Brad Leavitt Podcast

Breaking the Generational Cycle of Abuse with Walter McKinley

Sep 5, 2021

01:07:49

Listen in as Walt reflects on a childhood filled with abuse at the hands of his own father, a suicide attempt at age 13 that he believes was thwarted by a higher power, and an aunt that changed his life forever when she taught him what love truly looked like.

Walt discusses the three big lessons he had to learn in order to heal from his trauma: speak your truth, acknowledge how you feel, and be willing to forgive.

He also speaks on how his almost 20-year career in the military and another five years in corporate America further shaped his worldview and led him down the path to becoming a mentor to men across the country who have also suffered abuse.

Finally, Walt explains that he chose this journey because he believes that there are too few voices speaking on childhood trauma, even as abuse cases are reported every ten seconds.

Walt says, “I refuse to be a person who doesn’t dig in, do something different, and serve people in a way that really moves them forward that lets them heal from their trauma through motivational speaking and one-on-one coaching. It lets them literally change their family’s legacies forever.”

Brought to you by Pella Windows & Doors

Topics Discussed:

[03:12] Walt’s own experience with abuse in his younger years
[09:03] How Walt’s aunt turned his life around from one of abuse to one of love
[17:01] Overcoming his angry and violent teenage years
[24:40] Why Walt decided to join the Navy and how it helped him to heal further
[35:32] How the military helped shape Walt’s relationships, especially his marriage
[40:05] Making the transition to corporate America
[49:20] Becoming a coach, author, and motivational speaker
[54:24] The crucial role of mindset
[56:48] How to contact Walt and access his resources
[59:37] Walt’s experience building his business

Connect with Walter McKinley

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Key Quotes by Walt:

Abuse is abuse no matter what. People diminish our abuse by comparing it to someone else’s.
I’m thankful that what happened to me happened to me because it’s made me an amazing human being and it’s unlocked these amazing gifts from my trauma that helped me help other people.
The military is really a great way to set you back where you need to be and put you on the path forward so you can have the success you want.
I refuse to be a person who doesn’t dig in, do something different, and serve people in a way that really moves them forward that lets them heal from their trauma through motivational speaking and one-on-one coaching. It lets them literally change their family’s legacies forever.
Enjoy the journey and celebrate every single win.