The Greg McKeown Podcast Greg McKeown

Leadership expert and pastor Carey Nieuwhof (author, At Your Best) joins Greg to talk about leadership and designing a life today that will help you thrive tomorrow. They discuss the need to relinquish control, automation, and building a team that can help you grow. They explore how to recognize burnout and the framework for creating a sustainable pace for success in the long run.
This episode's book recommendation: At Your Best by Carey Nieuwhof

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Have you ever been so busy addressing peripheral issues but have that sinking feeling that the real core of the issue is not being addressed? This is part one of a four-part solo series on that subject, and upcoming guest episodes will also be providing more insight on the same subject. By the end of today's episode, you will understand that the seminal research was produced on the distinctive difference between problem finding and problem solving, and you'll begin your journey of improving skill in this essential area.
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About the Guest:
Ryan Kugler is an embodiment of passion turned into a successful career. Starting his journey with a stark fascination for filmmaking and Hollywood magic, Ryan was networking and producing his own film assignments by the age of 13. His early interest in film set the stage for his entrepreneurial journey. A seasoned entrepreneur, Ryan has forged a path that spans film, entrepreneurship, strategic business development, and more. Known for his tenacity to make things happen, he approaches challenges with a mindset where anything is achievable. Today, he stands as a testimony to effective communication, kindness, and an unyielding drive, with a portfolio that includes running a wholesale business and organizing large-scale events through his event company.
Episode Summary:
In this episode, Greg McKeown and Ryan Kugler discuss the importance of execution and how to become an executionist. They explore the qualities and skills required to be an effective executor, including the ability to make quick decisions, take initiative, and prioritize tasks. They also share insights on how to identify and hire executionists, as well as strategies for motivating and empowering employees to become more execution-oriented. The conversation highlights the significance of purpose and context in driving execution and offers practical tips for improving execution skills in various professional settings.
Key Takeaways:

Executionists are individuals who excel at getting things done quickly and efficiently. They possess the ability to make quick decisions, take initiative, and prioritize tasks effectively.

Hiring executionists involves assessing their decision-making speed and ability to take immediate action. Indecisiveness and overthinking are red flags that indicate a lack of execution-oriented mindset.

Providing purpose and context is crucial in motivating individuals to become executionists. By explaining the reasons behind tasks and projects, leaders can help employees understand the importance and urgency of their actions.

The one-three-one method is a decision-making tool that can help individuals transition from non-executionists to executionists. It involves naming one problem, generating three possible solutions, and making one recommendation based on research and analysis.

Compatibility between leaders and employees is essential for effective execution. Leaders should seek individuals who align with their execution-oriented mindset and can work well within the organization's execution-focused culture.

Notable Quotes:

"Someone who can make a decision quickly will make a decision 90% of the time correctly. And if it's not correct, they will fix it and make it 100% correct within five minutes." - Ryan Kugler

"The ability to make things happen is surely one of the primary skills in all of life." - Greg McKeown


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About the Guest:
Ryan Kugler is an embodiment of passion turned into a successful career. Starting his journey with a stark fascination for filmmaking and Hollywood magic, Ryan was networking and producing his own film assignments by the age of 13. His early interest in film set the stage for his entrepreneurial journey. A seasoned entrepreneur, Ryan has forged a path that spans film, entrepreneurship, strategic business development, and more. Known for his tenacity to make things happen, he approaches challenges with a mindset where anything is achievable. Today, he stands as a testimony to effective communication, kindness, and an unyielding drive, with a portfolio that includes running a wholesale business and organizing large-scale events through his event company.
Episode Summary:
In this episode I dive into the captivating life story of Ryan Kugler, whose early days on the set of iconic productions shaped his future in entrepreneurship and event organization. As an enigmatic figure who believes in the essence of persistence, Ryan's journey from mingling with film stars as a teenager to masterminding large-scale events is nothing short of inspirational.
The conversation uncovers Ryan's innate ability to execute with precision, his transition from the creative aspirations of a director to the orchestration skills of a producer, and the relentless pursuit of bringing visions to life. Discussing the mechanics of networking and action, Greg McKeown and Ryan Kugler explore how a mix of curiosity and chutzpah can overcome challenges and create exceptional outcomes. With a tone that's both aspirational and grounded, the episode is a treasure trove for aspiring entrepreneurs and creators alike.
Key Takeaways:

Ryan Kugler's early exposure to film and sets led to a pivotal encounter with Ted Danson, resulting in an opportunity to direct a short film at the age of 13.

Ryan's talents lean more toward production and getting things done, showcasing an ability to handle logistics and persevere through challenges.

The value of face-to-face networking and bold initiative is vital in Ryan's success, breaking through conventional barriers and accessing opportunities.

The episode highlights the concept of holding '5000 things in your head' and the notion of instant productions, where Ryan excels in his event planning business, creating temporary, intricate setups for diverse events.

Execution as an art form is underscored by the interview, demonstrating that bringing a great idea to life involves seamless collaboration, perseverance, and constant learning.

