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Purpose, trust and laughter matter.  SUMMARY Dr. Heather Wilson '82, former secretary of the U.S. Air Force, and Gen. Dave Goldfein '83, former chief of staff of the Air Force, highlight the human side of leadership — honoring family, listening actively and using humility and humor to build strong teams. Their book, Get Back Up: Lessons in Servant Leadership, challenges leaders to serve first and lead with character.   SHARE THIS PODCAST LINKEDIN  |  FACEBOOK    TOP 10 LEADERSHIP TAKEAWAYS FROM THIS EPISODE Leadership Is a Gift and a Burden – Leaders are entrusted with the well-being and development of others, but that privilege entails tough, sometimes lonely, responsibilities. Servant Leadership – True leadership is about enabling and supporting those you lead, not seeking personal advancement or recognition. Influence and Teamwork – Lasting change comes from pairing authority with influence and working collaboratively; no leader succeeds alone. Embrace Failure and Own Mistakes – Effective leaders accept institutional and personal failures and use them as learning and teaching moments. Family Matters – Great leaders recognize the significance of family (their own and their team's) and demonstrate respect and flexibility for personal commitments. Be Data-Driven and Strategic – Borrow frameworks that suit the mission, be clear about goals, and regularly follow up to ensure progress. Listening Is Active – Truly listening, then responding openly and honestly—even when you can't “fix” everything—builds trust and respect. Humility and Curiosity – Never stop learning or questioning; continual self-improvement is a hallmark of strong leaders. Celebrate and Share Credit – Spread praise to those working behind the scenes; leadership is not about personal glory, but lifting others. Resilience and Leading by Example – “Getting back up” after setbacks inspires teams; how a leader recovers can motivate others to do the same.   CHAPTERS 0:00:00 - Introduction and Welcome 0:00:21 - Guest Backgrounds and Family Legacies 0:02:57 - Inspiration for Writing the Book 0:05:00 - Defining Servant Leadership 0:07:46 - Role Models and Personal Examples   CONNECT WITH THE LONG BLUE LINE PODCAST NETWORK TEAM Ted Robertson | Producer and Editor:  Ted.Robertson@USAFA.org Send your feedback or nominate a guest: socialmedia@usafa.org   Ryan Hall | Director:  Ryan.Hall@USAFA.org  Bryan Grossman | Copy Editor:  Bryan.Grossman@USAFA.org Wyatt Hornsby | Executive Producer:  Wyatt.Hornsby@USAFA.org      ALL PAST LBL EPISODES  |  ALL LBLPN PRODUCTIONS AVAILABLE ON ALL MAJOR PODCAST PLATFORMS     FULL TRANSCRIPT SPEAKERS Host: Lt. Col. (Ret.) Naviere Walkewicz '99 Guests: Dr. Heather Wilson '82, former Secretary of the U.S. Air Force, and former Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. (Ret.) Dave Goldfein '83  Naviere Walkewicz 0:09 Welcome to Focus on Leadership, our accelerated leadership series. I'm your host, Naviere Walkewicz, Class of '99. I'm honored to welcome two exceptional leaders whose careers and friendship have helped shape the modern Air Force, while inspiring thousands to serve with purpose and courage. Our guests today are Dr. Heather Wilson, USAFA Class of '82, the 24th secretary of the Air Force, now president at the University of Texas El Paso. And Gen. Dave Goldfein, Class of '83, the 21st chief of staff of the Air Force. Both are United States Air Force Academy distinguished graduates. Together, they've written Get Back Up: Lessons in Servant Leadership, a powerful reflection on resilience, humility and the courage to lead to adversity. And our conversation today will dive deeply into the lessons they learned at the highest levels of command and in public service, and what it means to serve others first. Thank you for being here. Gen. Dave Goldfein 1:08 Thank you for having us. Naviere Walkewicz 1:09 Absolutely. This is truly an honor. And I mentioned that I read this incredible book, and I'm so excited for us to jump into it, but before we do, I think it's really important for people to know you more than the secretary and the chief. I mean chief, so Gen. Goldfein, you came from an Air Force family. Your dad was a colonel, and ma'am, your grandpa was a civil aviator, but you really didn't have any other military ties. Dr. Heather Wilson 1:29 Well, my grandfather was one of the first pilots in the RAF in World War I, then came to America, and in World War II, flew for his new country in the Civil Air Patrol. My dad enlisted by that a high school and was a crew chief between the end of the Second World War and the start of Korea, and then he went back home and became a commercial aviator and a mechanic. Naviere Walkewicz 1:52 I love that. So your lines run deep. So maybe you can share more and let our listeners get to know you more personally. What would you like to share in this introduction of Gen. Goldfein and Dr. Wilson? Gen. Dave Goldfein 2:02 Well, I'll just tell you that if you know much about Air Force culture you know we all get call signs, right. Nicknames, right? I got a new one the day I retired, and you get to use it. It's JD, which stands for “Just Dave.” Naviere Walkewicz 2:17 Just Dave! Yes, sir. JD. I will do my best for that to roll off my tongue. Yes, sir. Gen. Dave Goldfein 2:25 And I will just say congratulations to you for your two sons who are currently at the Academy. How cool is that? Naviere Walkewicz 2:31 Thank you. We come from a Long Blue Line family. My dad was a grad, my uncle, my brother and sister, my two boys. So if I get my third son, he'll be class of 2037, so, we'll see. We've got some time. Gen. Dave Goldfein 2:41 We have grandchildren. Matter of fact, our book is dedicated to grandchildren and they don't know it yet, but at least on my side, they're Class of 2040 and 2043 at the Air Force Academy. Naviere Walkewicz 2:52 OK, so my youngest will be cadre for them. Excellent. Excellent. Dr. Heather Wilson 2:57 And my oldest granddaughter is 4, so I think we'll wait a little bit and see what she wants to do. Naviere Walkewicz 3:04 Yes, ma'am. All right. Well, let's jump in. You just mentioned that you wrote the book primarily for your film book. Is that correct? Gen. Dave Goldfein 3:09 Yes. Naviere Walkewicz 3:10 How did you decide to do this now together? Because you both have incredible stories. Dr. Heather Wilson 3:14 Well, two years ago, we were actually up in Montana with Barbara and Craig Barrett, who —  Barbara succeeded me as secretary of the Air Force. And our families, all six of us are quite close, and we were up there, and Dave was telling stories, and I said, “You know, you need to write some of these down.” And we talked about it a little bit, and he had tried to work with another co-author at one time and it just didn't work out really well. And I said, “Well, what if we do it together, and we focus it on young airmen, on lessons learned in leadership. And the other truth is, we were so tired of reading leadership books by Navy SEALs, you know, and so can we do something together? It turned out to be actually more work than I thought it would be for either of us, but it was also more fun.   Naviere Walkewicz 3:59 How long did it take you from start to finish? Dr. Heather Wilson 4:02 Two years. Naviere Walkewicz 4:03 Two years? Excellent. And are you — where it's landed? Are you just so proud? Is it what you envisioned when you started? Gen. Dave Goldfein 4:10 You know, I am, but I will also say that it's just come out, so the initial response has been fantastic, but I'm really eager to see what the longer term response looks like, right? Did it resonate with our intended tenant audience? Right? Did the young captains that we had a chance to spend time with at SOS at Maxwell last week, right? They lined up forever to get a copy. But the real question is, did the stories resonate? Right? Do they actually give them some tools that they can use in their tool bag? Same thing with the cadets that we were privileged to spend time with the day. You know, they energized us. I mean, because we're looking at the we're looking at the future of the leadership of this country. And if, if these lessons in servant leadership can fill their tool bag a little bit, then we'll have hit the mark. Naviere Walkewicz 5:07 Yes, sir, yes. Ma'am. Well, let's jump right in then. And you talked about servant leadership. How would you describe it? Each of you, in your own words, Dr. Heather Wilson 5:15 To me, one of the things, important things about servant leadership is it's from the bottom. As a leader, your job is to enable the people who are doing the work. So in some ways, you know, people think that the pyramid goes like this, that it's the pyramid with the point at the top, and in servant leadership, it really is the other way around. And as a leader, one of the most important questions I ask my direct reports — I have for years — is: What do you need from me that you're not getting? And I can't print money in the basement, but what do you need from me that you're not getting? How, as a leader, can I better enable you to accomplish your piece of the mission. And I think a good servant leader is constantly thinking about, how do I — what can I do to make it easier for the people who are doing the job to get the mission done? Gen. Dave Goldfein 6:08 And I'd offer that the journey to becoming an inspirational servant leader is the journey of a lifetime. I'm not sure that any of us actually ever arrive. I'm not the leader that I want to be, but I'm working on it. And I think if we ever get to a point where we feel like we got it all figured out right, that we know exactly what this whole leadership gig is, that may be a good time to think about retiring, because what that translates to is perhaps at that point, we're not listening, we're not learning, we're not growing, we're not curious — all the things that are so important. The first chapter in the book is titled, Am I worthy? And it's a mirror-check question that we both came to both individually and together as secretary and chief. It's a mere check that you look at and say, “All right, on this lifelong journey to become an inspirational servant leader, am I worthy of the trust and confidence of the parents who have shared their sons and daughters with the United States Air Force and expecting us to lead with character and courage and confidence? Am I worthy of the gift that followers give to leaders? Am I earning that gift and re-earning it every single day by how I act, how I treat others?” You know, that's the essence of servant leadership that we try to bring forward in the book. Naviere Walkewicz 7:38 Right? Can you recall when you first saw someone exhibiting servant leadership in your life? Dr. Heather Wilson 7:46 Good question. It's a question of role models. Maj. William S. Reeder was my first air officer commanding here. And while I think I can probably think of some leaders in my community, you know, people who were school principals or those kind of things, I think Maj. Reeder terrified me because they didn't want to disappoint him. And he had — he was an Army officer who had been shot down as a prisoner of war in Vietnam. He still had some lingering issues. Now, I think he had broken his leg or his back or something, and so you could tell that he still carried with him the impact of that, but he had very high expectations of us and we didn't want to disappoint him. And I think he was a pretty good role model. Gen. Dave Goldfein 8:47 You know, one of the things we say at the very end of the book is that we both married up. We both married incredible leaders, servant leaders in their own right. So in my case, I married my high school sweetheart, and we've now been together almost 43 years, coming up on 43. And when you talk about servant leadership, you know, very often we don't give military spouses enough credit for the enormous courage that they have when they deal with the separations, the long hours, very often not talked about enough, the loneliness that comes with being married to someone who's in the military. And so I just give a shout out to every military spouse that's out there and family to thank them for that very special kind of courage that equates to servant leadership on their part. Naviere Walkewicz 9:47 Excellent. Those are both really great examples, and I think, as our listeners are engaging with this, they're going to start to think about those people in their lives as well, through your descriptions. Early in the book, you make this statement: “Leadership is a gift and a burden.” Might you both expand on that?   Dr. Heather Wilson 10:03 So it's a gift in that it's a gift that's given to you by those whom you are privileged to lead, and it's not just an institution that, you know, it's not just the regents of the University of Texas who have said, “Yes, you're going to be the president of the University of Texas at El Paso.” It is those who follow me who have given me gift of their loyalty and their service and their time. It's a burden, because some days are hard days, and you have to make hard calls based on values to advance the mission and, as chief and service secretary, there are no easy decisions that come walking into that part of the Pentagon. The easy decisions are all made before it gets to the service secretary and chief and so. So there is that responsibility of trying to do well difficult things. And I think sometimes those are lonely decisions. Gen. Dave Goldfein 11:09 And I think as a leader of any organization, part of what can be the burden is if you care deeply about the institution, then you carry the burden of any failures of that institution, both individuals who fall short, or the institution itself. And we face some of those, and we talk about that in the book. One of our chapters is on Sutherland Springs and owning failure. There was no dodge in that. And there was, quite frankly, there was an opportunity for us to actually showcase and teach others how to take ownership when the institution falls short and fails, right? And you know, one of the interesting elements of the relationship between a secretary and a chief is that if you go back and look at the law and read the job description of the chief of staff of the Air Force, it basically says, “Run the air staff and do what the secretary tells you.” I'm not making that up. Because most of the decision authority of the institution resides in the civilian control, the military civilian secretary. So almost all authority and decision authority resides with the secretary. What the chief position brings is 30 years in the institution that very often can bring credibility and influence. And what we determined early in our tenure was that if we were going to move the ball, if we were going to actually move the service in a positive direction, neither of us could do it alone. We had to do it together. We had to use this combination of authority and influence to be able to move the institution forward. And so that was a — and we talked a lot about that, you know, in the book, and it sort of runs throughout our stories. You know, that that trust matters. Naviere Walkewicz 12:59 Absolutely. We're going to visit that towards the end of our conversation, because there's a particular time before you both — before you became the chief and before you became the service secretary, when you met up together. And I want to visit that a little bit. But before we do, Gen. Goldfein — JD — you shared a story in the book, and obviously we want everyone to read it, so I'm not going to go tell the whole story, but you know where you took off one more time than you landed, and you had to, you know, you were hit, you had to evade and then you had to be rescued. There was a particular statement you made to identify yourself. And many of our Long Blue Line members will know this: fast, neat, average, friendly, good, good. In that moment of watching the sun start to rise while you're waiting to be retrieved, how did that come to your mind? Of all the things you could be thinking of to identify yourself? Gen. Dave Goldfein 13:53 Well, you know, it's interesting. So, you know, for those who've never, you know, had gone through a high-speed ejection, people asked me, what was like? I said, “Well, I used to be 6-foot-3. This is all that's left, right?” And you know, my job once I was on the ground was, quite frankly, not to goof it up. To let the rescue team do what the rescue team needed to do, and to play my part, which was to put them at the least amount of risk and be able to get out before the sun came up. And at the very end of the rescue when the helicopters — where I was actually vectoring them towards my location. And I had a compass in my hand, and I had my eyes closed, and I was just listening to the chopper noise and then vectoring them based on noise. And then eventually we got them to come and land, you know, right in front of me. Well, they always teach you, and they taught me here at the Academy during SERE training, which I think has been retitled, but it was SERE when we went through it, survival training. Now, I believe they teach you, “Hey, listen, you need to be nonthreatening, because the rescue team needs to know that you're not — this is not an ambush, that you are actually who you say you are. Don't hold up a weapon, be submissive and authenticate yourself. Well, to authenticate myself required me to actually try my flashlight. And I could see the enemy just over the horizon. And as soon as the helicopter landed, the enemy knew exactly where we were, and they came and running, and they came shooting, and they were raking the tree line with bullets. And so, you know, what I needed to do was to figure out a way to do an authentication. And I just, what came to mind was that training all those years ago, right here at the Academy, and I just said, “I could use a fast, neat, average rescue,” and friendly, good, good was on the way. Naviere Walkewicz 15:53 Wow, I just got chill bumps. Dr. Wilson, have you ever had to use that same kind of term, or, you know, reaching out to a grad in your time frequently? Dr. Heather Wilson 16:04 Yes, ma'am. And, you know, even in the last week, funny — I had an issue that I had to, I won't go into the details, but where there was an issue that might affect the reputation, not only of the university, but of one of our major industry partners, and it wasn't caused by either of us, but there was kind of a, kind of a middle person that was known to us that may not have been entirely acting with integrity. And I just looked up the company. The CEO is an Academy grad. So I picked up the phone and I called the office and we had a conversation. And I said, “Hey, I'd like to have a conversation with you, grad to grad.” And I said, “There are some issues here that I don't need to go into the details, but where I think you and I need to be a little careful about our reputations and what matters is my relationship as the university with you and your company and what your company needs in terms of talent. But wanted to let you know something that happened and what we're doing about it, but I wanted to make sure that you and I are clear.” And it was foundation of values that we act with integrity and we don't tolerate people who won't. Naviere Walkewicz 17:30 Yes, ma'am, I love that. The Long Blue Line runs deep that way, and that's a great example. JD, you spoke about, in the book, after the rescue — by the way, the picture in there of that entire crew was amazing. I love that picture. But you talked about getting back up in the air as soon as possible, without any pomp and circumstance. “Just get me back in the air and into the action.” I'd like to visit two things. One, you debriefed with the — on the check ride, the debrief on the check ride and why that was important. And then also you spoke about the dilemma of being dad and squad comm. Can you talk about that as well? Gen. Dave Goldfein 18:06 Yeah, the check ride. So when I was in Desert Storm, an incredible squadron commander named Billy Diehl, and one of the things that he told us after he led all the missions in the first 30 days or so, he said, “Look, there will be a lot of medals, you know, from this war.” He goes, “But I'm going to do something for you that happened for me in Vietnam. I'm going to fly on your wing, and I'm going to give you a check ride, and you're going to have a documented check ride of a combat mission that you led in your flying record. I'm doing that for you.” OK, so fast forward 10 years, now I'm the squadron commander, and I basically followed his lead. Said, “Hey, I want…” So that night, when I was shot down, I was actually flying on the wing of one of my captains, “Jammer” Kavlick, giving him a check ride. And so, of course, the rescue turns out — I'm sitting here, so it turned out great. And so I called Jammer into a room, and I said, “Hey, man, we never did the check ride.” I said, “You know, you flew a formation right over the top of a surface enemy missile that took out your wingman. That's not a great start.” And he just sort of… “Yes, sir, I know.” I said, “And then you led an all-night rescue that returned him to his family. That's pretty good recovery.” And so it's been a joke between us ever since. But in his personal — his flying record, he has a form that says, “I'm exceptionally, exceptionally qualified.” So I got back and I thought about this when I was on the ground collecting rocks for my daughters, you know, as souvenirs from Serbia. I got back, and I looked at my wing commander, and I said, “Hey, sir, I know you probably had a chance to think about this, but I'm not your young captain that just got shot down. I'm the squadron commander, and I've got to get my squadron back on the horse, and the only way to do that is for me to get back in the air. So if it's OK with you, I'm gonna go home. I'm gonna get crew rest and I'm going to fly tonight.” And he looked at me, and he looked at my wife, Dawn, who was there, and he goes, “If it's OK with her, it's OK with me.” Great. Dawn, just a champion, she said, “I understand it. That's what you got to do.” Because we were flying combat missions with our families at home, which is, was not in the squadron commander handbook, right? Pretty unique. What I found, though, was that my oldest daughter was struggling a little bit with it, and so now you've got this, you know, OK, I owe it to my squad to get right back up in the air and lead that night. And I owe it to my daughter to make sure that she's OK. And so I chose to take one night, make sure that she and my youngest daughter, Diana, were both, you know, in a good place, that they knew that everything's going to be OK. And then I got back up the next night. And in some ways, I didn't talk about it with anybody in the media for a year, because my dad was a Vietnam vet, I'd met so many of his friends, and I'd met so many folks who had actually gotten shot down one and two and three times over Vietnam, in Laos, right? You know what they did after they got rescued? They got back up. They just went back up in the air, right? No fanfare, no book tours, no, you know, nothing, right? It was just get back to work. So for me, it was a way of very quietly honoring the Vietnam generation, to basically do what they did and get back in the air quietly. And so that was what it was all about. Naviere Walkewicz 21:25 Dr. Wilson, how about for you? Because I know — I remember reading in the book you had a — there was something you said where, if your children called, no matter what they could always get through. So how have you balanced family? Dr. Heather Wilson 21:36 Work and life. And so, when I was elected to the Congress, my son was 4 years old. My daughter was 18 months. First of all, I married well, just like Dave. But I also think my obligations to my family don't end at the front porch, and I want to make a better world for them. But I also knew that I was a better member of Congress because I had a family, and that in some ways, each gave richness and dimension to the other. We figured out how to make it work as a family. I mean, both my children have been to a White House Christmas ball and the State of the Union, but we always had a rule that you can call no matter what. And I remember there were some times that it confounded people and, like, there was one time when President Bush — W. Bush, 43 — was coming to New Mexico for the first time, and he was going to do some events in Albuquerque. And they called and they said, “Well, if the congresswoman wants to fly in with him from Texas, you know, she can get off the airplane in her district with the president. And the answer was, “That's the first day of school, and I always take my kids to school the first day, so I'll just meet him here.” And the staff was stunned by that, like, she turns down a ride on Air Force One to arrive in her district with the president of the United States to take her kids to school. Yes, George Bush understood it completely. And likewise, when the vice president came, and it was, you know, that the one thing leading up to another tough election — I never had an easy election — and the one thing I said to my staff all the way through October, leading — “There's one night I need off, and that's Halloween, because we're going trick or treating.” And wouldn't you know the vice president is flying into New Mexico on Halloween for some event in New Mexico, and we told them, “I will meet them at the stairs when they arrive in Albuquerque. I'll have my family with them, but I won't be going to the event because we're going trick or treating.” And in my house, I have this great picture of the vice president of the United States and his wife and my kids in costume meeting. So most senior people understood that my family was important to me and everybody's family, you know — most people work to put food on the table, and if, as a leader, you recognize that and you give them grace when they need it, you will also have wonderful people who will work for you sometimes when the pay is better somewhere else because you respect that their families matter to them and making room for that love is important. Naviere Walkewicz 24:36 May I ask a follow on to that? Because I think that what you said was really important. You had a leader that understood. What about some of our listeners that maybe have leaders that don't value the same things or family in the way that is important. How do they navigate that? Dr. Heather Wilson 24:52 Sometimes you look towards the next assignment, or you find a place where your values are the same. And if we have leaders out there who are not being cognizant of the importance of family — I mean, we may recruit airmen but we retain families, and if we are not paying attention to that, then we will lose exceptional people. So that means that sometimes, you know, I give a lot of flexibility to people who are very high performers and work with me. And I also know that if I call them at 10 o'clock at night, they're going to answer the phone, and that's OK. I understand what it's like to — I remember, you know, I was in New Mexico, I was a member of Congress, somebody was calling about an issue in the budget, and my daughter, who was probably 4 at the time, had an ear infection, and it was just miserable. And so I'm trying to get soup into her, and this guy is calling me, and she's got — and it was one of the few times I said — and it was the chairman of a committee — I said, “Can I just call you back? I've got a kid with an ear infection…” And he had five kids. He said, “Oh, absolutely, you call me back.” So you just be honest with people about the importance of family. Why are we in the service? We're here to protect our families and everybody else's family. And that's OK.   Naviere Walkewicz 26:23 Yes, thank you for sharing that. Anything to add to that, JD? No? OK. Well, Dr. Wilson, I'd like to go into the book where you talk about your chapter on collecting tools, which is a wonderful chapter, and you talk about Malcolm Baldridge. I had to look him up — I'll be honest — to understand, as a businessman, his career and his legacy. But maybe share in particular why he has helped you. Or maybe you've leveraged his process in the way that you kind of think through and systematically approach things. Dr. Heather Wilson 26:49 Yeah, there was a movement in the, it would have been in the early '90s, on the Malcolm Baldrige Quality Awards. It came out of the Department of Commerce, but then it spread to many of the states and it was one of the better models I thought for how to run organizations strategically. And I learned about it when I was a small businessperson in Albuquerque, New Mexico. And I thought it was interesting. But the thing that I liked about it was it scaled. It was a little bit like broccoli, you know, it looks the same at the little flora as it does at the whole head, right? And so it kind of became a model for how I could use those tools about being data driven, strategically focused, process oriented that I could use in reforming a large and not very well functioning child welfare department when I became a cabinet secretary for children, youth and families, which was not on my how-to-run-my-career card. That was not in the plan, but again, it was a set of tools that I'd learned in one place that I brought with me and thought might work in another. Naviere Walkewicz 28:02 Excellent. And do you follow a similar approach, JD, in how you approach a big problem? Gen. Dave Goldfein 28:07 I think we're all lifelong students of different models and different frameworks that work. And there's not a one-size-fits-all for every organization. And the best leaders, I think, are able to tailor their approach based on what the mission — who the people are, what they're trying to accomplish. I had a chance to be a an aide de camp to a three-star, Mike Ryan, early in my career, and he went on to be chief of staff of the Air Force. And one of the frameworks that he taught me was he said, “If you really want to get anything done,” he said, “you've got to do three things.” He said, “First of all, you got to put a single person in charge.” He said, “Committees and groups solve very little. Someone's got to drive to work feeling like they've got the authority, the responsibility, the resources and everything they need to accomplish what it is that you want to accomplish. So get a single person in charge. Most important decision you will make as a leader, put the right person in charge. Second, that person owes you a plan in English. Not 15 PowerPoint slides, right, but something that clearly articulates in one to two pages, max, exactly what we're trying to accomplish. And the third is, you've got to have a way to follow up.” He said, “Because life gets in the way of any perfect plan. And what will happen is,” he goes, “I will tell you how many times,” he said, “that I would circle back with my team, you know, a couple months later and say, ‘How's it going?' And they would all look at each other and say, “Well, I thought you were in charge,” right? And then after that, once they figure out who was in charge, they said, “Well, we were working this plan, but we got, you know, we had to go left versus right, because we had this crisis, this alligator started circling the canoe, and therefore we had to, you know, take care of that,” right? He says, “As a leader, those are the three elements of any success. Put someone in charge. Build a plan that's understandable and readable, and always follow up. And I've used that as a framework, you know, throughout different organizations, even all the way as chief to find — to make sure that we had the right things. Dr. Heather Wilson 30:21 Even this morning, somebody came by who reminded us of a story that probably should have been in the book, where we had — it was a cyber vulnerability that was related to a particular piece of software widely deployed, and the CIO was having trouble getting the MAJCOMMS to kind of take it seriously. And they were saying, “Well, you know, we think maybe in 30, 60, 90 days, six months, we'll have it all done,” or whatever. So I said, “OK, let all the four-stars know. I want to be updated every 36 hours on how many of them, they still have, still have not updated.” I mean, this is a major cyber vulnerability that we knew was — could be exploited and wasn't some little thing. It was amazing; it got done faster. Naviere Walkewicz 31:11 No 90 days later. Oh, my goodness. Well, that was excellent and actually, I saw that in action in the story, in the book, after the attack on the Pentagon, and when you stood up and took charge, kind of the relief efforts, because many people were coming in that wanted to help, and they just needed someone to lead how that could happen. So you were putting into practice. Yes, sir. I'd like to get into where you talk about living your purpose, and that's a chapter in there. But you know, Gen. Goldfein, we have to get into this. You left the Academy as a cadet, and I think that's something that not many people are familiar with. You ride across the country on a bike with a guitar on your back for part of the time — and you sent it to Dawn after a little while — Mini-Bear in your shirt, to find your purpose. Was there a moment during the six months that you that hit you like lightning and you knew that this was your purpose, or was it a gradual meeting of those different Americans you kind of came across? Gen. Dave Goldfein 32:04 Definitely gradual. You know, it was something that just built up over time. I used to joke — we both knew Chairman John McCain and always had great respect for him. And I remember one time in his office, I said, “Chairman, I got to share with you that I lived in constant fear during every hearing that you were going to hold up a piece of paper on camera and say, ‘General, I got your transcript from the Air Force Academy. You got to be kidding me, right?' And he laughed, and he said, Trust me, if you looked at my transcript in Annapolis,” he goes, “I'm the last guy that would have ever asked that question.” But you know, the we made a mutual decision here, sometimes just things all come together. I'd written a paper on finding my purpose about the same time that there was a professor from Annapolis that was visiting and talking about a sabbatical program that Annapolis had started. And so they started talking about it, and then this paper made it and I got called in. They said, “Hey, we're thinking about starting this program, you know, called Stop Out, designed to stop people from getting out. We read your paper. What would you do if you could take a year off?” And I said, “Wow, you know, if I could do it, I'll tell you. I would start by going to Philmont Scout Ranch, you know, and be a backcountry Ranger,” because my passion was for the outdoors, and do that. “And then I would go join my musical hero, Harry Chapin.” Oh, by the way, he came to the United States Air Force Academy in the early '60s. Right? Left here, built a band and wrote the hit song Taxi. “So I would go join him as a roadie and just sort of see whether music and the outdoors, which my passions are, what, you know, what it's all about for me.” Well, we lost contact with the Chapin connection. So I ended up on this bicycle riding around the country. And so many families took me in, and so many towns that I rode into, you know, I found that if I just went to the library and said, “Hey, tell me a little bit about the history of this town,” the librarian would call, like, the last, you know, three or four of the seniors the town, they'd all rush over to tell me the story of, you know, this particular little town, right? And then someone would also say, “Hey, where are you staying tonight?” “I'm staying in my tent.” They said, “Oh, come stay with me.” So gradually, over time, I got to know America, and came to the conclusion when I had to make the decision to come back or not, that this country is really worth defending, that these people are hard-working, you know, that want to make the world better for their kids and their grandkids, and they deserve a United States Air Force, the best air force on the planet, to defend them. So, you know, when I came back my last two years, and I always love sharing this with cadets, because some of them are fighting it, some of them have embraced it. And all I tell them is, “Hey, I've done both. And all I can tell you is, the sooner you embrace it and find your purpose, this place is a lot more fun.” Naviere Walkewicz 35:13 Truth in that, yes, yes, well. And, Dr. Wilson, how did you know you were living your purpose? Dr. Heather Wilson 35:19 Well, I've had a lot of different chapters to my life. Yes, and we can intellectualize it on why we, you know, why I made a certain decision at a certain time, but there were doors that opened that I never even knew were there. But at each time and at each junction, there was a moment where somehow I just knew. And at South Dakota Mines is a good example. You know, I lost a race to the United States Senate. I actually had some interns — I benefited from a lousy job market, and I had fantastic interns, and we were helping them through the loss. You know, they're young. They were passionate. They, as Churchill said, “The blessing and the curse of representative government is one in the same. The people get what they choose.” And so I was helping them through that, and one of them said, “Well, Dr. Wilson, you're really great with students. You should be a college president somewhere. Texas Tech needs a president. You should apply there,” because that's where this kid was going to school. And I said, “Well, but I don't think they're looking for me.” But it did cause me to start thinking about it and I had come close. I had been asked about a college presidency once before, and I started looking at it and talking to headhunters and so forth. And initially, South Dakota Mines didn't seem like a great fit, because I'm a Bachelor of Science degree here, but my Ph.D. is in a nonscientific discipline, and it's all engineers and scientists. But as I went through the process, it just felt more and more right. And on the day of the final interviews, that evening, it was snowing in South Dakota, there was a concert in the old gym. I mean, this is an engineering school, and they had a faculty member there who had been there for 40 years, who taught choral music, and the students stood up, and they started singing their warm up, which starts out with just one voice, and eventually gets to a 16-part harmony and it's in Latin, and it's music is a gift from God, and they go through it once, and then this 40th anniversary concert, about 50 people from the audience stand up and start singing. It's like a flash mob, almost These were all alumni who came back. Forty years of alumni to be there for that concert for him. And they all went up on stage and sang together in this just stunning, beautiful concert by a bunch of engineers. And I thought, “There's something special going on here that's worth being part of,” and there are times when you just know. And the same with becoming cabinet secretary for children, youth and families — that was not in the plan and there's just a moment where I knew that was what I should do now. How I should use my gifts now? And you hope that you're right in making those decisions.   Naviere Walkewicz 38:43 Well, probably aligning with JD's point in the book of following your gut. Some of that's probably attached to you finding your purpose. Excellent. I'd like to visit the time Dr. Wilson, when you were helping President Bush with the State of the Union address, and in particular, you had grueling days, a lot of hours prepping, and when it was time for it to be delivered, you weren't there. You went home to your apartment in the dark. You were listening on the radio, and there was a moment when the Congress applauded and you felt proud, but something that you said really stuck with me. And he said, I really enjoy being the low-key staff member who gets stuff done. Can you talk more about that? Because I think sometimes we don't, you know, the unsung heroes are sometimes the ones that are really getting so many things done, but nobody knows. Dr. Heather Wilson 39:31 So, I'm something of an introvert and I've acquired extrovert characteristics in order to survive professionally. But when it comes to where I get my batteries recharged, I'm quite an introvert, and I really loved — and the same in international negotiations, being often the liaison, the back channel, and I did that in the conventional forces in Europe negotiations for the American ambassador. And in some ways, I think it might have been — in the case of the conventional forces in Europe negotiations, I was on the American delegation here. I was in Vienna. I ended up there because, for a bunch of weird reasons, then they asked me if I would go there for three months TDY. It's like, “Oh, three months TDY in Vienna, Austria. Sign me up.” But I became a very junior member on the delegation, but I was the office of the secretary of defense's representative, and walked into this palace where they were negotiating between what was then the 16 NATO nations and the seven Warsaw Pact countries. And the American ambassador turned to me, and he said during this several times, “I want you to sit behind me and to my right, and several times I'm going to turn and talk to you, and I just want you to lean in and answer.” I mean, he wasn't asking anything substantive, and I just, “Yes, sir.” But what he was doing was credentialing me in front of the other countries around that table. Now, I was very young, there were only two women in the room. The other one was from Iceland, and what he was doing was putting me in a position to be able to negotiate the back channel with several of our allies and with — this was six months or so now, maybe a year before the fall of the Berlin Wall. So things were changing in Eastern Europe, and so I really have always enjoyed just that quietly getting things done, building consensus, finding the common ground, figuring out a problem. Actually have several coffee mugs that just say GSD, and the other side does say, Get Stuff Done. And I like that, and I like people who do that. And I think those quiet — we probably don't say thank you enough to the quiet, hardworking people that just figure out how to get stuff done. Naviere Walkewicz 41:59 Well, I like how he credentialed you and actually brought that kind of credibility in that way as a leader. JD, how have you done that as a leader? Champion, some of those quiet, behind the scenes, unsung heroes. Gen. Dave Goldfein 42:11 I'm not sure where the quote comes from, but it's something to the effect of, “It's amazing what you can get done if you don't care who gets the credit.” There's so much truth to that. You know, in the in the sharing of success, right? As servant leaders, one of the things that I think both of us spend a lot of time on is to make sure that credit is shared with all the folks who, behind the scenes, you know, are doing the hard, hard work to make things happen, and very often, you know, we're the recipients of the thank yous, right? And the gratefulness of an organization or for somebody who's benefited from our work, but when you're at the very senior leaders, you know what you do is you lay out the vision, you create the environment to achieve that vision. But the hard, hard work is done by so many others around you. Today, in the audience when we were there at Polaris Hall, was Col. Dave Herndon. So Col. Dave Herndon, when he was Maj. Dave Herndon, was my aide de camp, and I can tell you that there are so many successes that his fingers are on that he got zero credit for, because he was quietly behind the scenes, making things happen, and that's just the nature of servant leadership, is making sure that when things go well, you share it, and when things go badly, you own it. Naviere Walkewicz 43:47 And you do share a really remarkable story in there about accountability. And so we won't spend so much time talking about that, but I do want to go to the point where you talk about listening, and you say, listening is not passive; it's active and transformative. As servant leaders, have you ever uncovered challenges that your team has experienced that you didn't have the ability to fix and you know, what action did you take in those instances? Dr. Heather Wilson 44:09 You mean this morning? All the time. And sometimes — and then people will give you grace, if you're honest about that. You don't make wild promises about what you can do, but then you sit and listen and work through and see all right, what is within the realm of the possible here. What can we get done? Or who can we bring to the table to help with a set of problems? But, there's no… You don't get a — when I was president of South Dakota Mines, one of the people who worked with me, actually gave me, from the toy store, a magic wand. But it doesn't work. But I keep it in my office, in case, you know… So there's no magic wands, but being out there listening to understand, not just listening to refute, right? And then seeing whether there are things that can be done, even if there's some things you just don't have the answers for, right? Gen. Dave Goldfein 45:11 The other thing I would offer is that as senior leadership and as a senior leadership team, you rarely actually completely solve anything. What you do is improve things and move the ball. You take the hand you're dealt, right, and you find creative solutions. You create the environment, lay out the vision and then make sure you follow up, move the ball, and if you get at the end of your tenure, it's time for you to move on, and you've got the ball moved 20, 30, yards down the field. That's actually not bad, because most of the things we were taking on together, right, were big, hard challenges that we needed to move the ball on, right? I If you said, “Hey, did you completely revitalize the squadrons across the United States Air Force?” I will tell you, absolutely not. Did we get the ball about 20, 30 yards down the field? And I hope so. I think we did. Did we take the overhaul that we did of officer development to be able to ensure that we were producing the senior leaders that the nation needs, not just the United States Air Force needs? I will tell you that we didn't solve it completely, but we moved the ball down the field, and we did it in a way that was able to stick. You know, very often you plant seeds as a leader, and you never know whether those seeds are going to, you know, these seeds are ideas, right? And you never know whether the seeds are going to hit fertile soil or rocks. And I would often tell, you know, young leaders too. I said, you know, in your last few months that you're privileged to be in the position of leadership, you've got two bottles on your hip. You're walking around with — one of them's got fertilizer and one of them's got Roundup. And your job in that final few months is to take a look at the seeds that you planted and truly determine whether they hit fertile soil and they've grown roots, and if they've grown roots, you pull out the fertilizer, and the fertilizer you're putting on it is to make it part of the institution not associated with you, right? You want somebody some years from now say, “Hey, how do we ever do that whole squadron thing?” The right answer is, “I have no idea, but look at how much better we are.” That's the right answer, right? That's the fertilizer you put on it. But it's just equally important to take a look at the ideas that, just for whatever reason, sometimes beyond your control — they just didn't stick right. Get out the Roundup. Because what you don't want to do is to pass on to your successor something that didn't work for you, because it probably ain't going to work for her. Dr. Heather Wilson 47:46 That's right, which is one of the rules of leadership is take the garbage out with you when you go. Naviere Walkewicz 47:51 I like that. I like that a lot. Well, we are — just a little bit of time left. I want to end this kind of together on a story that you shared in the book about laughter being one of the tools you share. And after we share this together, I would like to ask you, I know we talked about mirror checks, but what are some things that you guys are doing every day to be better as well, to continue learning. But to get to the laughter piece, you mentioned that laughter is an underappreciated tool and for leaders, something that you both share. I want to talk about the time when you got together for dinner before you began working as chief and service secretary, and I think you may have sung an AF pro song. We're not going to ask you to sing that today, unless you'd like to JD? But let's talk about laughter.   Gen. Dave Goldfein 48:31 The dean would throw me out. Naviere Walkewicz 48:33 OK, OK, we won't have you sing that today. But how have you found laughter — when you talk about — when the questions and the problems come up to you?   Dr. Heather Wilson 48:40 So I'm going to start this because I think Dave Goldfein has mastered this leadership skill of how to use humor, and self-deprecating humor, better than almost any leader I've ever met. And it's disarming, which is a great technique, because he's actually wicked smart. But it's also people walk in the room knowing if you're going to a town hall meeting or you're going to be around the table, at least sometime in that meeting, we're going to laugh. And it creates a warmth and people drop their guard a little bit. You get to the business a little bit earlier. You get beyond the standard PowerPoint slides, and people just get down to work. And it just — people relax. And I think Dave is very, very good at it. Now, my husband would tell you that I was raised in the home for the humor impaired, and I have been in therapy with him for almost 35 years.   Naviere Walkewicz 49:37 So have you improved? Dr. Heather Wilson 49:39 He thinks I've made some progress.   Naviere Walkewicz 49:41 You've moved the ball.   Dr. Heather Wilson 49:44 Yes. Made some progress. I still don't — I used to start out with saying the punch line and then explain why it was funny. Naviere Walkewicz 49:52 I'm in your camp a little bit. I try. My husband says, “Leave the humor to me.” Dr. Heather Wilson 49:54 Yeah, exactly. You understand. Gen. Dave Goldfein 49:58 I used to joke that I am a member of the Class of 1981['82 and '83]. I am the John Belushi of the United States Air Force Academy, a patron saint of late bloomers. But you know, honestly, Heather doesn't give herself enough credit for building an environment where, you know, folks can actually do their very best work. That's one of the things that we do, right? Because we have — the tools that we have available to be able to get things done very often, are the people that are we're privileged to lead and making sure that they are part of an organization where they feel valued, where we're squinting with our ears. We're actually listening to them. Where they're making a contribution, right? Where they believe that what they're being able to do as part of the institution or the organization is so much more than they could ever do on their own. That's what leadership is all about. Dr. Heather Wilson 51:05 You know, we try to — I think both of us see the humor in everyday life, and when people know that I have a desk plate that I got in South Dakota, and it doesn't say “President.” It doesn't say “Dr. Wilson.” It says, “You're kidding me, right?” Because once a week, more frequently as secretary and chief, but certainly frequently as a college president, somebody is going to walk in and say, “Chief, there's something you need to know.” And if they know they're going to get blasted out of the water or yelled at, people are going to be less likely to come in and tell you, right, what you need to know. But if you're at least willing to laugh at the absurdity of the — somebody thought that was a good idea, you know. My gosh, let's call the lawyers or whatever. But you know, you've just got to laugh, and if you laugh, people will know that you just put things in perspective and then deal with the problem. Naviere Walkewicz  52:06 Well, it connects us as humans. Yeah. Well, during my conversation today with Dr. Heather Wilson and Gen. Dave Goldfein — JD — two lessons really stood out to me. Leadership is not about avoiding the fall, but about how high you bounce back and how your recovery can inspire those you lead. It's also about service, showing up, doing the hard work and putting others before yourself with humility, integrity and working together. Dr. Wilson, Gen. Goldfein, thank you for showing us how courage, compassion and connection — they're not soft skills. They're actually the edge of hard leadership. And when you do that and you lead with service, you get back up after every fall. You encourage others to follow and do the same. Thank you for joining us for this powerful conversation. You can find Get Back Up: Lessons in Servant Leadership, wherever books are sold. And learn more at getbackupeadership.com. If today's episode inspired you, please share it with someone who can really benefit in their own leadership journey. As always, keep learning. Keep getting back up. Keep trying. I'm Naviere Walkewicz, Class of '99. This has been Focus On Leadership. Until next time. Producer This edition of Focus on Leadership, the accelerated leadership series, was recorded on Monday, Oct. 6, 2025.   KEYWORDS Leadership, servant leadership, resilience, humility, integrity, influence, teamwork, family, trust, listening, learning, purpose, growth, accountability, service, courage, compassion, balance, values, inspiration.     The Long Blue Line Podcast Network is presented by the U.S. Air Force Academy Association & Foundation  

