Live Inspired Podcast with John O'Leary

I loved today's conversation. Joe Koenig, President of World Wide Technology, shares how he grew it from a few million dollars and a couple dozen employees to several billion dollars and 6,000 leaders. Even more impactful, you'll hear the humility behind the mission and the love story of Joe and his wife Kim. They share about a cancer diagnosis, the journey that followed, and a love and faith that continues to guide their way. Today, hear how they have transcended the big diagnosis and how they're choosing to lead their lives to serve others. SHOW NOTES: The gift of grit: Kim moved nine times before high school giving her the skills to not feel scared or intimidated walking into new situations later in life. When Joe started at World Wide Technology, a technology solution provider, in 1993 when it was a young, start-up with 15 employees and $8 million in revenue. By 2018, it's grown to over 6,000 employees and over $11 billion in revenue.  THE PATH: The core values at WWT are Trust, Humility, Embrace change, Passion, Attitude, Teamwork, and Honesty. Employees at WWT are empowered to fuel their passions through Day of Caring initiatives and other resources. "Plan + attack" mode: The initial cancer diagnosis required multiple surgeries and the removal of 50-60% of Joe's tongue. After learning it spread to his lymph nodes, Joe required a heavy dose of radiation resulting in a painful path to recovery. Prior to the diagnosis, Kim embarked on a pilgrimage to Medjugorje, giving her armor to sustain what was to come. No one fights alone: Building a support system of people that had gone through a similar situation helped guide, push and challenge them. Unconditional love: The process taught them the depth and meaning of their vows and hope it serves their children in their future committed relationships. Joe hopes to show their children how to deal with situations in a positive way, how you can impact others, build empathy + character and how to be a multiplier of love for others. If today's episode reminded you that the best days remain in front of us, you'll love Live Inspired Podcast guest Michele Cushatt. Michele shares her story of trauma, how hope got her through her struggles and how it will help you through yours on ep. 132. KIM AND JOE KOENIG'S LIVE INSPIRED 7 1. What is the best book you’ve ever read?  Kim: The Rent Collector by Cameron Wright. Joe: Halftime by Bob Buford and Multipliers by Liz Wiseman. (Founding partner of Halftime Institue Lloyd Reeb was on Live Inspired Podcast ep. 170. He's continuing Bob's mission to help others ensure their next season in life is defined by joy, impact, and balance. Listen to ep. 170 here.) 2. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today?  Kim: Being open-minded. Joe: Adventure and short memory. 3. Your house is on fire, all living things and people are out. You have the opportunity to run in and grab one item. What would it be?  Kim: My grandma, my dad’s mom. She lived for 27 years without her husband. I'd want to learn how she was so resilient and strong to live a great long life after he passed. Joe: My mom and dad. I'd ask him about pain was he going through from 12 years and how did he deal with it. I'd ask my mom the truth for how she dealt with all the pain, suffering and death in her life. 4. You are sitting on a bench overlooking a gorgeous beach. You have the opportunity to have a long conversation with anyone living or dead. Who would it be?  Kim: My wedding ring. Joe: My family photos and videos. 5. What is the best advice you’ve ever received?  Kim: If you are consumed by worry and let worrying take over, you’re going to miss the joy. Joe: Jim Kavanaugh telling me to come work for WWT; Be interested, not interesting. 6. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self?  Kim: Trust yourself. You’ll end up and get where you’re needing to be by making good choices. Joe: You’re going to have great successes and many failures. Great times and some real, real tough times. Buckle up and enjoy the ride. 7. It’s been said that all great people can have their lives summed up in one sentence. How do you want yours to read?  Kim: Well done by a good and faithful servant. Joe: He was a true multiplier of others. *** Did you enjoy today's episode? Subscribe, rate + review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts! Live Inspired with John daily on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram + get his Monday Motivation email.

Join me every Monday for a quick burst of inspiration on our Live Inspired Podcast Monday Moments segment. "Joy does not simply happen to us. We have to choose joy and keep choosing it every day." - Henri Nouwen Tune in to hear how my son Henry recently reminded me of the importance of this quote.  *** Did you enjoy this episode? Subscribe, rate & review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. Live Inspired with John daily on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram + get his Monday Motivation email.    

