In our busy lives, we often overlook the gifts we possess, assuming they’re too ordinary to share. Many times, however, these gifts are the very essence of what we’re meant to give to the world. For me, it was in embracing my story that my life felt transformed and my purpose revealed. For Maria A. Ellis, it was her passion for music that not only changed her life but the lives of countless others. Let me explain.

At almost 97 years old, Dr. Edith Eger is a Holocaust survivor, renowned psychologist, and author of the bestselling and award-winning memoir The Choice. In 1944 as a Jewish teenager living in Nazi-occupied Eastern Europe, Edith was sent to Auschwitz where she endured the most unimaginable hardships. And yet, rather than being defined by the trauma of her past, she’s chosen to rise above it – and inspires others to do the same. Today, Edith is joined by her grandson Jordan. Together, they...

Does it seem like people are quick to anger these days? For many, it’s as if they go around seeking reasons to be disappointed, upset or infuriated. What happens, though, when an individual who has every right to be upset chooses instead to respond with grace? Years ago on an early morning Southwest Airlines flight I had such an experience. Let me explain.

As a seasoned Human Resources expert with more than 30 years of experience, April Simpkins is a powerhouse in the realm of mental health advocacy. With relentless determination, she has tirelessly championed the cause and became an even more visible advocate following the passing of her beloved daughter Cheslie Kryst (Miss USA 2019) who battled depression for many years. Today, April shares her professional journey, her unexpected path into pageantry and life as a mother of six. Equally...

In June of 2021, I flew to Los Angeles and interviewed a Hollywood director. No sound was recorded, no video was captured, no notes were taken. But what he shared, the way he shared it, and what happened because of it positively changed my life.  Let me explain.

Director Sean McNamara is the force behind such films as Spare Parts, The Miracle Season, Soul Surfer, and the recently released Reagan. His creative prowess, directorial skills, and even more so, his humble nature, have gained him a reputation in the industry as “an actor’s director.” Six and a half years ago, Sean read the script for a film called ON FIRE, fell in love with it and has been steadfast in bringing it to life. Today, Sean shares insight from the filming of ON FIRE the film....

A wonderful perk of my business is getting to share the stage with some of the most remarkable, eloquent, and impactful speakers alive.  To grow in this career, I’ve studied many of the greatest orators ever born. And yet, the greatest speech I ever witnessed wasn’t on some big stage, delivered by someone famous, wearing some fancy suit.  No, it was a far more modest setting, delivered by a far less trained speaker, representing a far more powerful message.  Let me explain.

Kristen Faulkner is the American cyclist that shocked the world when she won a gold medal in the women’s road race at the 2024 Paris Olympics — an event she wasn’t even supposed to compete in. In a field of veteran riders, Kristen became the first American woman in 40 years to earn Team USA a gold medal in that sport. Today, Kristen shares how she carries the lessons she learned while growing up in Homer, Alaska, how she celebrated what made her different than her classmates after she moved...

With the opening ceremony of the Olympics occurring on July 26th and the Paralympics concluding September 8th, we’ve been treated to more than a month of remarkable stories and incredible competitions. While our family may have missed some of the events, there was one my daughter Grace insisted we watch: Gymnastics. And as remarkable as their athletic ability clearly was, it was a question Grace shared at the end that moved me most. Let me explain.

Jon Acuff is the New York Times bestselling author of nine books including Soundtracks and his latest How Teens Win,  a speaker known for his unique blend of humor, honesty and hope, and a self-proclaimed "professional encourager." Today, Jon joins us to share how his father’s curiosity still inspires him today, how to overcome limiting beliefs and how to set (and achieve!) goals that create meaning in your life. My friends, if you’re seeking tactical, practical and surprisingly fun ideas...

Jason Watson was born with a knack for connecting easily with others, influencing those around him, and exhibiting a resourceful mentality. The youngest of 10 siblings to an addicted mother and a deceased father, Jason grew up in an impoverished neighborhood. Nearly all his neighbors shared the tragic bonds of being completely broke and of having incarcerated family members. As a young boy, Jason remembers not having Christmas presents under the tree yet not feeling bad about it because...

Rich Diviney is a leadership and human performance expert, and retired Navy SEAL commander.  As the officer in charge of training for a specialized command, Rich was intimately involved in an extremely specialized SEAL selection process, which pared down a group of exceptional candidates to a small cadre of the most elite optimal performers. Today, Rich shares how in working with and selecting top special operators for decades, there are hidden drivers of performance beyond the obvious...

