The Wealth Confidant

The future feels uncertain and families around the world are concerned about how this stress will affect their children. In a special webinar event for our Living Fully community, I spoke with Dr. Marshall Duke about how we can help our kids build resilience and continue to grow through hard times. I'm excited to share the webinar with you as a podcast today. Dr. Duke is a Professor of Psychology at Emory University. He's focused his work around the power of family stories and has been featured by Good Morning America, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and others. You can find Dr. Duke's 20 Questions resource at https://bit.ly/twentyqs In our conversation, Dr. Duke and I discuss: -Why challenges are necessary for growth -How knowledge of family history builds resilience -The different kinds of stories families tell -Advice for families who are dealing with challenges -The role that grandparents can play in family storytelling -The importance of rituals and traditions -When to tell these stories We have some exciting new developments in the works, so check back for new episodes soon! To learn more about turning meaningful wealth into a meaningful life filled with passion and purpose, connect with me on social media at @jcchristianson or send me an email at john@highlandprivate.com Music: "Day Is Gonna Come" by Royal Deluxe

Mike Erwin lives life by three principles: faith, family, and service. He truly understands the impact of selfless service and community. Mike is a graduate of The U.S. Military Academy at West Point where he was commissioned as an officer and went on to serve three combat tours with the 1st Cavalry Division and 3rd Special Forces Group. After his third deployment, Mike founded Team Red, White & Blue. Team RWB is a nonprofit organization that enriches the lives of America's veterans. They do this by connecting them to their communities through physical and social activity. Today, Mike leads Team RWB as Executive Director. Mike also serves as CEO of The Character & Leadership Center and is the Co-Founder and President of the Positivity Project, where he aims to empower America's youth in building positive relationships. He's also the co-author of Lead Yourself First." To learn more about Mike and his work, visit MikeErwin.net. On this episode, you'll hear about: - What selfless service looks like - The power of community - How technology and money affect empathy - The difference between isolation and solitude - Our culture's loneliness epidemic - Advice for anyone who wants to bring more meaning into their life

Join me as I revisit just a few of the many inspiring conversations I had this year, including: Margie Warrell, Author Duncan Campbell, Friends of the Children Khe Hy, Rad Reads Kendra Vandermeulen, NCF Northwest To learn more about turning meaningful wealth into a meaningful life filled with passion and purpose, connect with me on social media at @jcchristianson or send me an email at john@highlandprivate.com Music: "Day Is Gonna Come" by Royal Deluxe

Often, we equate giving solely with the act of donating money, but it is so much more than that. Giving can be a transformative act, moving you beyond yourself and cultivating a genuine ability to empathize with the struggles of our fellow human beings. I experienced this firsthand while serving with my wife at Seattle's Union Gospel Mission (UGM). This organization seeks to see, hear, know and love the people experiencing homelessness in King County. In this episode of The Wealth Confidant podcast, I am honored to be speaking with UGM's new President, Scott Chin. We learn what brought Scott to UGM and where he hopes to see the organization go in the future. Scott reflects on inspiring stories of personal transformation, tells us about UGM's lifesaving recovery programs and shares how people can help further the organization's work. You can learn more about Scott Chin and Union Gospel Mission by visiting their website: www.ugm.org and following them on social media at @SeattlesUGM. To learn more about turning meaningful wealth into a meaningful life filled with passion and purpose, connect with me on social media at @jcchristianson or send me an email at john@highlandprivate.com Music: "Day Is Gonna Come" by Royal Deluxe

Be positive. Think on the bright side. We've all heard advice like this at some point in our lives. We also know that changing your mindset isn't as easy as flipping a switch. While studies do show that thinking and speaking negatively can have a hugely adverse effect on us, “being positive” just isn't a realistic solution for many people. Today's guest, Trevor Moawad, emphasizes a different strategy: neutral thinking. Trevor is the founder of Moawad Consulting Group. He specializes in mental conditioning for high performing athletes like Russell Wilson as well as military and business organizations. Trevor is also the author of the upcoming book, It Takes What It Takes. Readers will learn how to apply his methods to their own lives in order to overcome challenges -- and thrive. To learn more about Trevor and his work, visit moawadconsultinggroup.com Trevor and I dig into: What we can learn from top athletes. How to become a judgment-free thinker. The impact language has on our mindset. The importance of discipline and process in moving beyond the negative. To learn more about turning meaningful wealth into a meaningful life filled with passion and purpose, connect with me on social media at @jcchristianson or send me an email at john@jcchristianson.com Music: "Day Is Gonna Come" by Royal Deluxe

Millennials make up the largest generation in our country. How are they navigating life's major financial milestones as they get older? What are the unique challenges they face and how does money affect their relationships? Erin Lowry helps millennials get their financial lives together. Erin is a personal finance expert and the author of the Broke Millennial series, including her new book, Broke Millennial Takes on Investing. Erin effectively translates the important principles of personal finance to help fellow millennials gain control of their money. On this episode, she shares her insight into the millennial mindset around money, the factors that shaped it, and more. You can learn more about Erin and her work at brokemillennial.com We discuss: —Myths (and truths!) about millennials. —How parents and millennials can tackle difficult financial scenarios. —Why millennials — and people in general — don't like talking about money. —How to deal with money in relationships by becoming “financially naked.” —The advice that millennials should not take. —The asset millennials have that older generations do not. To learn more about turning meaningful wealth into a meaningful life filled with passion and purpose, connect with me on social media at @jcchristianson or send me an email at john@jcchristianson.com Music: "Day Is Gonna Come" by Royal Deluxe

Khe Hy calls himself an accidental entrepreneur—he started his own business, RadReads, when he got tired of the “winners and losers,” scarcity mentality he experienced during his fourteen-year career on Wall Street. Today, Khe spends his time writing and speaking on money, the different levels of financial independence, mortality, and more. Go check out Khe's website at https://radreads.co/ for more on his work. On this episode, we discuss: —Identity and spirituality —Toxic masculinity —The reality of retirement —Finding peace with yourself To learn more about turning meaningful wealth into a meaningful life filled with passion and purpose, connect with me on social media at @jcchristianson or send me an email at john@jcchristianson.com Music: "Day Is Gonna Come" by Royal Deluxe

