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What truly sets exceptional financial advisors apart? Is it technical knowledge, investment returns, or something deeper? In this deeply personal conversation, John Evangelista shares the journey that transformed him from a young advisor at American Express to the founder of a specialized wealth management firm serving university faculty and staff across the country.

John's story isn't just about building a successful practice—it's about making the courageous decisions that defined his career. After selling the majority of his client book in 2003 and starting over with just 14 families, he discovered that clarity of purpose would become his North Star. Despite being told his idea to specialize in serving university employees was "the dumbest idea ever," John persisted, building a thriving firm now registered in 19 states with clients from Yale to USC.

The most powerful revelation comes when John reflects on what he's learned after three decades in the business: "Great clients can help you create a great revenue stream, but great relationships create a great life." This philosophy has transformed how he mentors the next generation of advisors, teaching them to count relationships rather than just client numbers. The depth of these connections became painfully clear when John flew to Hawaii to say goodbye to a dying client who told him, "All I feel is love."

For those facing their own challenges, John offers two transformative principles that guided his journey: "Surround yourself with the best team possible" and "Don't be a prisoner of your past." These insights helped him overcome early setbacks, including his parents' divorce and other career disappointments, to build both a successful business and a fulfilling life that includes raising bees and producing honey now sold in stores.

Whether you're in financial services or any profession where relationships matter, this conversation will remind you that technical skills alone aren't enough—it's the human connection that truly changes lives. 

"Good financial advisors change their clients' lives, but great financial advisors change the world."

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Aron Ralston's name became synonymous with extraordinary survival when, trapped by a boulder in Utah's Blue John Canyon for six days, he amputated his own arm with a dull multi-tool knife to escape certain death. Yet as he reveals in this profound conversation, the physical act of cutting through his arm represents just a fraction of his story's true significance.

"We don't get to control what happens to us, we get to choose how we respond," Aron reflects, distilling two decades of post-trauma wisdom into a philosophy that transforms boulders into blessings. The gift of his ordeal wasn't merely survival but a complete reorientation toward what truly matters—loving relationships, present-moment awareness, and the spiritual connections that transcend our physical limitations.

The podcast delves into the mystical dimensions of Aron's experience, from recording goodbye messages that filled him with gratitude rather than despair to experiencing a vision of his future son that gave him the determination to free himself. These moments reveal how crisis can strip away superficial concerns and connect us to deeper truths. "You cannot simultaneously hold profound despair and profound gratitude in your heart at the same time," he observes, offering a practical approach to navigating life's inevitable challenges.

Now approaching fifty with two children, Aron describes how his understanding of "victory" has evolved from achievement to connection. The father who once sought to conquer Colorado's highest peaks now finds his greatest wins in moments of connection with his children and in choosing peace over being right. His powerful mantra "I'm still here" serves as both a survival declaration and a mindfulness practice that grounds us in the fundamental gift of existence.

Whether you're facing your own metaphorical boulder or simply seeking to live with greater presence and purpose, Aron's journey offers a roadmap for transforming adversity through acceptance, gratitude, and the recognition that our true legacy lies not in what we accomplish but in how we love. Listen, share, and discover how to use life's challenges as catalysts for profound transformation.

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What does it take to rebuild a life from absolute rock bottom? Ken Miller's journey from Ivy League halls to homeless addiction to entrepreneurial success provides a masterclass in transformation, forgiveness, and finding purpose through pain.

Ken recounts his extraordinary life story with unflinching honesty. Born to a teenage runaway prostitute and a drug-dealing pimp, he spent years in foster care before being adopted at age seven. Despite starting life unable to read or write, his natural intelligence propelled him to Dartmouth College. But graduation led to a 20-year spiral into addiction, homelessness, and multiple prison sentences.

The turning point came in 2007 when Ken was released from prison for the third time with "no marketable skills." What followed defies expectation - within a few years, he had launched successful businesses, established himself as a speaker and author, and dedicated himself to mentoring others facing similar struggles.

