Join Mike and Linda as they recap some of the incredible guests and stories we've heard over Season 2, as well as spill the beans on a very special guest joining us next season on The Mike Thakur Show Podcast.

Season 2 Review with Mike and Linda

Bob Goff

On the season 2 finale of The Mike Thakur Show, we catch up with NY Times best-selling author, Bob Goff. Bob calls himself a "recovering lawyer". After practicing law for 25 years, then becoming the Honorary Consul to Uganda. He gave up his successful law firm to pursue writing and speaking full time. He's inspired millions to dream big and make life more awesome. Bob's driven by a desire to help others unlock their potential to love, and be loved greater. Take it from a guy who had the audacity to put his cell number in the back of his book: there's a huge power in just being present and being available to those around you. What if you took time for the people in your life? What if you made some audacious plans to rock their lives? BEST ADVICE HE'S EVER RECEIVED Goff recalled a quote from Keith Green, a famous Christian singer from the 70s who died in a plane crash way too young. Keith said: The pen never asked for applause for the poem it wrote. He was talking about the idea of just being the instrument. Like a pen that writes out the poem in the hands of the poet. That's us! Although Bob didn't know Keith personally, he'd sent him a letter as a young college kid who was trying to figure out life and Keith actually took the time to write back. 3 sentences. So Goff employs the same approach today and responds to everyone who writes him. No more than 3 sentences. LAW Goff became a trial lawyer and practiced for almost 32 years, living in San Diego and commuting every morning to Seattle. He jumped on a plane five days a week and then flew home for supper. During that time he started writing books and because he loved learning and with a heart to help people learn, he started paying for mission projects from the profits of his law firm. He'd think to himself in a deposition as being in a fundraising session! As he spent more time overseas, with the trips getting longer and longer he recalls a moment he walked into his office, getting off the elevator on the 18th floor of the Washington Mutual tower and being greeted by a receptionist who asked, "Who are you here to see?". He replied, "Actually, that's my name behind you!" and so he got everyone together in the conference room and quit. Just burned the ship right there that day. He recognizes that it would have been a smarter business decision to find a way to sell and work his way out of a job, but he wanted to be 'new Bob' and so jumped ship. NEW BOB He wanted to build a school and a publisher asked him if he'd write a book. He had an idea at that moment; He'd write a book if they'd build a school. Seemed fair enough! "Well how big is the school?" they asked? "1600 child soldiers, and 100 teachers" Bob replied. "That's a big school". "It's a big book". And then they sold a couple million, so he started giving the money away. LOVE Loving people like your neighbor matters. Loving people without an agenda matters more. Although faith is a big deal for Bob, it doesn't have to be for the people reading his books. He just wants people to know he believes in them. If you just start with loving your neighbor, yeah, like a person that's a little cantankerous that leaves their garbage out, or they park their car on the lawn, or whatever it is, that takes you off. Living out this crazy love, Bob announced to the judiciary in the Republic of Uganda that he wanted to start a witch doctor school. Not a school to teach them how to be witch doctors, they already know that! But to teach them how to read and write. But he also wanted them to know that if they sacrifice children, they would be the next case he takes and it's a death penalty case. And, and they'll never be seen again. Bob quotes Paul and the book called First Peter, where he sees the instruction to treat people with kindness and respect. That's the part he wants to get right. So even if somebody is flat wrong, he doesn't feel like he needs to be the one straightening them. Jesus certainly doesn't need an advocate. He's ours. We're not his. Sometimes, we try to place ourselves as one and he's asking "Who appointed you and you're not good enough"! NEXT BOB Goff has big aspirations for the guy he hopes to be someday. He thinks about it, recognizing there's a big cloud of witnesses in Heaven cheering him on. He's trying to keep his eyes on Jesus and keep his eyes off everybody else. He stays focused on running his race but at the same time helping others run their race, rather than trying to get them to join him in his. If you just get discouraged enough, you'll just find yourself saying "Well why do it?" and I think that is not coming from heaven. That is not the overflow of the gates of Heaven. I think it may be coming from another direction. To get there. For each of us, we need to think of overflow. We need to keep filling up the reservoir. Water goes out of reservoirs either over the top or out the bottom (from the drain hole). The river downstream flows from both, but as leaders, we need to pour water out by overflowing, not by being drained. KEY QUOTES  In San Quentin (State Penitentiary), there's maybe 150 in the class I teach. I want to talk to them about life, but I'm more their student than their teacher. If God answered every one of your prayers, would anybody's life except yours change? God makes people and people make issues. But people are people, people aren't issues. Jesus certainly doesn't need an advocate. He's ours. We're not his. Keep it in the thought bubble. Heaven is gonna look a lot more like the DMV. I want to be the truest voice, not the loudest voice.

<p>On the season 2 finale of The Mike Thakur Show, we catch up with NY Times best-selling author, Bob Goff. Bob calls himself a "recovering lawyer". After practicing law for 25 years, then becoming the Honorary Consul to Uganda. He gave up his successful law firm to pursue writing and speaking full time. He's inspired millions to dream big and make life more awesome. Bob's driven by a desire to help others unlock their potential to love, and be loved greater.</p> <p>Take it from a guy who had the audacity to put his cell number in the back of his book: there's a huge power in just being present and being available to those around you. What if you took time for the people in your life? What if you made some audacious plans to rock their lives?</p> <h3>BEST ADVICE HE'S EVER RECEIVED</h3> <p>Goff recalled a quote from Keith Green, a famous Christian singer from the 70s who died in a plane crash way too young. Keith said:</p> <p>The pen never asked for applause for the poem it wrote.</p> <p>He was talking about the idea of just being the instrument. Like a pen that writes out the poem in the hands of the poet. That's us! Although Bob didn't know Keith personally, he'd sent him a letter as a young college kid who was trying to figure out life and Keith actually took the time to write back. 3 sentences. So Goff employs the same approach today and responds to everyone who writes him. No more than 3 sentences.</p> <h3>LAW</h3> <p>Goff became a trial lawyer and practiced for almost 32 years, living in San Diego and commuting every morning to Seattle. He jumped on a plane five days a week and then flew home for supper. During that time he started writing books and because he loved learning and with a heart to help people learn, he started paying for mission projects from the profits of his law firm. He'd think to himself in a deposition as being in a fundraising session!</p> <p>As he spent more time overseas, with the trips getting longer and longer he recalls a moment he walked into his office, getting off the elevator on the 18th floor of the Washington Mutual tower and being greeted by a receptionist who asked, "Who are you here to see?". He replied, "Actually, that's my name behind you!" and so he got everyone together in the conference room and quit. Just burned the ship right there that day.</p> <p>He recognizes that it would have been a smarter business decision to find a way to sell and work his way out of a job, but he wanted to be 'new Bob' and so jumped ship.</p> <h3>NEW BOB</h3> <p>He wanted to build a school and a publisher asked him if he'd write a book. He had an idea at that moment; He'd write a book if they'd build a school. Seemed fair enough!</p> <p>"Well how big is the school?" they asked?</p> <p>"1600 child soldiers, and 100 teachers" Bob replied.</p> <p>"That's a big school".</p> <p>"It's a big book".</p> <p>And then they sold a couple million, so he started giving the money away.</p> <h3>LOVE</h3> <p>Loving people like your neighbor matters. Loving people without an agenda matters more. Although faith is a big deal for Bob, it doesn't have to be for the people reading his books. He just wants people to know he believes in them.</p> <p>If you just start with loving your neighbor, yeah, like a person that's a little cantankerous that leaves their garbage out, or they park their car on the lawn, or whatever it is, that takes you off.</p> <p>Living out this crazy love, Bob announced to the judiciary in the Republic of Uganda that he wanted to start a witch doctor school. Not a school to teach them how to be witch doctors, they already know that! But to teach them how to read and write. But he also wanted them to know that if they sacrifice children, they would be the next case he takes and it's a death penalty case. And, and they'll never be seen again.</p> <p>Bob quotes Paul and the book called First Peter, where he sees the instruction to treat people with kindness and respect. That's the part he wants to get right. So even if somebody is flat wrong, he doesn't feel like he needs to be the one straightening them. Jesus certainly doesn't need an advocate. He's ours. We're not his. Sometimes, we try to place ourselves as one and he's asking "Who appointed you and you're not good enough"!</p> <h3>NEXT BOB</h3> <p>Goff has big aspirations for the guy he hopes to be someday. He thinks about it, recognizing there's a big cloud of witnesses in Heaven cheering him on. He's trying to keep his eyes on Jesus and keep his eyes off everybody else. He stays focused on running his race but at the same time helping others run their race, rather than trying to get them to join him in his.</p> <p>If you just get discouraged enough, you'll just find yourself saying "Well why do it?" and I think that is not coming from heaven. That is not the overflow of the gates of Heaven. I think it may be coming from another direction.</p> <p>To get there. For each of us, we need to think of overflow. We need to keep filling up the reservoir. Water goes out of reservoirs either over the top or out the bottom (from the drain hole). The river downstream flows from both, but as leaders, we need to pour water out by overflowing, not by being drained.</p> <h3><strong>KEY QUOTES</strong></h3> <ul> <li>In San Quentin (State Penitentiary), there's maybe 150 in the class I teach. I want to talk to them about life, but I'm more their student than their teacher.</li> <li>If God answered every one of your prayers, would anybody's life except yours change?</li> <li>God makes people and people make issues. But people are people, people aren't issues.</li> <li>Jesus certainly doesn't need an advocate. He's ours. We're not his.</li> <li>Keep it in the thought bubble.</li> <li>Heaven is gonna look a lot more like the DMV.</li> <li>I want to be the truest voice, not the loudest voice.</li></ul>

Bob Goff | Dreaming BIG!

Taylor Hughes

Wonder

Welcome, Taylor Hughes! Taylor is obsessed with helping people chase wonder. He fell in love with magic at 7 years old and has been passionate about it ever since. A couple of years ago, Taylor's wife challenged him to tell better stories, to do deeper than simply doing comedy in his shows. He switched from focusing on what trick to add to his shows to now looking for what stories he wants to tell in his shows, and then he works from that story backwards into the magical tricks he uses to highlight his point. HOW DO YOU FUSE YOUR FAITH WITH YOUR BUSINESS? Taylor spent 13 years on Church staff as a kids and student pastor. He always knew deep down that his calling was really to entertain, and so he took the leap, leaving his Church role so he could encourage people every single day. He's received tons of feedback from his audience about how his shows have made them think and take action to improve something, to fix something and generally take intentional steps to move closer to their purpose. From a business perspective, he experiences the same roller coaster of emotions and feelings that every other entrepreneur feels, simply wrapped around a creative endeavor that's a whole lot of fun. As he was figuring out his purpose, he wanted to test whether he really should be pursuing his dream so he sold all his Magic gear, gave up 6 months of future business to other magician friends, changed his phone number and completely cut himself off from the magical lifestyle. He didn't perform for an entire year which confirmed to him that in fact, Magic and storytelling was the future path he needed to chase. So he did. Treat people well. Your customers, clients and partners / agents.Be kind to them, show them respect and you'll benefit As he's pursued his passion, he's also learned that traveling the country while making no money was a smart move by some of his peers, to build an audience and protect his future, opening up a way to be less dependent on others for business, and more in control of future opportunities.  It's not just profit but also purpose, why are you doing what you're doing?  COVID In 2019 he did 127 events in person spending 110 nights away from home. In 2020 he did 3. Recognizing the need to change drastically as the world changed, Taylor innovated, faster than his peers, to adapt and evolve into someone that could embrace the changes 2020 brought with it. As a result of pivoting quickly and embracing technology to deliver amazing, remote events, he was able to improve revenue in 2020 compared to 2019. WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE REMEMBERED FOR? Taylor's been working on being present more, focusing less on the destination and more on the now. His hope is that others would remember that he was always present in their interactions, in their conversations and in their lives. WHAT ONE PIECE OF ADVICE WOULD YOU LEAVE TO THE WORLD? Stop waiting to do the things you want to do. Stop making excuses and go do the things you want to do. You don't need other people's permission, so go do it and find joy. WHAT'S NEXT? Taylor's hitting the road in September with his friend Bob Goff (coming up on next week's episode!), for a road trip around Texas and the south east, telling stories, doing magic and being love. KEY QUOTES  Take what you do seriously, but don't ever take yourself seriously. The world is amazing and we're flying through space. If you're ever given a microphone you should use it to build people up. That magic kit that my parents bought me when I was 7 years old has bought everything I have in my life today. A magician is just an actor playing the part of a magician. 

<p>Welcome, Taylor Hughes! Taylor is obsessed with helping people chase wonder. He fell in love with magic at 7 years old and has been passionate about it ever since.</p> <p>A couple of years ago, Taylor's wife challenged him to tell better stories, to do deeper than simply doing comedy in his shows. He switched from focusing on what trick to add to his shows to now looking for what stories he wants to tell in his shows, and then he works from that story backwards into the magical tricks he uses to highlight his point.</p> <h3>HOW DO YOU FUSE YOUR FAITH WITH YOUR BUSINESS?</h3> <p>Taylor spent 13 years on Church staff as a kids and student pastor. He always knew deep down that his calling was really to entertain, and so he took the leap, leaving his Church role so he could encourage people every single day. He's received tons of feedback from his audience about how his shows have made them think and take action to improve something, to fix something and generally take intentional steps to move closer to their purpose.</p> <p>From a business perspective, he experiences the same roller coaster of emotions and feelings that every other entrepreneur feels, simply wrapped around a creative endeavor that's a whole lot of fun.</p> <p>As he was figuring out his purpose, he wanted to test whether he really should be pursuing his dream so he sold all his Magic gear, gave up 6 months of future business to other magician friends, changed his phone number and completely cut himself off from the magical lifestyle.</p> <p>He didn't perform for an entire year which confirmed to him that in fact, Magic and storytelling was the future path he needed to chase. So he did.</p> <p>Treat people well. Your customers, clients and partners / agents.<br/>Be kind to them, show them respect and you'll benefit</p> <p>As he's pursued his passion, he's also learned that traveling the country while making no money was a smart move by some of his peers, to build an audience and protect his future, opening up a way to be less dependent on others for business, and more in control of future opportunities.</p> <ul> <li>It's not just profit but also purpose, why are you doing what you're doing?</li> </ul> <h3>COVID</h3> <p>In 2019 he did 127 events in person spending 110 nights away from home.</p> <p>In 2020 he did 3.</p> <p>Recognizing the need to change drastically as the world changed, Taylor innovated, faster than his peers, to adapt and evolve into someone that could embrace the changes 2020 brought with it. As a result of pivoting quickly and embracing technology to deliver amazing, remote events, he was able to improve revenue in 2020 compared to 2019.</p> <h3>WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE REMEMBERED FOR?</h3> <p>Taylor's been working on being present more, focusing less on the destination and more on the now. His hope is that others would remember that he was always present in their interactions, in their conversations and in their lives.</p> <h3>WHAT ONE PIECE OF ADVICE WOULD YOU LEAVE TO THE WORLD?</h3> <p>Stop waiting to do the things you want to do. Stop making excuses and go do the things you want to do. You don't need other people's permission, so go do it and find joy.</p> <h3>WHAT'S NEXT?</h3> <p>Taylor's hitting the road in September with his friend Bob Goff (coming up on next week's episode!), for a road trip around Texas and the south east, telling stories, doing magic and being love.</p> <h3>KEY QUOTES</h3> <ul> <li>Take what you do seriously, but don't ever take yourself seriously.</li> <li>The world is amazing and we're flying through space.</li> <li>If you're ever given a microphone you should use it to build people up.</li> <li>That magic kit that my parents bought me when I was 7 years old has bought everything I have in my life today.</li> <li>A magician is just an actor playing the part of a magician.</li> </ul>

Taylor Hughes | Chasing Wonder

Ryan Staley

Ryan Staley is a BIG DEAL expert and 19X award winner. His mission is to cut decades off your sales learning curve so that you can rapidly scale your results, create time freedom and a lifestyle of your own design.Creator &amp; Founder of the Whale Selling System™, Ryan’s innovative, disruptive and highly-profitable Sales System continues cutting through the noise to deliver results regardless of age, experience, solution or vertical.

