A Place for Expression
By William Dawes
52 Weeks of Why - Don Ritenour (Business Owner @ YoFresh Food, Recovering Addict, entrepreneur)
(Please excuse the gap in Podcast postings - auto upload to Youtube/Facebook worked but for some reason Podcast didn't! - will catch up posting in the coming days)
This episode of #52WeeksofWhy features my good friend Don Ritenour! Don is an outstanding Chef, business owner, entrepreneur, friend and husband! His is a story of drug addiction, rehab, relapse, starting a business, getting divorced....and now CLEAN, happily married, and operating a successful business.
****Please note that this episode has GRAPHIC CONTENT that my be disturbing to some people****
Thanks Don for taking time away from YoFresh Food to share your story and your WHY. It is so important for people struggling with addiction to hear that they can overcome, get through it, and be a success! You are an outstanding example. Stay strong my friend - you have my full support!
#knowyourwhy #simonsinek #yofresh #recoveryispossible #overcomeadversity #entrepreneur #staystrong #overcome
52 Weeks of Why - Barry Habib (Author, Speaker, Entrepreneur, Motivational Speaker)
I have a very special guest on #52WeeksofWhy, my good friend Barry Habib. Barry is the CEO and Founder of MBS Highway - my daily go-to resource for Market updates and information!
Barry has an outstanding list of friends, mentors and entrepreneurial achievements...I'll try to name just a few. He was the Lead Producer and Managing Partner for Rock of Ages and produced Chriss Angel's Mindfreak at Planet Hollywood in Vegas.
Barry's new book "Money In the Streets" is a story of overcoming obstacles and achieving dreams. It's an easy to read book with tangible and actionable things we can all apply to our lives. I'll provide a link to this in the comments.
Thank you Barry Habib for spending time with me, sharing your knowledge and expertise, and for being a friend!
#SimonSinek #KnowyourWhy #BarryHabib #MoneyintheStreets #MBSHighway #BarryHabib #differencemaker #lifechanger #successmentor #businessphilosopher #changemaker
52 Weeks of Why - Dr Candice McDonald (NASA Employee, Empowering Women, SuccessupLife.com)
My guest this week on #52WeeksofWhy is Dr. Candice McDonald.
Her story is one of overcoming naysayers: her 8th Grade guidance counselor told her she would never graduate & she was told she 'didn't have an office' since she didn't have her doctorate. She also overcame outright rejection: Kent State denied her Doctorate Application. She now works for NASA (take that naysayers!) and does everything she can to empower other women and kids so that they too can succeed through naysayers and rejection. Her husband's positive COVID test was her most recent challenge and we finish our discussion talking about this.
Thank you Candice for sharing your story, your WHY, and for everything you do to make the world a better place for our children (especially my daughters!) and our community. Check out her Website (SuccessUpLife) and join her in supporting healthcare workers and empowering women & children.
#NASA #KnowyourWhy #SimonSinek #SuccessupLife #DrCandiceMcDonald #overcome #naysayers #liveyourbestlife #choosesuccess
52 Weeks of Why - Laura Zavadil (Dancer, Mother, Entrepreneur)
My guest this week on #52WeeksofWhy is Laura Paden Zavadil. Laura is co-owner of Mega Barre Youngstown, wife and mother of three daughters. She has a wonderful story of travel and overcoming challenges and becoming a wife and mom and entrepreneur.
Thank you Laura for sharing your journey to Japan and then back to our home town and for being a part of 52 Weeks of Why!
#simonsinek #knowyourwhy #52weeksofwhy #dancer #professionaldancer #entrepreneur #megabarreyoungstown #healthylifestyle #liveyourbestlife
52 Weeks of Why - Steve Cross (Digital Marketer, Father of 4 boys, Husband, Lifechanger)
My guest this week on #52WeeksofWhy is Steve Cross. Steve is a father of 4 boys (ranging from toddler to college age) husband, entrepreneur and CEO of iSynergy, a digital marketing agency in Youngstown, Ohio.
In one specific part of this interview, Steve and I talk about his two older sons. His oldest was a Senior leading into COVID, and 2nd oldest was a Junior (now a Senior). Hearing how COVID changed their lives and how Steve helped them was really inspiring to me.
Thank you Steve for sharing your story and journey to entrepreneurship, starting your own business, marrying your wife, raising children, and for being a part of 52 Weeks of Why.
