specialty Cakes 4 Rivers Cantina Barbacoa Food Truck 4R Foundation Love Works: Seven Timeless Principles for Effective Leaders by Joel Manby Generosity Factor: Discover the Joy of Giving Your Time, Talent, Treasure by Ken Blanchard Quotes “The longer we stay in the wrong environment, we get comfortable — with the pay, the routine, the unhappiness and complaining — and that's a dangerous place to be.” “When you start stepping out on your dream, you better be willing to fight for it. If it was easy, everybody would be doing it.” “To be that catalyst that pulls people together – that's our purpose.” “In order to grow, you have to make mistakes.” “True happiness comes when your actions are lined up with your passions.” “Never let your religion get in the way of your faith.”

Art Ayris: Sharing the story of the Bible through comics Art Ayris is the CEO of Kingstone Comics and creator of Kingstone Bible, the most complete graphic adaptation of the Bible ever created. He and his team work with comic artists to produce comic books, graphic novels, books and animations about the Christian faith; and the Bible trilogy was nominated as a finalist in the Christian Book of the Year in 2017. Art created Kingstone Comics to solve a major problem he faced as a pastor, how could he motivate children to be interested in the story of Christianity? After seven years, he published the Kingstone Bible, the story of the Bible told through comics. He has continued to find ways to teach religious history in an interactive and interesting manner and to date, the Kingstone Bible has been translated into 27 languages. In this episode, Art and I talk about our faith and how we can continue to improve the way we tell our children the story of Christianity. Art explains what motivated him to become a pastor, how to follow your dreams by trusting in faith, and what to make of our failures. Connect with Art: Art's Website Art on Facebook Art on LinkedIn Mentioned in this episode: Kingstone | The Comic Bible Kingstone Comics on Twitter Kingstone Comics on Facebook Quotes “Everybody needs to find their rhythm, mine happens to be ninety-miles an hour.” “When you are a leader you have to guard against distractions.” “When I'm feeling overwhelmed, I look to scripture.”

How do you establish a healthy and interactive community? Kay Rawlins is the founder of Orlando City Soccer Club where she sits as the Vice President of community relations. Her drive to help Orlando's community thrive awarded her the title of Businesswoman of the Year in 2016, yet this is just the tip of the iceberg. Aside from her role as VP, Kay is involved with creating awareness around homelessness, children's cancer, and child obesity. Her goal is to better her community and showcase how everyone can work together for the cause. Kay focuses all of her endeavors on growing a close-knit community in Orlando, giving a TedX talk on the importance of city sports for city pride. From helping educate children on the health benefits of fruits and vegetables, to ensuring they have a safe place to exercise and play, she's a woman with a mission to help others live a healthy, happy life. In this episode, we will talk to Kay about her growth into a community leader, how she identifies problems and finds a solution and how she has chosen to view the failures she has encountered. Connect with Kay: Kay on Twitter Kay on Facebook Mentioned in this episode: 2016 Businesswoman of the Year: Kay Rawlins Cardboard Stories Kay's Tedx Talk: City Sports is City Pride Central Florida Commission on Homelessness Florida Sports Foundation The 4R Foundation Cannonball Kids Cancer Central Florida Foundation Boys and Girls Club of Central Florida Orlando City Foundation Orlando City Soccer Club Orlando Pride Team Quotes “[Soccer] is definitely a sport that brings people together in a way that I don't think any other sport does.” “I think that's the attraction to the companies that join our organization. They know that community is the most important thing for us. And, it is.” “Don't think of them as failures, think of them as an experience that you can learn from.”

What happens when you master your body? Joe Brilliant, known as Dr. Brilliant, is a chiropractor at Destination Dallas. He holds the title of IFBB Classic Physique Pro and is a RYSE Sponsored Athlete. His advice to people starting their health journey is to be realistic. If you can be honest about where your starting point is, simple with your diet and consistent, you can become a master of your own body. His most successful clients are those that have the discipline to maintain this lifestyle and change their lives. As a chiropractor, Joe's strategy is to help his patients create their schedules around their health. He expects the same level of commitment from his clients towards their health as he puts into strategizing their gains or weight loss. If the commitment is there, the results will show. Joe explains the perspective shift he uses with his clients to help them maintain their discipline. In this episode, Joe talks about his opinion on incremental fasting, why people lose fitness motivation and the supplements he suggests. Find out how Joe became the 2017 IFBB Classic Physique Pro, his favorite business failure and the absurd habit that characterizes him. Connect with Joe Joe on Instagram Joe on Facebook Mentioned In This Episode Jocko Willink Podcast Extreme Ownership: How US Navy Seals Lead and Win Way of the Warrior Kid: Marc's Mission Quotes “The biggest thing is be honest with yourself on where your starting point is.” “Developing discipline is what is going to take you through those times when motivation is down.” Everybody tries to fit their health into their schedule, not their schedule into their health.”

