LIVE with The Famous Unshakeable™ Dr. AL

Phil M. Jones on The Secrets of Influence and Impact

From Teenage Entrepreneur to Global Authority

At just 14 years old, Phil M. Jones launched his first business by washing cars in his neighborhood, quickly realizing that the right words opened doors—and wallets. By 15, he was earning more than his schoolteachers and soon expanded into event planning and landscape gardening. Instead of university, Phil pursued real-world education, becoming the youngest sales manager for a national retail group. His career then spanned industries from professional soccer to real estate, where he oversaw multimillion-pound deals. But when the 2008 financial crisis struck, Phil faced a pivotal setback. Rather than retreat, he reinvented himself, leveraging his skills in communication and sales to become one of the world’s most sought-after speakers, trainers, and authors. Today, Phil has delivered more than 3,500 keynote speeches, written 12 bestselling books, and built an enduring reputation as a master of influence.

The Power of Magic Words

Phil’s international bestseller, Exactly What to Say, introduces what he calls “magic words”—simple but powerful phrases that reduce resistance and inspire action. As he explains, most professionals must sell, even if they don’t view themselves as salespeople. Whether in healthcare, politics, or small business, they face moments of friction where the right words matter. Phrases such as “I’m not sure if it’s for you, but…” create curiosity while eliminating fear of rejection. Similarly, asking “How open-minded would you be to…?” taps into people’s desire to live up to their self-image. Another tool, “What do you know about…?” helps uncover gaps in knowledge without confrontation. Finally, “How would you feel if…?” encourages future-focused, emotion-driven decisions. These conversational frameworks, Phil notes, are not about manipulation but about influence that benefits all parties involved.

Living a Fantastic Life Through Communication

Dr. Allen Lycka draws out how Phil’s journey exemplifies resilience, adaptability, and the transformative power of words. Together, they reflect on how crises—whether 2008’s crash or today’s uncertainties—can spark innovation and growth. Phil emphasizes that communication is at the heart of living a fantastic life. By asking better questions, showing compassion, and helping others uncover “useful truth,” we build momentum and create outcomes with lasting impact. The difference between influence and manipulation, he reminds us, lies in intent: true influence uplifts everyone involved. Beyond his business achievements, Phil shares that his work has allowed him to see more of the world, learn from diverse people, and continually expand his perspective.

Bio: 

An entrepreneurial success story and founder of 5 multimillion dollar companies, Phil M Jones is Strategic Advisor to pioneering leaders of the world’s biggest brands. The author of 7 best-selling books including the “Exactly” Book Series with over 2 million copies sold, he is the Producer of the “Most Listened To” Audiobook of all time and Innovator of the highly coveted “How to Persuade” audible production. To date, more than 800 different industries, across 59 countries and 5 continents have benefited from his input. Phil recently joined a long list of global leaders who serve in residence at High Point University’s Access to Innovators Program. The program at HPU connects students with industry leaders for networking and mentorship opportunities. He joins Apple Co-Founder Steve Wozniak, Netflix Co-Founder Marc Randolph and many others.

Social Media Links:

https://www.facebook.com/philmjonessales/

https://twitter.com/philmjonesuk

https://www.linkedin.com/in/philmjones

https://www.youtube.com/user/phillipmjones1

https://www.instagram.com/philmjonesuk/

https://soundcloud.com/philmjones

https://www.instagram.com/exactlywhattosay

The Tenacious Leader: Kevin Juza on Perseverance, Family Business, and Growth

Guest: Kevin Juza

Host: Dr. Allen Lycka

Introduction

In this episode, Dr. Allen Lycka welcomes Kevin Juza, known as the Tenacious Leader. With over two decades of corporate experience and more than ten years as a small business owner, coach, and consultant, Kevin has built and operated franchise businesses, co-owned an 18-unit apartment building, and now guides startup founders and family-owned companies through growth and succession planning. Kevin shares his perspective that tenacity is not just a trait but a driving force that transforms challenges into lasting success.

The Meaning of Tenacity

Kevin describes tenacity as grit, perseverance, and the drive to keep going when others give up. He shares personal stories of overcoming challenges in family-owned businesses and franchise operations, emphasizing that success comes from consistent effort and resilience. Kevin recounts his experience during the 2007-2008 San Diego fires and recession while running his fitness franchises, highlighting the importance of doing whatever it takes to keep a business alive.

