What do you do when life hands you pain you never asked for—and refuses to take it back?

How do you lead, live, and love well when suffering becomes part of your story?

Many people spend their lives trying to avoid hardship, hide brokenness, or numb disappointment. Others quietly wrestle with deeper questions: Why did this happen to me? Can anything good come from this? And how do I move forward without losing hope?

In this powerful conversation, we explore what it looks like to face adversity with courage, faith, and responsibility. This episode challenges the belief that hardship disqualifies us from impact and instead reveals how suffering can become the foundation for purpose, gratitude, and meaningful leadership.

John O’Leary is a burn survivor turned bestselling author, global speaker, and host of the Live Inspired Podcast. After surviving burns on 100% of his body at just nine years old—with doctors giving him less than a 1% chance to live—John’s life became a testimony to resilience, faith, and intentional living. Today, he inspires millions around the world to live with purpose, gratitude, and courage. His story will soon be featured in the major motion picture Soul on Fire.

John speaks not from theory, but from lived experience. Through decades of physical recovery, emotional struggle, and personal growth, he has learned what it means to fight forward, embrace responsibility, and lead with humility. His journey uniquely equips him to help others reframe suffering and rediscover meaning in the midst of hardship.

This is not simply a story about survival.

It is a conversation about what you do next with your pain, your calling, and your life.

If you have ever felt broken, discouraged, or uncertain about how to move forward, this episode offers perspective, hope, and a reminder that your story is not over.

Quotes:

• “The more you get to know me, the less impressed you are by me. That’s the truth—but the story is not a testimony to how great I am, but to how great God is and how big grace is.”
• “Humility isn’t pretending we’re less than we are; it’s recognizing that every good thing comes from something greater than ourselves.”
• “As a leader, it’s easy to aim big; but in this season of my life, I keep asking, ‘How small can I make this? How can I love one person well?’ I’m after the one, not the millions.”

Actionable Takeaways:

• Identify your “fight forward” moment. Write down one hardship you’ve been avoiding or resenting. Ask yourself: What responsibility do I still have in this situation, regardless of what happened to me? Choose one small action you can take this week to move forward.

• Practice agency over victimhood. Notice where you’ve been waiting for circumstances, people, or emotions to change before taking action. Commit to one area of your life where you will stop waiting and start doing your part.
• Redefine what heroism looks like. Reflect on the ordinary people in your life who quietly show up with consistency, sacrifice, and grace. Reach out to one of them this week and acknowledge their impact.

Conclusion:

This conversation reminds us that suffering does not disqualify us from purpose—it can refine it. While we may not choose the challenges we face, we always have a choice in how we respond. Leadership, resilience, and meaningful impact are not built in comfort, but through courage, responsibility, and grace.

As you reflect on this episode, consider where you are being invited to fight forward rather than retreat, to take ownership rather than remain stuck, and to live with intention rather than fear. Your story is still unfolding, and what you do next matters.

This episode is an invitation to stop measuring life by what went wrong and start measuring it by who you are becoming.

Learn more about John O’Leary’s story and the mission behind his message at https://johnolearyinspires.com/johns-story/.

Have you ever felt like you’re doing meaningful work… yet something inside you knows you’re not fully aligned with what you’re truly meant to do? Do you sense you have a message, a lesson, or a lived experience that could help others—but you’re unsure how to shape it, communicate it, or even recognize its value?

What if the story you’re already living is the key to your next level of clarity, influence, and impact?

In this episode, we sit down with Bill Blankschaen, founder and Chief Story Architect of StoryBuilders—a company devoted to telling stories that make the world a better place by helping leaders turn their ideas into compelling books and learning experiences that multiply their impact, influence, and income.

Bill’s journey—from Christian school founder and pastor, to stepping into the unknown with six kids and no guaranteed income, to becoming a trusted guide for bestselling authors, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders—reveals the power of knowing your story and telling it well. Through candid reflections on calling, clarity, identity, faith, family leadership, and the “normalcy trap,” Bill shows why most people underestimate the value of their lived experiences—and how storytelling can unlock purpose at home, at work, and in your mission.