Ryan Staley is a BIG DEAL expert and 19X award winner. His mission is to cut decades off your sales learning curve so that you can rapidly scale your results, create time freedom and a lifestyle of your own design.<br><br>Creator &amp; Founder of the Whale Selling System™, Ryan’s innovative, disruptive and highly-profitable Sales System continues cutting through the noise to deliver results regardless of age, experience, solution or vertical.

Ryan Staley | 19x Award Winning 'BIG' Deals Rockstar

John Maxwell Team

Cory Lee

Corey Lee is an Entrepreneur and Executive Director with The John Maxwell Team. He calls himself a 'business builder' and 'leader developer'. He's been in leadership training and development for 15 years and is married with 3 children, 9, 7 and 5. He built 2 physical therapy clinics and 4 gyms in a 5 year period, and then sold them to focus his energy on developing people and helping them grow into their dreams. THE HUSTLE Corey was working from 4:30am at his Crossfit gym, then all day at the clinic and then back to the gym for the evenings, day after day. Part of his journey was recognizing that the balance of businesses and personal life was out of line, as he felt God nudging him to walk away and reprioritize what mattered most. The impression you leave on another person when you engage with them is crucial to building relationship. As a culture, we value the soft skills, even if we don't verbalize it in that way, and as entrepreneurs it's our duty to find that balance needed, to grow the next generation of leaders. Being world famous means being world famous with the people you interact with day in day out. In the eyes of the people that truly matter. While Corey was managing a small team of under 20 employees, he started to recognize the need for development and coaching which led to a heart interested in helping others learn from his gaps and mistakes, so that they can go further, faster without the painful lessons along the way. COACHING Through a discovery session, he digs deep to find out how he can help you soar high enough to see upcoming opportunities and challenges, so the business to move forward and grow. He also leads mastermind groups (approx. 10 entrepreneurs per group) who are all committed to growing. Each week, one person sits in the growth seat and then the others in the room all think into the topic or challenge and give help, advice and support. How do you know if coaching is right for you?  Figure out where you want to go and whether you want to build a business or a job. Getting clear on that helps you identify what the next step should be. If you want to build a team, what do you want that team culture to look like? Recognizing the need to hire for your weaknesses will boost your overall team the most. Naturally, you'll attract people like you, but what you need is people not like you. COUNSEL Proverbs talks about having wise counsel surround you. It's so important to know who you're getting advice from and who you're surrounding yourself with. You also need to know the Father's voice, so you can receive wisdom beyond this world rather than just other people's ideas. What do you say to someone who thinks they're hearing from God about a particular business decision but from the outside looking in, it's clear that they're about to make a big mistake? Listen to those around you, especially if they're all saying the same thing. Seeking counsel from others is a smart move, especially if they're all recognizing the same thing be it good, bad or indifferent. Corey made a big mistake when he invested in a commercial project in his home town of Tupelo, Mississippi. Despite what should have been obvious signs to stay away, he moved forward into a mixed use development project that ultimately cost him some significant losses. Ultimately, Corey wants to be remembered as someone who cared. Who cared about people. And don't forget that: People may forget what you did, they may forget what you said but they'll never forget how you made them feel. What about people who find themselves in leadership positions but don't really want to be there? Bill gates stepped down to Chief Software Architect and handed over the CEO reigns to Steve Ballmer. It seemed strange to some but it was obvious that Bill liked to play with software, not run a company per se. Corey says 'Go back to what you enjoy doing'... Life's too short so find somebody who loves that piece that you don't (who you can trust) and get back to the place Easiest way to figure this out? Make a list of your responsibilities and then ask yourself the 3 R's:   Is this Required of me or could I hire it out / train someone?   Is this a good Return of my time?   Is this Rewarding? Do I even like doing this?   He rates each question on a scale of 1-3, 1 being the worst and 3 being the best. If his total score is a 9, he sticks with it. If it's a 1, he drops it as fast as he can, everything else is a sliding scale but it's proven an effective way for him to manage his time. He loves the values based leadership model John has lived and preached, and his favorite quote of all is from Mother Theresa: People are often unreasonable, illogical and self centered;Forgive them anyway. If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives;Be kind anyway. If you are successful, you will win some false friends and some true enemies;Succeed anyway. If you are honest and frank, people may cheat you;Be honest and frank anyway. What you spend years building, someone could destroy overnight;Build anyway. If you find serenity and happiness, they may be jealous;Be happy anyway. The good you do today, people will often forget tomorrow;Do good anyway. Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough;Give the world the best you've got anyway. You see, in the final analysis, it is between you and your God;It was never between you and them anyway.   KEY QUOTES  If you're going to be effective as a leader, you've got to show them that you care about them. I can't take people where I haven't been myself. My business would never surpass my ability to lead it. I was the lid. People may forget what you did, they may forget what you said but they'll never forget how you made them feel. If you want to build a team, what do you want that team culture to look like? The impression you leave on another person when you engage with them is crucial to building relationship. 

<p>Corey Lee is an Entrepreneur and Executive Director with The John Maxwell Team. He calls himself a 'business builder' and 'leader developer'. He's been in leadership training and development for 15 years and is married with 3 children, 9, 7 and 5.</p> <p>He built 2 physical therapy clinics and 4 gyms in a 5 year period, and then sold them to focus his energy on developing people and helping them grow into their dreams.</p> <h3>THE HUSTLE</h3> <p>Corey was working from 4:30am at his Crossfit gym, then all day at the clinic and then back to the gym for the evenings, day after day. Part of his journey was recognizing that the balance of businesses and personal life was out of line, as he felt God nudging him to walk away and reprioritize what mattered most.</p> <p>The impression you leave on another person when you engage with them is crucial to building relationship.</p> <p>As a culture, we value the soft skills, even if we don't verbalize it in that way, and as entrepreneurs it's our duty to find that balance needed, to grow the next generation of leaders.</p> <p>Being world famous means being world famous with the people you interact with day in day out. In the eyes of the people that truly matter.</p> <p>While Corey was managing a small team of under 20 employees, he started to recognize the need for development and coaching which led to a heart interested in helping others learn from his gaps and mistakes, so that they can go further, faster without the painful lessons along the way.</p> <h3>COACHING</h3> <p>Through a discovery session, he digs deep to find out how he can help you soar high enough to see upcoming opportunities and challenges, so the business to move forward and grow.</p> <p>He also leads mastermind groups (approx. 10 entrepreneurs per group) who are all committed to growing. Each week, one person sits in the growth seat and then the others in the room all think into the topic or challenge and give help, advice and support.</p> <p><strong>How do you know if coaching is right for you? </strong></p> <p>Figure out where you want to go and whether you want to build a business or a job. Getting clear on that helps you identify what the next step should be.</p> <p>If you want to build a team, what do you want that team culture to look like?</p> <p>Recognizing the need to hire for your weaknesses will boost your overall team the most. Naturally, you'll attract people like you, but what you need is people not like you.</p> <h3>COUNSEL</h3> <p>Proverbs talks about having wise counsel surround you. It's so important to know who you're getting advice from and who you're surrounding yourself with.</p> <p>You also need to know the Father's voice, so you can receive wisdom beyond this world rather than just other people's ideas.</p> <p><strong>What do you say to someone who thinks they're hearing from God about a particular business decision but from the outside looking in, it's clear that they're about to make a big mistake?</strong></p> <p>Listen to those around you, especially if they're all saying the same thing. Seeking counsel from others is a smart move, especially if they're all recognizing the same thing be it good, bad or indifferent.</p> <p><em>Corey made a big mistake when he invested in a commercial project in his home town of Tupelo, Mississippi. Despite what should have been obvious signs to stay away, he moved forward into a mixed use development project that ultimately cost him some significant losses.</em></p> <p>Ultimately, Corey wants to be remembered as someone who cared. Who cared about people. And don't forget that:</p> <p>People may forget what you did, they may forget what you said but they'll never forget how you made them feel.</p> <p><strong>What about people who find themselves in leadership positions but don't really want to be there?</strong></p> <p>Bill gates stepped down to Chief Software Architect and handed over the CEO reigns to Steve Ballmer. It seemed strange to some but it was obvious that Bill liked to play with software, not run a company per se.</p> <p>Corey says 'Go back to what you enjoy doing'... Life's too short so find somebody who loves that piece that you don't (who you can trust) and get back to the place</p> <p><strong>Easiest way to figure this out?</strong></p> <p>Make a list of your responsibilities and then ask yourself the 3 R's:</p> <ol> <li> <p>Is this <strong>Required</strong> of me or could I hire it out / train someone?</p> </li> <li> <p>Is this a good <strong>Return</strong> of my time?</p> </li> <li> <p>Is this <strong>Rewarding</strong>? Do I even like doing this?</p> </li> </ol> <p>He rates each question on a scale of 1-3, 1 being the worst and 3 being the best. If his total score is a 9, he sticks with it. If it's a 1, he drops it as fast as he can, everything else is a sliding scale but it's proven an effective way for him to manage his time.</p> <p>He loves the values based leadership model John has lived and preached, and his favorite quote of all is from Mother Theresa:</p> <p>People are often unreasonable, illogical and self centered;<br/>Forgive them anyway.</p> <p>If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives;<br/>Be kind anyway.</p> <p>If you are successful, you will win some false friends and some true enemies;<br/>Succeed anyway.</p> <p>If you are honest and frank, people may cheat you;<br/>Be honest and frank anyway.</p> <p>What you spend years building, someone could destroy overnight;<br/>Build anyway.</p> <p>If you find serenity and happiness, they may be jealous;<br/>Be happy anyway.</p> <p>The good you do today, people will often forget tomorrow;<br/>Do good anyway.</p> <p>Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough;<br/>Give the world the best you've got anyway.</p> <p>You see, in the final analysis, it is between you and your God;<br/>It was never between you and them anyway.</p> <p> </p> <h3>KEY QUOTES</h3> <ul> <li>If you're going to be effective as a leader, you've got to show them that you care about them.</li> <li>I can't take people where I haven't been myself.</li> <li>My business would never surpass my ability to lead it. I was the lid.</li> <li>People may forget what you did, they may forget what you said but they'll never forget how you made them feel.</li> <li>If you want to build a team, what do you want that team culture to look like?</li> <li>The impression you leave on another person when you engage with them is crucial to building relationship.</li> </ul>

Cory Lee | Executive Director @ John Maxwell Team

Kimberly Stuart

Author Kimberly Stuart writes romance novels. Lots of romance novels. Her latest book, 'Heartland' is her eighth. Think Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan, PG level stuff. Mike caught up with Kim to talk about the creative process. Soon they recognize the similarities between what she does, and what so many entrepreneurs face each and every day. This episode will answer:  What it's like to step out of your comfort zone (being creative) and stepping into the reality of the business side of writing. How much of her time is spent writing vs. the business of launching and selling books? How she pivots when a book comes out to mixed reviews. How she deals with feedback and how does it affect the creative process. How faith falls into her writing. What kind of support network she has during her creative projects.  Much like every entrepreneur on earth, Kim has faced pressure to change her approach and modify the end product to suit whoever's perspective she happens to be talking to. For her it's publishers, for entrepreneurs it may be investors. Whoever it is, the pressure often comes to be something you're not. In Kim's life, publishers wanted her to push the boundaries on ‘romance’ and spice things up, but as a Mom and spiritual person, she’s found it so important to stay true to her DNA, her beliefs and her comfort level no matter what the cost. It's a Business As much as she loves the creative process, Kims wrestled with balancing the business reality of publishing. Growing up with an entrepreneurial dad who taught her the importance of using ones gifts in a way the delivers something that can generate income so you can keep doing what you want to do. Kim grew up around a DNA of generosity and learned the importance of getting your gift out to the world, to bless and serve the people it was meant for. In the business of writing, she quickly learned that the author is required and expected to promote their work even more than the publisher now that Social Media has such an influence on. Where she first thought she’d simply have to write and the publisher would take care of the rest, she now recognizes the changes in the landscape that affects all creative individuals. Her parents taught her to work really hard and to just be kind. "You need to be kind to everyone around you. Say thank you, get your nose down and work hard while letting go of everything you can’t control to stay in a peaceful place". As a fiction writer, her marketing is different to those of us who write non-fiction because she doesn't have a built in platform based on expertise or experience which makes it harder to launch new books. After launching 4 books, she leaned into a friend who was a business ‘ninja’ instead of looking at authors and publishers for insights and it was a game changer. This helped Kim begin to see things more from a business point of view, vs. the creative / writing point of view. Ultimately, marketing and selling your creative work is something that no-one will be as passionate about as you. If social media makes you uncomfortable as a creative, it’s like a surgeon saying ‘I don’t like blood but I really want to be a surgeon’. You’re in the wrong line at the career fair. You need to decide how you want to approach things, and what your will be, but being honest with yourself early on and recognizing that business is part of any creative process is something you'll have to come to terms with. Getting uncomfortable was something else that surprised Kim. Getting speaking invitations sounds great, but writing and speaking are two completely different things! More often than not, she'd speak about her faith or the craft of writing, depending on the event type but either way, she continually has to push herself out of the 'comfort zone'. Faith Although a Christian, Kim doesn’t see herself as a 'preacher through words' and so doesn’t layer faith all over the characters overtly, trying to make her writing ‘Christian’. However, she does find ways to bring strong elements of her faith out through the characters and stories she writes about. Think grace, love etc. that are relatable to every reader. Delivering the best creative work possible without imposing limits and boundaries helps Kim find contentment in the finished product. Where does she go to find strength and support when facing decisions that challenge her creativity? She goes to death and her faith, looking at the eternal, long term perspective. She avoids the roller coaster of emotions that comes with a book doing well vs. not doing well. One way she guards herself is to recognize that she loves what she does but it’s not who she is. She avoids reading reviews to protect her mind and heart given our natural inclination to focus on the one negative review vs. the hundreds of positive reviews out there. This applies to entrepreneurs equally, who often find themselves becoming their journey, their startup. But there’s no win there and pain will follow if you can’t learn to disassociate. For growth, she listens to editors and other authors with the experience and expertise that allows them to speak into her life. KEY QUOTES  “Am I doing this to check a box or am I doing this to write something I love?” “In any sphere what is the North Star, what is the thing that God wires me to do”. “Writing is something you do 50% of the time and the other 50% or maybe more, is getting your book into the hands of people who will love it and that rests firmly on your shoulders”. “It’s a constant struggle to find how to tell a story worth telling, in a voice that is true, and at the same time just know who I am and keep writing into that even if folks are saying you’re crazy”.

