kevinmonroe.substack.com]]>https://kevinmonroe.substack.com/podcastSubstackThu, 13 Aug 2026 21:49:17 GMThttps://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/23175.rssKevin D. MonroeFlourishing in Faith, Business, and LifeepisodicKevin D. Monroekevinmonroe@substack.comNo

Ten years ago a mentor showed Piers a different way of seeing the world. Once seen, he could no longer do his work the old way.

One thing that occurred to Piers in the last 10 years is that there's so much richness in the most ordinary of lives. Kevin comments that he named his community This Extraordinary Life because the life we have is extraordinary if we embrace it.

Whatever we create in our lives lands much more beautifully, richly and effortlessly when we go with the wind rather than against it, if we sail rather than row.

Conventional wisdom, Piers says, is that we can achieve our goals if we work hard at them. Sailing, however, is intuitively capturing an inspiration coming through yourself. It emerges with an obviousness and direction, but not necessarily an outcome. Piers calls this flow. 

When we sense that what we see in our external world is real but not true, we have an opening of our aperture to emergence and sailing and resourcefulness. Ironically, Piers says, we become better at the external stuff.

Piers describes his approach to goal setting. He says he never lets today’s wisdom be tomorrow’s prison. He finds that he is now retroactively spotting goals after he has achieved them. They came through with such obviousness that he just acted on them in the moment.

Kevin relates how he feels frustrated with conventional goal setting methods. Piers explains that we’re not designed that way. When we get frustrated with our ability to set goals, we're putting it all on us as this separate entity. However, if we see that we are a part of a broader system that it happens through and to, it takes the weight off.

Flow is when a freshness has occurred to see the same thing differently. It turns up with an obviousness and a clarity of feeling and lightness. Piers advises that you should be with the feeling in the moment.

An intangible understanding of the mind increases the likelihood of the emergence of flow.

Piers wants listeners to take away a lingering curiosity but also to be comfortable with not knowing. Press pause on what you’ve been taught and look afresh, he says. You don't have to look far. You just have to look into what you already are.


Resources
Piers Thurston on LinkedIn
piers@makingchangework.co.uk

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kevinmonroe.substack.com]]>https://kevinmonroe.substack.com/p/sailing-to-an-extraordinary-life-42025576ada-12e0-11ea-9fc1-bf789b47a00eTue, 03 Dec 2019 05:01:00 GMTKevin D. MonroeThis week’s guest on the Higher Purpose Podcast is mindset transformation coach, Piers Thurston. He joins host Kevin Monroe for what the latter calls “a unique, different kind of conversation.”No3072
Your Best Life Is In The Arena
Kevin recently attended a football game that boasted a record crowd. He says he couldn’t escape the fact that over 100,000 people were in the stands, and millions more elsewhere, to watch 22 players. Only the players were in the arena while everyone else was somewhere else:  either watching the action, waiting to get in on the action, commentating on the action or missing out on the action. If you’re committed to living an extraordinary life, Kevin says, there’s only one place that can happen, and that’s in the arena. He quotes the Man In The Arena speech by Theodore Roosevelt, “...The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood…” He asks listeners, Are you in the arena? Life is not a spectator sport. Life is meant to be lived in the arena, so if you’re sitting in the stands, it’s time to change. Get on the field and play.

Who’s Not In The Arena
Kevin lists the different categories of people who are not in the arena:

Tailgators - In the US people spend more time at tailgate parties than the actual game. For various reasons, they never actually go to the game, they stay in the parking lot. They are missing out on the action.

Players on the bench - These are either specialist players who enter the field when it’s their turn to contribute or backup players. They’re just waiting for the coach to call them to the field. If you feel like you’re a backup, Kevin encourages you to get ready to go on the field. Your time is coming, he says.

Players in the locker room - If you get injured or disabled on the field, you’re sent to the locker room. You have to sit the game out and you may even be licking your wounds. Don’t be discouraged, Kevin says. Once you have a pulse you have a purpose. You’re still living and breathing so you still have a contribution to offer the world. Get back in the arena.

Penalty box - You may have made mistakes or disregarded the rules, and you’ve been sent to the penalty box. You too can get back in the game in time, Kevin says.

Reporters - These are the people who comment on the game. You get to report the play by play action, but you’re not on the field. If you want to get in the game, you can. It may be as a coach or mentor but get in there regardless.


Are You In The Arena?
Kevin concludes this week’s show by encouraging listeners to ask themselves what’s keeping them out of the arena of life. The arena is where you will live your decade of difference. Don’t beat yourself up over your shortcomings, we all have some. Get in the arena and dare greatly.

Resources
Join the Joy Challenge
Book Your Decade of Difference
Email Kevin: kevin@higherpurposepodcast.com 
Call: 678-744-5111

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kevinmonroe.substack.com]]>https://kevinmonroe.substack.com/p/get-in-the-arena-aff401d5e4e-0d6b-11ea-890e-4f055c23f90cTue, 26 Nov 2019 05:01:00 GMTKevin D. MonroeThanksgiving is a time to reflect and give thanks for the abundance of blessings we have - our freedoms, our safety, and our tranquility.No1737
In Finding Your Purpose, Even Baby Steps Are Steps
We’ve all had moments where we think we discovered our purpose in life. Cornell says that happened twice before he found his true purpose. He shares how his purpose changed from basketball player to coach, then to writer. Purpose is a journey, not a destination, Kevin says. Cornell agrees that it’s a journey because it’s never-ending. A destination means that you get there at some point, so it becomes a race to the finish line. There’s no finish line to what I do, he says, because my purpose is evolving every single day. The reason so many people don’t discover their purpose is because they either get discouraged or they think there’s nothing else they could do. There’s always another step, Cornell emphasizes. You have to fight for your purpose. Kevin adds that you just have to take one step, then another, and don’t quit. Even baby steps are steps, says Cornell. 

You Are Extraordinary
You are extraordinary because there’s no one else like you or ever will be. So how can you not treat yourself as priceless? The difference between extraordinary and ordinary is that extra that you put in. What you do determines if your legacy becomes special. He asks listeners, who are the top three people who have influenced you in your life? Who would name you in their top three? If you’ve made someone’s top three, you’ve made a lasting impact on their life. That impact will last long after you’re gone, and they in turn may pass it on to their children. That’s legacy for Cornell. Legacy is not changing the world by yourself.

Who’s Your Mahalia?
We’ve bought into a fantasy that one person by themselves changes the world, Kevin comments. The reality is that no one does it alone. The sooner you figure out who your people are, the bigger the impact you will make together with them. He relates how it was Mahalia Jackson’s prompting Martin Luther King, Jr to tell the crowd about the dream, that led to his greatest speech. Who’s your Mahalia? Who is the person who sees your dream and helps you articulate it in a way you’ve never done before?

Getting Through Adversity
Kevin asks, what’s one thing that awakens an ordinary person to believe that life can be extraordinary? Cornell answers that for him, it has been adversity. After you’ve been through a difficult experience, you often ask yourself how you got through it. It awakens you and inspires you to make a change. If you’re in the middle of adversity, he advises you not to go it alone. Use your support network. First, ask yourself, Is this life or death? Then, what do I immediately have to start doing to slowly change my mindset? The third question to ask yourself is, Who can I bring along with me to hold me accountable for these action steps? There are going to be storms in life, Cornell says. But they are transitory and you can get through it.

Resources
Cornell-Thomas.com
cornellthomas365@gmail.com
Cornell Thomas on Twitter | Instagram | Facebook

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kevinmonroe.substack.com]]>https://kevinmonroe.substack.com/p/living-your-extraordinary-purpose-fb773695d94-07bb-11ea-820e-9bb28ac61e52Tue, 19 Nov 2019 05:01:00 GMTKevin D. MonroeCornell Thomas, author of Extraordinary, was raised on the adage that everything happens for a reason.No2936
The Road Less Traveled
Kevin believes that, like himself, listeners have chosen the road less traveled, whether in business, leadership or life in general. A question he has been pondering is, what happens when we lose our way on this road? There aren’t any established markings or exits here, so maybe we’re not actually lost as we think. He asks, who do you call first when you’ve lost your way? If that person is not on the same road as you, their options may be very different from yours, so their advice would not be of much help to you. You should surround yourself with people who are on the same journey, Kevin admonishes. Be especially selective about who you allow into your life as a mentor and how much influence you allow them to have in your business and life, he warns, especially if their goals, beliefs, and values are diametrically opposed to your own.

The Power of a Like-Hearted Community
More and more, Kevin is recognizing how important it is to connect to a like-hearted community. We don’t have to think alike, but we must be wired alike at the heart, he says. We can’t change the universe by ourselves, we need to do it in community with people who are on the same road.

Long-Range Planning
Instead of the typical annual planning that we do, what if we think of the coming decade instead, Kevin suggests. Now you have 40 quarters to accomplish your goals, instead of just 4, and 3650 days instead of just 365. How would your plans change using this approach? If we take a decade-long mindset, we wouldn’t be in such a hurry to gain traction, we’d know we have lots of time. 

Living an Extra-Ordinary Life
Many of us aspire to be extraordinary but we compare ourselves to other people, and we conclude that we’re just too ordinary. However, the path from ordinary to extra-ordinary is simple: it's doing ordinary things, but doing them with extra focus, flair and fervor. Suddenly, that life that we thought was ordinary is extra-ordinary. This extra-ordinary life is available to us all, Kevin says, and the gateway to it is gratitude. He invites listeners to think about 2020 as a decade of difference. To have that decade of difference, we need to focus more on who we are being and becoming than what we are doing and accomplishing. Embracing the extra-ordinary in business, leadership or life is the long road. Being faithful with it requires us doing it together as a community of like-hearted travelers.

Resources
Book a call with Kevin
Call Kevin: 678-744-5111 
Email: kevin@higherpurposepodcast.com 
Episode 37 - Story Driven with Bernadette Jiwa

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kevinmonroe.substack.com]]>https://kevinmonroe.substack.com/p/live-love-and-lead-an-extra-ordinary-83541e518a6-0272-11ea-a94b-d39a6d6bf7b9Tue, 12 Nov 2019 05:01:00 GMTKevin D. MonroeKevin Monroe shares some insights to inspire listeners as a new decade approaches. He speaks about the power of a like-hearted community and leading an extra-ordinary life.No2488
Waking Up
Garry recently delivered a keynote address at the Ignite Conference in Switzerland. His topic was Waking Up to Purpose, Meaning, and Connection. Kevin asks why he used the term waking up. He replies that five years ago he had already achieved everything society said was important, but he had a hollow feeling in his heart. That was the start of his awakening. He realized that he was sleepwalking through life: he was only focusing on the outside and neglecting his inner self. He describes his awakening as a gradual process that included taking deliberate action but then experiencing burnout. It was his coach that led him to realize that the outside world didn’t cause his burnout, but that he did it to himself by believing that he was not good enough.

Life Post Awakening
When he accepted that he was the cause of his own burnout, Garry felt a release and freedom from feeling like a victim. He now believes that he is good enough. He does not attach his identity to making money or outside validation. He can now appreciate insights that did not mean much before. I just feel more vibrant, he says. He has more capacity and is more productive because he does not waste so much energy thinking that he is not enough. Kevin comments that we expend so much energy in fantasy conversations that don’t take us any place good. He asks Garry to speak to listeners who may be feeling inadequate or hopeless. Garry assures listeners that they are enough and to actively connect with other people. If you need a listening ear, he invites you to reach out to him or Kevin personally.

The Joy of Connecting
You feel a sense of belonging when you’re part of a community where you can connect with others and just be yourself. We’re all innately connected because we’re part of the human race, Garry says. If you think you don’t belong, you’re overthinking your way away from belonging. Kevin agrees with that assessment. He asks Garry whether his awakening prompted him to be a great connector, or if he has always been that way. Garry responds that he’s always been good at developing meaningful relationships, but his awakening made this ability more pronounced. For him, connecting people is more a flow state than an active energy. It’s very intuitive, he says. For Kevin, it’s a deep calling and almost like a duty. He says that it’s like he is responding to an invitation to do something and who knows the impact it might have! Everything opens up when you’re connected, Garry says. He experiences a transformation in his ability to be present and empathetic, to serve, and to love himself as part of the bigger system. His life is richer for just being open to all life has to offer.

