Live Inspired Podcast with John O'Leary

"He wasn't trapped, he chose to stay and help others." Matthew Weiss, Esq. was a lawyer. He didn't seek an opportunity to become a filmmaker; but a story that needed to be told found him. The story of Welles Crowther was shared with him over lunch one day: On September 11, 2001, Welles was 24 and worked in the World Trade Center. The acts of heroism he displayed that day have inspired song lyrics, parents to name their children after him and President Obama's dedication speech for the National September 11 Memorial & Museum. Matt created the documentary Man in Red Bandana to inspire the world to be more selfless. Today, Matt shares about the heroic final hour of Welles's life + how we can learn to live more inspired through the example of the "man in the red bandana." SHOW NOTES:  Matt Weiss directed Man in Red Bandana, a documentary that tells the story of Welles Crowther, a young American who became a hero at the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, 2001. Follow on Facebook at: Facebook.com/ManInRedBandana Watch it on iTunes or Amazon. Matt was a lawyer, inspired by a story. He spent his time and money turning Welles story into a film so the world might learn to be more selfless. Matt is an entrepreneur and is inspired by entrepreneurs like Elon Musk [Tesla], Jeff Bezos [Amazon] & Simon Sineck [Start with Why]. On Sept. 11, 2001, Welles put out fires, carried a woman down 17 flights of stairs, went back up + saved the lives of 18 people.   10,000+ people ran / left the building. It's incredible he stayed.   "He wasn't trapped, he chose stay and to help others." 9/11 was his finest hour, but he spent his life putting others first. This story will inspire people to be more selfless. "Even just small acts like holding the door open for someone behind you; wait a little longer and hold the door open for them." No one who knew him was surprised that he stayed to help others. Welles's parents + the Michigan foundation created the Red Bandana Project in his honor.  MATTHEW WEISS'S LIVE INSPIRED 7  1. What is the best book you’ve ever read? The E Myth, by Michael Gerber. 2. Tomorrow you discover your wealthy uncle shockingly dies at the age of 103; leaving you millions. What would you do with it? I would definitely help people. I'd be the perfect guy for that to happen to.  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 photos and videos; to me everything else can be replaced.  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? Elon Musk. This guy is a rock star. The guy is just phenomenal.  5. What is the best advice you’ve ever received? It is about gratitude and being grateful. That shift of being grateful is tremendous.  6. Looking back, what advice would you give yourself at age 20? Live every day like it is your last. Take it all in.  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? He was a selfless giving guy who really cared about others.  ***  If you enjoyed today’s episode: Subscribe (automatically get new episodes), rate & review (help spread the word!) this podcast wherever you get your podcasts. I can’t wait to see you here next Thursday! Today is your day. Live Inspired. Live Inspired with John every day on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram and get his Monday Motivation email: www.JohnOLearyInspires.com/Monday-Morning

"Don't stand by, stand UP." Sue McCollum is the Chairman and CEO of Major Brands, Inc., an 80-year-old, family-run operation and the only liquor distributor in the U.S. run by a woman. But it wasn't Sue's dream to run a large operation. Her husband, Todd, was planning to run the company his grandfather founded and one day - pass it on to his children. Needless to say, plans changed after Todd was diagnosed with brain cancer. Sue, in short, "stepped up." Almost immediately after Todd's passing, Sue was labeled "Liqueur Widow" by competitors and the press as long-time clients were pulling out of agreements.  Sue will show us that it's possible to not only fight back, but do so honorably. And that you can run a successful business based on strong values. My friends, join me and Sue to learn how to harness resilience, overcome adversity and live inspired. SHOW NOTES:  "One day can bend your life." October 4, 2010 bent Sue's life. Her husband, Todd, had a seizure, which lead to a cancer diagnosis and a year to live. Todd was determined to not let his death be the end of his family's business...or his story. While being treated, he had a quilt made from all of his neckties. His watches were engraved for graduations and other special occasions to give to his sons. In his last year, Todd enjoyed planning his memorial service. Soon after Todd's death, two companies terminated business with Major Brands with no cause. Sue remembers asking herself, "Am I going to fight for this company or not?"  