Parents have tremendous influence over their kids when it comes to money. As kids of all ages head back to school, it's a great time for families to reevaluate the way we address money. On this special episode, I discuss: —The importance of talking to your kids about money —Tips for handling allowances and budgeting —How to instill money-skills in an age-appropriate way To learn more about turning meaningful wealth into a meaningful life filled with passion and purpose, connect with me on social media at @jcchristianson or send me an email at john@jcchristianson.com

Patrick Sweeney is turning fear on its head to help others live a more fulfilled life. Patrick is a full-time adventurer. He's on a mission to help others use fear as fuel. The key to unlocking your inner adventurer might not be what you think. Patrick encourages people to embrace fear rather than avoid it in order to grow and make better decisions. Even though Patrick's an Olympic level rower, he wasn't always out chasing hair-raising adventures — he worked as a successful tech entrepreneur until a rare case of leukemia had him fighting for his life. This milestone gave Patrick a new perspective. Today, he draws on his entrepreneurial background, fighting spirit, and desire to help people in order to live his life to the fullest — and support others to do the same. On this episode, we get into: —The physiology behind fear —Going from success to significance —How to live in the present —The path to living big To learn more about turning meaningful wealth into a meaningful life filled with passion and purpose, connect with me on social media @jcchristianson or send me an email at john@highlandprivate.com Music: “Day Is Gonna Come” by Royal Deluxe

One of the main reasons people seek out financial professionals is because money can be so complicated. A great financial advisor is someone you can trust. A person who can listen and translate what you want and need in your life into actionable plans, and who understands your values and how to align your money with them. It can go beyond being an advisor to what I consider being a confidant. Financial advisors aren't traditionally well versed in the emotional and psychological connections to money. But, we are starting to see more and more advisors make their clients' overall happiness a number one priority. Brian Portnoy earned his doctorate at the University of Chicago and has worked throughout the financial industry. He's also the author of two great books: The Investor's Paradox and The Geometry of Wealth. Brian's perspective really resonated with me. He's not afraid to bring insight from many different disciplines to his work. Brian believes that elements of a joyful life and the financial decisions we make are complementary. Taking both into account, people can find true wealth -- what he calls “funded contentment.” This more holistic approach is something I strive toward in my own financial life coaching. We discuss: —The future of the financial advising industry —What it means to afford a meaningful life —How generosity affects our own sense of wellbeing —The difference between getting rich and becoming wealthy To learn more about turning meaningful wealth into a meaningful life filled with passion and purpose, connect with me on social media at @jcchristianson or send me an email at john@highlandprivate.com Music: "Day Is Gonna Come" by Royal Deluxe

One common misconception around generosity is that you have to have abundant financial resources in order to affect change. But philanthropy can go beyond writing checks -- we all have time, talent, and experience we can contribute to make the world a better place. I met today's guest, Amitabh Shah, in New York when I was speaking at the Harvard Club recently for my book tour. I was struck by his generous spirit and wanted to know more about what made him tick and the passion he has for impacting the world in significant ways. Amitabh completed his MBA at Yale and passed up a Wall Street offer in order to devote his time to helping others. He believes that young people have the power and determination it takes to make a positive impact. Amitabh himself was just 23 years old when he founded YUVA Unstoppable. YUVA, meaning “Youth,” mobilizes volunteers to help underprivileged children across India. One of the ways they do this is by providing necessities like water, bathrooms, and technology to some of India's poorest public schools. All of these upgrades dramatically improve the lives of children and increase their access to education. You can visit yuvaunstoppable.org for more information about Amitabh's work. During our conversation, we also get into: —The differences in generosity culture between India and the United States —How to give beyond writing checks —Where Amitabh's big-hearted nature came from —The importance of gratitude To learn more about turning meaningful wealth into a meaningful life filled with passion and purpose, connect with me on social media at @jcchristianson or send me an email at john@jcchristianson.com Music: "Day Is Gonna Come" by Royal Deluxe

Navigating the emotional and practical challenges of having aging parents is one of the difficult realities of life. Most people don't want to talk about it -- after all, managing our own finances and lives can be demanding enough! It's a complicated situation, but waiting too long to have essential financial conversations with loved ones can lead to serious problems down the road. Today's guest, Cameron Huddleston, is helping people have these essential conversations with their parents. Cameron is an award-winning journalist with over 17 years of experience writing about personal finance. Her latest project is a fantastic book called Mom and Dad, We Need to Talk. In the book, Cameron draws on her own experience to offer clear, crucial advice for anyone dealing with aging parents regardless of income level. For more tips from Cameron, head to her website: cameronhuddleston.com We discuss: —Why people are hesitant to talk to their parents about money —Why parents aren't initiating these conversations with their children —How to ease the process of getting involved in your parents' financial lives —The most important question you can ask your parents today To learn more about turning meaningful wealth into a meaningful life filled with passion and purpose, connect with me on social media at @jcchristianson or send me an email at john@jcchristianson.com Music: "Day Is Gonna Come" by Royal Deluxe

Beri Meric is the co-founder and CEO of IVY: The Social University, a community that unites rising leaders through a lifetime of learning, growth, and impact. After attending Harvard Business School, Beri and his co-founder were inspired to bring the benefits of leading universities to entrepreneurs, creatives, and innovative professionals all over the world. Beri's mission is to spark a new renaissance promoting human unity, progress, and fulfillment through education and community. He believes that by helping as many people as possible to unlock their potential, he can make a big impact on the world. To get more information about Beri's work, visit www.berimeric.com. To learn more about IVY, visit www.ivy.com Beri and I also discuss: —What it means to be a global citizen —Lifelong lessons he learned from his parents —Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs —How to make business a force for good To learn more about turning meaningful wealth into a meaningful life filled with passion and purpose, connect with me on social media at @jcchristianson or send me an email at john@jcchristianson.com Music: "Day Is Gonna Come" by Royal Deluxe