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, parent, mentor, or creator, this episode will help you think differently about who you are, what you’ve lived, and how your story can change others’ lives.

Quotes:

• “Clarity just eliminates friction and draws people to you that you want to be drawn to you. You have to have that clarity before you can expand that influence.”
• “Your story is about you, but your story isn’t for you. You are there to serve someone—your story is there to serve a purpose.”
• “The battle belongs to God, not to you. Sometimes you need to let go and let Him fight it.”

Actionable Takeaways

• Break the “normalcy trap” by naming the value in your own story.
  Write down three life experiences you’ve dismissed as “normal,” and ask: How could this help someone who’s 5–10 years behind me? This exercise reveals hidden insights you’ve been overlooking.

• Clarify your identity before your message.
  Using Bill’s principle that clarity precedes influence, take 10 minutes to answer: Who am I really called to be? Who is my story for—and who is it not for? Identity drives communication, leadership, and purpose.

• Define the story your family or team is living in right now.
  Ask yourself: What story am I unconsciously telling at home or at work? Is it an intentional narrative or an accidental one? Pick one tradition, phrase, or practice to reinforce the culture you want to build.

• Turn one life lesson into a teachable framework.
  Choose a challenge you’ve overcome, then outline the three steps someone else could follow. This becomes the foundation for a book chapter, workshop, keynote, or coaching process.

• Practice surrender by identifying what you’re gripping too tightly.
  Bill shared how breakthrough came when he released control and allowed God to lead. Reflect on one area—business, family, or personal identity—where you need to loosen your grip and allow clarity, peace, or guidance to emerge.

  
  

  
  

Conclusion

This conversation is a powerful reminder that your story is one of your greatest assets—personally, professionally, and spiritually. When you gain clarity about who you are and what your experiences mean, you unlock influence, purpose, and direction.

Bill challenges us to stop overlooking the value in our own lives and start telling our stories with intention. Your experiences aren’t accidental—they’re assignments. And when you share them with clarity and courage, you create impact far beyond yourself.

Breakthrough begins when you decide to own your story.

Why do so many young creators feel stuck—limited by resources, confidence, or lack of opportunities—while a select few find ways to break through? In today’s episode, we explore the real challenges facing the next generation of filmmakers: imposter syndrome, industry shifts, creative pressure, and the struggle to build momentum without traditional pathways or support networks.

Our guest, Jake Ross Bell, is living proof that you don’t need film school or Hollywood connections to create meaningful work. At just 21, Jake is an indie filmmaker, writer-director, and creator of the IndieFilm Insider podcast. Known for his dark, character-driven storytelling and gritty DIY approach, he’s built a thriving creative community through his company, OrangeJuice Media, producing impactful films on small budgets while pushing artistic boundaries with vision and discipline.

In this conversation, Jake shares:

• How the filmmaking landscape is shifting away from traditional gatekeepers
• Why young creatives struggle with confidence—and how to lead even when you feel unqualified
• The value of learning by doing versus waiting for permission
• How to build community, collaborate effectively, and stay resilient
• The mindset needed to pursue big, ambitious projects at a young age

Whether you're a filmmaker, a young creative, or someone searching for direction in a noisy world, this episode offers clarity, inspiration, and a roadmap for turning passion into practice.

Quotes:

• "If you see something that you don't like, do something about it. Don't actually just, you know, wait for it to change itself, because it's most likely not going to." 
• "Art is just people trying to learn stuff about themselves, about the world, about others. That's kind of the vessel I chose—exploring darker dramas to understand the human experience."

• "A lot of what I would say are my skills come from actually just learning—making mistakes, trying things, and figuring out what works by doing." 

