Monday Mash-Up 2022.08.01

Recommended Viewing
Sam’s Philosophy for a Happy Life

Thanks to Tim Ferriss for introducing me to this extraordinary TED talk video, featuring Sam Berns. Sam delivered this talk in December 2013, about one month before he passed away. He was 17.

When he was 2, he was diagnosed with Progeria, a rare, rapid aging disease.

In spite of this disease (or maybe because of it?) Sam achieved highest academic honors at Foxboro (MA) High School, was a percussion in the school marching band, and achieved the rank of Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts of America. 

And when he was asked by an NPR reporter to share the one thing people should know about him, Sam said, “I have a very happy life.” 

This video is spectacular. 

If you like what you see, you can dive deeper with the HBO documentary, Life According to Sam. I’ve to seen in yet. But it’s at the top of my to-do list. 

Recommended Viewing / Listening
How to Refer Better and Be More Referable

In the latest episode of the Story Power Marketing Show, my guest is Michael Roderick, who helps thoughtful givers become thought leaders by making their brands referable,

In this episode, we discuss: 

• How to make sure people you refer click with the people you connect them with.
• How to make yourself more referable so you can find more prospects with less effort and land more clients.
• Why empathy and active listening are critical relationship and business-building skills.
• Tools to make you a better referrer and more referable.

Here’s an excerpt video. 

Full episode video and audio: here. You also can find the podcast by searching for “The Story Power Marketing Show” wherever you find your favorite podcast.

Recommended Reading
“The Human Team” by Jeanet Wade

I recently met Jeanet Wade thanks to our mutual friend Dixie Gillaspie. And, as Dixie predicted, we hit it off. Jeanet will be a guest on my podcast in a few weeks. Before then, I’m going to finish reading her book, The Human Team. 

My half-way through review: So far, so great. 

Here’s a brief summary from Jeanet’s website:

While our people are the greatest source of triumph, more leaders struggle with what to do when our people are the source of our frustration. How do we ensure productivity? How do we sustain employee engagement? There’s no one way to manage human nature, but leaders who approach their role from a human-centric perspective will eventually find their way to improvement and a better “return-on-individuals.

This book is about humans connecting with humans. Critical for leaders to build stronger teams. And, as I so often stress, critical for marketers to build stronger connections with prospects.

Learn more about The Human Team here. 

Recommended Listening
Mel Brooks on Fresh Air

I love Mel Brooks! Here’s a great interview he did with Terry Gross on her NPR show, Fresh Air. 

Wise Words…
…from Bill Russell

Basketball great Bill Russell died yesterday. Here’s something he said that has me thinking…

““What distinguishes a great player is his presence. When he goes on to the court, his presence dominates the atmosphere.”