Growth Now Movement with Justin Schenck

In this powerful episode, I sit down with AJ Jones, a man whose story will completely change the way you think about success, purpose, and fulfillment. After surviving not one, but two widowmaker heart attacks, AJ was forced to confront the question most of us avoid — what does "more" really mean? AJ opens up about his life before these events, thriving in the world of financial services, climbing the ladder of success, chasing achievements, and collecting the external markers of "making it." But when life came to a screeching halt, everything changed. We talk about how those near-death experiences pushed him to redefine his priorities, shifting from titles, wealth, and possessions to finding more joy, more authenticity, and more purpose in his everyday life. AJ shares how he turned his pain into purpose through his company, 'More' Career Wellness, where he helps people align their careers and personal lives through coaching, community, and authentic connection. From his adoption story and search for belonging to the courage it took to walk away from a successful career, AJ's journey is a masterclass in resilience and intentional living. This episode is a reminder that fulfillment doesn't come from what we accumulate. It comes from who we become. If you've ever felt like you were chasing success but still feeling unfulfilled, this conversation will inspire you to slow down, look inward, and discover what "more" truly means in your life. In This Episode, You'll Learn: How two life-threatening heart attacks transformed AJ's perspective on life and purpose The difference between chasing success and living fulfilled How to find "more" in your life through joy, authenticity, and purpose The story behind More Career Wellness and its mission to empower professionals to live with intention How AJ turned pain and trauma into a platform for helping others The importance of community and self-awareness in living a meaningful life How to define success on your own terms — not the world's

In this episode of the Growth Now Movement, I sit down with Bill Cates, one of the leading voices in the world of referrals, client relationships, and financial success. Bill's journey is far from ordinary — from his early days as a rock and roll drummer to becoming a best-selling author, speaker, and expert in the financial services industry, his story is packed with lessons on reinvention, resilience, and redefining success. We dive into his brand-new book, The Hidden Heist, and unpack the mindset shifts that can help anyone unlock greater abundance — both financially and personally. Bill shares his perspective on how our beliefs, self-worth, and value perception directly shape our relationship with money. This isn't just about making more — it's about changing how you think about money, time, and value so you can create long-term fulfillment and balance. Throughout our conversation, Bill reveals the practical strategies that have helped countless professionals and entrepreneurs build thriving businesses through referrals and relationships. We talk about how to increase the real value you bring to others, the magic of compounding value (not just compounding interest), and how the smallest consistent actions can create massive long-term success. Bill also opens up about his personal life — from getting married later in life to becoming a father — and how those experiences transformed his understanding of love, legacy, and what success truly means. It's an honest, powerful conversation that bridges business and life, strategy and heart, ambition and contentment. Whether you're a financial advisor, entrepreneur, or someone simply looking to redefine your money mindset, this episode will give you tools and perspective to grow your wealth, deepen your relationships, and live more intentionally. In This Episode, You'll Learn: How to shift your money mindset to attract more abundance and flow Why your beliefs about value determine your income and impact The real power of referrals and client relationships for business growth How compounding value leads to exponential results in life and business Practical strategies to build trust and deliver transformation to clients The importance of rest, rejuvenation, and balance in sustainable success How fatherhood reshaped Bill's view of success, purpose, and love

In this powerful episode of the Growth Now Movement, I sit down with Garrett Lowe — a global leader, mentor, and faith-driven visionary who's helping people around the world discover their purpose and step fully into their calling. Garrett's work is centered around aligning talent, opportunity, and passion — what he calls the TOP Calling Framework — to help people live intentionally and lead with authenticity. We dive deep into the power of self-awareness, how to identify and live out your personal mission, and what it truly means to lead with vulnerability and faith. Garrett shares how creating his own mission statement completely transformed his life, and how clarity of vision can empower anyone to unlock their full potential. Throughout our conversation, Garrett opens up about the intersection of leadership and faith, exploring how divine guidance, free will, and biblical principles can shape how we show up in business, relationships, and life. He breaks down how to leverage your natural wiring, cultivate emotional intelligence, and use feedback as a tool for growth — while staying grounded in humility and purpose. If you've ever felt called to something greater or wondered how your unique gifts fit into the bigger picture, this conversation will help you gain the clarity and courage to live out your calling with confidence. In this episode, you will learn: How to identify and align your talents, opportunities, and passions to fulfill your highest purpose. The importance of crafting a personal mission statement to guide your decisions and daily actions. Why self-awareness and vulnerability are essential traits for powerful leadership. How to use faith and divine guidance as tools for clarity and direction. The role of feedback and curiosity in becoming a more effective and empathetic leader. How to build meaningful relationships that foster growth, trust, and community. The importance of defining success beyond achievements — focusing on legacy and purpose instead. Timestamps 00:00 – Welcome and Introduction 02:43 – Garrett's Journey and Creating His Mission Statement 05:29 – What True Leadership Looks Like 07:31 – Discovering Vision and Purpose 09:26 – Navigating Pain and Finding Meaning in It 19:46 – Faith, Free Will, and Divine Guidance 26:13 – What is the TOP Calling Framework 29:52 – Embracing Your Personality and Natural Wiring 32:43 – Why Self-Awareness Is the Foundation of Leadership 38:35 – The Power of Receiving and Applying Feedback 40:40 – Building Deep and Meaningful Relationships 44:44 – Redefining Success and Living with Purpose 47:24 – Final Reflections and Growth Takeaways