Yan Tougas is the Global Ethics and Compliance Officer of United Technologies Corporation. As an expert on company culture, he has found the golden intersection between leadership and community. His advice to companies struggling with culture is simple. Understand the importance of front-line supervisors. Where most companies go wrong is in thinking that culture begins and ends within their c-suite employees. What Yan has found is, as necessary as good culture is at the highest level of a company, it's invaluable to ensure that same culture is brought into lower level management. Yan abides by a single mantra, culture eats strategy for breakfast. Without culture, even the best strategy can fail. Using his experience and advice from powerful leadership books, such as Primed to Perform, he maintains a healthy company culture for UTC. In this episode, Yan explains the principles he uses to motivate employees, how he handles hardships in employees lives and how culture directly affects innovation. Find out how Yan has built a healthy, thriving company culture for UTC and how to create the same relationship between your employees, management and c-suite entrepreneurs. Connect with Yan Yan Tougas' Website Yan on Facebook Yan on Twitter Yan on Instagram Yan on LinkedIN Mentioned in this episode Primed To Perform: How To Build The Highest Performing Cultures Through the Science of Total Motivation Vega Factor Tim Ferriss Blog Gary Vaynerchuk Quotes “A good definition of culture is, how are things really done around here?” “The tone at the top of c-suite is important but on a day-to-day basis, most employees care most about what their direct supervisor says and does. That's really their world.” “You can't have performance without innovation. You can't have innovation without taking risks.”

Father's Day encouragement and inspiration. Gratitude for my dad and what a blessing it is to be a father.

Do you want to be a 30 under 30 honoree, be one of the top 100 businesses in your industry and be featured in The New York Times and Wall Street Journal? Take a page from Jeffrey Buntin's book. The well awarded CEO of Buntin Group explains how he grew his family business into a profitable and powerful brand communications agency. His advice to CEO's looking to find the same success is to, Always lead by example Invest in your talent, team members and take care of the culture Don't forget to appreciate things outside of work and the daily grind The Buntin Group has found success by focusing on the relationships both outside of the office and inside. As Jeffrey explains in this episode, finding the golden intersection between the right talent and the right values has been the key to creating a thriving office culture and happy clients. His love for the millennial drive and energy has led him to bring on over fifty-five Generation Y employees, and he'll happily bring on more. As an avid fan of the new working generation, Jeffrey explains what about his youngest employees has created a valuable culture within the Buntin Group. In this episode, we talk to Jeffrey about how he is continuing to grow the Buntin Group, maintaining a collaborative culture and staying focused through the chaos of the business world. In his words, “I advocate for clarity without distraction.” Find out how Jeffrey has created more than a brand communications agency, but an impact that reaches consumers on an emotional level. The Activate Podcast welcomes Jeffrey Buntin. Connect with Jeffrey On Socials: Buntin Group on Facebook Buntin Group on LinkedIN Buntin Group on Twitter Jeffrey's LinkedIN Profile Buntin Group on Instagram Visit the Buntin Group Website Phone: 615-244-6511 Fax Machine: 615-244-5720 Mailing Address: Send a handwritten note :) Buntin Group 716 Division Street Nashville, TN 37203 Quotes “Our experience with our newest generation of workers couldn't be better and a huge part of the momentum we have as an agency.” “I still do really value a handwritten Thank You note, that goes a very long way. I think the currency of a personal touch on a piece of paper in our technology world, still matters a lot. It's an authentic stamp of what you believe and what you stand for.” “Must be present to win, you hear it in sweepstakes, but it's a state of mind and a state of soul.”

Accepting the role as COO of Vaynermedia was the last puzzle piece for James Orsini. His first job in public accounting, time at Goldman and Sachs, decade in public relations and last few years as a chief operating officer had all led to this moment. When Orsini turned forty, he knew it was time for something new. That's when Gary Vee entered the picture. Gary explained to James that his goal was to build a 500 million dollar international and independent integration company. He offered James the job as COO with one request, use his experience to guide Vaynermedia away from the mistakes the other multi-million-dollar businesses were making. Gary's goal was speed and Orsini's abilities were going to be favorable to the company's success. As James explains in this episode, life is a series of learning. When we go through processes with the intention of learning, you figure out how to go through the same process again faster and more efficiently. Using his past mistakes as pivotal career lessons, James has helped grow Vaynermedia from a 42 million dollar company to a 130 million dollar company in three years. His time working alongside Gary Vee in the world of social media has placed the final puzzle piece in James' career making him one of the most decorated business men in the world. In this episode we talk about one of James' first huge business mistakes, how his hobby for business has led to his success and what specific business trait has led to Vaynermedia's massive success. The Activate Podcast welcomes James Orsini. Connect with James: Twitter: @JimmyThePencil James Orsini on LinkedIN Quotes “Social is nothing more than the current state of the internet.” “Life is a series of learning.” “Business is my hobby.”

