Chief Change Officer

Vince Chan
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May 17, 2025 • 28min

#377 Ral West: From Charter Planes to Real Estate Empires—Systems, Grit, and Reinvention

Most people retire after one successful business. Ral West kept building.In this episode, Ral shares how she co-ran a charter airline between Alaska and Hawaii for 25 years—eventually selling it to Alaska Airlines—and then launched into her next chapters: owning cruise ships, investing in real estate syndications, and helping other entrepreneurs find sustainability without burnout.From navigating gender bias in a family business to designing automated booking systems and letting go of control through delegation, Ral’s story is a masterclass in evolving through every season of life. Whether you’re in the startup grind, planning an exit, or rethinking what “retirement” means—her story will get you dreaming smarter and bolder.Key Highlights of Our Interview:The 25-Year Flight Plan: From Tourism to Aviation“I started in Alaska tourism. My husband was in real estate. Together, we launched a charter service to Hawaii—and turned it into a full airline.”Selling to Alaska Airlines: A Strategic Exit“We knew they were entering the Hawaii market. Instead of competing, we showed them why buying us was smarter.”When Cruise Ships Became the Next Chapter“We bought five small cruise ships out of bankruptcy, redesigned the Alaskan travel experience—and then pivoted again after COVID shut everything down.”Why Real Estate Was the Right Post-COVID Play“We own part of over 6,000 apartment units in five states. Why? Because homeownership is becoming harder, and rental demand is rising.”From Exhaustion to Empowerment: Lessons from the Middle Years“Between 35 and 55, I was stretched thin—business, babies, burnout. I had to build systems and teams to stay afloat.”The Real ROI of Delegation“Delegation isn’t about giving things away—it’s about building trust and giving others space to shine.”Turning Intuition into Systems“I realized I made ad-spend decisions based on 3-day sales trends. Once I named it, I turned it into a repeatable formula my team could follow.”Reservation System Reinvention“We invested two years into building an online booking system that ran 24/7—freeing us from the phones and doubling our revenue.”Not Your Typical Retirement Plan“I could’ve retired 16 years ago. I didn’t. I love working. My retirement plan is doing what I want, when I want, with the systems to support it.”Advice for Entrepreneurs at Any Age“Be bold. Stay curious. Watch the world. And don’t let age—or fear—be the thing that keeps you small.”______________________Connect with us:Host: Vince Chan | Guest: Ral West  --Chief Change Officer--Change Ambitiously. Outgrow Yourself.Open a World of Expansive Human Intelligencefor Transformation Gurus, Black Sheep,Unsung Visionaries & Bold Hearts.EdTech Leadership Awards 2025 Finalist.20 Million+ All-Time Downloads.80+ Countries Reached Daily.Global Top 1% Podcast.Top 5 US Business.Top 1 US Careers.>>>180,000+ are outgrowing. Act Today.<<<See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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May 17, 2025 • 25min

#376 Athena Brownson: Healing in Real Time—The Comeback Behind the Chronic Pain — Part Two