Send us a textIn this solo episode of The Renaissance Podcast, I'm sharing 5 powerful (and very real) ways to stop being your own biggest obstacle in 2026—in your business, visibility, and leadership.If you're done waiting, overthinking, people-pleasing, or carrying everything alone, this episode is your permission slip to move differently this year.Here's what we cover:1. Stop Waiting for Perfect Progress beats perfection. Done and posted beats ideas stuck in drafts. 2026 is about momentum.2. Delegate & Trust Growth happens when you stop being the bottleneck. I share exactly what I outsource to my assistant—from meeting scheduling and sales tracking to calendar protection, appointments, and light Canva support. You don't need a full-time hire to get support, but you do get out of it what you put into it.3. Detach from Comparison If content consumption is making you feel behind, it's time to pause. Your lane. Your timing. Your story. Less scrolling, more creating.4. Embrace Failure as Data Every failure is feedback. I talk about auditing what didn't work in 2025, doing postmortems, and using slow seasons to be proactive instead of reactive. Failure isn't a stop sign—it's a compass.5. Prioritize CEO Energy Protect your time and energy. Say no more often. Be less available. Clarity fuels growth more than busyness ever will.If 2026 is your year to own your role, your time, and your vision, this episode is for you.Episode Partner: NexusPoint NexusPoint helps founders step out of operator mode through smarter systems and trusted global support—so you can delegate with confidence and protect your CEO energy. I personally work with NexusPoint and it's been key in reclaiming my time.Exclusive for listeners: NexusPoint is waiving their $500 recruiting fee.

