Pitching the Truth

Will society give people a second chance? Are we willing to really reach out and try to help these people? Why do the society frown upon people that have made mistakes? Is it a double standard that people in the United States that have the wealth, power and the connection are able to be given a stronger second chance than the average person on the street.

And why is it that we decide we can push these people to the curb and not spend the time needed to help them become better members of the society, not go back to prison and learn different skillsets to support their families and support themselves.

Listen as Greg shares tackle about the stigma for those who spent time lockup up. He also shared his mission to put together programs, communities, and resources for people not to go to back prison.

 "Given the right resources, everybody must be given at least one opportunity to try to grow and become a better human being."

-Gregory Paul Kotsaftis

What do you want to hear from the Pitching the Truth podcast?

Tell us here!

Love the Podcast? Subscribe on iTunes for updates

Topics Covered

02:19 – The Power of Second Chances-Greg in Real Estate School

05:41 – Real estate board denying Greg's license

06:26 – Rejection from employment because of his background

07:40 – Greg's support system from family, friends, and Julie

08:24 – That 'One' question: Have you committed a felony and or been in prison?

08:40 – Greg is a success story

10:15 – Greg's mission to help inmates reintegrate to the society

11:37 – Michael Vick, Jordan Belfort, and Donald Trump: resurrecting their images after hitting bottom

15:23 – Struggle of former inmates when they try to transition back into the society

People Mentioned

Michael Vick

Jordan Belfort – The Wolf of Wall Street

Donald Trump

 Tweetable Takeaways from this Episode

• I am a success story. I am somebody here trying to change things. I am working on trying to help society become better.

 Links

• http://veracitygp.com/
• Gregory Paul's Book- The Truth About Lies

Greg Paul was his family's Superman. As soon as there's a problem, he instantly goes in and fixes it. He was definitely good at it. But he overdid everything, over the process. As he did an untruthful act to his car dealership business leading to an arrest and conviction. He knew he had to slow down and win everything. He did not use that opportunity to ask for help from his family and friends.

In this episode, Greg talked about everybody having that Superman Syndrome. That makes use plow people in our attempt to save the day. We did not recognize our personal kryptonite that will lead us to take a step back.

Listen as to this episode and learn to acknowledge your vulnerability and have the power to share it with other people. Know that these vulnerable moments will help you overcome your life's struggle with the help of the people around you if you just let them in and help you.

 "Being Superman really is not what it is all about. Everybody has their kryptonite."

-Gregory Paul Kotsaftis

What do you want to hear from the Pitching the Truth podcast?

Tell us here!

Love the Podcast? Subscribe on iTunes for updates

Topics Covered

02:31 – Two type of identities

03:40 – the superficial success we show other people via social media

04:49 – putting up a brave front that everything is going to be okay, even if we are not

06:06 – the ugliness of depression, financial instability causing everything to crash

07:00 – Greg's fear of not keeping up with the people in Boulder, Colorado

07:52 – the importance of reaching out to other people for help

08:59 – keeping up the facade of pretention to please people

09:20 – embracing vulnerability for strength

11:20 – Greg coming back to his Jiujutsu training

12:08 – Greg's trainer's depression and nervous breakdown struggle and how he overcome

13:33 – overcoming the kryptonite to everybody's superman syndrome

14:08 – the farmer's story how took his own life out of fear and frustration

15:44 – being vulnerable and putting yourself out there           

17:25 – you are not superman and it is okay to be vulnerable

 Tweetable Takeaways from this Episode

• We are ashamed of not realizing how tough things are or not realizing your own weaknesses instead we put that brave front that everything is going to be okay.
• Do not worry about it you'll figure it out.
• Everybody is out there trying to pretend they are something they are not. Which is based on their social circle, their career, how they are perceived by their family. People have this image that they feel they need to uphold.
• People need to communicate more and share more about how they feel.

 Links

• http://veracitygp.com/
• Gregory Paul's Book- The Truth About Lies 

Paul Gibbons is a former investment banker, consultant, and CEO. Today, his writing, speaking, and scholarship focuses on how science and philosophy can provide practical solutions to the problems we face in the 21st century. 

In this episode, Paul and Gregory Paul interview each other. As they dive deep and the topic of truth, their past stories, Greg being a former felon and Paul as a former alcoholic-drug user. Hear their no holds bar story as they share each other's truths.

