132 - What Fuels Your Fire?

The Gyst Life

#Society #Canada #Self-Improvement #David Schmeikal #Arts #Podcasting Education #Married Entrepreneurs

23:28

My guest today has been keeping us up to date with the current state of hiring for marketers on a quarterly basis, which has taken us on quite a roller coaster ride. Today we’re going to look at how marketing and communication execs are responding to the latest developments in the world while still needing to get their work done. To take a look at the latest here, I’d like to welcome back to the show Sue Keith, Corporate Vice President at Landrum Talent Solutions. About Sue Keith Sue Keith is Corporate Vice President at Landrum Talent Solutions. With deep expertise in navigating complex labor markets, Sue has a front-row seat to the evolving dynamics of marketing roles, hiring trends, and the broader implications of AI and economic uncertainty. RESOURCES Landrum Talent Solutions: https://www.landrumtalentsolutions.com https://www.landrumtalentsolutions.com This episode is brought to you by Landrum Talent Solutions, a national recruiting firm specializing in marketing and HR positions. https://www.landrumtalentsolutions.com Catch the future of e-commerce at eTail Boston, August 11-14, 2025. Register now: https://bit.ly/etailboston and use code PARTNER20 for 20% off for retailers and brands Online Scrum Master Summit is happening June 17-19. This 3-day virtual event is open for registration. Visit www.osms25.com and get a 25% discount off Premium All-Access Passes with the code osms25agilebrand Don't Miss MAICON 2025, October 14-16 in Cleveland - the event bringing together the brights minds and leading voices in AI. Use Code AGILE150 for $150 off registration. Go here to register: https://bit.ly/agile150 Connect with Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregkihlstrom Don't miss a thing: get the latest episodes, sign up for our newsletter and more: https://www.theagilebrand.show Check out The Agile Brand Guide website with articles, insights, and Martechipedia, the wiki for marketing technology: https://www.agilebrandguide.com The Agile Brand is produced by Missing Link—a Latina-owned strategy-driven, creatively fueled production co-op. From ideation to creation, they craft human connections through intelligent, engaging and informative content. https://www.missinglink.company…

about a year ago 11:02

MP3•Episode home

How do we navigate the complexities of our lives with resilience and purpose in a world filled with uncertainty and constant change?

---

Today I take a short journey (11 minutes) into the depths of personal responsibility, societal challenges and the delicate balance between self-care and helping others.

---

Have you ever found yourself grappling with the ever-changing landscape of life, feeling overwhelmed by the weight of responsibility and the desire to make a difference? In this episode, we explore the raw emotions and universal truths that shape our experiences, offering insights into how we can navigate the chaos with grace and intentionality.

We must begin by first acknowledging the harsh realities of our world. There are systemic challenges and personal struggles we all face. Positivity alone cannot resolve the depth of our collective pain. The opportunity lies in recognizing that true change begins not in the service of others but from within. We need to embrace the complexities of our emotions and take ownership of our decisions.

As we journey deeper into the heart of the human condition, we will confront our inherent flaws and the unsettling reality of the manipulation and power dynamics of the world. However, our power of our self-awareness and our courage to challenge the status quo lives amidst the chaos.

---

Life is uncertain, and when we recognize that we will stumble and fall, we can free ourselves to appreciate that is progress. This is self-care and selflessness. Our stories of personal growth and resilience become the practical strategies that help us navigate life's challenges.

I encourage you to reflect on your own experiences and consider how you can embrace the chaos of life with courage and conviction.

Take time to prioritize your well-being.
Seek alignment with those who uplift and support you
Remember true growth often arises from the depths of uncertainty.

Looking for support on this journey?

I offer what's called a creative recalibration. It's a program that helps you change your relationship to time. We process, make sense and sort through your experience so you can see the possibilities, and pursue what's important to you.

This work is about pushing boundaries, nurturing creativity and being seen for who you are, not just what you do.

Join me!

136 episodes

132 - What Fuels Your Fire?

The Gyst Life

published about a year ago

MP3•Episode home

How do we navigate the complexities of our lives with resilience and purpose in a world filled with uncertainty and constant change?

---

Today I take a short journey (11 minutes) into the depths of personal responsibility, societal challenges and the delicate balance between self-care and helping others.

---

I encourage you to reflect on your own experiences and consider how you can embrace the chaos of life with courage and conviction.

Take time to prioritize your well-being.
Seek alignment with those who uplift and support you
Remember true growth often arises from the depths of uncertainty.

Looking for support on this journey?

This work is about pushing boundaries, nurturing creativity and being seen for who you are, not just what you do.

Join me!

136 episodes

#Society #Canada #Self-Improvement #David Schmeikal #Arts #Podcasting Education #Married Entrepreneurs

All episodes

The Gyst Life

1
135 - Recalibrating Creativity 35:56

17 weeks ago35:56

35:56

We’ve all been there—stuck in the tension between what we want to do and what we feel we should do. It’s the creative struggle. It’s the entrepreneur’s dilemma. It’s the weight of our own expectations. And at its worst, it keeps us trapped in what Alex Ford from The Measurable Genius call’s The Pit of Despair —that place where we start believing there’s no point and nothing will change. This episode is about learning to choose our hard. Because let’s be real: Life isn’t free from struggle. But not all struggles are created equal. There’s the hard work that leads to something meaningful, and then there’s the exhausting grind that keeps us stuck. The challenge is knowing the difference. In this conversation, we unpack: 🔥 The myths about success, creativity, and discipline that hold us back 🎭 The inner critic’s favorite tricks—why it makes us doubt our own voice and value ⚡ How to distinguish the work that matters from the struggle that doesn’t 🔄 The recalibration process—honoring commitments, redefining success, and staying creative If this resonates, let’s go deeper: 🚀 Coaching to reframe your creative process 🎨 Transform your space with art that inspires 📅 Planning for a future you actually want 🖌️ Roll up your sleeves and pickup a paintbrush to unlock your creative flow…