<p>Author Kimberly Stuart writes romance novels. Lots of romance novels. Her latest book, 'Heartland' is her eighth. Think Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan, PG level stuff. Mike caught up with Kim to talk about the creative process. Soon they recognize the similarities between what she does, and what so many entrepreneurs face each and every day.</p> <p>This episode will answer:</p> <ul> <li>What it's like to step out of your comfort zone (being creative) and stepping into the reality of the business side of writing.</li> <li>How much of her time is spent writing vs. the business of launching and selling books?</li> <li>How she pivots when a book comes out to mixed reviews.</li> <li>How she deals with feedback and how does it affect the creative process.</li> <li>How faith falls into her writing.</li> <li>What kind of support network she has during her creative projects.</li> </ul> <p>Much like every entrepreneur on earth, Kim has faced pressure to change her approach and modify the end product to suit whoever's perspective she happens to be talking to. For her it's publishers, for entrepreneurs it may be investors. Whoever it is, the pressure often comes to be something you're not. In Kim's life, publishers wanted her to push the boundaries on ‘romance’ and spice things up, but as a Mom and spiritual person, she’s found it so important to stay true to her DNA, her beliefs and her comfort level no matter what the cost.</p> <h3>It's a Business</h3> <p>As much as she loves the creative process, Kims wrestled with balancing the business reality of publishing. Growing up with an entrepreneurial dad who taught her the importance of using ones gifts in a way the delivers something that can generate income so you can keep doing what you want to do.</p> <p>Kim grew up around a DNA of generosity and learned the importance of getting your gift out to the world, to bless and serve the people it was meant for. In the business of writing, she quickly learned that the author is required and expected to promote their work even more than the publisher now that Social Media has such an influence on. Where she first thought she’d simply have to write and the publisher would take care of the rest, she now recognizes the changes in the landscape that affects all creative individuals.</p> <p>Her parents taught her to work really hard and to just be kind. "You need to be kind to everyone around you. Say thank you, get your nose down and work hard while letting go of everything you can’t control to stay in a peaceful place".</p> <p>As a fiction writer, her marketing is different to those of us who write non-fiction because she doesn't have a built in platform based on expertise or experience which makes it harder to launch new books. After launching 4 books, she leaned into a friend who was a business ‘ninja’ instead of looking at authors and publishers for insights and it was a game changer. This helped Kim begin to see things more from a business point of view, vs. the creative / writing point of view. Ultimately, marketing and selling your creative work is something that no-one will be as passionate about as you.</p> <p>If social media makes you uncomfortable as a creative, it’s like a surgeon saying ‘I don’t like blood but I really want to be a surgeon’. You’re in the wrong line at the career fair.</p> <p>You need to decide how <em>you</em> want to approach things, and what your will be, but being honest with yourself early on and recognizing that business is part of any creative process is something you'll have to come to terms with.</p> <p>Getting uncomfortable was something else that surprised Kim. Getting speaking invitations sounds great, but writing and speaking are two completely different things! More often than not, she'd speak about her faith or the craft of writing, depending on the event type but either way, she continually has to push herself out of the 'comfort zone'.</p> <h3>Faith</h3> <p>Although a Christian, Kim doesn’t see herself as a 'preacher through words' and so doesn’t layer faith all over the characters overtly, trying to make her writing ‘Christian’. However, she does find ways to bring strong elements of her faith out through the characters and stories she writes about. Think grace, love etc. that are relatable to every reader.</p> <p>Delivering the best creative work possible without imposing limits and boundaries helps Kim find contentment in the finished product. Where does she go to find strength and support when facing decisions that challenge her creativity? She goes to death and her faith, looking at the eternal, long term perspective.</p> <p>She avoids the roller coaster of emotions that comes with a book doing well vs. not doing well. One way she guards herself is to recognize that she loves what she does but it’s not who she is. She avoids reading reviews to protect her mind and heart given our natural inclination to focus on the one negative review vs. the hundreds of positive reviews out there.</p> <p>This applies to entrepreneurs equally, who often find themselves becoming their journey, their startup. But there’s no win there and pain will follow if you can’t learn to disassociate. For growth, she listens to editors and other authors with the experience and expertise that allows them to speak into her life.</p> <h3>KEY QUOTES</h3> <ul> <li>“Am I doing this to check a box or am I doing this to write something I love?”</li> <li>“In any sphere what is the North Star, what is the thing that God wires me to do”.</li> <li>“Writing is something you do 50% of the time and the other 50% or maybe more, is getting your book into the hands of people who will love it and that rests firmly on your shoulders”.</li> <li>“It’s a constant struggle to find how to tell a story worth telling, in a voice that is true, and at the same time just know who I am and keep writing into that even if folks are saying you’re crazy”.</li></ul>

Kimberly Stuart | 8x Published Rock Star Author

On this week's episode, Mike visits with special guest, Melissa Murphy-Steely, or we like to call her, the girl on fire. Melissa is a Virtual CFO that handles the backend so business owners and entrepreneurs are free to focus on the front end, i.e. what they do best! After parting ways with big oil/gas a few years ago, she took her severance package and decided it was time to invest in herself. It was almost paralyzing for her to make that decision, overthinking the pros and cons repeatedly, but deep down she felt a nudge in her faith from God, to step out and believe in herself. A situation that many "would be" entrepreneurs find themselves in.  “Where do I start?” she asked. “How do I tailor this to small / mid sized businesses?”  Unsure, she spent 3 months mapping and dreaming it all out, before finally picking one piece to start with in month 4. All by herself! Surrounding herself with good people as fast as she could, she bootstrapped and figured out how to run a profitable business before the cash ran out. That’s why she was dedicated to making it work and helping others not find themselves in the same situation she was in. She also quickly learned that outsourcing the things she wasn’t strong at was the best thing to do, rather than burning time trying to get better at them at the expense of leaning in to her strengths. As a business owner, she’s pursuing purpose, looking for ways to love on other people while developing a career that removes the debate about choosing between family and work. With a super supportive husband everything has been so much easier and she credits that support with giving her the mental freedom to do anything she sets out to do.  Mike also talked about the question most faith based entrepreneurs struggle with…. Do I trust that God is enough or not? There is a fear that comes with intentionally building things around Jesus, and giving away resources that could be used to grow the business or simply enjoyed as fruit from it but the reality is that He IS enough, and often times being involved is enough. It’s the journey vs. the destination that He’s most interested in.  Create profit that we can fuse and use for Kingdom work - Mike We don’t have to reinvent everything, we just need to get on the train together, in community so we can work together to deliver impact and help society.  KEY QUOTES &amp; NOTES  “You know where you’re meant to be and you know who you’re meant to serve”. “Who am I serving, why am I serving them and how am I going to do that?” “I can’t help the next small business to take off if I can’t pay my staff” “You can’t be successful if you don’t know your numbers. You have to know your numbers.”  “Be careful that you don’t want growth more than the staff you’re trying to help! - MT “A lot of people don’t give enough thought and intentionality to who they want to be” MT

<p>On this week's episode, Mike visits with special guest, Melissa Murphy-Steely, or we like to call her, the girl on fire. Melissa is a Virtual CFO that handles the backend so business owners and entrepreneurs are free to focus on the front end, i.e. what they do best!</p> <p>After parting ways with big oil/gas a few years ago, she took her severance package and decided it was time to invest in herself. It was almost paralyzing for her to make that decision, overthinking the pros and cons repeatedly, but deep down she felt a nudge in her faith from God, to step out and believe in herself. A situation that many "would be" entrepreneurs find themselves in. </p> <p>“Where do I start?” she asked. “How do I tailor this to small / mid sized businesses?” </p> <p>Unsure, she spent 3 months mapping and dreaming it all out, before finally picking one piece to start with in month 4. All by herself!</p> <p>Surrounding herself with good people as fast as she could, she bootstrapped and figured out how to run a profitable business before the cash ran out. That’s why she was dedicated to making it work and helping others not find themselves in the same situation she was in. She also quickly learned that outsourcing the things she wasn’t strong at was the best thing to do, rather than burning time trying to get better at them at the expense of leaning in to her strengths.</p> <p>As a business owner, she’s pursuing purpose, looking for ways to love on other people while developing a career that removes the debate about choosing between family and work. With a super supportive husband everything has been so much easier and she credits that support with giving her the mental freedom to do anything she sets out to do. </p> <p>Mike also talked about the question most faith based entrepreneurs struggle with…. Do I trust that God is enough or not? There is a fear that comes with intentionally building things around Jesus, and giving away resources that could be used to grow the business or simply enjoyed as fruit from it but the reality is that He IS enough, and often times being involved is enough. It’s the journey vs. the destination that He’s most interested in. </p> <p>Create profit that we can fuse and use for Kingdom work - Mike</p> <p>We don’t have to reinvent everything, we just need to get on the train together, in community so we can work together to deliver impact and help society. </p> <h2>KEY QUOTES &amp; NOTES</h2> <ul> <li>“You know where you’re meant to be and you know who you’re meant to serve”.</li> <li>“Who am I serving, why am I serving them and how am I going to do that?”</li> <li>“I can’t help the next small business to take off if I can’t pay my staff”</li> <li>“You can’t be successful if you don’t know your numbers. You have to know your numbers.” </li> <li>“Be careful that you don’t want growth more than the staff you’re trying to help! - MT</li> <li>“A lot of people don’t give enough thought and intentionality to who they want to be” MT</li></ul>

Melissa Murphy-Steely | Small Biz Guru

Have you ever wondered about some of the different folks you'll meet when you attend a business networking event? Well wonder no more because we've got you covered so hit that play button and be amazed at today's conversation!

<p>Have you ever wondered about some of the different folks you'll meet when you attend a business networking event? Well wonder no more because we've got you covered so hit that play button and be amazed at today's conversation!</p>

Mike & Linda | 6 Types of People You'll Meet at a Networking Event

Perry Marshall

Perry Marshall literally wrote the book on Google Adwords and then moved on to legendary status through a series of category defining moments. He's one of the most expensive business strategists in the world and his new book, "Memos from the Head Office" covers 13 stories of unbelievable instances where divine intervention inspired people to start something big. Wondering if God is interested in your business or entrepreneurial journey? Then this IS the episode for you! THE ELEVATOR INTRODUCTION When Perry meets someone on an elevator or sitting next to him on a plane, one of the ways he introduces himself is; "I wrote the book on google advertising and founded the worlds largest research prize". If that doesn't pique someone's interest then what will? He's working on multiple projects at any given time, and currently has 3 professions, not 1. Years ago he got himself into an online battle over evolution, which culminated in a thread that grew into the longest running (7 years) and largest thread on the world's largest atheist discussion board as he defended his decision that DNA is like computer code, which means it has to be designed by a 'coder' and couldn’t have simply fallen into place. Many of the commentators couldn’t accept his conclusions despite the fact that he defended himself logically and thoroughly, so he decided to challenge them to prove him wrong, with what is now the world’s largest open prize in the scientific community. By collating scientists from Harvard and Oxford to name a couple, he created a judging panel and then put up a monetary amount 10 times larger than the nobel prize. Now, if someone can prove where DNA came from and how it formed into its strand without a designer or creator, they win $10,000,000. There’s something very special about life but we have never figured out what it is. FAITH His brother was a missionary to China who lost his faith after serving there for a number of years. This took Perry to the intersection of faith and science because he’s an engineer which got his gears turning on what is provable in the faith based space. It is the glory of god to conceal a matter and it’s the glory of kings to uncover it The book, "Memos from the Head Office" is Perry's chance to tell real life stories about God's diving intervention in the lives of entrepreneurs, business owners and members of Perry's 'Planet Perry' community. Prophecy is something many people have different ideas about, but the reality is that whether we believe in something or not doesn’t change whether it is true or not. - MT As Perry became an adult he continued to encounter this same closed mindedness in the Church that he'd seen as a child, until he attended a vineyard church where, about 1 year while he’d been obsessing about a math problem all day long (and despite not believing in or having ever received a prophetic word in his life), a lady walked up to him and told him that God told her Perry was working on a math problem that he would ultimately solve…. Along with some other details. That word transformed his trajectory and was proved to be true, over the next couple of years. 10 years later, he tracked down that lady and they became friends. From that friendship came the idea that they could pull together other entrepreneurs and business leaders, and with nothing more than their first name on a zoom call, begin to prophecy, giving them a memo from the head office… aka. Heaven. MEMOS The first time they did this they were joined by approx. 30 people from Perry’s network who were all blown away with what God was saying. He believes that hearing from God should be as natural and easy as writing down questions and then listening for the answers. It’s become one of Perry’s largest online sessions on a regular basis. These aren’t positioned as religious gatherings, but simply a conversation between the small group and heaven. Every major bible character we read about hears from God, is directed by God and walks with God in a natural way. That’s a big deal to Perry because they’re our models. Even when his brother started to have doubts about his faith, partly because the Bible talked about miracles which we don’t see them anymore (at least we don’t hear about them much). Perry went in search of miracles, because he agreed that the Bible didn’t say they would stop. He looked for names, places, dates of birth, any and every piece of verifiable information that would help him categorically confirm these things do still happen today. Even now, people in those environments sometimes still don’t believe God moves in this way so Perry figured he'd prove it. If we have to pay for the X-rays to prove that God is working then so be it. What does Perry say to someone who hasn’t heard of things like this before? Be open minded. One of Perry's most important habits is his daily 'renaissance time', when he journals voraciously to remember what God has been telling him. He also uses this time to write down thoughts that come into his mind while in prayerful dialogue with God. "Don't filter" he says, "and don't edit either". Just write down what comes to mind as you pray and then later on work out whether it could be something God is behind or not. Check out our episode with John Houston from earlier this year, and hear another guest talk about how he starts each day in the quiet with God, listening and journaling what he believes he is hearing. There's such a strong  parallel between these two guys! KEY QUOTES &amp; NOTES  You and God is a majority. Even a 6 year old knows the difference between a live puppy and a dead puppy. Most people are pursuing answers…. I believe there’s nothing more important than the question. How do you get code without code? God talks to people way more often than anybody expects. Search YouTube - Perry Marshall Penn State to learn more about his backstory