Resources
Garry Turner on Twitter | LinkedIn  
Email Garry: garry.turner@thelisteningorganisation.co.uk 
Value Through Vulnerability podcast
Episode 90 of Higher Purpose Podcast

Humans First Hangout
Join the Gratitude Challenge
Call Kevin: 678-744-5111 
Email: kevin@higherpurposepodcast.com

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kevinmonroe.substack.com]]>https://kevinmonroe.substack.com/p/awakening-to-purpose-meaning-and-fc8b3ed84d2-fcb0-11e9-b66a-5706995b063dTue, 05 Nov 2019 05:01:00 GMTKevin D. MonroeNo2727
An Inside Out Perspective
Kerry explains that the book is a case study of Actualize and shows how they were able to turn around their culture from being focused on profits first, to people first. Kevin says that he appreciates that this book gives an inside out perspective.

Infusing Means Layering Flavors
As Kerry looks forward to 2020 she is thinking about what strategies she will improve on or new ones she will include. She emphasizes that you can’t just make a decision and never revisit it: it’s a constant, continuous journey of putting people first and keeping up with the times, similar to how you would layer flavors in a dish you are cooking. That’s why her book is called Culture Infusion. When Actualize decided to put their people first, they layered that principle into every touchpoint, such as their newsletter, their monthly All Hands calls, and even when Kerry checks in with new recruits. What we’re doing, she says, is a lot of little things that are infusing the people-first principle, and it’s really making a big difference. Throughout the organization people feel supported and appreciated. 

Building From Your Heart
Kevin asks Kerry to unpack a quote from the book, “When it all comes down to it as the leader the most solid foundation on which you can build is your heart.” She explains that it’s important to check your gut instinct when you’re making decisions. She trusts her intuition then brings in the analytical business case.

Defining Culture
Both Kerry and Kevin share their definition of culture. To Kerry, culture is the pulse of the organization. Kevin defines culture as the way we do things around here. Kerry feels gratified that prospective employees all feel that what they heard about Actualize turns out to be true - that it’s a great place to work.

Principles They Live By
One of the nine principles Kerry discusses in her book is surveying the team. She says that they seek feedback on several topics throughout the year. They always let their employees know what they decided based on their feedback; and if they didn’t decide to do something, they let everyone know why. Kevin asks how her process has changed since she wrote the book. She comments that she has been focusing more on gratitude in the company as well as in her seminars.

Resources
Kerry Wekolo on LinkedIn | Twitter 
Actualize Consulting 

Join the Gratitude Challenge
Call Kevin: 678-744-5111 
Email: kevin@higherpurposepodcast.com

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kevinmonroe.substack.com]]>https://kevinmonroe.substack.com/p/infusing-your-company-with-culture-32e01b7dc24-f98e-11e9-bcae-23a3c304ddf0Tue, 29 Oct 2019 04:01:00 GMTKevin D. MonroeNo2899
Don’t Take Notes 
Kevin often creates some questions to ask podcast guests as a springboard to their conversation. While they are speaking, he jots down notes so that he remembers important points or ideas he wants to revisit. Jane discourages this practice. She says that instead of taking notes, he should trust himself. When you listen deeply, you’re allowing the speaker to continue to think and speak at their very best. You will remember the essential elements of what they said, she assures Kevin. To listen deeply, you must first be at ease with yourself as the listener; you must know that both speaker and listener have equal capacity to think, listen and share; and you must appreciate each other for the qualities that you see in one another.

The Gift of Time
Kevin asks what listeners can do to be more present in the conversation. Jane advises them to give themselves the gift of this time, free from judgment, distraction and interruption. Distraction can be both internal and external, she says. An example of internal distraction is when your mind wanders; she advises that you should mentally check yourself when this happens and bring your focus back to the conversation. The most common external distraction is the phone: just put it on silent. When you actively give your attention - paying attention is more passive and reactive, Jane says - you’re giving respect to the other person. You’re saying that in this moment they are more important than anything else.

Let Silence Do the Heavy Lifting
Jane writes in her book that we should let silence do the heavy lifting. Kevin asks her to unpack that statement. She explains that people need time to process questions or information. Giving them the opportunity to pause while they process their thoughts is a real gift. Humans think in waves and pauses: we have a wave of thinking, and then we naturally pause. If we allow that silence for long enough, the brain itself will soar once more in a new way, Jane says.

Don’t Interrupt
The brain receives an interruption like an assault, Jane reveals. One of the greatest things we can do is resist the urge to interrupt, and allow the person to complete their thoughts, feelings and ideas. Interrupting prevents the person from flourishing into who they are meant to become. If you absolutely must interrupt, you should do it as gracefully as possible, while the person takes a pause. If you inadvertently interrupt someone, apologize. 

Listening is a Gift
Jane reminds us that listening is a gift that is worth mastering because it shows how much you care. When you listen to someone to generate their best thinking, it frees them to be more, to create more, to feel more courageous. Whereas time is the currency of leadership, listening is the currency of relationship.

Resources
JaneAdsheadGrant.com
Jane on LinkedIn | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | Instagram

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kevinmonroe.substack.com]]>https://kevinmonroe.substack.com/p/are-you-listening-with-jane-adshead-aaa913e7c8c-f1cc-11e9-b133-2b48b3784fe0Tue, 22 Oct 2019 04:02:00 GMTKevin D. MonroeNo3325The Epidemic of LonelinessMost people have many ‘friends’, especially on social media, that they are connected to, yet loneliness has reached epidemic proportions. People may be socially connected, but they are lonely because they lack a sense of belonging. Loneliness is a greater health risk than obesity, Kevin says. The risk of dying from obesity is 30%, whereas the risk of dying from loneliness is 50% greater than that.
The Beauty of Belonging Much of what humans do, according to a study by Baumeister and Leary, is in the service of belonging. Kevin invites listeners to reflect on the things they’ve done in order to belong. He states that there is beauty in belonging. What is that place of deep belonging for you, he asks. What are the memories and feelings you associate with that place? The best experience of belonging, he declares, is a place where no credentials are required. You feel a sense of home there.
Barriers to BelongingThere are many barriers to belonging, such as economic, social and institutional barriers. Perhaps the biggest barrier for most of us, Kevin says, is the personal barrier. We have this narrative running in our head that tells us that we don’t belong, and gives us the reasons why. When we enter a new place, we go in looking for resistance and rejection, and our confirmation bias ensures that that’s exactly what we see.
The Battle for Belonging We have been sold a lie, mostly by mass media, that belonging is beautiful but only the beautiful belong. This idea is funded by billions of dollars to tell us that we don’t belong, but we can buy our way into belonging. But if we have to buy belonging, what happens when we can’t afford it any longer? We’re booted out. Kevin discusses the various ways we are made to battle for belonging.
The Birthright of BelongingWe belong, simply because we are part of the human race. It’s our birthright and we don’t have to do anything or buy anything to earn that right. Kevin says that we can’t make someone feel that they belong, but we certainly can create an environment where people feel welcome. Stop erecting artificial barriers and entrance exams that do more to keep people out than let them in. Look people in the eye, smile, shake hands, hug. Call them by name. See people and let them see you. Have conversations with people who are different from you. Don’t just stop at connection, Kevin says, move beyond it to belonging. Let’s create hospitable environments that welcome people and allow them to experience belonging.
ResourcesKevin@higherpurposepodcast.comPhone: 678-744-5111Barriers to Belonging reportBaumeister and Leary studyTraci Fenton episode Chris Chancey episode

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kevinmonroe.substack.com]]>https://kevinmonroe.substack.com/p/longing-for-belonging-759d5d502c8-eb8a-11e9-b80f-8b1f1e8b0a69Tue, 15 Oct 2019 04:01:00 GMTKevin D. MonroeNo1983His two most recent speaking engagements were the most fun for Kevin because, as he says, “It was the most me I've ever allowed myself to be.” He describes himself as a blue jeans guy, and it was the first time he allowed himself to wear jeans on stage, instead of a suit and tie. His keynote address was about the Superhero syndrome, which was discussed in episode 83 as well as in his Linkedin blog post titled Soft Skills Suck. Soft skills, he says, are really a misnomer because, in today's world of business and life, it takes people skills to succeed. That's the really hard stuff.
The audience responded well to his presentation and it made him realize that people are tired of being talked at. They want to have conversations. Showing up as his authentic self and having real conversations with his audience really made the experience special. Kevin challenges listeners: What do you want to do that is authentically you despite the expectations others have placed on you?
Overthinking and UnderactingKevin talks about how the Gratitude Challenge began and where it has reached in such a short time. He is grateful that he took action on the idea instead of overthinking, over-preparing, and underacting as he would usually do. He urges listeners to take action on their ideas: make a minimally viable product, get it out there and see how people respond to it.
We’re All On the VergeWe all have times when we think: “By now I should…” These thoughts often lead nowhere good.  When Kevin has these thoughts, as he recently did, he calls out in prayer and he reaches out to someone in person. This practice staves off what could have been a series of dark days. What came out of his conversation was that, in one way or another, we’re all on the verge of becoming what we’re capable of. He reflects about he would much rather have the words He was on the verge written on his tombstone than the words He quit.
The Liminal StateThe liminal state is the state between what was and what will be. We are not who we were, yet we've not fully become who we are in the process of becoming. We often express this as: “I will be _____ when _____.” Kevin says that if we believe that we will only be successful when something happens, that day will never come. The moment we reach that milestone we move the bar higher.  We should say instead: “I am ______ now, because _______.”  Even though you may not have or be all that you want at this moment, there are still many things that are beautiful in your life.
ResourcesJoin the Gratitude Challenge  Kevin@higherpurposepodcast.comPhone: 678-744-5111

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kevinmonroe.substack.com]]>https://kevinmonroe.substack.com/p/have-fun-being-yourself-ca9a0af3694-e6bd-11e9-8bdb-277edfd642fbTue, 08 Oct 2019 04:01:00 GMTKevin D. MonroeKevin talks one-on-one with listeners in this week’s show. It has been 2.5 months since his last solo episode and he has a few thoughts he wants to share with the community.No1799About the BookThe book highlights the lessons Chris learned from five years of working with companies in manufacturing, construction, and hospitality, to fill their labor shortage with a dependable refugee workforce.  Chris says that over seven million jobs will go unfilled in 2019, mostly in those three categories.
What Refugees Really WantWe often stereotype refugees in two ways:  we either think of them as charity cases that we need to provide for, or we consider them a terrorist threat that we need to be wary of. On the contrary, Chris says, refugees want to contribute, they want to pay taxes, they want to use their skills and time to provide for their families. They want to be seen as people who have value. The average length of time for a refugee to be in a refugee camp is 10 years. They’re not allowed to work while they’re there. Chris sees this as wasted potential since these are the prime years of their working lives. When they do get an opportunity to work, they have a hunger to prove themselves.
ShalomKevin asked Chris to talk about the win-win-win opportunity Amplio is helping businesses discover. Chris responds that we have persons with strong motivation to work, for whom drug abuse is not an issue, and who are legal to work in the US. Amplio matches them with companies that have open positions. Very quickly they started seeing the true impact of engaging the refugee workforce at companies:Increase in retention:  the industry standard in manufacturing is 40%.  With refugees, the retention rate is 80%.Increase in productivity: Refugees are highly motivated to work so they can provide better for their families.Increase in profits: with higher productivity comes increased profits.It's a win for the refugee, it's a win for the employer, and it's a win for Amplio, being the one making that relationship happen. Kevin calls this win-win-win state Shalom, as it’s the right order in all relationships.
A Challenge for ListenersChris throws out a challenge to listeners, which Kevin endorses: Let your table be filled with people not like you. He invites you to find someone from a different background or culture, and engage with them in deep, meaningful conversation. He promises that you'll come away with insights and perspectives that you didn't have before.
ResourcesLearn more about the bookAmplio Recruiting Kevin@higherpurposepodcast.comPhone: 678-744-5111

