Finding Your Voice: The Journey of Jon Schmidt

In this episode of the Franklin Planner podcast, co-hosts George Wright III and John Harding welcome special guest John Schmidt, an accomplished pianist and composer known for his work with The Piano Guys. John shares his journey from a musically inclined family to global recognition, emphasizing the importance of passion, hard work, and love in achieving success. He offers profound insights on finding one's mission, the power of discipline, and the impact of music. The episode culminates with John reading an influential poem that guided him through anxiety and uncertainty, advocating for a mission-driven life with God as a partner. The co-hosts challenge listeners to craft their personal mission and use music as a tool for inspiration and planning.

00:00 Welcome and Introduction

00:56 Meet John Schmidt: A Musical Journey

02:48 Early Influences and Family Support

03:55 Finding Joy in Music

06:01 The Power of Sharing Your Gift

08:15 Talent, Hard Work, and Passion

13:01 The Birth of The Piano Guys

19:34 Overcoming Struggles and Finding Inspiration

21:46 The Role of Miracles and Perspective

26:11 A Poem That Changed Everything

27:21 Discovering a Life-Changing Book

28:07 The Power of Personal Gifts

28:58 Finding Your Divine Destiny

31:08 The Importance of Persistence

32:41 Overcoming Anxiety Through Faith

34:11 The Role of Mission and North Star

36:57 Collaborating with God on Your Mission

43:28 The Power of Music in Life

46:49 Final Thoughts and Challenges

Thank you for joining us on this Journey to create your best life and to lead your Life and Teams. Please share this show, and we look forward to the journey we will take together.

The Franklin Planner Team

About John Schmidt

Jon Schmidt is a world-renowned pianist, composer, and founding member of The Piano Guys, known for blending classical and pop music into powerful, cinematic performances. With billions of views and sold-out shows worldwide, his work has inspired audiences of all ages. Now, Jon is returning to his roots with intimate solo acoustic concerts that focus on connection, emotion, and authenticity. He continues to use music as a tool for healing and inspiration.

Check out Spotify Playlist:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/2YQ4MY2VwOMv43C0GemUY5 || https://music.apple.com/us/artist/jon-schmidt/5118375 

Resources

Website: https://thepianoguys.com/pages/jon-schmidt2 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepianoguysjonschmidt/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JonSchmidtPiano/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC41Po6yLBco1WoGQZpJ4ySg

Defying Odds: Harnessing a Personal Mission for Success with David Anderson

In this episode of the Franklin Planner Podcast, co-host George Wright III and John Harding sit down with David Anderson to discuss the essence of personal mission and its transformative power. David, a globally successful entrepreneur and speaker, shares his inspiring journey from a challenging upbringing in Chicago to becoming a prominent figure in various spheres. The conversation explores the impact of creating a personal mission statement, grounding one's life in intentional goals, and the importance of education and mentorship. David recounts overcoming significant obstacles, such as family mental health issues and career challenges, and emphasizes the value of daily personal commitments. The episode concludes with a challenge for listeners to create an audacious goal to stretch their potential and drive positive change.

00:44 Introducing David Anderson

02:28 David's Inspirational Background

05:45 The Power of a Personal Mission

07:56 Creating a Personal Pledge

10:22 Overcoming Adversity with Mission

18:07 Global Examples of Mission-Driven Success

20:05 Implementing Personal Pledges in Daily Life

20:43 A Personal Story of Overcoming Educational Challenges

21:34 The Importance of Personal Commitment and Support

22:03 Mental Health Struggles and Triumphs

22:50 Creating a Personal Constitution

23:07 The Power of a Mission Statement

24:56 Thriving vs. Surviving

27:24 The Journey to Goldman Sachs

34:23 The Importance of Anchoring Yourself

38:54 Challenge to the Audience

Thank you for joining us on this Journey to create your best life and to lead your Life and Teams. Please share this show, and we look forward to the journey we will take together.

The Franklin Planner Team

About David Anderson:

David Anderson is the Vice President of Global Development at AAR CORP. AAR Corp is a $2 Billion Aviation services firm with 20 locations worldwide listed as a Fortune 1,000. 

