Life as Leadership: Where Leaders Gather to Grow Together

Josh, Maria, and Parker discuss Monday's interview with Jim Ramos of Men in the Arena. The discussion includes what separates leaders from those who choose not to lead, whether or not organizations (and people!) allow their missions to guide them, why you don't have to be the best to be the leader, and how to manage responsibility and success.

https://lifeasleadership.com/009/ (Interview with Lizzy Engele) (episode 9, not episode 8!)

Key Takeaways:

- Email is still a great way to reach people!

- Ask yourself where you are not in the arena and take one step toward becoming active in your life.

- Be humble. And allow your humility to grow with your leadership responsibility.

- Keep your mission at the forefront of what you do.

- Make the people you serve your MVPs.

- Have extreme personal humility with intense professional will.

Jim Ramos is the founder of Men in the Arena, a Christian nonprofit organization with an international reach that seeks to help men become the best version of themselves because “when a man gets it, everybody wins.” He has written nine books on the topic of manhood, including The Man Card: 5 Characteristics Separating Men from Boys. He is also the host of the Men in the Arena podcast, where he interviews experts in their chosen field or cause as it relates to men.

LEADERSHIP INSIGHTS

- For a cause-driven organization, set up the organization so that you can be unapologetic about that cause

- Stay mission true

- Know what your "why?" is

- Don't underestimate the power of email for building your community

- The person you're serving needs to be your MVP

- If you don't have integrity, you lack the foundational components to being a quality human being

- The longest distance between two points is a shortcut

- Positional leadership is less important than being a person with vision who bring people along with them

- Have vision but remain humble

ABOUT Men in the Arena

- An organization that reaches men all over the world

- Focused on helping men be the best version of themselves

- Believe that men have frequently been the problem, so they can also be the solution

- Work from the belief that "when a man gets it, everyone wins"

QUESTIONS TO INSPIRE US TO ACTION

- What is some lesson, saying, or experience that continues to influence your leadership to this day? You don't have to be the best, you simply have to outlast the rest. Don't ever give up on what you believe in!

- Use three descriptors to finish this sentence: “A leader is…” A visionary, a learner, a person of great humility

- What is a question that leaders should be asking either themselves or others? What is out there that I'm not seeing?

- What book would you recommend to leaders? Good to Great, Jim Collins; Extreme Ownership, Jocko Willink; The Leadership of Billy Graham, Marshall Shelley

- If you could get every listener to start doing something THIS week to help them be a better leader, what would it be? Love people.

- As a general life principle, is it better to ask “why?” or “why not?” "Why not?" followed up by "who?" A great leader doesn't ask "how?" but "who?" Leaders can solve problems, they just need to find the right person and passion.

Website:

http://meninthearena.org (meninthearena.org)

Podcast:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/men-in-the-arena-podcast/id1144237071 (Men in the Arena)

Josh, Andrew, Daniel, and Michelle talk about Monday's interview with Jason Clayton, who helps college students find their passion. They start out by discussing whether or not their post-college life relates to what they studied. The conversation also includes how to balance spending time in campus life versus in other types of community, what types of work experience they pursued in college, and how to "listen to your life."

Key Takeaways:

- Life into who you are - don't try to be someone else!

- You don't have to be good at everything but surround yourself with people who can do what you can't.

- Practicality is a great thing, but pursue your passions. You can usually find an element of practicality in every passion.

- Seek out input from people who know you.

- Be a lifelong learner and seek out new opportunities and ways to express your interests.

- Think about how your life is giving you clues for what you should be doing.

- Become a generalist in order to be successful in our fast-paced world.

- Take advantage of the free resources at your college that will set you up for success in life after college.

- And DON'T take the point deductions!

Music credits:DJ Quads | Cruise Around | Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/aka-dj-quads/cruise-aroundDJ Quads | It Just Makes Me Happy | Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/aka-dj-quads/it-just-makes-me-happy

Jason Clayton is the Dean of Career and Life Calling at Cornerstone University. Jason is a certified strengths-based educator who has spent over 15 years working at both public and private universities. His focuses have included leadership development, workforce and strategic partnership development, academic advising, and experiential education. One of his goals through the jobs he has held is to help people maximize their potential so they can be leaders in accomplishing their own goals and their larger mission.