Actionable Takeaways

• Challenge your creative excuses: Identify one project you’ve delayed because of fear, lack of resources, or perfectionism—and commit to starting it this week using whatever tools you already have.

• Lead before you feel ready: Practice giving clear direction in one area of your life (school, work, or creative projects). Leadership grows through repetition, not confidence.

• Study human behavior intentionally: Jake’s stories come from observing real people. Spend 10–15 minutes a day watching interactions, emotions, and environments—then journal what you notice.

• Build your creative community: Reach out to one person who shares your artistic interests and propose a small collaboration. Don’t wait for your “team”—start forming it.

• Redefine your filmmaking (or creative) education: Ask yourself, “What can I learn by doing instead of waiting to be taught?” Then take one concrete step—write a scene, film a rough shot, or create a simple 60-second story.

Conclusion

This episode reminds us that creative growth doesn’t come from waiting for permission, perfect conditions, or the “right time.” It comes from taking bold steps with what you have, where you are. Through Jake Ross Bell’s journey—learning by doing, leading before feeling ready, and pursuing stories with conviction—we see what’s possible when passion meets persistence. Whether you’re a filmmaker, creator, or someone navigating your own path, the challenge is the same: start now, stay curious, and keep building. Your work only improves when you’re brave enough to make it.

If you enjoyed this conversation, share it with someone who needs the push to begin their own creative journey.

Are you waking up drained, unfocused, and frustrated—yet every test says you're “fine”?

Why does your energy keep dipping no matter how clean you eat or how often you hit the gym?

What if the problem isn’t your discipline… but that you’ve been looking for answers in the wrong place?

In this episode, we dive into the real reasons why so many men and women feel exhausted, foggy, and stuck—even when they’re “doing everything right.” We explore the emotional and physical frustrations that come from being dismissed by conventional healthcare, and the deeper questions many are asking: What’s really going on inside my body? Why don’t I feel like myself anymore? And is there finally a path forward that actually works?

Our guest Adam Woolard knows this journey firsthand. Adam is the Vice President of Business Development and a Health Coach at Joi + Blokes. In his early 30s, he began experiencing unexplained changes in his health—low energy, brain fog, declining motivation—and conventional medicine offered no real solutions. A comprehensive blood work review through Joi + Blokes changed everything. It transformed his health, his clarity, and his life. Today, Adam is on a mission to guide people who feel disillusioned, dismissed, or overlooked by traditional healthcare and are ready to finally get real answers.

Inside this conversation, we unpack:

– Why so many adults are walking around with undiagnosed deficiencies

– What conventional medicine often misses

– The key biomarkers everyone should know

– How Adam rebuilt his health from the inside out

– The path to becoming the strongest, clearest, most energized version of yourself

This is a powerful, eye-opening episode for anyone ready to reclaim their health, advocate for their body, and step into a life that finally feels good again.

Quotes:

• “I start with, I'm a believer, so I gave my life to Christ about two years ago. I was baptized about a year and a half ago. So that's how I initially describe myself, because all the gifts, all the amazing things that I have in my life, they wouldn't be a thing without Jesus.”
• “You can't really focus on pleasing everybody, because you're never going to please everybody. Even if you are the most morally upstanding person ever, there’s going to be someone who’s going to disagree with you, and those voices are way louder than the voices that agree with you.”
• “I’m on this journey of just self-discovery, but also just being the best man that I possibly can so that I can show up in the way that everyone who is in my life needs me to.”

Actionable Takeaways:

• Reflect on your core values and identity: Ask yourself, “Who am I beyond my job titles and roles?” and consider how your actions align with your beliefs and long-term purpose.
• Prioritize health by understanding your body: Schedule comprehensive blood work to uncover your underlying biomarkers, then use that information to make targeted improvements in diet, exercise, sleep, and overall wellness.
• Initiate regular relationship check-ins: Set aside intentional time with your partner each day or week to discuss highs, lows, and appreciations—strengthening your connection and communication.