The Gyst Life

1
134 - Balancing Creative Chaos and Focused Flow 33:58

24 weeks ago33:58

33:58

In this episode David and Maya of Bear and Unicorn Creative unpack their creative partnership and how they're transitioning from supporting other's visions to creating their own. They explore the challenges of focusing on a single creative direction; the crux of every human who has embraced their creativity. They also reveal behind the curtains the lessons they're learning from a business development perspective, the personal aspirations driving their work. The fears, triumphs and determination to shape their future as life partners and creative duo. For more about what we're up to pick a link! https://bearandunicorn.ca/ https://mayacorona.com/ https://davidschmeikal.com/…

The Gyst Life

1
133 - Embracing the Power of Being Multi-Disciplinary 9:00

35 weeks ago9:00

9:00

We often feel pressure to specialize, to fit into neat boxes that others can easily understand. But some of us are wired differently. We move fluidly between disciplines, evolving and expanding our skills in ways that don’t replace what came before but augment it. This piece explores the unique strength of being multi-disciplinary, the challenge of communicating that value, and the importance of creating our own paradigms, rather than squeezing into outdated ones. Hi David here, It's been a while since I recorded something So here's my update! I'll try and keep it short. For those who might be listening for the first time and don't know me or my wife maya, we run a company called The Bear and Unicorn Creative. We've been working in brand, design and marketing, coaching our clients how to communicate their value, tell their story and market their services for 15 years. And we've worn all the hats to make that work. It's been an interesting year of digging into creativity and defining and refining my body of work more deeply. I still find myself jumping around, trying my best to herd all my precious ideas and projects to move in the same direction. At the end of 2023 Maya and I made some choices to try our best to streamline our efforts and stop doing so many things. We decided to work more intimately together and align our efforts towards a single focus, leaning into our talents more intentionally. Using our creative energy to build something for ourselves. And just when we thought we were done "adding more" Painting murals became a big focus of ours this year. And while it might seem like a radical step in an unrelated direction, it's actually quite aligned with who we are and what we seek to do more of on many levels. I definitely plan to talk more about the exercise of painting murals and why we decided to do this work in the future. But in this conversation I want to talk about being multi-disciplinary. I am going spend a little to pull apart what it means, the struggle it can be to communicate that complexity to others, the internal conflict that occurs, and what we can do to break free from the conventional ideas that keep us from truly embracing who we know ourselves to be. -- Being a multi-disciplinary myself, I have done and continue to do a lot of different things. It's been a natural way to live, like breathing. But for most of my career, I've struggled to communicate my value in a way that honors that depth and resonates with those I seek to support and co-create with. I've heard others say that from the outside, it looks like I’m constantly shifting focus. It might feel like I can't or won't commit, always replacing one discipline with another in a convoluted game of hot potato. There's been conversations with others and with myself where after I've caught myself believing something was wrong with me for being this way, spiraling into self-doubt and self-sabotage. This impulsive reaction at the well intentioned feedback of others really did a number on any momentum I had created. But this is also mine to own. I've been banging the drum of embracing creativity and I often talk about just how multi-faceted we humans really are. Even those who've settled into a specialty engage in many other things. No one is ever doing the exact same thing all the time. This is our creativity in action and its a fundamental aspect to being human. And there are some of us who have embraced our tendency to be multi-disciplinary as our specialty. As our way to be compensated and sustain our lives. What we forget is that our diverse skills don’t operate well in the isolated echo chambers like that of our specialists’. No, our collection of talents are woven together into a unique pattern, one that only we are responsible for understanding and making sense of. Others can provide guidance and direction, but the real work can only be done by you, because only you see the world like you do. And it's on you to learn how to communicate that value to the world. As I embrace this ideology, and commit more time to understanding how this special way of operating works for me, the better my skills come together. Like a well-oiled machine, the jacks and jills of many trades are fundamental contributors to society and the marketplace in surprising and unexpected ways. But we need to be intimately aware of each gear and learn to switch between them at the right time. And the only way to really know this is to build and create and put it out there for others to interact with. So consider this: you’re not confused, you're just not committing. And you don’t have commitment issues, you just can't do everything at once. So decide, right now, who you will be moving forward. Own the fact that you see the world differently. And moving in and out of disciplines doesn't cancel each other out. You’re not replacing skills; you’re evolving and augmenting them to achieve outcomes even you might not fully comprehend yet. You just need to spend time to better understand how each skill, each gear is best optimized for use. When I look at all the things I do, I don’t see them in isolation but as part of a full spectrum of parts that represents my value in it's entirety. Every element contributes to the whole. Of course if you're an entrepreneur like me, the challenge comes in how to market and sell "what we do" to others. This is where we often fall into the trap of trying to trim down or fit our value into a neat little box to look like a specialist in a specific field. But we’re not specialists. And everytime we try and cut off parts of ourselves in an attempt to "focus", we prevent our true selves from being seen and contributing. If this is you, take a breath and recognize the magnificence of all that you’re capable of. The real work lies in understanding how to articulate the depth of your experience and the value it brings to others. And that understanding only comes when you’re willing to put it out into the world and see how others interact with it. But this exercise is only meant to achieve one thing, to help you see the gaps, and where you need to simplify and declutter how you present your ideas as it relates to the work you love doing the most. The work you have a natural disposition for, the work your diverse talent thrives in. This isn’t about squeezing your value into current industry paradigms, but about you standing out. It’s about realizing how your unique contributions are creating new paradigms that complement industry—and even create new markets. In a world that rewards specialization, it can feel overwhelming to show up with a diverse set of skills and experiences. But we are not here to fit into the boxes others create for us. We’re here to create something entirely new—to weave our unique collection of abilities into something that brings value in unexpected ways. Your journey may look different from others, and that’s your strength. By embracing the full spectrum of who you are, you’re creating a new way of being, a new way of contributing. So... Take a moment today to reflect on all the skills, experiences, and passions that make up your life. Write them down. Look at how they connect. Start to see the bigger picture. How can you bring these together in a way that adds value to the world around you? You’re ready to start sharing that value—whether through projects, collaborations, or new ventures—put it out there. Don’t wait for the perfect time. Don’t wait for the industry to understand you. Be the one who creates new paradigms, new opportunities, and new ways of working. It's a journey that you must do for yourself, but that you don't need to do alone. So reach out to me on social or through my website if this resonates with you, or if you’re ready to explore how we can collaborate and bring your unique vision into the world. Connect with me…

