Bold Encounters: Get Unstuck. Lead Life's Work!

The biggest wins don’t come from luck—or even beating others. Purpose isn’t theory—it’s pattern, revealed through what actually works. Mark Cook’s research found where real fulfillment hides in high performance. When data meets conviction, leadership gets personal. This is what truly wins. In this special replay, Bold Encounters host Mark S. Cook appears as the guest on Virtue & Victory with Adam Farr and Douglas Wong—two hosts devoted to the intersection of the Stoics and modern leadership. Together they dive into the largest-ever studies of what actually drives career success and fulfillment—not in theory, but in life and business. Adam Farr is a leadership coach, performance strategist, and co-founder of Virtue & Victory and Empanada.com, where he partners with his wife, Florencia. A former athlete turned executive advisor, Adam helps founders and professionals apply timeless principles to modern business and life. Douglas Wong is a communications advisor and co-host of Virtue & Victory, known for connecting biblical virtue with modern leadership. His background bridges ministry, corporate innovation, and storytelling for purpose-led brands. Inside This Episode • The hidden data behind purpose and peak performance • What the largest pivot studies revealed about lasting fulfillment • How faith and leadership frameworks create real clarity • Why defining “success” wrong costs your life’s calling • What CEOs learn too late about meaning and mastery Go Deeper — Premium AccessGain access to Premium Action Plans, Bonus Episodes, Early Access, and invitations to exclusive events. This week’s action plan bridges study and practice: 1. Define your top three “success indicators” that actually matter. 2. Identify one pattern of effort that produced lasting results. 3. Translate that pattern into a weekly rhythm of meaning. 4. Apply data-driven purpose and faith in your next move. Chapters — Free Episode00:00 What the Data Really Reveals 05:15 The Myth of Success Stories 11:28 Why Faith Belongs in Leadership 18:52 Insights from the Largest Pivot Studies 27:40 Invitation to the Premium Action Plan Chapters — Premium Action Plan 45:00 Welcome and Recap 46:25 Identifying What Truly Wins 49:40 Mapping Your Meaning Metrics 54:10 Common Pitfalls of Driven Leaders 58:10 One Week, One True Step Final Thought Host Mark S. Cook — “Do you feel stuck between where you are today… and who you’re meant to become? Find your next step inside Bold Encounters Premium at BoldEncounters.TV — you can also give the gift of Premium success to someone else you care about.”

Robin Nathaniel — radically popular social-media expert — describes how the right intentional words reshape real-world outcomes:“Christmas Eve taught me what silence costs.”“My brother’s last message rewired my purpose.”“Every post is a chance to speak with presence.”The moment he chose meaning over metrics changed everything…He once shared a room with Cappadonna of Wu-Tang Clan—a young artist chasing rhythm and belonging—before transforming loss and leadership into a framework that redefines connection. Today, his SYNC method shows how to turn online followers into real-world advocates.Watch the Premium addition with our Action Plan and more at BoldEncounters.TV today.Robin’s journey bridges culture and clarity. From the rhythm of hip-hop to the spotlight of TEDx, he reveals how personal loss became the foundation for purposeful communication. You’ll walk away with the tools to write, speak, and lead messages that actually move people.Inside this episode• Gold Telly Award (2025) for Social Media Storytelling• TEDx Talk with 2.5 million views on intentional last words• Roommate to Cappadonna of Wu-Tang Clan—transformed by rhythm and resolve• Created the SYNC Method (Simplify • Yield • Natural • Change It Up)• Helped a nonprofit triple donor engagement in one weekGo deeper — Premium access with our Premium Action PlanIn the Premium edition, Mark and Robin break down how to use SYNC this week:1 Rewrite one key message using SYNC principles.2 Ask followers one question: “What stood out to you?”3 Track who responds and why — that’s your true audience.4 Avoid the biggest messaging mistake nonprofits make.Gain full access at BoldEncounters.TV.Listen + ConnectPremium Access? BoldEncounters.TVGuest? LinkedIn.com/in/robbinmarxChapters: Moments to Revisit00:00 The Paradox of Social Media and Relationships03:11 Personal Stories of Loss and Connection06:08 Navigating Communication in Relationships09:02 The Impact of Environment on Identity12:12 Pursuing Dreams and Finding Your Path15:04 The Importance of Human Connection17:58 Lessons from Personal Experiences21:01 The Power of Intentional Communication23:54 Creating Meaningful Connections in a Digital Age30:04 The Journey of Starting a Business35:49 Finding Purpose Through Personal LossChapters: Premium Action Plan41:55 Creating Meaningful Connections in the Digital Age50:10 The Joy Audit: Prioritizing What Matters55:45 Intentional Communication and Lasting ImpactFinal ThoughtHost Mark S. Cook — “Do you feel stuck between where you are today… and who you’re meant to become? Find your next step inside Bold Encounters Premium at: BoldEncounters.TV — you can also give the gift of Premium success to someone else you care about.”Terms & Tagswu-tang clan, tedx speaker, telly award, social media strategy, sync method, nonprofit growth, digital storytelling #BoldEncounters #SYNC #Leadership