Today, we reflect on the moments that shaped us, challenged us, and quietly transformed us over the past year. Not just the highlights, but the heartbreaks, the pauses, the uncomfortable in-between seasons that forced us to grow in ways we didn’t fully understand at the time. In this special end-of-year compilation, you’ll hear powerful, deeply human insights from voices like Selena Gomez, Cardi B, Madonna, Novak Djokovic, Mel Robbins, Codie Sanchez, and more. Each conversation reveals how love, loss, pressure, purpose, spirituality, money, and self-belief intersect in real life, and why growth so often comes from moments we never would have chosen. You’ll hear Selena and Benny reflect on how love grows through safety, patience, and showing up imperfectly. Cardi B opens up about depression, heartbreak, and how time, accountability, and resilience helped her reclaim her power. Madonna shares why cultivating an internal, spiritual life is essential in a noisy, distracted world, while Novak Djokovic explores the tension between ambition, self-worth, and purpose even at the peak of success. Mel Robbins challenges us to reclaim our energy by letting go of other people’s opinions, and Codie Sanchez reframes money, risk, and opportunity as skills that can be learned rather than fears to avoid. Together, these conversations remind us that growth isn’t linear, healing takes time, and the most meaningful progress begins when we listen inward, protect our energy, and move forward with intention. In this episode, you'll learn: How to Turn Hard Seasons Into Personal Growth How to Build Love Through Vulnerability and Safety How to Heal After Heartbreak Without Rushing the Process How to Embrace Failure as a Starting Point, Not an Ending How to Let Go of Other People’s Opinions and Reclaim Your Energy How to Build Resilience Through Accountability and Time How to Move Forward With Purpose, Not Pressure Give yourself permission to heal at your own pace, to learn without shame, and to start again as many times as you need. Protect your energy, listen to what truly matters to you, and trust that small, intentional steps create meaningful change over time. With Love and Gratitude, Jay Shetty. Join over 750,000 people to receive my most transformative wisdom directly in your inbox every single week with my free newsletter. Subscribe here. Check out our Apple subscription to unlock bonus content of On Purpose! https://lnk.to/JayShettyPodcast What We Discuss: 00:00 Intro 01:20 Selena X Benny: Love Story 04:48 A Misunderstanding In The Studio 10:35 Love Blossomed From Friendship 12:27 The Little Things Matter 13:01 Emma Watson: Day To Day Activities & Hobbies 16:53 Honesty In Hardships 18:04 Staying Authentic To Yourself 20:01 Four Steps Forward, Four Steps Deep 23:07 Embracing Failure Creates Space For Resilience 24:34 Depression, Vulnerability & Divorce 28:53 Time Heals All 33:48 Handling Constant Criticism & Pressure 36:45 Madonna: 28 Years On A Spiritual Path 42:24 The Third Space Theory 44:16 Spiritual Practices To Keep You Going 48:30 Have You Really Dated a Narcissist? 50:15 Why Money Breaks Relationships 56:51 When Intimacy Needs Don’t Match 01:00:37 Cody Sanchez: Using Credit Cards the Smart Way 01:03:57 Do You Really Need Money to Start? 01:08:23 When Success Still Feels Like Not Enough 01:17:28 Where Your Energy Is Really Going 01:22:44 The Let Them TheorySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of SuperPsyched, Dr. Adam Dorsay shares actionable strategies for increasing luck in the new year. He emphasizes the importance of surrounding yourself with supportive people, taking numerous chances, and learning from failures. Dr. Dorsay also discusses the psychological concept of 'cognitive after image,' the benefits of being audacious, and the significance of expanding your social network. Through anecdotal stories and scientific insights, he provides a roadmap to help you cultivate a luckier 2026. Happy New Year!00:00 Welcome to SuperPsyched00:28 Reflecting on the Past Year00:55 Strategies to Increase Your Luck01:43 Surround Yourself with Supportive People02:32 Take More Shots03:59 Embrace Failure and Learn05:33 Ask Better Questions06:36 The Power of Social Networks07:54 Unexpected Opportunities10:57 Final Thoughts and Wishes for 2026

About the Show:"It doesn't demand a new goal or resolution. It just invites you to think a little differently, to breathe a little deeper, and maybe even to imagine that, yeah, what if it all works out?" – Randy WilburnIn this special solo episode of I Am Northwest Arkansas®, host Randy Wilburn closes out 2025 by looking back at the wisdom and advice he's gathered from this year's guests—both national voices and local leaders. From finding balance to embracing change, Randy shares the lessons that stuck with him most, and he's not here to push big, grand resolutions. Instead, he reminds us that starting small can mean everything, and sometimes the little things really do matter most.You'll hear memorable advice like "move the horizon closer" alongside local gems about living authentically and taking chances. Randy pulls from powerful moments in past episodes and his own experiences to give you something to think about as you head into 2026. Whether you're considering a new challenge, stepping into a second act, or simply want to appreciate those quiet walks with your dog, this episode is for you.Key Takeaways:Be Present: Put your phone down more often and savor the moment.Start Small: Focus on making one change at a time—big things happen step by step.Nothing Changes if Nothing Changes: Intentions are good, but actions create lasting results.Authenticity Wins: Be your true self and let people see your real story, struggles and all.Embrace Failure and Risk: Don't be afraid to start again or make mistakes, especially if you're chasing your calling or beginning a new chapter.Reset When Needed: Every step, even the failures, builds on your foundation for growth.Celebrate Small Victories: Smile, take walks, and enjoy the simple wins.Don't Rush: Let yourself grow and take your time with change—it doesn't all have to be hard.All this and more on this episode of the I Am Northwest Arkansas® podcast.Important Links and Mentions on the Show*Email Us Your One Piece of Advice from 2025.New York Times Article by Melissa Kirsch (“Best Advice from Readers in 2025”) – referenced by Randy WilburnEpisode 330: Second Acts and TEDx Fayetteville ReflectionsEpisode 333: Authenticity with Randy Pulayya (WIPS West Indies Peppa Sauce)Episode 326: Community and Risk with Lynn Wong and Mike Thompson (Pedal Park & Pedal Pops)Go fail some! Episode 329 with Matt BuellEpisode 336: Reset and Resilience with Kristin Phillips (AFIC at MCO)Episode 334 Advice from Francisco Valencia (“Smile is the entrance fee to doing a lot of things and getting through doors”)FindItNWA.com NWA's Hyperlocal Business...

You Are Not To Blame | Embrace Failure | Find Your Purpose | Hinesighgts podcast | Clips

I almost didn't start this podcast. I postponed it twice in 2020 because I was terrified no one would listen. Or worse, that they'd listen and hate it. But since then, that scary decision has led to over 1 million downloads, four podcasts, and over 8 million in online sales.In this episode, I'm sitting in a podcast studio in LA after interviewing one of the biggest names in online marketing, and I'm thinking about how none of this would exist if I hadn't been willing to suck at something first. I'm also announcing that I changed the podcast name twice in 2023 because I've realized something crucial: we can't win without failing first.This is about why being afraid to be a beginner again is the biggest barrier to your next level of success. If you've been holding back on something because you're "too established" to start from scratch, this one's for you. Follow me on Instagram for more business and mindset tips: instagram.com/fastforwardamy Discover my free trainings and ebooks: fastforwardamy.com/freeresources

You will win. It's a non-negotiable.For any collaboration, brand partnership, and campaign run inquiries, e-mail us at info@thepodnetwork.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Learn how 4 powerful marketing tenets can turn ordinary products into lasting memories. This episode of StrategyCast shares the blueprint for brand authenticity, trust, and growth, so you can build campaigns that truly stand out!And don't forget! You can crush your marketing strategy with just a few minutes a week by signing up for the StrategyCast Newsletter. You'll receive weekly bursts of marketing tips, clips, resources, and a whole lot more. Visit https://strategycast.com/ for more details.==Let's Break It Down==06:14 "System Pavers' Depth Advantage"09:23 "Celebrating 30 Years of Memories"11:16 "Authentic Marketing with Integrity"15:05 Building Trust Through Meaningful Engagement17:57 Teamwork Solves Every Challenge21:55 Optimizing Attribution for Growth24:20 "Embrace Failure, Iterate, Scale"26:33 "Strategic Growth and Expansion"33:08 "Aligning Content with Audience Needs"35:48 "Power of Collaboration and Listening"==Where You Can Find Us==Website: https://strategycast.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/strategy_cast/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/strategycast==Leave a Review==Hey there, StrategyCast fans!If you've found our tips and tricks on marketing strategies helpful in growing your business, we'd be thrilled if you could take a moment to leave us a review on Apple Podcasts. Your feedback not only supports us but also helps others discover how they can elevate their business game!