At the heart of Ken's transformation is his revolutionary approach to forgiveness. He articulates a powerful framework addressing three dimensions we must heal: forgiving others, forgiving God (or our spiritual beliefs), and forgiving ourselves. "Forgiveness is accepting truth," he explains, detailing how this practice liberated him from decades of resentment and self-hatred.

Ken's perspective on personal development challenges conventional wisdom. Rather than pursuing greatness, he intentionally seeks "goodness," explaining how the final 3-5% of mastery might require 20 years of effort better spent helping others. This philosophy extends to his work style - maintaining a minimalist desk with just one pen and one pad - and his approach to emotional wellbeing, giving himself permission to experience occasional down days without self-judgment.

Perhaps most inspiring is Ken's capacity for gratitude despite his difficult past. "How do you manifest that gratitude?" he asks, suggesting that service to others represents his answer. Through mentorship, speaking, and writing upcoming books on respect, fundraising, and mentorship, Ken demonstrates how transforming personal pain into purpose creates lasting impact on others.

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"You can never be happy and find peace with more. You can also never be happy and find peace with less. You can only be happy and find peace with what you have – and that can only happen right here, right now."

These profound words from Dr. Marshall Goldsmith encapsulate the wisdom shared in this extraordinary conversation. From the son of a gas station owner in rural Kentucky to becoming the world's top executive coach, Marshall's journey exemplifies how an ordinary person can achieve extraordinary things while maintaining humility and purpose.

Marshall takes us through pivotal moments that shaped his philosophy – from overcoming the limiting belief that he had "no mechanical aptitude," to witnessing heartbreaking poverty in Africa during a famine, to learning servant leadership from the remarkable Frances Hesselbein. His stories aren't just entertaining; they're transformative lessons about recognizing our self-imposed limitations and finding meaning in service to others.

What stands out most is how Marshall has distilled decades of coaching the world's top executives into actionable wisdom anyone can apply. His six daily questions practice (starting with "Did I do my best to...") offers a simple but powerful framework for meaningful change. And his admission that even he – the creator of this method – needs someone to hold him accountable speaks volumes about both human nature and the importance of structured support systems.

Throughout our conversation, Marshall exemplifies the rare combination of brilliant insight delivered with genuine warmth. Whether discussing Buddhist philosophy, the psychology of leadership, or the power of authentic gratitude, he communicates complex ideas with remarkable clarity and heart. His mission statement has simplified with age: "I want to help you, a real human being, have a little better life."

Ready to transform your approach to leadership, relationships, and personal fulfillment? Visit marshallgoldsmith.com for free access to his documentary, articles, and coaching resources – and start asking yourself those six daily questions today.

https://www.marshallgoldsmith.com/

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What makes someone jump from merely successful to truly impactful? Clint Boxman, Managing Director of Latitude 48 and one of Washington's top-rated financial advisors, reveals the journey that shaped his distinctive approach to business, leadership, and life.

Starting with humble beginnings in a small town, Clint shares how his entrepreneurial spirit emerged at just 13 years old when he began his own landscaping business, eventually accumulating more savings than his parents. This early financial independence funded his education and sparked an investment journey that would become his life's work. With guidance from unlikely mentors including his father's boss (a high school dropout turned self-made millionaire), Clint developed a passion for helping others build financial security and meaningful legacies.

Throughout our conversation, Clint reveals the profound ways client relationships have transformed his perspective. From celebrating milestones to mourning losses, these deep connections have taught him to "live every day to the fullest, like it's your last." This philosophy permeates everything at Latitude 48, where client relationships span decades and often feel more like family than business.

Perhaps most compelling is Clint's unique definition of success. Rather than focusing solely on accolades (though his team has many), he measures achievement through impact – what his children will become, how clients feel served, and the difference made in his community. His experience serving as master of ceremonies at a client's funeral offered powerful perspective on what truly matters at life's end.

For anyone striving to build something meaningful – whether in business, community, or family – Clint's mantra offers a guiding light: "Whatever you think you can do, you can always do more." His story reminds us that our greatest legacy isn't built through grand gestures but through consistent, purposeful choices to serve others well.

Ready to think differently about your financial future and the legacy you're building? Subscribe to the Bamboo Lab Podcast for more conversations that challenge conventional thinking and inspire meaningful change.