When your family owns a company older than the United States—founded in Paris in 1668 as chocolatier to King Louis XIV—you don’t just make candy. You guard a legacy. Dan Abel Jr., CEO and “Chief Chocolate Officer,” carries forward Bissinger’s centuries-old recipes while reinventing chocolate for a new age. From childhood Valentine’s strawberry rushes to leading 150 employees today, Dan has lived inside the chocolate factory his whole life. But growth wasn’t all sweet. A multimillion-dollar expansion pushed the company into high-volume contract work, only to discover that mass production drained its soul. Dan’s decision to walk away from seven-figure deals restored the company’s heart—and reignited its growth. Listen now to hear how a great, modern chocolatier leads craft and crisis, culture and commerce, family and future. See more @ MarkSpencerCook.com Discover the hidden truth of leadership that Dan learned the hard way: scaling without soul is failure, no matter the numbers. “Culture is the ingredient you can’t fake.” “Hands-on leadership tastes better than corner-office theory.” “Losing millions is safer than losing your soul.” This is chocolate as calling, not candy. Questions Explored: • How do you run a company older than America? • What happens when growth steals a business’s soul? • How do you scale artisan craft in a mass-production world? • What does a cocoa crisis teach about leadership and values? Lessons Learned: • Never compromise your recipe for profit. • Ideal clients restore morale and culture. • Hands-on leadership builds trust faster than strategy decks. • Data obsession fuels innovation—but only when tied to craft. Guest Links: Website: https://bissingers.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-abel-jr-15541765/ Host Links: Website: https://MarkSpencerCook.com Consulting: https://WindfallPartners.com YouTube: Bold Encounters, Mark Spencer Cook All Socials: @MarkSpencerCook Chapters: 00:00 From Paris to St. Louis 03:16 A family of modern candy makers 10:43 Why Dad risked everything to start fresh 19:48 Wholesale disruption and bold decisions 24:42 Losing soul in mass production 27:42 Walking away from seven-figure deals 33:49 Surviving the cocoa crisis 40:37 Why beans taste different around the globe 44:31 Chocolate tastings and the craft revival 49:44 The five-o’clock exit: family first 50:46 Advice for the next generation Keywords: Dan Abel Jr., Bissinger’s, Chocolate Chocolate Chocolate Company, King Louis XIV, Paris chocolatier, cocoa crisis, artisan chocolate, family business, resilience, craft vs mass production, legacy leadership 

Two “killer” goals beat the tale of the “big break” in your career. In this episode we finish our iconic interview with Daniel Ambrosi, an original AI artist, then we head to Lunds Fine Art Gallery to see his AI work and the stories behind each. Daniel is one of the only living artists with primary sales at both Sotheby’s and Christie’s in the same year…and a purchase by one of their top executives. Daniel heads to London for even more iconic shows after. Daniel has been implementing it into his artistic process for a decade. He is a pioneering artist who merges centuries of traditional landscape art with his revolutionary skills with computer graphics. In collaboration with folks at Google and NVIDIA, Ambrosi has developed his radiant artistic style using AI-augmented images. When Daniel takes us up to Lunds Fine Art Gallery in Park City, Utah, he shares the Lunds' art, other artist's work, including use of Led Zeppelin, and others, then work that's completely Daniel's.Daniel takes every picture and painstakingly adjusts every single detail himself. The AI just helps get him over the finish line. And what a successful finish it is! Daniel has joined the short list of artists with primary sales at the prestigious Sotheby's and Christie's in their lifetimes. With all of that, his career is only just beginning. Follow Ambrosi as he chronicles what led him to this point, and where he hopes to go in the future... • How to make career pivots? • How can we use AI to enhance our creativity? • Who can we trust in our inner-circle of creatives? • How long does it take to make it big? • How to make money as an artist? Lessons Learned: • Take everything one step at a time • We must balance discipline, patience, & gratitude • Use tradition to influence the future • Trust the experts Behold and support Ambrosi's artist genius: https://www.danielambrosi.com/Selected-Works https://aiartists.org/daniel-ambrosi https://x.com/danoramas See more at: MarkSpencerCook.com/Podcast/ Links for Mark S. Cook: MarkSpencerCook.com | WindfallPartners.com LinkedIn for Mark S. Cook: LinkedIn.com/in/MarkSpencerCook Other Social Media: @MarkSpencerCook Chapters:0:0:00 Intro.0:01:34 Genesis of a Career0:06:28 Progressions in Work0:10:21 Expert Recognition0:13:46 Big Step. Big Leaps.0:19:14 The Perfect Reference0:24:35 Home to New York City0:27:50 Switch Things Up: Lunds Gallery0:35:32 Origin Story 20:42:30 Scrolling, Brilliant Masterpiece0:45:41 A Perfect Example of AI WorkKeywords: AI art, Dreamscapes, Sotheby’s, Christie’s, Google/NVIDIA collaboration, Lunds Fine Art, gallery.

