Growth Now Movement with Justin Schenck

In this episode, I sit down with Michael King Jr., an executive coach who works with Fortune 500 companies, consultants, creators, and entrepreneurs who want to operate at the highest level. Michael opens up about his journey from leading a thriving church to stepping into the world of executive coaching, and how that transition forced him to reexamine his identity, his purpose, and what it truly means to lead with impact. We talk about the art of storytelling and why it is one of the most underrated tools in leadership and communication today. Michael breaks down his signature prioritization framework called Now, Next, and Nope, which helps leaders gain clarity during chaotic seasons so they can focus on what actually moves the needle. He shares how this approach grew from his own real life experiences of burnout, reinvention, and learning what deserves his full attention. Michael also gives us a behind-the-scenes look at the moment he stepped away from his long-time church role and how that difficult season helped him rediscover his passion for music, creativity, and coaching. We explore the key turning points in his growth, the importance of setting boundaries, the power of saying no, and why leaving people and situations better than you found them is one of the most important leadership principles you can commit to. This conversation is packed with practical wisdom, powerful mindset shifts, and real strategies you can implement right away. In this episode you will learn: • How Michael transitioned from church leadership to executive coaching and rebuilt his identity • Why storytelling is one of the most essential tools in leadership, communication, and influence • How the Now, Next, and Nope framework works and how it helps leaders eliminate distraction • The personal breakthrough that led Michael back to music and creativity • Why saying no is critical for protecting energy, clarity, and performance • The difference between healthy growth and unhealthy pressure • How to create a life and career that feels aligned with who you are becoming • What it means to leave people, teams, and environments better than you found them • How top performers maintain balance while still aiming for excellence If you are looking for insight into high performance, clarity-driven leadership, and tools that help you operate with confidence and intention, this conversation delivers from start to finish. Tune in to hear how Michael King Jr. helps individuals and organizations unlock their full potential while staying grounded in purpose.

In this episode, I walk you through a powerful daily visualization practice that has significantly impacted my life. By visualizing both grand and small goals, and deeply immersing yourself in the emotions and sensations associated with these achievements, you can simplify the actions needed to reach them. Whether you're on stage before a large crowd or simply planning your day, coupling your visions with strong emotions and the presence of loved ones makes your goals feel attainable and real. Join me as I guide you through this transformative exercise, which I practice daily, and learn how it can help you achieve a life of fulfillment and success. Tune in, subscribe, and let's grow this movement together! 00:00 Introduction to Daily Habits 00:20 The Power of Visualization 00:54 Guided Visualization Exercise 05:18 Emotional Connection to Goals 07:04 Implementing Daily Practices 07:52 Conclusion and Call to Action

Get your tickets to Growth Now Summit LIVE! today: www.growthnowsummit.com In this live episode recorded in New Orleans during the Skeleton KeyMastermind, I sit down with Roberto Candelaria for a powerful and thought-provoking conversation about one of the most underrated keys to success: willingness. Roberto's story is one of true transformation. After hitting rock bottom, he rebuilt his income, redefined his purpose, and created a business where he gets paid to be fully himself. His new book, "The Willingness Factor," breaks down how saying yes to discomfort, opportunity, and growth can completely change the trajectory of your life. In our conversation, we explore what it really means to be willing.....not just interested or motivated, but ready to take action even when fear or uncertainty shows up. Roberto shares how shifting his mindset around failure and discomfort allowed him to unlock new levels of confidence, clarity, and flow. We also dive into the science and psychology of flow state, that sweet spot where your skills and challenges align perfectly, allowing you to perform at your highest level. From dealing with imposter syndrome to finding peace in the process, Roberto's insights will challenge you to step fully into your own growth journey. This episode is filled with practical wisdom and real-life examples that will inspire you to take ownership of your path, trust your instincts, and find power in your willingness to show up. Plus, we preview Roberto's upcoming keynote at the Growth Now Summit Live, where he'll be sharing even more lessons from his journey. In This Episode, You'll Learn: What it means to live with willingness and take action even when it's uncomfortable How to overcome reluctance, fear, and limiting beliefs that hold you back The difference between growth and trauma, and how to identify both How to create flow in your life by aligning your skills and challenges Why revising your personal story is essential for long-term success Practical strategies for staying consistent, confident, and curious on your growth journey How Roberto built a business model around authenticity and self-expression Key Moments: 00:00 – Introduction and Setup 03:02 – "The Willingness Factor" and Roberto's Journey 05:08 – Facing Discomfort and Choosing Growth 12:36 – Overcoming Limiting Beliefs and Creating Your Path 20:37 – Understanding and Sustaining Flow 30:42 – Dealing with Imposter Syndrome 36:42 – Practical Tips for Staying in Flow 37:31 – Final Reflections and Growth Now Summit Preview

In this episode, I sit down with John Gafford, the owner of the largest luxury real estate brokerage in Las Vegas, leading over 550 agents and driving more than $2 billion in annual sales. But John's story isn't just about money or success. It's about ownership of your life. From his early days on NBC's The Apprentice with Donald Trump to becoming one of the most respected voices in luxury real estate, John shares how he built an empire rooted in radical honesty, unshakable self-awareness, and a growth mindset that never quits. We dive deep into: His early struggles and what it took to break into the real estate game The lessons he learned from being on The Apprentice How he turned obstacles into massive opportunities Why concerts are his version of therapy And the core principles behind his brand new book, "Escaping the Drift," — a guide to breaking out of autopilot and taking control of your life. If you've ever felt stuck, uninspired, or unsure of what's next, this episode is your roadmap back to purpose. John doesn't just talk success, he lives it, and his story will make you rethink what's possible. In This Episode, You'll Learn: How John Gafford turned rejection and setbacks into billion-dollar success The role radical honesty plays in building trust and influence What it really takes to lead 550+ agents in one of the most competitive markets in the world Why environment is everything and how changing yours can change your results How to "escape the drift" and start living your life on purpose The power of masterminds, mentorship, and surrounding yourself with the right people The daily habits and mindset shifts that separate top performers from the rest

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.