Comebacks rarely happen all at once. They’re built in small moments, with slow wins.In Part Two, Athena Brownson opens up about what it really takes to rebuild when chronic illness becomes your new normal. She walks us through her mindset rituals, the power of written affirmation, and how she finally learned the one thing no athlete ever wants to admit: she couldn’t do it alone.From retraining her brain to let go of pain patterns, to redefining leadership through delegation, Athena shares a playbook for resilience that’s part spiritual, part practical, and 100% earned. Whether you’re healing from illness, burnout, or just life’s curveballs—this is your reminder that growth is still possible, even in survival mode.Key Highlights of Our Interview:Training Her Brain to Stop Listening to Pain“Our brains get stuck in pain patterns. I use breathwork, affirmations, and routines to teach mine a new message: You’re safe. You’re healing.”Why Routines Became Her Lifeline“Every day starts with journaling, breathwork, affirmations. I write: I am healthy. I am healing. My body is getting stronger. I speak it until I believe it.”Delegation as a Leadership Superpower“Being sick taught me what being a leader really means—letting go. Delegation isn’t giving up control; it’s giving others a chance to thrive.”How Chronic Illness Redefined Her Business Model“I couldn’t keep doing it all. So I built a team that could run without me on bad days—and succeed with me on the good ones.”Your Tribe Is Everything“After ten years, I finally found people who want me well. Who care more about my health than a commission. They’re my family now.”The Mental Game of Chronic Recovery“You don’t need to fix it all today. Start with one percent better. That’s how I got out of survival mode.”Accountability on Paper“I print out my must-do list and check it off every day. If I don’t write it down, it doesn’t happen. It’s how I stay in motion.”Pen, Paper, and Confidence“Writing makes the healing real. Every word reinforces a new belief system—one I can see and hold.”Jodie Foster, Masterclass, and the Simplicity of Creation“All you need is pen, paper, and confidence. That line hit me. You don’t need a perfect plan. You just need to start.”Her Message to Anyone Struggling“It’s okay to acknowledge pain. Just don’t stay stuck in it. Tiny steps add up. Your healing doesn’t need to be loud—it just needs to begin.”______________________Connect with us:Host: Vince Chan | Guest: Athena Brownson  --Chief Change Officer--Change Ambitiously. Outgrow Yourself.Open a World of Expansive Human Intelligencefor Transformation Gurus, Black Sheep,Unsung Visionaries & Bold Hearts.EdTech Leadership Awards 2025 Finalist.20 Million+ All-Time Downloads.80+ Countries Reached Daily.Global Top 1% Podcast.Top 5 US Business.Top 1 US Careers.>>>180,000+ are outgrowing. Act Today.<<<See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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May 17, 2025 • 29min

#375 Athena Brownson: Lyme Disease, Real Estate, and Radical Resilience — Part One

At 25, Athena Brownson was a rising star in real estate with a pro skiing past and unstoppable energy. Then came Lyme disease—a diagnosis that would upend her health, identity, and entire way of life.In Part One, Athena shares the unfiltered truth of what it means to live with a chronic, invisible illness for nearly a decade. From neck surgery to plasma transfusions, she walks us through the daily battles, emotional toll, and quiet strength it takes to show up—even when she doesn’t want to. This episode is a reminder that resilience isn’t loud or pretty—it’s built moment by moment, one breath at a time.Key Highlights of Our Interview:From Pro Skier to Top Agent: The Unexpected Pivot“I never thought I’d end up in real estate. But once I did, it clicked—relationships, homes, design. It all came together.”At the Peak—and Then Everything Changed“Three years in, I was at the top of my game. Then came the diagnosis: Lyme disease. My body started falling apart.”What Lyme Disease Actually Does (And Why It’s Hard to Diagnose)“Lyme attacks your body where you’re genetically weakest. For me, that meant chronic nerve pain and multiple autoimmune issues.”From Athlete to Patient: Learning to Survive in a New Body“I don’t remember what it’s like to feel okay. Every day, I wake up in pain. That’s been my life for almost eight years.”Plasma Transfusions and Mental Fog: A Day in the Life“I get plasma removed and replaced four days a month. My life revolves around staying alive and staying upright.”Invisible Illness, Visible Impact“People don’t see it—but that doesn’t mean it’s not real. Lyme is the fastest-growing epidemic in the U.S.”Toolkit Mentality: How Music, Coffee, and Podcasts Keep Her Going“I don’t always want to get up. But music, good coffee, a favorite podcast—those little rituals make it possible.”Why You Must Be Your Own Advocate“With Lyme, you have to fight for your care. You have to find the right doctors, the right support, the right rhythm.”Grit Over Glamour: Lessons from the Ski Slopes“Skiing taught me everything—discipline, failure, grit. That training saved me when life got really hard.”The Power of Mental Focus When the Body Fails“It’s not just physical. The mental part—the decision to keep going—is what gets me through every single day.”______________________Connect with us:Host: Vince Chan | Guest: Athena Brownson  --Chief Change Officer--Change Ambitiously. Outgrow Yourself.Open a World of Expansive Human Intelligencefor Transformation Gurus, Black Sheep,Unsung Visionaries & Bold Hearts.EdTech Leadership Awards 2025 Finalist.20 Million+ All-Time Downloads.80+ Countries Reached Daily.Global Top 1% Podcast.Top 5 US Business.Top 1 US Careers.>>>180,000+ are outgrowing. Act Today.<<<See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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May 17, 2025 • 37min