Former NBA star Troy Murphy has made it his mission to assist clients in managing their newfound resources. He's also committed to creating financially prepared, responsible, and savvy consumers. Troy entered the professional sports world at age 20 to play for the Golden State Warriors and found himself and his teammates grappling with how to handle their new financial reality. Unlike wealth creators in the business world, professional athletes spend most of their time focused on their craft without gaining real-world money management experience. After retiring from basketball, Troy set out to become the resource he wished he'd had when he was a rookie. He recently launched his own financial advisory firm called Sweven Wealth. Sweven is tuned to the needs of athletes and 100% of their profit is donated to high school consumer awareness and financial literacy programs. To check out Troy's work as an investment advisor and philanthropist, head over to swevenwealth.com Troy and I also discuss: —How to define yourself outside of work —Where he finds true fulfillment —Practical advice based on his own money experience —Who the greatest NBA player of all time really is To learn more about turning meaningful wealth into a meaningful life filled with passion and purpose, connect with me on social media at @jcchristianson or send me an email at john@jcchristianson.com Music: "Day Is Gonna Come" by Royal Deluxe

While we've all heard that “money can't buy happiness,” our society makes the accumulation of money and material possessions look like the ultimate aspiration. My guest today, Margie Warrell, emphasizes the idea of what she calls “enoughness” in her work as an author, speaker, and advocate. Margie is the author of four bestselling books and has been referred to as “an international authority on brave leadership” by the Wall Street Journal. You may have seen her byline as a contributor to Forbes or heard her speak live on leadership, courage, and risk. Margie is also a dedicated advocate for gender equality and founded Global Courage in 2010 to help advance more women to decision-making roles. You can find out more about Margie and her work at margiewarrell.com On this episode, we discuss: —Heeding what Margie refers to as “the siren call of our soul” —The line between being courageous and being reckless —What it looks like to embrace faith over fear —That your calling and career don't have to be the same thing —The price of playing it safe To learn more about turning meaningful wealth into a meaningful life filled with passion and purpose, connect with me on social media at @jcchristianson or send me an email at john@jcchristianson.com Music: "Day Is Gonna Come" by Royal Deluxe

Craig Hall is an author, civic leader, and philanthropist who has started multiple businesses, including HALL Group when he was just eighteen years old. Today, HALL Group's business interests include everything from winemaking to early-stage investments in promising startups. I was surprised to learn from Craig that entrepreneurship has declined dramatically over the last thirty years. Craig explores what he calls this “crisis of entrepreneurship” in his latest book, Boom: Bridging the Opportunity Gap to Reignite Startups. He emphasizes that although new business ventures are booming in places like Silicon Valley, rural Americans, women, and people of color are facing more obstacles and benefit from fewer resources. You can learn more about Craig and his work by visiting reignitestartups.com Craig's core beliefs as a philanthropist and perspective as an entrepreneur resonated with me as we talked about: —Advice for people who want to become their own boss —The impact of student debt and consolidation on the American Dream —Maintaining a healthy sense of risk —Caring about others as a way of life To learn more about turning meaningful wealth into a meaningful life filled with passion and purpose, connect with me on social media at @jcchristianson or send me an email at john@jcchristianson.com Music: "Day Is Gonna Come" by Royal Deluxe

Today's guest, Lucas Nivon, is the founder of Cyrus Biotechnology, a company whose mission is to help scientists harness powerful technology to create drugs that save lives. Lucas attended Harvard in the early 2000's surrounded by ambitious and inventive classmates -- people like Mark Zuckerberg. After completing his undergraduate degree, Lucas was inspired to explore the intersection of his two interests: science and technology. This meant moving across the country to complete his postdoctoral work at the University of Washington in the lab of pioneering computational biologist and biochemist, David Baker. During his work at the Baker Lab, Lucas decided it was time to scratch his entrepreneurial itch and start his own company, Cyrus Biotechnology. Cyrus's work is based on a powerful protein-modeling software called Rosetta. By offering molecular scientists a new, more accessible interface for using Rosetta, Cyrus shortens the platform's learning curve and allows more scientists and companies to make use of the revolutionary software. You can learn more by visiting their website: www.cyrusbio.com and follow them on Twitter @cyrusbiotech During this episode, Lucas and I discuss: —How his peers' entrepreneurial spirit shaped his own career path —His knack for recognizing problems and what drives him to take enterprising action toward solutions —How to balance the demands of starting your own company with life and relationships —Tips for aspiring entrepreneurs who want to create a life of meaning and purpose To learn more about turning meaningful wealth into a meaningful life filled with passion and purpose, connect with me on social media at @jcchristianson or send me an email at john@jcchristianson.com Music: "Day Is Gonna Come" by Royal Deluxe

On this episode of The Wealth Confidant, I talk with Bobbi Rebell, a Certified Financial Planner, award-winning journalist, and the host of two podcasts: Financial Grownup and Money in the Morning. She's also the author of the best-selling book, How To Be A Financial Grownup. It's a valuable resource for anyone looking to achieve financial freedom. In her work, Bobbi offers helpful money management advice and inspires her audience to embrace and navigate financial adulthood—what she calls becoming a “financial grownup.” If you'd like to learn more about Bobbi, head to her website, www.bobbirebell.com. I'm also excited to join her on an upcoming episode of the Financial Grownup Podcast to talk about my own money story and my new book, The Wealth Creator's Playbook: A Guide To Maximizing Your Return on Life and Money, available now on Amazon. In our conversation, Bobbi and I discuss: How to help kids transition to financial independence The economic hurdles millennials face and how their goals around money and wealth differ from their parents' Advice for handling money in marriage The importance of open communication around finances and inheritance The risks and rewards of pivoting your career To learn more about turning meaningful wealth into a meaningful life filled with passion and purpose, connect with me on social media at @jcchristianson or send me an email at john@jcchristianson.com Music: "Day Is Gonna Come" by Royal Deluxe

My guest today, Danielle Town, is a great example of someone who has put her money to work in a responsible way. Danielle is a former corporate startup attorney and now co-hosts the InvestED podcast with her father, Phil Town, noted investor and author of the bestselling book, Rule #1. Danielle's own book, Invested, is a twelve-month plan for financial freedom. She writes about her longtime aversion to investing and what motivated her to begin putting her money to work in a responsible way following Warren Buffett-style value investing philosophy. Danielle emphasizes that our feelings about money in the present can interfere with having a more prosperous future. Check out Invested to find practical tips for making the complex world of investing approachable. You can learn more about Danielle and her work at her website, danielletown.com On this episode, Danielle and I explore: The baggage that money can create That trust is vital to a positive investing experience How she changed her relationship to money The power of money and how to wield it for good If you've been enjoying The Wealth Confidant, I think you're going to love my new book, The Wealth Creator's Playbook: A Guide To Maximizing Your Return on Life and Money, available now on Amazon. To learn more about turning meaningful wealth into a meaningful life filled with passion and purpose, connect with me on social media at @jcchristianson or send me an email at john@jcchristianson.com Music: "Day Is Gonna Come" by Royal Deluxe