The Gyst Life

1
132 - What Fuels Your Fire? 11:02

1 year ago11:02

11:02

How do we navigate the complexities of our lives with resilience and purpose in a world filled with uncertainty and constant change? --- Today I take a short journey (11 minutes) into the depths of personal responsibility, societal challenges and the delicate balance between self-care and helping others. --- Have you ever found yourself grappling with the ever-changing landscape of life, feeling overwhelmed by the weight of responsibility and the desire to make a difference? In this episode, we explore the raw emotions and universal truths that shape our experiences, offering insights into how we can navigate the chaos with grace and intentionality. We must begin by first acknowledging the harsh realities of our world. There are systemic challenges and personal struggles we all face. Positivity alone cannot resolve the depth of our collective pain. The opportunity lies in recognizing that true change begins not in the service of others but from within. We need to embrace the complexities of our emotions and take ownership of our decisions. As we journey deeper into the heart of the human condition, we will confront our inherent flaws and the unsettling reality of the manipulation and power dynamics of the world. However, our power of our self-awareness and our courage to challenge the status quo lives amidst the chaos. --- Life is uncertain, and when we recognize that we will stumble and fall, we can free ourselves to appreciate that is progress. This is self-care and selflessness. Our stories of personal growth and resilience become the practical strategies that help us navigate life's challenges. I encourage you to reflect on your own experiences and consider how you can embrace the chaos of life with courage and conviction. Take time to prioritize your well-being. Seek alignment with those who uplift and support you Remember true growth often arises from the depths of uncertainty. Looking for support on this journey? I offer what's called a creative recalibration. It's a program that helps you change your relationship to time. We process, make sense and sort through your experience so you can see the possibilities, and pursue what's important to you. This work is about pushing boundaries, nurturing creativity and being seen for who you are, not just what you do. Join me!…

The Gyst Life

1
131 - Retired and Finding Yourself Unexcited by Life's Work? 9:46

1 year ago9:46

9:46

I've been running this podcast now since 2017. It's been a fundamental catalyst in my own journey of self-expression and clarity of purpose. I did not know it was going to happen, I just started because it felt right and because deep down I knew I needed to do something to get what was in my head out. The original premise of the show was about uncovering what it takes to live your best life on your terms and how important it is to get your shit together to make that happen. The trap though is thinking that having your shit together is all that it takes. You can just as easily find meaning and purpose missing, despite doing all the right things in your life. You can also make amazing things happen even if you don't have it all together. As I head into the 7th anniversary of the podcast, I am appreciating that it's less about the solo journey of getting your shit together and more about getting together and making cool shit happen. And while it's fundamental to do the necessary self work, the real meaningful work happens when you're ready to co-create with others in bigger ways. This episode is for those who are in a moment of reflection on the passage of time of a lived lived and are finding themselves eager to dig in more deeply but unsure of what to do next. Perhaps it's been a couple years now since you officially retired or you're about to close the final page of a long chapter in your book of life. It's an exciting moment, or at least it should be. You have fulfilled on your obligations to society and to the industry you've invested at least a quarter century into. 60 hour work weeks where the soul focus of you and your peers was getting shit done has been replaced with a new domain to master. A new book is ready to be written as of today. Your own. ------ It's time to create a new set of rules to play life by. https://www.davidschmeikal.com/recalibration…

The Gyst Life

1
130 - The Journey of Man is a Lonely One 5:08

1 year ago5:08

5:08

The Journey of Men is a lonely one, even if we find ourselves surrounded by those we love. We are expected to carry the weight of life on our shoulders and be the rock everyone around us can lean on. I embrace that role whole heartedly. I strive to be the best man I can be for my son, for my daughter and for my wife. But embracing that role comes with a dark side if we're not careful. I provide strength, direction and assertiveness when needed I also need to balance that with connection, vulnerability and compassion. But it is not easy. This last week I met a number of inspiring men through new connections online and in person. I appreciated how easy it was for the ones I did connect with to be able to stand confidently in who we know ourselves to be. How easy it was to feel an ease in exploring the areas we typically reserve for much later in a relationship, if ever at all. There was no posturing and no pressure, just presence. In the past I've had many tell me they could not handle how I show up, that it was uncomfortable to explore deeper conversations with me and why couldn't I just keep it simple. I've had a few tell me there was a time when they outright didn't like me because of it and I've had others tell me they tried to avoid me all together. A part of me knew A part of me ignored A part of me had no clue There are those that stuck around and there are those who left. While I share frequently over social media, I am still more assertive than I am vulnerable, still more calculated in my sharing than I am fully expressed. I keep the really deep concerns, stories and struggles to myself for fear of the judgement and the perception it might create of me. I justify those emotions as unnecessary, insignificant and just unworthy of sharing. Deep down I know it is not true , but this is always how it went and so would always be how it goes. However all of that changes very quickly when I am around other men who step into their true self. The moment another brother bravely shares their journey, their struggle, their doubts and their celebrations, the flame of my own aspirations are doused with the fuel of creativity. The problem is that fuel doesn't last very long. And the moment I find myself on my own, I begin to calculate my exit plan. The vulnerabilities arise once again as I put on the armor I've counted on to protect me from those I don't know since I was a young boy. This is the very same armor we put on when we decide to stop the pursuit of anything outside of our realm of the familiar. It does not matter what it is. The moment we sense that we're in a unfamiliar place, we activate this armor. Because we've told ourselves a story that we've adopted as gospel. It never fails us. But it has failed us, we just fail to see the obviousness of it all. That we've outgrown our suit of armor. And that we must spend the time to craft a new suit that is versatile and adaptable to a fast changing environment. A suit that will serve us in our future role as a man in this world. That's the thing about being a man... Struggle never goes away. Struggle is our biggest source of fuel. Our lives are meant to be lived in the pursuit of something bigger than ourselves. But If we're not careful our titles, roles and positions will forever trap us in a way of being that does not serve our true objective and likely has not for a long time. Leaving ourselves resigned to believe that we might never realize our ideas to their fullest potential. Here's something you already know.... Having your shit together does not mean you're living the life you want. And you're only as effective as the men who stand in your corner. The simple truth is this.... The journey that got you here is the one you needed to take, but it will not get you to where you say you want to go. And only when you're ready to let go of who you are not, can you then embrace the hero you know yourself to be. The hero tasked to take up the challenge bestowed upon you; to live a life to the fullest potential of your ability. The work to do is write how you want that story to go. Surrender to curiosity…