#lifechanger #differencemaker #simonsinek #knowyourwhy #52weeksofwhy #isynergy #helpingpeoplemeettheirgoals #goalcrusher #father #husband
52 Weeks of Why - Lori Scobee (Social Worker, Birth Parent Counselor, Adoption Advocate)
.My guest on this Episode of 52 Weeks of Why is Lori Coffey Scobee
...and then she continues to support women after birth & adoption have taken place. She has helped over 50 children in the last few years through this adoption planning process. I am humbled by her desire to serve and help others and learned a lot today. Lori is a true life changer. She helps women who going through an unplanned pregnancy understand what an adoption plan could look like for them through
Connected by Love Adoptions-Birth Mom Advocacy Center and Caring for Kids, Inc
Join us as we talk about Lori's WHY....and I share a humble lesson learned on this Podcast.... Thank you Lori for taking the time to be on #52WeeksofWhy, it was great to meet you! I fully support your WHY and your MISSION and you successfully changed my outlook on this Podcast.
#simonsinek #knowyourwhy #adoptionplan #birthmom #lifechanger #socialworker #helpingmoms #unplannedpregnancy #helpingmoms #helpingchildren
52 Weeks of Why - Steve Cross (Digital Marketer, Father of 4 boys, Husband, Lifechanger)
My guest this week on #52WeeksofWhy is Steve Cross. Steve is a father of 4 boys (ranging from toddler to college age) husband, entrepreneur and CEO of iSynergy, a digital marketing agency in Youngstown, Ohio.
In one specific part of this interview, Steve and I talk about his two older sons. His oldest was a Senior leading into COVID, and 2nd oldest was a Junior (now a Senior). Hearing how COVID changed their lives and how Steve helped them was really inspiring to me.
Thank you Steve for sharing your story and journey to entrepreneurship, starting your own business, marrying your wife, raising children, and for being a part of 52 Weeks of Why.
#lifechanger #differencemaker #simonsinek #knowyourwhy #52weeksofwhy #isynergy #helpingpeoplemeettheirgoals #goalcrusher
52 Weeks of Why - Stephanie Gilchrist (Mentor for Women and Children)
My guest on this Episode of 52 Weeks of Why is Stephanie Gilchrist.
Stephanie is dedicated to helping young adults in the Mahoning Valley through Inspiring Minds Youngstown. She is also heavily involved in WE-Women In Entrepreneurship.
We are both huge fans of Les Brown and I was really happy to have a chance to introduce her to Inky Johnson, who she had never heard speak before!
Join us as we talk about Stephanie's WHY....and as I share some things I've learned as well.
Yes, on this day I was not wearing Black because it was #RedFriday. I get messages every time I'm not wearing black!
Thank you Stephanie for taking the time to be on #52WeeksofWhy, it was so great to meet you!
#simonsineek #knowyourwhy #womeninentrepreneurship #inspiringminds #mahoningvalley #positivemotivation #learningfromourpreachers
52 Weeks of Why - China Darrington (Hope Dealer)
This episode of 52 Weeks of Why features China Krys Darrington. China has a powerful story of overcoming addiction and turning her past into a platform to be a real life changer. Her WHY impacts the lives of those who are facing a life or death decision regarding their addiction. She creates a fork in the road for those who believe there is no way out.
Thank you China for sharing your why, your time and being involved in #52weeksofwhy. Congratulations on 17-years!!
#lifechanger #differencemaker #knowyourwhy #simonsinek #overcomeaddiction #soberliving #hopedealer
52 Weeks of Why - TJ Curran (Comedian, Loan Officer, Dad)
This episode of 52 Weeks of Why features my good friend TJ Curran. His motivation to succeed, his WHY, is something we can all relate to. A former comedian turned Loan Officer & dad, TJ has a story worth listening to. Thank you TJ for sharing your why, your time and being involved in #52weeksofwhy. Your son's a lucky little man to have you as a dad. #gonegreen #lifechanger #differencemaker #fairwayfamily #fairwaynation
52 Weeks of Why - Christina Miller (Adult Educator & Lifechanger)
This episode of 52 Weeks of Why features an avid reader and educator who has a WHY near and dear to my heart. My Gust, Christina Miller, is someone I'm very glad have in my circle!
Thank you Christina for sharing your why, for being involved in #52weeksofwhy and all your efforts changing the lives of adults seeking a fork in the road and a better future!
