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Malina Parmar

Man Of The Week – Tyson Moultrie

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Tyson is the Co-Owner and Chief Communications Officer at Why Blue Matters; an agency and publication that specialist in strategic branding, marketing innovations, public relations, social media and creative consulting. A Man of many talents, Tyson is also involved with numerous projects and organizations aside from his own. In addition to running Why Blue Matters, Tyson is a GQ Insider, a contributing blogger and writer for areyouthereason.com, popwrapped.com, porhomme.com, and a Brand Ambassador for various brands. Tyson strongly believes in giving back and does this through speaking engagements on topics ranging from Youth Development to self-awareness with his non-profit, Freedom of Life Society. A strong desire to connect with people and to help them become more self-aware has fuelled Tyson to help create a legacy where people think differently about themselves and problems, and using their creative talents for progress of a collective.
Age? 27 year old – 9 Oct 1987
What do you do? (Work)
I’m the Co-Owner and Chief Communications Officer of Why Blue Matters?® Hybrid Creative Agency + Publication
Why do you do it?
I do it because I genuinely love finding new ways to connect with different audiences
How do you make a difference in the world? (Work, business, life, family, self)
I did start a non-profit Freedom of Life Society, Inc. which we had business owners and entrepreneurs mentoring youth, starting in a local detention center in MA, in order to lead them down a path of not just working, but building for yourself. Since that I continue to do speaking engagements, speaking to anyone about self-improvement and awareness in their given vertical. 
What are 3 defining moments in your life?
Having kids, starting businesses and joining the military.
What is your life purpose?
I honestly want to focus on helping people become more self-aware, a strong development for knowledge of self and self-worth. As for my plans to contribute to change in this problem, I want to continue to lead people to a more cognitive way of looking at themselves through the world’s eyes to discover what makes them unique and capable through identifying their strengths.
How did you tap into it?
I think what let me tap into discovering my purpose was really assessing what my value was and is, and realizing more people struggle with finding their strengths which therefore slows the progress of us as a human race.
Who is your Role-Model or Mentor?
My father, Richard Moultrie, Jr. of course, he was my first teacher in life. I credit Kellen Coleman, with being a mentor to me which is ironic because we met working and developing our own mentoring program. Also, my partner A.L. Roberts who I have the opportunity to learn from daily as we spend so much time together whether it’s in person, phone or video conferencing.
Do you have any daily habits? If so, what are they?
I think my number 1 daily habit, more like an obsession is never leaving a business related email unanswered. I actually attribute a lot of my successes to that, that minor adjustment allows opportunity to enter into your life that much sooner.
When do you know your work/life balance is off?
I personally know when my time management isn’t followed, for me I typically tend to overwork myself and under live…so just remembering to take time out to smell the roses or sleep and eat lol.
Vulnerability is a challenge for most men – share a vulnerable moment from your life with us.
Well, I’m a father and I love kids, I have 2, but I’m not able to be as involved and constant in my oldest’s life solely based on his mother. Now that is a challenge and realizing that as capable, able and intelligent as one can be creating a life with someone else open’s you up to a level of vulnerability and hurt that you have very little direct control over.
What did you learn from it?
I learned to make mutually beneficial agreements in the good times to be followed still during the not so good times, and do it in writing
If you are or were going to be a mentor for another man, what is one piece of advice you would give him?
Interesting, I do mentor others and the one piece of advice I give is acceptance. Whether it’s accepting the results of something outside of your control and accepting what’s in your control. Accepting what you are or aren’t capable of and how good you are at it. Accepting consequences of actions when you’re not accountable for something. Accepting someone’s differences. The chance to exercise this spirit of acceptance presents itself and it is a simple, not always easy, way to workout that muscle of self-awareness.
How do you be the best partner? (Boyfriend/Husband- past or present)
I think the most important thing is support, just having incredible belief in that other human being’s abilities to evolve.
Do you support any Charities or Not-for-profits? (Which one(s) and why?)
I know they may sound super ambiguous, but I support a bunch of different ones and it really depends on the season of need that I feel a section of society is in. Whether it’s Make-A-Wish, Yellow Ribbon, natural disasters, education, equality or sometimes a good cause on GoFundMe.
If your life had a theme song, what would it be?
Tough one, but I suppose I would say Kanye West “Dream Killers”, but realistically I’d have to do a master mash up of a bunch lol.
Where do you see yourself in 3 years?
I see myself exactly where I deserve to be after 3 years of my faith and work have brought me in business, life, relationships and more.
What legacy do you want to leave for future generations?
I’d like to leave legacy of forward creative thinking and utilizing your individual talents for the progress of a collective. That spirit would be great to have perpetuate.
What One book would you recommend for any Man?
Another tough one…Dale Carnegie ‘How To Win Friends & Influence People’, although WBM is built heavily on the philosophy of ‘Think & Grow Rich’ by Napoleon Hill.
Who is one Man you think our readers would love to read about in future ‘Man Of The Week’ features?
I know you said one, but I tend to be a rebel and do what I believe is right I’d have to say A.L. Roberts, Kellen Coleman and Gary Vaynerchuk.
 
If you know a Man that is making a positive impact on the world, we would love to hear from you! Contact us at [email protected]

What Does Depression Feel Like and What Should You Do? With John Nieuwenburg

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Episode: 012

John Nieuwenburg attempted suicide and talks on the importance of talking about your depression and seeking help.

 
Introduction:
John Nieuwenburg opens up in a very vulnerable way about his attempted suicide and depression on today’s show. John is an award-winning coach and a TedX speaker. He talks on what depression feels like, his recovery after his suicide attempt, and how other people can prevent what John has went through. Do not be afraid to talk about your depression and to seek help. The only way to come out of your darkness is by shining a light on it.
ManTalks Podcast on iTunes
Listen to it on iTunes
Mantalks Stitcher podcast
Listen to it on Stitcher
Key Takeaways:
[2:55] Who is John Nieuwenburg?
[7:55] What was life like for John before the age of 45?
[13:40] What makes a great coach?
[17:55] What type of work does John do?
[23:25] Why did John attempt suicide?
[25:45] What does depression feel like?
[34:00] We give depression power by not talking about it. Talk about your depression. [39:35] With depression, you feel like you’ve run out of options.
[45:00] Statistics on suicides in Canada says that 3 out of 4 suicides are men.
[48:10] What happened after John’s suicide attempt?
[51:40] Remember, ManTalks is hosting a full one day event on Nov 7th. [55:20] How can you help people who are suffering?
[58:10 The only way to come out of the darkness is by shining a light on it. [58:35] Should you take medication?
[1:01:50] Should you talk about depression with children?
[1:03:40] What does it mean to be a man today?
[1:05:50] Do you have a written definition of the best you can be? Affirmations are important. [1:09:00] What is John excited about today?
 
Mentioned In This Episode:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jNScHdMMw8E http://w5coaching.com
Darkness Visible by William Styron http://www.ted.com/talks/brene_brown_on_vulnerability?language=en

 
Music Credit:
J Parlange & Latenite Automatic (jesusparlange.com – lateniteautomatic.com)
 
Tweetables:
“Coaching by nature is the desire to teach.”
“Commit to the time, to the process, and the money takes care of itself.”
“Mental disease often shows up as behavioral issues. We often think they’re character flaws.”
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“You’re not as alone as you think you might be.”