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kevinmonroe.substack.com]]>https://kevinmonroe.substack.com/p/on-hiring-the-displaced-with-chris-016a13632e8-e087-11e9-94ea-938ecde49f28Tue, 01 Oct 2019 04:01:00 GMTKevin D. MonroeNo2581This is the Century of ListeningKevin recalls a statement that Oscar made in episode 57: “The biggest productivity gains for leaders and systems is by listening more, not learning to speak more effectively. We spent the last century learning how to speak. We'll spend the 21st century learning how to listen.” Oscar says that we are going back to our storytelling traditions, and there will also be a correspondent focus on improving our listening skills. Stories are a great way to teach children to listen.
The Cost of Not ListeningKevin estimates that the cost of not listening is about $73 billion per year. In some notable crises in recent history, it took people outside of the system who were listening, to point out the impending disaster. Sadly, they were ridiculed at the time. Oscar points out that we find it difficult to pay attention to people who are different because we’re listening to prove them wrong. When you find yourself violently disagreeing with someone, he says, ask yourself which of your assumptions could be false, and what could you learn from that person. That is listening on a deeper level.
The Math of ListeningEric explains the 125/400 and the 125/900 rules and how they keep us from listening well. He describes a good listener as one who helps the speaker to discover their own meaning.
Listening VillainsMost people think they are better listeners than they are. Oscar helps people in the workplace discover which of the 4 listening villains they actually are:The shrewd listener, who pretends they're listening but actually thinks they’re smarter than the speaker;The interrupting listener, who just wants the speaker to get to the point;The lost listener, who is stuck in his own head; orThe dramatic listener, who always has a bigger, better story.
Overcome DistractionKevin shares a simple practice from Oscar’s book that helps him overcome distraction to listen better. That practice is simply to pause for a moment and breathe. Oscar says that putting your phone into flight mode and drinking a glass of water are other simple steps you can take. He finds that these simple practices have a big impact on business: meetings start earlier and end sooner, projects come in under budget, customers are happier, and employees stay with the company longer.
Join the Listening ChallengeKevin and Oscar invite you to join them in the Listening Challenge. It's an opportunity for you to discover your listening villain, remove distractions and become comfortable with silence. You can enroll at ListeningChallenge.com.
ResourcesOscar’s book: Deep Listening - Impact Beyond Words Join the Listening Challenge Kevin@higherpurposepodcast.comPhone: 678-744-5111

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kevinmonroe.substack.com]]>https://kevinmonroe.substack.com/p/deep-listening-with-oscar-trimboli-935c022c39e-dd51-11e9-8055-7fb0b89ef8f6Tue, 24 Sep 2019 04:01:00 GMTKevin D. MonroeNo2931The Rhythms of Life David recognizes that life has rhythms that are very much like the seasons. There is a time to prepare, a time to bloom, a time for blooming to end and to prepare for winter, and a time to go deep and grow. Kevin concurs and adds that there is also a rhythm to the day. When we find and follow the flow of the daily rhythm, beautiful things happen.
World-class by Design In every organization, there are success behaviors that lead to high performance. When we help people reach their fullest potential, we're actually helping our company to develop: high performance and being people-centered and not mutually exclusive, David says. He helps companies be intentional about creating a world-class culture. He states that a good company has a good culture by default, but a world-class company has a world-class culture by design. Culture is what we actually see as behaviors in an organization. It is either desired and led intentionally or it’s what is allowed to transpire.
Traits of a World-class Organization World-class organizations intentionally develop the rhythms, disciplines, and processes necessary to be high performance. We see it in their attention to detail and how they are purposeful about everything they do. David calls this playing like a champion: it's doing the things that matter most to people on a daily basis, over and over again, no matter how boring it gets. He stresses that it's important for leaders to step back from the business for a moment and define the behaviors that would lead to success. What does it look like to them to be world-class? What are the small behaviors that would make a difference?
World-class Performance Begins With Purpose David says that most people want to do their best. In order for them to perform at their best, however, we have to be able to align them with their purpose. If leaders develop their people, they will, in turn, bring all their skills and talents to the business to the benefit of both parties. Developing people is the groundwork for a culture that is magnetizing. Give people the opportunity to see their full potential, and believe in them, David advises. Leaders should be intentional about helping align their people with their purpose. If we’re on purpose, we're going to serve and impact more people and more lives, he says.
Resources David McGlennen on LinkedIn Email: david@davidmcglennen.com  Be The Leader Podcast on Youtube  Kevin@higherpurposepodcast.com Phone: 678-744-5111

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The Belonging DeficitIt's tragic that many people experience a belonging deficit, Kevin says. Devin explains that  social media in particular exposes this. When we post on social media and many people like our post - ironically, most of whom we have no real-life relationship with - we experience a quick dopamine response from feeling we belong. This dopamine fix goes away quickly and the belonging deficit returns, so we post again and again. In the workplace, the belonging deficit manifests itself in 3 major areas:Misalignment between your personal values and the organization’s values - if the organization’s values are not lived by leaders, or employees are not allowed to fulfill these values, they start to question whether they belong. Ultimately the cost to the organization is the repeated loss of its highest-performing talent.Misalignment with your direct leader -  when you don't believe you have trust from your leader, or you're unable to express your voice or share constructive dissent, you feel a growing dislike for your job.Misalignment with your team - this can usually show up in teams that are focusing on diversity just to fulfill a metric. Without the right leadership, the team will be unable to innovate or communicate, and members would feel that they don't belong there. 
5 Key CharacteristicsDevin describes five characteristics shared amongst brands and leaders that when replicated, have a tremendous impact on creating a sense of belonging.
How Leaders Can Create an Environment of BelongingBelonging is feeling permission to show up as yourself, Devin says.  Leaders can create an environment of belonging by:Being an ally and advocate four people in a different position than themselves;Making sure they have clearly defined the organization’s values, culture, and roles and behaviors;Modeling what's expected by being transparent.If you aspire for great impact, be the leader who is taking the appropriate actions and live the values. Devin admonishes, choose the challenge of struggle because it's that path that's going to lead you to exactly the outcome you want to achieve. 
ResourcesWin one of 2 free autographed copies of Devin’s book: HigherPurpose.BelongingFactor.comEmail Devin: ibelong@belongingfactor.comWebsite: devinhalliday.com Kevin@higherpurposepodcast.comPhone: 678-744-5111

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Start With One When it comes to tragedies, big numbers are really abstract but one is a real person. Melissa says that fighting psychological numbness takes intention. The answer is to look for one person and make a difference in his or her life. Kevin adds that this one intentional act of kindness creates a ripple effect.
The Neuroscience of Purpose We are much more positive and engaged when we have a purpose, Melissa says. It's a myth that we want everything to be easy; the human brain likes a challenge but it needs to matter to us. We find joy when we are in a place where we can be both challenged and positive. When we live a purposeful life, the limbic system produces more happy chemicals - oxytocin, serotonin and dopamine - instead of cortisol, the stress hormone. Understanding why it’s important to increase these happy hormones intensifies their benefits to us.
Make Gratitude Part of Your Routine Gratitude works the same way as the happy hormones: the more you do it, the more you benefit. In fact, the best way to get out of a negative feedback loop is to intentionally break it with gratitude. Melissa starts and ends her day by writing in her gratitude journal. Doing so sets her up for a successful day. When you envision yourself being successful, she says, you alert your reticular activation system, also known as the brain’s bouncer, to let in any opportunity that will help you reach your goal. At the end of the day, think of one thing that you are grateful for. You will feel more empowered and more empathetic towards others. We are in much more control of our brains than we think.
Resources Subscribe to Neuroscience NuggetMelissa’s book: Happy Hour With EinsteinJoin the Gratitude ChallengeKevin@higherpurposepodcast.comPhone: 678-744-5111

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Jonathan’s Journey Into Good AuthorityJonathan shares his gradual journey to becoming a good leader. He describes the moment he realized that things needed to change, and the steps he took from there. His wife asked him a question that would become the cornerstone of his life from that moment: what if professional and personal growth were two separate paths, but one journey? He now sees his life at work as daily opportunities for personal growth.
What is Good Authority?Good authority is not command and control, as it has been historically accepted. It is also not no authority or hierarchy at all. Good authority is acknowledging and embracing that I am in a position of authority and that I use it respectfully and with two-way dialogue.
3 Core PrinciplesKevin asks Jonathan to define the 3 core principles discussed in his book. Jonathan discusses these ideas:The deepest purpose of a business is to change the lives of the people who work there.The role of leaders and managers is to show people that personal and professional growth are inseparable.If you want people to be more engaged, you’ve got to be more engaged with them.
More Yoda, Less SupermanSuperman’s whole identity is wrapped up in saving the day. He never mentored anyone. He was focused on solving all the problems on his own. By contrast, Yoda was invested in helping Luke to become the best version of himself. He asked Luke difficult questions, informative moments to empower him to self-reflect and make difficult decisions, instead of holding his hand at every step. Jonathan believes that the future of work is to give people more Yoda; in other words, a pathway to self-discovery and self-actualization.
ResourcesFind Jonathan at Refound.comEmail: hello@refound.com Book: Good AuthorityKevin@higherpurposepodcast.comPhone: 678-744-5111

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Heather’s North StarsThere are many guiding principles Heather lives by. She calls them North Stars. Two of her favorites are: End strong, never end weak. Uplift others always.She comments that she came by these principles through her life experiences. It all started from the adversity: I am the person I am today because of my adversity, not in spite of it, Heather explains. 
How to Reframe AdversityWhen something bad happens, we each have a natural proclivity to either fight, flee or freeze. The first step in reframing is to allow the natural emotions to roll over you. However, there is a cut-off time: you don’t stay in that emotional mode forever. You move on to step 2 in reframing, which is to rethink that event or situation in a way that allows you to grow and move forward. Heather says that there are many ways to rethink what’s happening to us. Asking yourself questions such as “what did I learn from that? What can I do now because of this?” can help us see new possibilities. This same reframing process helps organizations and leaders to focus on rational ways they can impact the customer experience, rather than be discouraged by the things that are out of their control.
Reframing is Not Denying RealityKevin emphasizes the fact that reframing is not denying reality. It is letting reality sink in, but refusing to let it soak in for long periods of time. If you soak in it for too long you will wrinkle and shrink. Instead, focus on thoughts such as “what does this make possible? What's a different path forward?” If you think that there is only one path forward after a bad experience, that's being a victim. There is always more than one way to respond to any problem or dilemma.
Flip the SwitchA big part of personal, organizational and leadership effectiveness is to get a hold of your mind first. Once you discover what you can control after or in the midst of adversity, you feel a level of empowerment, like flipping a switch. 3 steps to start flipping the switch are:Step outside physically.Don’t soak in your adversity.Start imagining a new set of possibilities.
ResourcesHeather R. Younger on LinkedInTed TalkBook: The 7 Intuitive Laws of Employee LoyaltyKevin@higherpurposepodcast.comPhone: 678-744-5111

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What is Thriving?You can know that someone is thriving if they are innately happy in what they’re doing, when their work is contributing to the company's mission as well as their personal life. The better you understand their personal goals, the more you can understand their motives.
Would You Want to Work For You?The first step in evaluating your culture is to ask yourself, if you were interviewing with you, would you want to work here? Organizations and leaders who care about their people are crushing the competition: when you care about your people, others hear about it and want to work for your organization. Mike shares 3 ways you can evaluate your company culture. Kevin adds that another question to ask yourself is, would you want your children to work here? If the answer is no, Mike advises you to accept it and not excuse it. Be the change.
Caring is Good BusinessCaring about your people is the right thing to do but it also makes good business. Research on positive work cultures show a tangible financial impact, including a 400- 500% greater stock price value and greater ROI for those companies who invest in their people. Mike advises leaders to treat their people just like they treat their customers. Kevin adds that the customer experience will never be better than the employee experience.
Successful LeadersMike shares 4 characteristics of leaders who love well and who are not afraid to let their people know they care. These leaders are courageous, they believe that people are genuinely good, they care about those that struggle, and they are good communicators. Success in leadership is not just about work, Mike says. He asks leaders, do you have 3 a.m. friends? Would you want your kids to live like you? Real success is also about how you show up personally, in relationships as well as the community.
Resources MikeSipplejr.com Talent Magnet Institute PodcastKevin Monroe email: kevin@higherpurposepodcast.comKevin Monroe phone: 1-678-744-5111One Stone Creative

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What is Wrong With Me? Maryann posted on LinkedIn about how she had been fired 3 times in the last 9 years.  She says that she asked herself, why does this keep happening to me? What is wrong with me? The post generated lots of feedback, with many people telling her thanks because they could relate to what she wrote. She realized she wasn't showing the same kindness and compassion to herself that she showed to a complete stranger.
Shed the Guilt Kevin says that fear holds a lot of us back from starting over, mainly because of our responsibilities. The purpose of this podcast, Kevin says, is to help people feel free to start over, and to help them shed the guilt of doing so. Maryann adds that the most important questions to ask yourself are Who am I, What am I meant to do, and What might I have to give up to live my purpose?
Starting Over With Purpose Maryann’s purpose is bigger than herself: there are too many unhappy people in the workplace and her ‘empathy gene’ compels her to do something about it. She comments that if you want to lead your life, nothing is more important than knowing yourself really well.  Come at life from a position of strength, knowing what you're good at and what other people whom you admire, say they like about you. Build on your strengths just like elite athletes do. They focus most of their efforts on honing their strengths.
Toxicity at Work Causes Illness Kevin states that the stress and anxiety at work is the leading cause of chronic disease in North America. Maryann quotes the statistics of toxicity in the workplace and the impact it has on people’s lives. She concludes that if governments are trying to create more productive countries and companies, they could do so by investing in creating kinder, more collaborative, productive workplaces.
How to Have a Purpose-Powered Reboot Maryann outlines the three steps to take to give yourself a purpose-powered reboot, and shares some stories about how they can work for you.
There may be things we have to give up, but what we are getting in exchange for those tradeoffs is of far more value than what we are giving up. Energy that is directed from purpose is transformative. If you want to have a purpose-powered reboot Maryann advises you to be brave, be kind to yourself, and embrace the support of the people you love and trust the most. Most of all be grateful: if you can step back and look at all the things you're grateful for, it will remind you that you are living in an abundant place and that the world is full of hope and possibility and that we're all here to help one another.
Resources Maryann Kerr on LinkedIn