<p>Perry Marshall literally wrote the book on Google Adwords and then moved on to legendary status through a series of category defining moments. He's one of the most expensive business strategists in the world and his new book, "Memos from the Head Office" covers 13 stories of unbelievable instances where divine intervention inspired people to start something big.</p> <p>Wondering if God is interested in your business or entrepreneurial journey? Then this IS the episode for you!</p> <h2>THE ELEVATOR INTRODUCTION</h2> <p>When Perry meets someone on an elevator or sitting next to him on a plane, one of the ways he introduces himself is; "I wrote the book on google advertising and founded the worlds largest research prize". If that doesn't pique someone's interest then what will?</p> <p>He's working on multiple projects at any given time, and currently has 3 professions, not 1.</p> <p>Years ago he got himself into an online battle over evolution, which culminated in a thread that grew into the longest running (7 years) and largest thread on the world's largest atheist discussion board as he defended his decision that DNA is like computer code, which means it has to be designed by a 'coder' and couldn’t have simply fallen into place.</p> <p>Many of the commentators couldn’t accept his conclusions despite the fact that he defended himself logically and thoroughly, so he decided to challenge them to prove him wrong, with what is now the world’s largest open prize in the scientific community. By collating scientists from Harvard and Oxford to name a couple, he created a judging panel and then put up a monetary amount 10 times larger than the nobel prize. Now, if someone can prove where DNA came from and how it formed into its strand without a designer or creator, they win $10,000,000.</p> <p>There’s something very special about life but we have never figured out what it is.</p> <h2>FAITH</h2> <p>His brother was a missionary to China who lost his faith after serving there for a number of years. This took Perry to the intersection of faith and science because he’s an engineer which got his gears turning on what is provable in the faith based space.</p> <p>It is the glory of god to conceal a matter and it’s the glory of kings to uncover it</p> <p>The book, "Memos from the Head Office" is Perry's chance to tell real life stories about God's diving intervention in the lives of entrepreneurs, business owners and members of Perry's 'Planet Perry' community.</p> <p>Prophecy is something many people have different ideas about, but the reality is that whether we believe in something or not doesn’t change whether it is true or not. - MT</p> <p>As Perry became an adult he continued to encounter this same closed mindedness in the Church that he'd seen as a child, until he attended a vineyard church where, about 1 year while he’d been obsessing about a math problem all day long (and despite not believing in or having ever received a prophetic word in his life), a lady walked up to him and told him that God told her Perry was working on a math problem that he would ultimately solve…. Along with some other details. That word transformed his trajectory and was proved to be true, over the next couple of years.</p> <p>10 years later, he tracked down that lady and they became friends. From that friendship came the idea that they could pull together other entrepreneurs and business leaders, and with nothing more than their first name on a zoom call, begin to prophecy, giving them a memo from the head office… aka. Heaven.</p> <h2>MEMOS</h2> <p>The first time they did this they were joined by approx. 30 people from Perry’s network who were all blown away with what God was saying.</p> <p>He believes that hearing from God should be as natural and easy as writing down questions and then listening for the answers. It’s become one of Perry’s largest online sessions on a regular basis. These aren’t positioned as religious gatherings, but simply a conversation between the small group and heaven.</p> <p>Every major bible character we read about hears from God, is directed by God and walks with God in a natural way. That’s a big deal to Perry because they’re our models. Even when his brother started to have doubts about his faith, partly because the Bible talked about miracles which we don’t see them anymore (at least we don’t hear about them much).</p> <p>Perry went in search of miracles, because he agreed that the Bible didn’t say they would stop. He looked for names, places, dates of birth, any and every piece of verifiable information that would help him categorically confirm these things do still happen today. Even now, people in those environments sometimes still don’t believe God moves in this way so Perry figured he'd prove it. If we have to pay for the X-rays to prove that God is working then so be it.</p> <p>What does Perry say to someone who hasn’t heard of things like this before? Be open minded.</p> <p>One of Perry's most important habits is his daily 'renaissance time', when he journals voraciously to remember what God has been telling him. He also uses this time to write down thoughts that come into his mind while in prayerful dialogue with God. "Don't filter" he says, "and don't edit either". Just write down what comes to mind as you pray and then later on work out whether it could be something God is behind or not.</p> <p><a href="https://the-mike-thakur-show.simplecast.com/episodes/finding-my-way-home-with-john-houston-31" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Check out our episode with John Houston</a> from earlier this year, and hear another guest talk about how he starts each day in the quiet with God, listening and journaling what he believes he is hearing. There's such a strong  parallel between these two guys!</p> <h2>KEY QUOTES &amp; NOTES</h2> <ul> <li>You and God is a majority.</li> <li>Even a 6 year old knows the difference between a live puppy and a dead puppy.</li> <li>Most people are pursuing answers…. I believe there’s nothing more important than the question.</li> <li>How do you get code without code?</li> <li>God talks to people way more often than anybody expects.</li> <li>Search YouTube - Perry Marshall Penn State to learn more about his backstory</li></ul>

Perry Marshall | Memos from the Head Office

John Eldredge

Tony Hsieh

It's another book club episode and this time we look at: 1. Wild at Heart by John Eldredge - An incredible book that's been a best seller for years as it explores Biblical manhood and our faith. 2. Delivering Happiness by Tony Hsieh - The story of Zappos founder Tony and his journey to building a billion dollar company, founded on a culture that remains unrivaled even today.

<p>It's another book club episode and this time we look at:</p> <p>1. Wild at Heart by John Eldredge - An incredible book that's been a best seller for years as it explores Biblical manhood and our faith.</p> <p>2. Delivering Happiness by Tony Hsieh - The story of Zappos founder Tony and his journey to building a billion dollar company, founded on a culture that remains unrivaled even today.</p>

Book Club - Delivering Happiness by Tony Hsieh / Wild at Heart by John Eldredge

A few years ago I had this crazy idea. What if I could use the power of entrepreneurship to create PROFIT, that would fuel my PURPOSE to help PEOPLE. I’m Mike Thakur, CEO of WorkLodge and Founder at the Gabriel Project, and I’m on a mission to change lives through entrepreneurship and sustainable social enterprise. On this podcast I’m going to share lessons I’ve learned along the way and talk with others chasing the same goals, so that together we can grow.

Daniel Fusco

Everybody wants to be happy. That's a good thing and that's the reason why McDonald's don't sell 'sad' meals. They're happy meals because happy is good and on today's episode, we chat with Daniel Fusco who sees an often overlooked connect between Jesus' teaching and Paul's, as the key to true happiness in the life of believers today. WHO WANTS TO BE HAPPY? Everyone! But we often forget that it's God who is the fountain of living water, where all our nourishment comes from. In the Old Testament, water was life. It wasn't freely available at the push of a faucet like today and so we miss the value it had, the scarcity it had and the life giving power it had because it's so freely available to us today that it doesn't feel special anymore. Jesus is widely regarded as the best teacher who ever lived whether you believe in him or not, and yet nobody today is saying what Jesus was saying. Everyone is pursuing happiness but the reality is that nobody is truly  feeling happy. That's because we aren't pursuing true happiness, that the Bible outlines for us clearly in the Sermon on the Mount as well as Paul's teaching. Jesus begins his most famous section, of his most famous sermon with 'here's the 9 characteristics of a happy person'. That's why Daniel wrote the book. He was chasing true, authentic, Jesus based happiness in the most Biblical way he saw. Personally, I (Mike) would worry writing a book called crazy happy because I know that I'm not always 100% happy, all the time. So I asked Daniel whether we should start calling him 'Dr. Happy'?! In no way am I always happy, and nobody is. That's the point and that's the myth of the expert who always does things the right way, it's just not real. If I wrote a marriage book nobody would believe I have a perfect marriage because that's not possible. We think happiness is the absence of sadness but Jesus said the opposite, that 'happy is the person who grieves'. Even when things are bad we should trust in a good God who can bring joy out of sadness. Daniel describes himself as being on a crazy happy journey where sometimes he'll catch himself saying 'why aren't I happy right now'? He's recognized that this is a journey that we're on but not a destination. If humility is the entry point to happiness then pride is the enemy of happiness. HOW DOES THIS BLEND WITH THE SELF HELP, AMERICAN CHURCH THEOLOGY Everybody tries to co-op Jesus into everything. This is Jesus as my homeboy, Jesus of my political party etc. but no matter who our culture says Jesus is, what matters is who Jesus really is. I don't want to make Jesus in my image I want to be made in his image. It's not all simplistic. But we need to become like the little children so we don't allow the complications of the world cloud our vision of who Jesus is. That's why Daniel wants to stay simple when it comes to Jesus vs. overanalyzing things. WANT TO HEAR THE BONUS CONTENT FROM THIS EPISODE?ENJOY AN EXTRA SEGMENT DISCUSSING JESUS BY CLICKING HERE THE MIND IS THE KEY So many authors are tackling the mind. My (Mike's) recent book club episode covering Craig Groeschel's 'Winning the War of your Mind', Jon Acuff's 'Soundtracks', Joyce Meyer's 'Battlefield of the Mind', are just three in a long line of attempts to help the reader recognize and overcome the challenges their mind creates for them. It seems as though everyone is talking about the mind and how it processes information, life experiences etc. to shape who you are and who you become. Mental wellness is clearly critical and Daniel's connection between the Beatitudes spoken by Jesus and the fruit of the Spirit listed by Paul is a Biblical connecting of the dots to show that no matter what happens on one hand, the other can still provide us a way through and a way forward as we deal with life and the challenges it brings. SPIRITUAL WARFARE Half the time Jesus was healing people he was casting out demons from people but today, we as believers shy away from anything we can't fully grasp or understand. Daniel sees a connection between the spiritual and the natural in the area of mental wellness and the mind while recognizing that this isn't always the case. Many of us may not ever realize that we're in a spiritual battle, not understanding that there could be more to our situation that the things we see but Jesus said the enemy seeks to "kill and destroy", so we shouldn't overlook that. The spiritual realm presses into our natural world in different ways which is why we need to see things through the lens of the spirit. When Daniel traveled in India, he saw much more of God's power at work in the supernatural realm than here in the western world. Finally, he wants to be remembered as someone who told everyone that Jesus was real. KEY QUOTES &amp; NOTES  You can open up every self help book on happiness and nobody says the first step to happiness is humility. Lookout for Daniel's enhanced 'Armor of God' thoughts! Satan functions the best in discouragement. It's a battle we fight every single day. Discouraged people don't acknowledge what they do have and don't want to help others with what they don't have. In a country that's one of the richest in the world we live in a culture that's never been less happy. "Get me pre-coffee in the morning I'm not always that happy! My house is crazy first thing in the morning." 