The Gyst Life

1
129 - After Decades of Dedicated Service, It's Time to Fill the Void 5:19

1 year ago5:19

5:19

You've invested 10,20,30 years into your profession and now you're standing there with an open calendar and a decision to make. There is a feeling of anticipation. The excitement for what's possible. The weight of previous responsibilities have lifted from your shoulders and this new found space to move and roam leaves you with a new focus. The search for what's next. In these early days of exploration, every moment feels pregnant with potential. Yet as weeks slip into months, the initial thrill gives way to a growing restlessness. The need to do something to fill the void left by decades of dedicated service, becomes a relentless whisper in the back of your mind. But the idea of diving headlong into something entirely new feels somehow inadequately inappropriate, as if missing the mark entirely. Even now as the calendar stretches out before you like an open road the anticipation of what lies ahead palpable with the thrill of possibility, you can't help but pause on the peculiar mix of trepidation and uncertainty. There's this gnawing sense that what you seek has always been there waiting, to finally be recognized and acknowledged, waiting to be embraced. But the pull of the hustle and bustle of this new chapter makes it all to easy to fall into old habits. The urgent and the pressing crowds out the important as the days slip by in a blur of activity, little room being left for introspection or meaningful action. How much longer are you going to let the stuff that gets in your way keep getting in the way? If you were really honest with yourself, a part of you would agree that this pattern has plagued you your entire life. It did not matter what demands of life or job, the things that truly mattered have always taken a back seat to the immediate concerns. It is in this moment of transition, where you are given a rare chance to break free from old habits, to chart a new course laid out by your inner guide. It's daunting to be sure, and you know this one is different. As you stand on the threshold of this new chapter Resolve to confront the things that have long held you back Commit to embrace the opportunities that lie ahead Forge a path guided by passion, purpose and possibility. Stop waiting to arrive, you are here. It's a simple truth that often gets lost in the shuffle of daily life. The decision to make is now, in this moment, with the resources and experiences you've accumulated. There is no need to wait for the perfect conditions. Now is that time. You have accumulated a wealth of experiences and lessons along the way. Each challenge, each triumph has shaped you into the person you are today And now in this moment, understand that you are uniquely positioned to share those lessons with others. It's a daunting and humbling prospect to be sure. Stepping into the role of mentor and guide requires vulnerability and a willingness to embrace creativity. But you know this is where you're meant to be. And the truth is you've already built strong foundations. You've honed your skills, navigated through adversity and emerged stronger than you ever thought possible. Now is the time to offer a guiding light to those seeking clarity and direction. You know the path forward may not always be clear, but you know something others do not. With courage and conviction you will step forward into the unknown, ready to share your wisdom, to inspire change and leave your legacy on the world around you. This is not something you need to do alone either I'm on a mission to remind you that not anyone can do what you can do, not everyone see's the world like you see. In fact, your point of view is needed more than you know and the time to be unleashed into the world, to build the body of work you're meant to create is now. It's time to create a new set of rules to play life by. You are more than what you've done and the subject matter expertise you've acquired. You have a body of work; a world of ideas, lessons, and experiences that we could all benefit from. The game to play now is to sort out how you plan to show up and share. https://www.davidschmeikal.com/recalibration…

The Gyst Life

1
128 - Are You at a Crossroads in Your Life? 5:10

1 year ago5:10

5:10

If you find yourself at a cross roads of your life, whether its exploring retirement or transitioning into a new career or life focus, this message is for you. I never thought this idea of planning for retirement was a thing I needed to think about with any measure of intensity. But as I reflect on the last 15 years of my life, I am present to just how quickly time goes and how quickly we can find ourselves having to make choices that need to fit within a new life paradigm. One that's new, unfamiliar and obscure. One thing is certain. An old life has to be left behind. And with this, you might be experiencing feelings of loss of what was, mixed with anxiety isolation and uncertainty for what's to come. And as much as you might have been looking forward to it, this is one of life's milestones not to be taken lightly, and definitely should be pursued with a healthy balance of excitement, commitment and curious exploration. You are at the beginning of a new book. Chapter one of what's next is waiting to be written. And despite the mixed bag of emotions, your energy and attention is quite eager to be channeled in new directions. What happens next will set your focus and hold your attention for the foreseeable future. Your first new job as CEO of Your Dream Life is to develop and refine your creative process. The guide rails that will direct your efforts. This is less about following a pre-designed purpose than it is a practice of leaning into a way of living that honors serendipitous coincidence. You're at a unique point in your life. You're able to do something most of us say we want to do but are just not ready for yet. And that is to free yourself of all obligations, attachments and expectations that have typically influenced the directions our life needed to go in and instead decisively venture forth in a direction of your choosing because you said so and because you're ready for the trip. A large majority of us have bought into this idea that we had to follow a specific path. And if we followed that path, hit those objectives, those things we said we needed to, meaning and purpose would show up on the end of that journey. The hidden treasure. We did not veer off that path, believing that would risk it all, compromising the end result. You know this to be untrue. Because here you are, at the end of said path only to discover that it was not the end at all. Only a new beginning. Now is the time to double down on who you really are and embrace your inner collector and creator. You are a creative and a collector, have always been. You have created many experiences, produced or participated in producing the tangible and the intangible. You have collections of a life of ideas, beliefs, ways of doing, ways of being to prove it. This time of your life is about re-engaging with those small moments, spending time with them and adding meaning to them. What happened? What have I done? What is important to me? Why does it matter? What will be my new focus? This new clarity, this spark, will light your candle of creativity. And it will show you the way and reveal your creative process. Nurturing creativity is like giving structure and organization for chaos to roam freely. you know this. It's intentionally making space for the unpredictable to just do it's thing, but within parameters. If there are no parameters, the creative process becomes too much, goes too far, spreads out too thin. It becomes impossible for us to really grab hold of. Your creative process is the place where what's next will incubate. And it needs to be a familiar space. One that you can explore and understand intimately it's nuance and subtleties so that you can effectively guide, direct and capture the insights of this introspective evaluating and contemplating of possibility to design your new life. This is far from the end, this is the beginning and the first step to recalibrating what life looks like for you. Embrace it. Write about it. Share those thoughts with others. Seek out those who relish in these discussions. Go deeper than you ever have and experience a level of clarity like you've never experienced. join me and surrender to your curiosity https://davidschmeikal.eo.page/cr…

