Think. Live. Repeat.

Grab your popcorn, kickback and gear up for a fireside chat on today's episode! Jon Quatro is a longtime friend and has recently jumped onto the scene composing, co-producing and performing his first album!  We get real and talk about the role of storytelling in music, perfectionism, mental health, authenticity, responses to unsolicited advice and so much more. Check out his songs on Spotify and follow him on IG @jonnyquatromusic...Enjoy!

Takeaways

• The importance of storytelling in music, movies, and art
• The challenges of being an artist in the music industry
• The balance between authenticity and perfectionism in creative endeavors
• The impact of mental health struggles on creativity
• The role of specific and relatable lyrics in connecting with an audience Music is not just about the sound, but also about the time, space, and cultural references that shape it.
• Talent is not the biggest hurdle in the music industry; distribution and becoming known on a large scale are the real challenges.
• Rock stars of the past were often admired for their music and their persona, but today's artists face higher expectations of moral behavior.
• Creating music is a personal journey that allows for self-expression and the opportunity to leave a lasting legacy.
• Success in music should be measured by the joy of creating and connecting with an audience, rather than by external markers of fame or popularity.

Follow me on Instagram @ johnskomski for daily intrapreneurial motivation and learn more about Investing Inward at https://jskomski.com/

Music:
Hindsight (Instrumental) by Fivefold (used with written permission)
By Your Side by Caslow, Bertie Scott & Patfromlastyear (used with written permission)

Keywords: music, movies, superheroes, storytelling, art, mental health, authenticity, perfectionism, music, songwriting, branding, storytelling, talent distribution, cultural references, rock stars, authenticity, personal growth, goals

From high school dropout to multimillionaire business owner, Jeff Lerner shares his incredible journey of resilience and failure, and how he has learned to embrace failure as a part of the entrepreneurial adventure. He discusses the importance of defining success as the progressive realization of a worthy ideal and living a life of fulfillment. Jeff also emphasizes the need to disconnect from the opinions and validation of others and focus on the bigger picture. He encourages entrepreneurs to keep striving and never give up on their calling.  He explains the ABCD model, which stands for activating event, belief, consequence, and disputation. Jeff emphasizes the importance of consciously deciding what an event means before reacting to it and offers strategies for challenging and changing beliefs. He also shares his personal journey of dropping out of high school and becoming a lifelong learner. Jeff discusses the importance of allowing children to experiment and find their own path without judgment and shares insights on parenting and personal transformation. He concludes by introducing Entre, a platform that combines business skills with personal growth to empower individuals to live an entrepreneurial adventure.

Takeaways

• Failure is a natural part of the entrepreneurial journey and should be embraced as a learning experience.
• Success should be defined as the progressive realization of a worthy ideal and living a life of fulfillment.
• Disconnecting from the opinions and validation of others is crucial for personal growth and resilience.
• Entrepreneurship is not limited to owning a business; it is a choice to live life as an adventure.
• The greatest failure is giving up on the idea of living a life of purpose and striving for personal growth. The Ellis paradigm (ABCD model) can help individuals operate from a place that is more rhetorically defensible.
• Consciously deciding what an event means before reacting to it is crucial for personal growth and behavior change.
• Allowing children to experiment and find their own path without judgment is essential for their self-determination.
• Entra is a platform that combines business skills with personal growth to empower individuals to live an entrepreneurial adventure.

Chapters
00:00
Introduction and Resilience

08:34
Defining Success and Failure

24:44
Introduction

32:48
Jeff's Personal Journey and Love for Learning

39:43
Empowering Children through Experimentation without Judgment

46:40
Entra: Combining Business Skills with Personal Growth

Keywords
resilience, failure, entrepreneurial adventure, success, fulfillment, opinions, validation, calling, Ellis paradigm, ABCD model, activating event, belief, consequence, disputation, personal growth, parenting, entrepreneurial adventure

Follow me on Instagram @ johnskomski for daily intrapreneurial motivation and learn more about Investing Inward at https://jskomski.com/

Music:
Hindsight (Instrumental) by Fivefold (used with written permission)
By Your Side by Caslow, Bertie Scott & Patfromlastyear (used with written permission)

This has been over a year in the making and if you're even thinking of speaking as part (or all) of your career, you NEED this 30 minute conversation. Full stop. Phil M Jones is a renowned hall of fame speaker with over 3,500 paid speaking gigs under his belt, bestselling author and respected consultant in sales and persuasion.  He teaches people exactly what to say...literally. We unpack his unconventional journey to where he is today and I promise you'll glean all kinds of insights that you'll be able to use in your own career and life. Enjoy!