In this powerful episode of the Growth Now Movement, I sit down with Michelle Rogers, a resilient entrepreneur, real estate investor, and property management company founder who has built an inspiring life through grit, perseverance, and heart. Michelle's story is not just about building a business—it's about overcoming some of life's toughest challenges and transforming pain into purpose. Michelle opens up about her multifaceted life—being a wife, a foster parent, and raising a large family—while simultaneously growing a thriving real estate business. She takes us through her journey from starting as a buy-and-hold investor to eventually launching her own property management company, showing what it takes to succeed in the competitive world of real estate. But Michelle's story goes far beyond entrepreneurship. She vulnerably shares her past, including surviving domestic abuse and the turning points that helped her rebuild her life. With the support of friends, a strong community, and her own determination, Michelle turned adversity into opportunity and discovered the power of resilience. We also dive into her upcoming book, The Resiliency Blueprint, where she outlines practical tools and strategies to help others navigate challenges, rebuild confidence, and design a life they love. Along the way, Michelle highlights the importance of self-care, personal growth, and surrounding yourself with the right people. If you've ever faced hardship or wondered how to rise above your circumstances to create true success and fulfillment, this episode is for you.

In this episode, I sit down with my friend Ryan Koral, a master storyteller and the founder of Tell Studios, to explore the power of storytelling in both life and business. Ryan shares his journey from working at a college to taking the leap into entrepreneurship and building a thriving video production company that helps brands tell meaningful stories and connect deeply with their audiences. We dive into the importance of storytelling for entrepreneurs and creators and how the right story can shape your brand, build trust, and attract the right clients. Ryan breaks down why capturing authentic testimonials and emotional moments matters more than polished perfection and how businesses can use video to stand out in a crowded digital landscape. But this isn't just a conversation about business. Ryan opens up about the personal side of his journey, including the impact of losing his father, the lessons that shaped him as a man, and how therapy and reflection have helped him navigate grief, leadership, and entrepreneurship. We talk about the importance of staying grounded, protecting your mental health, and finding fulfillment in both your work and personal life. If you've ever struggled with how to share your story, build a business that matters, or push forward through personal challenges while leading with authenticity, this episode is going to hit home.

In this powerful episode of the Growth Now Movement, I welcome back my friend Dov Baron for another deep and thought-provoking conversation. Dov is a world-renowned leadership speaker, author, and mentor, and today we dive into some of the most important questions around identity, personal growth, relationships, and emotional source code. Dov opens up about his life-altering fall that completely reshaped his identity and beliefs, and how that moment of crisis helped him uncover deeper truths about pain, purpose, and the courage required to transform. Together, we explore how early childhood experiences create our emotional source code — the patterns that shape who we become — and why understanding this code is essential for growth, healing, and creating a life of impact. We also discuss the importance of context in communication, how curiosity can bridge divides in both personal and professional relationships, and why uncovering pain is often the key to finding your purpose. Dov shares powerful wisdom on creating cultures of belonging, strengthening relationships through curiosity and courage, and redefining success through authenticity and love. This conversation is filled with actionable insights and profound lessons for anyone looking to live a more meaningful life, become a better leader, or create stronger connections at home and at work.