The Gyst Life

1
127 - Your Voice is An Instrument 3:17

1 year ago3:17

3:17

Last week I came across a fantastically contagious individual I didn't know I needed to hear, until I did. Truth be told, that while I was hopeful that the masterclass would reveal some unknowns to me as it relates to the world of speaking on stage, I wasn't expecting much. The inner critic was busy being critical. And thankfully the inner creative was also busy getting ready to be inspired. Which, after day 1, I definitely was. At the time of this recording, Chantelle Adams is hosting her free 5-day Speaking Extravaganza and she did not disappoint. https://www.facebook.com/groups/SpeakingExtravaganza If I could only share one thing with you that really left an impact it would be this... Your voice is an instrument and carries with it a message.…

The Gyst Life

1
126 - In The Battle for Creativity, Creativity Becomes the Battle 5:26

1 year ago5:26

5:26

Last year I had an interesting journey with my professional career and with my relationship to creativity. In some ways I really felt lost, a bit defeated and unsure of myself or my abilities to make decisions. It had me start to question why I even bother pursuing this idea of living a creative life. Wondering often, what that even means. I needed a win, a reminder, a recalibration. Which I got. A book I was reading about creativity, along with a video I watched about taking an artistic approach to work, prompted a deep dive into answering a simple, yet profoundly complex question for myself... What's true for me? In an attempt to answer that question, I ended up deciding to produce a short film about my journey with creativity, because, apparently, that's what needed to happen. And why not? Seems doable, even though I've never done anything like that before. In full disclosure, I proudly identify as what you would call a 'Jack of all Trades'. I have no formal education in film, other than having been in the creative industry assuming various roles from design, production, communications, strategy and management. Let's just say I know enough about a few things to be dangerous and can easily find myself in way over my head, which I was. The Fog of War in the Battle for Creativity The fog of war is a metaphor that's been used as far back as the 1800's. It meant to capture the uncertainty of any outcome, like that of a war. In today's world it refers to the difficulty of making decisions in the midst of (insert conflict here). If you would indulge me on a tangent... This connected me to one of the biggest reasons why I love to play certain video games, the irony that comes from how I tend to feel about that same struggle in the real world and a shift of perspective this experience is unraveling for me. I've played video games for well over 35 years or so. I love playing video games, so much so, there is a space on my calendar dedicated to that activity alone. In the virtual world there is also a fog of war It's actually a primary mechanic in many games. It reveals what I've discovered on my journey and what i have yet to uncover. With every new discovery, comes a boost of confidence and courage to continue to venture forward into the unknown. And I do so, eagerly and with a virtual pep in my step. EXCITED by the prospect of what new thing I might discover along the way. Sometimes I'm ready for what's next, basking in the glory of a well deserved victory, other times I'm back at home base licking my wounds and preparing for the arduous journey to retrieve my stuff from a place I'm clearly not ready for. Yet... With this new clarity and perspective, I can return with a level of readiness and preparation that simply didn't exist up until that moment where the fog of war lifted and I was face to face with an unexpected adversary. I produced a short film. Now what? This is what I asked myself and again I am in way over my head. A few conversations with some inspiring people here in town how has me hosting a screening of my film at the end of this month. One of my characters ( I talk about that in a previous podcast ), can't help but shake his head in disbelief as he comments on me "doing it again". But here's the thing I am realizing... I have an interesting relationship with the growth and grind of leveling up in the virtual world, and by association to certain games I play in the real world too. I always enjoyed the game... Regardless of the grind, when it was the game I CHOSE to play. And even though there are some IRL games that I wished I didn't have to play, the simple truth is that fog of war that has been forever revealed is a good thing! It will always be a variable I must navigate, but there will be ways for me to go around because I know it exists. The Lesson? You might now know what you'll uncover in the creative game you're playing, but you can ALWAYS choose which game you WANT to play. So if you don't like the game you're currently playing, pick a different one. Just remember, with every new game comes a new fog of war. --- Every month I share a personal perspective about the challenges and discoveries we/I face as human beings on our journey to live a creative life. The process we go through to uncover, distill and be recognized for the original value and point of view we bring. Join my newsletter here…

The Gyst Life

1
125 - Are you a Magic Colour Maker? 7:36

2 years ago7:36

7:36

In this episode, I share my journey of navigating the delicate balance between creativity and practicality. Writing down my realizations and discoveries has been a game-changer, helping me connect the dots in unexpected ways. Today's conversation is all about harmonizing creativity with the need to follow through. It's a challenge many of us face, but I'll share insights on defining your ideal client, testing assumptions, and the importance of reviewing and refining. Persona work is a topic I'll explore too. We'll discuss how to define an ideal customer persona and why it's crucial, while also being aware of its limitations. It's a hypothesis that needs proactive reflection and validation. My decade-long experience has taught me the importance of understanding who I thought my ideal client was versus the reality of who they are. Stress-testing these assumptions and evaluating the variables are part of the game. We're unique in that we can keep the elements we enjoy and discard the rest. Now, let me introduce you to the "Magic Colour Maker." This persona embodies the best attributes of an entrepreneur, visionary leader, and difference maker. They create not solely for profit but for personal fulfillment. They are specialists with a generalist mindset, big-picture thinkers, and fearless boundary-pushers. This is the new truth for me right now, and if it resonates with you, you might be a perfect fit to work one-on-one work with me. Test out this hypothesis and see if it aligns with your path: https://www.davidschmeikal.com/…

