Episodios

  • 112. Healing Our Relationship With Nature: Purpose, Restoration, and Hope with Tim Christophersen

    112. Healing Our Relationship With Nature: Purpose, Restoration, and Hope with Tim Christophersen
    Dec 3 2025
    In this episode of What's the Point, I sit down with Tim Christophersen, one of the world's leading voices in nature restoration and conservation, to explore what really drives us as humans and how we find meaning in our relationship with the natural world. Tim's journey is a powerful human story of growth, purpose, and responsibility — and it's bigger than politics, bigger than hot-button climate debates, and deeper than soundbites. Tim shares how his love of nature began as a young boy walking through forests in Germany with his grandfather, quietly building the foundation for a life dedicated to restoring what we've lost. From living across three continents, to leading global environmental initiatives at the United Nations, to now restoring a former dairy farm in Denmark, Tim's life reflects a deep, lived commitment to purpose not as a concept — but as a way of being. We talk about what keeps him going, including his belief that we're living through a real relationship crisis with Mother Nature. Not as an abstract idea, but as a broken relationship — one where humans take, extract, and deplete instead of giving back. Tim walks us through powerful examples like the lost oyster beds of New York Harbor and the mysterious migration of the European silver eel, revealing how much richness we've lost — and how possible it is to restore it. This conversation also dives into how younger and older generations must work together, how people find meaning through restoration, and why rediscovering our connection with nature restores something inside of us too. Tim explains why this isn't just about saving forests or oceans — it's about rediscovering our life purpose, our role as stewards, and what it really means to be human. We also explore Tim's work with global movements like Generation Restoration and his current role at Salesforce, where he helps companies rethink nature as critical infrastructure instead of decoration. His message is clear: meaning isn't found in perfection — it's found in responsibility, reciprocity, and showing up differently. This episode isn't about fear. It's about hope. It's about what drives us forward. And it's a powerful reminder that restoring nature is inseparable from restoring ourselves. What's The Point? is a podcast hosted by Bill Ellis featuring real conversations with people who've figured out what matters - their purpose. Each episode explores what motivates them and how they find meaning in what they do. Connect with Bill: bill@billellis.com www.billellis.comwww.brandingforresults.comIG - @wcellisFacebook - @CoachBillEllisFacebook - @bill.ellis LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/wcellisBook: Women Who Won Links for This Episode: Email tim.christophersen@gmail.com Website(s) timchristophersen.com Trello Board for visual assets: https://trello.com/b/atycizuD/generation-restoration-marketing-design-projects SOCIAL MEDIA INFO: LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-christophersen-a4876228/ Instagram tim.christophersen9 Twitter @‌TimChristo CURRENT PROJECTS Generation Restoration is my new book about repairing our broken relationship with nature. Learn how to enter into a new, rewarding and reciprocal relationship with nature that will make you happier, healthier, and wealthier. It's time to restore diversity and abundance to Planet Earth! #GenerationRestoration Quick Episode Summary: 00:00 – Welcome + Introducing Tim's mission and purpose01:00 – Living in Denmark and restoring a farm03:00 – Childhood in Germany and time with his grandfather05:00 – First experiences sensing nature's interconnectedness06:50 – Relationship vs. resource: how we misunderstand nature09:00 – Returning to roots and finding life purpose11:00 – Generation Restoration and the UN Decade13:00 – Writing the book and removing polarization15:00 – Why restoration is more powerful than conservation17:00 – Nature as infrastructure, not decoration19:00 – The oyster story and New York Harbor22:00 – The European silver eel migration25:00 – Learning from indigenous wisdom28:00 – Relationship crisis with Mother Nature31:00 – Biodiversity Jenga explained33:00 – Biggest Little Farm and nature's intelligence35:00 – Salesforce, corporations, and restoring systems38:00 – Why collaboration is necessary for the future41:00 – What individuals can actually do44:00 – Listening to nature and rediscovering purpose46:00 – Jane Goodall's influence and legacy49:00 – Why ecology and economy are connected52:00 – Tim answers "What's the point?"
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    58 m
  • 111. Finding Meaning Through Resilience and Kindness with Noemi Beres