Not only is Mark Pattison a former NFL player, but he's also a passionate philanthropist and a successful businessman. Since his time playing for the L.A. Raiders and New Orleans Saints, Mark has climbed six of the Seven Summits. Once he climbs Mount Everest next year, he'll become the first NFL player to complete this amazing feat. Mark has used the principles, processes, and tools he's learned from mountaineering, the NFL, and his business ventures to create a coaching program that helps clients get off the sidelines to find their elevated purpose. I found a kindred spirit in Mark as we discussed the various summits we find ourselves traversing in life. On this episode, we explore: The importance of gratitude and finding meaning beyond money How vulnerability can lead to richer relationships and deeper connections Why you need a roadmap on your journey to find purpose That embracing fear and risk can lead to possibilities and answers How going the extra mile can make you a champion in all areas of your life You can learn more about Mark's work by visiting markpattisonnfl.com My new book, The Wealth Creator's Playbook: A Guide To Maximizing Your Return on Life and Money is out on March 31st. It's available now to pre-order from Amazon. To learn more about turning meaningful wealth into a meaningful life filled with passion and purpose, connect with me on social media at @jcchristianson or send me an email at john@jcchristianson.com Music: "Day Is Gonna Come" by Royal Deluxe

I'm excited to have Kendra VanderMeulen of NCF Northwest join me on this episode of the Wealth Confidant. Kendra is a veteran of the wireless telecommunications industry, having served as an Executive Vice-President at InfoSpace and as the Senior Vice-President and General Manager of the Wireless Data Division of AT&T Wireless. She is currently an active board member and advisor to a variety of companies in the wireless Internet arena. After an adrenaline-filled, three decade long career in tech, Kendra took a leap of faith and quit her job. Over the next two years, Kendra did some real soul searching, trying to determine what was next. She asked questions like, “Who am I if I'm not what's listed on my business card” and, “What is the money for?” That's when Kendra found NCF, or National Christian Foundation, and accepted a position as NCF Seattle's first President. NCF was a place that answered Kendra's questions and created an opportunity for her to put her gifts and talents towards helping other people into action. Since its inception in 1982, NCF has sent $10 billion to 55,000 charities all over the world. In 2017, NCF took in $1.8 billion, and gave away $1.4 billion in the same year. Talk about a staggering statistic of putting money into motion! NCF is a US non-profit organization that helps donors give more wisely and tax-efficiently to support their favorite charitable causes. NCF is a leader in accepting non-cash assets (for example real estate and business interests)and is the nation's largest provider of donor-advised funds focused primarily on faith-based givers. You can find out more about Kendra and read about all of the awesome things going on at NCF by visiting their website: ncfgiving.com During this episode, Kendra and I discuss: Her advice for wealth creators who are in the throes of their careers and want to begin their own journey of generosity. What it was like to be a woman in tech in the early days and how she successfully navigated challenges within the field. Her money history and what she's taught her kids about money. How she redefined success for herself. To learn more about turning meaningful wealth into a meaningful life filled with passion and purpose, connect with me on social media at @jcchristianson or send me an email at john@highlandprivate.com Music: "Day Is Gonna Come" by Royal Deluxe

On today's episode of the Wealth Confidant, I sit down with Duncan Campbell, a successful businessman turned philanthropist who was born to two alcoholic parents and grew up on welfare. At the age of nine, Duncan made a conscious decision to not be like his parents when he grew up. This became the catalyst for his later success. Campbell graduated from high school, paid his way through college and went on to become a certified public accountant. He quickly realized he didn't enjoy being a CPA and searched for ways to start his own business. Many of Duncan's clients were in the forest industry, and as they were suffering from a relatively low return on investment from their crops, Campbell saw an opportunity. Creating one of the first forest and nature resource investment firms in 1983, Campbell monetized timberland by managing it for large institutional investors. His firm, Campbell Global, is responsible for more than 3.1 million acres of land worldwide. After Duncan sold his company in the 90's, he decided to use a large portion of his new found wealth to start Friends of the Children, an organization provides paid mentors to at-risk children. Mentors, or friends, are paid professionals who develop relationships with inner-city kindergarteners or first-graders and maintain contact with the children through high school. If you'd like to find out more about Friends of the Children and the work that Duncan and his team are doing, check out their website: friendsofthechildren.org or follow them on Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn @friendsnational. To learn more about turning meaningful wealth into a meaningful life filled with passion and purpose, connect with me on social media at @jcchristianson or send me an email at john@highlandprivate.com Music: "Day Is Gonna Come" by Royal Deluxe

I find myself drawn to people who are on a mission to change the game and challenge old ways of thinking. Martina Welkhoff is one of those people. Martina is a serial entrepreneur whose entrepreneurial journey has resulted in many successful business ventures, including Zealyst and ConveneVR. Now, Martina is broadening her contribution as the co-founder of WXR fund. WXR is a venture fund investing in women-led startups that build the technologies foundational to the future of computing: virtual and augmented reality, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and blockchain. WXR also provides community infrastructure to support women leaders in emerging tech. The investment thesis is rooted in both social and economic impact: WXR aims to help build a more inclusive industry from the ground up and leverage the unique economic opportunity that current demographic imbalances create. You can learn more about Martina and WXR by visiting their website: www.wxrfund.com and following them on social media at @wxrfund. In this episode, Martina and I discuss: - Her hopes for gender equality - What she looks for in founders when making investment decisions for her fund - Tips for aspiring entrepreneurs who want to create a truly wealthy life To learn more about turning meaningful wealth into a meaningful life filled with passion and purpose, connect with me on social media at @jcchristianson or send me an email at john@highlandprivate.com Music: "Day Is Gonna Come" by Royal Deluxe