Do you think fame makes people happy? Would you give up money for peace of mind? Today, Jay sits down with Emma Watson, actress, activist, and UN Women Goodwill Ambassador, for a rare and deeply personal conversation. Beloved around the world as Hermione Granger in the Harry Potter films, Emma has since become a powerful voice for gender equality and sustainability. In this exclusive interview, Emma reflects on her decision to step away from Hollywood and shares how time for study and self-discovery has allowed her to redefine success, find fulfillment, and reclaim her voice. Emma shares the challenges of growing up in the public eye, carrying enormous responsibility from such a young age, and the courage it took to step back from a thriving career to prioritize her health and personal growth. She reflects on how fame blurred the lines between who she was and the roles she played, and how learning to embrace vulnerability, discomfort, and imperfection has become central to her growth. Together, Jay and Emma explore the power of speaking truth with kindness, the importance of creating art from personal experience, and why building authentic relationships rooted in honesty and care matters more than any external achievement. In this interview, you'll learn: How to Be Honest With Yourself How to Learn From Discomfort How to Embrace Failure as a Starting Point How to Separate Who You Are From What You Do How to Build Truly Supportive Friendships How to Step Away While Staying True to Yourself How to Speak Truth With Kindness How to Live Aligned With Your Values Every day is a chance to pause, return to what matters most, and take even the smallest step toward living with honesty and purpose. You’re allowed to evolve, to begin again, and to create a life that feels whole and meaningful, one choice, one conversation, one truth at a time. With Love and Gratitude, Jay Shetty Join over 750,000 people to receive my most transformative wisdom directly in your inbox every single week with my free newsletter. Subscribe here. Check out our Apple subscription to unlock bonus content of On Purpose! https://lnk.to/JayShettyPodcast What We Discuss: 00:00 Intro 02:35 Choosing to Show Up for Yourself 05:50 Designing a Life You Truly Enjoy 09:09 Admitting When Life is Challenging 11:06 Rediscovering the Joy of Learning 17:27 Why Discomfort Can Be Your Greatest Teacher 21:13 Taking Accountability With Grace and Courage 23:10 Sensitivity as Your Superpower 26:16 Lessons From a Nontraditional Childhood 30:38 Do You Still Need the Spotlight? 34:16 The Healing Power of Taking a Pause 41:38 Living Under Intense Public Pressure 44:55 Living Between Two Worlds 49:15 How Did You Become Hermione? 54:03 Separating Self From the Role You Play 57:54 The Hidden Cost of Never Slowing Down 01:07:40 Dating is Complicated For Everyone! 01:09:57 Revealing the Real You to Others 01:11:44 Emma’s One-Woman Play 01:20:08 What is Real Love? 01:26:27 Finding Love Beyond the Fantasy 01:32:35 Facing the Question: Why Are You Not Married Yet? 01:38:47 Trust Versus Telling the Truth 01:41:29 Choosing Partnership, Not Obligation 01:44:56 Asking Yourself the Hard Questions 01:48:25 How Fame Reshapes Everyday Life 01:51:44 What Did It Really Take to Step Away? 01:56:45 Learning to Trust Your Inner Voice 02:00:21 Loving Yourself Without Judgment 02:05:45 Finding Acceptance in Community 02:08:00 What Makes a Real Friend? 02:13:58 What Work Are You Avoiding? 02:32:20 Honoring the People Who Shape Us 02:44:01 Remembering Our Shared Humanity Episode Resources: Emma Watson | Instagram Emma Watson | FacebookSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Have you ever wondered why most AI projects fail and what separates the few that actually transform businesses?Brent Weaver, CEO of E2M Solutions Inc. and longtime agency growth leader, has spent years helping agencies adopt AI the right way. His specialty? Turning failed experiments into future wins by building a culture where teams feel empowered, not replaced.Instead of chasing every shiny AI tool, Brent shows why failure is part of the plan and how the smartest agencies turn it into their competitive edge. From failure rates to creating AI-powered “superheroes,” his insights reveal what it really takes to thrive in the AI era. You'll discover how to build momentum with AI inside your team, avoid costly pitfalls, and position your agency for long-term success.What You'll Learn:The “Not Yet” folder strategy for future-proofing ideasHow AI First Saturdays keep teams engaged and innovativeSimple tools E2M built to cut costs and save timeHow to turn employees into AI-powered “superheroes”Connect with Brent & E2M Solutions:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brentweaverWebsite: https://www.e2msolutions.com/Event: https://joinvistara.com/Email: brent@e2msolutions.comResources:Connect with IanDownload a Tackle Box!Supercharge your marketing and grow your business with video case stories today!Subscribe to the YouTube Channel Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Amber Selking, a high-performance coach with a Ph.D. in Applied Sports Psychology. Dr. Selking works with elite athletes, executives, and organizations to help them achieve their best. She's the mental performance coach for LSU football and the Chief Culture Officer at Lipper, a global manufacturing company. Amber unpacks the science behind high performance, explaining how thoughts, emotions, and mindset directly impact physical and professional success. We dive into practical strategies like mental rehearsal, self-talk, and reframing failure, offering actionable advice for anyone in a high-pressure environment.

In this special episode, Gresham Harless reflects deeply on the emotional and mental toll of his ongoing journey as a Franchise Broker, currently around day 228.    He expresses the internal conflict of feeling like a failure due to a lack of closed deals, despite understanding that business growth often takes time.    Gresham highlights the challenge of staying mentally strong amid slow progress and uncertainty, referencing past wins as a reminder that success is possible.    He emphasizes the importance of leaning into the process, even when it's slow and frustrating, and recognizes that while a franchise provides a playbook, execution is still complex. Blue Star Franchise: http://bluestarfranchise.com Browse the Franchise Inventory: https://bluestarfranchise.com/franchise Is franchising right for you? Check this out to see: http://bluestarfranchise.com/assessment Franchise CEO (A CBNation Site - coming soon) - http://franchiseceo.co Check out our CEO Hack Buzz Newsletter–our premium newsletter with hacks and nuggets to level up your organization. Sign up HERE.  I AM CEO Handbook Volume 3 is HERE and it's FREE. Get your copy here: http://cbnation.co/iamceo3. Get the 100+ things that you can learn from 1600 business podcasts we recorded. Hear Gresh's story, learn the 16 business pillars from the podcast, find out about CBNation Architects and why you might be one and so much more. Did we mention it was FREE? Download it today!

In this episode of the Rachel Hollis podcast, Rachel shares five essential habits that women who achieve their goals consistently practice. She emphasizes the importance of treating goals like appointments, keeping goals visible, surrounding oneself with ambitious individuals, being willing to fail, and regularly reassessing progress.Get your copy of Rachel's New Book Here: Audible, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Millon, Bookshop.org, or wherever books are sold!Calendar Audit Video - https://youtu.be/j_LYtkdsBi400:48 Welcome to the Show: Subscribe and Support01:45 Introduction to Rachel's Journey and Success03:01 Essential Habits for Achieving Goals07:36 Treating Goals Like Appointments14:19 Keeping Goals Front and Center21:35 Overcoming Obsessive Thoughts22:24 The Power of Focus24:11 Surround Yourself with Goal Getters28:50 Embrace Failure and Learn35:41 Regularly Reassess Your Goals39:23 Five Key Habits for Achieving Goals40:11 Conclusion and EncouragementSign up for Rachel's weekly email: https://msrachelhollis.com/insider/Call the podcast hotline and leave a voicemail! Call (737) 400-4626Watch the podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/RachelHollisMotivation/videosFollow along on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/MsRachelHollisTo learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices.

If you're a high-achiever stepping into entrepreneurship, the first year, or even the first few years can feel like a shock to the system. You go from being the rockstar at your corporate job to feeling like a rookie overnight. The wins feel smaller, the failures feel bigger, and the praise? Well… it's pretty much up to you to give it to yourself.In this episode of Lead a Life You Can Love, I'm sharing the raw truth about what it's like to navigate the messy middle (and beginning) of building a business; Especially when you're used to always coming out on top. We'll talk about why failure hits harder for overachievers, how to reframe it as part of your success story, and the mindset shifts that will help you keep going when nothing seems to be working.You'll walk away with:·       A new definition of failure that fuels your growth·       Mindset hacks to keep your confidence intact·       Practical tools for bouncing back faster after setbacks·       Encouragement to keep showing up, even when the results aren't instantWhether you're in your first year of business or navigating a tough season, this episode will remind you that you're not broken, you're building and you've got this!Support the showContact:Book a Complimentary Discovery Call JamieSmithCoaching.comFacebook LinkedInInstagramBecome a Supporter of Lead a Life You Can LoveSuggestion or topic you'd like to hear me explore?Send it to Jamie@JamieSmithCoaching.com Interested in being a Guest Speaker or a Sponsor? Click here to book a Podcast Introductory Call

Working Across Differences in Politics: "I can work with people, and still it goes back to what we were saying earlier. I can work with people and still disagree with them on things, but maybe I need to." - Scott SweitzerWe sit down with Scott Sweitzer—a longtime political consultant and entrepreneur whose journey bridges the worlds of politics and microbrewing. Scott shares how a simple night of beer tasting with friends led him to co-found a brewery, while continuing his 25-year career navigating the highs and lows of American politics.We talk about the powerful emotions that drive today's increasingly divided political arena, explore the complexities of building bridges across differences, and talk about how tribalism in both politics and everyday life can separate us—or bring us together. Scott also opens up about his approach to helping candidates connect authentically with voters through storytelling and reflects on the personal challenges of staying grounded and empathetic in a profession marked by skepticism and heated debate.Plus, we touch on the impact of social media, the importance of curiosity, and how skills from entrepreneurship and consulting translate to everyday relationships. Whether you're interested in leadership, emotional intelligence, or are just a curious soul, this conversation is packed with insights, laughs, and some practical advice—including a heartfelt reminder that failure is part of learning and growth.Here are our top three takeaways:Curiosity Opens Doors: Scott emphasized the power of asking questions and being curious, both for personal growth and bridging divides. Stepping outside our echo chambers and seeking different perspectives can reshape our understanding and foster empathy.Emotional Connection is Key: Whether it's a political campaign or launching a new product, Scott underscored the importance of building genuine emotional connections. People are far more likely to buy in—to ideas, products, or candidates—when they feel heard and understood.Failure is Part of the Process: Scott's advice for entrepreneurs? Be willing to fail—and most importantly, learn from those failures. Growth comes from trying, stumbling, reflecting, and trying again.Key Moments05:12 The Cost of Political Tribalism09:23 Purposeful Living and Community Impact11:40 Rethinking Affirmative Action Globally14:56 Value of Elected Officials18:00 U.S. Government's Poor Decision-Making23:21 Collaborating Despite Differences24:25 Familiarity Breeds Skepticism28:07 "Emotional Connection in Politics"32:03 Profound Insight on Bill Maher35:33 "Escaping Reality and Its Risks"38:45 "Power of Personal Testimony"41:06 Embrace Failure to Succeed44:31 Overlooking Self-Empathy's Importance48:07 The Challenges of Personal GrowthIn each episode, Jeff and Eric will talk about what emotional intelligence, or understanding your emotions, can do for you in your daily and work life. For more information, contact Eric or Jeff at info@spiritofeq.com, or go to their website, Spirit of EQ.You can follow The Spirit of EQ Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Android, or on your favorite podcast player.New episodes are available on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays every month!

For more positivity, good news, and uplifting messages visit:  Thank you for listening! If you like, please subscribe for more!     Unleashing Creativity: Tapping into Your Innate Potential In a world driven by innovation and originality, creativity is one of the most valued and sought-after traits. While some might think creativity is a rare gift bestowed upon a fortunate few, the truth is that we all possess an innate creative potential waiting to be unleashed. This article will explore practical ways to tap into your creative reservoir and bring your ideas to life.   1. Embrace Curiosity Curiosity is the cornerstone of creativity. By asking questions and seeking out new experiences, you open your mind to a world of possibilities. Take time to explore new hobbies, read diverse genres of books, or learn about different cultures. The more varied your experiences, the richer your creative pool becomes.   2. Create a Stimulating Environment Your surroundings can significantly impact your creativity. Design a space that inspires you—fill it with art, colors, and objects that spark joy and imagination. Whether it's a cozy corner in your home or a vibrant workspace, ensure it reflects your personality and fuels your creative spirit.   3. Practice Mindfulness Mindfulness helps quiet the noise in your mind, allowing your inner creativity to emerge. Regular practices like meditation, yoga, or simply mindful breathing can help you stay present and connect with your thoughts and ideas more deeply. This mental clarity can lead to breakthrough moments of creativity.   4. Embrace Failure as a Learning Tool Fear of failure often stifles creativity. Instead of viewing mistakes as setbacks, see them as valuable learning experiences. Every failed attempt brings you one step closer to a successful idea. Embrace a growth mindset, understanding that creativity is a journey filled with trials and errors.   5. Engage in Creative Play Sometimes, the best way to unleash creativity is through play. Activities like drawing, painting, writing, or even playing with building blocks can stimulate your brain in new ways. These playful endeavors can break the monotony of routine thinking and unlock fresh, innovative ideas.   6. Collaborate with Others Creativity often thrives in collaboration. Engaging with others exposes you to different perspectives and ideas, which can ignite your creative spark. Join a club, attend workshops, or simply have brainstorming sessions with friends or colleagues. The synergy of multiple minds can lead to extraordinary creative breakthroughs.   7. Set Aside Time for Creativity In our busy lives, creativity can easily take a backseat. Make a conscious effort to set aside time each day for creative activities. Whether it's 15 minutes of journaling, an hour of crafting, or an afternoon of brainstorming, regular practice helps build and maintain your creative muscles.   8. Seek Inspiration in Nature Nature is a profound source of inspiration. Spending time outdoors, observing the beauty and intricacies of the natural world, can rejuvenate your mind and spark creative ideas. Go for a walk in the park, hike a trail, or simply sit in your garden to connect with nature and your inner creativity.   9. Limit Screen Time While technology offers numerous creative tools, it can also be a distraction. Excessive screen time can drain your mental energy and creativity. Set boundaries for your digital consumption and allow yourself time away from screens to think, dream, and create without interruptions.   10. Reflect and Record Your Ideas Keep a journal or a digital notepad to jot down your thoughts and ideas as they come. Reflection helps you process and refine your creative ideas. Regularly reviewing your notes can provide valuable insights and fuel your creative endeavors.   Unleashing your creativity is not about waiting for inspiration to strike; it's about cultivating habits and environments that encourage creative thinking. By embracing curiosity, creating stimulating spaces, practicing mindfulness, and engaging in playful and collaborative activities, you can tap into your innate creative potential. Remember, creativity is a journey—enjoy the process, learn from it, and let your imagination soar.

 Ten Lessons for the Fitness Entrepreneur Ten Lessons for the Fitness Entrepreneur #1 - Embrace Failure as a Teacher. (1:21) #2 - Focus on Customer Needs. (4:52) #3   Start Small, Scale Smart. (7:20) #4 - Build a Strong Team. (11:08) #5 - Cash Flow is King. (14:02) #6 - Adapt to Change. (18:55) #7 - Network Relentlessly. (23:49) #8 - Prioritize Time Management. (28:09) #9 - Stay Resilient. (33:07) #10 - Keep Learning. (37:10) Related Links/Products Mentioned Visit Legion Athletics for the exclusive offer for Mind Pump listeners! ** Code MINDPUMP for 20% off your first order (new customers) and double rewards points for existing customers. ** July Special: MAPS Split or Anabolic Metabolism Bundle 50% off! ** Code JULY50 at checkout ** Mind Pump #1595: Your Ideas Suck… How to be an Entrepreneur With Netflix Co-Founder Marc Randolph Mind Pump Podcast – YouTube Mind Pump Free Resources People Mentioned Marc Randolph (@MarcRandolph)  Instagram  

From Navy Special Ops to scaling startups, Casey Johnson has led under pressure, failed forward, and built winning teams by focusing on people over ego and mission over noise.