Family Business and Succession Planning

Kevin explores how trust and transparency shape family-owned enterprises across generations. He offers practical advice for preparing the next generation to take over, including encouraging growth, accountability, and skill development. A key example includes a carpet cleaning business where Kevin helped a father and son navigate conflict, improve operations, and increase revenue while maintaining family relationships. Kevin emphasizes the balance of firm guidance with compassion, ensuring family ties remain intact.

Personal Tenacity and Daily Habits

Sharing his personal journey, Kevin recounts the challenges he and his wife faced with IVF, culminating in the birth of their identical twin daughters. This story illustrates the power of tenacity in personal life. He also outlines daily habits that fuel persistence in business, from consistent outreach to clients to continuously refining processes and communications. Kevin emphasizes curiosity, active listening, and the importance of understanding client pain points to drive meaningful results.

Living a Fantastic Life

Kevin explains that a fantastic life is about finding joy in small moments, fostering connection, and creating meaningful experiences for oneself and others. He shares personal examples of cultivating happiness, such as hosting a farewell party for friends and teaching his children hands-on skills. Kevin encourages listeners to explore their passions, embrace learning, and approach life with enthusiasm and curiosity.

Connect with Kevin Juza

To learn more, visit www.thetenaciousleader.com or email Kevin at [email protected]. Find him on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn under "The Tenacious Leader."

Closing Thoughts

Dr. Allen Lycka thanks Kevin for sharing his insights and encourages listeners to explore strategies for perseverance, growth, and meaningful family business succession. To discover more about living a fantastic life, visit www.drallenlycka.com and sign up for his Golden Pearls newsletter, offering monthly chances to win luxury trips.

BIO:

Kevin Juza is a seasoned sales, franchise, and leadership coach with over 20 years of experience in corporate leadership, entrepreneurship, and coaching. Through keynote speaking events, The Tenacious Leader helps clients in succession planning, maximize their potential, overcome obstacles, and achieve transformative results.

Social Media:

https://thetenaciousleader.com/

https://www.facebook.com/745994315799502

https://www.instagram.com/thetenaciousleader/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinjuza/

https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-tenacious-leader-poway

https://www.youtube.com/@TheTenaciousLeader

Barbara With: Unlocking Inner Peace as a Pathway to Global Transformation

Introduction

In this inspiring episode of Living a Fantastic Life, Dr. Allen Lycka welcomes Barbara With, an international peace activist, award-winning author, composer, and intuitive psychic channel. Barbara’s groundbreaking work with the collective known as The Party, guided by the spirit of Albert Einstein, has inspired six books on metaphysics and launched her revolutionary program, Conflict Revolution. She joins Dr. Lycka to share her journey of inner transformation and how it contributes to global peace.

Barbara’s Journey

Barbara With began her intuitive and creative path through music at a young age, which later led her to explore psychic channeling. In 1993, she and her associates, called the Psychic Sorority, embarked on a research-driven journey to understand the messages she was channeling. This work eventually connected her with The Party and the spirit of Albert Einstein. Barbara emphasizes that her mission is not to convince skeptics, but to provide experiences that allow individuals to witness and evaluate her work for themselves.

Conflict Revolution and the Sixth Sense

Conflict Revolution, Barbara’s core methodology, integrates intuition, intellect, and emotion as “spiritual organs” that must work together. The approach teaches individuals to feel emotions fully without attaching them to intellectual judgments, while also exploring the shadow aspects of ourselves. Barbara highlights the role of compassion—what Einstein described as the “first fundamental force”—as the guiding energy within us that fosters inner and outer peace.

Creating Global Peace Through Inner Work

Barbara explains that contributing to global peace begins with cultivating peace within ourselves. She shares practical steps for managing emotional triggers: acknowledging emotions without projecting them, examining traits we dislike in others as reflections of our own conflicts, and approaching interactions with humility and awareness. By mastering these inner processes, individuals can positively influence their surroundings and contribute to broader societal harmony.

World Peace Tour and Daily Practices

Barbara has traveled extensively, sharing her message across Europe and the U.S., speaking at conferences such as the Science of Consciousness in Barcelona and the Spirituality and Psychology Conference in Bangkok. Her daily routine centers on breathwork, setting intentions, cultivating gratitude, and practicing kindness, reinforcing her commitment to living an elevated, compassion-driven life. She stresses the importance of following intuition as a guide toward meaningful action and personal fulfillment.

