Episode 96: Awakening Your True Nature, with Jeffrey Slayter [PODCAST]

Jeffrey Slayter is no stranger to success. At the age of 20, Jeffrey set a goal: to be on some of the world’s biggest stages with leading thought leaders – and that’s just what he’s done. Jeffrey’s success was no accident – it was about hard work, introspection and a willingness to go where others aren’t always willing to go. Jeffrey is an entrepreneur, best-selling author, international speaker, philanthropist, and so much more. In this chat with David, Jeffrey shares inspiring stories and discusses how he works with top CEOs to help them connect with the deeper parts of themselves.

Once you achieve something, there’s always more to do.

For Jeffrey, achievements have been bitter sweet. Setting such lofty goals pushed him to succeed, but he found himself thinking, “now what?” when he hit those goals. Jeffrey discusses the good and bad of achievement and why it’s important to always keep moving on to the next goal. Setting a goal of being a prominent public figure afforded Jeffrey the opportunity to share the stage with thought leaders like Richard Branson, having immeasurable experiences in doing so. He discusses what led him to this path and how his father (founder and original CEO of Odesk) influenced him to be an achiever.

Being a visionary is key.

Jeffrey’s focus on “self” has been at the core of his life for many years. He started meditating at 20, is a vegetarian, and doesn’t consume alcohol. These were conscious choices Jeffrey made so he could focus inward and truly connect with himself. This led him to connecting with a passion for authentic experiences and creating the opportunity for others to have these experiences. Jeffrey discusses what he feels is missing from our culture today – empathy – and why the tides are turning. He believes the leadership on the planet is starting to feel again, which is causing a great – and necessary – shift in our culture.

The further you get away from nature, the more you get away from your true nature.

Jeffrey discusses the work he does with top CEOs to help them connect with “self”. He offers insight into how he found these deeper connections and how he creates the opportunity for others to have these authentic experiences in nature. According to Jeffrey, when you remove yourself from nature, you end up with higher levels of anxiety, fear, depression, and other negative emotions. On the other hand, creating a connection with nature can help you connect with your true nature.

Losing the fear to please everyone.

As David and Jeffrey close out their chat, Jeffrey discusses the first shamanic experience he had and how it influences him to this day. He shares details of the experience as well as his biggest takeaway: losing his fear of trying to please everyone. Jeffrey offers an important piece of advice: seek direct experience for yourself. Don’t seek someone else’s experience. In closing, Jeffrey discusses his best-selling book “Imagine” and some resources you can find on his site, The Grand Initiative. Jeffrey’s final thought: Life happens at the edge. You’ve got to find your edge.

Outline of this great episode

[1:04] David’s introduction and welcome to you and his guest, Jeffrey Slayter.

[2:42] Jeffrey’s background and what his journey has been like.

[5:04] Seeing people of great wealth dedicating their lives to helping others and giving back.

[5:54] The work Jeffrey does with CEOs.

[13:11] Working with titan CEOs to get them to have a deeper connection with self.

[17:07] Has the western culture moved too far away from these deep spiritual connections? And do you see things changing?

[23:40] The clarity piece of working with a shaman.

[31:57] The shifts that happened for Jeffrey after this experience.