The Break - with Michael Gardon

#483: Learn about how a laugh may have broken Mark Twain's suicide attempt and how this applies to you. 

#482: Imagine hearing growing up and hearing metal shell casings hit the street. Imagine being abandoned by your father, and then later your step father. Then imagine creating over $50M in sales for a niche finance company, only to create your own business so you could travel around the world and work from anywhere. This is Jermane Cheathem’s story. He could have been a victim like so many others in his early life. But he broke that identity. Instead he learned to trust himself, engineered his environment and built a bulletproof mindset that he could accomplish anything. Today Jermane helps others find freedom and entrepreneurship by teaching them the niche world of equipment finance sales.  Jermane just blew me away with his enthusiasm and impenetrable mindset. This conversation definitely made me want to level up in many ways, starting with my mind!

#519: Amy L. Riley is an internationally renowned speaker, author and leadership development consultant. She’s worked with organizations such as Deloitte, Cisco Systems and Aon Hewitt and has over 20 years of experience working with leaders at all levels. Amy earned a Masters of Science in Training and Development (MSTD), with an emphasis in Organization Development (OD), from Loyola University in Chicago, Illinois. She is a Certified Professional Behavioral Analyst (CPBA), a certified Tiara International LLC Coach and certified in the Meyers-Briggs Type Instrument. Amy’s second book, The Courage of a Leader: How To Inspire, Engage and Get Extraordinary Results, was released on March 3, 2021 and immediately reached #1 international best-selling status.

#518:  I dove headfirst into finance for one reason. Money. As a 20 year old I simply neglected who I was, and looked to go to the place I could make a lot of money. How ignorant. I ignored my real talents. Despite natural skills in writing, speaking, and presenting, I chose the expected path. Here’s the truth: Our system, from college to career, often buries our genuine strengths under a pile of “shoulds.” It took me too long to listen, to unearth those dormant skills, and truly embrace them. Why share this? Because you, too, have untapped potential, overshadowed by what you’ve been told to pursue. Let’s challenge that. It’s time to dig deep, uncover our real talents, and redefine our paths.

#517: Welcome, everyone, to another episode of The Break podcast, where we delve into the depths of resilience, flexibility, and overcoming life's obstacles. I'm your host, Mike, and today's conversation promises to be nothing short of enlightening. Today, we're exploring a topic that resonates with each and every one of us - setbacks. Life's unexpected twists and turns can knock us off course, but it's how we respond to these challenges that defines our journey forward. You know, we often envision our paths as linear journeys, guided by societal norms and expectations. But what happens when life throws us off course? That's where our resilience truly shines. And today, we have a special treat for you - a glimpse into the world of setbacks and how they can propel us forward. Our guest has authored a captivating book titled "The Setback Cycle: How Defining Moments Can Move Us Forward." Through her extensive journalism career, she's discovered a common thread among leaders and founders - the ability to rise from setbacks with renewed vigor. So, what exactly is a setback? It's not just a bump in the road; it's a reversal of progress, a check on our journey forward. But it's within these setbacks that we find the fuel for growth, the resilience to navigate life's twists and turns. Today, we'll explore the concept of setbacks with our guest, delving into the neuroscience, psychology, and real-life stories that illuminate the setback cycle. From the squiggly, misshapen S of our journeys to the realization that success isn't always a linear path, we'll uncover the secrets to becoming unbreakable in the face of adversity. So, buckle up and get ready to embark on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment. Because after today's conversation, you'll see setbacks not as obstacles, but as stepping stones toward a brighter, more resilient future. If you want to connect with our guest, Amy Shoenthal, you can find her on Instagram and LinkedIn.

#516:  In chasing “success” we forget what it is to just be human. I feel like my struggles have been about getting back to just being a person. I don’t want to just succeed at some line of work that no one will remember. I don’t want to just save for retirement that might not ever come. I don’t want to be one dimensional. I want to be a Full Stack Human. What does that mean?

#515:  Heyooo, So The World Economic Forum recently released their top 10 "skills for the future of work." Guess what made the list: flexibility, adaptability and resilience. Why are those so important to the WEF? Because the WEF knows that the future is changing rapidly, and companies need employees who can thrive in a rapidly changing environment. The job market and the world at large are changing quickly, and what served you yesterday likely won't serve you in the future - especially if you're already thinking about how you can make a change NOW. I talk about being unbreakable as a state where you are ready, or at least ready to handle, anything that comes your way. So I created a free 5 day mini crash course on how to become unbreakable. Right now all new subscribers are getting it, so I wanted to kick it out to everyone here for a chance to check it out as well.

#514:  You can do anything, but you can’t do everything. You must choose your path with the best odds. Look there's 2 places people start when creating options: "I have no options. I can't imagine what else I could do." "I can do anything! How do I choose?" It's work to realize that neither starting point is reality, but once you do you begin to see that the path to creating options starts with thinking about our odds.