Man Of The Week – Light Watkins

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Trust is one of the most critical, yet fragile, facets in every relationship we have. It can often be the deciding factor that determines how relationships unfold and how much we choose to invest. This weeks Man Of The Week, Light Watkins, learned this lesson from the very young age of seven, when he felt heavy discouragement because his coach did not trust him.
Today, Light is a meditation expert, a published author, blogger and TEDx speaker that teaches meditation as a way to trigger happiness, one that is rooted in the trust and love we have for ourselves. He has personally taught over 2,000 people to meditate and is currently inviting people to join him on a meditation retreat in Costa Rica New Years 2016, or learn meditation in LA, NYC and Chicago

Age: 42

What do you do?
I’m an author, teacher, and founder of The Shine Movement.
Why do you do it?
When I was 29, I made a vow to follow my heart relentlessly. I knew that if I could do that, all of my other needs would be met.
How do you make a difference in the world?
I feel that it’s my responsibility to have blind trust in life — and in the moments when I’m able to do that, everything and everyone that I come into contact with benefits.
What are 3 defining moments in your life?
1) When I was 7, my little league baseball coach instructed me not to swing, because he was afraid I would strike out. That experience taught me what discouragement feels like, and I vowed to never be that person who discourages people from taking a chance.
2) Discovering the Conversation with God books when I was 26 — it was my gateway into becoming a spiritual seeker.
3) Meeting my meditation teacher when I was 29.
What is your life purpose?
To continue following my heart and trusting in life.
How did you tap into it?
I believe it’s inherent within each of us. What I’ve found is that daily meditation refines my ability to detect heart messages with greater accuracy.
Who is your Role-Model or Mentor?
My father, an attorney, is my role model. He’s always been a hard worker, sharp as a whip, and one of the most insightful people I’ve ever met. He’s never lost a case.
Do you have any daily habits? If so, what are they?
Daily meditation. Exercise. Laughing.
When do you know your work/life balance is off?
When I’m reluctant to receive — it means I haven’t been giving enough.
Vulnerability is a challenge for most men – share a vulnerable moment from your life with us.
The process of accepting a new name, “Light,” and deciding to go through with changing it ten years ago.
What did you learn from it?
I learned that Westerners are the only culture to keep the name they were given at birth, and I received further confirmation that when you follow through with what’s in your heart, you always end up in a better position than you imagined for yourself.
If you are or were going to be a mentor for another man, what is one piece of advice you would give him?
Always leave a situation or relationship better than you found it, including your own body and life.
How do you be the best partner (Boyfriend/Husband- past or present)
When the going gets tough, remember that women communicate very differently from men (and often have different priorities as well), so instead of resisting those differences, learn to appreciate and honor them.
Do you support any Charities or Not-for-profits? (Which one(s) and why?)
I started The Shine Movement in Los Angeles as a community of micro-philanthropy. In other words, inspire a lot of people to use what they have now to make a difference on a local level.
If your life had a theme song, what would it be?
Bobby McFerrin – Don’t Worry Be Happy
Where do you see yourself in 3 years?
Still teaching and writing, and hopefully being a father
What legacy do you want to leave for future generations?
The truth about happiness — that it comes from within
What One book would you recommend for any Man?
My book, The Inner Gym: A 30-Day Workout for Strengthening Happiness. It’s a practical how-to guide for anyone who wants to stabilize happiness from the inside-out.
 
If you know a Man that is making a positive impact on the world, we would love to hear from you! Contact us at [email protected]

Vikram Vij. Its all about finding passion.

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Episode: 010

Vikram Vij talks on his core beliefs, his frustrations with prejudice, and striving for freedom.

 
Introduction:
Vikram Vij is an Indian-born Canadian chef and the co-owner of Vij’s Restaurant in Vancouver. Vikram brings his extreme optimism and passion for cooking right in to this podcast. He says passion is like your first love and your focus should be your second love. When these two loves are combined, it’s a great recipe for success. Vikram shares openly the challenges he has faced and his frustrations with prejudice. He also talks on the importance of freedom and respecting everyone, no matter what social class they may be.
ManTalks Podcast on iTunes
Listen to it on iTunes
Mantalks Stitcher podcast
Listen to it on Stitcher
Key Takeaways:
[1:25] Who is Vikram Vij?
[5:50] What does passion mean to Vikram?
[8:30] Why did Vikram go to Austria?
[11:15] Failure is a part of our lives.
[11:45] There’s no formula for success.
[13:30] What kind of challenges has Vikram experienced?
[19:00] What’s Vikram’s definition of success?
[20:20] Vikram talks about his mentors.
[23:15] What are Vikram’s core beliefs?
[28:10] Connor and Roger tell you about the 1-day event ManTalks will be hosting and how you can win free tickets.
[32:00] What people thrive for in life is freedom.
[35:50] Vikram is often frustrated by prejudice.
[38:45] Best resources? Travel the world.
[42:55] What does it mean to be a man today?
[48:00] One piece of advice? Respect everyone.
[49:40] What kind of legacy would Vikram like to leave?
[51:55] What’s Vikram excited about today?
[56:25] Love what you do and don’t take things for granted.
 

Mentioned In This Episode:
https://mantalks.com/
Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill.
http://www.vijs.ca/
https://twitter.com/Vijs_restaurant
https://www.facebook.com/Vijs-174255645924082/timeline/

 
Music Credit:
J Parlange & Latenite Automatic (jesusparlange.com – lateniteautomatic.com)
 
Tweetables:
“Passion has to be your first love and focus has to be your second love.”
“The first love and second love have to match. They have to live together in order to create something.”
“There is no pill for success.”
“Anybody else can tell you this is wrong, but if you believe this is right, then you’re going to go for it.”

How Death Transformed My Life

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The world changed when my son Zain joined our family on an early morning in June 2005. And I became a different man. Or so I told myself.
Once the flurry of excitement died down, it didn’t take long before he became a burden. Diaper changes, feeding, and constant exhaustion – it was all too much. Don’t get me wrong, I loved watching him grow up and enjoyed many moments of discovery and awe, but it was hard.
Too hard. And too much.
Obviously, I didn’t share that with the people around me. From the outside, my son’s arrival was absolutely amazing, and an incredible miracle celebrated by ecstatic new parents and loving relatives. He was (and is!) still loved and cherished.
The fact was that as thrilled I was to become a father, I wasn’t ready for the commitment. I buried myself at work, and my wife was the one who took care of most of my son’s needs; except the few times I helped out and played with him.
Now, I wasn’t a complete asshole – I did try to help out and supported my wife as best I could – but what I’m talking about was what’s happening inside. I wasn’t present.
You’re waiting for the moment when I totally changed and became the best dad ever, and we lived happily ever after, right?
Keep waiting.
I was waiting for that as well for what it seemed like forever. I kept telling myself that I’d get better at this parenting thing. It’d be better when Zain learned how to talk, or maybe when he grows up a little, or maybe when I learned more about being a better parent.
I did want to be a better father. I read, I researched, I attended workshops… And then I realized one thing –this is life, not work.
This was my life. Not some job. Nothing I could prepare for, or a meeting to attend and then leave. It’s life, and it happens every day.
What the heck does that mean?
Well, you’ve heard the saying, it’s about the journey, not the destination, right? If you’re anything like I was at that time, a workaholic entrepreneur – it was all about the destination. Why else would I be busting my ass at work every day? Wasn’t the point to work hard enough so that someday so I can finally relax and enjoy the real life?!
I forgot about the journey I was on. Life.
Work harder, faster, and better doesn’t work in life, because there is only one destination in life – death.
As a much as I don’t want to ever think about it, the ultimate destination of my life, the lives of everyone around me, and even my son’s life – is death.
It’s a tragic thing to say and probably the most terrifying thought to ever cross my mind. But it’s just a fact of life, nothing can change it, and nothing I do can make it go away.
Everyone lives, and everyone dies. It’s what happens between that counts.
This realization didn’t cause me to leave my job, or go on a journey of self-discovery somewhere in Nepal. I just started doing the things I thought I had time to do “later.”
Because I now know the final destination of life is death, there is no “later” really. However we might think otherwise, we don’t actually have all the time on the world.
There is no later. Only now. And life.
This realization transformed my life and I started doing the small things that made a huge difference both in my life and the lives of the people around me:
 
1. Never leave home sad or angry
OK, there are still times I do this. But hey, I’m human, and I make sure to call or text as soon as I come to my senses.
The bottom line is I make sure that when I leave home, I leave nothing behind but love for my son, daughter, and my amazing wife. If I die, I die happy and content that my last interaction with my family is filled with love.
 
