The Kickass Life Podcast with David Wood 197 – Business Secrets of The Trappist Monks, with August Turak
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Sep 3, 2013 August Turak, an award-winning author and entrepreneur with deep ties to the Trappist monks of Mepkin Abbey, shares fascinating insights from his time there. He discusses the transformative impact of the Monastic Guest Program, emphasizing kindness and service. August reveals how monastic principles like authenticity and prayerful work shaped his business journey, culminating in a $150M exit. He also explores the relationship between trust, vocation, and happiness as a byproduct of meaningful duty, paving the way for a truly kick-ass life.
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Living As A Monastic Guest
- August joined Mepkin Abbey's Monastic Guest Program and lived like a monk for extended retreats.
- He received a gray habit as a regular monastic guest and described deep immersion into their rhythm of prayer and work.
Kindness Changed His Habits
- August felt confronted by monks' habitual kindness when an elderly monk handed him a tray with a smile.
- That daily exposure shifted his behavior toward spontaneous service and giving.
Aim Past The Target
- Aiming past the target means pursuing a mission bigger than profit.
- When organizations focus on serving others, financial success becomes a byproduct.