#513: Welcome back to another episode of The Break podcast, the space where we unpack the remarkable stories of individuals who've faced life's challenges head-on. I'm your host, Mike, and today's conversation is one that you don't want to miss. Our guest today is Danielle Cobo, a powerhouse in resilience, courage, and unwavering determination. Before we dive into the heart of her story, a little sneak peek caught my attention recently – Danielle's truck. It's not just a vehicle; it's a symbol. We'll unravel the story behind it in just a moment. Now, for our audience, if you're seeking inspiration and insights into overcoming life's hurdles, you're in the right place. Connect with us on our social media platforms for more exclusive content, and don't forget to check out Danielle's podcast, the Unstoppable Grit Podcast. But back to Danielle's journey. The heart of today's conversation delves into her mission – helping people discover the power of resilience, courage, and determination. We'll explore her experiences, her mission, and the unexpected twists that make her story truly compelling. So, buckle up!! We're about to embark on a conversation that goes beyond the surface, exploring the depths of grit and resilience with Danielle Cobo.

#512:  I got fired in the middle of a meeting. Well, I was told the next day, but it happened in that meeting. I knew it. What a terrible feeling. I was up all night, walking the streets of Seattle in the dark by myself. My mind racing between panic and planner modes. I need a job Can I even get a job? Why did this happen? Who do I reach out to? How much runway do I have? What do I tell my wife and kids? Fortunately, my terror was short lived and I pivoted into a FT, highly paid consulting role within 30 days. Because I was ready and flexible. Here’s how to pick up on the signs you’re about to be laid off and how to pivot with precision.

#511:  FUD = Fear. Uncertainty. Doubt. The triad that keeps us from betting on ourselves. And keeps us on the incremental path to nowhere. I used to be a FUD. I grew up in a very fiscally conservative household. My parents are well off, but massive penny pinchers. This isn’t bad, in fact it’s noble. However, saying no to even the slightest risk of losing isn’t great for personal growth. So naturally I was extremely risk averse for the first 20 years of my life. Until I learned about the BARBELL strategy. Here it is, and how it can help you take more bold action (that seems risky) to go after what you want in life.

#510:  I'm back and energized, to dive into something that's been on my mind – and probably on yours too: the messiness of Career Change. I know, just reading those words can send a flutter of anxiety through your chest, as it has for me many times - 6 to be exact. Yes I've made no less than 6 major career changes. And not the "I'm changing companies" kind. More like the "I'm changing industries, roles, skill sets, going to build a business then go back to corporate and then build a business to get me out of corporate" kind of changes. I know a lot about the anxiety of change. You feel it, right? Each week, another tick-tock in the background, a subtle reminder that you're yearning for something more, something different. If it's been months, or even years, and you're still ruminating about a change, it's not just a fleeting thought – it's a siren call. Lets not let "life" waste another 6 months of progress we could be making towards our future. Instead, use the 5 steps in this episode to get moving in the next 7 days.

#509:  I thought a lot about how we can build our capacity to take action towards what WE want. That can seem scary because we fear what other people will think, and we think we are RISKING a lot. After all, if what we want is different than our peers, doesn't that make us an outsider? Weird? A loner? We've all heard the expression “no risk no reward.” But if you’re not learning to take risk, you’re missing out on much more: No risk no confidence. No risk no growth. No risk no learning. No risk no momentum. No risk no change. No risk no freedom. No risk no happiness. Somehow our society has stripped away our ability to do bold things. Helicopter parents Politicians Professors Bosses “Advisors” Counselors They’re all well meaning, but conditioned by their own programming. Still reliant on their evolutionary brain: avoid danger at all cost.

#508: We're delving into the profound topic of reinvention, exploring how to pursue our passions, even when it means taking a leap of faith. In today's interview, I had the privilege of sitting down with Roger Osorio, a remarkable individual who embodies the essence of reinvention. We unravel his personal journey from a corporate job to becoming a math tutor and eventually a teacher. Roger shares his insights into the transformative power of finding fulfillment and happiness in one's work, even if it means diverging from the conventional path of financial success. He stresses the importance of taking small steps and running experiments in our lives to test different paths. Roger encourages us to discover what brings joy and fulfillment, emphasizing that it's okay to challenge societal norms and redefine success on our own terms. Throughout the conversation, Roger advocates for considering our unique circumstances and values when making decisions about our careers and overall happiness. His wisdom resonates as a guide for anyone seeking a more meaningful and fulfilling life. So, without further ado, let's dive into this enlightening conversation with Roger Osorio on reinvention and the pursuit of passion. But before we do, make sure to learn more about Roger and his incredible journey by visiting his website at https://rogerosorio.com/. You can also connect with him on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/rogerosorio/.