Takeaways

• Success is a feeling, not an achievement. It is the progressive realization of predetermined, worthwhile, and achievable goals.
• Continuous improvement is key to success. Always be taking action towards your future self.
• Being true to your beliefs and committed to your goals is essential for success. Don't be swayed by others' opinions or seek validation from everyone.
• Creating an interconnected ecosystem of products and services can lead to sustained success.
• Concise communication is powerful. The ability to articulate information with brevity is a sign of strength, knowledge, and understanding.

Chapters

00:00
Introduction and Background

01:22
Phil's Journey from Retail to Speaking and Training

21:45
Creating an Interconnected Ecosystem of Products and Services

28:58
Defining Success and Future Plans

Follow me on Instagram @ johnskomski for daily intrapreneurial motivation and learn more about Investing Inward at https://jskomski.com/

Music:
Hindsight (Instrumental) by Fivefold (used with written permission)
By Your Side by Caslow, Bertie Scott & Patfromlastyear (used with written permission)

In this episode, Wilkes discusses his musical background and how he came into music through his family. He shares his journey of pursuing a career in music and the balance between intentionality and going with the flow. Wilkes emphasizes the importance of prioritizing family and staying true to his values and goals. He also discusses the tension between market demands and personal authenticity in the music industry. In this conversation, Wilkes discusses his obsession with authenticity and his refusal to conform to industry expectations. He shares his experience on The Voice and the balance between knowing who he is and who he's not. Wilkes also talks about meeting famous musicians and the impact of his song 'Crawl.' He explains the inspiration behind the song and the vulnerability it represents. Lastly, he discusses going viral with his "Happy" and invites listeners to engage with him on various platforms.

Takeaways
Prioritize what truly matters in life, such as family and relationships, over career success.

• Stay true to yourself and your values, even in the face of market demands.
• Success is not always defined by external achievements, but by personal fulfillment and happiness.
• Finding a balance between intentionality and going with the flow can lead to a more fulfilling and sustainable career.

00:00
Introduction and Musical Background

01:27
Early Interest in Music and Career Choice

08:43
Prioritizing Family and Career Goals

16:07
Commitment to Family and Staying True to Priorities

29:00
The Desire for Success and the Value of Family

34:49
Staying True to Yourself in the Music Industry

35:29
Dealing with the Tension Between Market Demands and Personal Authenticity

36:21
Authenticity and Stubbornness

42:08
The Voice Experience

47:35
Meeting Famous Musicians

51:52
The Inspiration Behind 'Crawl'

59:12
Going Viral with 'Happy' Song

01:03:34
Engaging with Wilkes

You're either going to be really happy or really disappointed, depending on your outlook! A mic failure (my fault) left the full version of this without any audio, so you get the quick version this week.  Hope you still find it valuable!

Follow me on Instagram @ johnskomski for daily intrapreneurial motivation and learn more about Investing Inward at https://jskomski.com/

Music:
Hindsight (Instrumental) by Fivefold (used with written permission)
By Your Side by Caslow, Bertie Scott & Patfromlastyear (used with written permission)

[NOTE: Since releasing this episode, JJ has expanded his live gigs to the US and continued to blow up online. My collabs with JJ on Instagram have been some of the most liked content I've put out there and it's just another confirmation this conversation has been a fan favorite. Enjoy! ]

There's no elegant way to put this: today you're going to hear from one of the best freaking guitar players out there! JJ Tejlgaard is a Danish guitar phenom and he's only just beginning. You may have heard one of his incredible covers of well-known  pop and rock tunes and he's been shared by artists including Alan Walker, Avenged Sevenfold & The Jonas Brothers. Apologies in advance for being a fanboy!