LEADERSHIP INSIGHTS

- When trying to figure out what to do, "listen to your life"

- Let people speak into your life

- Break down the most positive experiences in your life

- Get experience (via internships or summer jobs) in areas that interest you

- Talk to professionals in fields you're interested in

QUESTIONS TO INSPIRE US TO ACTION

- What is some lesson, saying, or experience that continues to influence your leadership to this day?

There will always be more work at the end of the day you can accomplish... focus on the human being.

- Use three descriptors to finish this sentence: “A leader is…” Visionary, observant, and caring.

- What is a question that leaders should be asking either themselves or others? "What might I be doing today (or what did I do today) that reflects who I hope to become?"

- What book would you recommend to leaders? Road to Character by David Brooks.

- If you could get every listener to start doing something THIS week to help them be a better leader, what would it be? Ask yourself what difference you can make today with what you have available.

- As a general life principle, is it better to ask “why?” or “why not?” "Why?" In answering that question, it might lead you to "why not?" questions.

Music credits:DJ Quads | Cruise Around | Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/aka-dj-quads/cruise-aroundDJ Quads | Smile | https://soundcloud.com/aka-dj-quads/smileDJ Quads | It Just Makes Me Happy | Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/aka-dj-quads/it-just-makes-me-happy

Josh, Ansley, Ethan, and Isaiah talk about Monday's interview with Brian Preston and Bo Hanson of the Money Guy Show. The discussion includes how to get started in investing, how to avoid lifestyle creep (spoiler: eat rice and beans and budget!). They also discuss how to balance living in the present and focusing on the future, how to have fun for cheap, and how to set yourself apart from the crowd for future success.

Key Takeaways:

- Deferred gratification: Wait and buy what you really want

- Save (and invest) $100 starting in college, and you'll likely retire a millionaire

- Be a "peacock" - stand out from the crowd, do your research to set you apart in job interviews and life, and go the extra mile

- Being wealthy and successful is attainable for normal individuals

- Take the road less traveled - it'll be worth it in the end

- Develop some simple disciplines to help you find financial freedom

- Be intentional about personal development. Don't just do what you want to do - make yourself relevant to others

- Start somewhere

- Adopt the abundance mindset - give first, and you will eventually benefit

Links:

- https://youtu.be/9QsLbfwfh00?list=PLXo3w1shVdEXXeP7HIq_By0yrS-9bapMkandt=1356 (An idea of what to invest in (Newest Money Guy Show episode))

– https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7yBlDsPgxq8andlist=PLXo3w1shVdEVcKmgbZZwlMphCSqlBKeQj (Financial Order of Operations: How To Prioritize Your Financial Goals (Playlist)) https://www.moneyguy.com/2018/08/financial-order-of-operations-how-to-prioritize-your-financial-goals/ ((Article))

– https://youtu.be/eiy1kRZQT9k?t=1157 (What Your Net Worth Should Be In Your 20s (2019))

– https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aIaoXpSWNQQ (Biggest Money Mistakes to Avoid in Your 20s)

Music credits:DJ Quads | Cruise Around | Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/aka-dj-quads/cruise-aroundDJ Quads | It Just Makes Me Happy | Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/aka-dj-quads/it-just-makes-me-happy

Brian Preston is the founder of Abound Wealth Management and the award-winning Money Guy Show, and he’s been recognized as one of the top 100 financial advisors in the United States. Bo Hanson is the co-founder of Abound Wealth Management and the Money Guy Show. Together they form a dynamic team focused on educating people, helping them with their finances, and enriching their lives. They’ve appeared on Fox Business, Time, Forbes, US News and World Report, the Wall Street Journal, and much more. Now here they are on the Life as Leadership podcast to share with us the importance of caring about finances even at a young age and how to live a strategic and focused life.