Resources

To learn more about Barbara With, explore her books, or participate in her free Conflict Revolution Challenge, visit www.barbarawith.com. For additional insights on living a fantastic life, visit Dr. Allen Lycka at www.drallenlycka.com and subscribe to his weekly Golden Pearls newsletter.

BIO: 

Barbara with is an international peace activist, award-winning author, composer, and psychic channel whose groundbreaking work with a collective called “the Party”—led by the spirit of Albert Einstein—has inspired six books on metaphysics. As co-founder of Conflict REVOLUTION™️, she teaches a revolutionary method for resolving inner conflict as a pathway to global peace. Currently on a World Peace Tour, she empowers individuals to create lasting change from within.

Social Media Links 

https://barbarawith.com/

https://www.facebook.com/barbara.with

https://www.instagram.com/psychicsorority/

https://www.youtube.com/@barbwith

Celebrity Edition with Jason Yarusi

From Tragedy to Transformation

In this episode of Living a Fantastic Life, Dr. Allen Lycka welcomes Jason Yarusi, a dynamic speaker, author, coach, and real estate entrepreneur who embodies resilience and reinvention. Jason’s story begins with profound personal loss—by the age of 16, he had endured the deaths of close friends and a longtime girlfriend. These tragedies left him without direction as he entered adulthood, drifting through jobs in bars and restaurants while feeling stuck and unfulfilled. A near-fatal bike accident in New York City became his turning point. Jason realized he was living the same destructive cycle and decided to radically change his habits. By focusing on healthier routines, continuous learning, and intentional choices, he began reshaping his life and future.

Building Habits and Breaking Cycles

Jason emphasizes the power of habits, noting that up to 95% of daily actions are subconscious. Negative routines perpetuate negative outcomes, while conscious, positive practices create transformation. He stresses the importance of self-awareness—acknowledging negative thought patterns, toxic environments, and self-doubt. For Jason, real progress started with owning his shortcomings and committing to new habits that aligned with the person he wanted to become. His advice is simple yet profound: ask yourself whether your daily actions reflect the life you truly desire. If not, define the habits of your ideal self and begin living them intentionally.

From Bartender to Real Estate Mogul

Jason’s willingness to pivot led him from opening and selling hospitality businesses to scaling his family’s construction company, and ultimately to real estate investment. Since 2016, he and his team have acquired over $350 million in multifamily properties across the Southeast. He highlights that success in raising capital comes from preparation—educating and aligning with potential investors before opportunities arise. By creating clear investment avatars and communicating early, he built trust and secured funding efficiently when deals became available.

Embracing Failure and Focus

Failure, Jason shares, is inevitable—but how we frame it makes the difference. He uses the “five-second vs. five-year problem” lens to determine what deserves his energy. This perspective helps avoid overwhelm and allows for focused attention on what truly matters. Structuring the day, compartmentalizing priorities, and being fully present—whether at work, with family, or in personal reflection—ensures clarity and balance.

Living a Fantastic Life

For Jason, living fantastically means appreciating the moment while striving for growth. Gratitude is central, even in hardship, and clarity of goals is essential. He encourages listeners to boldly declare what they want, despite fear of failure, because the true regret lies in never trying. His philosophy is rooted in a 100-year vision: making decisions today that positively affect generations ahead.

Connect with Jason Yarusi

Discover more about Jason’s work at www.jasonyarusi.com, where you can access his free eBook on breaking habits and learn about his coaching. Tune into his short-form podcast, Live 100, for quick, actionable strategies to build better habits and design a life of fulfillment.

The Journey from Architecture to Conscious Conversations

In this inspiring episode, Dr. Allen Lycka welcomes Chuck Wisner, a renowned advisor, coach, and author who has spent three decades helping leaders and teams transform the way they communicate. Beginning his career as a musician and then a successful architect in Boston, Chuck made a bold shift at the age of forty into the study of language, communication, and human dynamics. His training in mediation led him to work with Harvard Law School’s Mediation Program and MIT’s Center for Organizational Learning. Drawing from his eclectic background, Chuck discovered the profound impact of conversations—how they shape our lives, our relationships, and even the world at large. His journey reflects the power of reinvention and the courage to follow new passions while building on the lessons of the past.