In this episode of the Growth Now Movement, I sit down with my friend Devin Sizemore, a seasoned entrepreneur and mentor who has dedicated his career to helping others accelerate their success. Devin takes us through his journey from being a hungry, young entrepreneur to becoming a trusted guide for others who are building businesses and striving to make an impact. We dive deep into the importance of stepping into the mentor role, why giving back matters, and how to shorten the learning curve for others so they can achieve results faster. Devin shares powerful strategies for always putting yourself in the right rooms, surrounding yourself with the right people, and creating opportunities that can transform your business and your life. One of the biggest themes in this conversation is the idea of creating "wow moments" in both business and sales. Devin breaks down how exceeding expectations and focusing on the customer experience can completely change the trajectory of your growth. We even touch on what entrepreneurs can learn from the magic of Disney when it comes to creating unforgettable experiences. Devin also introduces us to his ACEs community, a powerful platform designed to help entrepreneurs master networking, make meaningful connections, and learn from expert interviews. He explains how surrounding yourself with the right community can give you the edge you need to scale faster and lead with abundance. If you've ever wondered how to build authentic relationships, grow your network without being transactional, and create a lasting impact, this episode will give you practical strategies and real-world examples to apply immediately. Key Takeaways from this Episode: How to embrace the mentor role and why it matters The power of curiosity and always asking questions Why giving first opens the door to long-term opportunities The strategy for being in the right rooms with the right people How to create wow moments that elevate your business and brand The lessons we can learn from Disney about customer experience What the ACEs community is and how it's changing the networking game How to define success in your own terms while protecting your time This conversation with Devin is all about relationships, value, and building a life and business that truly matter. Whether you're just starting out or already scaling, his wisdom will help you think bigger, act smarter, and connect on a deeper level.

In this episode of the Growth Now Movement, I sit down with my friend Damon Burton — a powerhouse in the world of SEO and digital marketing — to talk about his incredible journey from starting small to building one of the most trusted SEO agencies in the world. We reminisce about our first meeting, and Damon shares stories of how he's worked with some of the biggest names out there, including Tony Robbins, Russell Brunson, and professional sports teams. What stands out most is his commitment to transparency and integrity — and how those values have opened doors to opportunities and referrals that money alone could never buy. We also dive deep into: The real secrets to SEO success in today's digital landscape How AI is transforming SEO and how Damon is staying ahead of the curve Building trust and meaningful relationships with clients The balance between entrepreneurship and parenting, and how Damon is helping his kids discover their passions The importance of high-ticket masterminds for networking and growth — and how to find the right communities for you Redefining what success really means and building a life focused on freedom, time, and meaningful experiences This conversation isn't just about SEO or entrepreneurship — it's about building a business and a life that truly aligns with your values. If you're an entrepreneur, marketer, or just someone chasing growth, you'll walk away from this episode with actionable strategies and deep insights to fuel your own journey.

In this powerful episode of the Growth Now Movement, I reconnect with my friend Albie Manzo — seven years since his last appearance on the show (we think) — and a lot has changed since then. Albie opens up about the biggest transformation in his life: becoming a father. We dive into how fatherhood has reshaped his perspective on life, business, and what truly matters. From his early days in the spotlight on reality TV to now building a thriving career in hospitality and events, Albie shares what it means to grow, pivot, and lead with purpose. We talk about the highs and lows of entrepreneurship, what it takes to build meaningful experiences in today's digital-heavy world, and how to stay grounded through the chaos. Albie also shares his thoughts on how artificial intelligence is changing the hospitality industry — and why authentic human connection will always matter most. If you're someone who's navigating your own evolution — whether in business, parenthood, or simply trying to be more intentional in how you show up — this episode will hit home. What You'll Learn in This Episode: How fatherhood changed Albie's mindset and priorities Lessons from shifting from reality TV to real-world impact What it takes to create meaningful moments in hospitality The role of AI in the future of service-based businesses Why human connection still reigns supreme in a tech-driven world Albie's take on legacy, growth, and what's next Whether you're a parent, entrepreneur, or someone committed to living with more intention, this episode offers inspiration and practical wisdom to help you move forward with purpose.

In this powerful solo episode of the Growth Now Movement, I (Justin Schenck) sit down with YOU to talk about something deeply personal and often overlooked: legacy. Inspired by the recent passings of cultural icons like Malcolm-Jamal Warner, Ozzy Osbourne, and Hulk Hogan, I share my thoughts on what it truly means to leave a lasting impact. These legends lived boldly, made mistakes, and still left behind a legacy that touched millions. And that's what this conversation is all about—understanding that our imperfections don't define us; they shape us. Justin opens up about: Why your legacy starts with how you show up today The importance of being present with your loved ones How to turn personal setbacks into a springboard for growth Why you don't need to have it all figured out to start building your legacy A heads-up on his upcoming break in August (and why revisiting past episodes could be exactly what you need) This is a reminder to live life on purpose, embrace the lessons in the missteps, and keep showing up as your most authentic self. Whether you're a creator, entrepreneur, parent, or just someone seeking more depth and meaning in your journey, this episode will hit home. What will your legacy be?