#374 Nicole F. Roberts: Turning Science and Story into Impact—Part Two

What do janitors, jazz musicians, and neuroscientists have in common? According to Dr. Nicole F. Roberts, everything.In Part Two, the Doctor of Public Health and co-author of Generosity WINS unpacks how she and Monty Wood turned a business book into a narrative experiment—part fiction, part real-world leadership case study. She shares how they chose a fictional hotel manager named Emily to guide readers through generosity’s ripple effects, and how each chapter’s QR code links to a real leader with real lessons.We also explore her annual Brain Health Summit, hosted during Super Bowl weekend with NFL stars, neuroscientists, and 5,000 guests. It’s science, story, and social impact—all rolled into one unforgettable conversation.Key Highlights of Our Interview:Why No One Buys Healthcare Books—But Everyone Needs This One“People won’t read about systems. They’ll read about people. So we built a fictional character, Emily, to carry real wisdom forward.”Inside the Writing Process: Spreadsheets, Stickies, and Storytelling“We tracked every theme. We mapped each arc. It was my dissertation mind meets Monty’s business brain—and it worked.”Real Leaders, Fictional World: How Emily’s Journey Became Everyone’s“Each person Emily interviews is real. Every QR code leads to their profile. We didn’t make this stuff up—we brought it to life.”Redefining Generosity: It’s Not About Giving Money“Generosity is any act of kindness or support, given without expectation of return. If you expect something back, it’s just a transaction.”The Ripple Effect Is Real—And Unmeasurable“You can’t plug karma into a spreadsheet. But trust, reputation, and relationships? They’ll open doors years later.”A Thank-You Changed Everything“One reader started thanking hospital staff daily. It brought him—and others—to tears. That’s the ROI no one talks about.”Why They Made Emily a Woman—and Placed Her in Hospitality“Hospitality is about anticipating needs. It’s the perfect metaphor for generosity. Emily’s age and role made her ready to learn, not perfect.”Can Generosity Be Taught? Yes—With Grief and Grace“We found our answers in boys’ schools and in people who’d lost everything. Generosity grows when modeled—and when it’s all you have left.”Brain Summit at the Super Bowl? Yes, Really.“5,000 guests, jazz museums, NFL players, and neuroscientists. Every year, we throw a party with a purpose.”Next Year: San Francisco, Brain Health, and the Environment“Mark your calendar: Super Bowl weekend in SF. Brain Summit’s next theme? The intersection of neuroscience and nature.”_________________________Connect with us:Host: Vince Chan | Guest: Dr. Nicole F. Roberts  --Chief Change Officer--Change Ambitiously. Outgrow Yourself.Open a World of Expansive Human Intelligencefor Transformation Gurus, Black Sheep,Unsung Visionaries & Bold Hearts.EdTech Leadership Awards 2025 Finalist.20 Million+ All-Time Downloads.80+ Countries Reached Daily.Global Top 1% Podcast.Top 5 US Business.Top 1 US Careers.>>>180,000+ are outgrowing. Act Today.<<<See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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May 16, 2025 • 27min

#373 Nicole F. Roberts: How a Neuroscience Dropout Built a Life Around Purpose—Part One

What happens when your five-year plan falls apart—and you start to like it that way?In Part One, Nicole F. Roberts—Doctor of Public Health, human rights founder, and co-author of Generosity WINS—shares the real story behind her very unpolished path. From flunking chemistry and walking away from med school dreams to launching a human rights firm mid-dissertation, Nicole proves that success isn’t always strategic—it’s responsive, human, and messy in the best way.We explore how her neuroscience roots shaped her curiosity, why she walked away from Washington policy to chase impact, and what changed when she started listening more to real people than political agendas. This episode is for anyone who’s ever hit pause—and realized the reroute was actually the destination.Key Highlights of Our Interview:When the Neurosurgeon Dream Crashed—and Something Better Emerged“I realized I was terrible at chemistry… and didn’t want to spend life writing prescriptions.”How Policy Lost Her—and Public Health Found Her“Policy’s great—until politics gets involved. I needed to see real change, not just write about it.”A Six-Month Pause That Turned Into Six Years (and a Human Rights Firm)“My dissertation chair died. I got divorced. So I started a human rights firm. As one does.”The Problem with Think Tanks (and the Need to Do, Not Just Think)“I could write papers forever—but what if no one ever acts on them?”When Real Life Rewrote the Dissertation“Those six years gave me a new lens. I rewrote everything—from the topic to the way I thought.”Her Final Research Topic: Why Neuroscience Can’t Scale Without Generosity“It turns out collaboration doesn’t come easy in science. Ownership often trumps impact.”Why Her Dissertation Still Sits on a Shelf“It was supposed to be my first book. I haven’t opened it in years. I just burned out.”Co-Authoring Generosity WINS: When a Business Book Becomes a Neuroscience Playbook“Monty had this premise: success follows giving. I knew the science could back it up—we just had to find the story.”A Business Fable, a Fictional Heroine, and Real-Life Interviews“Every chapter has a QR code that takes you to a real leader’s profile. Fictional story, real lessons.”Why Kindness Is Strategic, Not Soft“You can’t show the ROI of karma—but the people who give are the ones who last.”_________________________Connect with us:Host: Vince Chan | Guest: Dr. Nicole F. Roberts  --Chief Change Officer--Change Ambitiously. Outgrow Yourself.Open a World of Expansive Human Intelligencefor Transformation Gurus, Black Sheep,Unsung Visionaries & Bold Hearts.EdTech Leadership Awards 2025 Finalist.20 Million+ All-Time Downloads.80+ Countries Reached Daily.Global Top 1% Podcast.Top 5 US Business.Top 1 US Careers.>>>180,000+ are outgrowing. Act Today.<<<See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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May 16, 2025 • 25min