#507: Our guest, Arun Gupta, brings a unique perspective to the table, one that challenges conventional notions of purpose and profit in one's career. We're about to dive into a topic that could reshape how you think about your own professional journey. But before we get into that, I want to share a thought-provoking student testimonial from Arun's website, which perfectly sets the stage for our conversation. It goes like this: "Rather than thinking about your career decisions as a series of trade-offs between profit and purpose, look for mission opportunities where you can have the most catalytic impact." This approach challenges the traditional binary thinking that many of us have been taught, where you're either doing good in the not-for-profit sector or making money in the private sector. Arun believes there's a middle ground, a space where you can align purpose, profit, and mission in a for-profit way. Arun Gupta is a venture capitalist, Lecturer at Stanford University, and Adjunct Entrepreneurship Professor at Georgetown University. He is CEO of NobleReach Foundation, which is focused on catalyzing and inspiring a renewed spirit of national service through innovation.  So, without further ado, let's jump into this fascinating conversation with Arun Gupta and explore how a mission-driven career can redefine success.

#506: Ok, so 2024 is knocking at the door and I just learned a new word.  Actually 2 new words. First, my kids taught me the word "rizz" which means something about flirting or having game. Lo and behold rizz is Time Magazine's word of the year! I couldn't believe it! The second is "career pathing", as in the act of figuring out your path. I never really knew this term existed, but it makes sense. The core problem we have in "career pathing" is that individuals have much more autonomy in and responsibility for creating their own career paths now. That responsibility is often unaided, and untethered to any organization, industry or way of working. Honestly this kind of research makes me yawn because I don't care about the theory, I want to know HOW we take action to build these skills This is why The ​UnBREAKable Community​ exists - to support careerists making bold decisions in the arena, and not on the sidelines. So I want to share 3 decision making frameworks we just talked about on our group call this week.

#505: Henna Pryor, PCC is a highly sought-after Workplace Performance Expert and an award-winning 2x TEDx and global keynote speaker, virtual presenter, author, and professional executive coach. She’s known for her science-backed approach to improving the performance, habits, and actions of hungry high achievers – in her fun, no-nonsense, no-jargon way – to move them from their first level of success to their next one. She has been invited to speak twice for TEDx in New York City and Wilmington, DE and brings her expertise to a variety of global organizations including Google, Workday, FIS Global, and Johnson & Johnson. She has also been featured in top TV, podcast, and print media including Forbes, NBC, Washington Post, Fast Company, and more. Henna founded Pryority Group – a fast-growing performance growth firm – to expand on her belief that the key to most people’s success is leaning into awkwardness a little bit longer to skyrocket strategic risk-taking and be braver in the work that we do. Her best-selling book, Good Awkward, published in September has been endorsed by NFL Quarterback Russell Wilson, former HBR Editor Karen Dillon, and received the rare Kirkus Star for excellence in writing.

#504: The only way to crush the uncertainty we feel about the next steps in our careers is to get comfortable not knowing. Which is a huge shift Paul had to make. I believe this is the single greatest skill we can learn if we want to achieve our hopes and dreams to get what we want out of life. This is why The ​UnBREAKable Community​ exists.  So I want to share our 5 core principles that we live inside the community.

#503: I am beyond excited for today's conversation. We've got a guest who's not only a fantastic individual but has an inspiring journey to share. I want you to meet Paul Dircks. Now, Paul and I go way back. We connected earlier this year when he reached out for some coaching during a pivotal moment in his life. Today, we're going to dive into his transformative journey and discuss how he navigated some tough decisions, ultimately leading to where he is now. For those of you curious about personal transformations, career pivots, and the nitty-gritty of making life-altering decisions, you're in for a treat. Paul's story is packed with insights, inspiration, and a sprinkle of motivation that could very well be the push you need. Now, here's a sneak peek: Paul embarked on a health journey that saw him shedding over 50 pounds, and trust me, the lessons he learned along the way extend far beyond the gym. We'll touch on the parallels between health and career, those breakthrough moments that catalyze change, and the nitty-gritty details of what it takes to redefine your path. But before we dive in, let me remind you that you can learn more about Paul on his website. And hey, don't forget to connect with him on LinkedIn. There's so much more to discover, and I can't wait for you to hear the wisdom Paul is about to drop.

#502: Last week the world lost a legend. Charlie Munger passed away at the age of 99. Charlie was (and still is) deeply influential on me. If you’ve taken my course, ​Advantage Mapping Foundations​, you’ve seen and heard from Charlie. I’ve learned more about life and reality from studying this man than I did in all of my schooling, easily. In honor of his passing, here are 10 key lessons from a life well lived.