Keah Brown, the journalist behind the viral #DisabledandCute, exudes pride, confidence, and humor – but that’s not always been the case.  Through years of introspect, Keah has learned to celebrate her cerebral palsy and strives to bring awareness to the struggles and triumphs of persons with disabilities. Her new book The Pretty One explores her journey to self-love and what it means for you. This candid conversation explores how to better accept, love, and empower ourselves and each other. SHOW NOTES: During her adolescence, others began calling attention to Keah's disability, leading her to believe it as negative. Keah has reformed a friendship with her non-disabled twin sister Leah after a season of resentment in high school.  Keah put the view of her self in the hands of others. "Insecurity is often the catalyst that sparks the most judgment." Every day, Keah would remind herself four things that she loved about herself allowing her to accept + love herself. #DisabledAndCute: To celebrate her self-love, Keah posted 4 photos she loved of herself on Twitter that led to a viral campaign. Oscar-winning actress Brie Larson personally requested Keah to write her Marie Claire cover story. Read the article here. "When you treat having a child with disabilities as the worst possibility in the world of having a child, that means you treat all of us adult with disabilities that we are the worst outcome." Keah sees strength as beyond physical assertions and includes survival + vulnerability. Get Keah Brown's The Pretty One here. If you enjoyed today's episode, you'll love hearing from Live Inspired Podcast guests Ben + Amy Wright, owners of Bitty & Beau’s Coffee which proudly employing people with disabilities. Listen to Ben + Amy on ep. 85 here. KEAH BROWN'S LIVE INSPIRED 7 1. What is the best book you’ve ever read? The Wedding Date by Jasmine Guillory. 2. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today? Fearlessness. 3. Your house is on fire, all living things and people are out. You have the opportunity to run in and grab one item. What would it be? Photo of my grandma. 4. You are sitting on a bench overlooking a gorgeous beach. You have the opportunity to have a long conversation with anyone living or dead. Who would it be? Oprah Winfrey and ask “what it means to have an impact and influence on millions of people around the world?” 5. What is the best advice you’ve ever received? Keep going even when it feels like there is no point to it. Push through the fear and exhaustion to make sure you’re doing the things that you love and that matter to you. 6. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self? Girl, you’re going to look back on this time and laugh fondly at yourself. You think you have everything figured out. Relax and don’t be so hard on yourself. 7. It’s been said that all great people can have their lives summed up in one sentence. How do you want yours to read? Keah Brown changed the world but first, she had to change herself by choosing love in the face of kinds of things. *** Did you enjoy today's episode? Subscribe, rate + review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts! Live Inspired with John daily on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram + get his Monday Motivation email.

Join me every Monday for a quick burst of inspiration on our “Monday Moments” segments. Today's question was submitted by Live Inspired community member Simon.  Simon asked: How would you describe success? Tune in to hear my answer. If you have questions or want to share how the Live Inspired Podcast has impacted your life, send them to me and my team at podcast@johnolearyinspires.com. Can't wait to hear from you! *** Did you enjoy this episode? Subscribe, rate & review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.  Live Inspired with John daily on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram + get his Monday Motivation email.

Greg Matthews has spent most of his life serving our nation. Looking at any one of his very long list of accomplishments would equate to more significance and impact than many of us could hope to amass in a lifetime. And yet, Greg never felt it was enough. He was incredibly driven… for all the wrong reasons. Until a gruesome, nearly fatal encounter with a grizzly bear gave him an unexpected encounter with God and an inflection point that completely changed his life. Greg joins us to share how past hurts can be healed and today can be more impactful and joy-filled than you ever thought possible. SHOW NOTES: For over 27 years Greg is protecting and serving, currently as Anti-Terrorism Officer for Army Corps of Engineers. Greg recalls a vivid + emotional memory of loading boxes into his father’s car. This shattered his foundation, leading him to believe he was unworthy and unlovable. Greg shares horrific stories from the search of his NYFD Rescue 5 friend Andre Fletcher at Ground Zero after 9/11. Every year, Greg’s dad would take him + his two brothers on a yearly hunting trip, instilling the love of the outdoors in them. September 22, 2015: On a 10-day big game hunt in 14-miles in backcountry Alaska with his brother, Greg was attacked by a 650-pound grizzly bear causing severe trauma + bleeding. Greg credits a multitude of physical and spiritual miracles, including the courage of his brother to confront the bear. “There is purpose, fulfillment, and joy by pressing into your pain.” Get Greg Matthew’s book Wild Awakening: How a Raging Grizzly Healed My Wounded Heart here. Learn more about Greg Matthews on his website Chase What Matters here. Greg mentions the importance of Live Inspired Podcast guest William Paul Young's book The Shack. Tune into ep. 19 as Paul shares how to move past trauma, embrace faults and stay within the grace of one day. GREG MATTHEWS' LIVE INSPIRED 7 1. What is the best book you’ve ever read? The Bible and The Shack by William Paul Young. We've welcomed William Paul Young as a Live Inspired Podcast guest. Listen to ep. 19 as William shares 2. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today? Sharing my wonderful heart. 3. Your house is on fire, all living things and people are out. You have the opportunity to run in and grab one item. What would it be? My family. 4. You are sitting on a bench overlooking a gorgeous beach. You have the opportunity to have a long conversation with anyone living or dead. Who would it be? Jesus Christ to thank him for knitting me together and saving a broken-hearted little boy. 5. What is the best advice you’ve ever received? Don't sweat the small stuff, and Tim McGraw's song "Live Like You Were Dying." 6. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self? Your father in heaven loves you. Your dad loves you. It’s okay to love Greg. There is stuff that’s loveable within you. 7. It’s been said that all great people can have their lives summed up in one sentence. How do you want yours to read? Greg Matthews did everything he could to be the father and husband that Jesus Christ created him to be. *** Did you enjoy today's episode? Subscribe, rate + review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts! Live Inspired with John daily on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram + get his Monday Motivation email.