2. Stop the world for the sake of what matters most
What matters most to you? Family, love, and relationships top most people’s lists.
If we have an issue at home, I throw myself into it. I help resolve the problem as best I can, and the rest of the world can wait.
Yes, this meant there are many times I arrive late to work (and I *do* let coworkers know I’m delayed) but it’s a small price to pay compared to knowing that the last time I was with my family we made things work.
 
3. Showcase love in every way at every opportunity
Love really does make the world go ‘round, and the little things really do count. They may be clichés, but they’re true. I learned this wisdom from my little girl, Julie. She’s six and makes a big deal out of everything, and it’s so freakin beautiful you could cry.
Now I find every opportunity to celebrate the little things with a kiss, a hug, or an uplifting word.
 
4. See the bad, but focus on the great
There are many bad things in our world today. Tragedies happen daily. Scandal is everywhere. I see these things on social media, the news, and popping up in conversations. I do not ignore them or discard them, I see them and acknowledge them.
But instead I choose to focus on what is great in the world. Where there’s sadness, there are people spreading joy; where there is hurt, there are people healing; and where there is hate, there are people that share love and care.
I choose to focus on what’s great because I believe that although we can’t end sadness, hurt or eradicate hate; we have the power to spread joy, heal and love each other.
That is our power as human beings.
 
5. Take action
Since there is no “later” anymore, I started taking action and making things happen. I started writing daily – books, articles and blog posts – and working on projects I love.
Every day I moved forward toward my goals, taking bold steps at work and saying yes to initiatives that are beyond my comfort zone.
 
The results speak for themselves. I live a much happier life, a life full of the beauty of the ordinary, the joy of living the moment, and the engaged presence in the lives of those who matter most to me.
The thought of death, as terrifying as it is, and as much as I want to keep it at bay, is a little less scary now, because with every moment I live I keep falling in love with my life and the people in it.
And love is forever.
 

Hussein Hallak is a serial entrepreneur with 22+ years of startup experience in strategy, branding, marketing, and growth. Hussein started 6 successful companies, worked on projects for Fortune 500 companies and World’s Top 100 Brands, and was featured in Forbes, BBC, and Entrepreneur. 

Currently Hussein is the Director of Strategy and Marketing at 3 Tier Logic, a shopper marketing and engagement software startup out of Vancouver, BC. Hussein is also the Director of Marketing at TEDxStanleyPark, Advisor at Spirit Games Ltd, Head Instructor – Lean Entrepreneur Program at LaunchAcademy and Founder of InspirationInbox.com.

Hussein lives to inspire possibility, to enable people, to achieve the remarkable.

Connect with him through his website, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram 

 

Man Of The Week – Anthony Demby

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Jimi Hendrix once said “Music doesn’t lie. If there is something to be changed in this world, then it can only happen through music.” This was the sentiment of Anthony Demby, our Man Of The Week, when he took the courageous decision to resign from his job and follow his passions full time by creating Humbleriot, an audible shop that utilizes music and culture to tell stories. A determined entrepreneur and a devoted partner, Anthony believes in pursuing your dreams regardless of what obstacles life throws at you. Today music is a guide that helps channel many aspects of Anthony’s life, where he had the opportunity to create a retreat for DJs and music professionals can further collaborate to inspire and educate the youth. Check out Anthony’s wise words of advise on how we can better take care of those around us and how music can transform a persons reality.
Age – 41
What you do you do? (Work)
I am the founder of Humbleriot, a New York based audible idea shop that utilizes Music & Culture to tell stories.
Why do you do it?
I feel that everything has a very unique sound and vibration and I built a business around the exploration of that for brands, for For-Purpose companies, and unique spaces and communities.
How do you make a difference in the world? (Work, business, life, family, self)
I make a difference in the world by being authentic in everything I do. Being in that space allows me to be my best self and accountable for all of my movements and ironically my most creative.
What are 3 defining moments in your life?
– Hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in Peru and involuntarily meditating for the first time.
– Losing two very good friends of mine that passed at a very early age and understanding that death doesn’t end a relationship, it just changes the communication.
– Resigning from my former job to launch my own company Humbleriot and pursue my passions full time.
What is your life purpose?  
My life’s purpose is to help people discover, harness, and express the light inside of themselves and communicate it to the world. I also feel my purpose aligns with the power of music and exploring how it can make the lives of people better.
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I had the opportunity to curate and program a retreat for DJs and Music Producers called the Playlist Retreat with DJ Jazzy Jeff and Serato. It was a transformative experience for everyone involved that focused on inspiration, education, and collaboration
How did you tap into it?
It’s an inner knowing and as my spiritual path evolved, I have been gifted opportunities to give in that way. As far as Music, it’s is my first language and soulmate and has lead me to experience some of my highest truths so I continue to follow that calling.
Who is your Role-Model or Mentor?
There are people that I have a great deal of admiration for but I don’t have a specific role model. My role models are people who pursue their dreams no matter what obstacles they face and don’t give up even when the world tells them to. My mentors are my experiences and learning from them.
Do you have any daily habits? If so, what are they? 
My daily habits include meditating twice a day, running, and honestly, just being present.
When do you know your work/life balance is off?
I am all about balance and I can tell when mine is off when I’m reactive and when I’m in a hurry. The moment I start doing things with urgency is where I make mistakes and I have to stop and re-center.
Vulnerability is a challenge for most men – share a vulnerable moment from your life with us.
There was a time earlier in my spiritual path where I went to see a very powerful healer. He opened me up so much that I wasn’t prepared for the rabbit hole that openness sent me down and quite honestly, I was terrified. I remember sharing my fear with my friend Gabrielle Bernstein and she guided me in embracing it and accepting of what I was now aware of and it changed my life. I am forever grateful that she was able to navigate me through that.
What did you learn from it?
I learned that sometimes when you confront and face your fears, there is an immense about of learning that commences and it isn’t always as daunting as it seems to be.
If you are or were going to be a mentor for another man, what is one piece of advice you would give him?
As men we are taught to be caretakers and with that we often don’t take care of ourselves. I would tell him to make sure his vessel is full before looking after his world. I would also tell him to follow his heart no matter what the rest of the world tells him…and do it with integrity.
How do you be the best partner (Boyfriend/Husband- past or present)
This is something that I have learned a great deal about in the last two years. My partner Kristen and I were friends for 8 years before we evolved to more and that foundation of friendship has been the cornerstone of our relationship. It has taught me a deeper level of respect and awareness that what we share isn’t about me, it’s about WE and that lesson is invaluable and I have been able to experience love in a deeper way.
Do you support any Charities or Not-for-profits? (Which one(s) and why?)
Extreme poverty is something I am very passionate about and I really believe in the work that The Robin Hood Foundation is doing. I really dig their intention and approach and they are truly invested in creating sustainable solutions to change people’s reality.
If your life had a theme song, what would it be?
Tom Misch – “You Got Me Flying”
The “she” he mentions in the song is in reference to my life.
Where do you see yourself in 3 years?
Not to be esoteric, but I believe in the power of the present moment so In three years I see myself being right where I am supposed to be and I’m excited for that.
What legacy do you want to leave for future generations?
That’s simple. The knowledge that anything is possible and only seemingly impossible because it hasn’t been done yet. Tremendous creativity has no predecessor.
What One book would you recommend for any Man?
Way Of a The Spiritual Man by David Deida
IMG_1037image1If you know a Man that is making a positive impact on the world, we would love to hear from you! Contact us at [email protected]