"The emotional and social support from people that has been down and gone the same path as you is priceless."

 -Paul Gibbons

Timestamps:

01:02 – All about Paul Gibbons, his early years and professional career, his battle with alcohol and controlled substances, and the 'unemployable stage' of his life.

07:29 – Paul Gibbons' thoughts about white collar crimes, redemption and second chances for incarcerated people

09:00 – Importance of a community as a support system

11:15 – Greg shares the situation of inmates inside the facilities, the lack of structure that hinders them, unless programs for them in case they transition back to the normal life

14:01 – Why Greg think that the prison system is designed to help people to keep coming back

14:46 – all about Tethered by Letters | Literary publisher and resource for writers

15:32 – The power and impact of a self-help community according to Paul Gibbons, his recovery journey from alcoholism and drugs  through the help of Alcohol Anonymous

17:35 – Greg's upcoming program with Catherine Hoke with helping inmates improve their lives

18:25 – Real life realism from 10-million entrepreneur builders like Gregory Paul and Paul Gibbons

19:40 – Why Paul Gibbons resonates so much with people who have been in the prison

26:02 – Paul Gibbons talks about depression

31:44 – Importance of transparency

39:10 – Connect with Paul Gibbons

Tweetable Quotes:

• I think there need to be more programs, more opportunities, more training to help these guys figure out what are the skillsets and what they can do. – Greg Paul
• People do not realize that these people could be valuable members of society and community but they really need help. And they need people to give them the second chance. – Greg Paul
• The emotional and social support from people that have been down as you, gone the same path as you is priceless. – Paul Gibbons
• You can never want to bend the truth with anybody, especially to people who are helping you. – Greg Paul
• You are sick as your secrets. – Paul Gibbons

Resources Mentioned:

• Gregory Paul's Book- The Truth About Lies
• Tethered by Letters | Literary publisher and resource for writers
• Alcoholics Anonymous
• Defy Ventures

Connect with Paul Gibbons:

• LinkedIn
• Website
• Podcast: Think Bigger, Think Better

Connect with Gregory Paul:

• Website

• Facebook
• LinkedIn
• Podcast: Pitching The Truth

Greg Paul shares the speech he did for Ignite Denver 28, a fast-paced geek event that believes that public speaking builds confidence in individuals. The event's goal is to make it possible for anyone, anywhere, present their ideas and their stories.

In this episode, Greg challenged himself with to present his story and inspire others in 20 slides, which automatically advance every 15 seconds. Storytelling in a fast and fun presentation which lasts just 5 minutes.

"Your reputation is something that in today's world could be ruined in an instant." 

-Gregory Paul Kotsaftis

Links and Resources:

• Gregory Paul's Book- The Truth About Lies
• Greg Kotsaftis's actual speech on Ignite Denver 28 – Gregory Kotsaftis: The Truth About Lies
• Ignite Denver

Connect with Gregory Paul:

www.veracitygp.com

Everything must comply with regulations. A regulatory compliance program has positive benefits and outcomes and they also protect the interests of everyone.

In this episode, Greg shares his thought about complacency and compliance, C and C as he call it. Because of Greg's fast-paced life he overlooked the rules and the laws of the country and experienced the consequence of his actions.  

Stories of Compliance

• Monthly compliance to his probation - Greg has to deal with the rules set forth until he settle his restitution.
• Using personal computers to store company data.- Restriction of using personal computers because of personal data protection security (for non-profits) and company information as general
• Story of a University Profession doing side hustle of public speaking – Because of this professor's passion he was called in by his University boss due to employment exclusivity clause.

Topics Covered

03:56 – Greg and their organization NP Tech for Good

06:00 – all about Prodigy Coffeehouse  and its non-profit background

08:00 – personal data protection security for non-profits

08:00 – personal data protection security for non-profits

10:15 – what compliance is all about

15:00 – Greg shares a story of a University professor who is doing professional speaking and was restricted because of employment exclusivity clause.

16:38 – Greg personal take on compliance, how a person play by their own rules

 Tweetable Takeaways from this Episode

• In life, there are rules to be followed.
• If you are honest, transparent and upfront at all times, you are much better off and not have to worry about the repercussion of not making a decision without letting somebody know.
• If you do not like the rules, do not be in the game.