    111. Finding Meaning Through Resilience and Kindness with Noemi Beres
    Nov 26 2025
    In this episode of What's the Point, I sit down with Noemi Beres, a woman whose life story is a powerful reflection of resilience, kindness, and purpose. From growing up in Hungary in a modest but deeply loving family, to becoming an entrepreneur, connector, and creative force, Noemi shares what keeps her going and how she discovered what truly matters. Noemi opens up about her childhood, shaped by hardworking parents and the strong values of Eastern Europe. She shares how her family's history — stories of survival, perseverance, and hope — gave her the foundation to keep going, even when life became incredibly difficult. We talk about how moving between countries, cultures, and languages helped her understand how people find meaning and how deeply human connection shapes our sense of belonging. Her entrepreneurial journey wasn't smooth or predictable. Noemi speaks openly about business failures, financial loss, and the shock of losing her travel business during the pandemic. But what stood out most was her unwavering belief in learning, growth, and living with purpose. When everything collapsed, she didn't quit — she adapted, learned, and built Podcast Connections, a business driven by genuine care and service. We also explored the deeply human side of Noemi's story — losing her father, navigating grief, anxiety, and physical burnout, and ultimately discovering healing through art, silence, music, and presence. From her silent thinking sessions to her ASMR-style reading podcast, everything she creates comes from a desire to help people slow down, feel safe, and find meaning in their own lives. This episode is a true human story of growth, compassion, and purpose — a reminder that discovering what matters isn't about perfection, but about kindness, self-awareness, and choosing to keep going even when life feels overwhelming. What's The Point? is a podcast hosted by Bill Ellis featuring real conversations with people who've figured out what matters - their purpose. Each episode explores what motivates them and how they find meaning in what they do. Connect with Bill: bill@billellis.comwww.billellis.comwww.brandingforresults.comIG - @wcellisFacebook - @CoachBillEllisFacebook - @bill.ellis LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/wcellisBook: Women Who Won Links for This Episode: Email noemi@podcastconnections.co Website(s) https://www.podcastconnections.co https://noemiberes.com SOCIAL MEDIA INFO: LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/noemiberes Facebook https://www.facebook.com/noemi.beres Instagram https://www.instagram.com/noemi_beres CURRENT PROJECTS My new ASMR-style reading podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@noemiberes/podcasts Quick Episode Summary: 00:00 – Welcome + introducing Noemi's journey of resilience and purpose01:00 – How it feels to be on the guest side of the microphone03:00 – Growing up in Hungary and learning resilience early05:00 – Family history and the power of cultural roots06:30 – Travel, exchange programs, and discovering belonging08:00 – Why Noemi never wanted a boss09:00 – Business failure and losing money early on11:00 – Starting an online travel business before remote work was normal13:00 – Losing everything during the pandemic15:00 – Learning podcasting from scratch17:00 – Building Podcast Connections from nothing18:30 – Why connection and communication matter most20:00 – Silent thinking sessions and the power of quiet22:00 – ASMR-style reading and helping people heal through sound24:00 – Living outside the traditional "rules" of life26:00 – Discovering the Go-Giver philosophy28:00 – Why listening is more powerful than fixing30:00 – Losing her father and navigating grief33:00 – Art as therapy and healing35:00 – Music, drumming, meditation, and peace37:00 – Taking care of others without losing yourself39:00 – Why self-care became non-negotiable41:00 – Never giving up — "Just keep going"43:00 – Advice for people who feel stuck45:00 – Small steps create lasting change46:00 – What legacy really means48:00 – Why kindness is a strength50:00 – The power of giving without expectation52:00 – What's the point?
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    55 m
  • 110. The Sweet Work of Meaning: Family, Craft, and Purpose with Shawn & Lawren Askinosie