Man Of The Week – Jonni Pollard

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This week’s Man Of The Week is a Man who has spent years investing his time in really understanding his connection to himself, nature and the people around him. From a young age, Jonni Pollard learned that he had two options: to be bold and stay true to himself as a person or to conform to society’s mould so the people he liked would reciprocate the same feelings. The times he picked the latter, his plan backfired and he soon realized being somebody else served him in no way at all. Being a vulnerable young man, Jonni began to accept that he had no choice in society’s ostracizing of those who are different, and that it was a reality he had to accept. Refusing to conform, Jonni found meditation as a gateway to escape the common issues we see in society today (i.e. stress and lack of fulfilment) to connect directly with the self. He shortly found that a greater connection with the self led to a feeling of empowerment in overcoming challenges in life, and a sense of caring, openness and love regardless of the ridicule he may encounter. In this digital world, Jonni took all of these life learns and decided to present them to the world in a manner where every single person has the tools to enable a connection with the self, all that is required is to download a free app! Have a read to see how Jonni and his not-for-profit ‘1 Giant Mind’ are leaving the world in a better, more connected, place.

Age- 39

What you do you do?
I’m a Meditation teacher, life consultant and Co- Founder/ Executive Director of 1 Giant Mind, a not for profit that empowers people with free learn to meditate programs to reduce the negative impact of stress and to experience greater wellbeing.

Why do you do it?
It’s my perspective that the greatest challenges humanity faces right now, find their roots in our disconnection from ourselves and nature as a whole, experiencing high levels of stress and distress, feeling deeply unfulfilled, addicted to temporal pleasures in an attempt to satisfy an insatiable need.
Meditation is the gateway to the direct experience of the true self, uninhibited by fear, doubt and insecurity. Our experience of fulfillment derives from the intimate relationship with our very being. Regular practice of meditation awakens the minds potential to have a direct experience of our being and enables the body to recover from stress and fatigue. This gives rise to an energy and vitality. This vitality sufficiently empowers us to meet the challenges of life with bold creativity. Life ceases to be a series of inconvenient obstacles and difficult personalities to negotiate and becomes a playground to creatively express our dynamic nature and ride natures wave of progressive change. When we master this capability to live fully from our true self and flow with life, we experience fulfillment. This magnificent sequence is stimulated and reinforced by the regular practice of meditation.

How do you make a difference in the world?
First and foremost, I feel I make the biggest difference by dedicating myself to confronting and resolving the condition and habits that inhibit my awareness of my deepest nature and the flow of my highest state. Each day see’s an elevation in artfulness and sophistication in my capacity to do this. The result is ever increasing states of happiness and greater effectiveness in influencing others to have the same experience within them selves. Then taking it to scale to inspire millions to do the same.

What are 3 defining moments in your life?
My birth, meeting my teacher and realizing that fulfillment was not dependent on anything happening outside of me, that fulfillment is fundamentally an internally sourced phenomenon.

What is your life purpose?
To sense nature’s unrelenting force of evolution flowing through me as a continuum and completely surrender to it and then fearlessly move in the direction it moves me. When I do this I find myself in situations that provide me with the opportunity to express the very best of myself almost all the time. It doesn’t matter so much what I’m doing to be fulfilling my purpose but how I do it.

How did you tap into it?
It taps into me. When I accepted that everything in life is governed by an underlying intelligence that flows through me, I realized that resisting it was the root of my suffering and confusion. Whenever I try to force to make something happen, I immediately lose sense of the subtly of awareness and flow. So to answer the question, I tap it by simply surrendering to ‘what is’ in any moment with full acceptance and openness to change, without rigid attachment to outcomes. This is the formula for flow. At first it can be scary as shit and as you continue surrendering to the now with full acceptance of what is, you realize that there is an extraordinary order and intelligence governing all life and that it is conspiring to your greatest happiness.

Who is your Role-Model or Mentor?
My role models are all the great masters both ancient and modern, whom have embodied the fullness of life and dedicated their lives to teaching others how to experience this.

Do you have any daily habits? If so, what are they?

  • Remain with myself constantly
  • Orientate my self awareness and activity toward the greatest need
  • Meditate twice a day
  • Eat well
  • Laugh regularly
  • Don’t get too serious about anything
  • Fearlessly follow charm and inspiration
  • Confront the propaganda of fear and doubt with action and decisiveness
  • Prioritize finer feelings for rational thinking
  • Listen to and be concerned for others
  • Be generous with my time and insight
  • Remain open to change with no rigid attachment to outcomes

When do you know your work/life balance is off?
When I can’t string my sentences together well and find myself being a little short or less generous with my responses. It generally means I’m really fatigued and need some down time.

Vulnerability is a challenge for most men – share a vulnerable moment from your life with us.
Vulnerability is the noblest challenge for us men. I spent most of my early life being vulnerable. I am incredibly sensitive to others and I am choice less in my devotion to who I truly am. Being unapologetically myself while growing up wasn’t always an easy thing. However the alternative was to conform to the norm and the few unsuccessful experimental attempts to do this always backed fired. At times I found myself being fiercely judged for being me. I was resented and ostracized by people I liked and wanted to be liked by. Being choice less meant I had to just deal with it. Over time I realized that my vulnerability was only an under developed recognition and understanding of the beauty of myself. The more time I spent with myself with out trying to be anything but me the more I became assured that who I am is all I need to be.

What did you learn from it?
I have learnt that vulnerability, when completely surrendered to, evolves into power.
We can remain sensitive and be immensely powerful. We can live unguarded, free with an entirely open, caring and kind heart, susceptible to others judgments, ridicule, prejudice and remain entirely empowered with certainty of the self. This power must be cultivated by remaining open unconditionally regardless of what you are confronted with. This is conscious vulnerability. Over time this develops certainty of the true self. I have witnessed on countless occasion how the warmth of certainty with humility can melt the most fearfully defensive hearts.

If you are or were going to be a mentor for another man, what is one piece of advice you would give him?
I give him 3:

  • Meditate twice a day non negotiable,
  • Commit yourself in every moment to confronting and resolving the condition and habits that inhibit you from living the biggest version of yourself ie: fear, doubt, addiction etc
  • Get out of your head. Surrender to your feelings, seek options that scares you and challenges you to grow.

How do you be the best partner (Boyfriend/Husband- past or present)
Being the best partner for me is by seeking creative ways to sustain unity with her. Most of the time, this is likely to just naturally happen spontaneously and joyfully. However in any relationship, differences in opinions and perspectives emerge and it makes it invariably challenging to sustain the blissfulness of unity and agreement.
The key for me is to be willing to surrender preferences for her own. This demonstrates that our relationship means more to me than having my way. This causes her heart to open and for love to flow. Invariably she will want to reciprocate and the unity game is back on track.

Do you support any Charities or Not-for-profits? (Which one(s) and why?)
Yes! I run one. Its called ‘1 Giant Mind’. We deliver a free world class meditation program via a smartphone app. We recognize that the answer to all the world’s problems is humanity awakening to its potential and fulfilling it. Stress and fatigue inhibit our ability to access our highest state.  Meditation enables us to uncover solutions to problems that otherwise would remain shrouded by a chronically stressed state.
Mental health world wide is rapidly on the decline, depression anxiety and stress related physical illness an disease is rampant. In fact world health authorities are now saying that 90-95% of disease, illness and chronic conditions are either directly caused by stress or severely aggravated by it.  Our organizations mission is to inspire millions around the world to learn to meditate and make it a daily habit. If this happens stress drops, creativity rises and shit gets sorted!
If you are interested in learning to meditate download our free app here

Jonni Pollard - 1 Giant Mind
Jonni Pollard speaking at 1 Giant Mind

If your life had a theme song, what would it be?
The hills are alive with the sound of music by MC Mary Poppins

Where do you see yourself in 3 years?
here and now

What legacy do you want to leave for future generations?
A culture that embraces it’s responsibility to live fully now.

