Chief Change Officer #372 Building a Life (and Career) on Everyday Generosity — Part Two
What does generosity look like in a divided, distracted world?
In Part Two, Monte Wood—former CEO of Opus Agency and author of Generosity Wins—dives deeper into how generosity gets lost in the noise of modern life and what it takes to reclaim it. From quiet reflections on Steve Jobs’ legacy to a chance encounter with Elon Musk in a hotel hot tub, Monte shares how generosity can take many forms—and why practicing it daily is the ultimate leadership move.
He also unpacks the forces working against generosity: media polarization, digital disconnection, and our culture of performative success. But with optimism, awareness, and a bit of handwritten gratitude, Monte believes we can rewire how we relate to ourselves—and each other.
Key Highlights of Our Interview:
What Generosity Isn’t: Learning from the Hard Edges
“Steve Jobs wasn’t always kind—but his mission was generous. He wanted everyone to access technology. That matters.”
The Hidden Generosity of Power Players
“Elon Musk sat in a hot tub and talked German cinema with strangers. That moment of presence? Pure generosity.”
Why Greed and Media Noise Make Generosity Harder
“Our media doesn’t report anymore—it polarizes. It’s designed to divide us, not connect us. That’s why generosity is revolutionary.”
Connectivity ≠ Connection
“Texting someone in the same room isn’t connection. Real generosity requires presence—not just Wi-Fi.”
A 600-Day Habit That Changed His Life
“For nearly two years, Monte has written down one act of generosity and one moment of appreciation. Every. Single. Day.”
How to Start Your Own Generosity Practice
“It doesn’t have to be dramatic. A smile. A name remembered. A moment of full attention. That’s the starting line.”
The ROI of Generosity Isn’t in Metrics—It’s in Meaning
“You won’t find it in a spreadsheet. But the return? Real connection. Better leadership. More joy.”
Be Generous With Yourself, Too
“Monte exercises daily. Not for performance—for self-gift. Being generous starts with how you treat your own body and mind.”
Hope Isn’t Naive—It’s a Form of Generosity
“Monte calls himself ‘appropriately optimistic.’ His optimism is calibrated—not blind. It’s a gift he gives carefully to others.”
Why He Still Believes in a More Generous World
“We can’t control the noise—but we can choose how we show up. And small, consistent acts of generosity still move the world.”
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Host: Vince Chan | Guests: Monte Wood
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