Send us a textWelcome to a landmark episode of the Laundromat Resource Podcast! In episode 200, host Jordan Berry is broadcasting from his early-morning “outdoor studio” in Hawaii, brimming with gratitude and excitement for how far the show—and its vibrant community—has come. To mark this special occasion, Jordan sits down with entrepreneur Brian Bassil, whose refreshing approach to the laundromat business proves that big results don't always require big operations.Brian shares his unique journey from pool service professional to multi-location laundromat owner, revealing how a knack for action, creative problem-solving, and a willingness to start small have shaped his success. From snapping up his first laundromat right off the MLS to doubling revenues with simple upgrades and marketing, to converting old buildings like pharmacies and gas stations into thriving new laundry hubs, Brian's candid story provides inspiration (and tactical advice) for owners everywhere—especially those in smaller towns or eyeing modest spaces.Tune in as we celebrate the lessons, laughter, and leaps of faith that have filled the last 200 episodes, and take away practical ideas you can implement in your own business today. Whether you're a seasoned owner or new to the industry, Brian's experiences, actionable insights, and even a clever grassroots marketing tip about branded pens promise to fuel your next steps. Let's keep learning and growing together—here's to another 200 episodes!In this episode; Jordan and Rick discuss:00:00 Grateful for Laundromat Community06:41 "Painting Bricks and Attracting Customers"14:12 Asset Acquisition and Leveraging Strategies19:48 Unexpected Opportunity: Building Conversion Success23:22 Rising Above Chaos31:02 Cashless System Convenience33:07 Unused Card Balances Grow42:02 "Secret Sauce Insights"47:48 "Pseudo Operations Partner Model"51:04 Learning Through Experience58:09 "Just Do It" Motivation01:00:11 "Embrace Failure to Succeed"01:07:29 Celebrating 200th Episode MilestoneShow Noteshttps://laundromatresource.com/show200ResourcesEmail:brianbassil1@yahoo.comConnect With UsYouTubeInstagramFacebookLinkedInTwitterTikTok

What does it really take? Barry unwraps an old saying "Put Your Hand to the Plow" and how focus can radically change your fathering and the legacy you will leave for your family.Get some discipline! Join the FS100 Challenge by signing up today!FS Facebook FS Instagram FS YouTube Got a question? Need some discipline? Email Barry at barry@fatherseekers.orgTIMELINE00:00 Put Your Hand to the Plow03:42 Focus on What's in Front of You14:07 Embrace Failure, Overcome Fear17:51 Final Encouragement19:00 Fatherseekers.org/FatherFuel--FatherSeekers helps fatherless fathers become better fathers.Get discussion guides, devotionals, and more at FS Website

In this episode of Daily Creative, we dig into the concept of “lean learning”—the art of cutting through information overload to focus on what matters and take action that truly moves us forward. We kick off with an intriguing story about the Jefferson Memorial's restoration, showing how asking the right questions unlocks smarter solutions.Joining us is Pat Flynn, entrepreneur and author of Lean Learning, who shares insights from his journey from aspiring architect to online business leader and educator. Together, we explore how to shift from hoarding knowledge to taking deliberate, timely action, supported by real-life examples and practical frameworks.We break down the difference between “just in case” and “just in time” learning, discuss voluntary force functions, and tackle the mental hurdles that keep creatives and leaders stuck in learning mode rather than doing. Pat offers inspiring personal stories—from online experiments to fishing escapades—that bring these principles to life.Five Key Learnings from This Episode:Ask Better Questions: The right question asked repeatedly (like “why?”) can unravel complex issues and clear away unnecessary noise, leading to simple, effective solutions.Just-In-Time Learning: Instead of stockpiling information “just in case,” focus on gathering knowledge as you need it to move to the next step—then act on it.Implement Force Functions: Create self-imposed deadlines or accountability measures to compel action and learning by doing, not just by consuming.Leverage Community and Mentors: Surrounding yourself with peers, mentors, and those who've gone before you accelerates learning and provides essential support and perspective.Embrace Failure as a Guide: Strategic, fast failures are key to real growth; mistakes become vital feedback that push you toward mastery and wisdom.Get full interviews and bonus content for free! Just join the list at DailyCreativePlus.com.Mentioned in this episode:To listen to the full interviews from today's episode, as well as receive bonus content and deep dive insights from the episode, visit DailyCreativePlus.com and join Daily Creative+.To listen to the full interviews from today's episode, as well as receive bonus content and deep dive insights from the episode, visit DailyCreativePlus.com and join Daily Creative+.

In order to succeed, we need to embrace failure.  Here are 8 reasons why we should embrace failure.

navigating your 20s can feel overwhelming—so here are 10 life lessons that helped me find clarity, confidence, and purpose ✨ from building self-worth and mastering your mindset, to creating financial flow and embracing failure, these are the tips I wish I had when I was starting out. this video is your guide to glowing up in your 20s—inside and out. we'll talk daily habits, communication skills, manifestation, and how to truly step into your highest self. if you're in your self-growth era, this one's for you

Dan Harris, host of the 10% Happier Podcast, best selling author, and former ABC News Anchor sits down with JVN to talk about how we can get comfortable with failure and how to stop letting fear control your life. Dan unpacks how failure became the unlikely catalyst for lasting change. Whether you're battling self-doubt or just trying to bounce back, this conversation offers real tools, raw honesty, and a fresh perspective on how falling down can actually move us forward. Dan Harris is a journalist, best selling author, and host of the 10% Happier Podcast. He served as an anchor and correspondent for ABC News, including roles on Nightline and Good Morning America.  Full Video Episodes now available on YouTube. You can follow Dan Harris on Instagram @danharris. Not A Phase. Trans Lifeline. Follow us on Instagram @gettingbetterwithjvn Jonathan on Instagram @jvn  Senior Producer, Chris McClure Producer, Editor & Engineer is Nathanael McClure Production support from Julie Carrillo, Anne Currie, and Chad Hall Our theme music is also composed by Nathanael McClure. Curious about bringing your brand to life on the show? Email podcastadsales@sonymusic.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Stop Blaming, Start Owning! 4 Keys to Take Control & Crush InsecurityTired of saying "it's not my fault"? We all do it, often without realizing it!Learn the 4 crucial keys to owning your journey, taking radical responsibility, and finally letting go of insecurity and the need for perfectionism.Welcome to ThrivingMan.com! I'm David Maxwell, helping you conquer chaos and thrive. This is the FIX for insecurity we've been diagnosing! Learn why taking responsibility (even when it's hard - my first job story!) is the ultimate power move.In this video:Stepping into Ownership: It's a choice! Learn how self-ownership empowers you (like Jinwoo!).Recognize Perfectionism: Your "do it right or not at all" mentality might be keeping you from growth and responsibility.Embrace Failure as a Teacher: Shift your mindset! Failure isn't your identity, it's your greatest lesson (growth mindset!).Make the Mindset Shift: Separate your worth from your performance for true freedom and resilience.Ready to take control? Practice separating who you are from what you do. Discover the freedom of authentic ownership!Check out more resources to help you grow as a man at www.thrivingman.com.#OwnYourJourney #TakeResponsibility #Insecurity #OvercomeInsecurity #Perfectionism #PersonalGrowth #ThrivingMan #MensMentalHealth #SelfOwnership #FailureIsLearning #GrowthMindset #Accountability

Send us a textIn this empowering episode, we explore the essential role of grit in personal mastery and growth. You'll learn why grit is more than just pushing through — it's about purpose, resilience, and sustained passion for your goals. We look at the practical, research-backed strategies to build grit in a way that's healthy and sustainable, not self-destructive.In the episode I also opens up about my own journey of perseverance through addiction, burnout, and self-doubt, and why high achievers often need a different kind of fuel to truly thrive. If you've ever felt like giving up, this episode is for you.What You'll Learn:Why grit outperforms talent, IQ, and even leadership potentialHow to develop grit sustainably (without burning out)The role of purpose and meaning in keeping you motivatedHow to reframe failure and use it as fuelThe importance of relationships that reinforce perseveranceHow grit supports both healing and high performanceIntroduction to the Personal Mastery FrameworkResources & Links:

In this episode we welcome back Tammy Wharton, President and CEO of Girl Scouts of Ohio's Heartland, to give an update on the Dream Big initiative and the new STEM Leadership Center at Camp Ken-Jockety. Tammy shares the excitement surrounding the opening of the building and its functional purpose, emphasizing that it serves not only the girls but also the wider community and youth in Central Ohio.Top takeawaysSTEM Leadership Center: The Girl Scouts of Ohio's Heartland has opened a STEM Leadership Center, fulfilling the Dream Big program's promise of promoting STEM education for young girls in Central Ohio.Dream Big Initiative: The program started in 2018, aiming to put 2.5 million girls in the STEM pipeline by 2025. It's a transformational step aimed at providing immersive STEM experiences.Community Engagement: The STEM Leadership Center is for all children and community members in Central Ohio, offering various programs and collaborations with schools and community groups.Ohio State of the Girl Report: This report, created by Girl Scout councils across Ohio, addresses the challenges girls face and includes actionable steps for teachers, caregivers, and mentors to support them.Digital Literacy: A significant focus is on teaching girls digital literacy, as many challenges such as cyberbullying are linked to technology use.Importance of Physical Activity: Limiting screen time and encouraging outdoor physical activities are vital for improving girls' physical and mental well-being.Combating Bullying: Strategies to combat bullying include establishing supportive connections with caring adults and providing anti-bullying education in schools.Economic and Social Importance of STEM for Girls: Recruiting more women into STEM fields is critical for the workforce, as women make up over 50% of the population but are underrepresented in STEM.Hands-On Learning at the STEM Center: Programs at the center are designed to provide girls with hands-on learning opportunities, like building a dollhouse with a 3D printer, and showcasing potential career paths.Building Confidence and Support Networks: It's crucial for girls to build self-confidence and have supportive networks to improve academic success, fight bullying, and create a positive body image.If you like this episode, please let us know. We appreciate the feed back, and your support of offset costs of producing the podcast!Key moments04:10 Investing Early in Girls' STEM07:29 "Essential Report for Educators"11:52 Unrealistic Beauty Standards in Media15:59 Promote Anti-Bullying Education20:09 Empowering Girls Through Construction Skills23:32 "Embrace Failure to Succeed"27:15 Building Confidence to Prevent Bullying29:58 Boosting Women in STEM33:51 Empowering Gold Award Girl Scouts39:46 Observations on Booth Interactions42:16 Outdoor Classroom for All SchoolsWe would love to hear from you.Give us your feedback, or suggest a topic, by leaving us a voice message.Email us at hello@lookingforwardourway.com.Find us on Bluesky and

Part Two.Erin Diehl dreamed of being the next Oprah but ended up becoming the queen of corporate improv instead. Now the founder and CEO of Improve It, she helps teams laugh their way to better performance. A self-declared “failfluencer,” Erin turns every faceplant into a feature. In this two-part series, we dig into her journey, her joy-first philosophy, and why bombing on stage—or in life—might be the best thing that ever happened to you.Key Highlights of Our Interview:WTF: Worst Terrifying Failure“2020 was my crash course in failure. The pandemic forced our in-person business to pivot entirely online overnight. At the same time, I juggled new motherhood, supporting a recovering parent, and trying to keep my business afloat. It was my WTF moment: my Worst Terrifying Failure.”This breakdown captures the essence of the MOVE ON methodology:1. Marinate: Sit With It, Not In ItFailure isn't something you can brush off overnight. Take the time to sit with your worst terrifying failure—your WTF story. Reflect deeply. Walk, journal, or simply allow yourself to process. It's about feeling without rushing to fix.2. Own It: Forgive and Face the Thought Worms“Own your part in the failure, but more importantly, forgive yourself. We repeat 80% of our negative thoughts daily, so break that cycle. Recognize those thought worms for what they are and stop letting them dictate your story.”3. Verify the Lessons: What Will You Take With You?“Failure comes bearing lessons—two or three takeaways that you can carry forward. Identify what you've learned and how you'll avoid the same pitfalls in the future. This step transforms failure into wisdom.”4. Evaluate: What's the Plan?5. Observe the Growth: Prepare for the Next Chapter6. Embrace Failure as Part of ChangeConnect with us:Host: Vince Chan | Guest: Erin Diehl --Chief Change Officer--Change Ambitiously. Outgrow Yourself.Open a World of Expansive Human Intelligencefor Transformation Gurus, Black Sheep,Unsung Visionaries & Bold Hearts.10 Million+ All-Time Downloads.Reaching 80+ Countries Daily.Global Top 3% Podcast.Top 10 US Business.Top 1 US Careers.>>>130,000+ are outgrowing. Act Today.