Video Resources:

- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7yBlDsPgxq8andlist=PLXo3w1shVdEVcKmgbZZwlMphCSqlBKeQj (Financial Order of Operations: How To Prioritize Your Financial Goals (Playlist)) https://www.moneyguy.com/2018/08/financial-order-of-operations-how-to-prioritize-your-financial-goals/ ((Article))

- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eiy1kRZQT9k (What Your Net Worth Should Be In Your 20s (2019))

- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aIaoXpSWNQQ (Biggest Money Mistakes to Avoid in Your 20s)

LEADERSHIP INSIGHTS

- Wealth can be attainable for average individual if they start early, invest, and practice some financial discipline

- Time is the single most valuable resource you have

- Be a "peacock" - do things to help you stick out to employers and those around you

- Give value before receiving it

ABOUT The Money Guy Show/Abound Wealth

- Financial management is part science and part art. Brian and Bo try to balance both

- Focus on the "abundance cycle": offer enough value and love and people will return to you

- Try to be the voice that clarifies finances for people

QUESTIONS TO INSPIRE US TO ACTION

- What is some lesson, saying, or experience that continues to influence your leadership to this day? Brian: Reading The Millionaire Next Door by Thomas Stanley. Bo: Don't get busy doing nothing. Focus on what really matters and don't get lost in what is superfluous.

- Use three descriptors to finish this sentence: “A leader is…” Brian: Selfless, three steps ahead, and decisive. Bo: Decisive, motivated, and motivating.

- What is a question that leaders should be asking either themselves or others? Bo: Why? What is the motivation behind your decisions and directions? Brian: Why? What is the purpose? (Begin with the end in mind).

- What book would you recommend to leaders? Brian: How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie

- If you could get every listener to start doing something THIS week to help them be a better leader, what would it be? Brian: Figure out what your passion is and figure out what you are better at than 95% of everyone else.

- As a general life principle, is it better to ask “why?” or “why not?” Brian: "Why?" The wounded warrior phase of life (a little older/wiser) is more prone to asking this question. Bo: "Why not?" This expands opportunities and possibilities.

Website:

https://www.aboundwealth.com

https://moneyguy.com

Find The Money Guy Show on social media:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/moneyguypodcast?lang=en (@MoneyGuyPodcast)

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/MoneyGuyShow (The Money Guy Show)

Music credits:DJ Quads | Cruise Around | Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/aka-dj-quads/cruise-aroundDJ Quads | Smile | https://soundcloud.com/aka-dj-quads/smileDJ Quads | It Just Makes Me Happy | Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/aka-dj-quads/it-just-makes-me-happy

Josh, Anthony, Anna-Maria, and Jake discuss Monday's interview with Blake Thompson, president at Mississippi College. The conversation includes how to understand what it means to find a compelling opportunity, whether or not humility is enough to get you to the top of an organization, and the balance between the character/competence/charisma equation that Dr. Thompson shared. There is also some discussion on how to care more about your organization than yourself in a healthy way as well as how to develop culture as a leader.

Key Takeaways:

- Character has staying power, so ground yourself in principles.

- Most of your choices aren't lifelong. Pursue goals and dreams. If an opportunity passes you by, keep a lookout for the next one.

- Don't let your age limit yourself.

- Remember to surround yourself with accountability and wise counsel.

- The higher we get, the more important humility becomes.

- Take the next step without trying to figure out the entire journey.

- Develop your character, competence, and charisma. But value them in that order.

Music credits:DJ Quads | Cruise Around | Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/aka-dj-quads/cruise-aroundDJ Quads | It Just Makes Me Happy | Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/aka-dj-quads/it-just-makes-me-happy

Dr. Blake Thompson is the 20th president of Mississippi College. Before becoming president, he served as a leader in higher education, in research circles, and in government. This includes educational leadership roles at Ohio State University; as a vice president with Battelle, which is the world’s leading non-profit research and development organization; and as a senior staff member of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee in Washington, D.C. He has a Ph.D. in pharmaceutical sciences from the University of Mississippi and an executive master’s from Georgetown University. He brings his vast and varied leadership experiences to his current presidential role and is well-respected and loved by the community at Mississippi College.

LEADERSHIP INSIGHTS

- Look at the most compelling opportunity in front of you and pursue it.

- Leadership is universal, but leaders must be adaptive

- Stop, listen, and learn before you try to act - especially at first.

- You can win a national championship ring without being on the football team!

- Humility is the most important characteristic to have as a leader

- Character is greater than Competence, which is greater than Charisma.

QUESTIONS TO INSPIRE US TO ACTION

– What is some lesson, saying, or experience that continues to influence your leadership to this day? If you see a turtle on top of a fencepost, it didn't get there itself!