You'll get to hear about how JJ started with guitar and the evolution of how he became the stud that he is today! We dive into his creative process, the business side of the music industry and the importance of collaboration. And we of course talk about his debut concert, brand new EP and what's coming next. (HINT: MORE concerts, stay tuned!!)

Become a true fan and support JJ on his Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/jensjulius

A great place to start learning more about JJ: http://jensjulius.com/

Follow & interact with JJ on TikTok, Instagram & YouTube

• https://www.tiktok.com/@jensjulius_tejlgaard
• https://www.instagram.com/jensjulius_tejlgaard/
• https://www.youtube.com/@JensJulius/videos

Follow me on Instagram @ johnskomski for daily intrapreneurial motivation and learn more about Investing Inward at https://jskomski.com/

Music:
Intro & Outro Segments played by JJ Tejlgaard (used with written permission)

In this episode, John Skomski interviews Kristen Butler, a three-time bestselling author and the founder of the Power of Positivity community. Kristen shares her journey from failure to success, discussing how she overcame rock bottom and transformed her life. She emphasizes the importance of embracing the comfort zone and expanding it to foster personal growth. 

Kristen also highlights the significance of reframing failure and adopting a positive mindset. She provides practical strategies for dealing with panic and anxiety, such as nutrition, spending time outdoors, and cultivating a positive mindset. Listeners are encouraged to engage with Kristen on Instagram and explore the Power of Positivity website for more resources on living a positive lifestyle.

Order Kristen's book The Comfort Zone today! https://www.amazon.com/The-Comfort-Zone/dp/1788179102/

Check out Kristen's website & follow her on Instagram:

• https://www.powerofpositivity.com/
• https://www.instagram.com/positivekristen/

Takeaways

• Embrace the comfort zone and expand it to foster personal growth.
• Reframe failure as part of the journey and a learning experience.
• Cultivate a positive mindset and practice gratitude and affirmations.
• Implement practical strategies for dealing with panic and anxiety, such as nutrition, spending time outdoors, and adopting a positive mindset.

Follow me on Instagram @ johnskomski for daily intrapreneurial motivation and learn more about Investing Inward at https://jskomski.com/

Music:
Hindsight (Instrumental) by Fivefold (used with written permission)
By Your Side by Caslow, Bertie Scott & Patfromlastyear (used with written permission)

In this episode, John Skomski interviews Alex Herrera, a Porsche salesperson at Porsche Austin. Alex shares his journey of how he transitioned from selling Hondas to selling high-end Porsches. He discusses the profile of Porsche customers, including their average age and income. Alex also talks about the future of Porsche and the challenges of selling used Porsches. 

Additionally, he shares his experience of starting on social media and achieving rapid growth on platforms like Instagram and TikTok. In this conversation, Alex Herrera shares his experience of using social media to grow his business and generate leads. He discusses the power of platforms like Instagram and TikTok, where he has gained millions of views and attracted new customers. 

Alex emphasizes the importance of being intentional and putting in the work to achieve success. He also highlights the concept of intrapreneurship, where individuals act as entrepreneurs within an organization. Alex encourages entrepreneurs to try new things, incorporate personality into their content, and stay consistent in their efforts. He believes that the future of business is online and urges people to take advantage of the opportunities available.

Follow Alex on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alex_porscheaustin/

Takeaways

• Transitioning from selling Hondas to selling Porsches requires a mindset shift and embracing the luxury brand.
• Porsche customers have a high average household income, with some models attracting customers with annual incomes of $900,000 or more.
• The average age of Porsche customers is around 55 to 60, but younger buyers, including millennials, are starting to enter the market.
• Porsche is navigating the shift towards electric vehicles while maintaining the performance and sound that customers love.
• Used Porsches can still have a long lifespan and be reliable, especially when certified by the dealership.
• Building a strong social media presence can lead to viral content and increased customer engagement. Social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok can be powerful tools for growing a business and attracting new customers.
• Being intentional and putting in the work is essential for success on social media.
• Intrapreneurship involves taking ownership of all aspects of distribution, marketing, sales, and customer relationships within an organization.
• Incorporating personality into content can help build a strong connection with the audience.
• The future of business is online, and it's important to start building an online presence now.