#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.”_____________________Connect with us:Host: Vince Chan | Guests: Monte Wood  --Chief Change Officer--Change Ambitiously. Outgrow Yourself.Open a World of Expansive Human Intelligencefor Transformation Gurus, Black Sheep,Unsung Visionaries & Bold Hearts.EdTech Leadership Awards 2025 Finalist.20 Million+ All-Time Downloads.80+ Countries Reached Daily.Global Top 1% Podcast.Top 5 US Business.Top 1 US Careers.>>>180,000+ are outgrowing. Act Today.<<<See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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May 16, 2025 • 34min

#371 Monte Wood: Why Generosity Isn’t Just Noble—It’s Strategic — Part One

Is generosity a nice-to-have—or a career superpower?In Part One, Monte Wood, former CEO of Opus Agency and author of Generosity Wins, makes the case for generosity as a leadership strategy with real-world ROI. Drawing from personal stories, his time working with legends like Steve Jobs, Andy Grove, and Mark Benioff, and life lessons from his own mentors, Monte shares how small acts of generosity can ripple out into long-term success—and why true generosity isn’t transactional, it’s transformational.This episode explores what it means to give without expecting anything in return—and how doing so just might give you everything you’ve been looking for.Key Highlights of Our Interview:The 16-Year-Old With a Generosity Formula“My mentor told me: believe you can succeed, live a good life, and be generous. That’s it. That’s what I followed.”From Milton-Freewater to CEO“Even in a town of 3,500, I believed I’d lead a $100 million company. Generosity helped me get there.”The Real Test of Generous Leadership“Great leaders don’t just care about your output—they care about your growth, your family, your life beyond work.”The Taco Bell CEO Who Taught His Team to Change Tires“Leadership isn’t just coaching performance. It’s preparing people for life—even if that means teaching them how to balance a checkbook.”Why Remembering Someone’s Name Is a Leadership Move“Mark Benioff would walk into a room of 2,000 people and greet them by name. That’s not ego—that’s care.”The Toyota Truck and the Corner Cubicle“Andy Grove reinvented Intel—and drove a beat-up Toyota. That’s not performative humility. That’s values in action.”Is It Generosity If It Helps You Win?“If generosity leads to success, is it selfish? No—it’s just wise. When done with pure intent, generosity multiplies.”Defining Generosity (Without the Guilt Trip)“It’s not about money. It’s any act of giving or kindness done without expecting a return. Even a smile counts.”Smiles, Bathrooms, and the Chemistry of Connection“A smile can save a life. Cleaning a public restroom can create joy for someone you’ll never meet. This is the power we all hold.”The Ripple Effect Is Real—And It Changes Lives“When you’re generous to one person, they’re more likely to be generous to someone else. The ROI? It might not be financial—but it’s exponential.”_____________________Connect with us:Host: Vince Chan | Guests: Monte Wood  --Chief Change Officer--Change Ambitiously. Outgrow Yourself.Open a World of Expansive Human Intelligencefor Transformation Gurus, Black Sheep,Unsung Visionaries & Bold Hearts.EdTech Leadership Awards 2025 Finalist.20 Million+ All-Time Downloads.80+ Countries Reached Daily.Global Top 1% Podcast.Top 5 US Business.Top 1 US Careers.>>>180,000+ are outgrowing. Act Today.<<<See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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May 16, 2025 • 40min

#370 Paul Austin: Can Psychedelics Unlock Performance—Without Losing the Plot?

