Leveraging Success

Imagine setting sail in a boat, rowing tirelessly towards the sun on the horizon. With each stroke, you hope to inch closer to your destination, only to find that the sun continues to elude your grasp, forever moving on the edge of the western sky. As you row, the feeling of never reaching your goal begins to weigh heavily on you, leaving you disheartened. But what if, instead of fixating on the unattainable sun, you shifted your mindset? What if you chose to measure your progress by looking back towards the shore, acknowledging how far you've come?

In this episode of the Leveraging Success Podcast, Rob Dayton and I explore the concept of balancing our drive for high achievement with contentment in our daily lives. This is a topic that many of us can relate to, as we strive towards goals while also trying to find happiness in our current state. Often, we fall into the trap of constantly seeking "more," leaving us feeling unfulfilled even when we accomplish a lot. However, I believe that true success lies in achieving a balance between striving for goals and finding contentment in our current circumstances.

During our conversation, we also delve into the "gap and gain" mentality, which emphasizes the importance of recognizing progress made towards achieving goals instead of solely focusing on what is still to be accomplished. Overall, our conversation underscores the importance of leveraging success to achieve a fulfilling life that harmoniously blends ambition with happiness.

In This Episode

Notable Quotes

Resources & Links

Mentioned

Jeff Gerhardt

Rob Dayton

Resources

It’s Valentine's Day - what if you end the day in a fight? We all know that arguments and disagreements are a natural part of any relationship, but it is how we handle those crucial conversations that can truly make or break a marriage. In this day and age, where divorce rates are alarming, it has become more important than ever to find effective ways to resolve conflicts and nurture your marriage.

In this episode of the Leveraging Success Podcast, Rob Dayton and I discuss strategies for healthy conflict resolution in marriage. We emphasize the importance of fighting fair and engaging in crucial conversations to foster growth within the partnership. We warn against the "four horsemen" of criticism, contempt, defensiveness, and stonewalling, advocating instead for mutual learning and understanding. We also share practical tips, such as creating a safe space for dialogue and using the ladder of inference to build shared meaning. Our conversation underscores the value of vulnerability and clear communication in strengthening marital relationships.

So, whether you are newlyweds seeking to lay a strong foundation, or seasoned spouses looking to strengthen your bond, this episode is for you. Together, let's embark on a journey of growth and learn how to nurture your marriage through crucial conversations.

In This Episode

Notable Quotes

Resources & Links

Jeff Gerhardt

Rob Dayton

Resources

As a community of high-achievers, we often find ourselves at a crossroads, contemplating the leap from  security and safety to adventure and building something.

In this episode of the Leveraging Success Podcast, I discuss the compelling idea of quitting your job to chase after your personal goals and kickstart a new venture. My goal is to inspire you to act with authenticity and purpose, and to do so without waiting for someone else's green light. Delving into the unique challenges faced by different generations in leadership, I share my personal journey of breaking free from the corporate routine to establish my successful consulting firm. Throughout the discussion, I emphasize the importance of self-awareness and having a well-thought-out succession plan in place.

Join me as we navigate the intricacies of embracing change, leading with purpose, and crafting a path that aligns with your true calling.

In This Episode

• [00:01:16] - Advice on quitting your job 
• [00:04:49] - Retirement of football legends
• [00:07:13] - Generational differences in retirement and leadership
• [00:09:31] - Gen X and Millennials' leadership opportunities
• [00:13:51] - The US presidential race and leadership timing
• [00:15:31] - Importance of declaring intentions and reaching agreements
• [00:17:35] - Personal experience of transitioning from a corporate job to starting a business
• [00:20:03] - Leadership succession and being the second person

Notable Quotes

• [00:02:05] “This is your time to start to lead with the best of you, not trying to be someone else to work for someone else.”  - Jeff
• [00:02:37] “To build the brand of you is to say, I know who God made me to be.” - Jeff

Resources & Links

Jeff Gerhardt

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffgerhardt/
• https://twitter.com/JeffLeverage
• https://www.centixlife.com/

Resources

• e-course - LifeMastery with Jeff Gerhardt: https://priorityliving.org/lifemastery/
• Webinar - Discover how to maximize your leadership potential: https://priorityliving.org/briefings/webinar/
• Leveraging Success Podcast - https://www.leveragingsuccesspodcast.com/

Who am I? This simple question has been asked by people for ages. In the Bible, Psalms 139:13 says that God carefully created each one of us. He formed our innermost being and shaped us even before we were born. But beyond knowing that we are fearfully and wonderfully made, we still search for the answer to who we truly are and why we are here.

In this episode of the Leveraging Success Podcast, Rob Dayton and I explore the profound question “Who am I?” by discussing the journey of self-discovery and the importance of understanding one's purpose and identity. Rob shares his personal experiences and insights, emphasizing the need to align activities with one's strengths and values. We discuss the ongoing process of growth and the evolution of understanding oneself, the significance of community building, and the impact of leadership. 