What One book would you recommend for any Man?
‘The Art of Living the Science of Being’ by Maharishi Mahaesh Yogi (Pre 1969)

If you know a Man that is making a positive impact on the world, we would love to hear from you! Contact us at [email protected]

The One Key To Having It All Now

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When I was young, “having it all” meant three things:
– a million dollars
– a beautiful wife
– a big house and a fancy car
Today those things sound silly, not because they are not important, but because they’re not in any way all there is to the life I choose to live; a life in which I’m having it all!
 
The Spark:
It all started when I met with Joel Mark Harris, a writer, and an award-winning novelist. We had a spontaneous idea to write a book not from experience but as an experience. To walk the path ourselves and document every step of our work till completion.
The book is about everything anyone would need to write a book and have it all as a result. In this project, we explore the why what and how to write a book and make it a huge success, “having it all.”
 
The First Step:
We agreed that before we start walking the path we need to know where we want that path to lead, to explore what is it like to “have it all.”
So I went through my list of goals that I’ve edited and refined over the past few months:

  • Brilliant Family: My family is happy, healthy, loving, caring, whole, complete, and joyous.
  • Financial Freedom: I have $30K of passive income coming into my bank account every month.
  • Ultimate Body Health: I’m healthy, fit, and my body is in ultimate condition.
  • Thi Chi Master: I am a Thi Chi Master, and I practice it every day.
  • Top 10 Blogs: My blog is one of the Top 10 blogs in the world.
  • #1 LinkedIn Profile: My linkedIn profile is the #1 LinkedIn profile in the world.
  • 30 Best Selling Book: My 30 books are all best-selling books that are enabling 1bn people to achieve the remarkable.
  • 1000 Books: I’ve read 1000 of the best selling books in the world.
  • Top 10 TED Talks: My TED talk is one of Top 10 TED Talks of all times
  • West Van Home: I fully own and enjoy my gorgeous home in West Vancouver.
  • $100,000,000: I have $100 million of tax-free disposable income that I’m free to do with it whatever I like.

 
The Question:
I’m very proud of my list of wonderful and grand goals that keep me focused and on point. And my first thought was; “having it all” meant achieving all my goals. Then I did something that changed everything! The key that shaped what it means to “have it all.”
I asked myself this question:

what is the one thing that if lost nothing else matters?

We go through life thinking everything would fall perfectly into place “if only I had” a better job, higher salary, more luck, loving wife, richer parents, successful business, influential friends… etc.
These thoughts cloud our thinking and divert our focus from the one thing that matters, the one that makes a difference, the one thing that if lost nothing else matters.
 
1. The Most Important Thing Is ONE
Once I asked myself that question, the answer came thundering back “a brilliant family”: a family that is happy, healthy, loving, caring, whole, complete, and joyous.
Of course, I want and desire all my goals, and some of them I badly need, like financial freedom. But asking that question threw all of my wants, desires and needs out of the window. This one key question brought my focus to the most important thing.
What was surprising is, it was only one thing! I tried asking myself, what else, and nothing was as loud or as clear.
If the question were what do you want, need or desire? I would start saying, this, this and that. But when answering the key question, there is only one answer.
 
2. The Future Is Now
My answer wasn’t “to have” a brilliant family in the future. It wasn’t a “someday” when the stars line up, and things work themselves out, great things will happen, and I will get my brilliant family.
I realized that a brilliant family is a way of being I’m committed to today; I work at it with every sunrise, and I’ve dedicated my life for it period. It was like I said the words and lived into them at the moment I said them.
With my answer to the question, what is the one thing that if lost nothing else matters? I got clarity that there is nothing more important than my brilliant family today, nothing that has more significance or even comes close.
My brilliant family is a now phenomenon. Unless I experience it at every living moment, life is not worth living, who I am, everything I have, and anything I do, all become irrelevant.
 
3. The One Thing Is Many Things
Can my family be happy, healthy, loving, caring, whole, complete, and joyous in a world that is not?!
That was my third and most powerful a-ha moment. My singular focus just gave my life purpose. A brilliant family is a never ending quest for every one of us to experience everyone else as part of their brilliant family.
My family is my wife and kids, sister, brother, mother, aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family, neighbours, colleagues, friends and friends of friends. My family is the world.
A brilliant family also includes me, so I must be happy, healthy, loving, caring, whole, complete, and joyous for my family to be that.
 
Start Your “Having It All” Journey Now
1. Write All Your Goals Down:
Goal setting and listing one’s desires, likes, wants and needs is a great exercise and a must for anyone who aspires to achieve anything worthwhile in life. But don’t stop there.
2. Engage In “Having It All” Conversations:
Explore what “having it all” means to you, engage in thoughtful, deep and more meaningful conversations around it.
3. Ask The Key Question:
What is the one thing that if lost nothing else matters?
 
Would love to hear from you, share your a-ha moments, what opened up for you as a result of reading this post and answering the key question? What did you discover? And what will you do now?
 

Hussein Hallak is a serial entrepreneur with 22+ years of startup experience in strategy, branding, marketing, and growth. Hussein started 6 successful companies, worked on projects for Fortune 500 companies and World’s Top 100 Brands, and was featured in Forbes, BBC, and Entrepreneur. 

Currently Hussein is the Director of Strategy and Marketing at 3 Tier Logic, a shopper marketing and engagement software startup out of Vancouver, BC. Hussein is also the Director of Marketing at TEDxStanleyPark, Advisor at Spirit Games Ltd, Head Instructor – Lean Entrepreneur Program at LaunchAcademy and Founder of InspirationInbox.com.

Hussein lives to inspire possibility, to enable people, to achieve the remarkable.

Connect with him through his website, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram 

 