After winning in multiple court cases, Major Brands, Inc. did three things: Established a new scholarship in Todd's name, established a family emergency fund for employees, & gave all associates a loyalty award of $3,000. "We only know our lives looking backward."  SUE McCOLLUM'S LIVE INSPIRED 7  1. What is the best book you’ve ever read? North Toward Home.  2. Tomorrow you discover your wealthy uncle shockingly dies at the age of 103; leaving you millions. What would you do with it? I would set up a foundation. I would begin to solve, from a research perspective, how we provide better education and opportunities for people who didn't have what I had. 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? There is a photograph of my sons. I would grab it.  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? Marv Levy. 5. What is the best advice you’ve ever received? It came from my second boss, my first woman boss. "Sue, don't beat yourself up. Others will do that for you. Never do it to yourself." 6. Looking back, what advice would you give yourself at age 20? Take more risks. Be a badass. 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? I tried hard.  ***  If you enjoyed today’s episode: Subscribe (automatically get new episodes), rate & review (help spread the word!) this podcast wherever you get your podcasts. I can’t wait to see you here next Thursday! Today is your day. Live Inspired. Live Inspired with John every day on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram and get his Monday Motivation email: www.JohnOLearyInspires.com/Monday-Morning

"We see the world as we think it is. Not as it really is. Wear glasses that work." Todd Davis has spent 20+ years "looking for the right people." As Chief People Officer at FranklinCovey, a training company, he is an expert at identifying how human behaviors impact our life, our work and our output. His new book, Get Better: 15 Proven Practices to Build Effective Relationships at Work shares that the key to improving our effectiveness is found in improving our behaviors. Todd's insights shine a light on the truth that an organization's greatest assets are undoubtedly its people and remind us that leadership is a decision, not a position.  This conversation is a journey in self-awareness. Join Todd and me for a great conversation and practical ways to fine-tune your behaviors so that you can live and work inspired. SHOW NOTES:  Todd has worked for FranklinCovey, the award-winning training company started by the bestselling author of The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change, Stephen R. Covey for over 20 years. We discuss the book he authored with FranklinCovey, Get Better:15 Proven Practices to Build Effective Relationships at Work. Todd shares how his childhood has shaped him-a middle child from Utah, self-described peacemaker and son of a set designer and actress.  Todd never imagined that he'd write a book. It was "a labor of love" that took him two years and was inspired by The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change and The Leader in Me. Don't miss Todd walking us through one chapter of his book: Make It Safe to Tell the Truth. He'll share why these four steps are necessary: 1. Assume good intent. 2. Ask for Feedback. 3. Evaluate the feedback. 4. Act on it. TODD DAVIS'S LIVE INSPIRED 7  1. What is the best book you’ve ever read? Where the Red Fern Grows when I was a kid. Two others: The Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell and The Linchpin by Seth Godin.  2. Tomorrow you discover your wealthy uncle shockingly dies at the age of 103; leaving you millions. What would you do with it?  I would take it all down to Puerto Rico right now and help out. 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? Many years ago I would say pictures. On Christmas, our family spends an hour or two writing letters to each other before opening presents. I'd grab those.  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?  Mother Theresa and Gandhi.  5. What is the best advice you’ve ever received?  6. Looking back, what advice would you give yourself at age 20? To believe in myself. 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? He who dies with the most meaningful relationships wins.   ***  If you enjoyed today’s episode: Subscribe (automatically get new episodes), rate & review (help spread the word!) this podcast wherever you get your podcasts. I can’t wait to see you here next Thursday! Today is your day. Live Inspired. Live Inspired with John every day on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram and get his Monday Motivation email: www.JohnOLearyInspires.com/Monday-Morning