<p>Everybody wants to be happy. That's a good thing and that's the reason why McDonald's don't sell 'sad' meals. They're happy meals because happy is good and on today's episode, we chat with Daniel Fusco who sees an often overlooked connect between Jesus' teaching and Paul's, as the key to true happiness in the life of believers today.</p> <h2>WHO WANTS TO BE HAPPY?</h2> <p>Everyone! But we often forget that it's God who is the fountain of living water, where all our nourishment comes from. In the Old Testament, water was life. It wasn't freely available at the push of a faucet like today and so we miss the value it had, the scarcity it had and the life giving power it had because it's so freely available to us today that it doesn't feel special anymore.</p> <p>Jesus is widely regarded as the best teacher who ever lived whether you believe in him or not, and yet nobody today is saying what Jesus was saying. Everyone is pursuing happiness but the reality is that nobody is truly  feeling happy. That's because we aren't pursuing true happiness, that the Bible outlines for us clearly in the Sermon on the Mount as well as Paul's teaching.</p> <p>Jesus begins his most famous section, of his most famous sermon with 'here's the 9 characteristics of a happy person'. That's why Daniel wrote the book. He was chasing true, authentic, Jesus based happiness in the most Biblical way he saw.</p> <p>Personally, I (Mike) would worry writing a book called crazy happy because I know that I'm not always 100% happy, all the time. So I asked Daniel whether we should start calling him 'Dr. Happy'?!</p> <p>In no way am I always happy, and nobody is. That's the point and that's the myth of the expert who always does things the right way, it's just not real. If I wrote a marriage book nobody would believe I have a perfect marriage because that's not possible.</p> <p>We think happiness is the absence of sadness but Jesus said the opposite, that 'happy is the person who grieves'. Even when things are bad we should trust in a good God who can bring joy out of sadness.</p> <p>Daniel describes himself as being on a crazy happy journey where sometimes he'll catch himself saying 'why aren't I happy right now'? He's recognized that this is a journey that we're on but not a destination.</p> <p>If humility is the entry point to happiness then pride is the enemy of happiness.</p> <h2>HOW DOES THIS BLEND WITH THE SELF HELP, AMERICAN CHURCH THEOLOGY</h2> <p>Everybody tries to co-op Jesus into everything. This is Jesus as my homeboy, Jesus of my political party etc. but no matter who our culture says Jesus is, what matters is who Jesus really is.</p> <p>I don't want to make Jesus in my image I want to be made in his image.</p> <p>It's not all simplistic. But we need to become like the little children so we don't allow the complications of the world cloud our vision of who Jesus is. That's why Daniel wants to stay simple when it comes to Jesus vs. overanalyzing things.</p> <p><a href="https://mikethakur.com/bonus-content/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">WANT TO HEAR THE BONUS CONTENT FROM THIS EPISODE?<br/>ENJOY AN EXTRA SEGMENT DISCUSSING JESUS BY CLICKING HERE</a></p> <h2>THE MIND IS THE KEY</h2> <p>So many authors are tackling the mind. My (Mike's) recent book club episode covering Craig Groeschel's 'Winning the War of your Mind', Jon Acuff's 'Soundtracks', Joyce Meyer's 'Battlefield of the Mind', are just three in a long line of attempts to help the reader recognize and overcome the challenges their mind creates for them. It seems as though <em>everyone </em>is talking about the mind and how it processes information, life experiences etc. to shape who you are and who you become.</p> <p>Mental wellness is clearly critical and Daniel's connection between the Beatitudes spoken by Jesus and the fruit of the Spirit listed by Paul is a Biblical connecting of the dots to show that no matter what happens on one hand, the other can still provide us a way through and a way forward as we deal with life and the challenges it brings.</p> <h2>SPIRITUAL WARFARE</h2> <p>Half the time Jesus was healing people he was casting out demons from people but today, we as believers shy away from anything we can't fully grasp or understand. Daniel sees a connection between the spiritual and the natural in the area of mental wellness and the mind while recognizing that this isn't always the case.</p> <p>Many of us may not ever realize that we're in a spiritual battle, not understanding that there could be more to our situation that the things we see but Jesus said the enemy seeks to "kill and destroy", so we shouldn't overlook that. The spiritual realm presses into our natural world in different ways which is why we need to see things through the lens of the spirit.</p> <p>When Daniel traveled in India, he saw much more of God's power at work in the supernatural realm than here in the western world.</p> <p><em>Finally, he wants to be remembered as someone who told everyone that Jesus was real.</em></p> <h2>KEY QUOTES &amp; NOTES</h2> <ul> <li>You can open up every self help book on happiness and nobody says the first step to happiness is humility.</li> <li>Lookout for Daniel's enhanced 'Armor of God' thoughts!</li> <li>Satan functions the best in discouragement.</li> <li>It's a battle we fight every single day.</li> <li>Discouraged people don't acknowledge what they do have and don't want to help others with what they don't have.</li> <li>In a country that's one of the richest in the world we live in a culture that's never been less happy.</li> <li>"Get me pre-coffee in the morning I'm not always that happy! My house is crazy first thing in the morning."</li> </ul>

Daniel Fusco | Crazy Happy

One of the cool things about being God, or at least I think it’s pretty cool, is that you get to call yourself whatever you want. And God does. He has multiple names, one of which is Jehovah Jireh, the God who ‘sees to it’, aka the God who provides. But, do we really live as though he does? Is God really enough for us or do we need more? DOES GOD PROVIDE? We read a story in the Old Testament about Abraham who learns one of the names of God, through his faith and obedience in trusting that God will provide. You can read it in Genesis 22 but it’s the story about him taking Isaac up a mountain and God providing a ram for the offering. He had the means to take care of it himself, but he didn’t because he trusted that God had a better plan. God also provides non-tangible things like peace, love, kindness etc. and those are incredibly important because we can’t save ourselves. We can improve ourselves and work on things but if we supercharge that growth with God’s provision through his spirit, things change exponentially more for our benefit. DO OUR ACTIONS SUPPORT THAT IDEA? We say we believe that God provides, but our actions often say something different. They say that we provide, that we have things covered. That we don’t want to push ourselves outside our comfort zone to give God the freedom to provide because that would be uncomfortable, and we don’t like uncomfortable. So we stay away from it as much as we can. Many of us live in a way that says God doesn’t provide, so we should just take care of everything on our own. That leads us to make decisions as if we provide. Call it impatience, call it a lack of clarity, call it whatever you like but there’s a disconnect in a country like America where we’re so blessed, and places in the rest of the world that have to literally trust God on a daily basis for water, food and shelter. I’m not saying we need to become like them, but it’s all relative and so in our lives, and our world, we should put ourselves in situations bigger than us, that need faith in God and his ability to provide, on a regular basis. If we don’t, our faith becomes anaemic and weak. This is one of the reasons why we can’t stand against the spiritual attacks that come our way as believers. PROVISION FROM OTHERS James chapter 2 talks about the walk we’re supposed to live, which is that when we see someone in need and we’re in a position to help, we should step up and do it. No ifs, no buts, just do it. It’s one of the ways God provides. Through his team. This isn’t about putting a few dollars in the offering bucket, it’s about practically helping others when we can, as an outward example of the faith we profess. Does merely talking about faith indicate that a person really has it? For instance, you come upon an old friend dressed in rags and half-starved and say, “Good morning, friend! Be clothed in Christ! Be filled with the Holy Spirit!” and walk off without providing so much as a coat or a cup of soup—where does that get you? Isn’t it obvious that God-talk without God-acts is outrageous nonsense? THE MOST IMPORTANT THING GOD PROVIDES IS HIMSELF God loves to reveal himself to his creation (us). This is his greatest provision, himself. The ability to communicate with him, the ability to know him. That’s why he provided Jesus! His son yet himself. As he provides his love, forgiveness, grace, wisdom and guidance (and more) only then can we live a fulfilled life. Although we need his provision in the real world, in tangible ways, we can’t overlook the spiritual and in-tangible things he offers because they affect our eternity. KEY NOTES  Talking to Jesus isn’t just a cool phrase to quote, it’s something we need to do. Daily. If we never have to live by faith, how do we prove that we do live by faith? We’re trying to live a seven figure Christian life on a $10 budget. God provides his voice, direction and help for our lives. We can only go so far without them. God’s voice is one of the most important things he provides but in the church, in general it’s the thing we look for provision of the least. We should want to see God move and the only way to do that is to put ourselves out there in such a way that we need him to so he’s able to. Is God really enough for you no matter what’s happening in your life?

<p>One of the cool things about being God, or at least I think it’s pretty cool, is that you get to call yourself whatever you want. And God does. He has multiple names, one of which is Jehovah Jireh, the God who ‘sees to it’, aka the God who provides. But, do we really live as though he does? Is God really enough for us or do we need more?</p> <h2>DOES GOD PROVIDE?</h2> <p>We read a story in the Old Testament about Abraham who learns one of the names of God, through his faith and obedience in trusting that God will provide. You can read it in Genesis 22 but it’s the story about him taking Isaac up a mountain and God providing a ram for the offering. He had the means to take care of it himself, but he didn’t because he trusted that God had a better plan.</p> <p>God also provides non-tangible things like peace, love, kindness etc. and those are incredibly important because we can’t save ourselves. We <em>can</em> improve ourselves and work on things but if we supercharge that growth with God’s provision through his spirit, things change exponentially more for our benefit.</p> <h2>DO OUR ACTIONS SUPPORT THAT IDEA?</h2> <p>We say we believe that God provides, but our actions often say something different. They say that <em>we</em> provide, that <em>we</em> have things covered. That <em>we</em> don’t want to push ourselves outside our comfort zone to give God the freedom to provide because that would be uncomfortable, and we don’t like uncomfortable. So we stay away from it as much as we can.</p> <p>Many of us live in a way that says God doesn’t provide, so we should just take care of everything on our own. That leads us to make decisions as if we provide. Call it impatience, call it a lack of clarity, call it whatever you like but there’s a disconnect in a country like America where we’re so blessed, and places in the rest of the world that have to literally trust God on a daily basis for water, food and shelter.</p> <p>I’m not saying we need to become like them, but it’s all relative and so in our lives, and our world, we should put ourselves in situations bigger than us, that need faith in God and his ability to provide, on a regular basis. If we don’t, our faith becomes anaemic and weak. This is one of the reasons why we can’t stand against the spiritual attacks that come our way as believers.</p> <h2>PROVISION FROM OTHERS</h2> <p>James chapter 2 talks about the walk we’re supposed to live, which is that when we see someone in need and we’re in a position to help, we should step up and do it. No ifs, no buts, just do it. It’s one of the ways God provides. Through his team.</p> <p>This isn’t about putting a few dollars in the offering bucket, it’s about practically helping others when we can, as an outward example of the faith we profess.</p> <p>Does merely talking about faith indicate that a person really has it? For instance, you come upon an old friend dressed in rags and half-starved and say, “Good morning, friend! Be clothed in Christ! Be filled with the Holy Spirit!” and walk off without providing so much as a coat or a cup of soup—where does that get you? Isn’t it obvious that God-talk without God-acts is outrageous nonsense?</p> <h2>THE MOST IMPORTANT THING GOD PROVIDES IS HIMSELF</h2> <p>God loves to reveal himself to his creation (us). This is his greatest provision, himself. The ability to communicate with him, the ability to know him. That’s why he provided Jesus! His son yet himself.</p> <p>As he provides his love, forgiveness, grace, wisdom and guidance (and more) only then can we live a fulfilled life. Although we need his provision in the real world, in tangible ways, we can’t overlook the spiritual and in-tangible things he offers because they affect our eternity.</p> <h2>KEY NOTES</h2> <ul> <li>Talking to Jesus isn’t just a cool phrase to quote, it’s something we need to do. Daily.</li> <li>If we never have to live by faith, how do we prove that we do live by faith?</li> <li>We’re trying to live a seven figure Christian life on a $10 budget.</li> <li>God provides his voice, direction and help for our lives. We can only go so far without them.</li> <li>God’s voice is one of the most important things he provides but in the church, in general it’s the thing we look for provision of the least.</li> <li>We should want to see God move and the only way to do that is to put ourselves out there in such a way that we need him to so he’s able to.</li> <li>Is God really enough for you no matter what’s happening in your life?</li></ul>

Mike & Linda | Jireh - Is God Really Enough?

Bobby Albert

Bobby Albert led the Albert Companies to unprecedented growth—and he did so during one of the most challenging economic periods of our lifetime. His unique leadership, coupled with an unending desire to learn, enabled this CEO and his team to grow revenues and profits by 500 percent between 2005 and 2011, the year he sold his business to a publicly-traded company. Bobby is currently President of Values-Driven Leadership, LLC where he helps other leaders build inspiring workplace cultures. As an author of three books, he shares the principles and practices he used to grow his company from five employees to an organization of more than 150 team members. Bobby’s insights on leadership, workplace culture, and employee engagement have been featured on popular media channels including Forbes, ESPN Radio, and Fox News Radio. VALUES DRIVEN LEADERSHIP Using a values-driven approach, Bobby created a unique and special workplace culture, and The Best 100 Companies to Work for in Texas awarded their coveted designation to the Albert team for two years running. As a serial entrepreneur, Bobby has started twelve different businesses, acquired nine others and brought this same, values driven approach to them all. The approach? Value people, seek wisdom, embrace humility, and never stop learning. CULTURE Workplace culture is so critical because that's what creates an environment that enables people to thrive and profits to soar. When Bobby was 20 years old he'd just graduated and life was 'pretty good' when one evening, his father had a massive heart attack and as Bobby walked into the hospital, he saw the Dr. speaking with his mother saying "We just couldn't save him", changing Bobby's life forever. Thrust into taking over the family business, he quickly learned that his debt load was the same as the total annual revenue for the entire company but by the time the great recession of 2008-2009 hit, Bobby and his team had turned things around delivering 500% growth, while others faltered. As a boy, he'd learned how to graft, working in the family moving business doing the jobs no one else wanted to do. This helped grow a level of respect that stayed with him as he grew older, ultimately helping build respect with those same team members he then had to manage and lead. Dealing with the debt load, Bobby sold his car to pay down the money, hitching a ride with one of his employees for two years, so they could focus on growing the business (over 200% in one year) and improving profitability, all with the aim of paying bills and becoming a healthy business again. Bobby recognizes that he had a great deal of help from the employees, as well as others around him to get him through those early days. FAITH Bobby became a Christian in 1982 after realizing that he couldn't earn his way into Heaven. This began a seismic change that reverberated through his life and business. Within a few years, he noticed the addition of a daily quiet time began to make a big difference in the business as well as personally and before long, he launched something called the 'Work as Worship' ministry, providing support to his employees, customers and suppliers. It grew so big they added an extra HR person just to deal with the logistics of it all, so they could continue to serve well. "And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." - Colossians 3:17. Striving for excellence doesn't mean striving for perfection. Perfection isn't attainable. Excellence is. The culture he wanted to build was a that everyone worked towards a higher purpose, working for God and not Bobby as the ultimate leader. Even though some of the team didn't believe what Bobby believed about God, everyone believed that working for excellence and looking beyond the leader of the company was helping them deliver growth and success. That said, Bobby always wanted to make sure that nobody felt pressured into staying in meetings etc. if they were uncomfortable with the faith based conversation. Bobby's success began to shine as they looked to buy other businesses and grow the footprint. He spent hours in the saddle of his bicycle, thinking and noodling to gain clarity in his mind. Although he credits a natural, God given talent to the clarity he saw, he also admits that not every gamble paid off, putting those experiences down to learning opportunities as he continued to take calculated risks and move forward. LEGACY When it's all over, the one thing he'd like to be remembered by more than anything else is that he was a model Christian Businessman who encouraged leaders to live an integrated life, bringing faith into every aspect of it. BRINGING THE FUN His team cared about the development of people not just in relation to skills, but in relation to their entire person and makeup, offering onsite chaplain services to their team AND customers across the U.S. More than that, they developed wellness initiatives, moving contests (where they pitted teams against each other to test their skills!) and other fun programs that all contributed to making a great environment for people to work from.  Paid for gym memberships, paid for conference tickets and more were normal par for the course, going as far as free tickets to Christian concerts. Happy Fridays = water gun fights when it was the quieter periods in the calendar which, combined with car smashing provided ever more creative ways to build engagement within the team and develop the culture they wanted. The silly prizes were just a bonus. KEY NOTES  Value people, seek wisdom, embrace humility, and never stop learning. The truth is that every day is sacred, and we shouldn't separate Sunday from Monday. Always be ready, because you never know what life will throw your way. Culture is king, build and grow it at all costs. Business without faith is hollow, it takes both elements together to do something amazing. Be generous, help others, develop people.