Notable Quotes:

"If you just keep persisting in your goal and your passion... you're going to get what you want." - Ryan Kugler

"Everyone has a passion for something... you just have to persist and just keep going after it." - Ryan Kugler

"Execution... it's about bringing all this talent together... and they knock off all the edges... and eventually you've got something that's polished and it's beautiful." - Greg McKeown


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Dr. Josh Axe is a certified doctor of natural medicine and a clinical nutritionist. He is passionate about helping people use food, lifestyle, and mindset to heal and prevent illness. Dr. Axe graduated from Johns Hopkins University and earned a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership. He founded a functional medicine center in Nashville, which grew to become one of the most renowned clinics in the world. Dr. Axe is the founder of the website draxe.com, one of the top natural health websites globally. He also hosts a fast-growing show and podcast, "The Dr. Axe Show," where he covers topics related to health, mindset, personal growth, and spiritual growth. Dr. Axe has interviewed notable guests such as Carrie Underwood, Dave Ramsey, and Jamie Kern Lima. He recently authored a book titled "Think This, Not That," which explores mindsets that can lead to breakthroughs in life.
Episode Summary:
Greg welcomes Dr. Josh Axe for part two of a profound discourse on personal growth, fulfilling one's potential, and the overarching importance of adopting the right mindset. This episode promises to unravel the enigmatic threads connecting beliefs, accomplishments, and the essence of a life well-lived, instilled with purpose and meaningful relationships.
Josh delves into the concept of 'telos,' a Greek term for ultimate purpose, while sharing a touching narrative about his grandfather's life. Through this poignant story, he imparts the crucial distinction between achieving success through material accomplishments versus fostering robust, impactful relationships. Greg and Josh converge on the notion that at the core of truly transformative mind shifts lies the relentless pursuit of truth, emphasizing that uncovering falsehoods can unlock barriers to personal growth.
Key Takeaways:

Relationships should be prioritized over achievements, with a focus not just on their importance but also discerning which relationships matter most.

True success is not measured by what one accumulates or achieves, but by who they become and the relationships they foster.

The single most potent mindset shift is the commitment to relentlessly uncovering truth, unearthing deeper realities beneath surface appearances.

Essentialism teaches the elimination of non-essentials to reveal what's fundamentally important: relationships.

The courage to seek, speak, and act upon truth paves the way for significant life upgrades and authentic self-realization.

Notable Quotes:

"Success is not what I accomplish. It's who I become."

"The best way to find truth is by looking at who has the best results towards the good of the world.”

“If you just try and accomplish something for the sake of accomplishing it, you could hurt feelings. You could ruin relationships."

Resources:

Website: draxe.com


Book: "Think This, Not That" by Dr. Josh Axe


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Dr. Josh Axe is a certified doctor of natural medicine and a clinical nutritionist. He is passionate about helping people use food, lifestyle, and mindset to heal and prevent illness. Dr. Axe graduated from Johns Hopkins University and earned a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership. He founded a functional medicine center in Nashville, which grew to become one of the most renowned clinics in the world. Dr. Axe is the founder of the website draxe.com, one of the top natural health websites globally. He also hosts a fast-growing show and podcast, "The Dr. Axe Show," where he covers topics related to health, mindset, personal growth, and spiritual growth. Dr. Axe has interviewed notable guests such as Carrie Underwood, Dave Ramsey, and Jamie Kern Lima. He recently authored a book titled "Think This, Not That," which explores mindsets that can lead to breakthroughs in life.
Episode Summary:
In this episode, Greg interviews Josh Axe about the power of mindsets and mind shifts in achieving personal growth and making a significant impact in the world. Josh shares two personal stories of mind shifts that transformed his life—one involving a life-threatening medical condition and another related to his academic abilities. He emphasizes the importance of adopting growth mindsets and seeking inspiration from individuals who have achieved greatness in various fields. The conversation delves into the role of limiting beliefs, the impact of the medical profession's fixed mindset, and the need to challenge societal narratives. Josh also discusses the significance of character development and the pursuit of one's unique gifts and talents to maximize personal growth and make a positive difference in the world.
Key Takeaways:

Mindsets and mind shifts are crucial for personal growth and making quantum leaps in life.

Limiting beliefs can hinder individuals from fulfilling their potential and achieving their goals.

Seeking inspiration from individuals who have achieved greatness can help shape positive mindsets.

Combining character development with the pursuit of one's unique gifts and talents leads to maximum personal growth and impact.

Creating space for silence and reflection is essential for hearing one's conscience and calling.

Notable Quotes:

"If we sit here and believe that we can only get as good as what others tell us, we won't experience breakthroughs or miracles." - Dr. Josh Axe

"We constantly have people in our lives telling us we're not smart enough, not good enough, not worthy. If we believe it, it can put a cap on our potential." - Dr. Josh Axe

"The people who do the most in this life are the ones who think most about the next life." - Dr. Josh Axe

"Busyness and noise can drown out our conscience and calling. Creating space for silence and reflection is crucial." - Dr. Josh Axe

Resources:

Website: draxe.com


Book: "Think This, Not That" by Dr. Josh Axe


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