Paul Austin isn’t here to evangelize psychedelics. He’s here to demystify them.As the founder and CEO of Third Wave, Paul has spent a decade educating the public on responsible psychedelic use—from microdosing protocols to full-dose journeys. In this episode, he shares how psychedelics are being used not just to treat mental health conditions, but to enhance leadership, decision-making, and personal clarity.We explore the science of neuroplasticity, the legal gray zones, and the risks of skipping the prep work. For high-performers feeling stuck or burnt out, Paul outlines a roadmap grounded in safety, structure, and serious self-inquiry. Whether you’re curious, skeptical, or somewhere in between, this conversation is a guide—not a push—for what transformation can look like when approached with respect.Key Highlights of Our Interview:Why He Started Third Wave—and Why His Dad Tried It Too“My dad once told me he hadn’t been that disappointed since his brother died. Years later, I guided him through his first psilocybin journey.”From Microdosing to Life Design“Microdosing isn’t about escape—it’s about reprogramming. You still have to show up and do the hard stuff.”Psychedelics as a Skill, Not a Fix“Just like cooking or martial arts, this is a practice. You get better with time, feedback, and intention.”When Leaders Feel Stuck, This Is the Pattern Breaker“For many execs I work with, it’s not about trauma—it’s about lost clarity, emotional fog, or a 360 review that hit too close to home.”Start Low, Go Slow: Why That Advice Matters More Than Ever“You can always take more—you can’t take less. Begin with microdosing. Build awareness before diving deep.”The Snow Globe and the Ski Slope: Two Metaphors That Explain It All“Think of psychedelics as shaking up the snow globe. Or fresh powder on a slope—you’re no longer stuck in someone else’s ruts.”Legal Doesn’t Mean Safe. Illegal Doesn’t Mean Dangerous.“Psychedelics became illegal for political—not medical—reasons. But that doesn’t mean you can skip the legal risks.”Where It’s Legal—And What to Do If It’s Not“Colorado. Oregon. The Netherlands. Costa Rica. Go where it’s legal. Work with a guide. Respect the law.”The Five Elements of a Safe Psychedelic Journey“Assessment. Preparation. Facilitation. Integration. Microdosing. Miss one, and the whole thing can derail.”Why No One Should Be Talked Into It“Don’t do it for your friend, your spouse, or your coach. You have to want this for you.”_____________________Connect with us:Host: Vince Chan | Guests: Paul Austin  --Chief Change Officer--Change Ambitiously. Outgrow Yourself.Open a World of Expansive Human Intelligencefor Transformation Gurus, Black Sheep,Unsung Visionaries & Bold Hearts.EdTech Leadership Awards 2025 Finalist.20 Million+ All-Time Downloads.80+ Countries Reached Daily.Global Top 1% Podcast.Top 5 US Business.Top 1 US Careers.>>>180,000+ are outgrowing. Act Today.<<<See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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May 14, 2025 • 35min

#369 Chris Schrader: From Rainy-Day Idea to Global Movement—The 24 Hour Race Story–Part Two