<p>Bobby Albert led the Albert Companies to unprecedented growth—and he did so during one of the most challenging economic periods of our lifetime. His unique leadership, coupled with an unending desire to learn, enabled this CEO and his team to grow revenues and profits by <strong>500 percent</strong> between 2005 and 2011, the year he sold his business to a publicly-traded company.</p> <p>Bobby is currently President of Values-Driven Leadership, LLC where he helps other leaders build inspiring workplace cultures. As an author of three books, he shares the principles and practices he used to grow his company from five employees to an organization of more than 150 team members.</p> <p>Bobby’s insights on leadership, workplace culture, and employee engagement have been featured on popular media channels including Forbes, ESPN Radio, and Fox News Radio.</p> <h2>VALUES DRIVEN LEADERSHIP</h2> <p>Using a values-driven approach, Bobby created a unique and special workplace culture, and The Best 100 Companies to Work for in Texas awarded their coveted designation to the Albert team for two years running. As a serial entrepreneur, Bobby has started twelve different businesses, acquired nine others and brought this same, values driven approach to them all.</p> <p>The approach? Value people, seek wisdom, embrace humility, and never stop learning.</p> <h2>CULTURE</h2> <p>Workplace culture is so critical because that's what creates an environment that enables people to thrive and profits to soar.</p> <p>When Bobby was 20 years old he'd just graduated and life was 'pretty good' when one evening, his father had a massive heart attack and as Bobby walked into the hospital, he saw the Dr. speaking with his mother saying "We just couldn't save him", changing Bobby's life forever.</p> <p>Thrust into taking over the family business, he quickly learned that his debt load was the same as the total annual revenue for the entire company but by the time the great recession of 2008-2009 hit, Bobby and his team had turned things around delivering 500% growth, while others faltered.</p> <p>As a boy, he'd learned how to graft, working in the family moving business doing the jobs no one else wanted to do. This helped grow a level of respect that stayed with him as he grew older, ultimately helping build respect with those same team members he then had to manage and lead.</p> <p>Dealing with the debt load, Bobby sold his car to pay down the money, hitching a ride with one of his employees for two years, so they could focus on growing the business (over 200% in one year) and improving profitability, all with the aim of paying bills and becoming a healthy business again.</p> <p>Bobby recognizes that he had a great deal of help from the employees, as well as others around him to get him through those early days.</p> <h2>FAITH</h2> <p>Bobby became a Christian in 1982 after realizing that he couldn't earn his way into Heaven. This began a seismic change that reverberated through his life and business.</p> <p>Within a few years, he noticed the addition of a daily quiet time began to make a big difference in the business as well as personally and before long, he launched something called the 'Work as Worship' ministry, providing support to his employees, customers and suppliers. It grew so big they added an extra HR person just to deal with the logistics of it all, so they could continue to serve well.</p> <p>"And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." - Colossians 3:17.</p> <p>Striving for excellence doesn't mean striving for perfection. Perfection isn't attainable. Excellence is.</p> <p>The culture he wanted to build was a that everyone worked towards a higher purpose, working for God and not Bobby as the ultimate leader. Even though some of the team didn't believe what Bobby believed about God, everyone believed that working for excellence and looking beyond the leader of the company was helping them deliver growth and success. That said, Bobby always wanted to make sure that nobody felt pressured into staying in meetings etc. if they were uncomfortable with the faith based conversation.</p> <p>Bobby's success began to shine as they looked to buy other businesses and grow the footprint. He spent hours in the saddle of his bicycle, thinking and noodling to gain clarity in his mind. Although he credits a natural, God given talent to the clarity he saw, he also admits that not every gamble paid off, putting those experiences down to learning opportunities as he continued to take calculated risks and move forward.</p> <h2>LEGACY</h2> <p>When it's all over, the one thing he'd like to be remembered by more than anything else is that he was a model Christian Businessman who encouraged leaders to live an integrated life, bringing faith into every aspect of it.</p> <h2>BRINGING THE FUN</h2> <p>His team cared about the development of people not just in relation to skills, but in relation to their entire person and makeup, offering onsite chaplain services to their team AND customers across the U.S. More than that, they developed wellness initiatives, moving contests (where they pitted teams against each other to test their skills!) and other fun programs that all contributed to making a great environment for people to work from. </p> <p>Paid for gym memberships, paid for conference tickets and more were normal par for the course, going as far as free tickets to Christian concerts.</p> <p>Happy Fridays = water gun fights when it was the quieter periods in the calendar which, combined with car smashing provided ever more creative ways to build engagement within the team and develop the culture they wanted. The silly prizes were just a bonus.</p> <h2>KEY NOTES</h2> <ul> <li>Value people, seek wisdom, embrace humility, and never stop learning.</li> <li>The truth is that every day is sacred, and we shouldn't separate Sunday from Monday.</li> <li>Always be ready, because you never know what life will throw your way.</li> <li>Culture is king, build and grow it at all costs.</li> <li>Business without faith is hollow, it takes both elements together to do something amazing.</li> <li>Be generous, help others, develop people.</li></ul>

Bobby Albert | Serial Entrepreneur

John Houston

This week on the Mike Thakur Show we're chatting with John Houston, founder and CEO of J Houston Custom Homes (as well as a few other companies). This episode was timed to go live today, April 20th on the same day his new book is released called 'Finding My Way Home', that tells his story and shows God's hand in his life in some incredibly powerful ways. Abandoned by his parents when he was 11 and his older brother 15, they lived at home by themselves, learning quickly how to generate income to survive, but little did he realize that this entrepreneurial beginning would turn into a major custom home building company with millions of dollars in revenues based on God's leading. THE NEW BOOK John never planned on writing a book as he recognized that everyone has challenges and trials that they go though, but he felt God's leading to unpack the hard times of his life on paper so that other's could see God's perspective in the hope that people see in the midst of difficult times, that God is always faithful. THE EARLY YEARS John and his brother were 11 and 15 when their parents divorced, and then both moved out leaving them completely on their own. God helped them through this time as they leaned into him and their local Church, while also building his first business to help pay bills and buy groceries. During these teenage years it's incredible how many good choices John made (which he attributes to God's grace on him) and how many bad choices he was able to stay away from, despite the freedom that he had. He met his wife and her family when he was around 5 or 6 years old and grew up around them (through Church), obviously with no idea that one day they'd start dating and get married. That familiarity and comfort around their family was a key part of his life in his late 20s as he moved in with them and allowed them to help him and shower him in love as he navigated becoming an adult. During Bible college he developed a real hunger and interest in the Word. Abraham's turning point was when he realized what God was doing for him. John felt as though he was so focused on what he was doing for God he missed the part about what God was doing for him. STEWARDSHIP Resting in God and letting God be God, using the business for whatever his purposes are. Just because we realized it was time to follow what God had planned for his life, the challenges that have come since then have been worse than the ones before, he may not have always understood what God's purposes were he took comfort knowing that God always comes through. He started the business right as the housing recession of 2008 kicked in and he got a call from his banker one day telling him he needed to pay back the whole $7 million line of credit back, immediately. It took 2 years to pay it off and he couldn't tell you how God did it, but he did it. As a result, other banks started calling offering larger lines of credit to him because of his good stewardship which put them in a stronger position to buy up bargain lots for future homes. When you have no money it's not hard to handle money well, you pay your bills and there's none left for anything else. Once you have a little money and all the bills are paid, it's what you do with what's left that shows God where your heart is in relation to stewardship. It's not based on need, it's based on wanting to be generous towards God and his kingdom. THE FIRST SALE John recounted a story about the first home they ever built as a home builder, after 5 long years of trusting God from the time they first felt he wanted them to start building homes and the time they pulled it off. As he was praying on the morning of the closing, he felt as though God asked him if he'd be willing to give ALL of the profit away for the kingdom, to establish the business the way God wanted it to be. 4-5 months later they were about to close on the second house they'd built when he sensed God telling him not to sell it to the people who'd signed the contract because they were buying it so they could divorce and God wanted them to stay together. You'll have to listen to the podcast to hear the end of this story!  DEBT VS CASH Pay cash for everything you can. Only use debt for investment type expenditure (investing in things that will help the business grow like land for example) and use cash for all operating expenses. When we build houses we borrow 75% - 80% maximum so that even if the market drops, we can aboard a 10% or 20% hit and still not go negative, and lose money. My wife and I live by the philosophy that if we do borrow money, they get paid back before we get paid even if that means we have to sacrifice more and go without. PURPOSE DRIVEN Keep it simple. All their prospects are just as important as the ones that choose to buy, and so the whole point for the business is to stay more focused on the people (and less focused on the transaction). Business is such a great vehicle for funding kingdom work that they sold the company to the employees through an ESOP last year, and continue leading it while finding more ways to impact kingdom and mission with the funds. He sees this as an opportunity to teach the hundreds of employees how to be great stewards of everything God has given them. That way the giving and impact doesn't stop with the Houston family. The purpose is also key when hiring. He found how important it was to bring people on and build a team around them who were likeminded in spirit but also have different gifts. KEY NOTES  God's faithfulness is real, especially in the middle of challenging or difficult times. His identity came from how much money he could make when he realized in high school he was making more money than most of his friends' parents made. Years later, he realized how wrong this thinking was. The future of ministry and how it looks different than how it has always been. Where ministry is headed in terms of spreading the word of God. Filed bankruptcy a few years into his marriage as he realized that he wasn't the one responsible for all the money being made. God always comes through, but not always in the way I wanted him to. Pay cash for everything you can. If you borrow money you're a servant to the lender. God has repeatedly spoken into John's heart with guidance and direction over the years, and proven himself trustworthy. He sold the home building business to the employees through a 100% ESOP in 2020. Focus on 3 key ares in relation to stewardship - Personal life, Family and Finances. You've got to be like minded (in spirit, not gifting) with your leadership team.  QUOTES "Seek the Lord, do what he says and follow him."- JH "Keep it Simple." - JH "The greatest stewardship is learned in a time of blessing, not the time of need." - JH "Would you be willing to give me all the profits from this house sale?" - God "None of us including myself are never going to be perfect until we stand there one day with him." - JH "God's a God of redemption, and reconciliation." - JH "Real ministry happens in business because this is where we get to touch their lives every single day." - MT "I wasn't getting out of homebuilding, it was more, how can I be more impactful with what God told us in the very beginning, to reach people for Christ and give to the kingdom." - JH "I thought I was fairly smart... But Chad [CFO] knows way more than I do... God brought the right person at the right time." - JH "Whenever God lays something on your heart, don't wait, go do it now." - John Maxwell

<p>This week on the Mike Thakur Show we're chatting with John Houston, founder and CEO of J Houston Custom Homes (as well as a few other companies). This episode was timed to go live today, April 20th on the same day his new book is released called 'Finding My Way Home', that tells his story and shows God's hand in his life in some incredibly powerful ways.</p> <p>Abandoned by his parents when he was 11 and his older brother 15, they lived at home by themselves, learning quickly how to generate income to survive, but little did he realize that this entrepreneurial beginning would turn into a major custom home building company with millions of dollars in revenues based on God's leading.</p> <h2>THE NEW BOOK</h2> <p>John never planned on writing a book as he recognized that everyone has challenges and trials that they go though, but he felt God's leading to unpack the hard times of his life on paper so that other's could see God's perspective in the hope that people see in the midst of difficult times, that God is always faithful.</p> <h2>THE EARLY YEARS</h2> <p>John and his brother were 11 and 15 when their parents divorced, and then <em>both </em>moved out leaving them completely on their own. God helped them through this time as they leaned into him and their local Church, while also building his first business to help pay bills and buy groceries. During these teenage years it's incredible how many good choices John made (which he attributes to God's grace on him) and how many bad choices he was able to stay away from, despite the freedom that he had.</p> <p>He met his wife and her family when he was around 5 or 6 years old and grew up around them (through Church), obviously with no idea that one day they'd start dating and get married. That familiarity and comfort around their family was a key part of his life in his late 20s as he moved in with them and allowed them to help him and shower him in love as he navigated becoming an adult.</p> <p>During Bible college he developed a real hunger and interest in the Word.</p> <p>Abraham's turning point was when he realized what God was doing for him. John felt as though he was so focused on what he was doing <em>for </em>God he missed the part about what God was doing for <em>him.</em></p> <h2>STEWARDSHIP</h2> <p>Resting in God and letting God be God, using the business for whatever his purposes are.</p> <p>Just because we realized it was time to follow what God had planned for his life, the challenges that have come since then have been worse than the ones before, he may not have always understood what God's purposes were he took comfort knowing that God always comes through.</p> <p>He started the business right as the housing recession of 2008 kicked in and he got a call from his banker one day telling him he needed to pay back the whole $7 million line of credit back, immediately. It took 2 years to pay it off and he couldn't tell you how God did it, but he did it. As a result, other banks started calling offering larger lines of credit to him because of his good stewardship which put them in a stronger position to buy up bargain lots for future homes.</p> <p>When you have no money it's not hard to handle money well, you pay your bills and there's none left for anything else. Once you have a little money and all the bills are paid, it's what you do with what's left that shows God where your heart is in relation to stewardship. It's not based on need, it's based on wanting to be generous towards God and his kingdom.</p> <h2>THE FIRST SALE</h2> <p>John recounted a story about the first home they ever built as a home builder, after 5 long years of trusting God from the time they first felt he wanted them to start building homes and the time they pulled it off. As he was praying on the morning of the closing, he felt as though God asked him if he'd be willing to give ALL of the profit away for the kingdom, to establish the business the way God wanted it to be.</p> <p>4-5 months later they were about to close on the second house they'd built when he sensed God telling him not to sell it to the people who'd signed the contract because they were buying it so they could divorce and God wanted them to stay together. <em>You'll have to listen to the podcast to hear the end of this story! </em></p> <h2>DEBT VS CASH</h2> <p>Pay cash for everything you can. Only use debt for investment type expenditure (investing in things that will help the business grow like land for example) and use cash for all operating expenses.</p> <p>When we build houses we borrow 75% - 80% maximum so that even if the market drops, we can aboard a 10% or 20% hit and still not go negative, and lose money.</p> <p>My wife and I live by the philosophy that if we do borrow money, they get paid back before we get paid even if that means we have to sacrifice more and go without.</p> <h2>PURPOSE DRIVEN</h2> <p>Keep it simple. All their prospects are just as important as the ones that choose to buy, and so the whole point for the business is to stay more focused on the people (and less focused on the transaction).</p> <p>Business is such a great vehicle for funding kingdom work that they sold the company to the employees through an ESOP last year, and continue leading it while finding more ways to impact kingdom and mission with the funds. He sees this as an opportunity to teach the hundreds of employees how to be great stewards of everything God has given them. That way the giving and impact doesn't stop with the Houston family.</p> <p>The purpose is also key when hiring. He found how important it was to bring people on and build a team around them who were likeminded in spirit but also have different gifts.</p> <h2>KEY NOTES</h2> <ul> <li>God's faithfulness is real, especially in the middle of challenging or difficult times.</li> <li>His identity came from how much money he could make when he realized in high school he was making more money than most of his friends' parents made. Years later, he realized how wrong this thinking was.</li> <li>The future of ministry and how it looks different than how it has always been. Where ministry is headed in terms of spreading the word of God.</li> <li>Filed bankruptcy a few years into his marriage as he realized that he wasn't the one responsible for all the money being made.</li> <li>God always comes through, but not always in the way I wanted him to.</li> <li>Pay cash for everything you can. If you borrow money you're a servant to the lender.</li> <li>God has repeatedly spoken into John's heart with guidance and direction over the years, and proven himself trustworthy.</li> <li>He sold the home building business to the employees through a 100% ESOP in 2020.</li> <li>Focus on 3 key ares in relation to stewardship - Personal life, Family and Finances.</li> <li>You've got to be like minded (in spirit, not gifting) with your leadership team.</li> </ul> <h3>QUOTES</h3> <p>"Seek the Lord, do what he says and follow him."- JH</p> <p>"Keep it Simple." - JH</p> <p>"The greatest stewardship is learned in a time of blessing, not the time of need." - JH</p> <p>"Would you be willing to give me all the profits from this house sale?" - God</p> <p>"None of us including myself are never going to be perfect until we stand there one day with him." - JH</p> <p>"God's a God of redemption, and reconciliation." - JH</p> <p>"Real ministry happens in business because this is where we get to touch their lives every single day." - MT</p> <p>"I wasn't getting out of homebuilding, it was more, how can I be more impactful with what God told us in the very beginning, to reach people for Christ and give to the kingdom." - JH</p> <p>"I thought I was fairly smart... But Chad [CFO] knows way more than I do... God brought the right person at the right time." - JH</p> <p>"Whenever God lays something on your heart, don't wait, go do it now." - John Maxwell</p>