Man Of The Week – Michael Ventura

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Michael Ventura is a Man of many talents and gifts, from being an award-winning entrepreneur and creative director, to a healing practitioner forming strategies for Fortune 100 companies, and now currently serving as a Adjunct Professor teaching Empathic Design at Princeton University. In 2004, Michael founded Sub Rosa, a strategy and design studio that focuses on helping brands form creative and strategic practices with empathic design at its core. Bearing a strong connection to community and nature, Michael and his wife, Caroline, also run a shop and gallery in New York, which serves as a place for communal gatherings and human connection. If that wasn’t enough, his desire to leave the world in a better place than he found it has seen him serve on the boards of numerous organizations and non-profits: United Nations Department of Public Information’s Tribal Link, The Burning Man Organization and The Smithsonian Cooper Hewitt National Design Museum, to name just a few. It should come as no surprise that Michael is our Man Of The Week, read on to discover what an inspiring role-model Michael is for Men today.
Age: 35
What do you do? (Work)
The short answer is I help solve problems. A longer answer is that the way I do this varies considerably depending on what part of my work we’re talking about. For the past 13 years I’ve run Sub Rosa, a strategy and design studio that works with brands to help them explore, learn, and grow into better businesses. Additionally, my wife Caroline and I run a home interiors shop and gallery in the West Village. The shop is really a community gathering space where so many people we know and love find a way to spend time together and connect. Lastly, I have also spent over a decade studying and then practitioning a variety of alternative and indigenous medicine modalities. I treat about 15 people each week across a spectrum of physical, emotional, and spiritual challenges they are facing.
Why do you do it?
I think I’m genetically wired to do this. My whole life, I’ve always been a pretty empathic person. I feel a lot of stuff and I try my best to harness my own capacity for problem solving to fix the challenges that get presented to me.
How do you make a difference in the world? (Work, business, life, family, self)
Ooof. That’s a big question. I guess for me, making a difference isn’t always about the big, seismic moments. Sometimes it’s the little things. The small, 2 or 3 degree turns you make that end up changing things for the better somewhere down the line. I hope that being intentional, thoughtful, and considerate of those I interact with helps each of them to go through the daily round a little better than the day prior.
What are 3 defining moments in your life?
– Meeting my better-half back in 2005. Caroline is the perfect partner who truly understands all of my strange idiosyncratic ways and helps me to live the life I want to live. I try my best every day to reciprocate.
– Realizing in 2009 that I needed to learn alternative medicine from some of the amazing healers and shamans who were working on me. Their guidance, collaboration, and belief in my work is something I carry every day.
– Bouncing back from tough moments in my own life, my business, and my personal relationships. There isn’t a date for this. These are defining moments that occur all the time. Life is unexpected. It’s challenging. But it’s also amazing and lessons await us around every turn.
What is your life purpose?
To be open to possibilities, work diligently at improving myself and the lives of others, and to embrace and spread kindness.
How did you tap into it?
It wasn’t a thunderclap. It was (and is) a slow boil. Most of my twenties (like a lot of people) were about exploration, failure, and finding a way to chart the course of my life. Constant self-observation mixed with a healthy dose of humility and forgiveness were (and are) a big part of it.
Who is your Role-Model or Mentor?
I don’t really have a “mentor” per se. Lessons come from everywhere. Being involved in fairly diverse types of work and thought, I don’t think I would have been well served with a singular mentor guiding me. My family, my spiritual community, my dog, my plants, and my friends are all teachers – and I hope my lessons will continue to come from such a wide array of participants as my life goes on.
Do you have any daily habits? If so, what are they?
I do a variety of alternative medicine and wellness work every day. This includes meditation, qi gong, tai chi, and a host of other practices depending on what the day calls for. In addition, I try to spend at least a quarter of my day outside whenever I can and I walk as much as possible.
When do you know your work/life balance is off?
I feel it in my bones. My body gets sluggish and my mind moves slowly. It’s usually a sign I need to cut and run for a few days – getting myself to a quiet place in nature – be it the desert, the woods, or the ocean – typically resets my clock.
Vulnerability is a challenge for most men – share a vulnerable moment from your life with us.
My wife and I have been together for 10 years. We’ve been married for 7. We’ve seen great couples come and go through those years and we’ve had a few rough patches ourselves. We got married kinda young and we were still figuring ourselves out, nevermind figuring out each other. As a result, there came a point where we needed to get really raw and open with each other about the people we had become, what we were getting rid of, and what we wanted to grow toward. We both knew that in the discussing of this moment of transition, we might find we had grown apart. But to not discuss it would have been even tougher in the long run. Good news is, we worked through our own evolutions and got to understand each other even better in the process. Had we not been willing to be vulnerable to each other and to the potential outcomes that might result, we may not have made it.
What did you learn from it?
(see above)
If you are or were going to be a mentor for another man, what is one piece of advice you would give him?
If you don’t get into trouble you’ll never get out of it. Challenge yourself but don’t be too hard on yourself either. Take risks and learn from failures. Enjoy successes but only for a moment. No one likes an asshole.
How do you be the best partner (Boyfriend/Husband- past or present)?
Think before you act, listen before you speak, have sex after a fight, tell her you love her in imaginative ways every day.
Do you support any Charities or Not-for-profits? (Which one(s) and why?)
A big part of our work at Sub Rosa is focused on supporting charities and NGOs. I am a formal and informal advisor to a multitude of organizations that I know and love. They include The Smithsonian Cooper Hewitt National Design Museum, The United Nations Tribal Link Foundation, The Burning Man Organization, Esalen Institute, and a series of social initiatives being run out of the White House.
If your life had a theme song, what would it be?
“Long as I Can See The Light” by Creedence
Where do you see yourself in 3 years?
I’m not really a planner. I’ll be where I need to be.
What legacy do you want to leave for future generations?
I’m less concerned with my own legacy. What I’d like to ensure is that I’ve made a difference in the hearts and minds of those I’ve met, that I helped them to get through this life a little easier, and that maybe I’ve inspired them to do the same for someone else.
What One book would you recommend for any Man?
“Shadows on the Path” by Abdi Assadi

Man Of The Week – Mike Campbell

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Our newest Man Of The Week is somebody who has gone through a decade-long journey of evolution, realization and change. Starting off as a personal trainer over 11 years ago, Mike Campbell knew one of his strengths was in helping men. Being an astute observer, Mike noticed an opportunity to help beyond just the physical aspect as many of his clients shared their personal struggles in life. Mike saw a trend where men often pose as the biggest obstacle to their own success by accepting mediocrity as the hand dealt to them. A born problem solver, rather than stand idly by, Mike decided he was going to “be the difference [he] wanted to see in the world.” From being a bestselling author, to coaching and hosting workshops for men around the world, Mike makes a conscious decision to encourage men globally to become the best versions of themselves by showing men their true potential.
 