Conclusion:

Adam’s story is a powerful reminder that you don’t have to accept “fine” as your future. When your body is signaling that something is off—fatigue, low motivation, brain fog, hormonal shifts—you deserve more than generic answers or quick dismissals. Real transformation happens when you dig deeper, ask better questions, and partner with people who actually care about getting to the root cause.

If you’re tired of feeling unheard, overlooked, or stuck in the dark about your health, this episode is your invitation to take the first step toward clarity. With the right testing, the right guidance, and the right support, you can reclaim your energy, your confidence, and your life.

Your health is too important to leave to guesswork. Start the journey toward real answers today.

Why does it feel like screens are stealing our kids’ imagination, our attention spans, and even our peace at home? Why are so many families exhausted, disconnected, and overwhelmed by technology—even though we know it’s supposed to make life easier? If you’ve ever wondered how to break the cycle of device dependence without guilt, shame, or overwhelm, this episode is for you.

Today’s guest, S. S. Coulter—or Shannon—is leading a screen-lite movement that’s changing how families reconnect with real life. Through Planet Fassa, she empowers kids to rediscover creativity, curiosity, and childhood joy through books, fun activities, and simple daily habits. She also equips adults to Break the Chain of tech overload, helping them model the confidence, presence, and creativity we want the next generation to inherit. Her work comes to life in this conversation, where she shares practical solutions, real-world stories, and the neuroscience behind why screens are so addictive—as heard throughout the episode

Get ready for an honest, hopeful, and deeply important conversation about reclaiming connection, rebuilding imagination, and taking back our families from the constant pull of screens.

Quotes:

• "I’m trying to get people to make their phones their servants versus their masters."
• "Our best memories are when we’re with people—you don’t make your favorite memories staring at a screen."
• "It’s not our fault that we’re addicted to screens—they’re made to addict us."

Actionable Takeaways:

• Set daily screen-free times for both parents and children; be intentional in modeling the behavior you want to see in your family.
• Swap some habitual screen time with offline activities—choose simple, low-material tasks to spark imagination and creativity.
• Reconfigure your device settings (use black-and-white or red-light filters, enable "bedtime mode," or create physical distance from devices) to make phone usage less addictive.
• Reflect and discuss as a family: “What are our favorite memories, and how many of those happened on a screen?”
• Connect with your community or peer group to share successful screen-free activity ideas and support each other in building new habits.

Conclusion:

S. S. Coulter reminds us that reclaiming our families from screen overload isn’t about perfection—it’s about intention. When we understand why technology hooks us and how it shapes our kids’ developing brains, we can finally take back control with confidence, compassion, and simple daily choices. Shannon’s mission proves that imagination can be rebuilt, connection can be restored, and joy can return to our homes one small habit at a time. Her message is a powerful call to lead by example, create healthier rhythms, and give our children the childhood—and future—they truly deserve.

Why do so many people feel like they have to shrink at work? Why do smart, capable leaders still battle self-doubt, burnout, and the pressure to hide who they really are? And what would happen if you finally showed up as your full self—without fear, without armor, and without apology?

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Claude Silver, the world’s first Chief Heart Officer at VaynerX and a global voice for heart-centered leadership. Claude is on a mission to transform workplace culture and redefine what true leadership looks like. She partners with Gary Vaynerchuk to drive Vayner’s people-first success, has earned Campaign US’s Female Frontier Award and AdWeek’s Changing the Game Award, and speaks to teams at Meta, Google, U.S. Government agencies, the Armed Forces, and audiences worldwide. Featured in The New York Times, Fast Company, Forbes, and The Wall Street Journal, she is also the author of Be Yourself at Work, a guide to replacing fear and conformity with authenticity and emotional courage.

Through her lived wisdom and candid storytelling, Claude shows how embracing your humanity is not a liability—it’s a leadership advantage. Get ready to rethink how you work, lead, connect, and show up every day.