You think you're helping your kid. You clear the path. You smooth the bumps. You make sure they never feel too sad, too bored, too uncomfortable. It feels like love. But what if it's making them weak? In this episode, Dave Asprey sits down with bestselling author, TED speaker, and resilience expert Jennifer Cohen to reveal how today's parenting norms are quietly producing the most anxious, dependent, and emotionally fragile generation in history—Gen Z. Whether you're raising kids, managing young employees, or trying to understand the next generation—you'll walk away from this episode with a new lens on resilience, responsibility, and real-world readiness. What You'll Learn in This Episode: • Why Gen Z struggles with anxiety, confidence, and failure • How smartphones, safe spaces, and overparenting weaken resilience • The science behind boredom, chores, and grit-building discomfort • Why participation trophies are doing real psychological harm • The bold parenting shifts that build strong, adaptable adults • How to model strength—even when it's unpopular • The simple framework to raise kids who can thrive, not just survive If you want to raise strong kids—or work with a generation that's struggling—this episode is a must-listen. It's not just about parenting. It's about the future. And it starts with getting uncomfortable. SPONSORS -Quantum Upgrade | Go to https://quantumupgrade.io/Dave for a free trial. -Qualia | Go to https://www.qualialife.com/dave15 to get an additional 15% off subscriptions. Resources: • A Day of Biohacking and Consciousness Even (4/12): https://daveasprey.com/biohacking-and-consciousness/ • Dave Asprey's New Book - Heavily Meditated: https://daveasprey.com/heavily-meditated/ • Jennifer's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealjencohen/ • Jennifer's Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBuPgI8lXTmy5T0D_EDMnVg • Jennifer's Website: https://www.jennifercohen.com/ • Danger Coffee: https://dangercoffee.com • Dave Asprey's Website: https://daveasprey.com • Dave Asprey's Linktree: https://linktr.ee/daveasprey • Upgrade Collective – Join The Human Upgrade Podcast Live: https://www.ourupgradecollective.com • Own an Upgrade Labs: https://ownanupgradelabs.com • Upgrade Labs: https://upgradelabs.com • 40 Years of Zen – Neurofeedback Training for Advanced Cognitive Enhancement: https://40yearsofzen.com Timestamps: • 00:00 – Trailer • 01:59 – Intro • 03:38 – The Shift in Parenting Styles • 07:04 – The Role of Technology and Social Media • 10:59 – The Importance of Failure and Resilience • 13:38 – Practical Parenting Tips and Challenges • 24:06 – The Value of Chores and Responsibility • 26:24 – Balancing Luxury and Adversity in Parenting • 27:01 – Teaching Kids to Embrace Failure • 28:00 – The 10% Target: Encouraging Persistence • 29:35 – The Importance of Boredom and Creativity • 30:58 – Role Modeling Healthy Habits • 31:43 – Kids' Reactions to Fast Food • 32:49 – Extreme Parenting: Biohacking and Kids • 36:30 – Rejection Therapy and Boldness • 42:42 – Praising Effort Over Intelligence • 45:32 – Challenges of Being Attractive and Intelligent • 49:31 – Instilling Self-Esteem in Children • 50:13 – Conclusion and Final Thoughts See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Superpowers for Good should not be considered investment advice. Seek counsel before making investment decisions. When you purchase an item, launch a campaign or create an investment account after clicking a link here, we may earn a fee. Engage to support our work.Watch the show on television by downloading the e360tv channel app to your Roku, AppleTV or AmazonFireTV. You can also see it on YouTube.Has your business been impacted by the recent fires? Apply now for a chance to receive one of 10 free tickets to SuperCrowdLA on May 2nd and 3rd and gain the tools to rebuild and grow!Devin: What is your superpower?Phillip: Faith-Driven InnovationTraditional car dealerships have long been associated with high-pressure sales tactics and hidden fees. But Phillip Ibrahim, CEO of Imotobank, is changing that by pioneering a new model that prioritizes transparency, convenience, and customer empowerment.When Phillip started selling cars online in 2001, he saw an opportunity to remove the unnecessary overhead costs that traditional dealerships pass onto customers. "What does this $20 million building add in value to the consumer?" he recalls asking himself. "And I couldn't answer anything positive other than the consumer has to pay for it."Fast forward to today, and Imotobank operates on a radically different model. Customers can browse, consult, and finalize their purchases through a streamlined digital experience. "Within 12 or 15 minutes, we have a computer meeting with them, we source a car if we don't have one already, and we fill the order," Phillip explains. "Five to seven days later, the car is delivered to their doorstep."Beyond convenience, Phillip's model is designed to make car buying fairer. "Most car dealers don't give that level of transparency, and we do," he says. "We share screens with customers, show them the best wholesale transactions, and explain why each option is priced the way it is." This consultative, open-book approach ensures that buyers understand what they're paying for—without the usual dealership markup games.But Imotobank's ambitions go beyond selling cars. The company is currently raising capital through a regulated investment crowdfunding campaign on Netcapital. With the funds, Phillip plans to unite 50 to 100 independent dealers under Imotobank's innovative umbrella. This will enable them to share technology, reduce costs, and provide better financing options for underserved consumers. "We want to create a captive finance company that doesn't prey on the consumer but gives them a reasonable rate," he explains.Phillip's vision for Imotobank isn't just about making car buying easier—it's about leveling the playing field for both consumers and independent dealers. "The future of the car business isn't static listings on a website," he says. "It's giving people proper advice, full transparency, and fair pricing."Traditional car dealerships have long been associated with high-pressure sales tactics and hidden fees. But Phillip Ibrahim, CEO of Imotobank, is changing that by pioneering a new model that prioritizes transparency, convenience, and customer empowerment.When Phillip started selling cars online in 2001, he saw an opportunity to remove the unnecessary overhead costs that traditional dealerships pass onto customers. "What does this $20 million building add in value to the consumer?" he recalls asking himself. "And I couldn't answer anything positive other than the consumer has to pay for it."Fast forward to today, and Imotobank operates on a radically different model. Customers can browse, consult, and finalize their purchases through a streamlined digital experience. "Within 12 or 15 minutes, we have a computer meeting with them, we source a car if we don't have one already, and we fill the order," Phillip explains. "Five to seven days later, the car is delivered to their doorstep."Beyond convenience, Phillip's model is designed to make car buying fairer. "Most car dealers don't give that level of transparency, and we do," he says. "We share screens with customers, show them the best wholesale transactions, and explain why each option is priced the way it is." This consultative, open-book approach ensures that buyers understand what they're paying for—without the usual dealership markup games.But Imotobank's ambitions go beyond selling cars. The company is currently raising capital through a regulated investment crowdfunding campaign on Netcapital. With the funds, Phillip plans to unite 50 to 100 independent dealers under Imotobank's innovative umbrella. This will enable them to share technology, reduce costs, and provide better financing options for underserved consumers. "We want to create a captive finance company that doesn't prey on the consumer but gives them a reasonable rate," he explains.Phillip's vision for Imotobank isn't just about making car buying easier—it's about leveling the playing field for both consumers and independent dealers. "The future of the car business isn't static listings on a website," he says. "It's giving people proper advice, full transparency, and fair pricing."tl;dr:Phillip Ibrahim founded Imotobank to revolutionize car buying with a transparent, customer-first approach.Imotobank's digital model allows customers to buy cars online in minutes with full pricing transparency.The company is raising capital on Netcapital to expand its network of independent dealers and services.Phillip's superpower—faith—has helped him embrace risk, rebuild after failure, and drive innovation.His story teaches us to trust opportunities, learn from setbacks, and lead with integrity and purpose.How to Develop Faith-Driven Innovation As a SuperpowerPhillip Ibrahim's superpower is rooted in faith—faith in himself, his ideas, and in divine guidance. "I trust that God has been good to me," he says, emphasizing that his ability to recognize new opportunities and adapt to challenges stems from this deep-seated belief. "Even if I make a mistake, He kind of fixes them up for me and makes them go more smoothly."Summary of the Superpower:Phillip's faith-driven mindset has allowed him to embrace risk and innovation with confidence. He describes his superpower as recognizing opportunities and having the courage to pursue them. "I'm the product of two engineers, and I ended up having two kids who are both studying mechanical engineering. My superpower is recognizing interesting and new things, being totally unafraid to try them." His faith acts as a guiding force, allowing him to navigate uncertainty with trust rather than fear.Illustrative Story:One of the most defining moments of Phillip's career came when he was at the peak of his business in 2006, selling 100 cars a month on eBay. "I never thought we were going anywhere but up," he recalls. However, a sudden system failure shut down all of his eBay accounts overnight, leaving his business with no foundation. The collapse was financially and emotionally devastating. "I had a $2 million local line of credit, a mortgage, and was charging $350,000 a month on my Amex card. Imagine how it felt to come crashing down." Instead of giving up, Phillip leaned on his faith. "I prayed, and I felt an epiphany: If I put all my energy into building something new and great, it would be far more productive than fighting the past." This resilience allowed him to rebuild his business into the innovative Imotobank model that is thriving today.Tips for Developing This Superpower:Trust in the Process: Be open to new opportunities and trust that challenges will lead to growth.Embrace Failure as a Lesson: View setbacks as stepping stones rather than roadblocks.Take Calculated Risks: Fear often holds people back from innovation—push past hesitation with confidence.Stay Rooted in Your Values: Whether faith-based or principle-driven, let your core beliefs guide decisions.Focus on Building, Not Fighting: Energy spent on creation is always more valuable than energy spent on conflict.By following Phillip Ibrahim's example and advice, you can make faith-driven innovation a skill. With practice and effort, you could make it a superpower that enables you to do more good in the world.Remember, however, that research into success suggests that building on your own superpowers is more important than creating new ones or overcoming weaknesses. You do you!Guest ProfilePhillip Ibrahim (he/him):CEO, Imotobank DealershipAbout Imotobank Dealership: We pioneered every aspect of the online sale and facilitation of automobiles. We were among the first on eBay 2001, YouTube 2008, Cargurus, OVE, Simulcast, gotomeeting...We innovated the use of technology to actually sell cars in real-time. Our goal is to continue to make buying cars as easy as ordering a pizza. Our overarching goal is to unite 50-100 dealerships across the country and work as one giant consortium to vertically integrate all the functions, reduce insurance costs, own a captive warranty company, own a captive finance company, own the finntech/software to operate the entity. Each dealer would buy shares in the company. Website: imotobank.comOther URL: netcapital.com/companies/imotobankdealershipBiographical Information:Phillip Ibrahim is a visionary entrepreneur and industry expert with a passion for innovation and service. As the CEO of Imotobank, he has redefined the car-buying experience by leveraging technology, transparency, and efficiency to better serve customers locally and worldwide. With a deep commitment to gratitude and excellence, Phillip has nurtured relationships with over 15,000 clients and continues to expand his impact.Beyond his leadership in the auto industry, Phillip is a sought-after expert witness, providing valuable insights to insurance companies and other entities navigating complex cases. His ability to optimize existing technologies and embrace new ideas makes him a dynamic problem solver and strategist. With expertise spanning automobile remarketing, internet distribution, finance, aviation, and global sales, he is always open to innovative collaborations and investment opportunities.Phillip's mission is clear: to build a company that reflects his faith and gratitude by delivering exceptional service and creating opportunities for growth.LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/phillip-ibrahim-5825142Support Our SponsorsOur generous sponsors make our work possible, serving impact investors, social entrepreneurs, community builders and diverse founders. Today's advertisers include FundingHope, Pivotal Health, SuperCrowdLA and Crowdfunding Made Simple. Learn more about advertising with us here.Max-Impact MembersThe following Max-Impact Members provide valuable financial support:Carol Fineagan, Independent Consultant | Lory Moore, Lory Moore Law | Marcia Brinton, High Desert Gear | Paul Lovejoy, Stakeholder Enterprise | Pearl Wright, Global Changemaker | Ralf Mandt, Next Pitch | Scott Thorpe, Philanthropist | Matthew Mead, Hempitecture | Michael Pratt, Qnetic | Add Your Name HereUpcoming SuperCrowd Event CalendarIf a location is not noted, the events below are virtual.Impact Cherub Club Meeting hosted by The Super Crowd, Inc., a public benefit corporation, on April 15, 2025, at 1:00 PM Eastern. Each month, the Club meets to review new offerings for investment consideration and to conduct due diligence on previously screened deals. To join the Impact Cherub Club, become an Impact Member of the SuperCrowd.SuperCrowdHour, April 16, 2025, at 1:00 PM Eastern. Gene Massey, Chairman/CEO of MediaShares, will lead a session on "Secrets For Creating Great Content To Attract Investors." He'll share expert insights on crafting compelling content that engages and converts potential investors. Whether you're launching a crowdfunding campaign or looking to enhance your storytelling strategy, this session is a must-attend! Don't miss it!SuperCrowdLA: we're going to be live in Santa Monica, California, May 1-3. Plan to join us for a major, in-person event focused on scaling impact. Sponsored by Digital Niche Agency, ProActive Real Estate and others. This will be a can't-miss event. Has your business been impacted by the recent fires? Apply now for a chance to receive one of 10 free tickets to SuperCrowdLA on May 2nd and 3rd and gain the tools to rebuild and grow! SuperCrowd25, August 21st and 22nd: This two-day virtual event is an annual tradition but with big upgrades for 2025! We'll be streaming live across the web and on TV via e360tv. Soon, we'll open a process for nominating speakers. Check back!Community Event CalendarSuccessful Funding with Karl Dakin, Tuesdays at 10:00 AM ET - Click on Events.Igniting Community Capital to Build Outdoor Recreation Communities, Crowdfund Better, Thursdays, March 20 & 27, April 3 & 10, 2025, at 1:00 PM ET.Asheville Neighborhood Economics, April 1-2, 2-25.Regulated Investment Crowdfunding Summit 2025, Crowdfunding Professional Association, Washington DC, October 21-22, 2025.Call for community action:Please show your support for a tax credit for investments made via Regulation Crowdfunding, benefiting both the investors and the small businesses that receive the investments. Learn more here.If you would like to submit an event for us to share with the 9,000+ changemakers, investors and entrepreneurs who are members of the SuperCrowd, click here.We use AI to help us write compelling recaps of each episode. Get full access to Superpowers for Good at www.superpowers4good.com/subscribe

Bruce Lee wasn't just a martial arts icon. He was a master of mental discipline, using six powerful habits that transformed his approach to life and success. Bruce's journey reveals how deliberate practice shaped his legendary status. Instead of fearing failure, he embraced it as a teacher, carrying notebooks everywhere to capture insights that became contracts with himself. His methods were surprisingly practical—reading voraciously across diverse subjects, daily goal recitation, and blending Eastern philosophy with Western training techniques. This episode explores how Lee's training wasn't based on natural talent but rather his "fanatical" dedication, adapting everything from weightlifting to fencing to create something entirely new. "Absorb what is useful, Discard what is not, Add what is uniquely your own" - Bruce Lee His willingness to challenge traditions while respecting foundations made him revolutionary in multiple domains. Takeaways: Start carrying a notebook to capture ideas and insights, reflecting on them regularly Practice goal recitation daily to encode your ambitions into your subconscious Read widely outside your expertise to create unique mental connections Ready to transform your mindset? Press play to unlock Bruce Lee's blueprint for unstoppable growth. Upgrade to Premium:

In this episode, host Phil Treadwell dives into how the business world is evolving and why success comes to those who take action. Effort, mindset, and strategic thinking are key drivers of growth. Phil breaks down the difference between strategies and plans, emphasizing the power of confidence, conviction, and enthusiasm. Instead of dwelling on the past, focus on what's ahead—educate yourself, embrace failure as a stepping stone, and recognize that opportunities are everywhere for those willing to go after them. Phil Treadwell is an award-winning entrepreneur, national speaker, and podcaster with over 20 years of experience in the mortgage and real estate industry. As the Founder and Mindset Coach at M1 Academy, ranked #4 among the Top 10 Mortgage Coaching Programs of 2023, Phil helps professionals achieve peak performance through proven strategies for mindset and execution. Recognized with multiple honors, including USA TODAY's Top 10 Founders to Follow in 2024, Phil is dedicated to empowering professionals to reach their full potential. 00:20 Business Has Changed 02:00 Efforts Bring Success 04:00 Are You Taking Action? 05:15 Strategies vs. Plans 07:10 Mindset is Key 09:40 Conviction, Confidence, and Enthusiasm 11:30 Look Forward, Not Backward 13:15 Educate Yourself 14:00 Embrace Failure 17:00 Opportunity is Out There Join M1 Academy's Breakthrough Blueprint! Stuck on social media? Check out our 30 Day Instagram Posts resource! LEARN MORE ABOUT M1 ACADEMY COACHING If you are enjoying the MME podcast, please take a second and LEAVE US A REVIEW. And JOIN the M1A Text Community: 214-225-5696  

Part Two. Meet Erin Diehl, a woman who turned “winging it” into a career strategy. She's the founder and CEO of Improve It, a company that uses improv to help teams thrive. As a kid, Erin dreamed of being a talk show host. Instead, she became a top podcast host and business leader, blending humor and learning to help others grow. She calls herself a failfluencer—because, in her world, failure isn't an end, it's a punchline and a lesson. In this two-part series, we explore Erin's journey, her philosophy on joy, and why failing might just be your best career move yet. Key Highlights of Our Interview: WTF: Worst Terrifying Failure “2020 was my crash course in failure. The pandemic forced our in-person business to pivot entirely online overnight. At the same time, I juggled new motherhood, supporting a recovering parent, and trying to keep my business afloat. It was my WTF moment: my Worst Terrifying Failure.” This breakdown captures the essence of the MOVE ON methodology: 1. Marinate: Sit With It, Not In It Failure isn't something you can brush off overnight. Take the time to sit with your worst terrifying failure—your WTF story. Reflect deeply. Walk, journal, or simply allow yourself to process. It's about feeling without rushing to fix. 2. Own It: Forgive and Face the Thought Worms “Own your part in the failure, but more importantly, forgive yourself. We repeat 80% of our negative thoughts daily, so break that cycle. Recognize those thought worms for what they are and stop letting them dictate your story.” 3. Verify the Lessons: What Will You Take With You? “Failure comes bearing lessons—two or three takeaways that you can carry forward. Identify what you've learned and how you'll avoid the same pitfalls in the future. This step transforms failure into wisdom.” 4. Evaluate: What's the Plan? 5. Observe the Growth: Prepare for the Next Chapter 6. Embrace Failure as Part of Change Connect with us: Host: Vince Chan | Guest: Erin Diehl Chief Change Officer: Make Change Ambitiously. Experiential Human Intelligence for Growth Progressives Global Top 2.5% Podcast on Listen Notes World's #1 Career Podcast on Apple Top 1: US, CA, MX, IE, HU, AT, CH, FI 5 Million+ Downloads 80+ Countries

Neena Speer, a published author, founder of a nonprofit, and solo practitioner, joins Kyla to share how she built a purpose-driven career rooted in mentorship, advocacy, and transparency. From creating her nonprofit Step 1-2-3 to writing Dear Future Lawyer, Neena opens up about the challenges of law school, embracing failure, and the power of mentorship to create lasting change. This episode is an inspiring look at how lawyers can turn their personal experiences into impactful careers that align with their values.Lawyer Side HustlesNeena's side hustles reflect her commitment to mentorship and storytelling, demonstrating how lawyers can channel their passions into impactful projects. Her nonprofit, Step 1-2-3, was born from a personal promise to remain a lifelong mentor to a student she guided during a program that later lost contact with her mentees. The program has since grown into a nationwide and virtual initiative, connecting mentors and mentees across the U.S. and even globally.“I didn't like red tape. I didn't like being told no. So I created my own nonprofit to make the impact I knew was possible,” shares Neena Speer in Episode 178 of You Are a Lawyer.Beyond her nonprofit, Neena's side hustle as an author has had a profound impact on minority female law students. Dear Future Lawyer serves as both a survival guide and a source of encouragement, addressing the unique challenges faced by minority women in law school. By sharing her personal story and lessons learned, Neena has created a platform that empowers others to embrace authenticity and resilience in their legal journeys. Her side hustles are deeply intertwined with her core mission of mentorship and advocacy, proving that lawyers can create meaningful, multifaceted careers.LISTEN TO LEARNHow to transform your personal experiences into purpose-driven projectsWhy embracing failure and sharing your authentic story can empower others and redefine your careerActionable advice for creating mentorship programs that foster meaningful, lasting connectionsWE ALSO DISCUSSNeena's journey from law school to becoming an author, nonprofit founder, and solo practitionerThe importance of finding your “why” in law school and how it can shape your careerPractical tips for navigating challenges as a minority female law student and lawyerJoin the FREE mailing list!Get behind-the-scenes content from You Are A Lawyer. 1) Visit www.youarealawyer.com2) Add your email address to the Subscribe pop-up box OR3) Enter your email address on the right side of the screen4) Get emails from me (I won't fill your inbox with junk)!Interact with You Are A LawyerKyla Denanyoh hosts the You Are A Lawyer podcast. Follow the podcast:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@youarealawyerWebsite: https://www.youarealawyer.com

Let's talk about setting the stage for greatness, because if you're not planning for success, you're basically setting yourself up to fall flat. I'm breaking down the importance of goal setting—but not in that boring, surface-level way. We're getting real about evaluating your goals through the lens of your actual time and energy. Because let's face it: not every goal deserves your full attention, and some need to wait their turn. Before you dive headfirst into your next big ambition, we're reflecting on last year—the wins, the losses, and everything in between. What did you crush? Where did you miss the mark? Spoiler alert: those missed opportunities and failures are pure gold when it comes to learning and growing. This isn't just a “rah-rah, set goals” pep talk; it's about building a roadmap that's rooted in your unique journey. We're also diving into one of the most powerful tools for personal and professional growth: feedback. Yep, we're embracing it, not dodging it, because feedback is your secret weapon to leveling up. I'm sharing how to use feedback as a launchpad for even more success, transforming critiques into actionable insights that help you adjust your course and crush it in the future. Whether it's about refining your goals or tweaking your approach, feedback gives you the clarity you need to make smarter, bolder moves. If you're ready to reflect, reassess, and set a future so solid it makes your past self jealous, this episode is for you. You're capable of more than you think, and I'm here to help you own it! Tune in and let's get to work. What you'll hear in this episode: [2:55] The Importance of Goal Setting [4:30] Evaluating Goals with Your Time and Energy In Mind [7:10] Reflecting on Previous Attempts of Your Goals [8:50] Reflecting on What You Accomplished Last Year [9:30] Assessing Missed Opportunities and Failures from Last Year [11:30] The Importance of Embracing Feedback for Growth [14:30] How To Use Feedback as a Tool [17:00] How Feedback Can be a Starting Point to Even More Growth [19:40] The Importance of Adjusting the Course for your Future based on Feedback Related Episodes: 3 Simple ways to make feedback your best friend. Lessons Learned by Embracing Life's Journey How to Embrace Failure and Fuel Your Personal Growth Connect with Paige on Instagram @paigelawrencecoaching