The Gyst Life

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124 - Are Rituals Essential or Ornamental? 4:48

2 years ago4:48

4:48

Welcome! I have a new curiosity I am exploring, for the next little while I will be speaking about the often misunderstood world of rituals. This came about when I sat down and had a conversation with Tanya from Body Art Motion and Jai from Zephrym about the upcoming art and performance showcase they're hosting called Ritual Arts. It's a little ironic that I will be using my own ritual of exploration to explore the practice of rituals. There is a lens of which I've viewed that term, like all of us. Mine comes from how I was raised and the religious context I observed the world growing up. There were rituals that were deemed right and those definitively wrong. Regardless of where you find yourself, the world of rituals is a fantastically huge realm to explore. A worthwhile pursuit to decode the way in which our global collection of cultures describe, honor and display their deepest values and beliefs. These have been a cornerstone to our evolution and will continue to influence how we honor our individuality while attempting to coordinate with aligned purpose as a collective.…

The Gyst Life

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123- Our Unseen Emotional Drivers 4:09

2 years ago4:09

4:09

What happens when good intentions lead us down unpredictable paths? In today’s episode, a loss of a beloved 🐾 feline friend and a surprise adoption 🐱❤️ highlights the powerful connection between logic and passion.

The Gyst Life

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122 - The Balancing Act: Control & Integrity 10:50

2 years ago10:50

10:50

🎨 The Balancing Act: Control & Integrity 🌟 Humans seek freedom in their work, but often feel paralyzed. This stems from the interplay between control and integrity. 💡 Control: The Power to Influence Stability & Predictability Efficiency & Flexibility 🔍 Integrity: Honesty & Authenticity Authenticity & Connection Longevity & Meaning Finding balance can be challenging, as these forces sometimes clash. Embrace both control and integrity on your creative journey.…

The Gyst Life

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121 - My 4 Characters 14:02

2 years ago14:02

14:02

Picture this, you’re having a stroke The left side of your brain is turning off You’re leaving the linear external world Your identity is gone Your ability to communicate is gone All your past memories and your future aspirations, 3/4 of what defines you as a human being poof! And for 8 years you navigate pure bliss, free of morality, judgement and the need to adapt to our environment Let’s explore that for a moment Sources: My Stroke of Insight https://www.ted.com/talks/jill_bolte_taylor_my_stroke_of_insight?language=en Whole Brain Living by Jill Taylor Bolte https://amzn.to/462la69…

The Gyst Life

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120 - The Art of Sensemaking 7:02

2 years ago7:02

7:02

Some say we're spending about 82hrs per week consuming and collecting information. That's a staggering 69% of our waking hours. So many great ideas, yet so much missed meaning. So many really impactful moments I promised myself I would hold onto to be able to look back on, only to have it slip through my fingers. Not because it was no longer relevant but because I just can’t recall what it was or where I stored it. I desire to make sense of the world around me and find myself almost drowning it the magnitude of this venture. Let’s explore the practice of sense making and personal knowledge management.…

The Gyst Life

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119 - Know Thyself 4:57

2 years ago4:57

4:57

If the objective is to live your life by your design, then you should consider asking yourself this question: Who do you want to be known as, and who do you know yourself to be?

The Gyst Life

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118 - Telling a Great Story 7:22

2 years ago7:22

7:22

As an artist, I think the biggest opportunity for you and for me is to learn how to tell our story. To reveal who we really are The experiences we've gone through The struggles that have defined us and the awareness, or confusion that's brought. The seeds of doubt that have settled in The influences that directed our focus, the deeper restlessness that continues to go unresolved And the parallels between what's true and what's been manufactured. This is far from easy work though.…

The Gyst Life

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117 - What’s true for you? 5:53

2 years ago5:53

5:53

You say you're open, but you're really not. You're excited to share, but won't dare get caught. You've made discoveries, but stick with the familiar. what's true for you is not always aligned with your actions. As creatives, the opportunity for you is to lean in and put yourselves, your thoughts and your work out there for more people to interact with. This is the second mapping the mindstream. Today I want to talk about truth and having your ideas challenged.…

The Gyst Life

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116 - Unraveling What’s Next 10:16

2 years ago10:16

10:16

To live a finite life in an infinite world... Defining who we are, what we do and the contribution we seek to provide in a constantly shifting world is a hard question to get absolutely clarity on because we ourselves are constantly evolving and changing. New discoveries, new priorities and new curiosities leave yesterday’s clarifying moment a distant memory. That is the game of life. Just new levels to unlock.…

The Gyst Life

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115 - How to Rise Above the Noise - Matt Halloran 50:47

4 years ago50:47

50:47

To Matt Haloran, we are 99.99% alike, we are all more than friends and acquaintances, we are family. Having come from humble beginnings, Matt has been everyone, from a therapist, to a life coach, to a successful entrepreneur yet, what makes him the most successful it is his ability to listen deeply and discover what is so unique about you; in order for you to rise above the noise. Join me in this episode, as we dive through Matt’s history, vision and passion for his team and company to discover what makes him such an admirable person. Key Takeaways: To listen deeply, we must want to have the desire to listen. We Failure it’s part of being human, and because of it we can be even more efficient. Culture it’s the soil that cultivates the fruits of your company.…

The Gyst Life

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114 - Do You Actually Relate to People? | Over Drinks with Evan Woolley 51:54

4 years ago51:54

51:54

How can the right leadership navigate the recent, and history repeated, events in order to continue moving forward? There really is no ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ leadership; just misled leaders. Leading and navigating with your team is a process that grows with the amount of obstacles you face and overcome. Trust in an organization and in the public, as we’ll hear in this episode, is an essential element that sprouts from experiences, struggles and the ability as a leader to relate with his people. It can feel like a hamonic dance yet a constant battle of dealing with problems and discovering solutions. In a big organization like the government, which is built to go slow and careful, can create a sense of disconnect and unrelatedness to the common people as the world moves faster and faster. Join me today as the youngest councillor for the city of Calgary, Evan Woolley, shares his insights and knowledge from a curtain many of us are not familiar with. Key Takeaways: have the audacity to challenge what was said to be “absolute” to say ‘no’ when it was always a yes. Do natural born leaders really have a better chance at being great leaders than those who learn the skills through experience and failure? What is the secret sauce to be heard? Is being trusting and authentic enough?…

