Ken Rusk, the bestselling author of "Blue Collar Cash," joins us to share his inspiring journey from a humble upbringing to becoming a leading advocate for blue-collar careers. Growing up in Amherst, Ohio, Ken learned the virtues of hard work and self-reliance from his father, shaping his unique approach to life and leadership. His book, originally a heartfelt letter to his daughter during her battle with cancer, challenges the traditional career trajectory and highlights the often-overlooked rewards of trade careers. Listen as Ken invites us to explore the unconventional paths that lead to true success and fulfillment.

The episode takes a bold stance on societal pressures that encourage college degrees over trade careers, often overshadowing the financial and personal satisfaction found in blue-collar work. An open letter to parents seeks to dismantle the stigma around trades, emphasizing the immense value and opportunities they present. As we face a looming workforce crisis, with a shortage of skilled workers in essential services, this conversation is both timely and urgent. Discover how blue-collar jobs can offer more happiness and freedom compared to the competitive, often restrictive, white-collar roles.

We also delve into the transformative power of creativity and vision in shaping our lives. Ken introduces us to the 64 Crayola crayon exercise, a unique tool for vividly envisioning our desired future by focusing on comfort, peace, and freedom as keys to happiness. By embracing personal creativity and rejecting conditional living, we can design our own paths to fulfillment. The episode concludes with a warm invitation to our community of leaders, urging listeners to share their insights and feedback to foster growth and leadership among us all.

Thanks for listening in to the Uncommon Leader Podcast. Please take just a minute to share this podcast with that someone you know that you thought of when you heard this episode. One of the most valuable things you can do is to rate the podcast and leave a review. You can do that on Apple podcasts, or rate the podcast on Spotify or any other platform you listen.

Did you know that many of the things that I discuss on the Uncommon Leader Podcast are subjects that I coach other leaders and organizations ? If you would be interested in having me discuss 1:1 or group coaching with you, or know someone who is looking to move from Underperforming to Uncommon in their business or life, I would love to chat with you. Click this link to set up a FREE CALL to discuss how coaching might benefit you and your team)

Until next time, Go and Grow Champions!!

Connect with me

After years of misconceptions about leadership and personal success, Jason Van Ruler unearthed a transformative truth: our past traumas and unhealthy core beliefs can drive us to achieve, yet still leave a void of fulfillment. Join us as Jason, a celebrated author and thought leader, recounts a poignant childhood episode involving a broken glass door and the liberating power of honesty. This personal story serves as a launching pad for exploring how our origins shape leadership dynamics, revealing why understanding and addressing these roots is crucial for personal and professional well-being.

Have you ever felt that nagging sensation of "never enough," even after reaching the pinnacle of success? This episode shines a light on how such core beliefs can propel leaders to great heights but at the cost of loneliness and dissatisfaction. Drawing parallels to a space shuttle shedding its boosters, we share insightful stories about helping high achievers let go of limiting beliefs. Jason offers a fresh perspective on balancing the scales between giving and receiving in leadership roles, emphasizing that the healthiest relationships—and teams—are built on mutual support and shared control.

Faith enters the conversation as we explore its role in guiding leaders through stressful terrains by highlighting the importance of balancing grace and truth. Through personal transformation, leaders not only gain the ability to lead more authentically but also cultivate healthier teams. I share my own journey from a traditional authoritative approach to a more supportive management style, illustrating how integrity and transparency often mark the path to effective leadership. Finally, we take a nostalgic detour with a metaphor about first cars, those clunky Chevy Citations, reminding us that growth and resilience often spring from embracing life's imperfections.

Thanks for listening in to the Uncommon Leader Podcast. Please take just a minute to share this podcast with that someone you know that you thought of when you heard this episode. One of the most valuable things you can do is to rate the podcast and leave a review. You can do that on Apple podcasts, or rate the podcast on Spotify or any other platform you listen.

Did you know that many of the things that I discuss on the Uncommon Leader Podcast are subjects that I coach other leaders and organizations ? If you would be interested in having me discuss 1:1 or group coaching with you, or know someone who is looking to move from Underperforming to Uncommon in their business or life, I would love to chat with you. Click this link to set up a FREE CALL to discuss how coaching might benefit you and your team)

Until next time, Go and Grow Champions!!

Connect with me

Discover the transformative power of self-care in leadership with Dr. Nekeshia Hammond, a leading psychologist and burnout prevention expert. Dr. Hammond takes us on a heartfelt journey from her own experiences of burnout to thriving by adopting effective self-care practices. Her new book, "Mindset Training: Conquer Your Mind and the Rest Will Follow," offers a treasure trove of strategies to combat burnout and improve both mental and physical wellness. Through personal stories and professional insights, she reveals how recognizing the signs of burnout and adopting the right mindset can lead to a healthier work-life balance, impacting leadership and personal growth in profound ways.

In our engaging conversation, we unravel the importance of taking just a single minute daily for self-care, illustrating its significant impact on mental and emotional well-being. From simple practices like deep breathing to the concept of mental health detoxification, Dr. Hammond emphasizes small steps that lead to big changes. She shares a compelling success story of a military wife who found empowerment and well-being by prioritizing self-care. As we discuss the challenges of promoting her latest book, Dr. Hammond underscores the vital message of making personal health a priority. Let her billboard message, "Make yourself your number one priority," inspire you to embark on a journey toward better well-being.

Connect with Dr. Nekeshia Hammond:

https://drnekeshiahammond.com/
https://mindsettrainingbook.com/

Thanks for listening in to the Uncommon Leader Podcast. Please take just a minute to share this podcast with that someone you know that you thought of when you heard this episode. One of the most valuable things you can do is to rate the podcast and leave a review. You can do that on Apple podcasts, or rate the podcast on Spotify or any other platform you listen.

Did you know that many of the things that I discuss on the Uncommon Leader Podcast are subjects that I coach other leaders and organizations ? If you would be interested in having me discuss 1:1 or group coaching with you, or know someone who is looking to move from Underperforming to Uncommon in their business or life, I would love to chat with you. Click this link to set up a FREE CALL to discuss how coaching might benefit you and your team)

Until next time, Go and Grow Champions!!

Connect with me