Episode 660: In this podcast interview with Shana Meyerson, we explore the deeper meaning of failure, fear, and faith. Discover how to shift your perspective on setbacks, why fear is just faith pointed in the wrong direction, and how the tiniest bit of belief (like a mustard seed!) can create monumental change. We also dive into the power of mindfulness, focus, and patience in your journey toward success. In this conversation, you'll learn: ✔️ Why fear is "faith in the negative" and how to reframe it ✔️ The role of patience and mindfulness in growth ✔️ How to be more intentional with your thoughts and actions ✔️ Why embracing failure is the key to unlocking your true potential If you've ever felt stuck, fearful, or frustrated on your journey to success, this conversation is for YOU. Connect with Shana Meyerson: www.YOGAthletica.com https://www.youtube.com/@YOGAthletica http://instagram.com/yogathletica https://www.facebook.com/pages/YOGAthletica/259118847466446 To unlock your full potential and live your best life, I invite you to SCHEDULE YOUR FREE DISCOVERY CALL: www.heatherhakes.com  MY PRODUCTS AND COACHING:

In this episode of "Push to Be More," host Matt Edmundson engages with Arshad Hisham, a dynamic entrepreneur and CEO of inGen Dynamics. Arshad shares his journey from overcoming a catastrophic business failure to building a successful company with an $80 million revenue pipeline. The conversation explores the rapid evolution of AI and robotics, highlighting both the exciting potential and the societal challenges they present. Arshad discusses the importance of resilience, risk-taking, and reframing failure as a learning opportunity. He also emphasises the value of gratitude and introspection in maintaining contentment and purpose. This insightful dialogue offers a blend of personal anecdotes and professional insights, making it a must-listen for aspiring entrepreneurs and tech enthusiasts.Key Takeaways:1. Embrace Failure as a Learning Opportunity: Arshad highlights the importance of viewing failures not as personal shortcomings but as character-building experiences. He stresses that setbacks are often due to external factors beyond one's control and advises detaching oneself from the failure to learn and grow from it. This perspective helps in maintaining resilience and continuing to pursue one's goals despite challenges.2. Cultivate Mental Resilience and Adaptability: Arshad discusses the significance of mental exercises, such as meditation and introspection, to build resilience. He suggests that just as physical exercise is essential for the body, mental exercises are crucial for the mind. This includes reframing situations positively and understanding that personal growth often comes from overcoming adversity.3. Live with Gratitude and Without Expectations: Arshad advocates for starting each day with gratitude, acknowledging the positive aspects of life rather than focusing on what is lacking. He also advises against having expectations from others, as this can lead to disappointment and negative emotions. By doing so, one can maintain a sense of freedom and contentment, focusing on personal growth and contribution rather than external validation.If this episode of Push to be More piqued your interest make sure to keep up to date with everything we do here on the Push to be More Podcast.

"So, my definition of being fearless is not about no fear, but it's having that courage to face your fear, to conquer whatever adversities that are thrown your way. it is part of the entrepreneur journey. We are always faced with fear of failure. Self Doubt is how to pick up our courage and face them and use these challenges to become your catalyst for innovation, the catalyst for growth, the catalyst for your success." - Yvon Bock Fresh out of the studio, Yvon Bock, Founder and CEO of Hegen, shares her inspiring journey from stay-at-home mom to world-class entrepreneur in her new book, "ExtraOrdinary". Yvon discusses how personal challenges as a breastfeeding mother fueled her vision to create Hegen's groundbreaking baby bottle, overcoming five years of development and over 200 prototypes. She reflects on the bold decisions behind Hegen's expansion into China, including leveraging live streaming to reach millions and highlights how storytelling and advocacy transformed her brand into a movement supporting modern moms. Last but not least, Yvon shares what great would look like for Hegen in the future: empowering 100 million mothers worldwide and establishing a presence in 35 jurisdictions. Audio Episode Highlights: [0:46] Quote of the Day by Yvon Bock #QOTD [1:18] Introduction: Yvon Bock, Founder & CEO of Hegen [3:12] From Stay-at-Home Mom to Entrepreneur [3:48] The Origin of Hegen [7:43] The Role of Family Business in Yvon's Journey [15:28] Overcoming Prototypes and Doubts [22:44] Expanding into the Chinese Market [27:18] The Power of Live Streaming and Advocacy [33:49] Key Lessons for Future Entrepreneurs [35:54] Teaching Children to Embrace Failure [38:05] Balancing Breastfeeding Advocacy and Bottles [40:04] Building a Global Legacy for Hegen [40:53] Closing You can find Yvon Bock and her new book on her personal site: https://www.yvonbock.com/ and via LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yvonbock/ Podcast Information: Bernard Leong hosts and produces the show. Proper credits for the intro and end music: "Energetic Sports Drive" and the episode is mixed & edited in both video and audio format by G. Thomas Craig Analyse Asia Main Site: https://analyse.asia Analyse Asia Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1kkRwzRZa4JCICr2vm0vGl Analyse Asia Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/analyse-asia-with-bernard-leong/id914868245 Analyse Asia YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AnalyseAsia Analyse Asia LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/analyse-asia/ Analyse Asia X (formerly known as Twitter): https://twitter.com/analyseasia Analyse Asia Threads: https://www.threads.net/@analyseasia Sign Up for Our This Week in Asia Newsletter: https://www.analyse.asia/#/portal/signup Subscribe Newsletter on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=7149559878934540288

Part Two. Today's guest is Erin Diehl, founder and CEO of Improve It, a company that uses improv to help teams grow and thrive. Like me, she's also a top podcast host! From a young age, Erin dreamed of becoming a talk show host. Why did she choose that path? And how did her journey lead her to combine improv and business? I told Erin, “You're in the business of joy.” But beyond joy, we also talked about failure. Erin calls herself a “failfluencer”—a blend of failure and influence. This two-part series dives into her unique approach to joy, failure, growth, and learning. Key Highlights of Our Interview: WTF: Worst Terrifying Failure “2020 was my crash course in failure. The pandemic forced our in-person business to pivot entirely online overnight. At the same time, I juggled new motherhood, supporting a recovering parent, and trying to keep my business afloat. It was my WTF moment: my Worst Terrifying Failure.” This breakdown captures the essence of the MOVE ON methodology: 1. Marinate: Sit With It, Not In It Failure isn't something you can brush off overnight. Take the time to sit with your worst terrifying failure—your WTF story. Reflect deeply. Walk, journal, or simply allow yourself to process. It's about feeling without rushing to fix. 2. Own It: Forgive and Face the Thought Worms “Own your part in the failure, but more importantly, forgive yourself. We repeat 80% of our negative thoughts daily, so break that cycle. Recognize those thought worms for what they are and stop letting them dictate your story.” 3. Verify the Lessons: What Will You Take With You? “Failure comes bearing lessons—two or three takeaways that you can carry forward. Identify what you've learned and how you'll avoid the same pitfalls in the future. This step transforms failure into wisdom.” 4. Evaluate: What's the Plan? 5. Observe the Growth: Prepare for the Next Chapter 6. Embrace Failure as Part of Change Connect with us: Host: Vince Chan | Guest: Erin Diehl Chief Change Officer: Make Change Ambitiously. Experiential Human Intelligence for Growth Progressives Global Top 3% Podcast on Listen Notes World's #1 Career Podcast on Apple Top 1: US, CA, MX, IE, HU, AT, CH, FI, JP 2 Millions+ Downloads 50+ Countries

On this show, we make it a point to discuss success and ways of finding success and how others have found it to help inspire our listeners to go and get it themselves.  Today, we're taking a bit of a different approach and discussing failure.  More specifically, how to take failure to improve yourself and your business which is, admittedly, not the easiest thing in the world to do.  We might be talking about failure, but we hope you succeed in listening to this episode of The Culture Matters Podcast.

This one's a wild ride, so let's dive in! I'm giving you a real, raw look into my current struggles, and trust me—you'll get it. We're talking about facing failure head-on, starting with my own. Yep, I went big and didn't quite stick the landing. But here's the thing: failure isn't fatal, it's fuel. In this episode, I'll show you how I'm recommitting to my goals, and diving deep into execution strategies because greatness doesn't come from half-hearted effort. You know what else we're mastering? Self-talk. That little voice inside your head. It can either hype you up or drag you down. I'm spilling all the tea on how I choose to show up with energy that serves my goals, instead of sabotaging them. We'll unpack the power of feedback and learning because—spoiler alert—it's the secret sauce to growth. I'm getting real about how you can shift your mindset from performance-driven to growth-focused, and why you should stop taking failure so personally. We wrap up with some final thoughts that'll light a fire under you, reminding you that every stumble is a step closer to success. So, if you're ready to turn your struggles into superpowers, hit that play button! Let's find greatness, together. What you'll hear in this episode: [0:50] A Juicy Episode: Real-Time Struggles [3:05] Facing Failure: The Arena Launch [6:45] Commitment to Goals and Execution [8:50] Mastering Self-Talk [11:25] Choosing Your Energy [13:40] The Power of Learning and Feedback [14:10] Performance vs. Growth [17:30] Not Taking Failure Personally [21:45] Conclusion and Final Thoughts Related Episodes: The Problem with 'Choose Your Hard' and the Empowering Alternative Don't Steal the Struggle Giving Yourself Permission to Suck and Take Messy Action Connect with Paige on Instagram @paigelawrencecoaching

Ever feel like you're just watching others succeed while you stay stuck? What if I told you the key to breaking free lies in one simple shift: becoming a producer, not just a consumer? In this episode of The Happy Hustle Podcast, we're diving deep into why you need to become a producer and not just a consumer. I'm breaking down 10 reasons why shifting from consumer to producer is crucial for your personal and professional growth. Plus, I'll guide you through eight actionable steps to help you make this mindset shift and start producing more value in the world. Producers create value—whether through products, services, or content. They are actively involved in shaping their world and contributing to society. Consumers, on the other hand, simply take in what others create, often passively.If you're always asking, “What can I get?” instead of “What can I create?”—it's time for a change.Why You Need to Be a Producer: 10 Reasons to Make the Shift Control Over Your Time and Energy- Producers have control over their schedules and output. As a producer, you're not just reacting to what others are putting out—you're creating on your terms, leading to greater autonomy in your life. Creativity and Innovation- Producing requires problem-solving and critical thinking, which fuels your creativity. Consumption, especially passive consumption, doesn't stimulate your mind in the same way. Greater Contribution to Society- Producers add value to the world. Whether it's a product, a service, or content, creating something that benefits others feels incredibly fulfilling. It's your way of giving back to the community. Financial Freedom- Producers build businesses and create multiple streams of income. If you want financial freedom, becoming a producer is a must. Consumers, on the other hand, spend their money on what others have created. Personal Fulfillment- There's a deep sense of satisfaction that comes from creating something meaningful. Whether it's a podcast, a blog, or even a book, producers feel fulfilled by their contributions. Building Skills and Knowledge-When you produce, you develop new skills and gain expertise in your field. The act of creating helps you grow in ways consuming never will. Networking and Relationships- Producers naturally build relationships with others who are also creating value. You're part of a network of like-minded individuals, opening doors to opportunities consumers rarely get. Increased Confidence and Self-Worth-Producing gives you a sense of empowerment. You'll gain confidence in your abilities, which will enhance your self-worth. Ownership and Legacy- Producers create things that last. Whether it's a business, a product, or a body of work, what you create becomes part of your legacy. A Happier, Purpose-Driven Life- Producers tend to have a clearer sense of purpose, leading to a more joyful and fulfilling life. Consumption, on the other hand, often leaves people feeling empty and unfulfilled.Now that you know the why, let's talk about the how. Here are eight simple steps to help you shift from consumer to producer:How to Become a Producer: 8 Actionable Steps Identify Your Strengths and InterestsStart by reflecting on what excites you. Is it writing, creating videos, building products, or solving problems? Focus on what you're passionate about, as this will keep you motivated. Start Small and Be ConsistentYou don't need to create a masterpiece overnight. Start by producing something small every day or every week. Write a blog post, share an insight on social media, or work on a business idea for one hour a day. Limit ConsumptionTrack how much time you're spending on consumption—whether it's TV, social media, or podcasts. Be intentional and limit your consumption to educational or inspirational content that fuels your creativity. Create Value for OthersShift your focus from “What can I get?” to “What can I give?” Think about how you can solve problems for people and offer value that makes a difference. Set Clear GoalsSet specific, measurable goals for your production efforts. Whether it's launching a blog, building a side hustle, or producing content regularly, having clear goals will keep you on track. Find Accountability PartnersSurround yourself with like-minded producers who will hold you accountable. Join communities, mastermind groups, or partner with others to stay motivated. Embrace Failure as a Learning OpportunityDon't be afraid to fail. Every producer encounters setbacks, but it's how you learn and grow. Use failure as a stepping stone to improve your next creation. Celebrate Your WinsTake time to celebrate your progress, no matter how small. Every step forward is a win, and recognizing that will keep you motivated to continue producing.The choice is yours. You have the power to shift from consumer to producer and create value for the world. It's a mindset change that will lead to more fulfillment, financial freedom, and a purpose-driven life. So, what are you waiting for? Stop consuming and start producing—your future self will thank you for it. Connect with Cary!https://www.instagram.com/caryjack/https://www.facebook.com/SirCaryJackhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/cary-jack-kendzior/https://twitter.com/thehappyhustlehttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFDNsD59tLxv2JfEuSsNMOQ/featured Get a free copy of his new book, The Happy Hustle, 10 Alignments to Avoid Burnout & Achieve Blissful Balance https://www.thehappyhustle.com/bookSign up for The Journey: 10 Days To Become a Happy Hustler Online Coursehttps://thehappyhustle.com/thejourney/Apply to the Montana Mastermind Epic Camping Adventurehttps://thehappyhustle.com/mastermind/“It's time to Happy Hustle, a blissfully balanced life you love, full of passion, purpose, and positive impact!”Episode Sponsor: Magnesium Breakthrough from BiOptimizers (https://bioptimizers.com/happy)If you've been on a restricted diet lately or maybe even taken some meds to shed those pounds for the summer, I gotta warn ya—be careful! You might have unknowingly created a nutrient deficiency that could not only mess with your health but also jeopardize those weight loss goals.Did you know that over 75% of Americans are already deficient in magnesium? Yeah, it's wild! Magnesium is this powerhouse mineral that's involved in over 600 biological reactions in your body. It helps with everything from sleep to stress management to hormone balance—all key players in keeping your weight on track.And if you're still on those meds, you might be dealing with some side effects like sleepless nights, digestive issues, or irritability, which can totally throw off your commitment to your goals. Whether you're taking meds or not, setting up healthy habits is crucial to maintaining your weight over time. One of the best things you can do? Make sure you're getting all the magnesium your body needs.Don't let a magnesium deficiency derail your progress! Give Magnesium Breakthrough by BIOptimizers a shot. 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If you've been feeling stuck in your business - ask yourself this, where am I allowing the fear of failure stop me from taking action? This episode is full of ways to change your mindset, and take action to create a life you love. Chase Jarvis, award winning photographer, director, and Entrepreneur is back to give the formula to stop playing it safe and take calculated risks in business. Check out our Sponsors: Shopify - Sign up for your $1/month trial period at Shopify.com/happy Quince - Go to Quince.com/earn for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. BetterHelp - Get 10% off your first month at BetterHelp.com/LORI today. HelloFresh - Get FREE breakfast for life at HelloFresh.com/freeearn. Found - Try Found for free at Found.com/EARN. HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 Meet award winning photographer, Emmy nominated director and Entrepreneur, Chase Jarvis. 08:15 How to embrace failure as part of the formula for success. 18:00 What are the first steps we can take to start building risk tolerance? 20:30 How to tell the difference between fear and your intuition. 26:30 What Richard Branson told me about the risk he took buying his first Boeing 747. 33:30 Two different perspectives on failure that will give you peace and motivation. RESOURCES Get glōci HERE Use code: HAPPY at checkout for 25% off! Text DAILY to 310-496-8363 for daily manifesting affirmations, journal prompts, and motivation. Sign up for GrowthDay - https://www.growthday.com/lori?via=harder Watch on YouTube - @LoriHarder My book: A Tribe Called Bliss FOLLOW Follow me: @loriharder Follow Earn Your Happy: @earnyourhappy Follow glōci: @getgloci Girlfriends & Business: @girlfriendsandbusiness Follow Chase: @chasejarvis

Embrace Failure, Overcome Your Internal Speak, and Reach a High Performance Mindset: Jim Harshaw, a TEDx speaker and performance coach, discusses with Scott, the importance of failure in achieving success. He emphasized internalizing failure and learning from it, sharing his own experiences in wrestling and business. Harshaw highlighted the need for a clear vision, aligned goals, and an environment of excellence. He also stressed the importance of balancing professional and personal life, drawing parallels to his journey from wrestling to business and back. Harshaw's legacy focuses on impacting people through coaching and community involvement. This conversation underscores the value of resilience, continuous growth, and the power of a supportive network.Quote: "We all need an unreasonable person in our lives who holds us to a standard higher than we believe we can attain." ~ Jim Harshaw Jr. Your Co-Host Today: Jim Harshaw Jr. is an NCAA Division I All-American wrestler, former NCAA Division I head coach, internationally recognized TEDx speaker, personal performance coach, and host of the Success for the Athletic-Minded Man podcast. While he grew up the son of a construction worker and secretary, he had the unique experience of spending significant time with Olympians and millionaires, and he discovered their systems and frameworks for world-class performance. As president of The Harshaw Group, a performance coaching, and leadership development firm, he has impacted hundreds of thousands of lives across the world by helping clients and audiences increase resilience, maximize potential, and build high-performing teams. His clients include CEOs, entrepreneurs, and leaders from Fortune 500 companies as well as current and former athletes from the NFL, UFC, NCAA, and Olympics. Today's Top 3 Takeaways: The importance of failure and our internal speak.The journey to success thanks to overcoming failure.The role of our mindset with performance coaching. Today's Guest Co-Host Links: Website: JimHarshawJr.comTED Talk: JimHarshawJr.com/TED/Twitter (personal): http://Twitter.com/JimHarshaw/Twitter (podcast): http://Twitter.com/SxsThruFailure/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jimharshawjr/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jimharshawjr/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimharshaw/ Mentioned Influencers: Michael Easter author of The Comfort Crisis - https://eastermichael.com/book/ Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/6Ig3Y8dtX2A Timestamped Show Notes: 28:55 – So I interviewed Michael Easter, author of The Comfort Crisis on my podcast, and great book for listeners, very good. And he had this concept of you're familiar with called the misogi. And it's this idea, it's this Japanese term that relates, that references sort of cleansing, and it's evolved to mean sort of doing something very hard, where you come out the other side cleansed as a new person. And so this Misogi, there's two rules of the...

