*Listen & Subscribe on iTunes *Listen on SoundCloud *Subscribe to the People Being Real YouTube Channel   "In a world where you can be anything, be kind." -Anonymous   We are all more connected than we can possibly imagine. We are constantly influencing and being influenced.  The question is: is our influence making the world a better place? When it comes to Houston Kraft, it's a resounding "YES." So when Mark heard about his great work in influence and kindness, he had to have him on the show.   Houston is a trainer, speaker, and kindness advocate. He has personally presented and spoken at over 500 schools, conferences, and companies across the US and continues to impact on a larger scale through CharacterStrong, a curriculum he developed with John Norin that helps K-12 school cultures change to empower students in their social and emotional development.   When it comes to authenticity, kindness, and influence, there are few that can match Houston's wisdom. To hear his thoughts on why we should be kind instead of nice, how everything we do impacts the universe, and how we can be more effective leaders and influencers, check out Episode 245 of People Being Real!   Enjoy!!     Connect with Mark: Email |  Instagram  |  Facebook  |  Twitter Connect with Houston: Instagram  |  Facebook  |  HoustonKraft.com   Show Notes: •Why giving the same presentation over and over challenged Houston's authenticity. •Why Mark, for the first time in four years, missed publishing an episode a few weeks ago. •Houston's definition of "influence." •The importance of "responsible decision-making." •Houston's views on being nice vs. being kind. •Going against society's definition of success and productivity. •How to be a 'servant leader.'     Things to check out: •"Give and Take: Why Helping Others Drives Our Success" by Adam Grant •"The Amazing Law of Influence" by King Duncan •CASEL: Collaborate for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning •CharacterStrong