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What Happens When You Invite Gratitude In? Steve talks about some of the physical, neurological changes that happen when you’re focusing and prioritizing on gratitude. When stress is one of the leading causes of disease and unhappiness, gratitude is a simple, effective and accessible antidote to the chemicals caused by stress. The hormones that stress causes cannot be produced at the same time as the hormones caused by gratitude. Kevin talks about reading the Abundance Loop, which talks about how negative outcomes have happened when decisions are made on fear. The fix for that is, you guessed it - gratitude. Steve points out that we can be tempted to dismiss the power of gratitude because it is so simple.
Gratitude is Critical The average North American has the highest quality of life in recorded history. But happiness is not keeping up with the external indicators of happiness and comfort. Steve thinks that the negative is so easy to see, and humans have a tendency to notice and amplify the negative much more than the positive. Kevin and Steve talk about one particular challenge, and how the idea of turning lemons into lemonade can be a useful tool.
Breakthroughs Kevin had breakthroughs in gratitude and outlook - even as the host of the challenge! Gratitude is the gateway to improvements in all areas of your life. Steve compares it to brushing your teeth. It’s something to do every day. It shouldn’t be rote, and the 10-day challenges are a way to keep your gratitude practice fresh and engaging. Steve asks Kevin to talk a little bit about the change in outlook he had during the challenge. Ultimately, Kevin doesn’t believe they found the gratitude challenge - the challenge found them. Like most things in life, gratitude is better together than alone.
A Grateful Community The third gratitude challenge - new and improved! - is starting on August 12th. It is the foundation for an extraordinary life. Steve reminds the listeners that even if you’ve taken the first or second challenge - take the third one. There is always something more to learn and experience.
Kevin recalls the line from Steve’s book: “You are worthy and you have much to be grateful for.” Steve talks about what this means, and the way you can use the idea to keep yourself from living in the survival zone. We can all thrive.
Resources 
The Power of Gratitude with Steve Foran 
The Abundance Loop 
The Gratitude Challenge

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Incurring a Debt When you harm someone, Anthony believes you incur a debt. In the case of the murderer, the debt is in the form of multiple life sentences. Paying your debt is different than repentance, and Anthony explores the theological process of forgiveness, debt, and repentance. This process doesn’t necessitate a response to forgiveness, as satisfying as it might be - but it’s important to remember that forgiveness is for the person who was harmed, not the person who caused it. It releases the control the offender has over the victim.
When is Reconciliation the Goal? Not every event that requires forgiveness gets a reconciliation, and that can be challenging, especially when it’s close to home. Kevin and Anthony discuss how to manage those situations and the feelings that arise because of it. “Forgive and Forget” is a saying that may not mean exactly what people think it means. Forgetting, in this context means not hating, and not taking revenge, but doesn’t mean losing the memory of what happened, or working to prevent it from happening again.
The Consequences of Unforgiveness Anthony talks about the physical, mental and spiritual consequences of not forgiving those who have harmed you. The impacts of forgiveness and unforgiveness are not just personal, it affects communities, cities and whole countries. The response of the people of Charleston in 2015 was forgiveness, and that allowed them to begin healing. Kevin points out that when we have been wronged, we often want to take things into our own hands, and Anthony talks about what happens when you choose to put it into the hands of God.
The act of unforgiveness, or not forgiving, is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die.
Remembering Anthony shares what the community does each year as a memorial for the victims of the shooting. There are several purposes to these memorials: to honor and remember the victims, to connect with members of the community and other denominations, and to work together towards racial reconciliation and repentance.
Anthony and Kevin close the conversation with a reiteration of the power of genuine forgiveness and the benefits of making the choice to do so.
ResourcesCalled to Forgive
Victims of the Charleston Shooting:Clementa C. PinckneyCynthia Marie Graham Hurd Susie Jackson Ethel Lee Lance DePayne Middleton-Doctor Tywanza Sanders Rev Daniel L. Simmons SrSharonda Coleman-SingletonMyra Thompson 
Rest in Power.

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The World Peace Problem - or the beauty pageant problem. If you have to look at the entire world and all the problems in it - thinking about how to move forward is paralyzing. The problems are so big, and the pursuit of purpose within that is so grandiose. We want to make our purpose granular, and actionable. Kevin shares some strategies on how to make purpose closer and more personal.
The Plaque Problem - when purpose is enshrined on the walls, but never seen in the halls. You see this when company discussions of purpose are all about PR, and not about actions. This filters down to how team members think about purpose. Kevin talks about the worst version of this - purpose-washing. Purpose should permeate the environment, and be a part of every day’s activities, rather than just the marketing departments.
The Megaphone Problem - this is when purpose is more talk than walk, something we've all seen, unfortunately. The solution is to start *doing* it before you start telling people about it. Put your plans into action, and then talk to people about how they’re experiencing it.
The Rainbow Problem - you see this problem come up when purpose is seen only as a dream, and not a reality, or something you can see in the abstract - but isn’t tangible. This is hard for people to connect with individually - it seems like something impossible to achieve. Kevin talks about how you can bring purpose into the day-to-day by breaking it down into something more actionable.
The (Jackson) Pollock Problem - when purpose is too abstract and open to different interpretations in your organization. Kevin points out that while everyone should have their own understanding of purpose when it’s too abstract, people can’t work towards the same goal. Put purpose into practice, instead.
The Marshmallow Problem - when purpose comes up at special occasions - but has no impact on the rest of the year. Purpose needs to be substantive and transformative - the main course rather than the appetizer.
Kevin talks about how these problems, when taken together, can make purpose something that gets eye-rolls and lip-service rather than the immensely powerful tool it is. There are concrete ways for your organization to use and take advantage of purpose, and when purpose permeates your organization, everything you’re trying to achieve becomes possible.
Right now Kevin is available to work with a select number of organizations as a Strategic Purpose Partner and Advisor, to help them identify, experience and enjoy the results that are possible.  Call 678-744-5111, or email Kevin@higherpurposepodcast.com to put purpose to work in your organization.
ResourcesTheGratitudeChallenge.Community

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The Inner CriticMelissa and Kimberley discuss what the imposter syndrome means to them: sometimes it’s when your inner critic takes over your confidence, sometimes it's about other people’s expectations - or what you think they are. Kimberley makes a powerful statement about giving yourself the right to do what you do, and take up the space you need. Melissa adds that it’s important to share what you’ve done and what you’ve learned without being afraid you’re speaking out of turn, or that you’re not ‘expert’ enough. When you chart your own path, you’ll often be faced with the imposter syndrome.
The Importance of TrustTrust is a huge and critical part of the human experience. Melissa points out how important having trust for others is when it comes to achieving your goals. Kevin adds that the listeners to this episode are also being entrusted with this kind of vulnerability. Our early experiences can have a huge impact on our ability to trust, our bravery, and our confidence. They often supply the sound and tone of those inner voices that tell us we’re not good enough. Kimberley shares some challenges and experiences she has encountered when talking about her background, and what they have taught her about standing up for herself.
We’re Wired to ConnectCreating a Humans First culture makes a huge difference because it increases the sense of belonging we need to take risks and achieve great things. This matters at the organizational level, but on the personal level, we can’t afford to wait until we're in a fantastic culture - we need to take individual action to feel confident in ourselves. Melissa, Kimberley and Kevin discuss different strategies you can use to defeat your imposter syndrome.
Authenticity and Seeking TruthIt’s important to be aware of the impact you have on others and the world - how you show up and how you treat people matters. All too often, someone who is ‘just being honest’ may be telling the truth, but they’re often not being kind or helpful or supportive. None of us can control how other people will respond or react to us, and not having that control leads to imposter syndrome. Melissa points out that we often wouldn’t speak to others the way we speak to ourselves - and why not? Kimberley talks about faith, and the impact it can have on imposter syndrome.
The Jam Session ends with some final thoughts and reflections on imposter syndrome, connecting with others, and being mindful of the impact that we have on the world. One of the biggest fears leaders have is being exposed as an imposter - these feelings plague everyone on the path of achievement - and there is something validating about knowing you aren’t alone.
ResourcesKimberley Davis | onstageleadership.com | Dr. Melissa Hughes | Brave Leadership

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The Hierarchy of LeadershipSteve talks about the 4 primary points on the leadership spectrum. Underlying them all is Influence.
Surviving is drudgery.Striving is hard work.Arriving is a good place to be.Thriving is where life is like a playground.
Kevin and Steve discuss where you end up spending most of your time because it has a huge impact on how you feel, and what you’re able to accomplish. In other words: when the sh*t hits the fan - lean into gratitude!
One of the unrelenting forces pulling us back down the hierarchy is negative attribution bias  - Steve discusses what they are, and the kinds of impacts they have on us physiologically and emotionally. Kevin notes that this is a good reason to keep your gratitude practice consistent!
You Are Worthy and You Have Much to be Grateful ForGratitude has a profound way of touching each of our lives, and Steve couples it with the concept of worthiness. When you hold onto the belief that you are worthy - the opportunities to thrive and succeed open up for you. Many of us, deep down, don’t feel as if we are - but Steve (and Kevin!) both fundamentally believe that we are - every one of us.
The Benefits of GratitudeMore and more studies are finding there are physical benefits to expressing gratitude. Kevin asks Steve what the implications of gratitude are in business. Steve talks about increases in collaboration, empathy, successful/positive conflict and a general improvement in morale and profitability. It can be as simple as beginning meetings by asking everyone what they are grateful for.
The Gratitude ChallengeAs Kevin was preparing this show, he was thinking about creating a short gratitude challenge - Steve’s immediate response was: Yes! The gratitude challenge is open for registration now  - so whether or not you’ve had a regular formal gratitude practice, or you’re an old hand - Kevin and Steve invite you to go to Thegratitudechallenge.community. This is a 10-day challenge, with a daily email that will help you think about gratitude that day. Over the course of 10 days, Kevin and Steve both believe you could experience a major change in your life. If you don’t feel like you have a huge amount to be grateful for - this challenge could change that for you.
Kevin reminds us that gratitude may not immediately change anything about the situation, but it changes us and how we perceive and experience the situation. Steve adds that it’s easy to get complacent in your gratitude practice - and this challenge can be a way to re-invigorate it. 
ResourcesGratitudeatwork.caUse the discount code: Higher Purpose Podcast for $5.00CAD off the price of the book. TheGratitudeChallenge.Community

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kevinmonroe.substack.com]]>https://kevinmonroe.substack.com/p/the-power-of-gratitude-with-steve-d927b9e0c6a-9922-11e9-a401-dfeb7db936c4Tue, 02 Jul 2019 05:00:00 GMTKevin D. MonroeYes3498Many Ways to Celebrate There are so many possible ways to celebrate the 100th episode of a podcast or any show for that matter. First off, Kevin explains how the 100th-episode-milestone is always a 'big deal' in business, simply because it is a reminder of success – and how many (most, even) podcasts don't get to make it that far. What are some of the ways other podcasters have celebrated their 100th mark? Kevin shares a few such as highlights, navel-gazing – some kind of introspective look on failures, successes, low and high moments of the podcast – and having special guests on the show.
The People's Voice Kevin mentions all of his guests are special, so none of the standard methods of celebratory episodes really resonate with him. That's why he saw it fitting to stay true to the foundation of the Higher Purpose Podcast and apply the three C's: Connection, Conversation and Community - and decided to put together a beautiful 'audio mosaic' for this 100th episode, hearing from fellow listeners just like yourselves from all over the world, about what moved them, inspired and affected them throughout the podcast.
Final Thoughts
Thanks for joining the celebration of our 100th episode milestone. There’s a quotation attributed to Woody Allen, “80% of success is showing up.” Another way to say that is, you never finish anything you don’t start. I remember receiving an email from a friend in January of this year. “79 episodes?  Wow.  I’m inspired by your commitment, by the content itself, and by your positive energy. “It really is amazing what you – and I mean YOU can accomplish once you start something and “keep showing up.” How did we get to 100 episodes? One episode at a time…week after week and thanks to the encouragement of others, I just kept showing up.
Thank you for showing up and joining in to listen to Episode 100. I hope you’re inspired to take the next step on your journey – however small or insignificant it might seem. TAKE IT TODAY…and then take the next one tomorrow…