 Resources

• Toastmasters International
• NP Tech for Good

 Links

• http://veracitygp.com/
• Gregory Paul's Book- The Truth About Lies 

In this episode, Greg Jameson got to interview Gregory Paul on his podcast 20 Minutes of Influence where you will want to take fully to heart as you listen to Gregory Paul share his story.

You can visit the actual interview on Greg Jameson's page. The interview is titled, "The Importance of Always Being Truthful"

"The consequences of your lies will catch up with you."

-Gregory Paul Kotsaftis

Timestamps:

01:04 - How Greg Jameson and Greg Paul met

03:32 – Greg Paul share his backstory

06:22 – Greg Jameson talks about influence and being truthful

08:26 – being direct and honest when it comes to making sales

10:52 – how your dishonest past can catch up with you

15:00 – everyone being micro influencers

21:24 – Greg shares how he got charged

22:43 – how Greg Paul felt like a 'town leper' when everyone knew his dishonest act

25:01 –serving 14-months in Camp George West facility

26:35 – Greg Jameson thoughts on Greg Paul's experience

27:28 – Greg Paul's take on addressing adversity and irate customers

29:15 – Greg Paul's major life lessons from his experience

Resources Mentioned:

• Gregory Paul's Book- The Truth About Lies
• Greg Kotsaftis's actual interview on 20 minutes of Influence – The Importance of Always Being Truthful

Connect with Greg Jameson:

• Facebook
• LinkedIn
• Website
• Podcast

Connect with Gregory Paul:

• Website

Owning your truth gives you the freedom to take charge of your own life. Even accepting your own mistakes can give you the power of redemption. When you become honest with yourself about what you want and what you want to do, you'll be on track to living your honest life.

But what if you did something that put you behind bars, are you willing to expose it?

In this episode, Greg contemplated how much he will expose his truths, expose who he is, what he has done and what had happened to him. He shared how he was holding back to bare it all for the fear to what others will think.

Listen as to how Greg share his vulnerable thoughts, how at first he felt reluctant about sharing his story. Find out how he plans to go all in and expose his truths and his story.

Topics Covered

00:58 – How Greg contemplated on how he will bare his truths

01:43 – Greg shares the story of Frank Abagnale, from Catch Me If You Can

02:25 – the importance of having a coach

03:31 – How Greg feel reluctant about sharing his story

04:33 – Greg on vulnerability

05:38 – Greg talks about his plan to go all in and tell his story

08:00 – social media the lies behind it

08:32 – how ego drove Greg to commit his crimes

09:32 – Greg talks about second chances

11:22 – Greg talks about the importance of owning the things you do

12:44 – redemption

13:30 – Greg shares one story when a realtor friend rooted and stood up for him

16:30 – random stories of everyday deceits and redemption

18:18 – all about Greg's mission to share his story and help many people find their truth

 Tweetable Takeaways from this Episode

• You cannot live your life in the shadow.
• You cannot hide from the truth and pretend that what happened did not happen.
• I have to really get out there and start speaking my message and let people know about what happened to me, what I did and how it affected other people so others can learn from it.
• Just because somebody has a past does not mean that they are a bad person.

 People Mentioned

• Frank Abagnale
• Ed Tate

 Links

• http://veracitygp.com/
• Gregory Paul's Book- The Truth About Lies

Lying isn't something any of us is particularly proud of. It's why we hide the fact that we lie in the first place. And not only do we hide our lying, we spend an inordinate amount of time trying to justify it, defend it, and/or blame it on anything but our own sneaky and cowardly selves.

In this episode, Greg talks about the speech he did at an event of Lakewood Colorado Rotary Club that tackles about the negative impact lying can cause your health and the importance of joining a circle like a rotary club to help people live their lives truthfully.

• Lying creates a makeup reality. The act of keeping and hiding a secret because of lying gives us that agony of making our stories to be consistent and convincing to the people we lied on to.
• Lying hide the real you. If you hold on to secrets long enough and insulate yourself with them, in a sense, you become your secrets.
• Lying brings agony and stress. Keeping years off of your life.
• Lying keeps you awake and has difficulty sleeping.
• By lying you lose your appetite and eventually lose weight.