Follow me on Instagram @ johnskomski for daily intrapreneurial motivation and learn more about Investing Inward at https://jskomski.com/

Music:
Hindsight (Instrumental) by Fivefold (used with written permission)
By Your Side by Caslow, Bertie Scott & Patfromlastyear (used with written permission)

In this episode, Jack Skeels shares his journey from being a failed plumber to finding success in management. He emphasizes the importance of failure, resilience, and self-belief in achieving one's goals. Jack also discusses the impact of others' perception and belief in your abilities. He highlights the power of empowering teams and removing excessive management in organizations. Additionally, Jack explores the generational perspectives on management and the importance of asking questions and embracing ignorance for lifelong learning. In this conversation, Jack Skeels discusses the concept of unmanaged work and its impact on organizations. He highlights the challenges faced by individuals and teams when dealing with unmanaged work and provides strategies for effectively managing it. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding and addressing unmanaged work to improve productivity and employee satisfaction.

Order Jack's book Unmanaged: https://www.amazon.com/Unmanaged-Master-Creating-Empowered-Organizations/dp/B0CLSJJJ49

Follow Jack on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jackaskeels/

Takeaways

• Failure is an important part of the journey to success. It teaches resilience and the ability to bounce back.
• Believing in yourself and having confidence in your abilities is crucial for achieving your goals.
• The perception and belief of others can have a significant impact on your own self-belief and success.
• Empowering teams and removing excessive management can lead to increased productivity and better outcomes.
• Asking questions and embracing ignorance are key to lifelong learning and personal growth. Unmanaged work can lead to inefficiencies, burnout, and decreased productivity.
• Organizations need to recognize and address the challenges posed by unmanaged work.
• Effective strategies for managing unmanaged work include setting clear priorities, establishing boundaries, and leveraging technology.
• By managing unmanaged work, organizations can improve employee satisfaction and overall performance.

Follow me on Instagram @ johnskomski for daily intrapreneurial motivation and learn more about Investing Inward at https://jskomski.com/

Music:
Hindsight (Instrumental) by Fivefold (used with written permission)
By Your Side by Caslow, Bertie Scott & Patfromlastyear (used with written permission)

In this episode, Brett Snodgrass, an author, entrepreneur, and real estate expert, shares his journey from pursuing material success to seeking significance and impact. He discusses his transition into the real estate industry and the challenges and opportunities it presents. Brett also emphasizes the importance of mindset and personal growth, and how he has learned to prioritize his time and energy by developing filters for his life. He concludes by discussing his motivation for writing his book, 'The Secret War Within,' and the unique approach he took in sharing his story. The conversation covers influential authors and speakers, the power of stories and humor, the impact of fiction, future books and projects,  navigating opportunities and goals, and engaging with Iron Deep.

Check out Brett's site for more info: https://www.irondeep.com

Order Brett's book, The Secret War Within: https://www.amazon.com/Secret-War-Within-Brett-Snodgrass/dp/B0CJ4CWPD7

Takeaways

• Transitioning from success to significance requires a shift in mindset and a focus on impact and purpose.
• Entering the real estate industry can still be competitive and successful, but it requires hard work, mentorship, and adaptability.
• Developing filters for your life can help you prioritize your time, energy, and relationships.
• Living with intentionality and being true to yourself are key to finding fulfillment and avoiding regrets.
• Writing a book can be a creative and unique way to share your story and connect with others. Influential authors and speakers can inspire and inform through their storytelling abilities.
• Stories and humor are powerful tools for increasing information retention.
• Fiction can provide a relatable and impactful way to convey principles and truths.
• Future books and projects should be driven by passion and a desire to create something impactful.
• It is important to filter opportunities and goals to ensure alignment with personal values and priorities.
• Engage with Iron Deep through their website, podcast, events, and newsletter.
  
  

Follow me on Instagram @ johnskomski for daily intrapreneurial motivation and learn more about Investing Inward at https://jskomski.com/

Music:
Hindsight (Instrumental) by Fivefold (used with written permission)
By Your Side by Caslow, Bertie Scott & Patfromlastyear (used with written permission)