    110. The Sweet Work of Meaning: Family, Craft, and Purpose with Shawn & Lawren Askinosie
    Nov 19 2025
    On today's episode of What's the Point, we explore how meaning is created—slowly, intentionally, and lovingly—through the everyday work of craft, family, and purpose. Bill welcomes Shawn and Lawren Askinosie, the father–daughter team behind Askinosie Chocolate, one of America's most respected bean-to-bar chocolate companies. Their story is more than a business profile—it's a human story of growth, legacy, and discovering what truly matters. Shawn left a long and intense career as a criminal defense attorney to pursue chocolate making—a leap that few understood at the time. But that decision became a powerful turning point, both in his own life and for everyone who has touched the Askinosie mission. Today, he and his daughter Lawren co-lead the company with a shared commitment to community, craftsmanship, global relationships, and living with purpose. In this conversation, Shawn and Lawren open up about family, loss, calling, and the values that guide their work. They discuss how compassion, grief, service, and legacy shaped their path; how meaningful work is built on relationships; and why the "sweet work" of craft can become a vehicle for connection across the world—from Springfield, Missouri to Tanzania and the Philippines. You'll also hear the surprising and emotional story behind Chocolate University, a program that has touched more than 20,000 children through education, mentorship, meals, and empowerment opportunities. And you'll learn why the Askinosie approach to values is not something they add to their work—it's the very backbone of how they operate, hire, and serve. This is an episode about discovering what keeps you going, how people find meaning in their work, and how purpose is passed from one generation to the next. It's a conversation about what drives us—and why the most important work we do often has nothing to do with profit, but everything to do with people. What's The Point? is a podcast hosted by Bill Ellis, featuring real conversations with people who've figured out what matters—their purpose. Each episode explores what motivates them and how they find meaning in what they do. Connect with Bill: bill@brandingpillars.com www.brandingpillars.com www.brandingforresults.com IG - @wcellis Facebook - @CoachBillEllis LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/wcellis Book: Women Who Won Links for This Episode: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/askinosie-chocolateFacebook: http://facebook.com/askinosie.chocolateInstagram: http://instagram.com/askinosieThreads: http://threads.com/@askinosieTikTok: http://tiktok.com/@askinosieBOOK: Meaningful Work: A Quest to Do Great Business, Find Your Calling, and Feed Your Soul Quick Episode Summary: 00:00 – Welcome to What's the Point: A conversation about purpose, craft & family01:00 – Introducing Shawn & Lawren: A father-daughter story years in the making03:00 – What it feels like to record this episode together04:00 – Shawn's shift from criminal defense to chocolate: following the path in front of you07:00 – Lawren's view as a teenager watching her dad reinvent his life09:00 – The story behind the Askinosie name (and why Shawn advises against it)11:00 – How father and daughter grew the Askinosie brand together12:00 – Co-authoring Meaningful Work: what they learned about each other14:00 – Why writing someone else's voice is an act of trust15:00 – The Lost & Found Grief Center and Shawn's early calling to service17:00 – How grief shaped Shawn and how that legacy passed to Lawren19:00 – Lawren on compassion, community, and becoming a parent21:00 – The generational impact of grief and healing23:00 – Legacy, values, and what it means to grow a business from the heart25:00 – How the Askinosie team keeps values alive during the busiest seasons28:00 – Father–daughter dynamics: strengths, differences, and real communication32:00 – Why Shawn would fear Lawren if she were a prosecutor34:00 – Lawren's passion for empowering female cocoa farmers37:00 – What she's learned from women around the world39:00 – What Chocolate University really is—and why it's transformative42:00 – 11,000+ graduates: the long-term impact on students and communities44:00 – The ripple effect of service and mentoring young leaders45:00 – Bill's own experience with Askinosie's tasting kit46:00 – Why every sale means something deeply personal to the Askinosie team48:00 – How their chocolate becomes part of families' most meaningful moments49:00 – Rapid-fire questions: favorite bars, coffee vs. tea, early mornings or late nights50:00 – What's bringing them joy right now51:00 – What they would tell their 14-year-old selves52:00 – What's the point?
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    55 m
  • 109. From Rant to Resolve: How Unity Became His Purpose