While we're just discovering the impact of AI in our everyday lives, Daniel Ambrosi has been implementing it into his artistic process for a decade. He is a pioneering artist who merges centuries of traditional landscape art with his revolutionary skills with computer graphics. In collaboration with folks at Google and NVIDIA, Ambrosi has developed his radiant artistic style using AI-augmented images.But don't let the AI fool you. This work is completely Daniel's. He takes every picture and painstakingly adjusts every single detail himself. The AI just helps get him over the finish line. And what a successful finish it is! Daniel has joined the short list of artists with primary sales at the prestigious Sotheby's and Christie's in their lifetimes. With all of that, his career is only just beginning.Follow Ambrosi as he chronicles what led him to this point, and where he hopes to go in the future...• How to make career pivots?• How can we use AI to enhance our creativity?• Who can we trust in our inner-circle of creatives?• How long does it take to make it big?• How to make money as an artist?Lessons Learned:• Take everything one step at a time• We must balance discipline, patience, & gratitude• Use tradition to influence the future• Trust the expertsBehold and support Ambrosi's artist genius:https://www.danielambrosi.com/Selected-Workshttps://aiartists.org/daniel-ambrosihttps://x.com/danoramasSee more at: MarkSpencerCook.com/Podcast/Links for Mark S. Cook: MarkSpencerCook.com | WindfallPartners.comLinkedIn for Mark S. Cook: LinkedIn.com/in/@MarkSpencerCookOther Social Media: @MarkSpencerCookChapters:0:0:00 Introduction0:01:20 Arts0:5:20 Sotheby's0:16:04 London0:35:50 Gratitude0:43:40 New York0:50:17 Computer History1:00:51 Lessons1:04:00 Making moneyKeywords:Daniel Ambrosi, Dreamscapes, AI art, generative art, Google DeepDream, NVIDIA, Sotheby’s, Christie’s, contemporary art, Central Park Nightfall, Lunds Fine Art, gallery.

After a call back for Wicked on Broadway and after years of success in international acting, this Australian built a business in New York City helping others climb the performance ladder. Have you ever stood up in front of hundreds of people to perform your heart out? Eloïse Ghislaine can make that a reality. She seems to shout, "If I can make it here, you can make it anywhere!" She's taken her skills to classrooms, stages, and venues. Eloïse mentors youth and adults alike to help them reach their peak performance...and find their confidence in life! In just weeks, not years, she can bring a shy novice to a part in a musical or their own performance! You have to listen to this blueprint for success--that means money, but far more meaning for others!Questions Explored in this Discussion:• Why did you pursue your dreams instead of money?• When did you take a leap of faith?• Is mentoring better than doing?• How hard do actors have to work?• Do I have what it takes to make it big?Lessons Learned:• Take a leap of faith• Stay curious• Everybody needs to rest• Work your butt off to get ahead• Find mentors• Stay motivatedLearn from Eloïse's team to unleash your talent into the world:https://broadwayrise.com/https://www.eloiseghislaine.com/See more at: MarkSpencerCook.com/Podcast/Links for Mark S. Cook: MarkSpencerCook.com | WindfallPartners.comLinkedIn for Mark S. Cook: LinkedIn.com/in/@MarkSpencerCookOther Social Media: @MarkSpencerCook0:00 Introduction2:00 Immigration3:50 Mentorship8:18 Stuborness10:11 Acting Gigs11:50 Triple threat16:00 Scraping by in NY18:10 COVID25:00 Choaching41:15 The joy of teaching43:50 LessonsKeywords:Actor, teacher, singer, dancer, triple-threat, drama, school, Australia, COVID, drop-shipping, talent, Broadway, New York City, Immigration

Jonathan Goodman, CEO, founder of Halyard Consulting and leading expert in AI, software, voice & chatbot automation. Scared of AI? Jonathan will put your worries to rest and ad new ones.  His team works to implement AI as an ethical tool to boost productivity and save you money. Whereas the biggest tech companies in the world are firing their programmers with the rise of AI, Jonathan is hiring them back to keep Halyard Consulting at the cutting edge of tech in the modern age.  Join Jonathan in his quest to align your future with technological progress... "Know who you're working with." "Get an accountant you can trust." "Always get a second opinion."  See more at: MarkSpencerCook.com/Podcast/ Links for Mark S. Cook: MarkSpencerCook.com | WindfallPartners.com LinkedIn for Mark S. Cook: LinkedIn.com/in/@MarkSpencerCook Other Social Media: @MarkSpencerCook  Questions Explored: -How to overcome neurodivergence? -How to enter the work place with AI? -Will AI take away jobs? -Should I be scared of AI? -How much time will AI save me?  Lessons Learned: -Be on the cutting edge. -R&R&R: Rest, relaxation, and recovery. -Learn to say no. -A.I. is a tool, not an industry. -Immediate pay is not always the best pay. -Give your employees a boss they can trust. -The opposite of drudgery is creativity.  Consult with Jonathan's team to boost your productivity: https://halyard.consulting/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathanedwardgoodman/  0:00 Introduction 1:47 Childhood 7:22 Entering corporate America, suburban propane 13:30 Starting from the bottom 18:40 COVID 23:00 Learning tech 27:00 Tech demo 30:10 fear of AI 34:20 A.G.I. 41:45 Security concerns 43:43 What's next? 49:40 Learn to say NO 53:20 Advice 