#AdultEducator #KnowyourWhy #SimonSinek #lifechanger #differencemaker #bethechange
52 Weeks of Why - Louise Thaxton (American Warrior Initiative, RED Friday Supporter!)
This episode of 52 Weeks of Why is very special to me. My guest, Louise Thaxton, is a friend and mentor - someone I'm very glad to have met and have in my life. Her WHY is exemplified in her daily life, her philanthropy, and her work.
Thank you Wheezy for sharing your why, your time and being involved in #52weeksofwhy and all your efforts serving our Veterans through the American Warrior Initiative!
#gonegreen #lifechanger #differencemaker #fairwayfamily #fairwaynation #AWI #americanwarriorinitiative #REDfriday
52 Weeks of Why - Episode 20 - Caroline Ritenour
This episode features my Entrepreneur friend Caroline Ritenour who really struggled with finding her WHY. Join us as we talk about the difficulties of finding a WHY, and how having a WHY can energize you!
#52weeksofwhy #simonsinek #goldencircle #knowyourwhy #entrepreneur
52 Weeks of Why - Andy Andrews (New York Times Best Selling Author)
This episode of 52 Weeks of Why features the one, the only, the outstanding Andy Andrews! His books have impacted the lives of so many people and it was truly an honor to have him on the Podcast and hear his WHY
#52weeksofwhy #knowyourwhy #andyandrews #thenoticer #author #lifechanger #differencemaker #author #speaker
52 Weeks of Why - Episode 18 - Vince Poscente
My guest on 52 Weeks of Why this episode is New York Times Bestselling Author, Speaker Hall of Fame Inductee, and Olympic Competitor Vince Poscente.
Vince's book "The Ant and the Elephant" was one in a series of books that changed my life! He is one of my Top 5 favorite authors and speakers.
Vince has a unique approach to his WHY. You'll love the journey we take.Thank you sir for taking the time with me and for so many insights into discovering the WHY!
#52weeksofwhy #knowyourwhy #simonsinek #vinceposcente #covidcampers #rockstar #antandtheelephant #trainyourmind #learnfromthebest #olympian #lifechanger #differencemaker
52 WoW - Episode 17 - Michael Dunsky
My good from BOSTON came to share some real truth and knowledge along with his WHY.
#52weeksofwhy #boston #knowyourwhy #familyfirst #payitforward
52 Weeks of Why - Episode 16 - Ken Pederson
This episode of 52 Weeks of Why features my good friend Ken Pederson! Ken shares his story of growing up without his father and how that situation inspired him to be the best father he could be. He is a true difference maker!
Thank you Ken for taking time to share your why with me!
#52weeksofwhy #knowyourwhy #simonsinek #fairwaystories #fairwayindependentmortgage #differencemaker #lifechanger #fairwayignite #dadlife #helpingpeople
52 Weeks of Why - Episode 15 - Todd Gongwer (Lead for God's Sake)
I couldn't have asked for a better episode of 52 Weeks of Why to post on Easter Sunday! Todd Gongwer's book, "Lead for God's Sake" should clue you in on his WHY. This interview is about parenting, servant leadership, coaching, and finding purpose (not passion). Todd is a newfound friend and I'm honored to call him as much.
THANK YOU Todd Gongwer for joining me and sharing so much knowledge and so many tips to finding true purpose.
#52weeksofwhy #leadforgodssake #knowyourwhy #simonsinek #fairwayignite #differencemaker #lifechanger #janitorcoach #servantleader #leadership #coaching #purposeoverpassion
52 Weeks of Why - Episode 14 - Chris Clark (Golden Knight & 82nd Airborne Veteran)
This Episode of 52-Weeks-of-Why features 82nd Airborne & Golden Knight Veteran Chris Clark. His story is about perseverance, never giving up, and being true to what matters most.
If you think what we are going through today is hard...listen to his story of adversity, hardships, a life threatening injury, and multiple surgeries. I am fortunate to call him friend!
This episode is a bit longer and more storytelling than normal so I'll break down times below (there are quite a few pictures in this episode as well):
Decision to Enlist: 4:00
Jumping out of Planes: 8:30
Professional Jumper: 11:30
Why Golden Knights: 15:00
Pictures of 'Docking Parachutes:' 18:43
Getting into the Golden Knights: 22:00
Jumping into Ballgames: 26:00
Hearing the Crowd: 29:30
Wingsuit Jumping: 31:00
Going to Nasa: 35:00
The Accident that changed everything: 36:05
The landing: 42:20
Quick Decisions: 44:50
Recovery: 47:00
His WHY: 52:00
#52weeksofwhy #quarantinelife #knowyourwhy #simonsinek #coronavirus #quarantined2020 #stayIn #family #TeamDawesOhio #veteran #airborne #82ndAirborne #jumpingoutofplanes #professionaljumper #goldenknight #disabledvet #disabledveteran
52 Weeks of Why - Episode 13 - Josh Mettle
This Episode of 52-Weeks-of-Why features Coach, Author, Leader, Father, Husband and medical Loan Specialist, Joshua Mettle. Josh is a good friend and INSPIRATIONAL person.