    109. From Rant to Resolve: How Unity Became His Purpose
    Nov 12 2025
    Discovering meaning and purpose by choosing connection over division — how one leader turned a moment of frustration into a nationwide movement for unity. After three decades in high-powered business and private equity, Adam Mizel found himself yelling at the TV in 2020, watching the world unravel. That moment sparked an unexpected transformation—from executive to bridge-builder. Today, he's the co-founder and CEO of US United, a growing movement focused on creating unity through human connection, community action, and service. In this episode of What's The Point, Bill Ellis and Adam talk about what it really means to find purpose after success. Adam shares how his background in business and philanthropy shaped the foundation for US United, an organization inspiring people to reconnect across divides through conversations, service, and kindness. They discuss how National Unity Day (recognized by the National Day Registry) invites us to step outside our personal and social media bubbles and connect with people from different backgrounds—and why unity starts at the grassroots level, not in politics or media. Adam also opens up about the challenges of leading a movement for connection in a divided world, the lessons learned from partnering with Sheriff Chris Swanson, and how seemingly small actions—like a kind word, a coffee shared, or a civil conversation—can restore hope in our culture. Whether you're a business leader, a community builder, or just someone searching for more meaning in your life, Adam's story reminds us that purpose isn't about profits—it's about people. Connect with Bill: bill@billellis.com www.billellis.com www.brandingforresults.comIG - @wcellisFacebook - @CoachBillEllisFacebook - @bill.ellis LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/wcellisBook: Women Who Won Links for This Episode: Email adam@un-united.org Website(s) us-united.org SOCIAL MEDIA INFO: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/adammmizel/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/USUnitedOrgInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/us_united_org/ What's The Point? is a podcast hosted by Bill Ellis, featuring real conversations with people who've figured out what matters—their purpose. Each episode explores what motivates them and how they find meaning in what they do. Quick Episode Summary: 00:00 – Welcome and introduction: from business success to calling for unity 01:00 – The moment that changed everything: yelling at the TV during 2020 03:00 – Why Adam decided to act instead of complain 05:00 – The founding of US United and its mission to build bridges 07:00 – Escaping our bubbles: how connection rebuilds empathy 09:00 – The Sheriffs Unity Network and grassroots leadership 11:00 – Creating National Unity Day and what it represents 13:00 – Why unity must start with everyday people, not politicians 15:00 – The power of one act: the Flint, Michigan story that inspired the movement 18:00 – How Adam met Sheriff Chris Swanson and co-founded US United 20:00 – Simple ways anyone can start building unity 23:00 – Lessons from Princeton: "In the Nation's Service and the Service of Humanity" 25:00 – The Five-Mile Rule: how small, local actions create national change 28:00 – Running a nonprofit with a business mindset 31:00 – The 30 for US Program and how it brings people together 35:00 – What sports, music, and food teach us about unity 37:00 – Shaquille O'Neal's wisdom on respect and connection 41:00 – How to avoid "I'm right, you're wrong" conversations 45:00 – Changing minds through storytelling instead of argument 48:00 – Why US United matters—and how to get involved 54:00 – The personal transformation behind the mission 59:00 – What's the point? Why unity is worth fighting for
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    1 h
  • 108. The Journey, Not the Destination: John Golden on Authentic Leadership and Self-Awareness

    108. The Journey, Not the Destination: John Golden on Authentic Leadership and Self-Awareness
    Sep 9 2025

    In this episode of What's the Point?, Bill Ellis welcomes John Golden—strategist, podcaster, martial arts practitioner, and Chief Strategy & Marketing Officer at Pipeliner CRM. John's story stretches from growing up in Ireland to building a career in the U.S. that blends sales leadership, publishing, and purpose-driven business.

    Through their conversation, John emphasizes why embracing the journey matters more than obsessing over the destination. He shares how self-awareness, core values, and non-negotiables can guide decisions, why comparison is a trap, and how authenticity is the only way to lead effectively.

    From his 1,600+ podcast interviews to his decades in sales, John also shares powerful lessons about preparation, humility, and what it means to leave a lasting legacy. This is a rich, thought-provoking dialogue about human nature, leadership, and living with intentionality.

    🗝️ Key Takeaways
    • Embrace the Journey: Success isn't about an overnight win—it's about learning from every step, even the missteps.
    • Self-Awareness First: Before chasing goals, know your strengths, triggers, and true fit
    • Non-Negotiables Matter: Having clear values helps avoid distractions and wasted effort
    • Preparation Wins in Sales: Top performers always do their homework—it's the ultimate respect for the client
    • Authentic Leadership: True leaders model values, act with humility, and elevate others without pretending leadership is just "being nice"
    • Legacy Over Noise: The real point is the impact you leave on those closest to you, not chasing global applause
      .