Age – 33
What do you do? (Work)
I’m a Man Coach. I help men get off the ‘Mediocre-Man Treadmill’ and become their own perfect mix of James Bond, Nelson Mandela and Batman. Well, that’s the snappy pitch that does the trick of creating the kind of questions that lead to meaningful conversations and work.
I do this via coaching and workshops based around what I call ‘Masculine Attraction’, essentially doing the work to uncover who you really are as a man, what drives your behaviours and what it is you really want your life to be.
Why do you do it?
I started as a personal trainer about 11 years ago, and being naturally curious, observant and quite practical, I soon figured out that not only was there more to helping people than just the physical, but the issues that were coming up were the same. It was also in men, who I largely worked with. So I dug deeper and uncovered an overwhelming conclusion; we’ve forgotten how to be men – and a strong fire in me; to help men realize their potential and actually love their life.
I couldn’t understand how so many men just accepted mediocrity as if it were “their lot”, so the natural evolution of myself as a man as well as a coach just led me to solving these problems for men.
How do you make a difference in the world? (Work, business, life, family, self)
As stated above, I am passionate about helping men become their best. To gain clarity and direction in their life so they can actually work out what is important to them and then go about making that part of their everyday life. So every part of my business is geared towards this. Now I know that I can bring every guy into my workshops or coaching, which is why my book: “Unleash Your Alpha – eat like a man, train like a beast, operate like a gentleman and become a legend” is such an important part of what I do, because it can reach anyone.
Outside of that, I truly believe that we are all a constant evolution, and I work to continually be a better man in every area of life; as a partner, a son, brother, mate, uncle. A big aspect of this for me is to practise what I preach and lead by example. I want to ‘be the difference I want to see in the world’.
What are 3 defining moments in your life?
Because I reflect and assess myself and my life a bit, I would say that I have moments that were defining in at the time, and then those that were defining upon reflection with more awareness. Having said that, a combo probably does the trick.
– The first isn’t a moment but a big selection of them. Undoubtedly my upbringing has been hugely influential in how I have turned out. My parents, sisters and the situations that became my earlier years provided the clay that eventually molded me into who I am today.
– A second more specific one would be my previous relationship and engagement ending about 5 years ago. I think I was improving as a man then, which opened me up to really take a look at myself when this happened. It wasn’t bitter or anything, it just made me really look hard at who I was and what I needed to work on.
– Three would be losing my mother to lung cancer (as a non smoker), which was around this time too. Always having had a high importance on health, watching her live with more balls for four years after being diagnosed than most do their entire life, really rammed home to me the importance of health, knowing what you want out fo life and doing your best to live it.
What is your life purpose?
I consider my purpose to be two fold; both holding up a mirror to the men of today that forces them to assess themselves and their lives, and then helping them to realize their potential.
How did you tap into it?
It was a process, a long one! One that involved my own work, allowing clarity in my head around what was important to me. From here I looked at who I was and what I am skilled at, best suited to do and what really lights me up.
I can now say wholeheartedly that I believe every man was born with the potential to be a real masculine leader in our society, and it is my mission to help them realize that potential. It took time though, I had to keep working on it, digging, uncovering, refining. Trial and error. But the work is worth it, this gives my life purpose.
Who is your Role-Model or Mentor?
I have had a few of both. My father was very present as I grew up, in fact he coached my rugby teams until the age of 17, so this was very influential as both a role model and mentor of sorts. At the same time my mother helped mold the feminine aspect of me. However, as an adult and entrepreneur I’ve had a few mentors, one that stands out to mention would be Daniel Priestley (author of Entrepreneur Revolution)
Do you have any daily habits? If so, what are they?
My days can be quite different, but on the whole, yes. I try to meditate in the morning for 20 minutes first thing. Phone hasn’t been turned on. I then make breakfast, sit down to it and read a few pieces from a (big) book called ‘1001 ideas that changed the way we think’.
I try to move every day, be it training or just playing around on the ground with some bodyweight work or walking.
I love to cook, so usually make dinner and listen to music. And always aim to have some quality time with my partner.
When do you know your work/life balance is off?
When my partner and I are only talking about work/business (we both work from home a lot), when I haven’t seen my sister and my nieces much, or seen my mates.
Vulnerability is a challenge for most men – share a vulnerable moment from your life with us
Yes, this is one of my biggest messages to my clients/readers; vulnerability is courage – so happy to share. Long story shortened; I was at home in NZ with Nardia (my partner) at her brother’s place with all her family. Sitting round her father asked “So Mike, what are you intentions with our Nardia?” Everyone turned to stare at me expectantly. I put my hand on her leg next to mine, looked him in the eye and said “I’ll continue to love Nardia with all my heart and do whatever I can to make our lives together as good as they can be.”
What did you learn from it?
This was another thing to reinforce saying what feels naturally right, listening to my gut. But also to be vulnerable and show my strength.
If you are or were going to be a mentor for another man, what is one piece of advice you would give him?
I am and I have many pieces of advice… ha. But one of my main would be to “Drop the ego and get out of your own way, so that you can break out of what’s comfortable in order to grow and become your best”
How do you be the best partner (Boyfriend/Husband- past or present)
I do this by trying to truly understand her; what love language she speaks, when she needs attention/love and when she needs space. I do this by allowing her to be herself and do what makes her happy. I do this by being the best man I can be and creating a life that is meaningful for us.
Do you support any Charities or Not-for-profits? (Which one(s) and why?)
Yes I’m involved with ‘Project Futures’ whose mission is to end human trafficking. I see modern slavery and in particular the sex trade as something that starts and stops with men. I want to have more men having conversations about this issue, not just ignoring it. I’m passionate about men being their best/sorting their shit out, so this hits home with me. This year I’ll be participating in a cycle tour through Cambodia for this, visiting rehabilitation centres and raising funds/awareness.
If your life had a theme song, what would it be?
Shine on you crazy diamond. Not much because of some of the darker lyrics, but the concept of knowing your ‘crazy diamond’/weird and shining on as yourself.
Where do you see yourself in 3 years?
Married, one kid and thriving in this small family unit, supporting all of us, including Nardia to be living her passion as well. I see myself having authored one more bestselling book, delivered my 2 day workshop to 1000 men globally and started a movement for a new manhood, inspiring men every day to get off the mediocre-man treadmill and realize their potential.
What legacy do you want to leave for future generations?
I talk about legacy a lot in my workshops as I believe it’s important for every man to think about this for himself. For me I want my legacy to be around continually becoming your best, in all areas of life. Don’t accept the status quo, but search out what is right for you and make it happen.
What One book would you recommend for any Man?
Why my own of course! I say that part in jest, part not. I wrote this book to simplify the information around health, fitness and manhood in order to help men get in great shape, not just physically, but in all areas of their life. I sincerely believe there are messages in there for a large proportion of men who are looking to get more out of life.
That said, I’d also recommend ‘The New Manhood’ by Steve Biddulph. A great look at masculinity and manhood for the 21st century.
If you know a Man that is making a positive impact on the world, we would love to hear from you! Contact us at [email protected]

Man Of The Week – Jesse Israel

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We live in a world with more people than ever before, yet the desire for both personal and human connection has never been greater. Once our Man Of The Week, Jesse Israel, recognized this ironic trend and realized his way of giving back to the world was by creating a space where people, who share a passion, can come together to spread their message and celebrate their passions and connections. His dedication to his purpose has seen him start crowd-created programs for students that face transportation challenges in Tanzania to starting ‘The Big Quiet’, the largest mass mediation space for the public in Central Park history. Read on to learn how Jesse’s discipline allows him to channel his purpose through his everyday actions!
Age: 30
What do you do? (Work)
I’m currently building communities and businesses around human connection. Formerly I co-founded the record label and tech fund Cantora.
Why do you do it?
Our generation is thirsting for deeper connection with others and with ourselves. I feel most alive when I’m able to help facilitate that connection.
How do you make a difference in the world? (Work, business, life, family, self)
By bringing people together around a shared passion and collectively spreading a message about that passion in unique ways (Examples: Cyclones Bike Share Africa – a crowd-created bike share program for students and communities with transportation challenges in rural Tanzania; The Big Quiet – crowd-promoted mass mediations for modern people, including the largest official meditation in Central Park history).
What are 3 defining moments in your life?
The time I watched my mother cry when I almost got kicked out of middle school
Witnessing the loss of a friend in a car accident in high school
Leaving my company of 9 years – without knowing what was next – to open myself up to my next purpose
What is your life purpose?
My deepest purpose in life is to enable a world where people are more present and feel more alive; to lead community through human connection; to better serve the people I love.
How did you tap into it?
The more I live at the edge of my fear/comfort zone, the more my purpose becomes clear to me. I’m drawn to existing in safety, so living at my edge takes work and patience.
Who is your Role-Model or Mentor?
My father, Bob Israel. Among so many other valuable life lessons, he’s taught me the importance of being able to have a laugh when things get tough.
Do you have any daily habits? If so, what are they?
I meditate for 20-30 minutes twice a day – this helps me hear and trust my intuition, and provides me with a deep state of restfulness
When I first wake up, I write down 5 things I am grateful for and 5 things I am looking forward to that day – this helps me maintain a positive mindset (particularly helpful on tough days)
My bedroom is a no-tech zone – this makes my bedroom a sanctuary for sex, sleep and rest
When do you know your work/life balance is off?
When I’m checking email past 10pm.
Vulnerability is a challenge for most men – share a vulnerable moment from your life with us.
I recently wrote a blog post inviting friends and family to help me define and evolve what it means to be a man today. In the post, I candidly spoke about challenges I’ve dealt with regarding sex, relationship, love, intimacy and purpose. After sharing it on Facebook and emailing it to my community, I felt exposed in a way I’ve never experienced before – kind of like that dream where you’re naked and everyone else is clothed.
What did you learn from it?
Sharing online in a way that is authentic can be scary – but it is important. While some people may not agree with the dialogue, others will be touched and find solace in the message.
If you are or were going to be a mentor for another man, what is one piece of advice you would give him?
Follow your gut and act on it before you talk yourself out of it.
How do you be the best partner (Boyfriend/Husband- past or present)
These are (really tough) practices:
1) By being fully present with my woman
2) By being her rock
3) By making decisions that best serve her
Do you support any Charities or Not-for-profits? (Which one(s) and why?)
For half of my life I’ve been volunteering at a summer camp for underprivileged children in Los Angeles called Camp United in Harmony.