Quotes:

• "You are the CEO of your life. You are not here to live someone else’s life or fit a mold—they don’t want you to."
• "Empathy isn’t me putting myself in your shoes; it’s riding shotgun with you and asking, 'How can I support you?'"
• "Consistency is the key. Showing up the same way, pretty much every day, is my greatest strength."

Actionable Takeaways:

• Reflect on your authenticity: Ask yourself, “What is it costing me to not show up as my full self at work?” Identify one way you can bring more of your true self into your professional life this week.
• Practice intentional empathy: Reach out to a colleague or loved one, and instead of trying to solve their issue, simply ask, “How can I support you?” Focus on listening and understanding their unique experience.
• Set and communicate healthy boundaries: Define your start and end times for work, and communicate them clearly to empower yourself and model boundaries for others.
• Commit to self-awareness: Regularly journal or check in with yourself to recognize personal triggers and areas for growth. Consider identifying one habit or reaction you want to work on.

Conclusion:Claude’s message is a powerful reminder that the most impactful leaders aren’t the ones who hide behind titles or toughness—they’re the ones who lead with honesty, empathy, and heart. When you stop shrinking and start showing up as your true self, you create space for others to do the same. This episode challenges you to rethink how you lead, how you work, and who you’re becoming. Your voice, your story, and your humanity are your greatest strengths—so bring them forward boldly.

What happens when the life you built suddenly falls apart? What do you do when your identity, success, and sense of purpose are shaken to the core? Too many leaders push through pressure, burnout, and quiet frustration—never stopping to ask the deeper questions: Who am I becoming? What truly matters? And how do I rebuild when everything feels uncertain?

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Josh Kosnick, a true Bridge Builder—a leader forged through fire and guided by faith. As the founder of Kairos Coaching and an EOS Implementer, Josh has a rare gift: helping individuals and organizations align their vision with execution while turning adversity into a launching pad for deeper purpose. Having built and exited three successful businesses, Josh brings firsthand wisdom on resilience, identity, and transformation. Through his masterminds, retreats, and mentorship, he inspires others to embrace their calling, overcome setbacks, and build legacies rooted in authenticity, strength, and generosity of spirit.

If you’re navigating pressure, leadership challenges, personal transition, or the tug-of-war between ambition and purpose, Josh’s story and insights will challenge you, steady you, and equip you for the next chapter.

Quotes:

• "My hope is to catch people before they have a fall, to realign some priorities, and get right with God, their most key relationships, and their health."
• "The more I mature, the less I feel I actually know."
• "Jesus was never in a hurry. He was always purposeful. How much hurry do we have in our lives, and how much are we missing by not being present and intentional?"

Actionable Takeaways:

• Schedule a "clarity break" each week—a dedicated, distraction-free hour away from your office and home to reflect on your priorities, challenges, and vision for growth.
• Evaluate your identity beyond your job title: Ask yourself, "Who am I beyond what I do? What relationships and values truly define me?"
• Prioritize and protect key relationships by intentionally blocking time on your calendar for family, faith, wellbeing, and important milestones—don’t let busyness replace what matters most.
• Seek diverse perspectives and build a support network—including coaches, mentors, or team members who challenge and complement your strengths—instead of trying to achieve everything alone.

Conclusion

Josh’s story reminds us that real leadership is forged in the moments we don’t choose—the losses, the transitions, the unexpected breaks that force us to confront who we truly are. His journey is a powerful blueprint for anyone striving to lead with conviction, rebuild with clarity, and live with purpose. Whether you’re a business owner, a parent, or a leader in the making, Josh challenges us to slow down, realign our priorities, and walk boldly toward the life God is calling us to build. This episode is an invitation to step into your own defining moment—your kairos moment—and become the kind of leader whose impact lasts long after the work is done.