Today I want to talk about the power of "thank you." In March, I'm releasing my debut book -- it's called 'The Wealth Creator's Playbook,' and it's a guide to maximizing your return on life and your money. The main focus of the book is that we all have incredible gifts yet we live so much smaller and experience such a reduced level of return on our life than we were created for. Along this publishing journey, I came to the realization that there is no way I could have gotten to where I am without a handful of people. So I decided to send them a note with a small gift of appreciation, just to say thank you. It's way too easy to take where we are in life and make it all about ourselves. We aren't where we are because of our own efforts. Sure, we put in time and energy, but we also need support, mentorship, friendship, guidance, and introductions to get where we are. What would it look for you to just take a few minutes to say thanks? To learn more about turning meaningful wealth into a meaningful life filled with passion and purpose, connect with me on social media at @jcchristianson or send me an email at john@highlandprivate.com Music: "Day Is Gonna Come" by Royal Deluxe

On today's episode of the Wealth Confidant, I sit down with Tony Mestres, CEO of Seattle Foundation, one of the largest community foundations in the country. Seattle Foundation helps philanthropists unite passion and discipline to create lasting change. Did you know that the life expectancy of people in our richest zip codes is 14 years longer than those in our poorest? Seattle Foundation's goal is to do something about this disparity and translate their clients' passions, goals, and experience into a philanthropic plan that gives them the opportunity to maximize the impact of their wealth. Tony took the helm at Seattle Foundation four years ago following a 22-year career in tech. His last stint in the tech world was as a VP at Microsoft. While Tony thoroughly enjoyed his time there, he found himself questioning his life's journey and impact. In this episode, Tony and I talk about: - His philanthropic journey and why he ultimately decided to leave Microsoft - His advice to wealth creators - How we are expecting the largest wealth transfer in history over the next 30 years and why NOW is the time that we all need to pay attention to the wealth inequality in our country - Philanthropy pitfalls to look out for when creating your own charitable giving plan If you'd like to find out more about Seattle Foundation and the work that Tony and his team are doing, check out their website: www.seattlefoundation.org or follow them on Facebook or LinkedIn @seattlefoundation and Twitter @seattlefdn To learn more about turning meaningful wealth into a meaningful life filled with passion and purpose, connect with me on social media at @jcchristianson or send me an email at john@highlandprivate.com Music: "Day Is Gonna Come" by Royal Deluxe

The creation and appreciation of art is universal across countries, cultures, and classes, yet at the same time it's very personal. Does that make it worth studying, funding, or doing? Does art matter? These questions arise in conversations among community leaders, philanthropists, and educators. While they may not be asked so candidly, they are answered with the decisions we make and the direction we take as a society. My wife and I have been supporters of the arts for many years, and one of the organizations that we choose to support is Seattle Theatre Group (STG). Their mission is to create enriching experiences in the arts, engage diverse communities, and steward historic theaters. This organization wouldn't exist if it weren't for today's guest, Ida Cole. Before leaving her 22-year long career in the early 90's, Ida was the first female VP at Microsoft. Although she had reached significant financial success, she was determined to find more meaning and purpose in life. She began her new journey by traveling the world. Ida learned French in France, how to cook in Italy, and even worked on an archeological dig in Tunisia. Once she was back home, she attended a rock concert at the Paramount Theatre and was captivated by the historic charm and beauty of the space. She also noticed that it was beginning to fall apart. The Paramount Theatre had been an integral part of Seattle's history since its opening in 1928. It was a place where generations of Pacific Northwesterners attended movies, concerts, and Broadway musicals. It looked like its 65-year run had come to an end. As she saw other historic theaters being torn down all over the city, Ida decided to dedicate her efforts to the Paramount's survival by forming a group of investors made up of former Microsoft colleagues -- including Bill Gates himself. After a nearly $30 million renovation, the Paramount has been restored to its former glory and is now a thriving historic theatre in the heart of downtown Seattle. Seattle Theatre Group has continued stewardship of the theatre in Ida's vision. In addition to the Paramount, STG operates and maintains the historic Moore and Neptune Theatres. You can find out more about Ida Cole, Seattle Theatre Group, and The Paramount Theatre by visiting www.stgpresents.org. To learn more about turning meaningful wealth into a meaningful life filled with passion and purpose, connect with me on social media at @jcchristianson or send me an email at john@highlandprivate.com Music: "Day Is Gonna Come" by Royal Deluxe

My goal is to help wealth creators become more conscious of their emotional responses to money, taking into account their financial history and how it plays out in their current relationship to money and wealth. That's why I created the The Money EQ Assessment. This assessment provides a framework for understanding how and why you're feeling the way you are about wealth and assurance that these feelings are normal. Examining where you fit within the four areas of Money EQ can open pathways to a healthier emotional relationship with money. It's important to emphasize that our Money EQ isn't a number. It's a set of emotions related to money that drive your behaviors around finances. Some of us sail through decisions concerning money with confidence, while others struggle. Each of us has a unique emotional relationship with financial resources — one that is influenced by a host of attitudes, opinions, and past experiences. These elements predispose us to living a life where money works in a positive way to achieve our goals, or one where money works against us, leaving us feeling uncomfortable or unfulfilled. I invite you to take the Money EQ Assessment online at www.jcchristianson.com/assessment and gain a better understanding of your own emotional intelligence when it comes to money. To learn more about turning meaningful wealth into a meaningful life filled with passion and purpose, connect with me on social media at @jcchristianson or send me an email at john@highlandprivate.com Music: "Day Is Gonna Come" by Royal Deluxe

At the ripe-old age of 27, Sebastian Terry realized that like most people, he had not achieved anything on his long-forgotten bucket list. After the unexpected death of a close friend, Sebastian decided to put pen to paper and create his list. He called it 100 Things and decided to set out on a journey to check items off the list. 100 Things eventually turned into an internationally published book, a Discovery Networks documentary, and, most importantly, an interactive website for people to share their goals and inspire others to chase their dreams. Sebastian's latest project is called Kindsum. Kindsum is a meeting place for human kindness. The organization offers peer-to-peer helping opportunities for non-financial acts of kindness. You can find out more about Sebastian by following him on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram: @seb100things. And make sure you sign up for his newsletter at: www.kindsum.com. To learn more about turning meaningful wealth into a meaningful life filled with passion and purpose, connect with me on social media at @jcchristianson or send me an email at john@highlandprivate.com Music: "Day Is Gonna Come" by Royal Deluxe