The Power of Stories, Patterns, and Awareness

At the heart of Chuck’s work is his book The Art of Conscious Conversations: Transforming How We Talk, Listen, and Interact. He reveals how most of us fall into unconscious conversational patterns—ways of speaking inherited from our families, culture, and experiences. By becoming aware of these patterns, we gain the ability to choose new responses and create healthier dynamics. Chuck emphasizes that our stories are not the truth but interpretations we adopt. Some stories empower us, while others limit us, and recognizing the difference is key to personal growth. He highlights the interplay between emotions, facts, and stories, showing how false or negative narratives can spread faster than truth. Through practical awareness, we can dismantle harmful beliefs—such as inherited judgments about self-worth—and replace them with facts and constructive standards. Conscious conversations allow us to move beyond autopilot reactions, manage private thoughts that undermine public words, and engage with others more authentically.

Living a Fantastic Life through Practice and Self-Care

Beyond communication, Chuck shares timeless wisdom about living a fantastic life. He stresses the importance of self-awareness, mindfulness, and caring for both body and mind. Meditation, he explains, is not about rigid rituals but about cultivating familiarity with one’s own mind and thoughts. Physical health, too, is essential, as longevity requires attention to the body as well as the spirit. Chuck reminds listeners that transformation is not instantaneous—it is a practice built on small, consistent steps. Whether it is changing a habit, improving conversations, or taking charge of health, the key is daily commitment. Dr. Lycka reinforces this message by noting that even late changes can lead to remarkable improvements, as seen in stories of people reversing long-standing health issues. Together, they encourage listeners to start now, embrace conscious awareness, and make choices that lead to a richer, more fulfilling life. Chuck’s book is available on Amazon and through local bookstores, and a free introduction can be downloaded at www.chuckwisner.com

Singer Carter: Shining a Light on Elder Care Reform

About the Guest

In this moving episode, Dr. Allen Lycka welcomes Susie Singer Carter, an award-winning and Oscar-qualified filmmaker, writer, and outspoken advocate for elder care reform. Susie is best known for her groundbreaking documentary No Country for Old People, a film born from her personal experiences as a caregiver for her mother with Alzheimer’s. Her work not only exposes the systemic neglect and abuse in long-term care facilities but also ignites national dialogue about compassion, dignity, and justice for some of society’s most vulnerable citizens.

A Journey Fueled by Love and Loss

Susie’s advocacy began at home as she navigated her mother’s long battle with Alzheimer’s. She discovered firsthand the stigma and misunderstanding that still surround dementia, even within the medical community. Her short film, My Mom and the Girl, portrayed Alzheimer’s through a lens of joy and resilience, reminding audiences that people living with cognitive decline still have value, purpose, and humanity. When her mother eventually entered a nursing facility, Susie encountered the harsh realities of America’s elder care system. From understaffing to preventable neglect, she was shocked to witness the consequences of a profit-driven model that too often reduces elders to costs rather than people.

Exposing Systemic Failures

The COVID-19 pandemic magnified these flaws. Families like Susie’s endured heartbreaking separations, while residents suffered isolation, malnutrition, untreated conditions, and premature deaths. Susie describes discovering her mother with a stage four bedsore—a preventable condition that spiraled into sepsis and ultimately contributed to her passing. Through her research, Susie connected with federal prosecutor Rick Mountcastle, who confirmed that what she witnessed was not unique but part of a deeply entrenched, decades-old systemic crisis. Corporate structures, real estate investment trusts, and industry lobbying have created layers of protection that insulate those responsible while leaving patients and families powerless.

Purpose, Dignity, and Community

Despite her grief, Susie channeled her pain into storytelling and advocacy. She believes a fantastic life is built on three pillars: purpose, dignity, and community. Her mother, even in advanced stages of Alzheimer’s, embodied this philosophy by cherishing life and connection. Susie urges us all to view aging not as a burden but as a shared destiny deserving respect. Ageism, she argues, is simply a bias against our future selves. By shifting collective consciousness, society can embrace the elderly and vulnerable as human beings, not commodities.

The Power of Collective Action

To spark reform, Susie co-founded the movement ROAR: Respect, Oversight, Advocacy, and Reform. She calls on listeners to raise their voices, stand for accountability, and demand systemic change from the ground up. Like other social justice movements, she believes momentum must come from ordinary people refusing to accept the status quo. Through No Country for Old People, Susie hopes to validate families who have suffered in silence and inspire a groundswell for transparency and reform.

