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March 5, 2024

Ep. 51: Mike Sarge: Unwrapping Life's Gifts - Leading with Authenticity and Embracing the Journey

Ep. 51: Mike Sarge: Unwrapping Life's Gifts - Leading with Authenticity and Embracing the Journey

You are built for it, even if current situations do not reflect the ideal reality. 

Have you ever held back a part of yourself, fearful of what the world might say? Mike Sarge joins us to discuss how liberating it can be when we choose to share our unique gifts. His philosophy – "A gift isn't a gift until it's given" – echoes through our conversation, as we tackle the power of vulnerability and the transformative effect of expressing one's true talents. Mike's dual expertise as an award-winning artist and a keynote speaker brings a refreshing perspective on bridging divides and fostering a sense of belonging in these polarized times. Together, we navigate the theme of visibility in a world that often overlooks the quiet contributions of humility and authenticity.

Leadership isn't just a title; it's an evolution of character, especially in the wake of adversity. Reflecting on the challenging events of recent years, we discuss the reshaping of our leadership models and our collaboration on CRE8 FORCE, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at empowering leaders. The discussion highlights often-overlooked leadership qualities like humility and charisma and underscores the importance of authenticity in guiding others. Our dynamic exchange delves into the nuance of leading with both heart and strategic insight, a delicate balance that can inspire true loyalty and drive transformative change.

Embrace the notion that life's path is beautifully unpredictable, and the road to success is rarely straight. We roam through the landscape of personal growth, affirming that detours and hurdles are not signs of failure but rather the hallmarks of a life rich with experience. From examining the unconventional routes to success taken by athletes to the trials of adolescence, we underscore the role self-esteem plays in forging our destinies. This episode is a clarion call to support our youth in recognizing their inherent 'enoughness,' fostering resilience in the face of life's challenges, and inspiring a future where every individual feels empowered to share their gifts with the world.

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More Amazing Stories:
Episode 28: Purple Heart Recipient CMSgt Ben Seekell – Your Capacity is Limitless

Episode 31: Todd Henry – Choose To Be Brave

Episode 35: Brook Cupps – Shaping Leaders On and Off The Court

Episode 41: Lee Ellis – Freeing You From Bond That Make You Insecure


Chapters

00:00 - Intro

03:00 - Story behind quote

05:15 - Gift Mike Sarge is giving and sharing with the world. Also, how he defines his own success

08:32 - Using music to bridge communication gaps

11:44 - Story behind CRE8 FORCE

12:02 - Leadership Development

15:42 - Leadership skills people are not considering

18:04 - Recommendations for tools and approaches do leaders need to navigate the murky waters of change

21:52 - Traits of a Good Leader

23:06 - What makes a good leader and the things to look for when identifying

27:15 - Non-military leaders Mike Sarge admires and considers role models

31:37 - When thinking of a movie image that depicts leadership, who or what comes to mind

34:17 - Historical figure Mike Sarge identifies with

35:16 - Embracing Life's Journey and Self-Worth

39:14 - If there was a giant billboard with your picture and message on it for the world to see, where would you place the billboard and what would your message say

42:11 - Giving Flowers