"This process of accepting that your loved one has hurt other people. And accepting who that is and what it means to be a mother of someone like that, it takes not only months but years." Sue Klebold is forever tied to a tragic day marked down in American history, April 20, 1999. It was on that day two gunmen entered Columbine High School and killed 12 students, a teacher and wounded two dozen others. One of the shooters was her son, Dylan. After an excruciating journey, Sue has come to a place of peace and is using her life to honor the lives of those who died, raise awareness for mental health issues and do what she could to prevent another tragedy like Columbine from happening again. Sue shares her story of a mother's love, heart-wrenching tragedy, sincere appeal for forgiveness, the long process of allowing herself to grieve, and letting go of the trauma of being hated, criticized and judged in order to focus on her heart, and the little boy she lost and adored.  Today Sue bravely, honestly and with great humility shares her 20-year journey of researching mental health, suicide, and their ramifications so that we as a community may be able to live more inspired. I think what will amaze you most is how much you can relate to Sue, her family and her story. Sue shares concrete ideas to make sure none of us have to step into her shoes. It is a podcast you won't want to miss. SHOW NOTES:  Sue heard on the news that 25 had died and found herself praying that no more would die and if her son was the killer that he'd kill himself to stop the number of fatalities from growing. "I didn't think of him as a vicious murderer." "I went into the meeting with the sheriff thinking he'd been brainwashed or tricked. But I was shown what really happened and his level of involvement in the planning that I was in a state of shock all over again. I had to rebuild who Dylan was to me." We were very isolated after the tragedy, I had a tremendous amount of humiliation to think that someone I loved and raised could do something like this. There was a lot of fear involved.  "Everybody who knew Dylan was as dumbfounded as we were. All wondering what we could have said to change his involvement...trying to understand what Dylan had done, look out for each other." I remember Dylan with joy. Like if he died of cancer or a car accident.  I thought I'd never get to this place. I thought the way in which he died would obliterate what he had meant to me. Every time I saw kids with their moms and kids with their siblings I thought Dylan took that from people. I tried to make statements, write letters to the victims..."There is nothing you can do to adequately apologize for something like that." Read paralyzed Columbine survivor, Anne Marie Hochhalter's letter of forgiveness to Sue.   "I had perceived myself to be a good mother." "Previously, I had been one of those mothers who when crimes were being committed, went "uh-huh, what kinda parent was that." People had to think of me as a bad parent or different than them because "The thought that you could do your best and be a good parent and this could still happen is a terrifying thought." "I had no idea during his lifetime that he was in danger and that's why I speak about this a lot today. Now I look back - after being educated, reading, talking with experts - I can say that was a potential sign. But I didn't have the knowledge at the time." School counselors, therapist, teachers and his parents all missed potential signs. He said he'd show us that he was on the right track and he did. He worked, applied to college and did well for the next 14 months. Change in behavior happened his junior year. Changes in his sleep patterns. But he presented as a normal person.   "The thought that you could do your best and be a good parent and this could still happen is terrifying."  "Important point to remember about mental health: What we think people should be feeling and what they are feeling can be very, very different." We need to do everything we can to truly understand what our children are going through. Ask open-ended questions (even though you can't be certain they'll answer truthfully): "Tell me something about yourself that no one understands, but that causes you pain?" Instead of trying to fix it, making your child feel like he has to "be happy" ... no matter their answer, your response should always be, "tell me more about that." Ask the hard questions: Do you have thoughts about hurting yourself or someone else? Stay calm, don't try to argue with that person. I wish I'd given more of an opportunity to share more of what he was dealing with and that whatever his feelings were okay. If I could do anything over, those are the things I would make happen. Sue's book is a meditation on forgiveness A Mother's Reckoning.  There is a physiological difference in those who commit suicide; when someone is having persistent thoughts of suicide and can't shut it off - these are symptoms of a physiological brain malfunction. [Dr. Victoria Arango, Ph.D. from Columbia University]  According to the FBI, of mass shootings, 78% of them the shooter was suicidal. This is why I have become so focused on suicide prevention. If we can get someone away from a suicidal crisis, it gives us great opportunity to prevent a shooting like this from escalating. "I practice gratitude a lot." I go to bed at night counting blessings to adjust my mind into a positive place. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-talk or go to their website to chat: https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org  All author proceeds from A Mother’s Reckoning are being donated to various mental health charities, including Mental Health America (MHA), National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), American Association of Suicidology (AAS), and Brain & Behavior Research Foundation. SUE KLEBOLD'S LIVE INSPIRED 7  1. What is the best book you’ve ever read? Oh, that's a great question, I wish I had a long time to think about that. Gone with the Wind, Amy Tann, one of the best books on suicide: No Time to Say Goodbye. 2. Tomorrow you discover your wealthy uncle shockingly dies at the age of 103; leaving you millions. What would you do with it? Well, I think I'd sit on it for a while. I don't think there is anything different that I would do from what I am doing. I try to live a life where I have donated what I can donate from my book. I would want to make sure that money was used well. I am so happy with how my life is.  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 think I would grab pictures of my children. 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? Dylan.  5. What is the best advice you’ve ever received? It was in the process of my therapy, where I was allowed to grieve.  6. Looking back, what advice would you give yourself at age 20? You are in for a wild ride. Nothing you can do is going to prepare yourself. You are more courageous and strong than you have any idea. 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? She did the best she could.  ***  If you enjoyed today’s episode: Subscribe (automatically get new episodes), rate & review (help spread the word!) this podcast wherever you get your podcasts. I can’t wait to see you here next Thursday! Today is your day. Live Inspired. Live Inspired with John every day on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram and get his Monday Motivation email: www.JohnOLearyInspires.com/Monday-Morning

"Leverage faith over doubt. Those praying over me had an inch more faith than they did doubt." Joel Boggess is the bestselling author of Finding Your Voice, host of the incredibly popular podcast the ReLaunch Show, and a motivational speaker bringing his message of never giving up and using action in the face of fear to his audience. At the age of 5, Joel suffered a devastating accident; falling 30 feet resulted in a tremendous amount of blood loss and a fractured skull, and Joel spent more than four weeks in a coma. In an instant, Joel's life went from "happy-go-lucky" to an immense daily struggle and a long road to recovery. The injury left him with hearing problems and difficulty with memory, yet it taught Joel that some lessons are learned on the playground, the boardroom, or even a recovery room.  Joel's insights into how action can be the greatest weapon to conquering fear will motivate you and inspire you to never back down. Today Joel shares how one action can make life better.  SHOW NOTES:  Joel is the author of Finding Your Voice He started on the radio 25 years ago. He said the transition to podcasting was a "no-brainer." His ReLaunch Show podcast has over 1.7 million downloads. At the age of 5 in San Antonio, Texas, Joel drifted away from his group and climbed up what he thought was monkey bars; it was actually a train bridge. He fell 30 feet to the rocks below. The paramedics were unable to find a vein because he had lost so much blood. He had a triple skull fracture resulting in a four-week coma.  His parents were told, "don't expect Joel to live a normal life." "Faith doesn't grow in a vacuum" In 2017, Joel launched his professional speaking career. You can listen to Joel's Podcast here.  JOEL BOGGESS'S LIVE INSPIRED 7  1. What is the best book you’ve ever read? The Bible, particularly The Book of Proverbs. Also, The Power of Positive Thinking by Norman Miller Peale. 2. Tomorrow you discover your wealthy uncle shockingly dies at the age of 103; leaving you millions. What would you do with it? After everyone is taken care of- wife, parents, in-laws- I would do something for dog rescue. My wife and I have always had dogs. Perhaps buy a property and make a facility for dogs.  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?  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? One grandfather sitting on each side of me. Both my grandfathers have passed. I didn't get as much information from them that I needed to.  5. What is the best advice you’ve ever received? Joe Callaway gave me this information four or five years ago; he said, "don't be cute, be clear."  6. Looking back, what advice would you give yourself at age 20? Put the beer down. Drinking was something that I leaned on a lot. 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? Joel was a guy who just wouldn't give up.  ***  If you enjoyed today’s episode: Subscribe (automatically get new episodes), rate & review (help spread the word!) this podcast wherever you get your podcasts. I can’t wait to see you here next Thursday! Today is your day. Live Inspired. Live Inspired with John every day on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram and get his Monday Motivation email: www.JohnOLearyInspires.com/Monday-Morning