Remember, the path to understanding who you are is a journey, not a destination. Until next time, may you find clarity, embrace your passions, and God bless you on your quest for a significant life.

In This Episode

• [00:01:14] - Unpacking "Who Am I?"

• [00:03:23] - The power of forgiveness and personal transformation

• [00:08:28] - The influence of one's spoken words on self-perception

• [00:11:33] - Discovering identity from a spiritual perspective

• [00:15:26] - Uncovering unique capabilities

• [00:20:28] - The passion for community building and future transformation

• [00:22:56] - Living Kingdom Calling and Purpose

• [00:24:39] - The process of refining one's purpose

• [00:26:08] - The significance of living with a focused purpose

• [00:27:13] - Challenges in working out discovered strengths, purpose, and values in action

Notable Quotes

• [00:07:14]  “I have found in my own life that what I say, I become.” - Jeff

• [00:10:36] "Our Father in heaven is so quick to celebrate the baby steps, and we need to be alongside Him in that celebration for us to continue to move forward and to have the longevity to move through sin issues that take lots of reprogramming of our brains." - Rob

• [00:23:52] “I need to impart wisdom, see transformation in a life, and bring encouragement to get there; those three things are so attached to my purpose and help me aim my purpose.” - Rob

• [00:25:05] "You can't search for perfection in the answer of ‘Why do I exist?’ The first answer will be the first take, and it won't last super long." - Jeff

• [00:26:08] “To whom much has been given, much is expected. To start to live on purpose is our goal, to make sure that we don't squander all of this.” - Jeff

Resources & Links

Jeff Gerhardt

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffgerhardt/

• https://twitter.com/JeffLeverage

• https://www.centixlife.com/

Rob Dayton

• http://www.strategicculture.com 

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/rdayton

Resources

• e-course - LifeMastery with Jeff Gerhardt: https://priorityliving.org/lifemastery/

• Webinar - Discover how to maximize your leadership potential: https://priorityliving.org/briefings/webinar/

• Leveraging Success Podcast- https://www.leveragingsuccesspodcast.com/
  

Do you find yourself grappling with the realities of fatherhood? Are you seeking guidance on how to break the cycle of a strained relationship with your own father? Look no further, because we believe that being a good father starts with being a good son. Similar to the Prodigal Son, who left his Father's house only to return home seeking forgiveness and redemption, our relationship with our Heavenly Father can help us break free, heal, and grow into the fathers we aspire to become.

In this episode of the Leveraging Success Podcast, Rob Dayton and I delve into a topic that's close to our hearts: the importance of fatherhood. I reflect on a lesson from my father about the importance of being a good son to become a good father, tying it to the spiritual relationship with God. Rob emphasizes seeing God as a loving Father and the deep psychological influence a father's words can have. We also underscore the complex responsibilities of a father and the lasting effects on their children's growth and well-being.

Join us for this heart-to-heart as we unpack the multifaceted role of a father and the ripple effect our actions and attitudes have on our children's lives. It's a conversation filled with personal reflections and practical advice for all the dads out there striving to create a loving and supportive family environment.

In This Episode

• [00:02:21] - The impact of troubled relationships with fathers

• [00:04:23] - Understanding the concept of God as a Father

• [00:06:55] - Lessons from the parable of the Prodigal Son

• [00:09:18] - The balance between grace and truth in fatherhood

• [00:10:27] - Psychological impact of father's words on sons

• [00:20:38] - Reflection on the impact of a father's passing

• [00:22:54] - Prioritizing your spouse above your children

• [00:23:59] - The father as the family's emotional thermostat

• [00:25:11] - Generational impact on growth and development

• [00:30:27] - Importance of physical affection, encouragement, and vision

• [00:32:11] - Defining boundaries: Right and Wrong

• [00:32:59] - Backing children in their endeavors

• [00:33:48] - Writing letters as a tool for reinforcement and reflection

Notable Quotes

• [00:03:19] “My fatherhood or my ability to be what I think is a productive, intentional, spirit-filled father, is based on how I am as a son to my Heavenly Father.” - Jeff

• [00:14:30] “Our father is so in favor of us that when we make advances, even though we have to do three steps forward, two steps back, he's cheerleading and excited about our future.” -Rob

• [00:21:20] “That's the intentional work that we want to do as fathers, to look at our kids and say, ‘What do they need? How can I give them what they need so that they're going to be stimulated and grow to the right level?’”- Jeff

•  [00:22:19] “You need to see your partner as more important and you're more dedicated to her or him than you are to your kids.” - Rob