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In this landmark 150th episode, the roles reverse as Dave Dick interviews Brian Bosley about the evolution of the Bamboo Lab Podcast and the man behind the microphone. What unfolds is a captivating journey through triumph, struggle, and revelation.

Brian opens up about a surprising challenge that emerged when his podcast reached the top 10% globally—how success triggered impostor syndrome and led him to obsessively track metrics rather than impact. "I felt gross because the intent was to share wisdom around the world, and all of a sudden that took second row to the numbers," Brian confesses. This wake-up call prompted a two-month hiatus to recalibrate his purpose, offering listeners a masterclass in recognizing when achievement becomes a trap rather than a triumph.

The conversation delves into Brian's coaching philosophy, illuminating the crucial distinction between fear of failure and fear of success. Through personal anecdotes and professional insights gleaned from 29 years of coaching, Brian articulates why seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness, and identifies the three pivotal moments when coaching becomes transformative: when starting something new, when stuck on the hamster wheel, or when successful but sensing untapped potential. His "hat over the wall" metaphor perfectly captures the courage required to commit to growth—creating a situation where you must act because there's no turning back.

Looking forward, Brian unveils exciting plans to bridge the gap between his one-on-one coaching and the podcast audience, including video content, a subscription-based "Mug Club" featuring live expert sessions, and mastermind groups. These innovations spring from Brian's mission to create meaningful connection at every level of personal development.

Ready to jump off the hamster wheel and soar? Email [email protected] to learn more about these upcoming opportunities or to suggest topics for future sessions. After all, as Brian's journey proves, sometimes throwing your hat over the wall is exactly what's needed to discover what awaits on the other side.

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What happens when your darkest moments become the forge for your greatest purpose? Matt Paradise's extraordinary journey from teen homelessness and addiction to award-winning financial educator reveals powerful truths about resilience, surrender, and transformation.

At 15, Paradise faced an ultimatum from his parents: sober up or move out. Choosing the latter path led to years of substance abuse, eventually culminating in an overdose while still in high school. Yet beneath the struggle burned a quiet determination that one day he might rewrite his story. "Life is just a little bit darker, a little bit grayer when we only focus on ourselves," Paradise reflects. "But when I'm able to focus my energy and provide the best of what I have to give to others, I'm much more fulfilled."

Paradise's journey took another dramatic turn in 2019 when he was diagnosed with bile duct cancer—an aggressive disease with less than a 5% survival rate. This diagnosis came just six months after launching his own business. Rather than succumbing to despair, he found profound wisdom through surrender. "Surrender in my mind was not giving up. It was quite the opposite... I couldn't choose whether I lived, but I could choose how I lived in each moment."

Today, Paradise helps others transform financial stress into what he calls "Whole Health Wealth." Financial stress costs US businesses an estimated $4.7 billion in lost productivity weekly, with 57% of employees considering finances their primary stressor. Through his award-winning book "Financially Capable" and his speaking engagements, Paradise offers practical tools that go beyond mere budgeting to restore hope and clarity.

Perhaps most profound is Paradise's insight that "belief precedes behavior"—we must believe change is possible before we can manifest it through our actions. His message to his younger self resonates universally: "You're not broken, but you're becoming." For anyone navigating life's challenges, Paradise's story stands as powerful testament that our struggles can become someone else's roadmap—but only if we keep going, one step at a time.

Ready to transform your relationship with money and discover whole health wealth? Visit mattparadise.com to learn more about his speaking, consulting, and award-winning book.

https://www.mattparadise.com/

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What happens when technology advances far faster than our ability to use it wisely? In this profound conversation, relationship expert Robert Hall reveals how our addiction to smartphones and social media has created a crisis of connection that affects every aspect of our lives.

Drawing from his rural Oklahoma upbringing where relationships were both necessary and complicated, Hall explains how modern technology has disrupted the very foundation of how we relate to one another. His 2012 book "This Land of Strangers" predicted many challenges we now face, but even Hall underestimated how profoundly social media would weaponize our interactions and escalate division.