Steve Fleischmann has tenacity, perseverance, and inspiration in spades. Steve is a four-time prostate cancer survivor who now balances his time with his family, playing a variety of different sports, fundraising for cancer research, and advocating for cancer patients. Steve was 47 when he was first diagnosed with prostate cancer during a routine checkup in 2003. After talking with friends and doing his own research, Steve sought the care of Seattle Cancer Care Alliance's Prostate Oncology Center specialist Dr. Paul Lange. You can learn more Seattle Cancer Care Alliance at www.seattlecca.org. Steve established Survivors Celebration Breakfast, the first (and only) fundraiser for prostate cancer research. In past years, Colin Powell, Lance Armstrong, and The Tenors have all wowed the event's crowd. So far, Steve and his team have raised over $9 million dollars. Steve has also coached and mentored inmates at penitentiaries all over the world on how to create a life of meaning and purpose. This inspired Steve to create (and fund) a program called University Beyond Bars, similar to the Big Brothers, Big Sisters program, where he trains those who are serving life sentences to mentor younger inmates. During my conversation with Steve, we discuss the importance of: - Authenticity - Living in the moment - Helping others - How taking risks brings purpose and value to life To learn more about turning meaningful wealth into a meaningful life filled with passion and purpose, connect with me on social media at @jcchristianson or send me an email at john@highlandprivate.com Music: "Day Is Gonna Come" by Royal Deluxe

Finishing my book manuscript has been an all-consuming emotional and practical project that took all of me. I'm proud of the work I've completed, but it didn't happen without a ton of anxiety and stress. In this Wealth Creator Moment, I'll share a few things that I'm doing to try to reduce my stress and anxiety. I hope this encourages you to think about how you can reduce stress and anxiety in your own life. To learn more about turning meaningful wealth into a meaningful life filled with passion and purpose, connect with me on social media at @jcchristianson or send me an email at john@highlandprivate.com Music: "Day Is Gonna Come" by Royal Deluxe

On today's episode, I talk with Dan Martin, President of Seattle Pacific University. SPU's mission is to engage the culture and change the world. During our conversation, we discuss: - Seattle Pacific's unique approach to teaching the next generation of wealth creators. - Challenges he's facing as the leader of a private, liberal arts school in the center of Seattle, a high growth market. - Advice for a “Type A,” hard driving, or what I refer to as an aspiring wealth creator To learn more about turning meaningful wealth into a meaningful life filled with passion and purpose, connect with me on social media at @jcchristianson or send me an email at john@highlandprivate.com Music: "Day Is Gonna Come" by Royal Deluxe

Money can be an instigator of stress on relationships. This can come in the form of spending issues, budget problems, and sometimes a lack of appreciation, especially around gifts. Money can be used for manipulation and control. Sometimes money is placed above relationships in regards to importance. All of these things can create wounds in our heart toward people that we care about. What we're left with is resentment and a lack of forgiveness in most cases. I want to leave you with a question: Who is it that you need to forgive today? To learn more about turning meaningful wealth into a meaningful life filled with passion and purpose, connect with me on social media at @jcchristianson or send me an email at john@highlandprivate.com Music: "Day Is Gonna Come" by Royal Deluxe

Reetu Gupta is living the American dream. She grew up in a tiny town in Northern India and against all odds, she found her way to an education and a job at a software company. In the late 90's, she immigrated to the U.S. with a job offer from AT&T Wireless. Arriving with two suitcases and $2,000 in hand, she marched boldly into the land of opportunity. Reetu started as a principal software engineer and climbed the corporate ladder at Honeywell. Reetu has also authored several user interface patents in aerospace cockpit technology. As if that wasn't enough, Reetu went on to get her MBA from the University of Washington and is the founder and CEO of CirkedIn. After spending several weeks helping her daughter fill out applications for a prestigious private school, Reetu was shocked by how much time it took to compile her daughter's notable achievements and activities. She grew frustrated that there wasn't a good solution for students to document and showcase their work, so she decided to do something about it! CirkledIn can be described simply as LinkedIn for high school students -- it helps students highlight their accomplishments and facilitates universities' recruitment process. We live in a digital age where colleges and employers are looking beyond test scores to students' holistic skills and achievements. Did you know that many colleges and universities have now made SAT/ACT optional? Instead of looking at these test scores, college admission officers are looking at an applicant's social media presence. This made Reetu think, “Why not take charge of the situation and showcase your best self?” Whether it's playing soccer or being on the student body council, every experience develops your personality and builds essential skills. By including all significant achievements and activities, CirkledIn highlights a candidate's holistic strengths and talents. Since its launch, CirkledIn has partnered with dozens of schools and youth organizations and is used by thousands of students. This conversation left me buzzing because of the energy that this Reetu gives off. You can't help but be inspired by her tenacity to achieve her life's dreams. She's a testament to one of my favorite statements, "anything is possible." Not only does she believe it, but she embodies it -- and so can you. Is the return on your life lower than your want? If so, consider raising the bar and pushing yourself to experience life in a richer way. To learn more about turning meaningful wealth into a meaningful life filled with passion and purpose, connect with me on social media at @jcchristianson or send me an email at john@highlandprivate.com Music: "Day Is Gonna Come" by Royal Deluxe

Over the last five years, my calling has evolved in the money and life space -- I have an opportunity to share what I've learned in my career through observing wealth creators and the issues they face. I felt that writing a book was part of that journey, so I decided to hire an editor to help me develop a book proposal. There have been many instances in my life where I've thought about things I want to do but never step off the curb and move forward. What held me back? I was continually thinking about the reasons why I couldn't do it and the time it was going to take. So I want to leave you with a couple of questions to ponder around this subject of failure, identity, and holding some of these outcomes loosely. 1. Which outcomes in your life are you trying to control instead of just letting them happen? 2. Is there a different outcome that might be even better than one you imagined? 3. Is your identity too wrapped up in ideal outcomes? If so, how can you loosen that grip? To learn more about turning meaningful wealth into a meaningful life filled with passion and purpose, connect with me on social media at @jcchristianson or send me an email at john@highlandprivate.com Music: "Day Is Gonna Come" by Royal Deluxe