Join me every Monday for a quick burst of inspiration on our “Monday Moments” segments. Are you wealthy? I asked a friend this question several years ago as we sat in his large, beautiful kitchen surrounded by lavish furnishings. Turns out, he'd over-spent during the good times and was behind on his house payments. He went on to say, “It’s not our home and it’s just a matter of time before we are asked to leave it. I've got nothing." After listening, asking a few questions, giving him a hug and telling him I was sorry, it was time to shift gears. I asked him four questions I once used in a leadership discussion about real wealth, true success and proper perspective. Answer the question: Are you wealthy? Make a list of everything that truly matters to you. Circle every item on that list you still have (or could earn, enjoy, experience again). Finally, answer this question: So, are you wealthy? We too frequently confuse status or square footage or retirement accounts as wealth. This question doesn’t ignore the benefit of saving for tomorrow or building a substantial nest egg, but it does remind us the real measure of wealth sometimes means realizing how valuable your life remains even if you lost all your money. My friend, these questions aren’t intended to trivialize the intense struggles that come with financial stress. Far from it! Instead, they are meant to free us to own those struggles and the hope that in spite of the things we’ve lost, so much of what we value remains… And that the best is yet to come. *** Did you enjoy this episode? Subscribe, rate & review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.  Live Inspired with John daily on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram + get his Monday Motivation email.  

Are you discontent even though everyone around you thinks you “have it all?” Lloyd Reeb, founding partner of Halftime Institute, is on a mission to help you ensure your next season in life is defined by joy, impact, and balance. Today, Lloyd will remind us of the importance of not just doing what is valuable, but doing what is priceless. Regardless of your age or what you can bring to the marketplace, Lloyd will encourage you to get clear, get free and get going. SHOW NOTES: How can your second-half be even more impactful, fun and joyful than the first half was? At 14-years-old, Lloyd's father helped him purchased a few acres of land, charging interest which taught him values. “What do I need to do to pass down the values of generosity, honesty, and hard work before passing the monies down.” A successful building developer inadvertently taught him the importance of significance beyond success. The exposure to what was happening around the world inspired Lloyd to serve or give back to others. Lloyd was introduced to Bob Buford, author of best-selling book Halftime. Because they naturally bracketed the movement of people wanting to renew themselves at mid-life, they created The Halftime Institute. “Sloppy busy”: Your calendar is full but you have a nagging lack of focus and leverage that you had in your career. Resist the temptation to start working on the solution and take the time to think through your core strengths. Gallup's Strengths Finder 2.0 played an important role in their children being heard. Get a copy or each other's strengths like I did with my family. Halftime is a remedy, not a strategy: Think about who you are and then the work you’ve been given. Don’t just jump in and get “sloppy busy.” Take time to reflect on who you are and the best place you can give back. Ask yourself: When was I at my best? What was the most painful experience in my life and what did I learn from it? Very often our pain from the past calls out a path for our future. Think about who you are and not the work. Valuable vs. priceless: On one side of the paper, write a list of all the valuable things your life. On the other side, write the priceless things. What are you doing to protect the valuable versus priceless things? The Halftime Institute: University for the second half of life, a place where people blessed with success, begin to explore how to make the second half even richer + fulfilling than the first half. Have a healthy mid-life renewal: Get clear, get free, get going. Intentionality: Lloyd strives to help other leaders be more intentional in not only how they give their time away but also building a world-class family.  If you enjoyed hearing how Lloyd is moving from success to significance, you'll love hearing Live Inspired Podcast guest Jill Blashack Strahan share how she created a successful business during a tragic season in her life on ep. 18. You'll also love hearing Live Inspired Podcast guest + graffiti artist Erik Wahl share how the dot-com bust in 2000 led him to reevaluate his life on ep. 80. LLOYD REEB'S LIVE INSPIRED 7 1. What is the best book you’ve ever read? The Bible and Ordering Your Private World by Gordon McDonald. 2. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today? Curiosity. 3. Your house is on fire, all living things and people are out. You have the opportunity to run in and grab one item. What would it be? I have seven “Book of Days”. Every day, I keep an artifact of someone’s life that I’ve affected, touched or helped. 4. You are sitting on a bench overlooking a gorgeous beach. You have the opportunity to have a long conversation with anyone living or dead. Who would it be? Historian David McCullough. 5. What is the best advice you’ve ever received? My mom taught me it’s better to give than to get. 6. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self? Marry Linda Walker. She's taught me relentless forgiveness. 7. It’s been said that all great people can have their lives summed up in one sentence. How do you want yours to read? 100x: I’d like to take what I’ve been given and invest it so it produces 100 times that blessing or impact in other people’s lives. *** Did you enjoy today's episode? Subscribe, rate + review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts! Live Inspired with John daily on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram + get his Monday Motivation email.