The conversation takes a fascinating turn when Hall examines the neuroscience behind our digital habits. Those quick dopamine hits from scrolling create addictive patterns that research shows dramatically increase anxiety, depression, and loneliness—especially among younger generations whose developing brains are most vulnerable. Political echo chambers further isolate us in what Hall describes as cult-like patterns, where we're exposed only to views that reinforce our existing beliefs.

Yet amid these concerning trends, Hall sees hope. From the growing movement to remove smartphones from schools to the surprising rise in church attendance among young adults seeking community, there are signs of a cultural correction. "Technology is always ahead of competence," Hall notes, "but there's evidence right now that people are going on [digital] diets."

Most powerfully, Hall offers practical wisdom for reclaiming human connection: create phone-free zones in your life, prioritize face-to-face interaction, and model healthy technology boundaries for children. As he puts it, "We've experienced technology disruption; now we need relationship disruption"—a deliberate movement back toward what matters most.

Listen to discover why authentic human connection remains our most valuable resource, and how we can protect it in an increasingly digital world. Your relationships might depend on it.

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What happens when you're raised by a Greek mother who tells you that "it's better to lose an eye than your name"? You might just become one of California's top-rated wealth advisors who refuses to compromise on excellence, even when it means tearing apart a perfectly good dress and starting over.

George Papadoyannis joins the Bamboo Lab Podcast from his villa in Greece to share the remarkable journey that took him from Crete to the heights of the financial world. With refreshing candor, he reveals how his mother's relentless standards and sixth-grade wisdom shaped his approach to client relationships and business success. "I believe people hire people like me so we can tell them the truth," George explains, reflecting on how authenticity has become his greatest competitive advantage in an increasingly artificial world.

The conversation explores the powerful tension between work ethic and life balance, with George acknowledging the personal costs of his one-dimensional focus on excellence. Yet even as he discusses divorce and other challenges, his enthusiasm for learning from clients remains contagious. He describes 91-year-old clients who still drive Teslas and prepare for Greek vacations by training at the YMCA, inspiring him to constantly evolve and grow. "When I grow up," he quips about these nonagenarians, "I want to be just like them."

As artificial intelligence makes it increasingly difficult to distinguish genuine communication from generated content, George's message about staying hungry for knowledge, experiences, and service to others becomes even more vital. His final wisdom crystallizes a lifetime of lessons: "Create a legacy that your children and grandchildren will be proud of. A legacy of servitude is a good one... Try to leave this place better than you found it."

Whether you're building a career, seeking financial wisdom, or simply trying to navigate life with greater authenticity, this conversation offers a blueprint worth hearing. After all, as George discovered through decades of success, "being a giver rather than a taker is much more fun."

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What makes the difference between good leadership and transformational leadership that changes lives? Frank Mossett returns to the Bamboo Lab Podcast with powerful insights from his decades of developing people and creating success stories across the financial industry.

Frank shares his revolutionary approach to hiring and developing talent, challenging conventional wisdom with the question: "Do you hire potential or talent?" His answer might surprise you—and could transform your approach to building teams. Drawing from his experience turning around troubled organizations, Frank reveals what truly motivates people to perform at their best.

The conversation introduces Frank's game-changing concept of "Energy Hours"—the limited windows when we're truly engaged and focused each week. "I think you only have so many hours that you're engaged, you're focused and you're driven a week. I don't think it's 40. I think it's 20 or less," Frank explains. This perspective upends traditional ideas about productivity and work schedules, offering a fresh approach to maximizing impact while maintaining balance.

Perhaps most powerful is Frank's reflection on his wrestling coach Rudy Thompson, whose funeral revealed a legacy of hundreds of transformed lives. "At Rudy's funeral... 400 or 500 people there in a small town, people talking about 'he changed my life,'" Frank recalls, admitting, "I thought to myself, I can do better." This poignant moment frames a deeper discussion about what success truly means—not titles or bank accounts, but the lasting impact we have on others.

Whether you're a seasoned executive, an emerging leader, or someone striving to make a meaningful impact in your corner of the world, this conversation offers practical wisdom about empowerment, consistency, vulnerability, and creating a legacy that outlasts your name. Listen now and discover how to stop merely working long hours and start transforming lives.

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