"I feel like a lot of us are going through a dark time. That we are living under clouds and need the sun to come out. I hope I'm the person holding the umbrella. I hope I am the person who can tell you to come under the umbrella 'til the sun comes out." Lizzie Velasquez is a globally recognized motivational speaker, a presenter at TEDx, champion of anti-bullying, author, producer and all around amazing individual.  At the time of Lizzie's birth, she was one of only three people in the world diagnosed with Marfanoid–Progeroid–Lipodystrophy Syndrome: a condition which doesn't allow her to gain weight and affects her heart, eyes, and bones. At age 17, she came across a YouTube video entitled "World's Ugliest Woman"- only to discover that it was about her. In the years since then, she's made it her life's work to spread kindness and stand up for bullying victims. She has appeared on The Today Show, The View, AOL, MSN, Yahoo, The Huffington Post, Katie Couric and her TEDx video has been viewed over 13 million times. She has inspired people around the world to look at inner beauty, to be kind to each other, and to own our emotions.  Today she beautifully articulates her story of strength, determination, and "what's next" with us.  SHOW NOTES:  She was born in Austin, Texas and still lives there today. To her, it is home. Her parents raised her as a normal kid. It wasn't until kindergarten that she realized for the first time there was something different about her. "I see anything that I want to do as a dare." Her TEDx Talk "How Do YOU Define Yourself" has been viewed over 13 million times. You can watch it here. "The humor I have onstage is the same humor I have off." Referring to bullying, Lizzie says "It happens to absolutely everyone." Her advice: "You got this, it isn't going to be easy, but you can do it." She prioritizes sitting for 5-10 minutes in "me time" with no interruptions, cell phone, etc.  Her newest book is called, Dare to be Kind. Lizzie has over 1.5 million people following her on Social Media. Follow her at @littlelizziev LIZZIE VELASQUEZ'S LIVE INSPIRED 7  1. What is the best book you’ve ever read? Wonder. 2. Tomorrow you discover your wealthy uncle shockingly dies at the age of 103; leaving you millions. What would you do with it? I have always had this dream of creating a scholarship foundation, then I would help my church and family. Lastly, I would spoil my dogs.  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? The big box of photos I have.  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? Julia Roberts or Ava Duvernay. 5. What is the best advice you’ve ever received? Never be scared to learn. Be comfortable in the uncomfortable. 6. Looking back, what advice would you give yourself at age 20? Prepare for some craziness.  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? Go out every day, knowing it isn't going to always be sunny. But, it will clear up.  ***  If you enjoyed today’s episode: Subscribe (automatically get new episodes), rate & review (help spread the word!) this podcast wherever you get your podcasts. I can’t wait to see you here next Thursday! Today is your day. Live Inspired. Live Inspired with John every day on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram and get his Monday Motivation email: www.JohnOLearyInspires.com/Monday-Morning

"It turns out, sometimes you have to start by asking a really stupid question." Marcus Adrian has spent nearly 20 years at Mackey Mitchell Architects in St. Louis, MO; however, Marcus isn't your typical architect. He aims to design buildings to "speak to the human experience." He is nationally recognized for designing spaces for people with special needs and an expert in classroom acoustics.  His great-grandfather was an architect, one grandfather was a woodworker, while another mined stone in the Ozarks. So, building and creating is in his blood. From his mother, a nurse, he developed a strong sense of empathy. Marcus shares how his career, his passion, is much like his mother's, grandmother's, and great-grandmother's tradition of making quilts. How they would pray as they stitched in thoughtful reflection of the creation they were making. He challenges us to "count the stitches in a quilt" in order to see the effort and thought that goes into creating something with meaningful purpose. Marcus shares his story of how a stupid question taught him more than he could have imagined and how the way we shape our spaces continue to shape us. He is an expert in creating spaces where you maximize human potential. Today, Marcus teaches us how it is possible to build empathy into our creations and our lives. He also shares how sometimes, it all starts by asking a really "stupid" question.  