His WHY, and his journey to find it, is a great message for anyone on a journey to find their WHY.
#52weeksofwhy #quarantinelife #knowyourwhy #simonsinek #coronavirus #quarantined2020 #covid19 #stayIn #differencemaker #givinghope #sharinghope #coach #family #fairwayjoy #TeamDawesOhio #WHY
52 Weeks of Why - Episode 12 - Ryan Leak (HOPE during COVID19 / Coronavirus)
This Episode of 52 Weeks of Why features Executive coach, keynote speaker, author, and filmmaker, Ryan Leak (Ryan Leak). His message shares encouragement and HOPE in these challenging times.
If you are seeking a positive message, his WHY is it! All of his books are highly recommended: Unoffendable, The One, and Chasing Failure. In this episode he also shares that he is working on a new book! I can't wait to read it!
If you want to see an amazing story of how he proposed and married his wife in the same day - watch his YouTube Video, "The Surprise Wedding" (that has over 1.4M views) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vqgRaZIRHRI
Thank you so much Ryan for taking the time to share your WHY! I have been and will continue to be a FAN of all of your work.
#52weeksofwhy #quarantinelife #knowyourwhy #simonsinek #coronavirus #quarantined2020 #unoffendable #ryanleak #author #HOPE #covid19 #stayin #thesurprisewedding #differencemaker #givinghope #sharinghope #coach #family #fairwayjoy
52 Weeks of Why - Episode 11 - Ryan Grant
This week, on Episode 11 of 52 Weeks of Why, my guest is Ryan Grant. Ryan and his team are absolute rock stars! His WHY is for anyone who wants to see change happen - regardless of what industry you're in. Thank you so much Ryan for sharing your time and being involved in #52weeksofwhy!
#knowyourwhy #goldencircle #differencemaker #lifechanger #gonegreen #fairwaynation
52 Weeks of Why - Episode 10 - Bob Rankin
Episode 10 of 52-Weeks-of-Why features Bob Rankin! Bob is a father, grandfather, Leader, and an extremely successful entrepreneur!
His WHY is consistent with the messages found in all of my readings regarding success. Thank you Bob for taking the time to be a part of this journey!
#52weeksofwhy #differencemaker #gonegreen #lifechanger #leader#knowyourwhy #simonsinek
52 Weeks of Why - Episode 9 - Nicole Rueth
This week, on Episode 9 of 52 Weeks of Why, my guest is Nicole Rueth. Nicole is an absolute rock star! Her WHY is so selfless, it's an inspiration. Thank you so much Nicole for sharing your time and being involved in #52weeksofwhy! You're a good friend!
#knowyourwhy #goldencircle #differencemaker #lifechanger #gonegreen #fairwaynation
(also available on iTunes/Spotify Podcasts & YouTube! just search #52weeksofwhy)
52 Weeks of Why - Episode 8 - Carolyn Hollback
This week, on Episode 8 of 52 Weeks of Why, my guest is Carolyn Hollback. Carolyn has been a special education teacher for 30-years and her WHY is perfect for her career. Thank you Carolyn for sharing your time and being involved in #52weeksofwhy
52 Weeks of Why - Episode 7 - Katie White
This week, on Episode 7 of 52 Weeks of Why, my guest is Katie Robinson White. Katie's WHY is an inspiration for anyone who has taken the initiative to be self-made and inspire others to greatness. Thank you Katie for sharing your time and being involved in #52weeksofwhy #gonegreen #lifechanger #differencemaker #fairwayfamily #fairwaynation (also available on iTunes/Spotify Podcasts & YouTube! just search #52weeksofwhy)
52 Weeks of Why - Episode 6 - Casssandra Compton Kapoor
This week, on Episode 6 of 52 Weeks of Why, my guest is Cassandra Compton Kapoor. Cassandra's WHY is a book end to her days and shines through in all personal and business interactions.
