In this episode of Productivity Smarts, host Gerald J. Leonard dives into an engaging conversation with Don Eggspuehler, author of Letters to Mom: Marine Corps – Boot Camp – Flight School – Vietnam. They explore Don's journey from a Marine Corp fighter pilot to a successful software executive and writer. The discussion highlights the transformative power of journaling, storytelling, and resilience in navigating life's challenges. Don shares the profound impact of military discipline on his productivity and personal balance, and offers invaluable advice for leaders striving to maintain equilibrium between high-stake responsibilities and personal well-being. The episode also shines a light on Don's latest book, offering listeners a unique glimpse into the poignant letters he wrote to his mother during his service, which have become a source of inspiration and healing for many.

What We Discuss

• [00:00 ] Introduction to Don Eggspuehler

• [04:54 ] The Power of Letter Writing and Storytelling

• [10:57 ] Balancing Life and Work

• [21:26 ] Reflections and Final Thoughts

• [29:18 ] Conclusion and Call to Action

Notable Quotes

• [06:08 ] " Writing letters is kind of a lost art. Most people don't write letters anymore, and it's so important." – Don Eggspuehler

• [13:10 ] " As you're going through life, sometimes a lot of stuff happens that we have no control over, but it's not what happens, it's how we deal with what happens now." – Gerald J. Leonard

• [15:09 ] “ Be persistent and don’t get too upset over things. Keep things even keel and go with the flow a little bit, 'cause in life you're gonna have a lot of situations that are big surprises, and you really don't have any control over that. It's how you react.” – Don Eggspuehler

• [22:41 ] " We have the freedom and the ability to have experiences with our loved ones that we care about." – Gerald J. Leonard

• [24:57 ] " Life doesn't always go the way you want it to, no matter what you do. It throws you into some situations that you really weren't seeing coming." – Don Eggspuehler

Our Guest

Don Eggspuehler is a retired Marine Corps officer, author, and former computer software executive. Originally from Iowa Falls, Iowa, he served in Vietnam as a combat pilot flying A-6A jets. After a 23-year marriage to Linda Combs, who passed away from a brain tumor, Don had a successful 30-year career in software sales and consulting. Now retired and married to Lynda Lou Sherman, Don has authored five books, including Letters to Mom: Marine Corps – Boot Camp – Flight School – Vietnam and Life Lessons Learned in Grade School.

Resources

Don Eggspuehler

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/don-eggspuehler-54b71227b

• Website: https://www.lifelessonsbooks.net/

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doneggspuehler/

• Book: https://www.amazon.com/Letters-Mom-Marine-Flight-Vietnam/dp/B0DKXT5KP3

Productivity Smarts Podcast

• Website - productivitysmartspodcast.com

Gerald J. Leonard

• Website - geraldjleonard.com

• Turnberry Premiere website - turnberrypremiere.com

• Scheduler - vcita.com/v/geraldjleonard

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