SHOW NOTES:  Marcus's parents would often tell him to "do something meaningful." By the age of 9, he knew he wanted to be an architect. His designs consider "from birth to everything." Empathy is something we can build into an institution. The solutions are going to have to be found at the intersection science and public policy.  "Empathy ignites because it starts with curiosity. You could do it because of altruism, but you won't be doing it for long."  Buildings need to speak to the human experience. Taking into consideration: Physical Ability, Sensory Ability, Social Ability, Cognitive & Empathy. "It can be difficult to differentiate signal and noise. The way we design schools today is very different than 20 years ago." "The word is "balance." You have to put up those reminders. Am I owning this or is it owning me?" MARCUS ADRIAN'S LIVE INSPIRED 7  1. What is the best book you’ve ever read? The Rise of Theodore Roosevelt by Edmund Morris. 2. Tomorrow you discover your wealthy uncle shockingly dies at the age of 103; leaving you millions. What would you do with it? I would have to build a comprehensive center for kids with developmental needs.  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? Easy one. I have a quilt that my great-grandmother and grandmother made.  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? I got to do that yesterday with my wife. If I could do it now it would be with Eugene Mackey. I'd ask him, "am I doing it right?"  5. What is the best advice you’ve ever received? Eugene gave me some good advice about managing: "If you accept that now than it will always be true." 6. Looking back, what advice would you give yourself at age 20? Listen. Learn how to listen. Listen to your wife.  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? He listened.  ***  If you enjoyed today’s episode: Subscribe (automatically get new episodes), rate & review (help spread the word!) this podcast wherever you get your podcasts. I can’t wait to see you here next Thursday! Today is your day. Live Inspired. Live Inspired with John every day on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram and get his Monday Motivation email: www.JohnOLearyInspires.com/Monday-Morning

"We are too busy to become less busy" Juliet Funt is the CEO of WhiteSpace at Work, a global speaker, influencer and consultant to Fortune 100 companies, and "a warrior in the battle against busyness."  She is a self-described perfectionist who admits baking as her zen moment. He natural intuitiveness, authentic message, and insight allow her the uncanny ability to connect with people at all levels. She has led her team to create changes in low-value work like emails, charts, meetings, paperwork and unnecessary clutter to make life more efficient and enjoyable. Juliet helps us find the space in our lives to make a really profound change. recharge and reclaim our passion for work. Today, Juliet shares through humor, story-telling, and lessons how we can find a brief moment to ignite our most productive self.  SHOW NOTES:  "It's gonna be a blast. I can tell already." Live into the thing that brings you joy. Prioritizing.  Working on WhiteSpace for the past 14 years. help organizations retrieve their talented teams from beneath piles of crushing to-dos and relentless task assaults. We strengthen individuals, teams and companies by giving them nimble, simple teachings that create new norms. She describes "white space" as: "a "strategic pause" that is taken between activities. They are laced through the businesses of our days and then they become the oxygen for everything else to catch on fire." She grew up in New York, New York. Her father was Allen Funt from Candid Camera. She is the proud mother of three boys ages: 7, 10, 12. "Senior leaders are often torn between profitability and how hard they push people." "Human real-time feedback is essential to business." WhiteSpace has consulted and helped streamline workflow for some of the top brands in the world including Nike, P&G, Wells Fargo, Hershey’s and Hyatt. The 4 thieves of productivity: drive (turns to overdrive), excellence (to perfectionism), information (to info overload) and activity (to frenzy). These four questions help combat the thieves: Is there anything that I can let go of? Where is good enough, good enough? What do I truly need to know? What deserves my attention? Unburden your talent with Juliet's FREE gift. JULIET FUNT'S LIVE INSPIRED 7  1. What is the best book you’ve ever read? Mathew Fox, The Reinvention of Work. It set the tone for me that work had inspiration and passion. 