Watch and Support

No Country for Old People is now streaming on Amazon Prime, Tubi, and Hoopla. Visit www.NoCountryforOldPeople.com to learn more. You can also connect with Susie at www.GoGirlMedia.com or on social media under her name. She welcomes thoughtful engagement from anyone who wants to join the movement.

Closing Inspiration

As Dr. Lycka reflects, sometimes a fantastic life means courageously confronting uncomfortable truths. Susie Singer Carter reminds us that change begins when we choose to care—for our parents, our neighbors, and ultimately, our future selves. Her story is a testament to resilience, advocacy, and the belief that dignity must never be optional.

Episode Title: Navigating Divorce with Confidence, Compassion, and Control with Mardi Winder-Adams

Introduction

In this episode of The Fantastic Life Podcast, Dr. Allen Lycka sits down with Mardi Winder-Adams, a certified divorce transition and high conflict divorce coach, distinguished mediator, international speaker, podcaster, and best-selling author. Mardi shares her extensive experience helping both men and women navigate the emotional and financial challenges of divorce, reduce costs, and find clarity and control during a difficult life transition. From her early career as an educator to her journey through her own divorce, Mardi explains how her past roles inform her approach to coaching and mediation today.

Guest Journey and Expertise

Mardi recounts starting as an elementary school teacher before transitioning into behavioral consultation for school districts in Alberta. Her own divorce, though initially straightforward, became a complex and expensive ordeal, inspiring her to pursue divorce coaching. After moving to Texas and working as a domestic violence client advocate, she built a practice combining executive leadership coaching with mediation and divorce coaching. Mardi emphasizes the integration of behavioral expertise, empathy, and practical strategies to support clients in achieving resolution while preserving emotional well-being.

Approach to Divorce Coaching

Mardi explains the three pillars of her approach: confidence, compassion, and control. She guides clients to manage emotions, gain clarity, and take ownership of their decisions. Her coaching focuses on preparing clients for mediation, managing conflict, and addressing both emotional and financial concerns. Mardi highlights that divorce is not a failure, but a transition requiring self-reflection, mindfulness, and strategic planning. By helping clients develop effective communication and conflict-resolution skills, she ensures both parties can move forward positively.

Common Misconceptions and Challenges

Mardi addresses common misconceptions, especially among women, regarding divorce. Many clients underestimate the emotional and financial preparation needed. Women often feel overwhelmed by finances due to lack of prior involvement in investment and retirement decisions. Mardi advocates seeking professional guidance to gain clarity and make informed decisions. She also explains how pets, sentimental items, and family businesses can unexpectedly complicate negotiations, illustrating the nuanced challenges of divorce mediation.

Self-Care and Living a Fantastic Life

Mardi emphasizes self-care as essential, encouraging sleep, exercise, nutrition, and joyful activities during divorce. She urges clients to rediscover passions and integrate daily acts of kindness. Both she and Dr. Lycka highlight mindset shifts: viewing divorce as a learning experience, not a failure, and focusing on future growth. These strategies help clients build resilience, maintain emotional balance, and foster stronger relationships post-divorce.

Rewards of Coaching

The most rewarding aspect of Mardi’s work is witnessing overwhelmed clients gain clarity, advocate for themselves, and navigate divorce successfully while safeguarding their children’s well-being. Seeing clients find joy and purpose after divorce validates her mission of guiding people toward confident, compassionate, and controlled transitions.

BIO:

Mardi Winder-Adams is a certified divorce transition and high-conflict divorce coach helping men and women to navigate divorce and reduce the emotional and financial cost of the process. She is a credentialed distinguished mediator, international speaker, podcaster, and best-selling author.

Social Media Links 

https://mardiwa.as.me/divorcestrategysession 

https://www.divorcecoach4women.com/ 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mardiwinderadams 

https://www.instagram.com/divorcecoach4women/?hl=en 

Finding Your Path to Living Large with Barbara Stone

In this inspiring episode of How to Live a Fantastic Life, Dr. Allen Lycka welcomes Barbara Stone, a Syracuse-based entrepreneur, author, and leadership coach. After a 25-year career as an Executive Vice President and CFO, Barbara launched Build Your Path, LLC, combining her expertise in resilience, positive psychology, and leadership to help others achieve authentic success. She also draws on her personal experiences overcoming alopecia and loss, showing how challenges can become stepping stones. Her latest book, So Much to Drool About: Lessons for Living Large, uses stories inspired by her beloved Great Danes to offer wisdom and motivation.