In This Episode You Will Learn About:  How to EMBRACE curiosity and let yourself fail while chasing your dreams Ways to bust through limiting beliefs and really be in the moment Why you need to SURRENDER and let go during tough times to find peace and freedom What it means to acclimatize to challenges, reflect, and learn from setbacks as you move toward your goals Resources: Website: https://jenndrummond.com/ Listen to Seek Your Summit Podcast Read Break Proof LinkedIn: @jenn-drummond  Instagram: @thejenndrummond Facebook: @JennDrummondUtah YouTube: ​​@JennDrummond Get 15% off by using code CONFIDENCE at LolaVie.com  Get the free, on-demand video training at circuitsalessystem.com/confidence Visit heathermonahan.com Reach out to me on Instagram & LinkedIn Overcome Your Villains is Available NOW! Order here: https://overcomeyourvillains.com  Show Notes:  Are you ready to take on the mountain that will CHANGE your life? In this episode, I had an amazing chat with Jenn Drummond, a world-record mountaineer whose journey from a stay-at-home mom to a fearless adventurer is seriously inspiring. Her story kicked off after she survived a life-changing car crash in 2018, a wake-up call that made her decide to seize life's moments and break through her limiting beliefs. Her journey, which she shares in her book "Breakproof: Seven Strategies to Build Resilience and Achieve Your Goals," shows the power of breaking through limiting beliefs, staying curious, and pushing forward with the help of a great team. By taking risks, trying new things, and challenging ourselves, we find hidden talents and strengths we never knew we had. It's in those uncomfortable moments that we truly SHINE! If You Liked This Episode You Might Also Like These Episodes: #406: You Can Be REMARKABLE: The Guide To Growth, Grit, & Grace with Guy Kawasaki Chief Evangelist of Canva & Remarkable People Podcast Creator #427: How To Bounce Back When Things Don't Go As Planned with Heather! #417: Turning The Tables: From Breakdowns To Breakthroughs in Business & Life with Heather!

Today, we're diving into a topic on how to become more self-confident, especially if you struggle with anxiety. Self-confidence is a quality we all desire, but for those of us with anxiety, it can seem particularly elusive. Let's explore how to cultivate self-confidence, even when anxiety is a persistent part of your life. Understanding Self-Confidence First, let's clarify what self-confidence actually is. Many people mistake it for arrogance or an inflated sense of self. True self-confidence, however, is a deep trust in your own abilities, strengths, and judgment, even when faced with adversity. Anxiety can often undermine this trust, making us feel uncertain and vulnerable. But self-confidence is not something you're born with—it's something you develop over time. Debunking Myths About Self-Confidence Myth 1: Self-confidence is Innate One common misconception is that self-confidence is an inherent trait. This couldn't be further from the truth. Self-confidence is a skill that can be nurtured and grown with practice and perseverance. Myth 2: Success Equals Confidence Another myth is that self-confidence only comes after achieving certain milestones or successes. While accomplishments can boost confidence, they are not the sole source. True confidence is built through the process, not just the outcomes. Myth 3: Confident People Don't Have Anxiety It's a widespread belief that confident people are free from anxiety. In reality, confident individuals often face anxiety just like anyone else. The difference lies in their willingness to face their fears and grow through the experience. Building Self-Confidence: Practical Steps Embrace Challenges Self-confidence grows from facing and overcoming difficult situations. Initially, the thought of tackling a tough challenge can be overwhelming, but each experience strengthens your trust in your ability to handle adversity. Practice Feeling Your Emotions Confidence isn't about the absence of fear but rather the ability to feel and manage your emotions effectively. By practicing feeling emotions like fear, inadequacy, or shame, you become more comfortable and resilient in facing them. Identify Specific Scenarios Pinpoint the situations where you feel least confident. Reflect on what emotions these scenarios evoke and work on becoming more comfortable with those feelings. For example, if public speaking makes you anxious, practice feeling that anxiety in smaller, controlled settings until it becomes more manageable. Cognitive and Behavioral Strategies Cognitive Restructuring Changing your thoughts can significantly impact your confidence. Instead of telling yourself, “I'm going to fail,” try affirmations like, “I'm prepared and capable.” This shift in mindset can reduce anxiety and boost your self-assurance. Behavioral Exposure Facing your fears head-on through repeated exposure can be incredibly effective. For example, if public speaking terrifies you, join a group like Toastmasters, or practice in front of friends and family. Repetition helps desensitize you to the fear and builds confidence in your abilities. Reflect and Learn After facing a fear, take time to reflect on the experience. Ask yourself, “What did I learn?” This reflection helps you identify areas for improvement and reinforces your ability to handle challenging situations. Embrace Failure as a Learning Tool Failure is an inevitable part of growth. Instead of viewing failure as a negative outcome, see it as an opportunity to learn and improve. The more you fail and learn from those failures, the more confident you become in your abilities. Conclusion Self-confidence is a journey, not a destination. It involves embracing challenges, feeling your emotions, and learning from both successes and failures. Remember, today is a beautiful day to do the hard thing. Face your fears, practice self-compassion, and celebrate your progress along the way. Have a great day, everyone, and keep building that self-confidence! TRANSCRIPTION:  Hello and welcome back. I'm so happy you're here. Today we are talking about how to become more self-confident, especially if you're someone who has anxiety.  Self-confidence is something that a lot of people talk about. It's something we all want more of. But if you are someone who has anxiety, you might actually find that being self-confident is really, really hard. So I'm here today to talk with you about how you can become more self-confident even if anxiety is here. Let's do it.  First of all, what is this thing called self-confidence? Some people think that it's like thinking really highly of yourself and that you think you're the coolest—sort of arrogance—but that is not the definition of self-confidence. Self-confidence is a deep trust in your own abilities, your own strengths, your own capabilities, and your own judgment in the face of adversity. I get it. When we have anxiety, it's very hard to feel that sense of trust. In fact, I think anxiety can sometimes make us feel like we can't trust anything. We're in a heightened state of fight, flight, freeze, and fawn.  What we want to do today is take a look at how we can improve self-confidence in the face of anxiety. Now, in order to do that, we first have to look at some of the myths about self-confidence. A lot of people think that self-confidence is just something that you're born with, and that could not be further from the truth. Self-confidence is something we grow over time. Other people believe that self-confidence is something you get once you've achieved something, like you've achieved some success, or you've lost enough weight. That was me when I had an eating disorder. When I've finished a course, then I can feel confident. Or, when I've done enough practice, then I can feel confident. I understand that. However, that if-then statement creates a lot of opportunities for us to feel out of control and like it's something that we can't create on our own. I actually want to really take that idea away and lean towards another strategy.  Another common myth about self-confidence is that some people have it and some people don't, and that it's like an inherent piece of who we are—also not true. Anyone can work toward being confident. We have a lot of evidence. You probably know someone who's really, really confident, and you don't even think that they are warranted to have that much confidence—again, proof that we can grow self-confidence. It's something that you can have that doesn't require a certain accolade or level of success. It's something that we can take on. Again, we are not using it in a way to hurt other people or to make other people feel bad. That's actually not self-confidence. That's usually coming from a place of insecurity.  Another myth is that confident people don't have anxiety—also not true. Confident people are as afraid, if not maybe even more afraid, than the average person on the street. I don't want us to believe that confident people don't bring anxiety to the table, and we are going to take a look at how we can work with that.  Let's now talk about how you can become more confident. Here's the thing. As I have gone through some very difficult things, at the beginning of going through those difficult things, I too was overwhelmed with thoughts like, ‘I can't handle it.' ‘I don't have what it takes.' ‘This is going to destroy me.' ‘This is going to ruin me.' It's like I'm just going to implode with this degree of suffering.  But what I found was that once I had been through that difficult season, I felt more confident. It wasn't that I succeeded in it, though. It's not that I conquered all during that difficult turbulence season. There was a different shift towards, again, trusting that I could handle hard things. Often we go into hard, scary things, saying, “If I only had been through this before, well, then I would feel confident.” But that's actually not true.  A lot of self-confidence is your ability to feel the feelings you will have to feel when you do that hard thing, not the actual doing of the hard thing. The more we practice feelings of fear, threat, inadequacy, shame, or whatever it might be, the more we're comfortable, open, and caring in feeling those feelings. That's how we begin to feel self-confident in any situation, whether we've been through it before or not.  I had a friend who once told me that a very, very dear loved one, actually a child, had been through cancer. I had said to her, “How are you doing?” She said, “Oh, I've been through cancer. Nothing can take me down.” But what she meant by that is that it's not that everything was in comparison to cancer; it's that she had mastered feeling her feelings as she navigated something really, really difficult. She could go through something completely different. But because she's already committed and gone through the willingness to have some really uncomfortable feelings, she had a sense of self-confidence, like, ‘I could handle anything at all.' What I want you to think about here is, what are the things that you don't feel confident about? What specifically are the situations, the scenarios, and the times in your life where you don't feel confident? And then I want to ask you, what would you have to be willing to feel, and what would you have to build comfortability feeling in order to feel confident doing that thing? It's just a question. Sometimes it's like, “Oh, to be confident doing my exposure, I'd have to be confident feeling uncertainty.” “Oh, to go through seeing my child struggle, I'd have to be confident feeling maybe guilt or maybe sadness.” “Maybe to handle my parents' aging, I'd have to be able to confidently and willingly feel grief.” Ask yourself these questions because they can help us identify the emotion that we need to practice feeling on purpose.  Now, when it comes to creating self-confidence, there are two ways we can target it. I talk to my clients about this all the time. We can create self-confidence by changing our thoughts, or we can create self-confidence by changing our behaviors. Let's talk about creating or changing our thoughts. Let's say you have something you need to do that's creating a lot of anxiety. Maybe you have to do a public speaking event. You have a lot of anxiety. You could do some cognitive restructuring by changing your thoughts. Instead of saying, “You're going to fail and this is going to be terrible,” you could practice saying, “It's going to go great,” or “I feel like I know my stuff, I'll be able to do it.” These are great strategies. We could use that.  Another strategy would be, if you have a fear of public speaking, go and do lots of public speaking, Maybe you would join Toastmasters. Maybe you would rehearse it in front of your family, your neighbors, or your colleagues. You would practice doing this behavior over and over and over again with repetition.  These are two very good ways to help with confidence building. However, let's compare and contrast them. Let's say that before this public speaking event, you spent a lot of time doing cognitive restructuring. “I'm going to do great. I'm going to do great. Nothing's going to go wrong,” which we don't actually know is true. But the thing is, when you walk up onto that stage, you don't have a lot of proof that it is going to go well. You don't have a lot of proof. If it doesn't go well, you mightn't leave there with a ton of confidence. However, if you're somebody who instead practices facing that fear over and over and over and over again, as you go to walk onto that stage because you've changed your behavior repeatedly and you've practiced, you actually have trust in your ability. You have trust in your capability to feel fear. You know what fear feels like, you've practiced feeling it, and therefore you're a little bit desensitized, or you're a little bit feeling a sense of mastery over that feeling, and you are able to walk up onto that stage. My advice is that the better way, the more superior way to build self-confidence, is to practice facing that emotion as much as you can. In exposure and response prevention, which we use as the gold standard treatment for OCD and many other anxiety disorders, we've practiced facing fears over and over. What clients often tell me is, “I actually start to feel confident doing that thing. I start to feel confident taking flights. I'm starting to feel confident going to the post office. I'm starting to feel confident driving my car by actually doing the thing.”  The real moral of the story here is that confidence comes from repeatedly facing the thing that is hard for you. Identifying the specific emotion that makes it more difficult and practicing being willing to have that feeling. Now, here is where, going back to that cognitive changing of your thoughts, it might be very, very beneficial, particularly at the end of when you faced your fear. Meaning, after you faced your fear, you can actually stop and go, “What did I learn? What did I learn about facing my fear?” Let's say the public speaking example. You go up in front of your partner, your mom, or your dog, and you present your presentation. You might say, “I learned that I don't know the script well enough,” or “I learned that I'm still anxious, but I can handle the anxiety.” “I learned that when I have anxiety, I beat myself up.” Oh, interesting. So we have an opportunity to make another tweak in behaviors because if beating yourself up doesn't work—PS, it never does—then we might want to change our behavior in that area. The next time we're going to go and do that presentation, we're going to work at not beating ourselves up this time. What else did we learn? “I learned that my body didn't explode when I gave the presentation to my dog and then to my mom and then to my neighbor.” We're starting to learn things, and we're starting to change the way we think because we changed our behavior.  This is a really great strategy for anyone. There's, again, an important cognitive era that we have that gets in our way of building self-confidence, and it's this: “I'm a failure if it doesn't go well.” This belief and this thought could create so much suffering. If I can leave you with one core thing to keep in your back pocket as you practice this, it's that we need to fail a lot of times to get confident. We need to fail a lot of times to be good at something. That doesn't mean there's something wrong with us.  I create these podcasts and these YouTube videos all the time. I sucked at them when I first started, but I didn't stop, and I didn't say, “That's because I'm terrible at it.” It basically meant I had some learning to do. I had some practice to do, and it's okay to suck at things until you get better. The only way I got better was by doing it over and over and over again. I got a little more comfortable and a little more confident in myself as I strategized how I could tweak it a little bit to be better and not be like, “When I'm better, I'll feel good about this.” Again, that's a myth. Self-confident people still have anxiety. They just bring it with them, and they know in their hearts that there's no emotion I'm not willing to feel. Again, as we get better at this, we can start to have a sense of mastery over the emotions that we have to feel.  Another thing I want you to think about here is if, as you do these scary things, you feel guilt, self-criticism, and shame. What we want to do is soften around that emotion, not add to it and be like, “Oh yeah, you're right. I am the worst. I'm terrible. This is the worst thing ever. I'm bad and I shouldn't be doing this and all the things.” Instead, we want to soften into it and change our belief around failure and learning and say, “It's okay. I'm not bad at this. It's okay that I'm not perfect at this.”  Everyone starts at zero. The people with a million followers on Instagram originally started with zero followers. The people who win Olympic awards in races were once not the fastest runner. They were once in their school and maybe getting beaten by people in their elementary school, high school, or college. We all start somewhere at the beginning, so give yourself permission to start at the beginning. Don't let yourself give up trying a couple of times, and expect yourself to feel confident. Confidence comes from the repetition of doing the thing and practicing having the emotion that is uncomfortable in relation to that task or activity.  That is where I want you to change the way you think of self-confidence. It's how I want you to change the way you lean into a task and an emotion as you do that task. I also want to remind you that today is a beautiful day to do the hard thing. This is why I say it on almost every episode. Today is a beautiful day for you to do the hard thing. I want you to go on after that thing that you want to do and practice this. Let the anxiety come, let whatever emotion come. I'm so impressed and proud of you for trying.  Have a great day, everyone.

In a world filled with challenges, setbacks, and obstacles, there is one fundamental truth that separates those who succeed from those who falter: the unwavering commitment to never give up. It is the very essence of what makes us human – the ability to rise above adversity, to push beyond our limits, and to persevere in the face of overwhelming odds. Life is not about waiting for the storm to pass; it's about learning to dance in the rain. It's about embracing the challenges that come our way, seeing them not as barriers but as opportunities for growth and self-discovery. It's about understanding that failure is not the opposite of success but rather an integral part of the journey towards it. When we refuse to give up, we tap into a reservoir of strength and resilience that we never knew we possessed. We become the architects of our own destiny, the masters of our own fate. We learn that our greatest limitations are not external but internal, and that by shifting our mindset, we can overcome any obstacle that stands in our way. The power of perseverance is not just a platitude; it is a fundamental law of the universe. It is the force that propels us forward, that drives us to keep going even when every fiber of our being is telling us to quit. It is the key to unlocking our full potential and achieving the extraordinary. So, my friends, I urge you to embrace the power of never giving up. To see every challenge as an opportunity, every setback as a stepping stone towards greatness. To understand that the only true failure is the failure to keep trying, to keep pushing, to keep believing in yourself and your dreams. In this episode, we will explore the ten essential lessons that will help you cultivate a resilient mindset and never give up on your journey towards success. Together, we will learn to harness the power of perseverance, to stay focused on our goals, and to keep moving forward no matter what life throws our way.