2. Tomorrow you discover your wealthy uncle shockingly dies at the age of 103; leaving you millions. What would you do with it? A third to charity, a third for fun, a third for the future. 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?  The box of the kid's creations. It filled with drawings and tinkerings. 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?  Russel Freidman. He was a friend and instrumental to me. His passing was a universally hard loss for me.  5. What is the best advice you’ve ever received? My dear friend, Russel would often say, "Stop being mean to my friend." 6. Looking back, what advice would you give yourself at age 20? Things will get better. You will find your way. Love is out there. Children will be the best thing ever, but you'll have to wait. 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? She gave pleasure to herself and others. ***  If you enjoyed today’s episode: Subscribe (automatically get new episodes), rate & review (help spread the word!) this podcast wherever you get your podcasts. I can’t wait to see you here next Thursday! Today is your day. Live Inspired. Live Inspired with John every day on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram and get his Monday Motivation email: www.JohnOLearyInspires.com/Monday-Morning

"Understand that failure is part of the process and when it's over, it's over." Scott Hamilton is a four-time World Champion, Gold Medal Winner at the 1984 Olympics in Saravejo, co-creator of Stars on Ice, commentator, performer, author and philanthropist.   Scott has had his fair share of setbacks. He suffered a misdiagnosed condition as a young boy, lost his mother to cancer, and had his battles with cancer as well. Yet, by his own calculation, he has fallen down 41,600 times and gotten back up 41,601 times. He used that metaphor to replace fear with courage and clarity of purpose.   Even though he is perhaps the most recognizable male figure skater in the world, his struggles and successes are entirely down to earth. Scott's message has humor and wisdom, delivering uplifting encouragement for us to get back up one more time and continue forward as a champion.  Today, Scott joins us to share his story of being adopted, his mother's fight with cancer and how he used her inspiration to reach the Olympics.  SHOW NOTES:  Scott created the Scott Hamilton CARES Foundation (Cancer Alliance for Research, Education and Survivorship). He founded several programs including Chemocare.com and the 4th Angel Mentoring Program.   He is the author of three books: Landing It, The Great Eight, and Finish First. "Failure is tempory, successes last longer." Scott has estimated he has fallen down 41,600 times. He is a self-professed pro at getting back up again. "Skating is all about falling down and getting up. That concept has helped me get through life." He is a four-time World Champion and won the Gold Medal in the 1984 Olympics.  "I want to be informed but not submerged. All I can do is fix my little corner of the world." When Scott shares the story about training after his mother passed away, "I took my mother to the rink every day." He has been inducted into the United States Olympic Hall of Fame and the World Figure Skating Hall of Fame. He lives outside Nashville, TN with his wife Tracie and their four children. SCOTT HAMILTON'S LIVE INSPIRED 7 1. What is the best book you’ve ever read? The Bible. As far as pure entertainment, The Bourne Identity.  2. Tomorrow you discover your wealthy uncle shockingly dies at the age of 103; leaving you millions. What would you do with it? Pay off all my debt and give the rest away. 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?   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 wife. There are so many people from the faith world, business world, and beyond; but, it would be my wife. 5. What is the best advice you’ve ever received? Enjoy every aspect of what you have achieved and realize it is finite. Also, "this to shall pass."  6. Looking back, what advice would you give yourself at age 20? Don't do that. Whatever you are doing STOP!  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? Here is a guy who failed miserably, figured out a way to understand his blessings, got up constantly, and was always in search of a brighter day. ***  If you enjoyed today’s episode: Subscribe (automatically get new episodes), rate & review (help spread the word!) this podcast wherever you get your podcasts. I can’t wait to see you here next Thursday! Today is your day. Live Inspired. Live Inspired with John every day on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram and get his Monday Motivation email: www.JohnOLearyInspires.com/Monday-Morning