Topics Covered

01:30 – Rotary Club: The Four Way Test

05:16 – Greg talks about Well's Fargo Fraud

07:32 – the consequence of not doing the right thing

09:00 – the importance of accountability

10:58 – Greg discussing a study about truth from Notre Dame

12:13 – negative impacts of lying to your health

15:33 – Two Groups of people: direct honest people; liars and deceitful

17:08 – Greg's positive flow of abundance for being honest

 Tweetable Takeaways from this Episode

• People need to be held accountable.
• Every day with social media, and the media, in general, we are being told lie to win. And the reality is that you do not win. You cannot win by lying.
• Stress is caused by lying and being deceitful. It can take years off of your life.
• If I can make one person not make the same mistake I've made and not go through all the pain I've gone through, then my mission is complete.

 Links

• http://veracitygp.com/
• Gregory Paul's Book- The Truth About Lies
• https://www.rotarycluboflakewood.org/

We gravitated toward a certain type of people due to our aspirations and interests. It is said that who we surround ourselves with, we become.

If you want to have greatness in your life, surround yourself with great positive people. If your goal is to be a happy, fulfilled, honest, confident, empowered and principled person, surround yourself with people who are the same.

In this episode, Greg talks about the people you surround yourself with and how they affect who you are in relation to how you live your life and how honest you can be with yourself and with others.

You have to focus on trying to keep the positive people in your life that is what the most important thing here. Because positivity breathes positivity, growth, and happiness.

1. Focus on bringing quality people into your circle. Do not let people come in to just drain your energy or dump their problems on you and bring you down.
2.  Breakaway from negative people even by yourself. Spend time alone.
3. Focus on finding positive likeminded people and keep them in your circle.
4. Do not waste time with energy suckers, time wasters, and drama queens because all of those things do not serve you.
5. Go out and vet who you want to spend your time with.
6.  

Greg's Challenge: Try to qualify and reevaluate the people you have in your life for a month. And decide who you want to spend your time with.

01:45 – Greg's relationship with his brother

06:07 – the importance of talking to people you trust and squaring up with them

11:20 – talks about the circle of friends you surround yourself with

14:00 – Greg describes the people he has in his life

15:58 – Greg's relationship with her fiancée Julie

17:00 – the Negative relationships that Greg removed from his circle

22:25 – Greg's Challenge

22:54 – Connect with Greg

 Tweetable Takeaways from this Episode

• If you see somebody making mistakes or not being in the direct path, confront them immediately.
• The people you need to surround yourself with are quality people.
• You have to focus on trying to keep the positive people in your life that is what the most important thing here. Because positivity breathes positivity, growth, and happiness.

• http://veracitygp.com/
• Gregory Paul's Book- The Truth About Lies

It's never easy to admit you've made a mistake, but it's a crucial step in learning, growing, and improving yourself.

You can only learn from a mistake after you admit you've made it. As soon as you start blaming other people, you distance yourself from any possible lesson. But if you courageously own up your mistakes and take responsibility for it, learning and growth will come to you.

1. Embrace who you really are.

Like what Greg mentioned, in today's world of social media things are superficial and pretentious. As he shared his past mistakes it helped him that he owned who he really was and embrace his story.

1. Talk your thoughts to people you trust.

Having a genuine communication to people you trust leads to help and gives them the opportunity to step up and say, "Hey, how can I help you today?" It also builds your accountability group.

1. Take inventory of people who you want to spend time with.

As Greg shared, he eliminated his connection with people who are energy and time-suck. Not that he never want to connect with them. But he took the liberty to take an inventory of the people he wants to stay on his life that will help him grow and be a better person. He shared by doing so, it gave him free time to spend on purposeful things like meditation and reading.

01:18 – Greg's reconnection to a previous coaching client in Linkedin

06:28 – the importance of talking to people you trust

08:42 – Greg as a looper

10:30 – Greg talking about his past and how being about it helped him

11:20 – Connect with Greg

• Usually, people's action does not match their words.
• Go forward by yourself and try to find the real people.
• When you start to face your fears and face your faults all of the wonderful things that you have to offer appear.

• http://veracitygp.com/
• Gregory Paul's Book- The Truth About Lies