Have you ever wondered what it really takes to move from shallow success to deep, lasting significance? In this episode of Seek Go Create, Tim Winders sits down with entrepreneur and author Harry T. Jones, who opens up about losing a million dollars, surviving a failed marriage, and learning how generosity and faith transformed his approach to business and legacy. Discover why Harry believes anonymous giving breaks the grip of “more,” how struggle refines our purpose, and why every leader should start thinking about succession—even if they’re not ready to let go. This is a raw and insightful conversation about failure, faith, and building a life—and company—that will outlast you.

"The way to break the grip of money is generosity—anonymous generosity." - Harry T. Jones

Access all show and episode resources HERE

About Our Guest:

Harry T. Jones is an accomplished entrepreneur, author, and creator of the Cultivating Impact Succession method. With over four decades of experience in building and leading businesses—including successfully scaling and selling a fresh food distribution company to a public firm—Harry brings deep insight into leadership, faith-driven business, and legacy planning. He is recognized for guiding leaders through challenging seasons of transition, mentoring CEOs, and developing practical strategies for succession planning that go beyond financial success to create lasting impact. Harry’s journey of overcoming personal and professional setbacks has shaped his mission to help others finish well and redefine true success.

Reasons to Listen:

1. Discover how a million-dollar loss, a failed marriage, and a botched business exit became powerful wake-up calls that shifted Harry T. Jones from chasing shallow success to building lasting significance.
2. Learn why anonymous generosity, redefining identity, and facing personal fears are at the heart of Harry’s unique approach to succession planning and legacy.
3. Get an inside look at real-life business impact stories—like hiring second-chance employees and integrating faith into leadership—that reveal how struggle and faith can fundamentally reshape your purpose and your work.

Episode Resources & Action Steps:

Resources Mentioned in the Episode:

1. Book: Succession Planning for Impact: 7 Steps to Build a Significant Life and a Company that Will Outlast You by Harry T. Jones – Practical guide for business owners and leaders on succession planning and legacy.
2. Succession Planning Jumpstart Guide
3. Subscribe to Harry's Weekly Newsletter
4. Website: cultivatingimpact.biz – Harry T. Jones’ site with more information about his masterminds, resources, and ways to connect.

Action Steps for Listeners:

1. Reflect on Your Identity Beyond Work: Take time to journal or contemplate where you draw your sense of worth—is it tied to your job title, or something deeper? Consider what it would look like to root your identity in something more lasting.
2. Embrace Generosity and Gratitude: Break the grip of “more” by practicing anonymous generosity—find a way this week to give anonymously to someone in need. Start a gratitude list to shift focus from scarcity to abundance.
3. Start the Conversation Around Succession Planning: Whether you’re a business owner, leader, or part of a family business, initiate a discussion about long-term legacy and impact. Consider reading Harry’s book or exploring resources at cultivatingimpact.biz to get practical guidance.

Key Lessons:

1. Generosity Breaks the Grip of Mammon: Harry shares that in his experience, the desire for more—whether money or status—can easily take hold. He found that the best way to break free from this is through anonymous generosity, emphasizing the joy of giving rather than accumulating.
2. Identity Beyond Business: Many leaders tie their sense of self-worth to their professional identity. Harry's journey illustrates the importance of evolving beyond just being defined by titles or success, and instead rooting identity in deeper, lasting values—personally, his faith.
3. Failure Can Lead to Significance: Both Harry and Tim discuss how personal and professional setbacks—failed marriages, lost fortunes, business breakdowns—often serve as divine or catalytic wake-up calls. These tough experiences can strip away ego and foster a more meaningful, impactful path.
4. Impact and Significance Over Success: The episode explores how true significance goes beyond financial success. It’s about the lasting impact your business and life have on employees, customers, community, and family—even if no one sees it but you.
5. The Power of Transparent Community: Harry points to the value of mastermind groups and confidential peer communities for business leaders. These environments allow for support, real vulnerability, and collective wisdom—helping leaders navigate challenges, grow, and finish well.

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Breaking the Grip of Mammon

00:36 Introducing Harry T. Jones

01:44 Defining Success and Identity

05:11 Harry's Spiritual Journey

05:59 The Role of Business in Faith

09:24 Overcoming Financial and Personal Struggles

17:12 The Importance of Generosity

22:54 Transitioning from Operator to Mentor

29:04 The Boxing Metaphor and Business Growth

29:29 A New Calling and Leaving the Comfort Zone

30:44 The Journey of Succession Planning

32:45 The Importance of Business Impact

35:50 Succession Planning for All Businesses

47:21 The Role of Masterminds and Mentors

51:05 Final Thoughts and Resources

Resources for Leaders from Tim Winders & SGC:

🎙 Unlock Leadership Excellence with Tim

• Transform your leadership and align your career with your deepest values. Schedule your Free Discovery Call now to explore how you can reach new heights in personal and professional growth. Limited slots available each month – Book your session today!

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• Challenge your perceptions and embark on a journey toward true fulfillment. Dive into transformative insights with "Coach: A Story of Success Redefined." This book will help you rethink what success means and how to achieve it on your terms. Don't miss out on this essential read—order your copy today!

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A Final Challenge: Redefine Success with Coach

Before you sign off, here’s a powerful invitation from Tim: If you’ve been inspired by the stories on Seek Go Create, take the next step with his novel, Coach: A Story of Success Redefined. It’s a transformative journey that invites leaders to rethink success and align their lives with faith, purpose, and peace. Get your copy today at TimWinders.com.

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