Marc Mero: Never Stop Dreaming It all started with a pen and a sticky note. At ten years old, Marc wrote down all of his largest aspirations. He wanted to be a professional athlete, find the cure to cancer and become a billionaire. In this episode, Marc explains the concept that it's not about the specific goal. It's all about how high you are aiming. His career as a professional wrestler has taught him, failure only occurs when you aim low and hit your mark. Success comes to those who shoot high and strike gold. What happens when you don't dream big? In Marc's words, you stop living. Marc is now an inspirational speaker, traveling the world and finding the difficult connection to adolescents. He explained to me that his speaking success has come from his transparency. Each student is able to relate to his story at a different point and it's the connection that sparks their interest. Marc has inspired thousands of teenagers across the country. These students send him letters expressing their gratitude for his speech and how it changed, and sometimes saved, their lives. Marc and I were able to dive deeply into the reason for his success, both professionally and personally. We talk about the extraordinary power of forgiveness, your inner circle and finding your passion. Quotes "Forgiveness is the key to really moving on in life. You either forgive or you relive." "There's two types of people, the people who say something needs to be done and the ones who say I want to go out there and do something about it." "Whether you're young or old, never stop dreaming." Connect with Marc: http://thinkpoz.org Instagram Facebook Twitter

Thomas didn't start as a high demand speaker, paid to travel the world and give advice to corporations, executives and more. He wasn't granted a successful mentor by luck of the draw. In fact, Thomas' story starts with him saying, “I quit.” Shortly after almost walking away from his career in financial planning, Blackwell increased his profits from $7.00 to $124,000 in four months. He solidified a mentor, made his first speech and officially cracked the success code. Thomas attributes his success as a conscious choice to commit himself fully to his endeavors. He emphasizes his belief that when you make a decision opportunities will unfold as catalysts to reach your goals. Much of Thomas' success comes from his self-awareness. He refuses to let self-berating thoughts slow him down, putting a strong focus on a positive mindset. His advice is simple and applicable, make a decision and commit to it. Fully believe in success happening. Find the mentor that will level you up, start to believe in your value and learn the art of the five-time follow-up. From calling it quits to traveling the world as a notable speaker, Thomas and I talk about vocation, how to solve the code to success and speeding up the process. Connect with Thomas Blackwell on social media: Facebook Twitter Ready for a winning mindset? Sign up for Thomas' Free Weekly Inspirational Language Tips at www.saydohave.com

If Michael Dash were to give one piece of advice about attaining success, it would be to start taking action. As Dash explains in this episode, his ability take action and overlook fears and intimidation is the reason he was able to create a multimillion dollar company. With a humble childhood growing up in New Jersey, his passion for hard work was sparked at a young age. Using his experience in door to door sales, Dash landed a job in the sports industry immediately out of college. Choosing to make a pivotal life change, he quit his job and moved from New York to Utah. Following in the footsteps of his father, Michael took the entrepreneurial leap in 2007. What is Michael's advice to aspiring entrepreneurs? There is only one person who can change your life. Put the excuses down and start taking action towards your goals. Breaking down the path to his success, Michael and I talk about the importance of taking action to achieve success, putting your ego aside and finding balance through various outlets. For more information on Michael Dash and to preorder his book, Chasing The High, you can find him at http://michaelgdash.com. Connect with Michael on Facebook, http://www.facebook.com/michael.dash1, and on Instagram @mdash1 to keep up with his business and lifestyle advice.

Ready to manage your fear and take a huge step forward in changing your life for the better? Join Nationally Certified Counselor, Certified Life Coach, author and professional speaker Dwight Bain as he shows you how you can take action now to achieve your goals and create your best life. In this episode of Activate, Bain uses real-world examples drawn from his personal experience, faith, and recent world events to take on tough topics such as how your creative chaos may be hurting you, how to motivate yourself and others and create a sustainable business, and how to find the positive in work and life. A specialist in managing crises and major change, Bain is a life-long resident of Orlando, where he lives with his wife Sheila and their two adult children. Find him at http://www.dwightbain.com/ and follow him on Facebook and on Twitter @dwightbain for more insights into what really works for living a productive, fulfilling life. Keep up with Activate host Eric at englisheric.com for more creative, branding, and personal growth resources.