Have we forgotten how to be neighbors?
In a world where garage doors close faster than conversations begin, loneliness has quietly become one of the biggest epidemics of our time. We scroll endlessly but rarely connect deeply. We crave belonging but hide behind walls—both physical and emotional. What if the answer to our disconnection wasn’t digital… but deeply personal?

In this episode, Ty Dannenbring and Jeff Dillon, co-authors of Party in the Front—a powerful reminder that community starts right outside your front door.

Ty and Jeff aren’t just talking about connection; they live it. As longtime friends with backgrounds in ministry, coaching, and creative leadership, they bring a refreshing blend of warmth, humor, and biblical depth to the conversation. Together, they’ve turned their own neighborhoods into living examples of what it means to love God, love your neighbor, and bring life back to your street.

Through honest stories and real-world examples, Ty and Jeff share how small acts of visibility and vulnerability—hosting a BBQ, talking to a neighbor, being present—can transform isolation into belonging. They remind us that authentic relationships require courage, and that true community begins when we choose to show up.

Whether you’re a young man seeking brotherhood, a parent craving connection, or a leader looking to build stronger relationships, this episode will challenge you to step forward in faith and rediscover the power of presence.

Because community isn’t found—it’s built. And it starts with you.

Quotes:

• "Community is possible and community is powerful."
• "There are a lot of barriers to community and relationship in our world today—some are outside of us, some are inside of us—but when we’re willing to face those barriers, that’s where we see community start to happen."
• "We were created to know other people and to be known… that’s something in us, something we believe God placed in us."

Actionable Takeaways:

• Shift from isolation to connection: Intentionally spend time in communal spaces—like your front yard—to meet and engage with neighbors or others nearby.
• Practice vulnerability: Share honestly about your challenges and ask for help when needed to build deeper, authentic relationships.
• Identify and confront barriers: Reflect on both physical and emotional barriers (e.g., fences, fear, social discomfort) that prevent connecting with others, and take one step to overcome them.
• Find and nurture your community: Seek out groups or individuals who share your interests and invite them to join you in activities or discussions, even if it means reaching out beyond your comfort zone.
• Serve with your strengths: Use your unique skills or passions to contribute to your community—whether that's organizing an activity, offering help, or starting a new group.

Conclusion:

In a culture obsessed with independence, Party in the Front calls us back to interdependence—the kind of connection we were created for. Ty and Jeff remind us that every meaningful friendship, every strong family, and every thriving community begins with one brave decision: to move from hiding to hospitality.

So open the door. Step outside. Be the neighbor who starts the conversation.
Because the life you’ve been longing for might be waiting… right in front of you.

What if everything you’ve been told about entrepreneurship—creativity, risk, and passion—is wrong?

After being escorted out of Coca-Cola at 24, Jim Beach rebuilt his life and launched a multimillion-dollar education company—all without investors, hype, or luck. In this inspiring episode, he reveals how to design success with intention, not inspiration.

Jim is an award-winning entrepreneur, McGraw-Hill author, and host of School for Startups Radio, featured on CNN, NPR, and The New York Times. He shares how to:

• Build a profitable business for under $5,000

• Replace fear with intentional skill-building

• Turn rejection into reinvention

• Cultivate “personality by decision” to become who you’re meant to be

• See how entrepreneurs—not activists—are solving the planet’s biggest problems

Jim’s latest book, The Real Environmentalists, showcases innovators tackling climate challenges through capitalism and creativity.

🎧 Tune in to discover how to turn setbacks into systems—and why true entrepreneurship starts with designing the life you want.

Quotes:

• "Every single thing about being an extrovert is something you can design and choose and work on."
• "Passion grows after you’ve done it a while, but I’ve also run businesses that I could care less about... but I like the money that comes from it, and the opportunity to go do the stuff that I do love."

• "Happiness ends up being a byproduct of all those things that you are doing."
  

Actionable Takeaways:

• Redefine Entrepreneurship:
  Challenge the myth that success requires massive risk or original ideas. Start small—test an existing concept locally or in a niche market and improve it.