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kevinmonroe.substack.com]]>https://kevinmonroe.substack.com/p/waves-and-ripples-42fb2ef34a8-944c-11e9-bbb2-9f23d260d852Tue, 25 Jun 2019 05:00:00 GMTKevin D. MonroeNo2779Carrying on a Legacy
Al is thankful that Harry and Leticia have chosen to carry on and extend the legacy he and his family began generations ago. Alma Coffee - the cafe that Harry and Leticia just opened the week this episode was recorded - and being part of history while forging a new path, is something very exciting for everyone involved. This was a huge departure from the couple’s initial dreams of careers in accounting - despite becoming accountants, and getting jobs in their chosen companies, but making a difference through the family’s business was a stronger draw.
Fulfillment is Everything
As accountants, Leticia and Harry had a secure future but were miserable. The long hours, the stress, the whole environment was making them unhappy - and not filling their need for purpose. In being able to spend time at the family farm, and see the work being done - and the difficulties and challenges associated with it - they came to realize they needed to make a change - and fast! They quit their jobs, and committed fully to the family coffee business, learning how to roast and retail the coffee the family had been growing for generations.
Fixing the Supply Chain
For most coffee producers, all of the steps their product goes to - on its path from the farm to peoples cups - involve getting a smaller and smaller portion of the profits. Harry and Leticia believed they could change that, with their understanding of supply chains, marketing, and accounting. They started connecting the farmers directly to the people selling it - and everyone is better off. By controlling (and improving!) every step in the process, they and their clients have a more personal connection to the drink and understand the impact it can have.
Almadoption
Alma coffee adopts farmers they know personally, and that they’re going to re-invest in the industry and their communities - and they pay double the market rate for coffee. They have “Almadopted” three farmers outside of their family - and one of their measures of success is how many other farmers and families they can help. Success means being involved in the communities at all steps along the supply chain: from the farmer to the barista. 
Making a Difference
Not everyone moves from prioritizing success to prioritizing significance at all - but by seeing Al make that transition while they were quite young, Harry and Leticia were able to see the value and the benefits of aligning your personal and work lives around your purpose. Making a difference through business isn’t always easy - but can be extremely satisfying. People talk to them and talk about how they can make their own major life changes - becoming an entrepreneur and making a difference in the world. Leticia advises people to discover what gives them purpose, and see what career opportunities are there. Success can be a solo endeavor - but significance almost never is.
Try Alma Coffee by visiting them at their location at The Circuit Co-Working space, or ordering online! Use the discount code Higher Purpose to get 15% off your online order.
Alma Coffee | Alma Coffee on Facebook | The Circuit Co-Working Space |The Second Mountain Book Summary // Get the Book

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kevinmonroe.substack.com]]>https://kevinmonroe.substack.com/p/a-legacy-of-purpose-089794c0d44-8eba-11e9-b4d4-ef4aebb852d3Tue, 18 Jun 2019 05:00:00 GMTKevin D. MonroeNo2351Journey to the United States
Al grew up with coffee trees in his backyard, and it was his grandfather who instilled a love for them. He shares the story of how his grandfather encouraged him to pick and process the beans by hand, then took it a step further by allowing Al to sell the coffee and keep the profits. His father moved to the United States and Al joined him there on the promise of his own bicycle, and he shares the story of what it was like coming to a place with airplanes, electricity, indoor plumbing, and Coca-Cola in a can. He also shares the troubles he faced being ‘different’ in public schools, how he ended up in the military, and the injury that landed him in a factory.
Inspiration for the Future
While working in the factory, Al’s foreman kept telling him, “You have a head on your shoulders. Go to school.” So he did. From junior college to university, Al graduated with an accounting degree. As he waited for his first job interview, he had the crushing feeling that he wasn’t good enough to clean the bathrooms. Despite that, he had a phenomenal career there and moved to Sara Lee, where he really took off. He credits part of his success to growing up ‘on the streets.’
The Second Mountain
Al retired from his CEO position at age 42, having achieved his biggest goal. But he wasn’t finished yet; Al had a new purpose and it had nothing to do with his ego. He found himself being drawn back to his home in Honduras. For 800 years, farmers sold coffee and starved to death; they weren’t the ones making the money. Al decided to change that, and he shares the story of how he created Alma Coffee based on the idea of D2R, or ‘direct to roaster.’ But his holistic approach to helping the farmers goes much deeper.
The Real Deal
Al’s company was built, and he needed to find a roaster. He partnered with PJ’s Coffee in New Orleans after taking them to his farm in Honduras. He showed them that the story of his company, how he treats employees, and the difference it makes in the community was much more than a marketing ploy. It was the real deal because Al puts people first. He shares the three foundational pillars: improving lives, sustainable farming, and exceptional coffee. Al also shares his vision for the future; he wants the farming operation to continue 300 years after he’s gone.
The Definition of Success
Before Alma Coffee, the definition of success was the size of the paycheck. The golden parachute. Flying in private jets. But today, Al measures his success very differently: his farm director being able to buy his own home; his employees always having food, shelter, and community; lifting up the small town where he came from by improving the quality of life; his children wanting to continue the legacy. These things are the new definition of success.
Resources
Alma Coffee | Alma Coffee on Facebook | PJ’s Coffee | “The Second Mountain” by David Brooks

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kevinmonroe.substack.com]]>https://kevinmonroe.substack.com/p/the-definition-of-success-with-al-90d4c878332-89a7-11e9-b7bf-938a8bcecf95Tue, 11 Jun 2019 05:00:00 GMTKevin D. MonroeNo3285Freedom vs. Fear
Traci and WorldBlu teach people to live, lead, and work in freedom rather than fear. To do that, they tap into a deeper sense of love which results in freedom. In 20-something years of teaching this Traci realized something very important. Sometimes she would hit a brick wall with a company for no discernable reason. Traci discovered that most people have negative voices in their heads which directly affect self-worth, and if a CEO has self-worth issues, then they’re going to be threatened by employees with freedom. She shares one of the best - and worst - moments in her life at a Tony Robbins convention that drove this point home. And she also shares the profound reason why she doesn’t have the negative inner voice.
The Self-Worth Test
This isn’t a complicated test. In fact, you can do it right now. Answer this: On a scale of 1 to 10, how would you rate your self-worth right now, and why? When Traci was speaking to a room of about 100 CEOs, she asked them this question and asked them to raise their hands if they had an 8 or higher. You’d expect most of them to raise their hands; they’re successful CEOs, after all. But only 3 raised their hands. That’s one thing, but the more interesting part is when they answer the ‘why’ part of the question. Traci shares some of the answers she received when she asked why people ranked themselves lower.
Why You Are a Perfect 10
True self-worth isn’t tied to anything outside of us. Our worth is inviolate and baked into who we are. Traci points out that our worth is separate from wanting to improve and always be better. She shares some of the common characteristics of people who understand their self-worth: joyous, humble, lifting others up, consistent, loving, and more. She shares something very profound: Your PURPOSE is your reason for being. Your MISSION is what you do with it. Traci shares a story about coaching her nieces and nephews the way she does adult CEOs, and the surprising revelation that came from it.
The Ultimate Protective Factor
Kevin and Traci can both agree that purpose is an anchor. It’s what protects you when the world presses in around you. Consider the connection between purpose and self-worth. When we have low self-worth, it’s ‘me’ thinking, whether it’s negative or not. But when our self-worth becomes higher, infused with purpose, the thinking turns outward and we’re committed to serving others. One exercise that Traci recommends is to have a mantra that you say to the ‘gremlins’ - the negative voices - as soon as they appear. She explains how this simple trick works and why it’s so effective.
Final Thoughts
Here’s a question to ask yourself when you’re dealing with negative gremlins and low self-worth. How would you handle the situation if you WEREN’T afraid, if you WEREN’T listening to those gremlins? Second, if you’re at a 4, what would it take to become a 5? Is it internal or external? Finally, if you decided to spend the rest of your day living and acting like a 10, what would that feel like? Traci encourages you to run an experiment for today: live it as a 10.
Resources
WorldBluThe Freedom-Centered Leader CourseLinkedInTwitterFreedom at Work Podcast

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kevinmonroe.substack.com]]>https://kevinmonroe.substack.com/p/higher-purpose-and-self-worth-with-83d4802b76a-82f3-11e9-99c3-33a3234fa2fcTue, 04 Jun 2019 06:00:00 GMTKevin D. MonroeNo3823Ben’s Path and Inspiration
Ben started work at age 14, and his experiences were on both ends of the spectrum. He points out a very simple way to gauge what kind of experience you’re having as an employee: the way you feel when you walk in the door. Do you feel like you belong, like you’re rewarded for your efforts? Do people ask you how you are? These are some of the basic components of a good experience.
Worldwide Perspective on Work
As we mentioned, Ben has worked as a consultant in over 8 countries, and he’s spent that time observing work across those cultures. He found some striking similarities. That we are all human is obvious, but we also crave the same things regardless of where we are. Ben shares in more detail what those things are, then contrasts how we go about getting those things we crave in different cultures.
How to Observe and Understand
Ben tends to go about observation differently. Where many consultants walk in with a pre-made plan, Ben immerses himself in the culture surrounding him. In other words, experience life as a local, because above all, a sense of community is incredibly important. He shares his experience as a minority in China, and the surprising way people took care of him.
On a deeper level, Ben understood the similarities early in his journey. Humans are very different, but humanity remains the same. We are emotional creatures experiencing the world through our senses. He explains how being ‘human-centric’ has been his driving focus and what he’s seen that trips up otherwise good companies. He launched the World Employee Experience Institute to help solve these issues, and Ben shares the story of how the Institute was born.
The Employer/Employee Contract
The idea of this is simple: a work relationship provides one thing for the employer and a different thing for the employee. But have you considered the psychological contract? This revolves around rewards, being celebrated and appreciated, and growing, learning, and thriving within an organization. It’s a relationship rather than a contract or deal. This is the holistic way to look at employee experience.
The Basic Element of Humanity
Belonging is at the top of the list and that’s why Ben has put community first. When you build something people believe in and unite them within the organization, you achieve that sense of belonging. It’s much deeper than perks and ping pong tables. Ben reveals what creates a real sense of community, and how he can ask one question and learn the state of the community.
The Vital Factors
Ben’s book, called “Employee Experience,” dives into some of the vital factors of creating a great work environment. At the center of a good experience, there is a simple, unwavering belief in what the organization is doing. Partly, it’s about the ‘why,’ the passion, but that’s not enough on its own. You also need the ‘how,’ the mission and values of the organization. Ben calls this the ‘truth’ of an organization, which you’ll find instantly when you walk in the doors. It has nothing to do with marketing gimmicks, and Ben shares how organizations can find their own truth.
Resources
Website | LinkedIn | World Employee Experience Institute | Twitter