– Use three descriptors to finish this sentence: “A leader is…” Humble, more worried about others and about the organization, and enjoying what he or she is doing.

– What is a question that leaders should be asking either themselves or others? "I don't know the particular question, but the idea of curiosity is essential."

– What book would you recommend to leaders? main job of a leader is to set culture. This books talks about how Jesus did this through meals.

– If you could get every listener to start doing something THIS week to help them be a better leader, what would it be? Focus and live in the "now" - love what you're doing and go pursue it.

– As a general life principle, is it better to ask “why?” or “why not?” Both - just be curious and keep asking those questions over and over again.

Website:

https://www.mc.edu/

Find Dr. Thompson and MC on social media:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drblakethompson/ (@drblakethompson), https://www.instagram.com/misscollege/ (@misscollege)

Twitter: https://twitter.com/drblakethompson?lang=en (@drblakethompson), https://twitter.com/MissCollege?lang=en (@misscollege)

Music credits:DJ Quads | Cruise Around | Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/aka-dj-quads/cruise-aroundDJ Quads | Smile | https://soundcloud.com/aka-dj-quads/smileDJ Quads | It Just Makes Me Happy | Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/aka-dj-quads/it-just-makes-me-happy

Josh, Daniel, Parker, and Sara discuss Monday's interview with Bill Blair of Rocks to Rivers. They talk about how to more effectively incorporate action into a group's life, how to encourage people toward action and learning, and the importance of letting followers ultimately take ownership of their own actions.

Key Takeaways:

- Take care of yourself by reminding yourself of either who you are or who you are becoming

- Don't cheat others out of the discovery and experience

- Don't let past experiences keep you from asking, "Now what?"

- Don't be afraid of coming to the point where you admit you don't know something. The edge of the map is an opportunity for accelerated growth

- Have people in your life who can reflect back to you the good in your own life that you may be overlooking

- Incorporate action and experience into the groups that you're leading. If you're already active in your groups, find a new adventure to go on together!

Music credits:DJ Quads | Cruise Around | Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/aka-dj-quads/cruise-aroundDJ Quads | It Just Makes Me Happy | Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/aka-dj-quads/it-just-makes-me-happy

Bill Blair is the founder of Rocks to Rivers, which is an organization focused on helping people live a life of adventure and influence by guiding them through experiences that build their confidence and expand their ability to navigate struggles. He is a leadership coach and American Mountain Guides Association certified single pitch instructor. His passion is to develop leaders of all sorts. Bill holds a master’s degree in Divinity and has 15 years of experience in leading individuals and groups as well as years of experience in rock climbing and outdoor risk management.

LEADERSHIP INSIGHTS

- Involve people in action, and they will remember the lessons they are being taught.

- Good guides ask good questions

- Leaders do the hard things to show their followers a way forward

- Shared experiences are better because other people help us see things we wouldn't otherwise see

ABOUT Rocks to Rivers

- Two focuses: 1) One-on-one guidance 2) Group adventure trips

- Helps people become more self-aware so they can begin asking better questions of themselves

- Provides a mirror and pathway to connect people with their stories and help them become who they were meant to be

QUESTIONS TO INSPIRE US TO ACTION

- What is some lesson, saying, or experience that continues to influence your leadership to this day? "Let's go." If someone comes up with a great idea, support that person. And have people in your life who will do the same for you.

- Use three descriptors to finish this sentence: “A leader is…” Humble, curious, does his/her own work, and takes risks.

- What is a question that leaders should be asking either themselves or others? Who am I becoming?

- What book would you recommend to leaders? Principles by Jordan Peterson

- If you could get every listener to start doing something THIS week to help them be a better leader, what would it be? Get an expo marker and, for 90 days, write positive "I am" statements on your mirror. And if you can't think of any, write "I am becoming..."

- As a general life principle, is it better to ask “why?” or “why not?” "Why not?"

Website:

https://www.rockstorivers.com/

Find Rocks to Rivers on social media:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rockstorivers/ (@rockstoriver)

Music credits:DJ Quads | Cruise Around | Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/aka-dj-quads/cruise-aroundDJ Quads | Smile | https://soundcloud.com/aka-dj-quads/smileDJ Quads | It Just Makes Me Happy | Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/aka-dj-quads/it-just-makes-me-happy