Are you looking to make a change in your life, but don't know how to do it? Look no further than Jeffrey Wetherhold! Jeff is a "change manager," which means that he knows how to help teams develop evidence-based tactics to change their course successfully. 88% of organizational change efforts fail to produce lasting results. But with Jeffrey's help, you can join the ranks of the top 12!Take note of Jeffrey's wise words about the nature of change..."Think of change as ambivalence.""Become comfortable with reflection.""Balance your conversations."See more at: MarkSpencerCook.com/Podcast/Links for Mark S. Cook: MarkSpencerCook.com | WindfallPartners.comLinkedIn for Mark S. Cook: LinkedIn.com/in/@MarkSpencerCookOther Social Media: @MarkSpencerCookQuestions Explored in this Discussion:• How to rehabilitate after a stroke?• How to change minds?• How to become a better listener?• How to become a solopreneur?• How to successfully change?• How to prevent burnout?Lessons Learned:• Find your niche• The importance of trial and error• Ask fewer questions• Relinquish control in your conversations• Nobody changes to feel worse about themselves• Understand what you can control• The importance of baby stepsRecruit Jeffrey to help build your business's path to change:https://www.jeffwetherhold.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/wetherhold/0:00 Introduction4:04 Childhood8:40 Joining the workforce11:30 Surviving a stroke19:45 Rehabilitating your life22:45 Starting a business33:16 Change management37:55 Burnout41:45 Conversations46:48 Changing minds54:15 Motivational interviewing, 1:02:11 Advice

Join Kason Morris, a genius in designing your life's work to fit your needs. Born in the Bronx, Kason defied statistics and built his own corporate ladder to climb up for twenty years. Today, he helps individuals leverage their own talent to build a better work life for themselves.For Kason, there is no work/life balance; it's about your work's life.Take notes on some of Kason's incredible lessons:"What is good enough for now?""Find out how your organization makes money."Questions Explored:• How to find success in lower-income communities?• How to get over familial expectations?• How to design your life's work?• How to balance work and family?• What to do when you're starting out?Lessons Learned:• Finding confidence in COVID• Designing your own path forward• Do what's not expected• Use reliable tools around you• Set the bar low• Make friends with executivesLinks:https://lifeworkdesign.co/https://kasonmorris.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/kason-morris/https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DJFWGBMW?See more at: MarkSpencerCook.com/Podcast/Links for Mark S. Cook: MarkSpencerCook.com | WindfallPartners.comLinkedIn for Mark S. Cook: LinkedIn.com/in/@MarkSpencerCookOther Social Media: @MarkSpencerCook0:00 Introduction3:03 Lower-income childhood11:35 Designing your life's work19:48 Large companies23:40 Building Networks28:03 Confidence in COVID38:40 Tools41:18 Family46:12 Advice54:16 where to findKeywords:Work/life balance, fatherhood, family, tools, seasonality, low-income, career

Join Dr. Heather Skeens, author of Unshackled (brilliant title and at https://a.co/d/0xRnW7a), who just hit the bestseller list. She took on massive debt like most medical students risk, after an incredible journey, she's crafted her own success as a caregiver, author, and private practitioner who sees more than fifty patients every day! In healthcare, and itching to craft your own success with your own extended team? Unlike most doctors, Heather doesn't just write up prescriptions for her clients. She digs down past their symptoms to diagnose the root problem. Hear how she went against the medical world to blaze her own trail as the ultimate caregiver.Learn how Heather created a thriving practice with these principles..."Remember the 80:20 rule""Create a strong network""Seek mentors"Keep up with Dr. Heather Skeens' private practice:https://bellasee.com/Read her groundbreaking book about medical science:https://a.co/d/0xRnW7a orhttps://www.amazon.com/Unshackled-Medicine-Failing-Doctors-Patients/dp/1953183972See more at: MarkSpencerCook.com/Podcast/Links for Mark S. Cook: MarkSpencerCook.com | WindfallPartners.comLinkedIn for Mark S. Cook: LinkedIn.com/in/@MarkSpencerCookOther Social Media: @MarkSpencerCookQuestions Explored in this Discussion:• Why should doctors start private practices?• How to keep customers?• How to build a trusting team?• How to create a network of people?• How to become a doctor?Lessons Learned:• Take a leap of faith• Trust instincts, not institutions• Take care of the internal to strengthen the external• Never lose touch with contacts• Foster positive energy• Combat the root of a problem, not its symptoms• Learn business0:00 Introduction2:30 Origins6:45 Caregiving14:35 Starting in Medicine20:00 Med School29:50 Private Practice35:15 Getting Patients42:45 A Trusting Team44:35 Skill vs Relations48:14 Remember the 80:20 Rule51:55 Create a network58:58 Mentorship59:22 Find Heather1:02:20 Patient InsuranceKeywords:Caregivers, doctors, eye care, private practice, hospital, medicine, prescription, networks, mentorship, mental health, med school