John Houston | Finding My Way Home

Craig Groeschel

Jon Acuff

Who doesn't love a good book? And who doesn't struggle with the thoughts and lies their mind tells them from time to time? Ever hear your brain tell you that you're not good enough? Not smart enough? Not experienced enough to do a certain task or take a leap of faith? Then this week's bonus book club episode is for you! We look at 2 new books to hit the shelves in the last few weeks, Soundtracks by Jon Acuff and Winning the War in Your Mind by Craig Groeschel. Listen now to hear my thoughts...

Who doesn't love a good book? And who doesn't struggle with the thoughts and lies their mind tells them from time to time? <br><br>Ever hear your brain tell you that you're not good enough? Not smart enough? Not experienced enough to do a certain task or take a leap of faith? Then this week's bonus book club episode is for you! <br><br>We look at 2 new books to hit the shelves in the last few weeks, Soundtracks by Jon Acuff and Winning the War in Your Mind by Craig Groeschel. Listen now to hear my thoughts...

Book Club - 'Soundtracks' by Jon Acuff & 'Winning the War in Your Mind' by Craig Groeschel

You might not have been looking for it, but often times the battle comes to you. In today's devotional we look at the famous battle of David vs. Goliath and learn from it, to look for God's hand in our lives and situations.

Devotional - When you're out of options, maybe It's time to fight

Mike Thakur

The 'How' of doing business is just as important as the 'Why'. Your integrity, character and DNA are on show to the world in every action you take, but one of the more obvious ones is how you choose to use Google's Adwords.

How Google Adwords shows customers your DNA - | Mike Thakur #30

Eric Nevins

This week on the Mike Thakur Show the podcast is all about, well, podcasting. Specifically, how the ministry has taken a new form in the podcast realm. Mike Thakur is joined by Eric Nevins, creator of the Christian podcast "Halfway There", runs the Christian Podcast Association, and barbecue rib master. Nevins went through school and received a Biblical Studies degree. However, when the ministry world didn't work out, he turned his attention to entrepreneurship. He then chased his dream of becoming a full-time podcaster spreading the Word of God. THE FUTURE OF MINISTRY As Christians, we are taught from a young age that God has given us all a purpose in life. Normally, we think this purpose is to serve Him in the church. However, it's becoming more and more common for people to seek their purpose elsewhere. Ministry is not the only answer for those who want to serve God. In this new age of technology, people are pulled to the internet to spread His word. It is the internet where both Mike and Eric found themselves integrating entrepreneurship and the Gospel, and spreading it to the world. NEW MEDIA AGE The best thing about this new media age, which Eric and Mike agree on, is that there are no rules. There are no gatekeepers, no one who owns your product, no one who tells you what to do. You can create literally anything you want with a couple of pieces of equipment. Eric speaks about how the past 300 years of Christianity have been setting up ministries. However, the next 300 years will be ordinary Christians taking advantage of this new media age, integrate the gospel with whatever their topic is, and that will be how the Word of God continues to spread. CHRISTIAN PODCAST ASSOCIATION After the ministry world didn't work out for Eric, he began diving into the business world. It was there that he discovered a passion for podcasts and curating. Like most of us do when we have a dream, Eric started to figure out how exactly he should launch it. He always knew he wanted to create a podcast but wasn't necessarily sure how he could create profit from this from an entrepreneurial standpoint. After some deliberation, he put together the Christians Podcast Association, a place where he could network with other Christian podcasters and better their craft. Within this Association there is a group that meets online called Mastermind. They have a topic every class and members can network off of each other. It's in this group that he also shares the podcast he started, "Halfway There". This podcast is Eric's way of sharing the Gospel online. ROMAN WORLD OF TODAY Eric references a century ago when Romans built their infrastructure. He recounts that the main way to word of God was spread was on Roman roads. He likes to look at social media as a modern-day Roman road. Although social media can have a reputation for toxicity, it is an opportunity to get your message across. He uses social media as a light, a passageway for the word of God. The possibilities are endless with the access we have to technology today. It gives people like Mike and Eric the opportunity to minister through a screen, to speak to people about what they are passionate about. KEY NOTES - The topic of this episode. Who Eric Nevins is and what he does. A short story of his life and how he founded the Christian Podcast Association. - The future of ministry and how it looks different than how it has always been. Where ministry is headed in terms of spreading the word of God. - How new age media has helped everyone pursue a career online through podcasts. How this technology allows people to follow along and subscribe to different authors of topics. - What the Christian Podcast Association is. When and how Eric came up with this idea. How members that are a part of this association are able to network with each other. how he was also able to start a podcast called, "Halfway There". -The future of spreading the word of God. How we can utilize modern-day technology to further advance Christianity. QUOTES "My mission is to help as people as I can, use their gifts, and share the Gospel."- Eric Nevins "We hold more technology in our hand than what it took to put a man on the moon, that's incredible to me."- Eric Nevins "If something doesn't work out, that means I just have to try something else, a different way."- Eric Nevins "Finding yourself in Christ is not the pinnacle part of your spiritual journey but it is the critical part. This is where you find who you are. If people remember me for that, I can't think of anything better to be known by."- Eric Nevins

<p>This week on the Mike Thakur Show the podcast is all about, well, podcasting. Specifically, how the ministry has taken a new form in the podcast realm. Mike Thakur is joined by Eric Nevins, creator of the Christian podcast "Halfway There", runs the Christian Podcast Association, and barbecue rib master. Nevins went through school and received a Biblical Studies degree. However, when the ministry world didn't work out, he turned his attention to entrepreneurship. He then chased his dream of becoming a full-time podcaster spreading the Word of God.</p> <h2>THE FUTURE OF MINISTRY</h2> <p>As Christians, we are taught from a young age that God has given us all a purpose in life. Normally, we think this purpose is to serve Him in the church. However, it's becoming more and more common for people to seek their purpose elsewhere. Ministry is not the only answer for those who want to serve God. In this new age of technology, people are pulled to the internet to spread His word. It is the internet where both Mike and Eric found themselves integrating entrepreneurship and the Gospel, and spreading it to the world.</p> <h2>NEW MEDIA AGE</h2> <p>The best thing about this new media age, which Eric and Mike agree on, is that there are no rules. There are no gatekeepers, no one who owns your product, no one who tells you what to do. You can create literally anything you want with a couple of pieces of equipment. Eric speaks about how the past 300 years of Christianity have been setting up ministries. However, the next 300 years will be ordinary Christians taking advantage of this new media age, integrate the gospel with whatever their topic is, and that will be how the Word of God continues to spread.</p> <h2>CHRISTIAN PODCAST ASSOCIATION</h2> <p>After the ministry world didn't work out for Eric, he began diving into the business world. It was there that he discovered a passion for podcasts and curating. Like most of us do when we have a dream, Eric started to figure out how exactly he should launch it. He always knew he wanted to create a podcast but wasn't necessarily sure how he could create profit from this from an entrepreneurial standpoint.</p> <p>After some deliberation, he put together the Christians Podcast Association, a place where he could network with other Christian podcasters and better their craft. Within this Association there is a group that meets online called Mastermind. They have a topic every class and members can network off of each other. It's in this group that he also shares the podcast he started, "Halfway There". This podcast is Eric's way of sharing the Gospel online.</p> <h2>ROMAN WORLD OF TODAY</h2> <p>Eric references a century ago when Romans built their infrastructure. He recounts that the main way to word of God was spread was on Roman roads. He likes to look at social media as a modern-day Roman road. Although social media can have a reputation for toxicity, it is an opportunity to get your message across. He uses social media as a light, a passageway for the word of God.</p> <p>The possibilities are endless with the access we have to technology today. It gives people like Mike and Eric the opportunity to minister through a screen, to speak to people about what they are passionate about.</p> <h2>KEY NOTES</h2> <p>- The topic of this episode. Who Eric Nevins is and what he does. A short story of his life and how he founded the Christian Podcast Association.</p> <p>- The future of ministry and how it looks different than how it has always been. Where ministry is headed in terms of spreading the word of God.</p> <p>- How new age media has helped everyone pursue a career online through podcasts. How this technology allows people to follow along and subscribe to different authors of topics.</p> <p>- What the Christian Podcast Association is. When and how Eric came up with this idea. How members that are a part of this association are able to network with each other. how he was also able to start a podcast called, "Halfway There".</p> <p>-The future of spreading the word of God. How we can utilize modern-day technology to further advance Christianity.</p> <h3>QUOTES</h3> <p>"My mission is to help as people as I can, use their gifts, and share the Gospel."- Eric Nevins</p> <p>"We hold more technology in our hand than what it took to put a man on the moon, that's incredible to me."- Eric Nevins</p> <p>"If something doesn't work out, that means I just have to try something else, a different way."- Eric Nevins</p> <p>"Finding yourself in Christ is not the pinnacle part of your spiritual journey but it is the critical part. This is where you find who you are. If people remember me for that, I can't think of anything better to be known by."- Eric Nevins</p>

Chasing your calling, following your dream | Eric Nevins, founder of Christian Podcaster's Association #29

Bill Dorfman

Dr. Bill is a cosmetic dentist from Beverly Hills. He has transformed the smiles of Katy Perry, Usher, Hugh Jackman, and that list goes on and on. He was also on the hit TV show, Extreme Makeover, and has been called "The Michael Jordan of Dentistry". He enjoys working out in his free time and even founded "Zoom" and "Brite Smile", the teeth whitening products. New York Times bestseller, Guinness world record holder, and knighted by the Royal Order of Constantine, Bill Dorfman has achieved so much. He currently spends his time in a philanthropic endeavor called "Elite Foundation". DENTIST FOR THE STARS When Dorfman first started practicing dentistry, he spent his time equally in two different atmospheres of California. In Century City, he worked as an associate alongside an older, more established cosmetic dentist and in Renatta Hills he worked in a local dentist office. Once he found which one appealed more to him, he chose Century City. He was able to gain knowledge from many young professionals who already had experience with the talent agencies around this area. THE 10 CULTURE During his time in dentistry, Dorfman was able to launch the Leap Foundation. The Leap Foundation is a motivational leader program that teaches kids in high school and college skills they'll need to be successful in life. The two things he hopes the student walks out with is this: "Don't wait for opportunities in life, make them." "When you do get an opportunity in life, don't take it, master it." The first exercise he gives to the kids in the audience is to answer truthfully this question, "When you woke up this morning, you unknowingly placed a number on your head from 1-10, one being the lowest. How many of you put a 10 on you head?". After not be satisfied with the amount of 10's he tells him, "You got to dictate what number you put on your head, if it's not a 10, wipe it off, and right a 10." He informs the kids that from now on they need to walk like a 10, talk like a ten, and most importantly, surround yourself with 10s. Thus the name, the "10 culture." The Leap program offers kids the chance of a lifetime. The roster of speakers is outstanding. From Anthony Hopkins to Mark Wahlberg, these speakers offer great advice for children in high school and college to follow. BLESSINGS IN LIFE Bill met his best friend and business partner in a bachelor auction line, with the use to raise money for kids with cancer. Robert knew business and marketing, while Bill knew dentistry. Together they started Discus dental. After this, they started to formulate their teeth whitening "Zoom!". Dorfman was comfortable in his dentistry work when life gave him the biggest break. ABC contacted Dorfman to cast him on "Extreme Makeover". When he realized his strengths in dentistry did not match that of acting, he didn't waste time or lose that opportunity. Instead, he focused on the things he needed to work and took acting classes. This way, he learned to be the best version of himself and grew his sales through the promotion of his teeth whitening products on ABC. KEY NOTES -An introduction to Bill Dorfman. Who he is and what he does. His journey through dentistry and business and his accomplishments. -How he got his start in being a famous cosmetic dentist. -His foundation, Leap, and what they're about. How they can help kids in high school and college become successful by teaching them the 10 culture. - How he met his business partner and start a company. His time spent on ABC. How this break in life lead him to be a TV personality and a famous cosmetic dentist. QUOTES "The secret to success: work your buns off." - Bill Dorfman "Don't wait for opportunities in life, make them."- Bill Dorfman "When you do get an opportunity in life, don't take it, master it."- Bill Dorfman "Learn so you can earn, and then return."- Bill Dorfman "It's important to be alert and on point, because as an entrepreneur, you never know what opportunity is right in front of you."- Mike Thakur

