It is an honor to have Colonel Kevin Benson with me. Col. Benson is highly decorated. His military career spans 30 years, during which he was the Director of the School of Advanced Military Studies and has become an Adjunct Scholar at West Point. As impressive as his career has been, even more, impressive is the extreme wisdom and humility that guides him.
The poem ‘If’ by Rudyard Kipling ends with a challenge to fill the “unforgiving minute with sixty seconds worth of distance run”. Col. Benson took this challenge to heart, pursuing his Ph.D. as a means of filling that unforgiving minute.
It is important to take the opportunities we have been given and refuse to rest on our laurels, no matter how impressive. Like those who have gone before, it is our responsibility to challenge ourselves and give back. Passing on what we know to the younger generation helps them to succeed as well.
One of the best ways we can grow is to move beyond asking what or how questions. We need to be asking why. Asking why helps us to uncover the reasoning behind past decisions. When we can understand the context of the moment, we can understand the decision that was made and what the end goal was.
Past or present, we can always find the opportunity to learn from others. Embrace that you aren’t the smartest person in the room. Everyone can contribute, and you can learn from anyone and everyone if you set your mind to. A humble leader refuses to throw anything away but evaluates and takes in the ideas presented. The way we approach the minute sets the standard.
Resources:
Red Teaming by Bryce Hoffman
Connect with Jody:
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sugarjmaberry
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodymaberry/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/sugarjmaberry/
Once again, it is time for a guest on the show to turn the tables and ask me three questions. Col. Kevin Benson returns with a few thought-provoking questions that I am excited to answer for you today. Listen until the end, he also unpacks a special extension on our previous conversation about filling the unforgiving minute.
First, how did you come to conclude that conducting podcast interviews was your chosen line of work? This is an interesting question. Would you believe it, like many things, stemmed from my love of parks?
What delighted you about being a park ranger? This is an easy answer. What is more appealing, dealing with numbers or being in the outdoors?
Last, what is a path that you thought about taking but didn’t? If it weren’t for a three-month car trip, I may have ended up working for one of the most stable and well-known companies in Illinois. I’m grateful for that trip.
Connect with Jody:
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sugarjmaberry
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodymaberry/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/sugarjmaberry/
I am excited to say Jeff Nole has returned! After a year without getting together in person, the stars have aligned, and we spent the last three days hiking at Glacier National Park. When I think of Jeff Noel, I think of a man that knows how to live in the present moment. He has invested time and energy into cultivating a life of being present, and that is something we all need a little more of.
There is a moment in time that is right now. Appreciating that moment and being grateful is a key component in being happy. Gratitude is part of the context of being happy. Every day, there are so many things to be grateful for. When we are intentional about appreciating our present and are grateful for it, we will be happy.
Being present doesn’t happen by accident. It takes intentionally building structure and processes and investing energy around being present. As you work being present and being grateful into your life, it becomes muscle memory. It becomes easier and easier to do.
If you are looking for a simple first step to being present, it is simply to enjoy where you are. Allow moments to happen organically. Linger in the present instead of looking for what is coming next. Enjoy what’s here right now; what’s in front of you. Life moves fast. Take autopilot off and start steering your own life toward embracing your present moment. Embrace the concept of compounded interest and let gratitude grow through slow and steady deposits invested in your present moment.
Connect with Jody:
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sugarjmaberry
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodymaberry/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/sugarjmaberry/
It’s that time again. Cassie Tucker returns to bring three questions of her own creation to the table. Full disclosure, I do turn the tables on her towards the end.
First, what is your favorite national park and why? This is a pretty easy question for me, but it is a tie. It all depends; are you looking for scenic views or majestic wildlife?
Second, outside of the podcasts you and your clients have, what is your favorite podcast? I have a few. Would it surprise you to learn that one of them actually has five-hour episodes, and I listen to the whole thing? It’s that good.
Lastly, What is one of the biggest mistakes you see made in podcasting, and how can podcasters correct it? The biggest mistakes boil down to follow-through and how you interact with your listener…but you will have to listen to hear the specifics.
Resources:
Connect with Jody:
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sugarjmaberry
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodymaberry/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/sugarjmaberry/