Take the leap of faith with Pia Leichter, best-selling author, entrepreneur, and creative partner with Kollektiv Studio. Pia partners with artists to help them realize their artistic dreams, and grow into their most authentic selves. In this conversation, Pia gives a taste of what her studio has to offer from advice on pursuing your artistic desires, to learning how to face your fears.What would you do with $10 million? After listening to this episode, you may have an idea...Questions Explored in this Discussion:• How to overcome grief?• How to live on your own?• How to take control of your life?• Why to make work fun?• How to get over your fears?Lessons Learned:• Take a leap of faith• Do the things that scare you• Use your mortality as a motivator• Seek change in your life• Follow the little voice in your head• Be curiousPartner with Kollektiv Studio to unleash your vision into the world:https://kollektiv.studio/Make life your biggest art project your life by reading Pia's best-selling book, "Welcome to the Creative Club":https://www.amazon.com/Welcome-Creative-Club-Biggest-Project-ebook/dp/B0DPJ644PZSee more at: MarkSpencerCook.com/Podcast/Links for Mark S. Cook: MarkSpencerCook.com | WindfallPartners.comLinkedIn for Mark S. Cook: LinkedIn.com/in/@MarkSpencerCookOther Social Media: @MarkSpencerCook0:00 Introduction1:50 Nomadic childhood7:40 Mortality as motivator15:40 Living on your own24:30 Financing your passion29:26 "Welcome to the Creative Club"39:15 Seeking change42:20 Work/Play 47:30 Getting over fear55:55 Follow the call to adventure1:02:21 Find PiaKeywords:Artist, entrepreneur, collaboration, studio, woman artist, writer, book, fears, grief, mortality, money, joy, work, independence, creativity

Take on life's court in this powerful conversation with Stephen Minix. The former educator and high school basketball coach leverages his skills in social work to foster collaboration and overcome obstacles to lift up lives. In this episode, Stephen discusses his journey from the Los Angeles public school system to his current role as Vice President of Community with UpMetrics where he fights for social change. After years of unbridled success, this grant-winning pro and optimist extraordinaire has a thing or two to say about taking on life's work. See more at: MarkSpencerCook.com/Podcast/.Optimize your life with Stephen's fantastic advice..."Connection over perfection...""Believe in the possible...""Perpetual positivity pays off..."Questions Explored in this Discussion:• How to overcome tragedy?• How to write grants?• How to find control in your life?• How to find partners?• When to start over?Lessons Learned:• Asset-map your life• Learn about people you admire• Do what you want• Always stay positive• Reflect in times of failure• Become your own coach• "Date" your business partners• Create a steady teamStephen's Links:https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephenminix/https://upmetrics.com/https://www.linkedin.com/company/upmetrics/Links for Mark S. Cook: MarkSpencerCook.com | WindfallPartners.comLinkedIn for Mark S. Cook: LinkedIn.com/in/@MarkSpencerCookOther Social Media: @MarkSpencerCook0:00 Introduction1:14 Origins8:58 Pain to Progress13:42 The Power of Optimism20:00 Education28:50 Coaching35:15 New Beginnings45:00 Rest & Recovery49:34 Perpetual Positivity Pays off52:58 Asset-Map Your Life57:39 Do What you WantKeywords:Teaching, Coaching, Social Work, Grants, Optimism, Recovery, Fatherhood, Collaboration, Partners, Mentors, Education, Philanthropy, Non-Profit