The Gyst Life

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113 - An Open Sourced Global Movement 17:36

4 years ago17:36

17:36

The future. We all have one. The big difference lives between those who spend the time to create one to work towards instead of being at the effect of other people's ideas of how the future should go. A vision gives us passion, drive and direction. Living in anticipation of a compelling future is a life worth living, as everything we do supports us in moving forward. They inform our priorities, they expand our horizons and harness our strengths. In 2017 a motley crew came together with a notion to bring more intentional effort to the creative process of creating a possible vision for the future of humans doing business.…

The Gyst Life

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112 - Be A Conduit For What's Next For Others | Over Drinks with Brian Kroeker 31:21

4 years ago31:21

31:21

How can leaders make a bigger difference in their employees lives? Should leaders be quiet in the shadows and notice what is going on in order to empower whom they are leading? As Leaders, we need to lead by example. If your employees don’t see you living, breathing and acting on your vision; it is not effective, and it’s not empowering. It all revolves around building trust, and trust lives in the actions that you take. Join me today, as Brian Kroeker, President of Little Rock Printing, shares his insights on being relentless with expectations, the work needed to get where you need to go and his vision for providing the right opportunities for growth for his employees. Key Takeaways: How can we help our employees move up in their careers even if it’s not with us? The contrasting experiences of losing and winning shapes our trajectory Step back and let others find the way things work best for them. Follow Brian Kroeker on Linkedin Follow Little Rock Printing…

The Gyst Life

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111 - So I Married an Entrepreneur (E5) 47:26

4 years ago47:26

47:26

Who Do You Need To Be To Build Resilience For The Future Maya and I talk about the last quarter. The projects we were working on and the lessons they presented. The gapple with trying to get it right, the power of just going with the flow and the benefit of implementing custom systems and structures that supports (not constraints) creativity. I know it all sounds like a big contradiction. WELCOME TO YOUR LIFE. Each of you listening has the ability and the freedom to create a possible future. When we’re able to flex the muscles of adaptability, resilience and intuition at a moment’s notice, your ability to navigate the unpredictable seasons of the future improves. New opportunities present themselves. It’s just whether we’re paying attention and willing to embrace and implement the systems of support to build, pivot or keep going. There’s work to be done to define, understand and articulate who you are, what you stand for. You’re here to be of service and make a difference. You’re here to bring value. You’re here to push boundaries and create new possibilities. To explore new positions, new areas of focus and new directions to take. I believe all of us are visionary and that it's time for you to create what’s next, leading yourself and others into the emerging future. The question is...what are you waiting for?…

The Gyst Life

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110-Entrepreneurship, Fast Cars & Fat Bank Accounts | Overdrinks with Marty Park 35:20

4 years ago35:20

35:20

The game of entrepreneurship keeps you driven and hungry. Busy building and doing, and rarely with a clear plan. At the beginning that's a good thing! What better environment to figure things out but rolling up your sleeves and digging in. While there is always a part of us that wished we would have had MORE support, insight, awareness, mentorship. Would it have really made the difference? Would you have lost interest too soon? Do you think you would have committed as much to doing the necessary work? Being a leader and building anything is a practice and an evolution. There is a moving towards and when the time is ready, the desire for a more clearly defined picture of the future (your vision) will emerge. Join me, as Entrepreneur Advisor, Trainer, Coach & Bestselling Author, Marty Park, shares his insight on VISION, CULTURE and BRAND. Key episode takeaways The influences of our parental figures with their passions. Advantages of public speaking at a young age. The dream of fast cars and fat bank accounts, the turning point. Getting to the point of being ready to think bigger, slowing down and taking the time to define what it was they wanted to create (What inspired and motivated them) You can only ever start small to go big. Create the critical touch points to keep the dream alive so you’re ready for the next opportunity. When you’re ready to build, collaborate with others to make it happen. Providing the opportunity to shape society and the future of business. Action comes before motivation, purpose from creation Culture exists, but who’s banging the drum? Stop the checking off or trying to fit in the box Follow Marty Park MartyPark.Com Linkedin Twitter Instagram Book: Tiger By The Tail…

The Gyst Life

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110 - Leading the way to equity in our communities and organizations | Over Drinks with Joanne Kinya Baker 55:05

4 years ago55:05

55:05

Are you actually making progress in the area of building real equity, diversity and inclusion in the workplace? A great, simple measure to use in your own organization's progress is to ask a simple question: Are you comfortable or not? If you’re not stretching or expanding to address this within your company Then it's likely you’re not making enough progress. And that’s ok. We might feel we should just stick to our lane And in doing so maintain our status quo and our predictable habits On this episode of The Gyst Life I speak with Joanne Kinya Baker from Shades of Humanity We navigate through tough, uncomfortable and necessary topics around racism, equity and the hidden attributes and legacies beliefs originating from white supremacy that continue to influence us without our knowing or approval. These are challenging things to speak about, but they don’t have to be. It is the bravery of those like Joanne that we must rally behind and intently listen to, with empathy and with a commitment to seek clarity and understanding first and foremost… So we can take action with confidence and with certainty as the leaders we are in this emerging future. FOLLOW JOANNE https://www.linkedin.com/in/jkbaker7/ TEST YOUR BIASeS https://implicit.harvard.edu/implicit/takeatest.html COCO: WHITE SUPREMACY CULTURE IN ORGANIZATIONS https://coco-net.org/white-supremacy-culture-in-organizations/ SHADES OF HUMANITY http://www.shadesofhumanity.org/…

The Gyst Life

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109 - How to Succeed in a Highly Commoditized Industry | Over Drinks with Erik Hytonen 25:26