I'm always drawn to people who are on intentional journeys of self discovery and growth. Mastin Kipp is a self proclaimed, "Disciple of Depth". I love that, especially as someone who seeks out meaningful conversations. Mastin's vulnerability and focus is a breath of fresh air. Mastin has built a highly successful international personal development company that helps people create rapid change, connect to who they really are with passion and purpose. Through his writing, online courses, in-person seminars and international retreats, Mastin has worked with over two million people in over 100 countries around the world. Oprah recently named Mastin “one of 100 awakened leaders who are using their voices and talent to elevate humanity,” alongside other teachers such as Tony Robbins, and Dr. Brené Brown, to name just a few. Check out his website, www.mastinkipp.com, to learn more. To learn more about turning meaningful wealth into a meaningful life filled with passion and purpose, connect with me on social media at @jcchristianson or send me an email at john@highlandprivate.com Music: "Day Is Gonna Come" by Royal Deluxe

Heather Tuininga is a woman on a mission. Heather's mission is to help people and organizations figure out what they're passionate about and then make an impact in those areas. A few years ago, my wife and I knew that we wanted to be more generous, but we were struggling with determining which causes we wanted to give to. Thankfully, we crossed paths with Heather and she took us on what she calls a “heart tour.” Heather knew from a young age that working toward a greater good was something she enjoyed doing. She began her career in philanthropy at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, where she learned about generosity from Bill Gates Sr.. Heather earned the opportunity to travel all over the globe with Gates, to places like India and Africa. Since her time at the Gates Foundation, Heather started her own consulting practice where she works with people, families, and organizations to develop long-lasting philanthropic plans. Heather has been recognized numerous times for her work in the philanthropy space. Most recently, she was named by 425 Magazine as one of their Women to Watch. You can find out more about Heather and read about the generosity capers she's inspired by visiting her website, www.1010strategies.com. To learn more about turning meaningful wealth into a meaningful life filled with passion and purpose, connect with me on social media at @jcchristianson or send me an email at john@highlandprivate.com Music: "Day Is Gonna Come" by Royal Deluxe

Darin Leonard had it all: a high powered career at a well known corporation and unbelievable success at a very young age. As he gained more recognition at work, he found he was getting more criticism at home. He wasn't present for his wife and kids. His marriage was falling apart. After a series of tragic events, Darin left his corporate gig to “rebalance” his Life Portfolio. On this episode, Darin shares the wisdom he gained during his career transition as well as his advice around teaching kids about money. I also heard about his love for youth sports, coaching, and helping boys develop into young men. We both share a love of baseball and understand how sports coaching can influence boys and girls positively. Today, Darin is the CEO of Dream Dinners. This unique company brings families together around the dinner table. Have you ever wondered why millennials are the way they are? Darin thinks it's because they're the first generation to grow up without a dinner table and he's made it his mission to bring it back. Dream Dinners provides everything needed to assemble great dinners to enjoy as you relax and talk about the events of the day. Their services offer freedom from planning and preparing meals night after night. In 2005, Dream Dinners established their foundation out of a deep commitment to serve local communities. Dream Dinners has served well over 100 million meals throughout the U.S. and their foundation has assembled approximately 1.5 million meals since 2012 that have been distributed in the U.S., Haiti, and Tanzania. You can find out more about this inspiring company by visiting their website: www.dreamdinners.com To learn more about turning meaningful wealth into a meaningful life filled with passion and purpose, connect with me on social media at @jcchristianson or send me an email at john@highlandprivate.com Music: "Day Is Gonna Come" by Royal Deluxe

Whitney Johnson and I first met each other several years ago through social media. She had published her very first book, 'Dare, Dream, Do,' and was working on her second book, "Disrupt Yourself." We've since had the pleasure of getting together in person and supporting each other in our respective endeavors. I'm happy to share that today we'll be discussing Whitney's third book, 'Build an A-Team.' Through writing, speaking, consulting and coaching, Whitney works with leaders to help them retain their top talent, build an A-team, and be a boss people love. Whitney was the co-founder of the Disruptive Innovation Fund with Harvard's Clayton Christensen. Recognized as one of the 50 leading business thinkers in the world (Thinkers50), Whitney Johnson is an expert on corporate innovation and personal disruption. You can learn more about Whitney by visiting: www.whitneyjohnson.com If you're interested in taking the Disruption Diagnostic visit: www.whitneyjohnson.com/diagnostic To learn more about turning meaningful wealth into a meaningful life filled with passion and purpose, connect with me on social media at @jcchristianson or send me an email at john@highlandprivate.com Music: "Day Is Gonna Come" by Royal Deluxe

When it comes to life, how does risk come into play? Through my work with wealth and life coaching clients, I've found that risk is harder to embrace than most people expect. There are often different parts of our life we want to change, whether that be relationship issues, boredom, lack of joy, or even our legacy. Becoming the people we want to be requires risk and vulnerability. At some level, we're exposing who we are; stepping into the unknown. So here's a challenge from me to you: Give yourself the freedom to dream of a richer life. Grab your journal and give yourself an opportunity to answer the question, “If I could do anything, what would it be?” To learn more about turning meaningful wealth into a meaningful life filled with passion and purpose, connect with me on social media at @jcchristianson or send me an email at john@highlandprivate.com Music: "Day Is Gonna Come" by Royal Deluxe

Smart employers know that when you pay right, you attract and retain the best talent. Smart employees know that it's important to understand what your skills are worth in the marketplace. In today's world, that equation can change rapidly, especially in tech hotbeds like Seattle, San Francisco, and New York. Mike Metzger is the CEO of PayScale, the world's leading provider of precise, on-demand compensation data. It's their mission to empower employers and employees to have better conversations around pay. More than 6,500 customers, from small businesses to Fortune 500 companies, use PayScale to power pay decisions for over 18 million employees. You can find out more about Payscale by visiting their website: www.payscale.com To learn more about turning meaningful wealth into a meaningful life filled with passion and purpose, connect with me on social media at @jcchristianson or send me an email at john@highlandprivate.com Music: "Day Is Gonna Come" by Royal Deluxe

In this Wealth Creator Moment, I share some of the challenges and successes I've experienced around writing my first book. I believe this book is a big part of my purpose or calling to help people turn meaningful wealth into a meaningful life. How can you take action toward your goals and trust the process in spite of fear and anxiety? To learn more about turning meaningful wealth into a meaningful life filled with passion and purpose, connect with me on social media at @jcchristianson or send me an email at john@highlandprivate.com Music: "Day Is Gonna Come" by Royal Deluxe

