The Invisible Mentor

Posts Tagged ‘Tony Robbins’

There is truth to the adage that if you show me your company I will tell you for you are. What are your goals in life? What percentage of the time do you accomplish the things that you want in life? If you seldom meet your goals and objectives, it probably is time to look at the people in your sphere of influence.

Who do you spend your time with? Who influences you? There is a story floating around the internet which says that Mark Victor Hansen of Chicken Soup for the Soul fame was lamenting to Tony Robbins about not achieving his results. You see, Hansen wanted to move to billionaire from multi-millionaire status. Robbins asked Hansen how many billionaires he was hanging around and it turns out, none.

The point of this story is to demonstrate that whatever you are trying to achieve in life, hang around people who have achieved those same goals and objectives.

What do you have to add to the conversation? Let’s keep the conversation flowing, please let me know your thoughts in the comments section below. Many readers read this blog from other sites, so why don’t you pop over to The Invisible Mentor and subscribe (top on the right side) by email or RSS Feed.

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This is part two of Alex Todd’s interview. The one book that had a profound impact on Alex’s life is Do What You Are. According to Alex, the book, “It opened my eyes to who I really am and what kind of career I should be pursuing.” Out of all the books that you have read, which one book profoundly impacted you? Why? What ideas did you glean from the interview?

Tell me a little bit about yourself.

At heart, I am an innovator and architect.  Professionally, I am on my 8th career, oscillating between working for companies and entrepreneurial ventures in financial services and information technology, mostly in business to business commercial relationships.  For the past 7 years, after leaving IBM, I have been engaged in activities to help establish Trust Enablement as a valid management innovation, with a strategic focus on precipitating transformations in corporate governance practices. To date I have written numerous articles and papers and delivered countless presentations on these and related topics.  I am very excited that in September 2010, Wiley in the U.S. will publish my chapter on corporate governance best practices in their new finance textbook, which will allow me to officially refer to myself as a published author.  The next step will have to be writing a complete book.

How do you integrate your personal and professional life?

My personal and professional lives are often inseparable, as I work from home, and at times find myself working most of the time.   I accomplish full separation mostly when I engage in recreational and fitness activities.  Most weekends I get away with the family for skiing or the cottage, and we regularly take one or two-week vacations.  We also make a point of socializing with friends and family.  All these activities take me away from my office and my computer.

What’s a major regret that you’ve had in life?

I don’t have any real regrets, but believe I may have made a mistake pursuing a career in accounting upon graduating from university.

What are five life lessons that you have learned so far?

1. Don’t be arrogant;
2. Be honest and live with a clean conscience;
3. Invest in yourself to empower you to help others;
4. Take responsibility for your actions and your reactions;
5. Follow your heart and your passion.

When you have some down time, how do you spend it?

I like to orient my down time around sports and social activities.  I like to ski, play tennis and cycle regularly.  My wife likes to entertain our friends, so we have an enjoyable life.

What process do you use to generate great ideas?

First I have to be in the right frame of mind.  I have to have extended periods of time to research, noodle, explore, conceptualize, experiment and connect the dots.  This process can take days or even weeks at a time until something that has integrity gels.  It’s a different mode of thinking, so the conditions have to be right before it can produce results.  However, it always both a painful and highly inspiring process.

What’s your favourite quotation and why?

“Do what you are.”  It’s the name of a book that uses Myers Briggs personality assessment measures to recommend a suitable career.  I like it because it accepts reality.  By doing so, you stop beating yourself up about what you are not.  It therefore brings peace of mind and better career results.

How do you define success?

Success is achieving or making tangible progress toward stated goals or intentions.

In your opinion what’s the formula for success?

Success begins and ends with overcoming the fear of failure.  For example, becoming a prisoner of your success is failure.  Here is my formula for success:

1. Invent a possibility;
2. Declare your intent to realize this possibility;
3. Build valued relationships with people and share your possibility with them;
4. Maintain your integrity in keeping this possibility alive by always honoring your word;
5. Touch, move and inspire people with your possibility.

What are the steps you took to succeed in your field?

I succeeded so far by doing a good job with the first 4 of the 5 steps listed above.  I find #5 to be my biggest challenge.

What advice do you have for someone just starting out in your field?

It is difficult to overestimate the time and effort required to realize a possibility.  So be prepared for a marathon, and successive marathons.  There is only one sure way to fail.  That is by not making it to the finish line.  Plan to finish, not to lead.  This requires passion, commitment, stamina, patience, perseverance, ingenuity, adaptability, empathy, supportive relationships and reciprocity.  Don’t follow the path of least resistance as it will cause you to become trapped in your own success.  Instead, follow your heart, even (especially) if it means forging new paths.  You can only regret not having tried something, not having tried but failed.

If trusted friends could introduce you to five people that you’ve always wanted to meet, who would you choose? And what would you say to them?

I’d like to meet: Richard Branson, Barack Obama, Pierre Omidyar, Gary Hamel, and Ben Heinenman.  I’d say, “What can we do together to improve trust in business?”