"You are always only just beginning." Marc and Angel Chernoff didn't set out to create one of the most read blog sites online; it came to them over time. After losing a mutual friend with no warning and Angel's brother to suicide soon after, they began a blog to hold each other accountable. They had no idea the blog would resonate with others; it was simply a form of therapy, a coping mechanism, and a way to heal.  Fate it would seem had different plans. Soon, they began getting hundreds of visitors, then thousands, and in time what started as a side project began getting millions of visitors a month. Marc and Angel's blog Hack Life tackles the everyday issues we all face at one time or another in our lives. They cover what to do when everything goes wrong, how to be grateful for the things you have, tips for a strong relationship, and how to get toxic elements out of your life.    Today, Marc & Angel Chernoff join us to talk about the struggles of losing loved ones, relationship goals, and how to be more grateful and present in life. This amazing couple has some very positive messages and advice to share with us. Have a listen. SHOW NOTES:  Their blog Hack Life started as a public accountability journal in 2008. What started as a side project, would soon be picked up by other outlets and have over a million viewers a month. Losing their friend Josh had a profound impact on both of them. They describe him as genuine, honest, and an old soul. Josh passed away on a business trip for a job that Angel helped him get. This haunted her, and she suffered from severe guilt. Two months later, Angel lost her brother to suicide. Marc and Angel kept asking why, only to conclude the "why" is not reality. The reality is they both passed away. Therefore, the question to ask became, "how do you get back up?" "That's such a simple thing. Often, we think the answers to a happier or simpler life are found in something new you are going to learn. When it really is just dialing back a little bit. Something as simple as sitting down with the family every day and just staying in touch with what is going on in each other’s heads and each other's lives is priceless.” "What if you could look past the thought. Without that thought in your head right now. Without that tunnel vision. That very narrow focus on this tragedy. What else surrounds it? What else is in the periphery here? And is it possible that I can work within the periphery to do something that is amazing, or at least something that helps me take a small step forward in the right direction? The answer 99.9% of the time is yes."  "Everyone is going to be blindsided at one point in life."  Marc and Angel run a course called "Getting Back to Happy." "Every day you are becoming a better version of yourself." "The best lessons we learn are the lessons we learn over and over again." MARC & ANGEL'S LIVE INSPIRED 7 1. What is the best book you’ve ever read? MARC: The Road Less Traveled, by M. Scott Peck, M.D. I love the first line, "Life is not easy." ANGEL: The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz. 2. Tomorrow you discover your wealthy uncle shockingly dies at the age of 103; leaving you millions. What would you do with it? ANGEL: We have what we need. How could we have more of an impact then we do now, how do we give back? Maybe some non-profit work for children. MARC: Reinvest it in our mission. Suddenly it wouldn't be about the money at all. Hiring people who will help us help others.   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? MARC: We spent a lot of time over the last decade simplifying our lives. It sounds cliche but data. ANGEL: We don't have any materials which wouldn't be replaceable. MARC: We don't have a connection to physical possessions.  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? ANGEL: Marc and my son. MARC: It would be so fascinating to sit down with my grandparents. They used to share such great stories with me as a kid. Just give me one more shot at hearing those stories.  5. What is the best advice you’ve ever received? MARC: Don't take this personally. People do things because of them, not because of you. ANGEL: You're not done yet.  6. Looking back, what advice would you give yourself at age 20?  ANGEL: Don't take yourself so seriously. Don't try to control the uncontrollable. MARC: I love that...I'd like to rift right off of that and say you don't have to have it all figured out. Sadly, we send our kids off to school at 18 thinking they need to have it all figured out. Like you can't reinvent yourself? It's OK to explore.  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? MARC: He made the best of it. I'd actually love for it to be "we" including Angel, we made the best of it. ANGEL: She took the experiences that shaped her and loved it.  ***  If you enjoyed today’s episode: Subscribe (automatically get new episodes), rate & review (help spread the word!) this podcast wherever you get your podcasts. I can’t wait to see you here next Thursday! Today is your day. Live Inspired. Live Inspired with John every day on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram and get his Monday Motivation email: www.JohnOLearyInspires.com/Monday-Morning