Rejoin Richard Cook for his ten life-changing pieces of advice for anyone starting their career. Richard has 40 years of real estate experience, so he knows a thing or two about finding mentorship, living for yourself, and shooting for success!Take note of Richard's excellent tips for success...Link:linkedin.com/in/richard-cook-6797ba16ahttps://www.regalut.com/https://www.linkedin.com/company/regal-homes-utah/https://www.instagram.com/regalhomesutah/https://www.instagram.com/regalhomesutah/See more at: MarkSpencerCook.com/Podcast/Links for Mark S. Cook: MarkSpencerCook.com | WindfallPartners.comLinkedIn for Mark S. Cook: LinkedIn.com/in/MarkSpencerCookOther Social Media: @MarkSpencerCookQuestions Explored:¥ How does one best find mentors?¥ How does one best secure partners?¥ When should you pick your life's purpose?¥ How does one best build a valuable network?¥ What signal that youÕre doing too much?Lessons Learned:¥ Learn from people in charge.¥ Check your pride at the door.¥ Spin fewer plates.¥ Learn to write effectively.¥ Lean into your areas of focus.¥ Specialty over versatility.¥ Partners are like potatoes.Keywords:Partners, Mentors, Real-Estate, Brothers, Young, Potatoes, Skillsets, Greatness, Versatility, Synergy0:00 Introduction1:26 Potato Partnership 3:09 Areas of Focus5:20 Dream Big7:30 The Recipe for Success10:10 Finding Mentorship12:50 Key Figures16:15 Time Management20:40 Execution24:28 Adaptation30:20 Back to Basics

A dozen compelling career concepts and inspiring stories from Regal Homes' Principal Owner, Rich Cook. Just one of his incredible communities is being built right between Deer Valley's History's largest-ever expansion of skiing and a world-class water-ski reservoir, just across the street.Over 40 years, Rich has navigated his career to learn secrets, love people, work with mentors, engage them as partners, prioritize loyalty, not just prosperity, oh and play golf to near scratch scores. Regal Rich and partners now pivot properties into the highest and best use of Rich's superpower with incredible location, design, and return on investment. He's crafted and collected some of the most inspiring advice you'll ever hear about navigating your successful career and your first week doing even better. And, Rich happens to be host Mark Cook's older brother!Tune into this motivating conversation and set your life's work on a great path forward. Also, reach out to Rich for the best home you'll ever own and ask about what Regal Ready is, perhaps his biggest, well-kept secret he wouldn't share here...Link:linkedin.com/in/richard-cook-6797ba16ahttps://www.regalut.com/https://www.linkedin.com/company/regal-homes-utah/https://www.instagram.com/regalhomesutah/https://www.instagram.com/regalhomesutah/See more at: MarkSpencerCook.com/Podcast/Links for Mark S. Cook: MarkSpencerCook.com | WindfallPartners.comLinkedIn for Mark S. Cook: LinkedIn.com/in/MarkSpencerCookOther Social Media: @MarkSpencerCookQuestions Explored:¥ How does one best to find mentors?¥ How does one best secure partners?¥ When does one best pick your life's purpose?¥ How does one best build a valuable network?¥ What signal that youÕre doing too much?Lessons Learned:¥ Learn from people in charge.¥ Check your pride at the door.¥ Spin fewer plates.¥ Learn to write effectively.¥ Lean into your areas of focus.¥ Specialty over versatility.¥ Partners are like potatoes.Keywords:Partners, Mentors, Real-Estate, Brothers, Young, Potatoes, Skillsets, Greatness, Versatility, Synergy0:00 Introduction3:43 Overcoming Adversity7:25 Finding Mentorship12:38 Learn How to Write19:19 Mentorship as Apprenticeship27:18 Areas of Focus33:00 Creating a Network38:40 More on Mentorship46:38 Forging greatness49:21 Finding Partners55:44 Potato Partnership

You won't want to wait to hear the choices Adam Farr made in his career! Change your life with this thought-provoking conversation with business leader & philosopher, Adam Farr. Adam sits as Chair of Empanada.co and other companies, Utah's best and fastest growing empanada company. Not only does he know business, but he knows a thing or two about what stoicism really is and how to lead a better life!Use Adam's philosophy to become a better leader today..."Try anything and everything.""Symbiotic relationships fuel growth.""Become comfortable in ambiguity."Catch up with Adam's meditations and practices:https://m.youtube.com/@Virtue_and_Victoryhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-farr-3012874https://empanada.co/https://aretemotion.com/See more at: MarkSpencerCook.com/Podcast/Links for Mark S. Cook: MarkSpencerCook.com | WindfallPartners.comLinkedIn for Mark S. Cook: LinkedIn.com/in/@MarkSpencerCookOther Social Media: @MarkSpencerCookQuestions Explored in this Discussion:• How can one get out of bed in the morning?• When can one leave success behind?• How does one organize priorities?• How should one market a company?• Why do relationships matter?Lessons Learned:• Live to help others.• Be a warrior in the garden.• Never forget to reflect.• Showing up is half the battle.• What's good for the bee is good for the hive.• Differentiate what is and is not in your control.• The power of stoicism in the workplace.0:00 Introduction1:35 Early Choices 7:37 Stoicism12:30 Memento Mori19:40 Walking Away32:16 Starting a Start-Up44:05 Marcus Aurelius54:12 Marketing1:07:10 Power in Numbers1:09:39 Comfort in Ambiguity1:12:40 ConclusionKeywords:Leadership, relationship, customers, marketing, stoicism, Aurelius, excellence, arete, empanada, fatherhood, control, toughness, symbiosis