From Corporate Success to Personal Fulfillment

Barbara shares her journey from climbing the corporate ladder to seeking deeper meaning. Recognizing that leadership begins with self-work, she pursued studies in resilience and positive psychology, became a certified coach, and devoted herself to guiding others toward their best lives. Leaving a secure career wasn’t easy, but she trusted her calling, even when it meant stepping far outside her comfort zone. Her advice: pay attention to life’s “quantum flirts”—the subtle signs and opportunities the universe sends—and be willing to take small steps toward change.

Lessons from Great Danes

The heart of Barbara’s book is the wisdom drawn from her Great Danes, whose presence, personalities, and unconditional love offer life lessons. She relates each dog’s story to human experiences—resilience, self-expression, rest, and joy. “Living large,” Barbara explains, means finding your voice, asking for what you need, and showing up fully in life, just as her dogs do. She reminds us to rest when needed, recharge, and welcome others with kindness—principles that apply as much to people as to pets.

A Morning Routine for Inspiration

Barbara begins her days with gratitude, meditation or prayer, and reading something inspirational—often her own book, which serves as a daily reminder of life’s simple but profound lessons. She encourages listeners to center themselves before diving into tasks, creating space for intentional living. Her stories are designed to spark reflection, offering a short piece of wisdom that can resonate throughout the day.

Living a Fantastic Life

For Barbara, living a fantastic life means listening to your heart, embracing change, and stepping beyond comfort zones. She believes personal fulfillment comes from helping others live their best lives and is expanding her work into curriculum for schools and social-emotional learning programs. Her encouragement to listeners is simple yet powerful: slow down, connect the dots, and take one small, brave step at a time.

Connect with Barbara Stone

Barbara’s book, So Much to Drool About: Lessons for Living Large, is available in hardcover, paperback, and Kindle on Amazon. Learn more about her work, watch her TEDx talk, and sign up for her newsletter at www.barbstone.me.

BIO:

Barbara Stone is a Syracuse, NY-based entrepreneur, author, and leadership coach who helps individuals, teams, and boards define and achieve their authentic version of success. After a 25-year career as an Executive Vice President and CFO, she launched Build Your Path LLC in 2018, drawing on her studies in resilience and positive psychology, as well as her own experiences overcoming alopecia and personal loss. A TEDx speaker and author of So Much to Drool About - lessons for living large (April 2025), she inspires others through coaching, speaking, and community leadership to create lives that truly reflect who they are.

Social Media Links 

www.barbstone.me

https://www.linkedin.com/in/barb-stone-1409677/

https://www.facebook.com/people/Build-Your-Path-LLC/100063753121885/

[email protected] 

Serving Humanity and Leading with Purpose with Brent Collingwood

Introduction

In this inspiring episode of The Famous Dr. Al LIVE, Dr. Allen Lycka welcomes Brent Collingwood, past District Governor of Rotary International District 5370. Brent shares his journey from a university administrator at the Alberta School of Business to becoming a 25-year Rotarian, certified executive coach, and facilitator. Together, they explore leadership, service, and how to live a fantastic life.

Rotary’s Global Impact

Brent reflects on his experiences at international Rotary conventions, emphasizing the diversity, fellowship, and shared mission of “uniting for good.” He explains the House of Friendship, where Rotary action groups showcase initiatives on topics like human trafficking and clean water. Rotary brings together people from all corners of the world to serve communities, bridging gaps between developed and developing nations.

Personal Journey and Leadership

Brent shares how he first joined Rotary after returning from living overseas, reestablishing his professional and social network. Dr. Lycka and Brent discuss the role of a District Governor—serving as CEO and chair of a district with multiple clubs—where motivating, recognizing, and inspiring club members is paramount. Brent highlights servant leadership, focusing on supporting others to achieve their best.

Coaching vs. Mentoring

Brent explains the difference between mentoring and coaching. Mentoring involves sharing expertise and guiding someone on the spot, whereas coaching encourages reflection and problem-solving, helping people develop their own solutions. He emphasizes that true coaching requires a willing participant and is a process, not an instant transformation.