<p>Dr. Bill is a cosmetic dentist from Beverly Hills. He has transformed the smiles of Katy Perry, Usher, Hugh Jackman, and that list goes on and on. He was also on the hit TV show, Extreme Makeover, and has been called "The Michael Jordan of Dentistry". He enjoys working out in his free time and even founded "Zoom" and "Brite Smile", the teeth whitening products. New York Times bestseller, Guinness world record holder, and knighted by the Royal Order of Constantine, Bill Dorfman has achieved so much. He currently spends his time in a philanthropic endeavor called "Elite Foundation".</p> <h2>DENTIST FOR THE STARS</h2> <p>When Dorfman first started practicing dentistry, he spent his time equally in two different atmospheres of California. In Century City, he worked as an associate alongside an older, more established cosmetic dentist and in Renatta Hills he worked in a local dentist office. Once he found which one appealed more to him, he chose Century City. He was able to gain knowledge from many young professionals who already had experience with the talent agencies around this area.</p> <h2>THE 10 CULTURE</h2> <p>During his time in dentistry, Dorfman was able to launch the Leap Foundation. The Leap Foundation is a motivational leader program that teaches kids in high school and college skills they'll need to be successful in life. The two things he hopes the student walks out with is this:</p> <p>"Don't wait for opportunities in life, make them."</p> <p>"When you do get an opportunity in life, don't take it, master it."</p> <p>The first exercise he gives to the kids in the audience is to answer truthfully this question, "When you woke up this morning, you unknowingly placed a number on your head from 1-10, one being the lowest. How many of you put a 10 on you head?". After not be satisfied with the amount of 10's he tells him, "You got to dictate what number you put on your head, if it's not a 10, wipe it off, and right a 10." He informs the kids that from now on they need to walk like a 10, talk like a ten, and most importantly, surround yourself with 10s. Thus the name, the "10 culture."</p> <p>The Leap program offers kids the chance of a lifetime. The roster of speakers is outstanding. From Anthony Hopkins to Mark Wahlberg, these speakers offer great advice for children in high school and college to follow.</p> <h2>BLESSINGS IN LIFE</h2> <p>Bill met his best friend and business partner in a bachelor auction line, with the use to raise money for kids with cancer. Robert knew business and marketing, while Bill knew dentistry. Together they started Discus dental. After this, they started to formulate their teeth whitening "Zoom!".</p> <p>Dorfman was comfortable in his dentistry work when life gave him the biggest break. ABC contacted Dorfman to cast him on "Extreme Makeover". When he realized his strengths in dentistry did not match that of acting, he didn't waste time or lose that opportunity. Instead, he focused on the things he needed to work and took acting classes. This way, he learned to be the best version of himself and grew his sales through the promotion of his teeth whitening products on ABC.</p> <h3>KEY NOTES</h3> <p>-An introduction to Bill Dorfman. Who he is and what he does. His journey through dentistry and business and his accomplishments.</p> <p>-How he got his start in being a famous cosmetic dentist.</p> <p>-His foundation, Leap, and what they're about. How they can help kids in high school and college become successful by teaching them the 10 culture.</p> <p>- How he met his business partner and start a company. His time spent on ABC. How this break in life lead him to be a TV personality and a famous cosmetic dentist.</p> <h3>QUOTES</h3> <p>"The secret to success: work your buns off." - Bill Dorfman</p> <p>"Don't wait for opportunities in life, make them."- Bill Dorfman</p> <p>"When you do get an opportunity in life, don't take it, master it."- Bill Dorfman</p> <p>"Learn so you can earn, and then return."- Bill Dorfman</p> <p>"It's important to be alert and on point, because as an entrepreneur, you never know what opportunity is right in front of you."- Mike Thakur</p>

Creating The Billion Dollar Smile | Dr. Bill Dorfman, founder of Zoom Teeth Whitening System #28

Brian Mohika

During this week's podcast, Mike Thakur is joined by Brian Mohika, CEO and inventor of CathWear, and a US Air Force veteran. CathWear is a medical form of underwear that has improved patient experience when wearing a leg bag. Throughout the time spent patenting his idea, Mohika struggled for 20 years with a cocaine and alcohol addiction. This is the inspiration behind his book, "From Cocaine to Christ." Since overcoming this addiction, he has found Jesus, changed his life around, and launched his company. Brian gives all the credit to the glory of God. TWO HALVES OF A BRAIN Mohika is a registered nurse with multiple science degrees. After being in and out of operating rooms, Brian knew there had to be a better way to accommodate patients with catheters and leg bags. He was in the operation room when Jesus gave him a vision. That night when Brian came home, he began drawing up prototypes for CathWear. Throughout getting the product just right, Brian knew he has to develop a team. He gives Mike and the audience a crucial piece of advice on how to put together the perfect team. Start writing down things you like to do and want to do, then a list of things you don't want to do. For instance, Brian was not looking forward to the business aspect of launching a company. This is when his childhood friend and business partner, Edwin Alvarez took over. It turns out, the stuff Alvarez didn't like to do, Mohika loved. Brian describes this team as two halves of a brain. They were later able to hire others to cover the marketing aspect of the company. COCAINE TO CHRIST When asked how he went from struggling with an addiction to becoming an entrepreneur, Brian simply states "the grace and mercy of God." Some people might hear this and think it's a cliche; that's understandable seeing as how Jesus is given credit for many people's success. Mohika used to be one of those people himself. He even remembers laughing at the people who lean on God or seek his help. However, he recounts the day everything changed for him. He describes addiction as "being in the dark", and God-fearing people as "being in the light". He knew people like this his entire life, for instance, his mom. It wasn't until he was suffering a divorce and patchy relationship with his mom when he realized this addiction was ruining his life. He spent the last 3 years of his addiction, miserable and depressed; even suicidal. The breaking point for him was when he experienced the Lord's spirit. As he was sitting in his living room, crying, and contemplating suicide, Jesus gave him a vision. GRASPING THE LORD'S VISION In this vision, Jesus spoke to him and said, "Brian, I am going to give you another opportunity. But you have to quit drinking and doing drugs, I won't do it for you." Brian recounts promising him many times that he would quit drinking and doing drugs, so what would make this time any different, he wondered. Then Jesus placed his finger around Brian's face and spoke "It's going to work now. I've given you my spirit Brian. Now you are going to be able to do it." Brian then saw a figure he knew was Him across the street, and the figure spoke "You've just got to cross the street." From then on, life was different for Brian. He has made peace with his past and pledged to move forward with the spirit of Jesus in him. He reminds everyone: "Love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, all your mind, all your soul, and all your strength." DEPRESSION &amp; ANXIETY Throughout this time of dealing with addiction, Brian struggled with depression. He found that through partying and being loud, he was masking how he felt insecure and wanted attention. He needed help. The stigma that surrounds the phrase, "boys don't cry," is vicious. It is a cruel stigma placed on men all around the world. The thought that men have to be Vikings and show no compassion is barbaric. Like women, men have feelings. They deserve to let those feelings out, free of judgment. They deserve to be vulnerable. Brian has found that through Christ he can be himself; he can be vulnerable. For Christ loves you exactly the way you are, judgment-free. He speaks more about this in his new upcoming book, "Let it Flow". It is due to launch later this year.   KEY NOTES -An introduction to who Brian Mohika is and what he does. How his story came about. -Mohika struggling with cocaine and alcohol addiction. How this addiction leads to ruining his life. How this leads him to need help from Jesus. -The vision Jesus gave him and how it helped him move forward. -Explaining that Mohika and his business partner are like two halves of a brain. His formula to creating the perfect team. -The depression that many men face and how they are told it shouldn't affect them, simply because they are men. They need to be strong. However, through Christ, men and women can be vulnerable. QUOTES "If it happens, all glory be to God. If it doesn't happen, all glory be to God."- Brian Mohika "The love that I have for solving a problem for patients is my drive, my motivating factor. If you do anything for a monetary gain, that's all you get; money."- Brian Mohika "The world has put a measuring stick on what a man is supposed to do, and not do. This is why I have found immediate freedom through Christ, because I know I will never have to meet His measurement. He accepts me for who I am."- Brian Mohika "Depression comes from looking in the past. Anxiety comes from looking toward your future. That's why the Bible says "be still". You need to be in the present."- Brian Mohika "I am comfortable speaking about my past addictions and the highs and lows of entrepreneurship. In transparency, there is growth. Not only for me but others as well."-Brian Mohika

<p>During this week's podcast, Mike Thakur is joined by Brian Mohika, CEO and inventor of CathWear, and a US Air Force veteran. CathWear is a medical form of underwear that has improved patient experience when wearing a leg bag. Throughout the time spent patenting his idea, Mohika struggled for 20 years with a cocaine and alcohol addiction. This is the inspiration behind his book, "From Cocaine to Christ." Since overcoming this addiction, he has found Jesus, changed his life around, and launched his company. Brian gives all the credit to the glory of God.</p> <h2>TWO HALVES OF A BRAIN</h2> <p>Mohika is a registered nurse with multiple science degrees. After being in and out of operating rooms, Brian knew there had to be a better way to accommodate patients with catheters and leg bags. He was in the operation room when Jesus gave him a vision. That night when Brian came home, he began drawing up prototypes for CathWear.</p> <p>Throughout getting the product just right, Brian knew he has to develop a team. He gives Mike and the audience a crucial piece of advice on how to put together the perfect team. Start writing down things you like to do and want to do, then a list of things you don't want to do. For instance, Brian was not looking forward to the business aspect of launching a company. This is when his childhood friend and business partner, Edwin Alvarez took over. It turns out, the stuff Alvarez didn't like to do, Mohika loved. Brian describes this team as two halves of a brain. They were later able to hire others to cover the marketing aspect of the company.</p> <h2>COCAINE TO CHRIST</h2> <p>When asked how he went from struggling with an addiction to becoming an entrepreneur, Brian simply states "the grace and mercy of God." Some people might hear this and think it's a cliche; that's understandable seeing as how Jesus is given credit for many people's success. Mohika used to be one of those people himself. He even remembers laughing at the people who lean on God or seek his help. However, he recounts the day everything changed for him.</p> <p>He describes addiction as "being in the dark", and God-fearing people as "being in the light". He knew people like this his entire life, for instance, his mom. It wasn't until he was suffering a divorce and patchy relationship with his mom when he realized this addiction was ruining his life. He spent the last 3 years of his addiction, miserable and depressed; even suicidal. The breaking point for him was when he experienced the Lord's spirit. As he was sitting in his living room, crying, and contemplating suicide, Jesus gave him a vision.</p> <h2>GRASPING THE LORD'S VISION</h2> <p>In this vision, Jesus spoke to him and said, "Brian, I am going to give you another opportunity. But you have to quit drinking and doing drugs, I won't do it for you." Brian recounts promising him many times that he would quit drinking and doing drugs, so what would make this time any different, he wondered. Then Jesus placed his finger around Brian's face and spoke "It's going to work now. I've given you my spirit Brian. Now you are going to be able to do it." Brian then saw a figure he knew was Him across the street, and the figure spoke "You've just got to cross the street." From then on, life was different for Brian. He has made peace with his past and pledged to move forward with the spirit of Jesus in him. He reminds everyone:</p> <p>"Love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, all your mind, all your soul, and all your strength."</p> <h2>DEPRESSION &amp; ANXIETY</h2> <p>Throughout this time of dealing with addiction, Brian struggled with depression. He found that through partying and being loud, he was masking how he felt insecure and wanted attention. He needed help. The stigma that surrounds the phrase, "boys don't cry," is vicious. It is a cruel stigma placed on men all around the world. The thought that men have to be Vikings and show no compassion is barbaric. Like women, men have feelings. They deserve to let those feelings out, free of judgment. They deserve to be vulnerable. Brian has found that through Christ he can be himself; he can be vulnerable. For Christ loves you exactly the way you are, judgment-free. He speaks more about this in his new upcoming book, "Let it Flow". It is due to launch later this year.</p> <p> </p> <h2>KEY NOTES</h2> <p>-An introduction to who Brian Mohika is and what he does. How his story came about.</p> <p>-Mohika struggling with cocaine and alcohol addiction. How this addiction leads to ruining his life. How this leads him to need help from Jesus.</p> <p>-The vision Jesus gave him and how it helped him move forward.</p> <p>-Explaining that Mohika and his business partner are like two halves of a brain. His formula to creating the perfect team.</p> <p>-The depression that many men face and how they are told it shouldn't affect them, simply because they are men. They need to be strong. However, through Christ, men and women can be vulnerable.</p> <h2>QUOTES</h2> <p>"If it happens, all glory be to God. If it doesn't happen, all glory be to God."- Brian Mohika</p> <p>"The love that I have for solving a problem for patients is my drive, my motivating factor. If you do anything for a monetary gain, that's all you get; money."- Brian Mohika</p> <p>"The world has put a measuring stick on what a man is supposed to do, and not do. This is why I have found immediate freedom through Christ, because I know I will never have to meet His measurement. He accepts me for who I am."- Brian Mohika</p> <p>"Depression comes from looking in the past. Anxiety comes from looking toward your future. That's why the Bible says "be still". You need to be in the present."- Brian Mohika</p> <p>"I am comfortable speaking about my past addictions and the highs and lows of entrepreneurship. In transparency, there is growth. Not only for me but others as well."-Brian Mohika</p>

From Cocaine to Christ | Brian Mohika, founder of CathWear #27

The Mike Thakur Show

The best podcast episodes on romantic relationships. Episodes talk about the 5 love languages, intimacy, and the taboo topics of sexual desires and infidelity. This topic is a deep dive into the science and complexities that face us in our relationships with others. Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!

Best Episodes on Relationships & Love

The best podcast episodes on global issues affecting everyone. Covering topics such as the #metoo movement, climate change, the impact of technology and some of the biggest global issues facing us right now. For anyone interested in learning more about the world, and some of the issues we're facing, pick an episode below and start listening! Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!