Thank you Cassandra for sharing your time and being involved in #52weeksofwhy
#gonegreen #lifechanger #differencemaker #fairwayfamily #fairwaynation
52 Weeks of Why - Episode 5 - Rick Lobdell
Episode 5 of 52-Weeks-of-Why features Rick Lobdell! Rick is a one of the most outstanding artists I have had the privilege of meeting. He is a husband, father, and friend of over a decade. Concrete Mystique Engraving is his passion and where he has found his calling to share his art #52weeksofwhy
52 Weeks of Why - Episode 4 - Linda Davidson
Episode 4 of 52 Weeks of Why features Linda Davidson. Linda is a friend and mentor - a true difference maker! #52weeksofwhy
52 Weeks of Why - Episode 3 - David Lazowski
This week, on Episode 3 of 52 Weeks of Why, my guest is David Lazowski. Laz is a friend and mentor - someone I'm very glad to have met and have in my life. His WHY is powerful! #52weeksofwhy
52 Weeks of Why - Episode 2 - Greg Lakin
#52WeeksofWhy - Week 2 features a friend of 30-years who is a plastic surgeon, husband, and father - Greg Lakin
52 Weeks of Why - Episode 1 - Ben Ratner
#52WeeksofWhy begins with Ben Ratner, owner of Lib's Market in Salem, OH! Ben is an entrepreneur, father, husband, musician, and community activist. His WHY had an interesting twist to it.
Don’t make decisions out of rebellion.
Don’t demand the fruit before the seed has been planted.
Your Life Project
Lawrence Becker (a modern Stoic Philosopher) takes this a step further stating that we should look at the roles in our life “all things considered,” meaning not just by focusing on one at a time, but while keeping in mind the broader project of our lives.
I’ll give you an example. I am a father, a husband, and also a Coach, and a Board Member, and a friend, and a brother, and a son. In other words, like everyone else, I wear many different hats in my life. I play different roles.
The tendency is to focus with a microscope on each role individually….as separate from each other. It comes naturally. But it is a mistake! By focusing only on the role we are playing in the moment, we lose sight of the proper balance across all the roles. Don’t misunderstand, I have expectations for my own behavior in each individual role (towards my children, my wife, my clients, my fellow board members, my friends, and family, etc). But these roles are bound to intersect and at times conflict with one another. When they do, then what?
Massimo Pigliucci (a modern Stoic Philosopher) says, “We need to keep in mind our ‘life project’ as a whole, treating every problem and approaching every relationship, all things considered, with the objective of finding the most harmonious dynamic equilibrium possible, given the circumstances and our resources of time, effort, and so forth.”
Today take a few minutes to reflect on the various roles you play in life and think of what it would mean to have every individual one working so harmoniously together that they create a ‘whole you.’ Your life project.
Know when to say no.
Saying “No” doesn’t come naturally and requires effort. The context of my thoughts are not about necessarily about saying no to people (when asked to do something), but rather learning when not to do certain things:
· when not to read an email
· when not to read a text
· when not to answer the phone
· when not to reply to an email
· when not to reply to a text
· when not to speak or answer a question
Not doing these things requires knowing yourself well enough to know:
· when you’re not in your BEST mental place
· when your anxiety is teetering on the ‘edge of the stress ledge’ and one minor thing could push you over
· when your heart isn’t ready to handle a situation
· when you can’t treat the person you’re interacting with the way they deserve
It takes practice….learning when not to do things…..learning how to say “No” in these situations. You have to pay attention to your mental, physical, and emotional queues. You have to know how much fuel you have left in your emotional tank.
If you don’t have enough emotional fuel, don’t read that email or text that will drain the tank and leave you on empty for the rest of your day. Glance at it, but cut the supply of fuel immediately. Go back to it only when you know you’re ready. When other, more important tasks, have been successfully completed and you know that you can address the email or text with a clean slate.
Pay close attention and realize when it may not be the best time to talk to the person you Love, the ones you value most over everyone else. Say, “I’m sorry I can’t discuss this right now.” Be real. Give them the mental and emotional respect they deserve. They will appreciate that you are not giving them ‘partial attention.’ They will appreciate that the responses you give will not be reactionary or emotional. They will know when the time comes that you do talk…that you are giving them 100% of your best self.
Do your best to be mentally, physically, and emotionally responsible with every single written word and action. Give your best with your ears, your eyes, your touch, and your words. Don’t do it, read it, listen to it, or watch it until you can give it as much of your heart and mind as it deserves without draining your tank.