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kevinmonroe.substack.com]]>https://kevinmonroe.substack.com/p/the-employee-experience-with-ben-98b6e40872c-7cbd-11e9-8ab5-cf0b81926f1aTue, 28 May 2019 06:00:00 GMTKevin D. MonroeNo2766Waves and Ripples 
Both waves and ripples are movements of water or liquid in response to a stimulus. The scientific definition of a wave is "a moving disturbance in the level of a body of water" — there is motion there. There is action, there is energy. Both definitions include movement and a response to some type of stimulus: something has to start the movement. 
The distinction is that waves move you in a specific direction, whereas a ripple is a far-flung effect of something. 
Opportunities in action 
Imagine yourself sitting at the edge of the water, watching and listening to the waves. That’s one way to enjoy a wave’s impact. But unless you seize the opportunity, take action, and jump into the wave to have it carry you somewhere — you’re just sitting on the shore. You need deliberate and intentional action. 
Jason Meucci’s waves and ripples 
Jason has not only ridden waves and ripples, but has also created plenty of his own that we can trace through the Higher Purpose Podcast. 
He shares the story of getting to work with Jake Haupert after listening to him on an episode. They’re spreading the word about how transformational travel works to make the world a better and more connected place, a project that has potentially global ripples.
He also shares a story about connecting with Bernadette Jiwa through the podcast, who, within a week, had sent him a box of her books from Australia for him to share. That’s a ripple that has bounced from the podcast in Georgia, to Jason in Washington, to Bernadette in Australia, and back to Washington — and who knows where else!
He talks about meeting and becoming friends with Renee Smith and Tyler Adams through the podcast, and says he can list another ten to a dozen people he’s connected with through the podcast. All of this because he decided to take action, get involved, get to know these people and invest in their relationships. 
More waves and ripples 
The first ever episode with Mark Tim was an introduction through Chris Patten.
The Profile of Purpose Series, made up of conversations with 12 business owners who are in the business of purpose, also came as part of a wave.
My friendship with Marcel Schwantes led to an introduction to Mike Vacanti, which then kicked off the HumansFirst series on the podcast (and the waves and ripples from each of my guests on the series!) and my involvement with the HumansFirst Club — which also led to my hosting the HumansFirst Hangout, which has been another set of waves and ripples all of its own! 
A call to action 
I want to invite you to share your waves and ripples story that is somehow connected to the tsunami effect of the Higher Purpose Podcast. Go to kevindmonroe.com/waves and you’ll find a page and instructions to record a voice message and share your story. 
If you record it by Saturday, June 15, you’ll be able to hear it on our 100th milestone episode airing on June 25.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kevinmonroe.substack.com]]>https://kevinmonroe.substack.com/p/waves-and-ripples-with-kevin-monroe-0567ce6030a-77fa-11e9-986b-5b2a9633f398Tue, 21 May 2019 06:00:00 GMTKevin D. MonroeNo2391Spinning plates
As leaders and business owners, we’re keeping a lot of plates spinning — so much so that we end up neglecting employee engagement. But the secret to keeping that employee engagement plate spinning is to realize that it’s not a plate at all. It’s much more foundational, and embedded inside of each plate itself.
Santiago tells the story of the moment he realized he’d dropped the ball on his company’s employee engagement, and what he did to turn things around.
Unlocking your potential
Emplify uses data to help business leaders make better decisions and create better and more engaging work environments, with the purpose of helping all people unlock their full potential at work. How do we create an environment that allows you to become a better version of yourself?
We spend half our waking lives at work, and that very much impacts our lives. It’s really difficult for somebody to live a fulfilled and meaningful life when much of their time is spent with an energy-sucking force. This impacts friends and family, and from that, the impact ripples out into society. So one of the ways we can influence the world is by creating better, more human work environments.
Good for business
Santiago shares the story of a manufacturing business that would turn over 100% of their team every single year. Those are massive costs. When they interviewed their employees, their employees revealed that their backs hurt from moving heavy metal sheets every day to get them ready for welding, instead of spending their time welding. One $60,000 investment into a forklift later, the team went from being the lowest engaged in the company to the second most engaged team, they produced more, and helped the company earn an extra 3.8 million dollars every year with the same exact labor costs.
The magic of employee engagement is that it’s not just the right thing to do because it’s good for people. It’s also better for business. If done right, it can be very profitable.
Defining engagement
It’s head, heart, and hands: an employee’s intellectual and emotional connection with their work that causes them to strive with their hands after the company’s goals and mission. If their head and heart are all in, then they want to pursue what the company is about with their full and best self.
Have you ever seen someone innovate in a company who’s had their mind and heart checked out? People have to care deeply to come up with new solutions.
Employee engagement vs employee satisfaction
The goal isn’t employee satisfaction. It’s employee engagement. Engaged employees lean in and put their full hearts and minds into the job. Satisfied employees lean back, and do the bare minimum to keep reaping the benefits and rewards of the job.
It’s not about leadership catering to every whim of their employees. It’s about finding what actions we can take to make people’s lives better and help the business win. And to find that solution, you have to carefully diagnose the problem: a problem well-defined is a problem half-solved.
Resources for Santiago Jaramillo
LinkedIn | Twitter | Email: santiago@emplify.com
EmplifyGut + Science

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kevinmonroe.substack.com]]>https://kevinmonroe.substack.com/p/employee-experience-and-engagement-5374aef3c54-728c-11e9-a55b-27c3f0dab93dTue, 14 May 2019 06:00:00 GMTKevin D. MonroeNo2282HumansFirst is about actively bringing more humanity into the workplace to elevate people, help them mentally and physically heal, and then advance and evolve the workplace. And HumansFirst is not just about work — it spills into all areas of life, because we bring all areas of life into our work.
At HumansFirst Club Events:
Each event is about the participants, so there is no “prepackaged roadshow” that the HumansFirst Club takes on tour. Volunteers come in to share and infuse ideas, topics, and ways forward, and that gets the juices flowing so people can participate. And it’s that participation from the people in the room that makes each event unique.
But though the events aren’t designed the same way every time, some common themes do emerge about what’s broken and what can be repaired, which tells us that experiences are very similar across the country.
On the horizon:
The Playground is launching May 21, aligned with a live event taking place in Charlotte, to better serve an audience that is fast becoming global. It’s a virtual place with opportunities for people to come together and continue to experiment and meet other light-hearted people, and start to create what the future looks like.
As for the HumansFirst Club meetings, they will continue, but based on the feedback, people are looking to go deeper on the topics. Extended time will be important, as well as an opportunity to get a larger group of people together, so it may evolve into a one-day event with more time, scope, and scale. Less frequent events but bigger and more engaging.
Where the rubber meets the road:
How can you bring the takeaways from the HumansFirst Club experience back to your organization and your daily work life? That’s where it feels like there is a barrier, or no entry point. That’s why Winning Conversations was designed.
This program focuses on open dialogue, very much like during the HumansFirst Club events, and teaches businesses how to have these structured conversations to unleash the brilliance that’s already in your organization. Because it’s interactive and engaging, it drives adoption, accelerates initiatives, and ties multiple initiatives across your company together.
Do we know what’s going on? Do we know what’s going to happen during the day? How do all the pieces fit together? Winning Conversations helps pull all of that into alignment, and builds this whole process into your organizational rhythms. It’s a very different approach to a highly believed and known problem.
When we get people together, stretch them out of their comfort zones, and align to the reality that’s going on, all of a sudden you’ll see the company values come through, the vision becomes clear, and the people attach themselves to it.
We love being busy, but now we can be purposeful. Given the opportunity, people will amaze you.
Resources for Mike Vacanti: LinkedIn | Twitter | Facebook | Website | HumansFirst Club
Other resources: X-Factor Consulting | Episode 77: Putting Humans First with Mike Vacanti

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This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kevinmonroe.substack.com]]>https://kevinmonroe.substack.com/p/psychological-safety-at-work-with-2fe3a6cf5bc-66cd-11e9-aa5c-a37d372e512fTue, 30 Apr 2019 06:00:00 GMTKevin D. MonroeNo2802The Careercation
Burnt out by his own startup, David uprooted his family and bought one-way tickets to New Zealand. During this vacation, he had two main goals: to unplug and connect with his family, and to figure out what was next.
So he conducted a series of interviews with CEOs about their pain points, and from these interviews, a common theme emerged: the haunting feeling when someone would give them their two weeks’ notice out of the blue.
This became the inspiration for TINYpulse. What if we could take the pulse of our employees - in the moment - so leaders could get on top of issues ahead of time and resolve them collaboratively before they spin out of control?
Think tiny
Instead of one huge survey once a year, what about asking people one simple question at a time? For management, it’s much easier to get a picture of what’s going on as there’s much less noise than if you had asked 30 questions. It’s also easier to find themes and actually do something about it.
Characteristics of companies that flourish
One is the importance of recognition. Whether you use TINYpulse or something else, make sure that there are multiple avenues of giving each other recognition, and that it’s very easy to do.
The second thing is the perception of management transparency. One of the biggest drivers of how happy employees say they are is how transparent they believe management is. So David challenges leaders: given your role, how can you be more transparent?
Cheers for Peers
This TINYpulse feature allows colleagues to appreciate one another in real time. Recognition isn’t just a high five, it’s (1) What am I giving you recognition for, specifically? (2) What is the significance or impact of what you did? (3) How did it make me feel? Not only does this boost engagement and morale and build a culture of recognition, but a manager can also check the cheer scanners and see what’s going on. In TINYpulse offices, these cheers are publicly shared and visibly celebrated.
Values
You’ll know if a set of values are your values if it allows the people you want in your company to flourish and the people you don’t want in your company to self-select out. You should be able to make decisions by these values and hire and fire by them.
Here are TINYpulse’s:
Delight customers. This includes internal customers because if you can’t delight each other internally, you can’t delight customers externally.
Spread positivity. When you walk in the door, you can be positive, negative, or neutral. It’s a free choice.
Lead with solutions and embrace change. If you have something to complain about, offer suggestions on how to solve it.
Improve communications by being direct and transparent.
Go the extra mile with passion. It’s super hard but very rewarding.
Hold yourself accountable. You don’t need to be policed. You have the freedom, but you also have the accountability. Balance it.
Treasure the culture of freedom we have. Everyone who comes after you will take their cue on how to act from you.
Resources
David Niu (LinkedIn) | Careercation | TINYpulse | TINYcon