    LINKS:

    Connect with Bill:

    • bill@brandingpillars.com
    • www.brandingpillars.com
    • www.brandingforresults.com
    • IG - @wcellis
    • Facebook - @CoachBillEllis
    • LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/wcellis
    • Book: Women Who Won

    CONTACT INFO:

    • Name: John Golden
    • Email: john.golden@pipelinersales.com
    • Website: https://www.pipelinersales.com/
    • SOCIAL MEDIA:
    • YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/SalesPOP
    • X: https://twitter.com/RealSalesPOP
    • X: @‌JohnGoldenFRR
    • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johngolden/
    • Sales POP! Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sales-pop-podcasts/id1455305326

    Quick Episode Summary:

    • 00:00 – Meet John Golden: strategist, podcaster, and sales leader
    • 02:00 – From Ireland to San Diego: why embracing the journey matters
    • 06:30 – Self-awareness and core values as the foundation of clarity
    • 10:30 – Building your list of non-negotiables
    • 14:00 – Podcasting lessons: consistency, purpose, and value over vanity
    • 18:30 – Human nature insights: what the Maasai warriors can teach us about silence and observation
    • 24:00 – Martial arts lessons: humility, competing with yourself, and long-term discipline
    • 30:00 – Why comparison is destructive in life and sales
    • 33:00 – The power of preparation: a cautionary sales story
    • 38:00 – Debunking myths: salespeople are made, not born
    • 40:00 – Purpose-driven leadership beyond metrics
    • 46:00 – Flaws, scars, and the beauty of imperfection
    • 48:00 – John's answer to "What's the Point?"
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    51 m
  • 107. Building Trust That Lasts: How Unity and Service Can Transform Communities, Companies, and Culture with Chip Webster

    107. Building Trust That Lasts: How Unity and Service Can Transform Communities, Companies, and Culture with Chip Webster
    Aug 26 2025

    Trust. It's something we all crave, yet so many of us feel it slipping away. In today's conversation, I sit down with Chip Webster, founder of Unity and Service and author of Unity and Service: A Pathway to Responsible Citizenship. Chip has spent decades observing how trust is built—and broken—in boardrooms, neighborhoods, and across our country. His mission is simple: rebuild unity one act of service at a time.

    We dive deep into the cultural shift that's left many of us disconnected and cynical. Chip challenges us to get off the couch, engage with our neighbors, and remember that the smallest actions—like holding a door, saying hello, or volunteering locally—can begin to restore trust.

    Chip also shares his bold vision for mandatory national service—not military, but one year of working on community projects, side by side with people different from ourselves. He believes that when we serve, barriers come down and our humanity shines through.

    We also discuss:

    • Why trust is highest in our local communities and lowest at the national level.
    • How listening—truly listening—creates consensus, even when we disagree.
    • The difference between microaggressions and micro-validations—and why small affirmations can heal more than we think.
    • What it really means to be a responsible citizen in today's America.
    • Chip leaves us with a timeless challenge: If not now, when? If not us, who?

    This episode is both a wake-up call and an invitation. The point is clear—unity doesn't happen by accident. It happens when each of us decides to serve.

    Connect with Bill:

    • bill@brandingpillars.com
    • www.brandingpillars.com
    • www.brandingforresults.com
    • IG - @wcellis
    • Facebook - @CoachBillEllis
    • LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/wcellis
    • Book: Women Who Won

    Links for This Episode:

    • Name: Chip Webster
    • Phone: 727-618-9376
    • Email: chip@unityinservice.org
    • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chipwwebster
    • Website http://unityinservice.org
    • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chip.webster.2025

    Quick Episode Summary:

    • 00:00 – Introduction: Craving trust in a divided world
    • 02:00 – Why trust can't be built online
    • 05:00 – Getting off the couch: first steps toward building trust
    • 07:00 – Small acts that matter (holding doors, saying hello)
    • 10:00 – The loneliness epidemic and knowing our neighbors
    • 12:00 – Culture as "the water we swim in"
    • 15:00 – Why national service could change everything
    • 18:00 – Dehumanization in politics and media
    • 21:00 – Listening, compromise, and consensus building
    • 25:00 – The role of Vistage in teaching trust and transparency
    • 30:00 – Generational shifts: helicopter parents and entitlement
    • 34:00 – Bridging the gap between generations
    • 36:00 – The United States or the Un-United States?
    • 39:00 – The CCC and WPA: lessons from the past
    • 43:00 – Chip's vision for modern mandatory service
    • 45:00 – Who should read Unity and Service?
    • 48:00 – Micro-affirmations vs. microaggressions
    • 52:00 – What's the point? Chip's final message
    • 54:00 – Closing thoughts and how to connect with Chip
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    56 m
  • 106. From Purpose to Legacy: Derrick Girard on Finding Faith Through Adversity

    106. From Purpose to Legacy: Derrick Girard on Finding Faith Through Adversity
    Aug 12 2025

    In this episode of What's the Point?, host Bill Ellis sits down with Derrick Girard—entrepreneur, Air Force veteran, and author of Put to the Test. Derrick shares how a series of business challenges—including three major lawsuits—pushed him to reevaluate everything he thought he knew about success, leadership, and resilience.

    From growing up in a military family to launching a tech company without a tech background, Derrick's story is one of grit, adaptability, and a relentless "figure it out" mindset. He opens up about the emotional and professional toll of building something from scratch, the cost of unchecked ambition, and how failure became the greatest teacher. This episode unpacks what it means to lead with integrity, step away from ego, and stay grounded in purpose—even when the pressure mounts.

    🗝️ Key Takeaways

    • Adversity as the ultimate test: Derrick's life shaped by lawsuits and business breakdowns—not personal loss.
    • Mindset over platform: Success isn't about status—it's built through resilience, curiosity, and relentless problem-solving.
    • Drive has a cost: Extraordinary ambition allowed achievement—but at the expense of relationships until awareness rebalanced perspective.
    • Culture starts at the top: Corporate turnaround failed because the leader wouldn't acknowledge systemic issues—culture isn't declared, it's lived.
    • Quitting is okay when you truly tried: Persistence matters—but so does knowing when you've done all you can and it's time to walk away.

    💬 Final Thoughts

    Derrick emphasizes that success is not about avoiding failure, but about responding to it—with honesty, grit, and generosity. His Figure It Out mindset equips listeners to take accountability, embrace setbacks as fuel, and stay true to values amid chaos.

    Connect with Bill:

    • bill@brandingpillars.com
    • www.brandingpillars.com
    • www.brandingforresults.com
    • IG - @wcellis
    • Facebook - @CoachBillEllis
    • LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/wcellis
    • Book: Women Who Won

    Links for This Episode:

    • Name: Derrick Girard
    • Email: dmgirar@gmail.com
    • Phone: (612) 205-5280
    • Website(s): www.derrickgirard.com

    SOCIAL MEDIA INFO:

    • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/derrickgirard/
    • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/derrickgirardauthor
    • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/author.derrickgirard/
    • Twitter: https://x.com/DerrickGirard1
    • BOOK: https://a.co/d/3Wg6LMN

    Quick Episode Summary:

    • 0:00 – Welcome and guest introduction: Meet Derrick Girard.
    • 1:42 – The unexpected call that changed everything.
    • 3:11 – Walking through crisis and asking, "What is God doing here?"
    • 5:20 – Letting go of ego and career identity.
    • 8:55 – Rediscovering purpose through faith and family.
    • 12:43 – Why we often confuse busyness with purpose.
    • 15:16 – What it means to obey even when it costs.
    • 18:38 – Derrick's view on legacy, marriage, and spiritual leadership.
    • 22:07 – Final reflections and encouragement to follow God's lead
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    49 m
  • 105. Begin With WE: Kyle McDowell on Crushing Workplace Dysfunction and Leading with Principle