Join me every Monday for a quick burst of inspiration on our “Monday Moments” segments. Today's question was submitted by Live Inspired community member Carol.  Carol asked: What keeps you grounded? Tune in to learn how these four phrases keep me grounded: I love you, and there is nothing you can do about it. Thank you. This too shall pass. Remember that you are dust and to dust you shall return. If you have questions or want to share how the Live Inspired Podcast has impacted your life, send them to me and my team at podcast@johnolearyinspires.com. Can't wait to hear from you! *** Did you enjoy this episode? Subscribe, rate & review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.  Live Inspired with John daily on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram + get his Monday Motivation email.  

When I walk on stage to give a keynote, I'm often introduced "expected to die, now teaching others to truly live, John O’Leary.” Today, I welcome 19-year-old John Smith who just 5 years ago fell into an icy lake, spent 15 minutes trapped below the ice and did not take a breath for over an hour. He was declared dead; yet he is alive and fully recovered today. His miraculous story was recently featured in the major film Breakthrough and today he shares it with us. If you’re struggling to make sense of your suffering, have lost your personal faith or have stopped believing in miracles, this episode is for you. SHOW NOTES: John was adopted at 5 months old from Mixco, Guatemala. January 19, 2015: John + two friends are playing on a lake when the ice broke. One self-rescued, the other was rescued by emergency personnel. With his life flashing before his eyes, John realized he was going to die. Firefighter Tommy Shine heard a voice, directing him exactly to John's location, pulling him up after being underwater for 15 minutes. The world-renowned doctors spent over an hour doing everything medically + scientifically possible to bring him back to life. John's mother came to pray over his body, the atmosphere + physical temperate in the room the changed. The moment she began to pray, every apparatus on him turned on. Sixteen days later, John left the hospital with no lingering medical issues. With miracles, there are a lot of skeptics but there is science to back up this miracle. DeVon Franklin, the producer of Breakthrough, encouraged John to "stay humble and stay hungry." "God doesn’t call the equipped. He equips the called." "By the time die, how many people can I influence to take to heaven with me?" - John's pastor Jason Noble inspires him to share his story to inspire others. John's miracle has called him to study becoming a pastor at North Central University this fall. Follow John on Instagram at @JohnASmith25. Breakthrough is now available on DVD and digital download. Get it here. Get a copy of Joyce Smith's book Breakthrough here. John Smith mentions watching a video about my story. Watch it here. If you enjoyed today's episode, you'll love Live Inspired Podcast guest Dr. Eben Alexander. Hear how his near-death experience changed his understanding of science, the world we live in today, the life beyond it and what it means in your inspired life. Listen to ep. 123 here.   JOHN SMITH'S LIVE INSPIRED 7 1. What is the best book you’ve ever read? The Bible specifically the book the John. 2. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today? That loving, caring spirit for each other. 3. Your house is on fire, all living things and people are out. You have the opportunity to run in and grab one item. What would it be? Picture of me and my dad from the St. Louis Zoo that signifies our love for each other. My mom has a picture book from my adoption. 4. You are sitting on a bench overlooking a gorgeous beach. You have the opportunity to have a long conversation with anyone living or dead. Who would it be? My parents. They’ve sacrificed so much for me and deserve to see that beautiful beach just like I do. 5. What is the best advice you’ve ever received? DeVon Franklin, producer of Breakthrough: Stay humble. Stay hungry. Remember who you are, where you come from and where you want to go. 6. What advice would you give your 14-year-old self? Remain strong in your faith. It may look bad now, but it will get better. Forgive your birth mom and the weight of the world will be off your shoulders. 7. It’s been said that all great people can have their lives summed up in one sentence. How do you want yours to read? John Smith impacted the world for Christ. *** Did you enjoy today's episode? Subscribe, rate + review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts! Live Inspired with John daily on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram + get his Monday Motivation email.

Join me every Monday for a quick burst of inspiration on our Live Inspired Podcast Monday Moments segment. What do you want to do today? Recently, my wife reminded me of the power to look at every task as an opportunity. *** Did you enjoy this episode? Subscribe, rate & review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. Live Inspired with John daily on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram + get his Monday Motivation email. Read more at https://johnoleary.libsyn.com/#8PPjbxkThy1rvcs5.99