• ['00:26:07] “As fathers, we are rewriting those bad things from the past as they get transferred down. The Kingdom of God is constantly expanding, and our opportunity as dads is to take a generational thing that's going through our lines and make it conform to Christ, conform it to a kingdom of love." - Rob

•  [00:25:34] “We have to be very self-aware of ‘how is my father showing up?’ and how I need the oxygen mask myself to make sure I'm showing up correctly for them now.” - Rob

• [00:27:04] “Comparison is the enemy of joy. And I say it to remind myself, as much as I might coach it, to remember to not compare.” - Jeff

Resources & Links

Jeff Gerhardt

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffgerhardt/

• https://twitter.com/JeffLeverage

• https://www.centixlife.com/

Rob Dayton

• http://www.strategicculture.com 

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/rdayton

Resources

• e-course - LifeMastery with Jeff Gerhardt: https://priorityliving.org/lifemastery/

• Webinar - Discover how to maximize your leadership potential: https://priorityliving.org/briefings/webinar/

• Leveraging Success Podcast- https://www.leveragingsuccesspodcast.com/
  

Parenting is an extraordinary journey, filled with incredible joys and formidable challenges. As parents, we strive to be the guiding lights in our children's lives, shaping them into compassionate, responsible, and well-rounded individuals. But amidst this noble pursuit, some aspects often go unexplored - the importance of family secrets, our role as the primary source of information, and the complexities of navigating conversations about faith.

Welcome to Episode 6 of the Leveraging Success Podcast! In this episode, Rob Dayton and I delve into the fascinating world of parenting. We explore the importance of family secrets and discuss the importance of being the first source of information for our children, teaching them about truth, life, and their identity. We also touch on the challenge of discussing faith with our children and the need for us, as parents, to continuously learn and grow in our understanding of faith.

Remember, this journey is ongoing, not just a series of checkboxes. Use your success to create quality time and memories with your loved ones, especially your children and spouse, to positively influence them. Feel free to share these lessons with someone who could benefit from the encouragement of leveraging their success to be an incredible parent. 

In This Episode

• [00:04:37] - The importance of teaching kids how to think, not what to think

• [00:09:52] - Faith as a bet and the importance of pursuing answers together

• [00:12:05] - Helping kids discover their unique talents

• [00:16:33] - Casting a vision for the future

• [00:28:07] - Making memories and building a legacy

• [00:33:11] - Continuing to invest in children's lives and offering support and guidance

  
  

Notable Quotes

• [00:08:43] “There's a huge body of evidence in science about Creation; there's a huge body of evidence in the contents of historical writings that prove Jesus through His rising.” - Rob

• [00:14:11] “It's amazing how powerful the words of a father are, particularly when they're genuine and in alignment with God on creation and what God's created in our kids.” - Jeff

• [00:33:36] “As many memories as I can into as many people, especially my children, especially my spouse, and do that to influence them for the Kingdom.” - Jeff

  
  

Resources & Links

Resources

• e-course - LifeMastery with Jeff Gerhardt - https://priorityliving.org/lifemastery/

• Webinar - How to maximize your leadership potential - https://priorityliving.org/briefings/webinar/

• Leveraging Success Podcast - https://www.leveragingsuccesspodcast.com/

• Passport2purity - https://amzn.to/3HfSJay 

• Book: "Street Smarts" by Greg Koukl - https://amzn.to/41VJVQI 

Jeff Gerhardt

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffgerhardt/

• https://twitter.com/JeffLeverage

• https://www.centixlife.com/

Rob Dayton

• http://www.strategicculture.com 

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/rdayton

Recording Equipment

• Sony Camera

• Shure Microphone
  

Leadership is often likened to a relay race, where each runner carries a baton and passes it to the next with precision and purpose. In the biblical narrative, we witness a similar pattern of succession – the passing of the mantle from one leader to another, ensuring a seamless continuation of God's plan.

Moses, the trailblazing liberator, forged the path for the Israelites' journey out of Egypt. However, as they neared the Promised Land, Moses realized that he would not be the one to lead them across the final stretch. Like a runner nearing the end of their leg, he prepared to hand off the baton to Joshua, his appointed successor, knowing that Joshua possessed the necessary skills and vision to complete the race. This succession concept is echoed when Elijah passed his mantle to Elisha, recognizing leadership as a relay race where each runner runs their leg with passion and purpose, building upon the foundation laid by their predecessor.

Welcome to today’s episode of the Leveraging Success podcast! I'm Jeff Gerhardt, and today I am thrilled to be joined by Bob Shank. Bob is the Founder of The Master’s Program, mentoring Christian leaders. With a 40-year career in entrepreneurship, pastoral roles, and nonprofit leadership, he now serves on church and parachurch ministries governing boards.

