In this powerful conversation, Phil Gerdes opens up about the evolution from building businesses driven by survival to leading with crystal-clear purpose. Phil shares his journey from being a 17-year-old entrepreneur knocking on doors to becoming a faith-based coach who helps leaders make internal shifts that transform their external results. This episode dives deep into what it really means to serve, how to transfer confidence across different areas of life, and why being "excuseless" separates true leaders from pretenders. Phil's raw honesty about his path from atheism to faith-centered business, combined with practical wisdom on presence and intentional living, makes this a must-listen for anyone ready to step into their highest influence.

Episode Topics:

• The Evolution of Purpose: How Phil's driving force shifted from being "completely lost" at 17 to having absolute clarity about his purpose and calling
• Service vs. Giving: Understanding the critical distinction between transactional giving and true service—and why the receipt for service is the act itself
• Confidence Transfer: How to move confidence from areas where you're comfortable to new territories where you want to grow
• Excuseless Leadership: Why successful leaders eliminate excuses entirely and the "die on the treadmill" mentality that separates achievers from pretenders
• Faith in Business: Navigating the intersection of faith and entrepreneurship, from real estate regulations to running a faith-based coaching company
• The Pause Principle: Why life happens in the pause—like the breath between inhaling and exhaling—and how to honor those moments
• Presence as Practice: Practical ways to be fully present, from putting phones face-down at volleyball games to teaching kids about communication through real-world negotiations
• The Joseph Story: How strife and setbacks are God pulling the arrow back so you can fly farther than you ever imagined

Insights:

• "You'll never beat me on a treadmill because one of two things will happen: You're going to get off or I'm going to die." Phil's challenge to 150 people (and subsequent 35 one-arm push-ups against a D1 athlete) perfectly illustrates his philosophy of total commitment.
• Experience creates wisdom, not age. Phil dismantles the myth that clarity comes with age, explaining that intentional experience and how you receive each moment is what builds true wisdom.
• Confidence is earned by doing the thing without confidence first. The paradox of confidence: you need it to succeed, but you only get it by doing the work before you feel ready. The solution? Commit to systems so simple anyone could do them.
• Dreams happen when you're asleep; work happens when you're awake. Phil challenges the overplayed "what's your why" culture, arguing that purpose isn't manufactured at events—it's given through God or lived experience and demands faithful execution.
• Be a supporting cast member winning awards. You're not the main character in anyone else's life but your own. Your job is to serve exceptionally, not to demand the spotlight.
• If it doesn't fit the purpose and intention, say no—especially if money is the only reason you're considering it. Phil's current filter for opportunities ensures alignment over income.

Phil Gerdes built his real estate career on execution, not theory—and now, he’s built the system agents were missing. 

As founder of Shift Immersive Coaching, Phil delivers micro-level strategies that fuel macro-level growth. This isn’t motivation. It’s movement. Through SOPs, KPIs, and The Profitable Persuasion Method, Phil coaches agents to lead like humans and close like professionals. With three immersive coaching levels, Phil meets you where you are—and pushes you further. His philosophy is simple: massive connection made, or nothing at all. 

No fluff. Just bold strategy, authentic leadership, and relentless results.

Resources:

• Connect with Phil Gerdes: @philgerdes on all social platforms
• Shift Immersive Coaching: @shiftimmersivecoaching on Instagram
• Phil's real estate team: High-performing team based in Annapolis
• Connect with Kara: @karachafindonnafrio on Instagram
• Free Dynamic Life Journal: freegiftfromkara.com

Ready to make your own shift? Phil reminds us that most people who are winning want to help others win—but they won't reach down and pull you up. They'll drop a ladder. Your job? Ask for the ladder. Reach out to Phil on social media, check out Shift Immersive Coaching, and stop waiting for permission to step into your purpose. The pause is where life happens—what will you do with yours?

Highlights:

00:00 Welcome and Intro

02:19 Leadership Evolution and Purpose 

04:47 Purpose and Experience 

09:16 Overcoming Shiny Penny Syndrome 

12:43 Service vs. Giving 

16:42 Confidence Transfer in Leadership 

20:06 Overcoming Challenges and Commitment 

23:06 Presence and Engagement 

26:41 Communication Skills and Lessons 

30:03 Faith and Business Integration 

34:27 Joseph's Journey and Purpose 

39:31 Purpose and Intent in Opportunities 

43:31 Asking and Receiving Guidance 

46:30 Podcast episode ended  

Connect with Kara to share your thoughts on the series:

Website - http://www.kcdrealestate.com/    

Email - [email protected]   

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/karachaffindonofrio/   

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/karachaffin1?_rdc=1&_rdr   

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/user/KaraChaffin   

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/karachaffin/     

Don't forget to visit freegiftfromkara.com for our special giveaway, the Dynamic Life Journal to help you maintain your authentic voice and intuitive wisdom while navigating the balance between technology and human connection in your business and personal life.

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