    105. Begin With WE: Kyle McDowell on Crushing Workplace Dysfunction and Leading with Principle
    Jul 24 2025
    What if the real problem in corporate culture isn't the strategy—but the absence of shared principles? In this powerful episode of What's the Point?, Bill Ellis welcomes bestselling author, speaker, and former Fortune 10 executive Kyle McDowell. Kyle pulls back the curtain on what's broken in today's organizations—and how The 10 WEs framework can shift the culture from dysfunction to excellence. With nearly 30 years of experience leading massive teams, Kyle's message is as bold as it is simple: begin with WE. Whether you're leading thousands or just trying to be a better teammate, this conversation will challenge how you think about leadership, courage, and culture. Kyle McDowell is a leadership coach, keynote speaker, and the author of the Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestseller Begin With WE: 10 Principles for Building and Sustaining a Culture of Excellence. After nearly three decades in corporate leadership roles—including at some of America's biggest firms—Kyle now helps organizations dismantle dysfunction by putting people over ego and mission over metrics. His trademarked philosophy, The 10 WEs, is redefining how leaders create buy-in, accountability, and authenticity across every level of business. Episode Highlights & Key Takeaways: Begin With WE: Kyle introduces his leadership framework and why starting with a unified vision creates cultures of excellence.From Fortune 10 to Full-Time Purpose: Kyle opens up about his decision to leave corporate life and step into his calling as a thought leader.The First WE Principle: "We do the right thing. Always." Kyle shares why this one idea is the cornerstone for trust, safety, and transformation.Courageous Candor: Kyle talks about moving past polite silence in the workplace and building teams that speak truth with respect.The Power of Modeling: Leaders can't just talk the talk—they must model behavior and create an environment of accountability.It's Not Soft, It's Strong: Kyle breaks down why vulnerability and empathy in leadership are not weaknesses but the ultimate strengths.One-on-One Moments Matter: Leadership isn't about stage presence—it's about the impact you have in your next conversation. Kyle McDowell's message is a wake-up call for leaders everywhere: Culture isn't someone else's job—it's yours. His "10 WEs" offer more than a framework; they're a mirror. One that reflects the kind of leader you are—and the one you're capable of becoming. If you're tired of watching dysfunction win, this episode will inspire you to lead with courage, clarity, and a whole lot more WE. Connect with Bill: bill@brandingpillars.comwww.brandingpillars.comwww.brandingforresults.comIG - @wcellisFacebook - @CoachBillEllisLinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/wcellisBook: Women Who Won Links for This Episode: https://www.instagram.com/kylemcdowellinchttps://www.tiktok.com/@kylemcdowellinchttps://www.youtube.com/@kylemcdowellinchttps://www.facebook.com/KyleMcDowellInchttps://twitter.com/KyleMcDowellIncBOOK: Begin With WE: 10 Principles for Building and Sustaining a Culture of Excellence Quick Episode Summary: 0:00 – Bill introduces Kyle and his mission to rewire corporate leadership1:08 – Kyle shares his background, from leading tens of thousands to walking away from it all3:44 – The origin of Begin With WE and how the "10 WEs" came to life6:10 – The core dysfunctions Kyle saw over and over—and why no one was solving them9:29 – "We do the right thing. Always." Why principle-driven leadership builds unstoppable trust13:00 – How Kyle's team of 15,000 began to adopt a shared belief system15:50 – What vulnerability in leadership really looks like—and how it unlocks deeper performance18:45 – Kyle breaks down his journey from fear to courage in leaving a secure corporate life22:00 – "We own our mistakes." Why authenticity, not perfection, makes great leaders24:55 – Leaders who hide behind silence—and how to bring truth back into the room29:10 – Why great leadership is personal, not positional31:30 – The message behind his book and how The 10 WEs can transform any team33:45 – Kyle shares the moment he knew he was living out his calling36:00 – The ripple effect of cultural change—from the break room to the boardroom39:00 – Why Kyle believes impact, not income, is the true measure of success41:00 – Final thoughts from Kyle on what it really means to lead with purpose Subscribe & Share:Know someone frustrated with toxic work culture or looking to grow as a leader? Share this episode and help spread Kyle's mission to bring principle-driven leadership to every workplace. Subscribe to What's the Point? for more conversations that cut through the noise and help you live—and lead—with purpose.
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    52 m