Adapting Through Change

The pandemic impacted nonprofit engagement globally, including Rotary. Brent discusses how hybrid meetings and digital tools enabled connection, and how the organization embraces diversity, equity, and inclusion. He stresses that Rotary is about giving what you can—time, talent, or treasure—without obligation, making service accessible to all.

Living a Fantastic Life

Brent and Dr. Lycka explore how Rotary fosters positivity, joy, and purpose in life. Brent advises turning away from negativity, embracing small acts of kindness, and saying “yes” to opportunities. His message underscores that service, fellowship, and personal growth are keys to a fulfilling life.

Connect with Brent Collingwood

For questions on Rotary, coaching, or leadership, Brent can be reached at [email protected]. Explore more about living a fantastic life with Dr. Allen Lycka at www.drallenlycka.com, and subscribe to receive weekly golden pearls of wisdom.

Closing Thoughts

This episode is a masterclass in servant leadership, coaching, and making a meaningful impact in your community and the world. Join Brent and Dr. Lycka as they inspire you to serve, grow, and live a fantastic life.

BIO:

Brent Collingwood is a past Governor of Rotary International District 5370 which covers north central Alberta, Yukon, Northwest Territories and parts of British Columbia and Saskatchewan. Brent is a retired University administrator with a 20-year career at the Alberta School of Business. Brent holds a master of education degree focused on leadership and change, a Certified Executive Coach, and a Certified Facilitative Leader. Brent has been a Rotarian for 25 years, serving in every role at both the club and District level. Brent's next venture is training incoming Governors as they prepare for their governing year.

Social Media Link

https://www.linkedin.com/in/brentcollingwood/

How Business Can Be a Force for Good — With Sam Wolf

In this episode of How to Live a Fantastic Life, Dr. Allen Lycka welcomes Sam Wolf, a passionate business strategist and advocate for value-driven leadership. From a humble start in rural New Mexico to global travels that inspired a deep interest in equity, law, and impact, Sam’s journey is a masterclass in aligning business with purpose. As an executive at Falling Colors, a public benefit corporation, Sam brings real-world solutions to help organizations prioritize people and the planet—without sacrificing profit.

A Global Journey Rooted in Curiosity

Sam’s story begins with a simple desire: to understand the world. His travels through developing countries ignited a desire to explore inequality, colonialism, and the systems behind prosperity and hardship. These experiences led him to pursue law and eventually work in both advocacy and corporate sectors. His work today is centered on transforming how businesses think—shifting focus from profit-only models to those that evaluate all stakeholders, including employees, communities, and the environment.

Embedding Happiness in the Workplace

According to Sam, many businesses falsely believe that productivity and happiness are at odds. He dismantles this myth with evidence: unhappy employees lead to burnout, turnover, and poor performance. At Falling Colors, Sam emphasizes practical strategies like reevaluating contracts through a stakeholder lens, declining business that would negatively impact team well-being, and ensuring leadership lives the values they promote. Their commitment to values is more than words—it’s integrated into daily decisions.

Systems Thinking and Social Impact

Falling Colors uses frameworks like the Social Determinants of Health and B Corp principles to evaluate their ripple effects—both positive and negative. Sam stresses that companies must consider externalities, like environmental harm or overworked employees, as real business costs. This holistic view encourages sustainable operations and ethical growth. He advocates for business norms to evolve so that external impacts are built into financial reporting, offering a fuller picture of success.

Curiosity as a Way of Life

When asked how he lives a fantastic life, Sam credits his endless curiosity and commitment to lifelong learning. Whether diving into books or brainstorming social solutions, he remains engaged with the world around him. He believes this same drive can and should be nurtured within businesses.

Connect with Sam Wolf

To learn more about Sam or Falling Colors, visit www.fallingcolors.com or connect with Sam on LinkedIn. He's open to discussions on public benefit corporations, cybersecurity, and how to transform business from the inside out.

BIO:

Sam Wolf has spent his life to satisfy an endless curiosity about why the world is the way it is and how we can promote well-being and sustainability. After a decade working and studying around the globe, Sam earned an MA in International Law and Human Rights and then a law degree, then spent a decade representing individuals in whistleblower, wage theft, discrimination, and similar cases. Now COO and General Counsel at Falling Colors Corporation, one of the highest-scoring B-Corporations in the world, Sam is working to guide business to become a force for good. 

Social Media:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/samwolf/