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kevinmonroe.substack.com]]>https://kevinmonroe.substack.com/p/the-pulse-of-your-organization-with-0cd1b97b964-6219-11e9-af03-9fca8074a6e4Tue, 23 Apr 2019 06:00:00 GMTKevin D. MonroeNo3197The format of the Higher Purpose Podcast
For this podcast, I just wanted to find people — whoever they are, wherever they’re at, and regardless of title — who are doing amazing things and integrating purpose into their work. And I’ve been blessed to meet and connect with an amazing community of people from around the world. 
I also decided I didn’t want to have interviews, I wanted to host conversations. That was a significant shift. I wanted to have unique conversations with my guests that they won’t have with any other podcast host, or that you won’t hear on any other podcast. 
The Humans First Movement 
The movement began for me through relationships. Marcel Schwantes and I were already connected, and he asked if I knew Mike Vacanti. I said I didn’t, Marcel made the introduction, and what was supposed to be a 30-minute conversation with Mike lasted for two and a half hours.
For some reason, Humans First is a label that just connects like crazy with people. I like to think of Humans First as a multifaceted diamond. You can look at it from different perspectives, and each person will see something unique in the diamond — but we’re all still looking at this same multifaceted gem. 
The Humans First Series on the Higher Purpose Podcast 
There was no plan of doing a Humans First series on the podcast, but then I began to have conversation after conversation with people, and every time, there was this lift. There was energy. It was fun.
And the guests weren’t showing up to say, I have the answer. No: it was to say, here’s my contribution. And I want to sample what other people are offering. Let’s have a conversation. To me, that’s the single biggest difference that I see characterizing Humans First. 
On community 
I’ve identified my zone of genius as Create, Connect, Converse, and so to me, podcasting is a conversation that connects people in the community. 
I don’t know the scale or the scope, but I’m going to begin hosting some in-person gatherings because we need to get in the room together. These are going to be unique meetings that aren’t going to be built around presentation — they’re going to be transformational conversations with like-minded people from around the world. 
Emergence 
Rather than trying to make things happen, for me, it’s all about the flow. The flow of energy, the flow of creativity. When you follow the flow, amazing things happen. 
Last week, I sent out an email to all the folks that have been in this Humans First series of conversations and I said, here’s an idea. And in a few hours, everybody said they were in. We’re in the process now of planning a series where we’ll have four or five people on the podcast at once, and have an unscripted and unplanned conversation that takes a topic and dives into it. That’s what we’re doing very soon! 
I’m electrified, ecstatic, and energized. I’m pretty excited about the things we’re talking about and I’m just thinking, wow, what’s next? What is possible? 
HumansFirst Leaders Connect
Join me for the HumansFirst Book Club, where we do a deep dive into a book a month and often engage the authors in conversation.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kevinmonroe.substack.com]]>https://kevinmonroe.substack.com/p/the-higher-purpose-journey-with-kevin-a9813bf7c2e-5e16-11e9-adf1-bf98ea4f5dbfTue, 16 Apr 2019 06:00:00 GMTKevin D. MonroeNo2897
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This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kevinmonroe.substack.com]]>https://kevinmonroe.substack.com/p/hospitable-leadership-and-the-discipline-bf95c11f7d68db74c5fa793772e0b8e7c11Tue, 11 Dec 2018 06:00:00 GMTKevin D. MonroeOn today’s episode, we have Terry Smith, Lead Pastor of The Life Christian Church, and the author of The Hospitable Leader: Create Environments Where People and Dreams Flourish. What does it truly mean to be hospitable, and how can it transform...No3054
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This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kevinmonroe.substack.com]]>https://kevinmonroe.substack.com/p/hr-on-purpose-with-steve-browne-3db8717bbc640544f1a89397483e129524bTue, 02 Oct 2018 05:00:00 GMTKevin D. MonroeAre you the same person at work as you are at home? Are you ‘busy’ or are you ‘full?’ Is your life gloomy or great? It might be time for a mind shift. Imagine what would happen if you were to reframe your thoughts around purposeful intentions...No3016
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This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kevinmonroe.substack.com]]>https://kevinmonroe.substack.com/p/becoming-a-deep-listener-with-oscar-4bc63c7442f6a1e407fa90ad8658eb07349Tue, 28 Aug 2018 04:00:00 GMTKevin D. MonroeJoining Kevin on the Higher Purpose Podcast is Oscar Trimboli - a mentor, leadership coach, speaker, and the author of Deep Listening: Impact Beyond Words. Oscar has an outstanding track record of helping leaders become even more impactful leaders by...No2920
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This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kevinmonroe.substack.com]]>https://kevinmonroe.substack.com/p/change-your-brain-change-your-life-163a3b752be361c43b19fbf324426313396Tue, 14 Aug 2018 04:00:00 GMTKevin D. MonroeKevin Breeding started Mindset Engine as a way to generate leads for his business. But he soon realized that it was far more than that. In fact, he realized he was rewiring his own brain in creating it. Kevin realized that when you change your brain,...No2358
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kevinmonroe.substack.com]]>https://kevinmonroe.substack.com/p/the-6-obstacles-to-success-with-kevin-054210c289b097346eb889e193e40a717bbTue, 07 Aug 2018 04:00:00 GMTKevin D. Monroe"Make us to choose the harder right instead of the easier wrong and never to be content with a half truth when the whole can be won." That is the West Point Cadet Prayer, but it’s not just for cadets. It‘s for all of us, especially those of us who...No1337
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kevinmonroe.substack.com]]>https://kevinmonroe.substack.com/p/better-together-with-rusty-george-8f5448c8d32df3d480e9e0e6fbb00d8f53fTue, 31 Jul 2018 04:00:00 GMTKevin D. MonroeAs we’ve often said, purpose thrives in community and dies in isolation. Today’s guest, Rusty George, agrees. In fact, he published a book entitled Better Together where he talks about the power of community. Rusty is a pastor, speaker, and...No2485
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This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kevinmonroe.substack.com]]>https://kevinmonroe.substack.com/p/make-work-more-human-with-renee-smith-67a135ced8890b1499a80c161c56f080321Tue, 10 Jul 2018 08:00:00 GMTKevin D. MonroeHow can we make work more human? Kevin talks to Renee Smith about the high cost of fear, and the deep impact of love. Renee Smith is the Director of Organizational Development at Washington state’s Department of Enterprise Services. She’s not just...No3224
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This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kevinmonroe.substack.com]]>https://kevinmonroe.substack.com/p/the-secrets-of-small-giants-with-cc8393d6363e1534046b144950458d72a56Tue, 26 Jun 2018 04:01:00 GMTKevin D. MonroeJust over 10 years ago, Bo Burlingham wrote Small Giants - a book about “companies that choose to be great, instead of big.” Now Small Giants is a movement, a community, and an annual Forbes list. Kevin talks to Bo about the rise of...No3987
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kevinmonroe.substack.com]]>https://kevinmonroe.substack.com/p/an-experiment-in-developing-human-cc14e3304cc63594954838843a393f1a422Tue, 19 Jun 2018 08:00:00 GMTKevin D. MonroeKevin sits down with Bruce Ballengee, founder and CEO of Pariveda Solutions. Pariveda is a tech consulting company doing things differently. The mission of Pariveda is helping people achieve their highest potential – including both their clients and...No3458
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This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kevinmonroe.substack.com]]>https://kevinmonroe.substack.com/p/upleveling-your-business-your-leadership-468a60b1e96c6cd4fe9acef4407503da737Tue, 05 Jun 2018 08:00:00 GMTKevin D. MonroeKevin is currently in the first phases of the Extraordinary Experiment. What is the Extraordinary Experiment? It’s a program open to anyone who wants to join - anyone who believes that living an extraordinary life is within your reach. Each week...No1317
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This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kevinmonroe.substack.com]]>https://kevinmonroe.substack.com/p/shaping-your-legacy-with-tom-ziglar-985472589c727e240fda41376198cde6c4eTue, 22 May 2018 08:00:00 GMTKevin D. MonroeKevin sits down for an inspiring conversation with Tom Ziglar, of Ziglar, Inc. Tom was the President and CEO of Ziglar until eight years ago, when he began speaking and motivating others to change their lives. Tom and Kevin discuss how to live life on...No3133
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This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kevinmonroe.substack.com]]>https://kevinmonroe.substack.com/p/find-a-way-to-say-yes-with-james-7f1b5681b290f138cb7c5e1e2e90ec01e7fTue, 08 May 2018 08:00:00 GMTKevin D. MonroeWhen James Boettcher was just starting out as a young entrepreneur, the new business he had just bought burned to the ground right before opening day – after he had already invested all of his loan money in renovations. That was Fiasco Gelato, a...No2818
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kevinmonroe.substack.com]]>https://kevinmonroe.substack.com/p/inside-look-at-the-profiles-of-purpose-903f9754ce5c5be4d332fd8a0b88e44a38eTue, 01 May 2018 08:00:00 GMTKevin D. MonroeForty episodes, that’s nine months of podcasting - it’s been quite a journey! Kevin talks about some of the biggest things he’s learned along the way, first among those is that if he had waited for clarity before starting the podcast, he’d...No1008
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kevinmonroe.substack.com]]>https://kevinmonroe.substack.com/p/zingermans-and-beyond-with-ari-weinzweig-cf7124998ad0b8e66ddae4695e1655094eaTue, 24 Apr 2018 08:00:00 GMTKevin D. MonroeAri Weinzweig opened Zingerman’s Deli in Ann Arbor, Michigan 36 years ago with one business partner and 2 employees. Now Zingerman’s has grown to include 700 employees, the original deli, a bakery, a candy manufactory, a Korean restaurant, a...No3279
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kevinmonroe.substack.com]]>https://kevinmonroe.substack.com/p/social-enterprise-with-russ-stoddard-b9c65ad5f312b75a63fec805c2501516d64Tue, 17 Apr 2018 15:19:49 GMTKevin D. MonroeKevin sits down with Russ Stoddard, founder of Oliver Russell, a consulting business that is all about creating social and environmental impact. Oliver Russell focuses on four core values: social responsibility, creativity, collaboration, and moving...No2856
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kevinmonroe.substack.com]]>https://kevinmonroe.substack.com/p/story-driven-with-bernadette-jiwa-c638e16d46d433e738bb1da33be42e16d56Tue, 10 Apr 2018 08:00:00 GMTKevin D. MonroeSometimes we spend so much time comparing ourselves to others that we forget to emphasize what we’re contributing to the world through our business. Kevin talks to author and branding expert Bernadette Jiwa about story-driven branding and the...No3461
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kevinmonroe.substack.com]]>https://kevinmonroe.substack.com/p/cultivating-joy-with-rich-sheridan-ec440393ab4d141d7a0b3c9721ed73007cdTue, 03 Apr 2018 08:00:00 GMTKevin D. MonroeWhy is joy elusive to so many people, especially at work? Have you ever thought about joy as a business value? Kevin talks to Rich Sheridan about his new book Joy, Inc., and about how to create a radically different kind of workplace culture based on...No2981
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kevinmonroe.substack.com]]>https://kevinmonroe.substack.com/p/transformational-travel-with-jake-10184edb418c4c520fd35d8803f300909cfTue, 27 Mar 2018 08:00:00 GMTKevin D. MonroeWhile we may embrace the quest for progress and improvement in our working lives as a heroic journey, many of us view travel itself as a time for leisure. In this episode, Kevin and guest Jake Haupert from the Transformational Travel Council and...No2884
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kevinmonroe.substack.com]]>https://kevinmonroe.substack.com/p/flourishing-in-business-with-gabriel-d2bb6c2da0e39caefbaad5a903c1777150fTue, 20 Mar 2018 08:00:00 GMTKevin D. MonroeGabriel Grant graduated from Yale with a Ph.D., so it might surprise you a bit to learn this his purpose in life is using research to help create a world where all life flourishes together from people experiencing their lives as a calling. What does...No2175
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kevinmonroe.substack.com]]>https://kevinmonroe.substack.com/p/explore-discover-and-transform-work-018be537a339503f60c139ed741d7ed5a70Tue, 13 Mar 2018 13:21:27 GMTKevin D. MonroeCharting a new path for your business is not just about making a few improvements - it’s about the transformation of individuals and institutional culture. Today, Kevin talks to Gary Adamson of Starizon about how to create real transformations in...No3462
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kevinmonroe.substack.com]]>https://kevinmonroe.substack.com/p/love-is-the-foundation-for-effective-e1e3a96a71679d0cfa1124457826d0cb4c3Tue, 06 Mar 2018 09:00:00 GMTKevin D. MonroeMentioning love in the workplace is corporate heresy. We pretend like it doesn’t exist inside cubicles. Today, Kevin explores why love is the foundation for effective leadership, and how eliminating fear from the workplace is an incredible way to...No1574
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kevinmonroe.substack.com]]>https://kevinmonroe.substack.com/p/the-primary-colors-of-servant-leadership-d62f5bac3fd6095edfc1e0ddda5f88ce404Tue, 27 Feb 2018 09:00:00 GMTKevin D. MonroeOur past few episodes have focused on servant leadership and how to make your business better with the principles Kevin espouses in his own business and life. It can seem very overwhelming. Today, Kevin brings the discussion full circle with a simple,...No1932
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kevinmonroe.substack.com]]>https://kevinmonroe.substack.com/p/pivoting-your-life-and-living-your-ba495ee5e125b784c1c8d14d2c5a6fc1fe8Tue, 20 Feb 2018 09:00:00 GMTKevin D. MonroeBusiness owners and entrepreneurs, especially the purpose-powered ones, tell about a time in their careers and lives when they made a pivot. And most of the time, they talk in past tense. What’s done is done, so you don’t always get a real-time...No3155
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kevinmonroe.substack.com]]>https://kevinmonroe.substack.com/p/servant-leadership-is-not-soft-with-b885071ea94d30cb26fc76db9f64937d992Tue, 13 Feb 2018 09:00:00 GMTKevin D. MonroeJeff Harmon has a unique way of viewing the world. He was diagnosed with a potentially life-threatening condition that put his mortality right in front of his eyes. That played a big part in Jeff’s mission to change the world through servant...No2576