In this episode, Bob and I discuss the critical role of succession in leadership, drawing from biblical principles and their experiences with the Master's Program. We emphasize the need to pass on the mantle to the next generation, ensuring the continuity and acceleration of the work started by previous leaders. We explore the program's impact on global evangelism, particularly through initiatives like the Jesus Film Project and the Finishing Fund, which aim to reach unengaged and unreached people groups. Bob expresses optimism about the near completion of the Great Commission. The conversation highlights the importance of mentorship, legacy, and active participation in fulfilling the gospel's spread worldwide.

In This Episode

• [00:00:47] - Introduction to Bob Shank

• [00:01:20] - Importance of succession in leadership

• [00:03:03] - Generational perspective on succession

• [00:07:16] - Biblical model for passing on leadership

• [00:12:06] - Bob’s story of founding The Master's Program

• [00:16:56] - Bob on building, supporting, and growing leaders for successful succession

• [00:22:36] - Bob’s passion for the Great Commission

• [00:27:13] - Arranging life for gospel work

• [00:27:30] - The Jesus Film Project and the Finishing Fund

• [00:28:49] - Global Evangelism and Future Projections

  
  

Notable Quotes

•  [00:01:21] “For succession to work, it takes a strong amount of conversation, leadership, and someone with a vision with which to bring someone else along.” - Jeff  

• [00:17:36] “Relationships founded on a common faith and given to the pursuit of similar objectives and missions and movements brings people together in a profound way.” - Bob 

• [00:19:37] “The willingness to say ‘someone else can do this better than me’ is an act of leadership that marks the best players. The men and women that will be remembered the longest are the ones that let it go the easiest.” - Bob 

• [00:23:06] “Calling is about me finding my best contribution to the primary business of heaven on Earth. And the primary business of heaven on Earth is to complete the work that Jesus came to start.” -Bob

Resources & Links

Jeff Gerhardt

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffgerhardt/

• https://twitter.com/JeffLeverage

• https://www.centixlife.com/

Bob Shank

• https://priorityliving.org/tmp/

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobshank/

Resources

• e-course - LifeMastery with Jeff Gerhardt: https://priorityliving.org/lifemastery/

• Webinar - Discover how to maximize your leadership potential: https://priorityliving.org/briefings/webinar/

• Leveraging Success Podcast- https://www.leveragingsuccesspodcast.com/

• The Master's Program - Priority Living: https://priorityliving.org/tmp/
  

Ever wondered how having a clear goal together can make your marriage stronger? Imagine your journey as a couple—think of it like weaving a tapestry of dreams, challenges, and victories. Now, ask yourself: What if each part of this intricate design had a purpose, a reason for fitting together with the others? Exploring the heart of marriage reveals that having a purpose is not just a nice idea; it's like a guiding light that helps a couple navigate through life's twists and turns.

Rob Dayton joins us to discuss the importance of having a purpose in marriage. We emphasize the need for couples to have individual and shared dreams and goals, beyond just careers and children. We talk about the importance of understanding the “how’s”, “what’s”, and “why’s” in a marriage and the need for commitment in pursuing dreams. 

Remember, your marriage is not just about going with the flow or relying on date nights and physical intimacy. It's about actively working towards your dreams and connecting with God's intentions for your lives. So, dream big, commit fully, and trust in God's guidance. Your marriage will thank you for it.

In This Episode

• [00:00:59] - The purpose of marriage and collaboration

• [00:04:43] - Connecting to God's dreams for marriage

• [00:11:36] - Moving forward and taking risks

• [00:12:16] - The Dream Master Process

• [00:14:49] - Looking back to move forward

• [00:18:26] - Adventure and hope

• [00:24:05] - The dream space and sanctified imagination

• [00:25:13] - The need for commitment

• [00:26:50] - Moving from concept to commitment

Notable Quotes

• [07:08] - “Purpose in marriage is seemingly clear, and my purpose is to be in love and to have needs met mutually.” - Jeff

• [07:55] - “It's the beauty of the imperfection of two people that are in a mutual submission relationship that says, ‘your needs before my needs, how can I serve you?’ And then the strain of ‘that may never change them, but it's meant to change me.’” - Jeff

• [14:54] - “You kind of have to always look back, see what God did, and then that's going to get you to your future.” - Rob

• [25:23] - “A lot of people think being prepared is the first thing that you need to do when you start something, or that everything has to be in place before we say yes. That's a radical mistake because that will paralyze you from moving forward.” - Rob

Resources & Links

• Free e-course - LifeMastery with Jeff Gerhardt

• Webinar - Discover how to maximize your leadership potential

Jeff Gerhardt

• https://www.jeffgerhardt.com/ 

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffgerhardt/

• https://twitter.com/JeffLeverage

• https://www.centixlife.com/

Rob Dayton

• http://www.strategicculture.com 

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/rdayton