David works with Prime Ministers, global executives, and wealthy individuals to develop the aviation sector in the Americas, Africa and emerging markets. David was the International President of Kelikaien (Keep Global) a Chinese "Green" environmental products manufacturing and services firm with 6,000 employees and 16 locations worldwide. He was selected as a Global Shaper by The World Economic Forum and is a Senior Advisor to the Honorary Consul to the country of Moldova. David worked in investment banking at Goldman Sachs in New York and investment management at JP Morgan in Chicago of a $5.6 Billion portfolio. Previously, he was a successful tech founder at School Loan 411 and he was also an aide in the Executive Office of the President at the White House. 

He was the keynote speaker for TEDx Talks "Disruption" conference in Austria, along with an Amazon Category Top 100 & Bestselling Author of "The Delusion of Passion - Why Millennials Struggle to Find Success". His non-profit activities include the World Future Society, iGlow Mentoring and the James R Jordan Foundation (formally the Michael Jordan Foundation). 

He is a proud graduate of Chicago State University with Honors and a participant in Harvard University’s Explorations Program. His proudest accomplishment is taking his grandfather (Korean War Veteran) to the White House West Wing and making him proud.

Connect with David...

1. Official Website: https://www.officialdavidanderson.com
2. David's TedX Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JaECsnWJAWA&t=8s

In this episode, co-hosts George Wright III and Franklin Planner Board Member John Harding delve into the significance of defining one's mission, vision, and values. They discuss how these elements can help individuals find purpose and direction in their lives, referencing concepts from Stephen Covey and the Productivity Pyramid. The conversation covers practical steps for self-reflection, crafting personal vision and mission statements, identifying core values, and understanding life roles. The episode also highlights the inspiring story of David Anderson, who credits his personal mission with transforming his life. Listeners are encouraged to take time for self-reflection and to write down their mission, vision, and values to live a more meaningful and proactive life.

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview

00:32 The Importance of Mission, Vision, and Values

01:16 Stephen Covey's Influence and Key Concepts

03:29 The Productivity Pyramid Explained

07:31 Steps to Establishing Your Foundation

19:06 Defining Your Core Values

21:44 Understanding and Prioritizing Life Roles

Thank you for joining us on this journey to create your best life and to lead your Life and Teams. Please share this show, and we look forward to the journey we will take together.

The Franklin Planner Team

In this episode of the Franklin Planner Podcast, hosts John and George welcome time management expert and productivity coach Carl Pullein. Carl shares his journey from a middle school student fascinated with time management to becoming a globally recognized specialist in the field. He introduces his groundbreaking programs, including the the COD Task Management System, and discusses the benefits of integrating digital tools with traditional paper planning. Carl's experiment with returning to the Franklin Planner reveals significant improvements in focus, productivity, and fulfillment. The conversation delves into the principles of effective time management, the importance of slowing down, and how to balance digital and analog tools to lead a more intentional and productive life.

00:39 Meet Carl Pullein: Time Management Innovator

02:18 Carl's Journey into Time Management

05:12 The Digital Age and Rediscovering Franklin Planner

06:19 From Teaching to Time Management Coaching

11:36 Challenges in Modern Time Management

14:47 Introducing the COD Task Management System

28:29 The Importance of Writing Things Down

29:00 The Power of Pen and Paper

31:37 Balancing Digital and Paper Planning

32:23 The Focus and Fulfillment of Paper Planning

38:38 Combining Digital and Paper Systems

53:19 The Benefits of Slowing Down

Thank you for joining us on this Journey to create your best life and to lead your Life and Teams. Please share this show, and we look forward to the journey we will take together.