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kevinmonroe.substack.com]]>https://kevinmonroe.substack.com/p/the-10-signs-of-servant-leadership-e3c59678e5568e91cd4ad991d4b98f0f80cTue, 06 Feb 2018 09:00:00 GMTKevin D. MonroeFor the last 8 years, Kevin Monroe has introduced servant leadership to all types of leaders from over 50 different countries. Kevin has found, to his delight, that while these leaders might not know what servant leadership is, when they learn about...No1765
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kevinmonroe.substack.com]]>https://kevinmonroe.substack.com/p/transformative-power-of-servant-leadership-3ee709f0b23ea4f69349170dd89b673c1e6Tue, 30 Jan 2018 09:00:00 GMTKevin D. MonroeWhat is servant leadership? The simple answer is that you lead through serving. The real answer is much deeper than that, and today, Kevin talks about some of his bold claims about how it can work. His ideas have even been called unrealistic, but they...No1768
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kevinmonroe.substack.com]]>https://kevinmonroe.substack.com/p/the-barriers-to-purpose-with-dr-michael-5b2b67eaac25649f3ed6005bde993c23173Tue, 23 Jan 2018 09:00:00 GMTKevin D. MonroeOn our paths to purpose, we all meet with barriers that make us wonder if we'll ever find what we are meant to do or how we will do it. Today, Kevin talks with his good friend, Dr. Michael Hudson, about many types of barriers and how they both have...No2104
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kevinmonroe.substack.com]]>https://kevinmonroe.substack.com/p/the-clarity-conundrum-dfad258ba7da941b23e340b69a75e2c9df7Tue, 16 Jan 2018 09:00:00 GMTKevin D. MonroeWhat's the Clarity Conundrum? You've probably felt it. You know you have a purpose. It aches in your chest to be fulfilled, but you can't put your finger on exactly what it is. That's the conundrum part: trying to find clarity. Are you creating your...No1656
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kevinmonroe.substack.com]]>https://kevinmonroe.substack.com/p/8-insights-on-your-journey-to-purpose-0ae674da1a952d170fcecbd8a53139c2e81Tue, 09 Jan 2018 09:00:00 GMTKevin D. MonroeIt's the beginning of a new year, and if you're like millions of other people, you've made a resolution to do better this year than last. Or maybe you're looking back at the past year and you realize that you didn't achieve all you set out to, and...No1547
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kevinmonroe.substack.com]]>https://kevinmonroe.substack.com/p/living-working-and-serving-on-purpose-e21e6ba9eaf2b831439a969ac4367f704a2Tue, 02 Jan 2018 09:00:00 GMTKevin D. MonroeAt some point in our path of purpose, we've been guilty of navel-gazing. Of finding what we think is our purpose, perfecting the statement, then hanging it on the wall as if we were done with it. That's not how it's supposed to be. Today, Kevin talks...No1415
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kevinmonroe.substack.com]]>https://kevinmonroe.substack.com/p/life-lessons-from-its-a-wonderful-05c8bf5215cd55dc0d07d718fb424bcfcc1Tue, 26 Dec 2017 09:00:00 GMTKevin D. MonroeWith Christmas behind us, it's all too easy to slip back into the old ways of doing things, kind of like when a movie ends and real life goes on. It shouldn't be this way. Today, Kevin talks about life lesson you can take from a beautiful Christmas...No1390
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kevinmonroe.substack.com]]>https://kevinmonroe.substack.com/p/profiles-of-purpose-1-jackie-brewton-55e295d551b7531bdb91558463faa182e60Tue, 19 Dec 2017 09:00:00 GMTKevin D. MonroeThis is the first in our Profiles of Purpose series where we talk to people who are doing an amazing job of living, working, and serving on purpose. Jackie Brewton was one of the first people that popped into Kevin's mind. She has made her purpose...No2669
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kevinmonroe.substack.com]]>https://kevinmonroe.substack.com/p/being-afraid-to-hope-with-dr-rick-44e52cea8b0170687c3a64e48223eb613beTue, 12 Dec 2017 09:00:00 GMTKevin D. MonroeWe have a very special guest today, Dr. Rick Rigsby. He recent had the video of a talk he gave go viral, and unlike many of the internet's viral videos, Rick's message is one of purpose. He and Kevin talk about the hope crisis that is threatening the...No3409
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kevinmonroe.substack.com]]>https://kevinmonroe.substack.com/p/best-of-the-navigating-north-summit-a0e6010d70bdcde59f7e57d146861d1ff38Tue, 05 Dec 2017 09:00:00 GMTKevin D. MonroeThis year marked the very first Navigating North Summit, and what an amazing experience it was! Today's episode takes some of the very best clips from our speakers and threads them together in a powerful lesson on finding your own path to purpose....No1883
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kevinmonroe.substack.com]]>https://kevinmonroe.substack.com/p/lessons-learned-from-the-navigating-6b0e5a83ec55251b5cd331fa7d0d4cf9741Tue, 28 Nov 2017 09:00:00 GMTKevin D. MonroePutting on a summit is a challenge. Putting on a summit that eschews trends to an audience who isn't familiar with summits is an even better challenge. But that's exactly what Kevin Monroe and his team did for the Navigating North Summit. There were...No2643
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kevinmonroe.substack.com]]>https://kevinmonroe.substack.com/p/how-to-lead-when-youre-not-in-charge-46d806af70373bd111dee0bf5b8e53cd3deTue, 21 Nov 2017 09:00:00 GMTKevin D. MonroeClay (short for Claytonious) Scroggins is the author of the best-selling book, How to Lead When You're Not in Charge: Leveraging Influence When You Lack Authority. It's a long title and a powerful message. Today, Kevin and Clay dig into what it means...No3283
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This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kevinmonroe.substack.com]]>https://kevinmonroe.substack.com/p/social-entrepreneurship-with-kari-d464b53d5a8b59cc1c94097bfa11fd7f366Tue, 07 Nov 2017 09:00:00 GMTKevin D. MonroeKari is editor-in-chief of Rank and File magazine, a digital publication for purpose driven entrepreneurs and a value-based magazine. She loves talking to people about her mission, one to which she has devoted her life, and today, she and Kevin talk...No2770
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kevinmonroe.substack.com]]>https://kevinmonroe.substack.com/p/navigating-north-summit-with-kevin-83dd99c20e2ce51a215e77b63c643c5db2cTue, 24 Oct 2017 08:00:00 GMTKevin D. MonroeToday is a special episode. The tables are turned and Kevin is the one being interviewed by the talented and lovely Amy Robles. The talk through the ins and outs of the Navigating North Summit, and what makes it so very special. The...No2578
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kevinmonroe.substack.com]]>https://kevinmonroe.substack.com/p/community-is-the-key-to-success-with-475555f9bc6ad64b9f9a2c6d0fc0e4a9553Tue, 17 Oct 2017 08:00:00 GMTKevin D. MonroeJeff Goins is the best-selling author of five books including The Art of Work and Real Artists Don't Starve. Jeff believes we all have a creative gift to share with the world – our art. Today, Jeff and Kevin take a behind-the-scenes look at tribe as...No2860
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kevinmonroe.substack.com]]>https://kevinmonroe.substack.com/p/the-truth-about-gifting-with-thom-b4378598377b84ddc713077a90056d000c1Tue, 10 Oct 2017 08:00:00 GMTKevin D. MonroeThom is an author and a brilliant mind when it comes to purpose, meaning, gifting, and opportunity. He and Kevin talk about some topics on how to use your gifts, and more importantly, how to FIND your gifts. They also discuss what happens to you and...No2564
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kevinmonroe.substack.com]]>https://kevinmonroe.substack.com/p/purpose-at-work-with-joe-pine-805652a34f93397df73b31014873c83f0bbTue, 03 Oct 2017 08:00:00 GMTKevin D. MonroeJoe Pine is the author of The Experience Economy and several other books. He and his partner Jim head up an organization that teaches businesses not just to sell, but to be the authentic, experience-based organizations that speak to customers' wants...No2952
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kevinmonroe.substack.com]]>https://kevinmonroe.substack.com/p/finding-purpose-at-work-with-garry-ae35e28e52627771b350b40e565efcf12c5Tue, 26 Sep 2017 08:00:00 GMTKevin D. MonroeGarry Ridge is the CEO of the WD40 company and author of Helping People Win at Work, a Business Philosophy Called Don't Mark My Paper, Help Me Get an A. Garry tends to take a contrarian position on business and purpose at work, but he's also very...No2400 Julie is the Chief Career Happiness Officer… not just of her own job, but of the universe. She believes it's possible for anyone. She talks about how many people have high degrees of career happiness, a shocking number, and she talks about what career happiness is. The simplicity of it might shock you.
Julie digs into each of the four criteria in the Career Happiness Formula that lead to career happiness. She also talks about the correlation between purpose and happiness, and what happens when people's focus isn't on the actuality of purpose, the metrics, the meaning.
Leadership is essential – you don't leave a job; you leave a boss. Julie and Kevin discuss some of the other reasons your job might not be right for you, and how your sense of purpose might be withering where you are. Have you ever said something like 'I don't know what I want to do, but I know I don't want to do this'?
You can't always jump from where you are to where you want to be. Often it happens in a series of steps toward that goal. When you're looking for purpose at work, one of the best things you can do is look for that next step when the big leap isn't available yet.
Every 'yes' you've committed yourself to is also saying 'no' to something else. You must cultivate the ability to say no to things that aren't in line with your purpose and goals, so that when the opportunity you want comes along, you have enough room for a big yes.
Career success and career happiness don't always correlate. Julie goes into insightful detail on the trappings of money and titles, lifestyles, and how difficult it can be to walk away from it. You have to ask yourself: is appearing happy more important than being happy?
Purpose at work isn't always exactly what you think. Perhaps your work is a means to an end: it gives you the paycheck you need to pursue your purpose in your free time. That's not something to discount; it's just as valid as intertwining your purpose with your work.
Julie lost her husband 9 months ago. She talks about the way she dealt with the loss. Like everyone else, she grieved. It was hard to move on. Learn how Julie did it, and what motivated her to do it.
If you feel like you don't have purpose at work, or you want to clarify your purpose at work, we have a free 5-day email course you can take with daily challenges and action steps to help bring the meaning you are meant to have into your everyday. Go to kevindmonroe.com/workpurpose.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kevinmonroe.substack.com]]>https://kevinmonroe.substack.com/p/finding-purpose-at-work-with-julie-997e863d995952f0cad938986bae1e3a7e4Tue, 19 Sep 2017 08:00:00 GMTKevin D. MonroeJulie Bauke doesn't mince words when it comes to having purpose at work. Her book is Stop Peeing on Your Shoes, and in it she talks about the seven mistakes that will screw up your job search. The title sounds like just another career advice book,...No2928
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kevinmonroe.substack.com]]>https://kevinmonroe.substack.com/p/finding-purpose-at-work-part-1-bf0898a60a74b2fc05526ca7a922cfa8135Mon, 11 Sep 2017 08:00:00 GMTKevin D. MonroeYou spend a third of your life working. Have you thought about that? What about when you add commute time? How about those times you sit there when you aren’t working, but you’re thinking about it? Are your thoughts darkened on the weekend by the...No2172
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kevinmonroe.substack.com]]>https://kevinmonroe.substack.com/p/being-the-good-neighbor-with-danielle-28ec0a12576c932e7583f9220fb6473d002Tue, 05 Sep 2017 08:00:00 GMTKevin D. MonroeDanielle Strickland is an officer in the Salvation Army, an ambassador for Stop the Traffick and Compassion International, and the author of five books. She’s a wonderful speaker, and her depth of faith in insight in the Bible will delight you. ...No2469
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kevinmonroe.substack.com]]>https://kevinmonroe.substack.com/p/drifting-from-your-why-with-dan-miller-bab6df1722f92c5c0472a829488853effc3Tue, 29 Aug 2017 08:00:00 GMTKevin D. MonroeEvery once in a while, when you scanning your email, there’s a subject line that jumps out at you. Even more so when it’s from someone you know, and goes against what you know about them. Today, Kevin talks with purpose-driven Dan Miller, whose...No2840
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kevinmonroe.substack.com]]>https://kevinmonroe.substack.com/p/naming-your-calling-with-paul-sohn-c0bf7cb9b167bfc77bed9b229a4ddffdcabTue, 22 Aug 2017 08:00:00 GMTKevin D. MonroePaul Sohn has just released his latest bestseller, Quarter-Life Calling. Today, he joins Kevin as they discuss being driven versus being called. They also discuss what to do when you’ve reached a point in your life where you feel like you should...No2167
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kevinmonroe.substack.com]]>https://kevinmonroe.substack.com/p/failing-on-the-quest-for-higher-purpose-3258e632ff75507598e0449fe7339dbab5dTue, 15 Aug 2017 09:00:00 GMTKevin D. MonroeOur first guest on this podcast is an amazing one. Mark Timm is a serial entrepreneur. But he’s also something else: a purpose driven leader. But he’s most excited about a business he started about 5 years ago. He currently leads Ziglar Family,...No3019
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kevinmonroe.substack.com]]>https://kevinmonroe.substack.com/p/what-is-the-higher-purpose-podcast-1332eeefdd3b479f53a54a4712cd82c9ebeTue, 08 Aug 2017 09:00:00 GMTKevin D. MonroeIt’s tempting to jump right into the amazing amounts of content Kevin has in store for you, like the frameworks he’s developed for purpose along with incredible guest interviews, but there’s something we need to look at first. How will this...No1621
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kevinmonroe.substack.com]]>https://kevinmonroe.substack.com/p/the-seven-people-on-your-path-to-813324fa55c5043348d48162028ab7f1978Tue, 08 Aug 2017 09:00:00 GMTKevin D. MonroeHave you ever had one of those conversations where time seemed to freeze? Kevin had one recently, and he realized something very important. There are seven people you’ll meet on your pathway to higher purpose. Each one has a very unique role in your...No2023
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kevinmonroe.substack.com]]>https://kevinmonroe.substack.com/p/welcome-to-the-higher-purpose-podcast-04127220e33a3bcdb766d21378c4ff0f0bcTue, 01 Aug 2017 09:00:00 GMTKevin D. MonroeHave you ever felt a disconnect between your work and your values? Or that your pursuits, even the successful ones, aren’t fulfilling you the way you imagined? If so, this podcast is for you. In today’s episode, Kevin Monroe talks about his own...No692