Which one book had a profound impact on your life? What was it about this book that impacted you so deeply? Did you have an emotional or intellectual attachment to this book? Why?

This is really strange, but I am obsessed with the book Do What You Are.  It opened my eyes to who I really am and what kind of career I should be pursuing. Essentially, it gave me permission to continue doing what I was doing and pursue my dreams. As a result, I stopped being so hard on myself.  I like the book so much that I must have lent it to someone and now can’t find it.  Choosing this book over the 100 or so books on my bookshelf is really surprising to me, since I have never really thought about it before.

If you were stranded on a deserted island, what are five books that you would like to have with you and why? Summarize the book in two sentences.

A spiritual book, such as the Bible; a how to survive in the wilderness book; a how to make anything from anything book; a basic governance book; a philosophy book.  Sorry, can’t think of any titles.

Have you read any books that inspired you to start a business, service or invent “something”? If yes, which book?

It was Tony Robbins tapes “Personal Power” that I listened to in the late 80s that changed my life, by giving me the courage to pursue my dreams.

What one music CD and movie would you like to have with you (on the deserted island) and why?

CD would have to be Off Ramp by Pat Metheny.  Movie would be Austin Powers.

What excites you about life?

TEMERITY

How do you nurture your soul?

By applying what I learned in The Landmark Forum.

If you had a personal genie and she gave you one wish, what would you wish for? Or, if I gave you a magic wand, what would you use it for?

I wish I could be a part of a community that embraces experimentation, innovations and open collaboration, recognizing the common good that comes from doing so.

Complete the following, I am happy when…..

I am appreciated by others who matter to me.

What are five takeaways from Alex’s interview?

Please keep the conversation flowing, click on the comment link below and leave a note for me. Many readers read this blog from other sites, so why don’t you pop over to The Invisible Mentor and subscribe (top on the left side) by email or RSS Feed. I created a Mini Learning Toolkit and you can grab a copy by clicking here.

For your research and writing needs, consider my firm Ambeck Enterprise for white papers, articles, fact sheets, anniversary booklets, you name it. Since I am the best kept secret you may not know this, but I have over 15 years research and writing experience. I KNOW content. And if you cannot figure out which books to read for professional development, I am your WOMAN. I can assist you with that too. Visit my sales page for resources such as The Invisible Mentor Toolkit to assist you in acquiring wisdom from a distance. For free white papers click here.

Your Invisible Mentor: Michael McCleary

Company: Live Unconditional

Website: http://www.mikemccleary.com/

We present part two of Michael McLeary’s interview today, and part two is as informative as part one. These interviewees are truly invisible mentors in every sense of the meaning. They are unique leaders who we can learn things from. What would happen if we combined the wisdom, wisdom and experiences of all the invisible mentors? What are your thoughts? Let’s read Michael’s interview and learn as much from him as we can.

Avil Beckford: Tell me a little bit about yourself.

Michael McCleary: I tell extraordinary stories for a living. It’s the best career I’ve ever had. What do I mean by telling stories? Well I own a video production/new media/web company about 2 hours north of Detroit, MI. Recently, I also had the opportunity to finish my first feature length documentary, An Anything But Ordinary Journey, with my business partner Casey Turner in October of 2009. I spent over 4 years on the project, interviewing people across the US and Canada on the meaning of success. So whether it’s making films, or serving clients through our business, it’s all about sharing extraordinary stories with the world and that is extremely satisfying.

Avil Beckford: As an Invisible Mentor, what is one piece of advice that you would give to readers?

Michael McCleary: Find your passion and purpose. I believe we were all empowered with a gift to give to the world. I’d like to emphasize the words gift and give. When we give of ourselves and our talents freely to others, amazing things occur. This doesn’t mean what you always do is free, but find ways to give back. It not only makes you feel good but also those you affect. When you wrap the concept of giving around what it is you have a passion for, you find moments of joy that are truly amazing and almost unexplainable. If you don’t feel you have found a purpose or passion, begin that search now!

Avil Beckford: How do you integrate your personal and professional life?

Michael McCleary: Sometimes it’s hard but really my professional life is almost an extension of my personal and vice-versa. I love making connections and friends. If you are a client, I really do consider you a friend. It’s not what I can get from you but what can I give to you.

Avil Beckford: What’s a major regret that you’ve had in life?

Michael McCleary: Not always finishing what I’ve started. I love starting things, finishing a few times hasn’t always been the easiest. One of my resolutions this year is to go through and tie up any loose strings I have in my life.

Avil Beckford: What are five life lessons that you have learned so far?

Michael McCleary: 

1. Find your Passion, you have a gift so find joy in using it.
2. Truly experience gratitude and be thankful for what you have been blessed with in your life.
3. Persevere even when it looks like there is no light at the end of the tunnel.
4.  Be willing to make a Change, even when it may be difficult.
5. Find your Faith, whether it be in God, friends or family; faith is the power that will keep you going.