This episode is coming to you "live" from MiiR's headquarters in the Fremont neighborhood of Seattle! Bryan Pape is the Founder and CEO of MiiR, a Product to Project™ company. Becca Pape is MiiR's Director of Impact (she decides which projects to invest in and get involved with). MiiR exists to provide people with access to a better future through trackable giving. They've formed partnerships with many well known brands such as Patagonia, Starbucks, Splash, and Water First. Their products range from bikes and bags to drinkware. Make sure you check them out at www.miir.com To learn more about turning meaningful wealth into a meaningful life filled with passion and purpose, connect with me on social media at @jcchristianson or send me an email at john@highlandprivate.com Music: "Day Is Gonna Come" by Royal Deluxe

In this Wealth Creator Moment, I want to continue explaining the concept of the Life Portfolio. There are seven different "stocks" that make up your Life Portfolio. Similar to what we look for in traditional investing, we want a well-balanced, well-diversified, successful portfolio to create the maximum return on your life. This is the second of a two part series. Be sure to go back and listen to Part 1 if you missed it. Your Life Portfolio: #1 Financial Capital #2 Vocational Capital #3 Social Capital #4 Experiential Capital #5 Physiological Capital #6 Intellectual Capital #7 Spiritual Capital To learn more about turning meaningful wealth into a meaningful life filled with passion and purpose, connect with me on social media at @jcchristianson or send me an email at john@highlandprivate.com Music: "Day Is Gonna Come" by Royal Deluxe

On today's episode, I talk with Andy Hnilo, Founder and CEO of Alitura Naturals, a high growth skin care company based in Glendale, CA. Andy started Alitura Naturals after a car accident that left him in the hospital with a collapsed lung, broken ribs, and a severe compound fracture of his jaw, which was broken in five places. As someone who had always made a living based on his appearance and ability to perform physically demanding tasks, the accident had far-reaching complications. Instead of giving up, Andy decided to address his injuries from inside and out -- that's when Alitura was born. To learn more about turning meaningful wealth into a meaningful life filled with passion and purpose, connect with me on social media at @jcchristianson or send me an email at john@highlandprivate.com Music: "Day Is Gonna Come" by Royal Deluxe

In this Wealth Creator Moment, I want to introduce the concept of a Life Portfolio and its seven different "stocks." In Part 1, I'll cover the first four components: #1 Financial Capital #2 Vocational Capital #3 Social Capital #4 Experiential Capital To learn more about turning meaningful wealth into a meaningful life filled with passion and purpose, connect with me on social media at @jcchristianson or send me an email at john@highlandprivate.com Music: "Day Is Gonna Come" by Royal Deluxe

On this Wealth Creator Moment, I explore how to find your own unique calling and bring your highest contribution to the world. 1 - Look to Your Past. 2 - Forgive Yourself...and Others. 3 - Dream Big! To learn more about turning meaningful wealth into a meaningful life filled with passion and purpose, connect with me on social media at @jcchristianson or send me an email at john@highlandprivate.com Music: "Day Is Gonna Come" by Royal Deluxe

Are you looking for a stronger connection to your life's purpose? If so, I encourage you to listen to my conversation with Bob Goff. Bob is a New York Times best-selling author, speaker, and encourager of millions. After 25+ years as a lawyer, Bob saw a need in India and decided to do something about it by founding the organization Love Does. Love Does aims to “find daring, productive, and effective ways to fight the injustices committed against children.” 100% of every dollar given to this organization goes directly into funding their international programs. Bob also has a best-selling book named after the organization. During our conversation, Bob and I talk about the importance of connection, doing work that matters, and making a lasting impact. Bob's first book was very impactful for both my wife and me. His second book, 'Everybody, Always: Becoming Love in a World Full of Setbacks and Difficult People' comes out next month. You can find out more about Bob by visiting his website: www.bobgoff.com To learn more about turning meaningful wealth into a meaningful life filled with passion and purpose, connect with me on social media at @jcchristianson or send me an email at john@highlandprivate.com Music: "Day Is Gonna Come" by Royal Deluxe

On this episode of The Wealth Confidant Podcast, I talk with Cliff Feigenbaum, creator of The Green Money Journal. Cliff started The Green Money Journal 25 years ago to provide readers with information about how to align their money and values. This publication encourages and promotes the awareness of sustainable business, investing, and consumer resources also known as Socially Responsible Investing or SRI. You can learn more at www.greenmoneyjournal.com To learn more about turning meaningful wealth into a meaningful life filled with passion and purpose, connect with me on social media at @jcchristianson or send me an email at john@highlandprivate.com Music: "Day Is Gonna Come" by Royal Deluxe

On the second Wealth Creator Moment, I dive into another section of the Life Portfolio and share my thoughts on the importance of taking care of your emotional health. To learn more about turning meaningful wealth into a meaningful life filled with passion and purpose, connect with me on social media at @jcchristianson or send me an email at john@highlandprivate.com Music: "Day Is Gonna Come" by Royal Deluxe

Today's guest is the former president of Starbucks Coffee Company, Howard Behar. During his 21 year tenure as president, Howard participated in the growth of the company from only 28 stores to over 15,000 stores spanning five continents. Since retiring, Howard has written two popular books on leadership: 'The Magic Cup' and 'It's Not About the Coffee.' You can learn more about his work by visiting Howard's website: www.howardbehar.com. During my conversation with Howard, we discuss: - Howard's perspective on topics such as: servant leadership, work/life integration, and finding your “why” - His advice for those approaching retirement or a major career transition - Top tips for a successful marriage and how to teach children about money To learn more about turning meaningful wealth into a meaningful life filled with passion and purpose, connect with me on social media at @jcchristianson or send me an email at john@highlandprivate.com Music: "Day Is Gonna Come" by Royal Deluxe

In the first installment of the Wealth Creator Moment, I share five tips for making 2018 your best financial year yet: 1. Understand the "all-in" cost of your financial advisory relationship. 2. Align your portfolio with your values. 3. Understand the risk you are taking in your investment portfolio. 4. Ask your advisor what other services they provide that you could be taking advantage of. 5. Ask yourself if you have the right professional team. To learn more about turning meaningful wealth into a meaningful life filled with passion and purpose, connect with me on social media at @jcchristianson or send me an email at john@highlandprivate.com Music: "Day Is Gonna Come" by Royal Deluxe