Prepare for part two of Jill Dempsey's harrowing journey after discovering the multi-million dollar fraud taking place in her company. Following a years-long trial, Jill continues to pivot her professional career, eventually becoming the Executive Director of the US Friends of AMAR. There, she oversees Middle-Eastern support for individuals affected by military conflict and displacement.Learn how to rebuild in the worst of times with Jill's inspiring story:"Don't scale what's toxic.""Integrity is expensive, but worth it.""Rebuild with aligned ecosystems.""Live in your legacy, not for it."Link:https://www.linkedin.com/in/jilld/See more at: MarkSpencerCook.com/Podcast/Links for Mark S. Cook: MarkSpencerCook.com | WindfallPartners.comLinkedIn for Mark S. Cook: LinkedIn.com/in/@MarkSpencerCookOther Social Media: @MarkSpencerCookQuestions Explored:• How to lead multiple different companies?• When to stand up against your superiors?• How to leverage your assets?• How to rebuild after a total loss?• Who to turn to when times are dim?Lessons Learned:• Be willing to adapt and compromise.• Snuff out toxicity before it grows.• Being grateful for obstacles.• Stand by your integrity no matter what.• Work for what you love.• Your legacy is how you live right now.• Don't be afraid to pivot.Keywords:CEO, CFO, COO, Non-profit, Entrepreneurship, Woman leaders, Resilience, Legacy, Rebuilding, Fraud, Whistleblower, Workplace toxicity, Middle-East, Integrity.

Prepare for part one of this nail-biting conversation with Jill Dempsey, C-suite positioner (CEO, CFO, and COO) of a half-a-dozen different non-profit and growth-stage companies. Witness her journey leading up to her shocking discovery of a multi-million-dollar fraud taking place within her company.Learn how to balance professional growth and personal values with Jill's powerful story:"Don't scale what's toxic.""Integrity is expensive, but worth it.""Rebuild with aligned ecosystems.""Live in your legacy, not for it."Link:https://www.linkedin.com/in/jilld/See more at: MarkSpencerCook.com/Podcast/Links for Mark S. Cook: MarkSpencerCook.com | WindfallPartners.comLinkedIn for Mark S. Cook: LinkedIn.com/in/@MarkSpencerCookOther Social Media: @MarkSpencerCookQuestions Explored:• How to lead multiple different companies?• When to stand up against your superiors?• How to leverage your assets?• How to rebuild after a total loss?• Who to turn to when times are dim?Lessons Learned:• Be willing to adapt to compromise.• Snuff out toxicity before it grows.• Being grateful for obstacles.• Stand by your integrity no matter what.• Work for what you love.• Your legacy is how you live right now.• Don't be afraid to pivot.Keywords:CEO, CFO, COO, Non-profit, Entrepreneurship, Woman leaders, Resilience, Legacy, Rebuilding, Fraud, Whistleblower, Workplace toxicity, Middle-East, Integrity.

Join Kevin Eikenberry, one of Inc.com's Top 100 Leadership and Management Experts in the World, as he shares his secrets to success. For thirty years, Kevin has been training leaders realize their potential and shoot for the stars!Exclusive tips to be a better boss in a hyper-speed work-world:"Think big, start small…""Practice with people, not data…""Never forget the fundamentals…"Learn more from best-selling author and expert leader…See more at: MarkSpencerCook.com/Podcast/Links for Mark S. Cook: MarkSpencerCook.com | WindfallPartners.comLinkedIn for Mark S. Cook: LinkedIn.com/in/@MarkSpencerCookOther Social Media: @MarkSpencerCookQuestions Explored in this Discussion:• How to close the "knowing/doing" gap?• How to set long-lasting habits?• How to balance consistency with flexibility?• How fast to progress through life?• What to do in transitionary periods?Lessons Learned:• Observe successful leaders to become one.• You have to build habits to gain skills.• Learn to balance conflicting skills.• How and when to give helpful feedback.• Be patiently persistent.• Life moves one day at a time.• It's never too late to return to the fundamentals.Chapters0:00 Introduction3:40 Changing With the Times11:00 Kevin's Background14:06 Learning to Lead17:05 Mindset/Skillset/Habitset22:26 Flexibility vs Consistency28:48 Intentionality32:45 Giving Grace38:11 Positive vs corrective feedback45:24 Think Big, Start Small47:12 Transitioning into Leadership49:04 Return to Your RootsWebsite: kevineikenberry.comFlexible Leadership Book: kevineikenberry.com/flexible Confidence Masterclass: kevineikenberry.com/giftLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevineikenberry/Keywords: bestselling author, leadership, flexibility, patience, constructive feedback, habits, consistency, intentionality