My bike club, Cyclones.cc, is currently funding a sustainable bike shop and rental business in rural Tanzania. The shop will be entirely employed by women, and will provide locals with bike rentals to help them with commuter issues and enable them to better support their families and businesses. Money made from the project will go towards infrastructure to create more bike businesses. This partnership is made possible by globalbike.org. We previously raised money for the NGO’s Mama Hope and Tanzania Children Concern.

Jesse with students from Cyclones Bike Share Program
Jesse with students from Cyclones Bike Share Program

If your life had a theme song, what would it be?
Pony by Ginuwine
Where do you see yourself in 3 years?
Leading a global, self-propelling movement around human connection.
Running a large business that supports this mission through tools, products, courses and communities that deeply resonate with the millennial generation.
In a relationship with a woman that I am able to open to the world, and with whom evokes my greatest gifts.
What legacy do you want to leave for future generations?
A new standard for how people live life — with more presence and more aliveness.
What One book would you recommend for any Man?
Daring Greatly by Brene Brown. It helped me understand the importance of cultivating courage in all aspects of my life.
If you know a Man that is making a positive impact on the world, we would love to hear from you! Contact us at [email protected]

10 Life Lessons Every Man Should Learn In Their 20s

by

In this article, I feel really privileged to share with you some key insights and “aha” moments that I learned before I say goodbye to my twenties in August 27, 2015.
You and I live in a world of cause and effect. Every action has an equal reaction. The choices we make today, especially in our 20s, will determine what happens later on in our lives.
Whether you’re on your own and moving forward with your career or still with your parents and figuring out what to do, I want you to realize something. If you’re not mindful of how you spend your time, it’ll be gone before you know it. It’s easy to get lost in the transition from not having any significant responsibilities to facing the “real world.”
You may not see it immediately but at some point, you’ll have to face the consequences the decisions you’re making today. Your 20s, also knowns as your “defining decade,” matters and you should make the most out of it.
Here are some of the most important lessons every man should be aware of in order to become successful later on in their lives.
10 Life Lessons Every Man Should Know In Their 20s
Don’t Stay In A Job That You Hate
With the amount of time you have to invest in building a career, make sure it should be something you’re really interested in. You’re in a perfect time in your life right now to figure that out because you’re still young.
Trust me when I say this: the pursuit of more money doesn’t satisfy any longer once your basic needs are met. I encourage you to go ahead and take more risk while you don’t have a lot to lose.
If you’re working a job you hate, it’s your responsibility to do something about it. Until you find what you love to do, keep looking.
Life is too short to settle.
You Don’t Have To Go To School
We live in a time where there’s nothing you can’t find online. Education has changed and the way we process information is significantly different from before.
Unless you’ve chosen a profession that needs formal credentials, like Law, Medicine or Engineering, you don’t really need to pursue higher education to have a successful career.
If you feel like you’re sitting in class, twiddling your thumbs and bored out of your mind, that setting may not be right for you.
Figure out what kind of work energizes you and find resources to study about it. Go to conferences and connect with other people who already have results that you want.
If you’re learning something you enjoy, you’re much more likely to put all in. People pay for results, they don’t care about your credentials.
Pursuit knowledge rather money.
Choose Your Friends Wisely
Here’s the greatest life hack of all time: the quickest way to change is to surround yourself with the kind of people you aspire to be like. Who you’re around with all the time will have a significant impact on how you turn out to be.
When you act in integrity with the vision of who you want to become, not everybody is going to like you. As hard as it may be, let go of relationships that are not supportive of your goals. Find new ones that will.
Your environment is stronger than your will power. Constantly put yourself in situations where you’re around people who will celebrate your successes, no matter how small.
It’s Okay To Stay Single
I’m going to make an important distinction right here so pay attention. There’s a big difference between being alone and feeling lonely.
Being alone is a choice that you make to do what you want. It’s about learning how to and be in good company with yourself. The feeling of loneliness stems from a place of lack where you feel incomplete. When you come from this place, you’ll seek out acceptance from others to validate your self-worth.
Your 20s should be spent on figuring out your identity and defining your core values. Focus on activities that will increase your self-esteem. Know who you are and what you really want. Other people can’t do that for you.
Gain Wisdom From Travelling
You’d be surprised how much you’ll learn a lot about yourself when you’re taken away from your daily routine. When you travel, there’s a feeling of anonymity that you experience when you’re in a new environment.
You can show up as whoever you want. There’s no one to tell you otherwise. Travelling is a great way to reinvent yourself.
Go ahead and give yourself permission to become who you aspire to be. Travel to places you’ve always wanted to see, connect with people who you look up to and lead your life in a direction that’s right for you.
Define Your Own Purpose
What you’re meant to do in your life isn’t something that you find behind a bush or underneath a rock. It’s something you decide for yourself. Take more risk, especially while you don’t have a lot of obligations.
If money wasn’t an issue, what’s something you would love to do? What’s a topic you would enjoy learning more about?
The moment you’re in alignment with your purpose, you’ll do remarkable things as a by-product. You’ll feel so immersed in what you do that sleeping becomes the worst part of your day.
When you’re leaping out of bed because you can’t wait to get to work, that’s when people begin to take notice.
It’s hard not to because passion is very contagious.
Avoid Comparing Yourself To Others
The best way to feel like you’re not good enough is to keep looking at what other people have. Success in life is very subjective. Everyone has their own definition of what makes them happy.
What’s the point of being alive if you just want to be like everybody else?
Learn to play your own game. Set your goals and work hard at achieving them. Spend your days in a way that inspires your future self.
Self-worth comes from being thankful for what you already have. Whatever you appreciate, appreciates
Invest In Yourself, Not On Things
Nothing in life is permanent. Material assets can be easily taken away.
When you focus on the internal, you’ll get external abundance as a by-product and more. Wealth is a mindset. It’s a shift in your perspective that will cause you to do things differently.
Invest in your personal development rather than things that are temporary. Knowledge and experience can never be stolen.
Make Mistakes Often
There’s something transformational that happens when you go through experiences in your life that push you out of your comfort zone.
When you get close to the edge, you have two choices: you can either take a leap of faith and step into your higher potential or you can step back and make room for others who are going to.
Integrity is a habit that you have to consciously decide on a daily basis. It’s a choice that you make to honour the truth of what you think is right for yourself.
But first, you have to sit through the discomfort of uncertainty for a period of time and trust in the process. Wisdom only comes from circumstances that challenge you.
Character is forged through pressure and hardships. When you’re going through tough moments, be thankful! View challenging situations in your life as an opportunity to grow.
Broke And Poor Are Not The Same
Being broke is a temporary state that people go through in their journey. It’s when they pay their dues to get the skills and experience to become successful.
Being poor is a permanent state of mind. It’s a way of thinking that limits people from achieving abundance because they don’t think there’s enough for everyone.
The path to success is never linear. As you embark on your journey to self-discovery and self-fulfillment, you’ll go through tough moments inevitably.
Never wish for things to be easy because it won’t be. Instead, ask for strength to be able to endure and persevere. Those who come out on the other side are rewarded with more.
Being broke for a while is not a bad thing. As long as you have a plan and are taking massive action to create value for other people, success is inevitable.
Myke MacapinlacAbout Myke Macapinlac 
Myke Macapinlac is the Program Director of Social Man Project. His mission is to help shy men become socially confident so they can create the dating life they deserve.
If you would like to learn a proven strategy to meet quality women even if you feel like you’re not good enough, save your seat by visiting www.socialmanproject.com
Connect with Myke on: Facebook or Twitter

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