The Franklin Planner Team

Connect with Carl:

1. Official Website: Explore Carl's productivity insights, coaching programs, and resources at carlpullein.com.
2. YouTube Channel: Watch Carl's instructional videos on time management and productivity on his YouTube channel.
3. Podcast: Listen to "Your Time, Your Way," Carl's podcast offering strategies for effective time management, available on Podbean and other podcast platforms.Your Time, Your Way | Carl Pullein
4. Twitter: Follow Carl for updates and tips on productivity on Twitter.
5. Facebook: Connect with Carl's community and access productivity content on his Facebook page.Log in or sign up to view
6. LinkedIn: Network with Carl and explore his professional insights on LinkedIn.
7. Instagram: Follow Carl for visual content and productivity inspiration on Instagram.
8. Substack Newsletter: Subscribe to Carl's newsletter for regular articles and updates on productivity at carlpullein.substack.com.

In this episode of the Franklin Planner Podcast, host George Wright III and co-host John Harding delve into the immense benefits of goal setting. They reveal that individuals who set goals are 10 times more likely to succeed, emphasizing the crucial role of writing goals down to increase productivity and focus. They explore the science behind goal writing, share practical tips on setting challenging yet achievable goals, and discuss the impact of goal setting on both personal and organizational success. The episode underscores the importance of clarity, accountability, and the Franklin Planner system in turning aspirations into actionable steps, leading to a more organized and productive life.

00:32 The Power of Goal Setting

02:31 The Science Behind Writing Goals

03:55 The Franklin Planner System

05:44 The Importance of Specific and Challenging Goals

14:26 Accountability and Social Support

17:17 Overcoming Obstacles in Goal Setting

21:52 Goal Setting for Organizations

Thank you for joining us on this Journey to create your best life and to lead your Life and Teams. Please share this show, and we look forward to the journey we will take together.

The Franklin Planner Team

In this episode of the Franklin Planner podcast, host George Wright III and guest John Harding, Franklin Planner expert, address the growing issue of overwhelm in today's fast-paced world. They explore the underlying causes, such as lack of clarity, overcommitment, and digital distractions, and offer actionable solutions to tackle this pervasive problem. Key strategies discussed include defining priorities, using daily and weekly planning effectively, and the benefits of handwriting over digital tools. The conversation also delves into principles from Stephen Covey's 'The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People,' emphasizing the importance of proactivity, goal setting, and focusing on what truly matters. This episode aims to equip listeners with the tools and insights needed to take control of their lives and lead their teams more effectively.

01:03 Understanding Overwhelm: Causes and Effects

06:07 Addressing Overwhelm: Strategies and Solutions

06:45 The Power of the Franklin Planner

19:39 The Importance of Handwriting and Paper Planning

Thank you for joining us on this Journey to create your best life and to lead your Life and Teams. Please share this show, and we look forward to the journey we will take together.

The Franklin Planner Team

In the inaugural episode of the Franklin Planner podcast, hosts George Wright III and John Harding introduce themselves and set the stage for the series, emphasizing the importance of helping people solve big problems and seize opportunities. They delve into their backgrounds, outlining their expertise and roles. The episode covers the history of the Franklin Planner system, highlighting its impact on over 15 million users for the past 40 years. George and John discuss the foundational principles of productivity from the Franklin Planner system, focusing on the Seven Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey and contributions from Hyrum Smith. They stress the significance of timeless principles, strategic vision, mission, values, and the practical application of these through a weekly and daily Franklin Planner system. The discussion underscores the importance of personal leadership, collaboration, and balance in achieving success. Finally, the hosts invite listeners to actively engage and share their experiences, aiming to create a productive and impactful community.

00:26 Meet Your Hosts: George Wright III and John Harding

00:45 The Mission of the Podcast

02:15 Background of Franklin Planners

02:56 The Legacy of Hyrum Smith and Stephen Covey

08:41 The Relevance of Timeless Principles Today

12:36 Overview of the Seven Habits

18:13 Crafting Your Perfect Day

18:45 The Private Victory: Habits 1, 2, and 3

19:34 Think Win-Win: Habit 4

23:10 Seek First to Understand: Habit 5

24:40 Synergize: Habit 6

26:39 Sharpen the Saw: Habit 7

28:03 The Franklin Planner System

36:34 Invitation to Reflect and Engage

Thank you for joining us on this Journey to create your best life and to lead your Life and Teams. Please share this show, and we look forward to the journey we will take together.

The Franklin Planner Team