What if everything you’ve believed about marketing was based on a broken premise? Erik Wolf—former award-winning agency founder, speaker, and creator of the Unified Marketing System—reveals the shocking disconnect between what clients buy and what actually delivers results.Erik takes us through his riveting career journey from fake jobs and false starts to real breakthroughs and a final reinvention as the behind-the-scenes “Coach X” for marketing teams nationwide. From watching a dream crumble in his twenties to building a multimillion-dollar agency—and then walking away—he now mentors executives and marketing managers to finally fix what’s broken inside.Start treating marketing like a business problem—not a branding mystery.Secret: The #1 reason marketing fails has nothing to do with the agency you hired… and everything to do with you:"It's not enough just to do a job.""I realized my job was made up.""Become an expert in something."You won’t believe Erik’s first stop in the professional world! Links:https://ewolf.livehttps://www.linkedin.com/in/erikwolf MarkSpencerCook.com/Podcast/ | WindfallPartners.comYouTube.com/c/MarkSpencerCook/LinkedIn.com/in/MarkSpencerCookAll Social Media: @MarkSpencerCook Questions Explored:What do you do when you discover your job isn’t real?How can younger professionals find their footing without clarity?Why do most companies fail at marketing before they even begin?What’s the most effective way to make marketing profitable today?What happens when a founder outgrows their own business? Lessons Learned:Real marketing starts with customer truth—not creative assets.Talk to 7–10 actual clients before building strategy.Your service’s real value isn’t what you think it is.Don’t confuse inertia with commitment.If your heart’s not in it anymore, step out before you sell out.Leaders must be marketing literate, not just buyers of services.Marketing managers need mentorship—not just instructions.Treat marketing like a system, not a series of tricks. Chapters:00:00 The Evolution of Marketing: A Personal Journey02:47 Navigating Early Career Challenges06:06 Discovering Passion in Marketing08:57 The Transition to Entrepreneurship11:52 Building a Marketing Agency: Lessons Learned15:06 The Changing Landscape of Marketing18:05 Realizations and Shifts in Perspective21:03 The Decision to Pivot: Ending the Agency24:03 Looking Ahead: New Beginnings35:40 The Turning Point: Choosing Yourself41:29 Navigating Career Transitions45:46 The Shift to Coaching and Consulting51:56 Practical Career Advice for Growth55:42 Keys to Profitable MarketingKeywords:marketing leadership, business growth, marketing coaching, Erik Wolf, strategic reinvention, agency founder, startup lessons, customer discovery, career pivot, internal marketing teams, profitable marketing, client strategy, expert positioning, broken marketing systems

Join Rochelle Hemingway, CEO, SLAY To Success. Learn how Rochelle’s S.L.A.Y. formula—Stay ready, Lead out loud, Access community, You are built to last—took her from 18-year-old Airman to Command Chief guiding 8,000 people, and how one daily ritual fuels her momentum.See more: MarkSpencerCook.com/Podcast.Everyone faces stalled careers when confidence, health, and image misalign. Tune in and start slaying your leadership image today.Secret: Discover Rochelle’s non-negotiable ritual for unshakeable presence…“Stay ready to be ready.”“Show up in excellence.”“You are built to last.”Find your unexpected “Y-switch” born in your “deployment”:Website: https://slaytosuccess.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rochelle-hemingway-slays/See more at: MarkSpencerCook.com/Podcast/Links for Mark S. Cook: MarkSpencerCook.com | WindfallPartners.comLinkedIn for Mark S. Cook: LinkedIn.com/in/@MarkSpencerCookOther Social Media: @MarkSpencerCookQuestions Explored in This Discussion:• Why does SLAY beat imposter syndrome?• How to lead 8,000 airmen?• Which habits anchor presence?• What turns critics into allies?• How can image speed promotions?Lessons Learned:• Audit your digital footprint before strangers shape your reputation.• Prepare obsessively; unexpected chances favor those mastering basics.• Model excellence daily; visible example persuades faster than directives.• Voice your perspective early; self-advocacy gets decision-table seats.• Cultivate allies & critics; community multiplies grit, feedback, & reach.• Commit to one power ritual; repeat daily to recharge momentum.• Design image intentionally—posture, attire, eye contact, readiness.• Persist through slow promotions; breakthroughs follow the determined.Chapters00:00 Introduction02:49 Early Life05:47 Civilian Transition09:08 Service Challenges & Triumphs11:59 Leadership Lessons15:11 Identity & Presence18:01 Beating Imposter Syndrome21:02 Building Trust23:56 Communication26:55 Managing Difficult People29:48 Leading Crisis & Change33:07 Creating Community35:56 Key Takeaways36:21 Navigating Military Life38:02 Journey to Parenthood46:42 Reinventing After Service50:32 The S.L.A.Y. Philosophy1:03:32 Practical Tips to ThriveKeywordscommand chief, SLAY method, leadership, image consulting, personal branding, women leaders, military leadership, resilience, presence, community, imposter syndrome.