"The scars exist because the wounds have healed." -Henri Nouwen At the conclusion of filming On Fire the film, my bride Beth meticulously collected and arranged more than 100 photos from the months scouting locations, walking onto sets, predawn staff meetings and late evening crew wraps. She included photos capturing the emotions of shooting specific scenes: the fear on the day of the fire, the struggle of learning to walk in the hospital, the joy of coming home after five months, the...

As a college freshman, Marcus Engel was nearly killed, and was left instantly, totally and permanently blind after being struck by a drunk driver. Through years of rehab, over 350 hours of reconstructive facial surgery and adaptation through a multitude of life changes, Marcus witnessed the good, the bad and the profound in patient care. Today, Marcus shares his journey of reclaiming his life to find light in the darkest of places, the power of being present during another human’s suffering...

John Ruhlin grew up poor. When you grow up without much, you notice when people are generous. Maybe that explains why anytime anyone needed anything, John’s answer was always yes. Let me explain.

Dr. Philip Fidler is a trauma and burn surgeon who has dedicated his life to healing others. From humble beginnings to becoming a pioneering force in burn care, Philip’s story is a testament to the power of mentorship, the importance of joy in healing, and the profound impact one person can have on countless lives. Today, Philip shares how one pivotal conversation set him on the path to medicine. He also shares how his innovative approach to patient care—including founding the REACH Burn...

What makes someone a truly great leader? Is it their resume? Their resolute stance on an issue? How articulate they can share it? The influence they can wield? The results they get?  Although the answer is nuanced, while being driven back to the airport last week I saw clearly what it means to embody true greatness. Let me explain.

Cara Finger is the founder of My Bag My Story. Inspired by her own adoption journey and her experience as a foster parent, Cara was shocked to see children arriving with their belongings in trash bags. This simple yet powerful observation sparked her mission to create meaningful change. Today, Cara shares her journey in establishing her social enterprise, offers practical ways we can support those in the foster care communities and beyond. And she reminds us how seemingly small gestures,...

Amy Crawford’s life is evidence that to become a spark for good we must first recognize that in the face of things that seem impossible, we can always start by doing something. In her nearly four decades working as an educator, Amy has joyfully guided the children in her classroom to not only enjoy a subject, but to recognize the value of their lives. She savored being an educator and the chance to encourage kids. And yet, Amy realized it wasn’t just the children in her classroom that needed...

Rather than letting a traumatic ATV accident where he lost both of his hands cast a shadow on his future, Jason Koger has used the 2008 accident as a guiding light. And he became the first bilateral arm amputee to be fitted with multi-articulating bionic hands in the world. Today, Jason shares the pivotal role his resilient parents and hardworking grandfather played in shaping his indomitable spirit, the immense physical and emotional challenges he faced and how he turned these obstacles...

Few stories move me as powerfully as Victor Hugo’s Les Misérables. Set in the midst of a revolution in France, it’s a deeply moving portrait of individuals from various walks of life wrestling with grace, meaning, redemption, love and loss. Last month while watching this play with my wife, it became clear to me that the main character from Les Misérables illuminates not only how we should live as individuals, but also how we must move forward as a nation. And the character that modeled this...

In our polarized world, Rabbi Susan Talve stands as a beacon of hope, dedicating her life to building relationships across divides. As the founding rabbi of Central Reform Congregation, Susan has inspired a movement of community and connection, reminding us of the beautiful interconnectedness of humanity. Today, Susan shares how an archeological dig in Israel opened her heart and mind to a life of spiritual leadership, how she channels the grief of losing her daughter Adina into creating...

Hollywood has a reputation of attracting individuals capable of portraying one version of themselves in front of a camera … and a very different version when no one is watching. Perhaps that’s why when people learn a movie was made about my life, and they hear about the actors who participated in the film, one of the most frequently asked questions is, “So, what are they really like?”  After spending months with some well-known actors, producers, directors and leaders in the industry, my...

Randy Gravitt is an author, speaker and coach who dedicates his life to empowering leaders to achieve greatness both at work and at home. As a devoted husband, father to four daughters, and grandfather to six, Randy understands the delicate dance between professional responsibilities and personal commitments. His life is a testament to the power of nurturing meaningful relationships while pursuing excellence in one’s career. And his wisdom goes beyond mere strategies — he offers practical...