After launching a global anti-trafficking movement in his teens, Chris Schrader didn’t settle down—he leveled up.In Part Two, the founder of the 24 Hour Race draws parallels between navigating the Gobi Desert and leading high-growth businesses across continents. From dropping out of Harvard to leading expeditions and scaling software companies, Chris shares why building teams isn’t about maximizing your strongest players—it’s about supporting your weakest. And why sometimes, real leadership means being the “secretary of the team,” not the star.This episode goes beyond business tactics and into the mindset behind meaningful leadership. It’s a deep dive into servant leadership, self-doubt, ruthless decision-making, and how to chase your personal North Star—even if you never reach it.Key Highlights of Our Interview:When ISIS Threats and Identity Crises Collide“Some challenges are existential—like not knowing what we are. Others are urgent—like whether to cancel an event after a terror threat.”The Expedition Analogy: Climbing Unmapped Peaks“Trying to grow an organization is like summiting a mountain no one’s climbed before—you’ll miss things, reroute, and sometimes have to turn back.”The Gobi Desert and the North Star“You navigate by stars knowing you’ll never touch them. That’s what great goals are—worth chasing even if you never arrive.”The Secret to Team Performance“You’re not defined by your best players. You’re defined by your weakest. Great leaders either lift them—or make hard calls.”Servant Leadership Isn’t Just Humility—It’s Precision“As a leader, I’m the expedition secretary. My job is to clear the path so my team can outperform me in every way.”When to Cut Loose and When to Coach“Too many leaders let low performers drag down morale. In expeditions, that mistake can get someone killed. In business, it just slowly kills momentum.”The Myth-Building Side of Leadership“Sometimes leadership means becoming something aspirational—a myth people can believe in. But you still serve the mission, not yourself.”Between What You Want to Be and What You Need to Be“I want to be the first man to circumnavigate the moon. But I need to be a good son, a great partner, a reliable chairman—and pay my sous-vide-powered electricity bill.”The Hardest Impact Isn’t Global—It’s Personal“It’s easy to romanticize Musk or Zuckerberg. Harder? Being the friend who actually shows up. That’s the real Paragon of humanity.”_____________________Connect with us:Host: Vince Chan | Guest: Chris Schrader  --Chief Change Officer--Change Ambitiously. Outgrow Yourself.Open a World of Expansive Human Intelligencefor Transformation Gurus, Black Sheep,Unsung Visionaries & Bold Hearts.EdTech Leadership Awards 2025 Finalist.20 Million+ All-Time Downloads.80+ Countries Reached Daily.Global Top 1% Podcast.Top 5 US Business.Top 1 US Careers.>>>180,000+ are outgrowing. Act Today.<<<See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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May 13, 2025 • 27min

#368 Chris Schrader: From Rainy-Day Idea to Global Movement—The 24 Hour Race Story–Part One

Sometimes the biggest movements begin with a simple question: What can I do?In Part One, Chris Schrader, founder and executive chairman of the 24 Hour Race, shares the unfiltered origin story behind the world’s largest student-run movement to fight human trafficking. What started as a walk across England in memory of a friend became a 24-hour endurance race, then a global platform that’s raised over US$20 million across 25 cities.But Chris doesn’t romanticize it. He breaks down how it all came together—messy, accidental, and fueled more by belief than a master plan. From skeptical school principals to six-figure fundraisers, this episode explores what happens when students stop waiting for permission and start building real impact from the ground up.Key Highlights of Our Interview:The Walk That Started It All“Six months after a joke about walking across England, we were actually doing it—and raised HK$200,000 for rare diseases.”From Expedition to Endurance Sport“We turned a 150km trek across Hong Kong into a run-swim-row challenge—just to prove what students could really do.”The Birth of the 24 Hour Race“A simple idea: teams running a 24-hour relay. No elite athletes, just anyone willing to push themselves for a cause.”Why He Chose Human Trafficking—Without Knowing Much About It“It wasn’t the topic at first. It was the intensity. We needed a cause strong enough to power people through the pain.”Ignored by Schools, Backed by Students“Principals laughed us out of the room. So we went straight to students—and they built the movement themselves.”From One-Off Event to Global Force“What was supposed to be a one-time race exploded. Within a year, we were oversubscribed and scaling city by city.”Beyond Fundraising: Creating Life-Defining Moments“It’s not just money. Over a million young people have done the race. We want them to remember it when they’re 80.”Why They Treat Charity Like a Marketplace“People come for the music, the sleepover, the fun—and that’s fine. We win them over without preaching.”Raising Future Leaders, Not Just Dollars“Student directors interview NGOs, ask hard questions, and learn how to be real fiduciaries—not just fundraisers.”_____________________Connect with us:Host: Vince Chan | Guest: Chris Schrader  --Chief Change Officer--Change Ambitiously. Outgrow Yourself.Open a World of Expansive Human Intelligencefor Transformation Gurus, Black Sheep,Unsung Visionaries & Bold Hearts.EdTech Leadership Awards 2025 Finalist.20 Million+ All-Time Downloads.80+ Countries Reached Daily.Global Top 1% Podcast.Top 5 US Business.Top 1 US Careers.>>>180,000+ are outgrowing. Act Today.<<<See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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