• Design Your Personality:
  List 3 traits you want to develop (e.g., confidence, patience, presence). Identify one practical action for each that you’ll practice daily for the next 30 days.

• Build Before You Believe:
  Stop waiting for passion or perfect timing. Take one idea and act on it within a week—momentum often creates motivation.

• Audit Your Risk:
  Write down your biggest fears about starting or scaling your business. Then, assign a dollar amount or time cost to each—most risks are smaller than you think.

• Turn Rejection into Redirection:
  Reflect on a recent setback and ask: What skill, relationship, or opportunity could this failure be pushing me toward? Document one concrete next step you can take today.

Conclusion:

Jim Beach’s story is proof that entrepreneurship isn’t reserved for the fearless or the wildly creative—it’s for anyone willing to learn, adapt, and build intentionally. Success doesn’t come from luck or lightning-bolt ideas—it comes from discipline, design, and the courage to start small and stay consistent.

If you’re ready to rethink how you approach business and personal growth, start today. Identify one skill you’ve been avoiding and commit to improving it this week.

What if climbing the corporate ladder only leads you further from who you really are? After nearly 30 years leading massive teams and chasing success, Kyle McDowell realized he had built a culture he no longer believed in — and that revelation would change everything.

A former Fortune 10 executive turned inspirational speaker, bestselling author, and leadership coach, Kyle is on a mission to create cultures of excellence by reigniting leaders’ passion and purpose. With The 10 “We” Principles — his trademarked framework born from his own awakening — he helps organizations replace apathy with authenticity and transform toxic workplaces into thriving communities of impact.

In this episode, Kyle shares powerful insights from his Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestseller, Begin With We, offering a simple but radical truth: leadership isn’t about authority — it’s about impact.

Listen now to learn how great leaders build trust, inspire change, and lead without the ego.

Quotes:

• "If we want to build a culture of trust, we have to be the same person inside and outside of work."

• "We measure ourselves by outcomes, not activity. Being busy isn’t the same as adding value."
• "It's not about being right; it's about doing right. Check the ego, require vulnerability, and move forward as a team."

Actionable Takeaways:

• Redefine Success: Reflect on how you currently measure success — is it by titles and compensation, or by the impact you create on others? Write down three ways you can lead with purpose instead of prestige.

• Lead by Example: Identify one area where your actions don’t align with your words. Commit to modeling the behavior you expect from others, even in the smallest tasks.

• Invite Healthy Challenge: Create a space where your team (or family) feels safe to question your decisions — as long as it’s rooted in data or experience. What would happen if everyone had a voice?

• Shift from Busyness to Outcomes: Review your weekly calendar and ask, “Which of these meetings or activities directly drive results?” Eliminate one that doesn’t move the needle.

• Integrate Work and Life Values: Consider how your leadership principles show up outside of work. Are you consistent in both spaces, or are you leading two different lives?

Conclusion:

Kyle McDowell’s story is a reminder that leadership isn’t about authority, titles, or how fast you climb — it’s about the impact you leave on others. True excellence begins when leaders replace ego with empathy and busyness with purpose. By living the principles of “We,” we not only transform our workplaces but also our homes, relationships, and daily choices.

The call is simple yet profound: lead with integrity, act with authenticity, and choose to make every interaction count. Because the legacy of a great leader isn’t measured by what they built — it’s measured by the lives they’ve changed.

Call to Action:

Ready to lead with purpose and build a culture that thrives on integrity, impact, and collaboration?

📘 Grab your copy of Kyle McDowell’s bestselling book Begin With WE: 10 Principles for Building and Sustaining a Culture of Excellence — available now on Amazon.

🌐 Connect with Kyle McDowell

Website: kylemcdowellinc.com

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kylemcdowellinc

➡️ Visit kylemcdowellinc.com to explore leadership resources, keynotes, and tools that help you and your team Begin With WE.