Avil Beckford: When you have some down time, how do you spend it?

Michael McCleary: Down time, what’s down time? Actually, I’m a notorious web surfer. I love reading news. I’m also a Facebook addict. Yes I admit it, I enjoy social media! I also just really enjoy spending time with friends and family and long drives in the summer.

Avil Beckford: What process do you use to generate great ideas?

Michael McCleary: I generally don’t have a process, in fact when I force it, it’s harder for me. I’ve been blessed that ideas often just pop into my head out of thin air so I take the time to write them down before I forget. If I really need to find an idea or solution, I’ll actually go out and do something fun and non work related and those are the times I have the best insights.

Avil Beckford: What’s your favourite quotation and why?

Michael McCleary: Only 1? I guess I’m going to break the rules and give you 2…
“Don’t ask what the world needs, ask what makes you come alive and go do that. Because what the world needs is more people that have come alive.”
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” – Margaret Mead

Avil Beckford: How do you define success?

Michael McCleary: Find your purpose and passion. When you do that and find joy in your life, no matter what society may deem success for you, your life, that is success because you are doing what you are supposed to do.

In your opinion what’s the formula for success?

Michael McCleary: It’s different for every one. Watch my film, An Anything But Ordinary Journey http:/www.anythingbutordinary.net. Yes, this is a bit of shameful self promotion, but the film follows my journey to find out what it really means to be successful and has so many nuggets of wisdom from a wide range of people. It answers this question.

Avil Beckford: What are the steps you took to succeed in your field?

Michael McCleary: The big thing was really to make a decision that I was going to commit to my career choice and continue to pursue it even when times were tough. By taking committed steps of action towards a goal, the path becomes clear, even when at first it doesn’t appear to be.

Avil Beckford: What advice do you have for someone just starting out in your field?

Michael McCleary: I recommend getting some work as a production assistant on various productions. Work for free and find out if you really like it. If you have an opportunity, I strongly recommend finding a quality film school. There is so much to learn. I’m blessed with a natural aptitude for this, but I really want to eventually go to school myself.

Avil Beckford: If trusted friends could introduce you to five people that you’ve always wanted to meet, who would you choose? And what would you say to them?

Michael McCleary: I’d ask mostly a lot of questions… My life has been one giant interview with people about success and life. This would be no different.

Which one book had a profound impact on your life? What was it about this book that impacted you so deeply? Did you have an emotional or intellectual attachment to this book? Why?

NMichael McCleary: ow Boarding Next Stop Your Remarkable Life by Kandee G. I don’t just say this because my friend and mentor wrote the book but because it was one of the first self-help books that I’ve ever read that not only put large concepts in simple language but also did it in a clear and easily readable format.

Avil Beckford: If you were stranded on a deserted island, what are five books that you would like to have with you and why? Summarize the book in two sentences.

Michael McCleary: This is hard because I only really like reading books once. I’d have to say The Bible, because I’ve never read it all the way through, second it’s has a diverse set of stories, concepts and ideas, third, it’s huge. I could meditate on many of the ideas therein for a long time. Otherwise, there is nothing that has caught my attention that I haven’t read that I want to. One other way to solve this would be to ask my friend Steve for recommendations on 4 other books, he’s a voracious reader and could pick some great ones for me.

Avil Beckford: Have you read any books that inspired you to start a business, service or invent “something”? If yes, which book?

Michael McCleary: Tony Robbins Unlimited Power really encouraged me to find my purpose and go after it. I’m definitely a Robbins fan.

Avil Beckford: What one music CD and movie would you like to have with you (on the deserted island) and why?

Michael McCleary: My tastes constantly change, but right now for an album, independent rock group AG Silver and their album Wake Up and Smell Reality. Movie? I have so many favorites. Probably Star Wars, but that could change tomorrow.

Avil Beckford: What excites you about life?

Michael McCleary: I have an opportunity everyday to do something I love and to help change people’s lives and organizations for the better. Everyday brings something new. It brings new opportunities, friends and experiences. I can’t wait to see what will happen each day.

Avil Beckford: How do you nurture your soul?

Michael McCleary: Simply taking time out and being with myself or sharing thoughts and ideas with friends. Simple conversation is very relaxing for my soul.

Avil Beckford: If you had a personal genie and she gave you one wish, what would you wish for? Or, if I gave you a magic wand, what would you use it for?

Michael McCleary: That everyone would find a POSITIVE purpose and passion in their life. If everyone could do that, there would be little need for arguments, wars and disagreements.

Avil Beckford: Complete the following, I am happy when.….

Michael McCleary: I hear that I did something to encourage someone else to pursue their passion.

How can you apply Michael’s interview? Which aspects resonated with you?

Let’s keep the conversation flowing, please comment. Many readers read this blog from other sites, so why don’t you pop over to The Invisible Mentor and subscribe (top on the left side) by email or RSS Feed.

You can pre-order Anything But Ordinary by clicking here.

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