Journal Episode 6: How Are You Uniquely Qualified?
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Ever Better Journal episodes highlight a common theme that I’ve observed with my guests, and bring you some of the best moments of recent episodes.
This episode celebrates my guests who draw on their highly unique experiences to craft businesses that help others, as only they can. And, when I talk about their experiences, I’m including how and where they grew up, their families, the schools they attended, the jobs they’ve held, where they’ve lived, and their spiritual traditions. They’re taking the accumulation of their life knowledge and using it to help others.
As I was thinking about the five guests that you’re about to hear from, I also considered how I’m building on my life experiences. And here’s what I came up with…
My professional career spans almost thirty years – Yikes! I’ve worked for corporations, non-profits, small companies, and had my own businesses. I’ve held positions in marketing, communications, strategy, system development, project management, and I’ve managed hundreds of people.
When it comes to producing a podcast, I’m drawing on everything I’ve done in my life to put it all together. It turns out that creating and sustaining a podcast is a fairly complex undertaking! It involves booking guests, interviewing, organizing, marketing, networking, audio production, and website development. But everything I’m doing is an extension of what I’ve done before. And as I coach, and speak to groups, I’m drawing on my own unique life journey, and sharing my business, academic, personal, and spiritual experiences. By building on my life experiences as a podcaster, I’m hopefully enriching others’ lives.
So, I have a challenge for you! As you listen to this episode, think about your life experiences and how you’re using those to enrich your families, your communities, your colleagues, people you volunteer with, and others you come into contact with. Is there more that you could be doing? Is there more that you could be giving? If love to hear your thoughts! Send me a note at Lisa@EverBetterU.com.
And now, onto my guests... Today, you’ll hear from Jessie Mejia, Lise Metzger, Marcus Bullock, Erin Elizabeth Wells, and Dave Conley.
Jesse Mejia
Jesse was my third podcast guest way back in December 2015. Jesse draws on his family, academic and business experiences as he mentors and coaches Latino students and professionals who are considering next steps in their careers.
South Central L.A. is where Jesse grew up with parents from El Salvador who don’t speak English. Many would consider him to have come from “disadvantaged circumstances.” But Jesse did well in school, earned a scholarship to Philips Exeter Academy and then went on to college and earned an MBA. He did very well in the corporate world rising to the position of Corporate Strategy Officer for VW. And then he left, to pursue his mission-driven focus. In this clip, Jesse explains how some of his childhood experiences prepared him for the leadership role that he plays today.
Lise Metzger
Lise Metzger, my guest on episode 26, uses her experiences as an editor, photographer, mother, and food educator to create the Grounded Women blog. She uses her writing, photography, and interviewing skills to learn and share stories of women farmers and to educate readers about the many benefits of knowing where your food comes from. She discusses how her Grounded Women blog got started.
Marcus Bullock
Marcus Bullock, from episode 27, was convicted of carjacking at age 15 and spent the next 8 years of his life in jail. His family wholeheartedly supported him throughout that period of his life and made sure that they stayed in touch. As CEO of Flikshop, he’s drawing on his firsthand knowledge that staying connected to friends and family while incarcerated makes a significant difference while someone is in prison, and helps them to reconnect when they are released. Marcus explains the origins of Flikshop.
Erin Elizabeth Wells
Erin Elizabeth Wells, from episode 28, is an intentionality expert and productivity specialist at Chosen Course. She has studied and been involved with world religions throughout her life. And now, she’s combining her spiritual nature, her writing skills, and her talent for organizing to help her clients take “inspired action” to set and achieve goals. In this clip, she discusses the evolution of her business.
Dave Conley
Dave Conley, my guest on episode 29, is an igniter! Through his company, Limitl.es, he helps people start new companies, new initiatives, and reach new levels in their personal lives. He draws on his business experience that includes helping to get 32 million people onto the Internet with AOL, the joy he felt mentoring entrepreneurs throughout his career, starting his own companies, and his experiences working for the federal government. But, as you’ll hear, Dave is still striving to learn and improve each day.
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