4 years ago25:26

25:26

What do you do to keep going? How do you avoid the trap of quick money and the long term cost of taking shortcuts now? How do you keep your people happy and your business profitable as you grind away while at the same time work to create something meaningful for everyone involved? Join me as I speak with Erik Hytonen as he shares his journey. Like all of us, there are unique lessons and experiences Erik’s acquired over time, and he shares what’s worked and what hasn’t. What’s kept him going and what he had to get out of his way if he was to succeed as a leader in this changing environment and highly commoditized industry. Follow Erik Hytonen on Linkedin Mobile Eco Detailing Specialists…

The Gyst Life

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108 - How To Be With Your Spicy Self 12:38

4 years ago12:38

12:38

I have a cat in heat for a second time (back to back with a very short, 2 week buffer). If you’ve experienced this before, you will understand. If you haven’t, you’ve been warned. And be ready to accept responsibility for how it’s going to go. How aware are you of those nagging voices that are constantly crying out? Constantly demanding attention, not knowing why they are demanding your attention yet continuing to demand your attention. Do you ever have those voices, those thoughts that pull on you in multiple directions at once? How many times do we abdicate that control over to those “powers that be?. ____ We have our ideal picture of how our days or our life, or our conversations should go. We love it when it goes the way we intended. It feels good. We feel fulfilled. And we look forward to the next time that happens. ____ But what about those moments when they do not go the way you pictured. Like not even close to it? At all. What then? Who are we in that space? What do we do, how do we carry ourselves in those moments and what do we make it all mean? Remember this (if you want): You are more than your reactions in that moment. Give yourself space to just be. Get a different perspective. Create yourself newly while still being with those chaotic thoughts and being ok with it all. It is possible. You are a human being who is aware of “it”. You understand that you impact not just yourself but everyone around you. And that you have a responsibility to steward yourself. Because you are not a cat.…

The Gyst Life

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107-More Financial Advising, Less Selling | Over Drinks with Spencer from Sagium 32:37

4 years ago32:37

32:37

Financial Advisors... They have a direct impact on the livelihoods, future life experiences, and overall emotional wellbeing of their clients. Unfortunately, the financial industry as a whole has taken some big hits in the trust space. And it’s brought a level of caution with how we proceed going forward. Never mind bringing people together around an aligned cause and purpose in any arena that typically has only the best interests of the few at heart. This takes something. But people like Spencer and organizations like Sagium are doing the hard work of making things right and ensuring their client's best interests are served, not the shareholders of the industry. On this episode Spencer shares his journey; those actions he took that got him to where he is now and what the leadership team at Sagium has been doing to keep growing strong and succeeding as an organization during uncertain times.…

The Gyst Life

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106 - Keeping Small Business Viable Through Space Activation and Place Making | Over Drinks with Adrian at The BLOX 35:45

4 years ago35:45

35:45

What do you do with an empty concrete canvas that has 12 decades of history weaved through it? How do keep small businesses viable in the shadow of corporate giants? How do you break down years of status quo as you re-create and reconnect a community back to its electric roots at the same time embracing what's next? Adrian Urlacher, Amanda Weightman from The Beltline BIA and Geoff Hughes from Park Digital talk about what it takes to nurture and strengthen the human to human experience in business and the future of space activation and placemaking in Calgary. We want community, yet struggle to create it around ourselves. They fill our tank and give meaning to our lives, and the connection gap is widening. It really does take something to build community in today’s world. And all it takes is one energetic visionary with the courage to step forward with an idea to become a catalyst. The Beltline BIA (formerly known as) is a new BIA blazing a new trail, and building a brand that will take everyone within their community walls into the future and having a lot of fun doing it. Episode takeaways: A jack of all trades is a master of none? The power of being part of community The tragic reality of what it takes What does a clear vision of the future open up? The best time to start? Who do you have in your corner? alignment of values and people Say yes and how and not no and why Uncommon sizzle that's electric? Yes please! The Beltline online: https://www.thebeltline.ca/ Don't forget to subscribe to The Gyst Life http://tgyst.co/google http://tgyst.co/Podbean https://tgyst.co/spotify http://tgyst.co/itunes…

The Gyst Life

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105 - Good Mentorship Makes All The Difference | Over Drinks with Jayson Lowe at Ascendant Financial 24:38

4 years ago24:38

24:38

My guest today has a unique lens to the world of being human and doing business. His name is Jayson Lowe, CEO of Ascendant Financial. He will be the first to admit that it is because of the mentorship and leadership of others that has gotten him to where he’s at in his life. And while he could never articulate the gratitude that’s necessary to honour them. He is passing on the lessons he’s learned and continues to uncover to those who are ready and listening. We all need good mentors in our life and it’s been an honour to be able to know him. Follow Jayson Lowe Curious about becoming your own banker? Listen to the Wealth Without Bay Street Podcast…

The Gyst Life

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104 - So I Married an Entrepreneur (E4) 30:11

5 years ago30:11

30:11

A friend shared something really personal last week. She did a great job of leading the charge on how to embrace your vulnerable human side powerfully. She got real and raw and it was needed. Not just for her to do but for the reminder that it provided us. Namely how important it is to have a community of people around you, holding you up when you need it. And it’s not easy in this COVID world. Where before my calendars were filled with meetings and I certainly got better at having them be meaningful and not stuck up at the surface. It wasn’t enough. Isn’t enough to truly build community. And now we’re zooming everywhere. Responding to the “how are you’s” with “good” and “fine” which we all know is a load of crock, but we all got shit to do and it’s that much easier to miss or ignore. Welcome to the new normal, you think you were lonely and disconnected before… Ok...now how are our young people handling all of this? How do you even find out? They’re literally living inside of a different reality. One we have a little context for or experience in. Not to say there is zero relatedness, but like your parents and your parents, parents It’s a new version of an old problem. Therein lives the opportunity...nay the responsibility. We must re-calibrate our families, and not from the typical top-down dictation but in collaboration with our young people. To do the deeper work... To have everyone contributing and co-creating the necessary alignment so we can all keep working towards what makes the difference for us as a family. And remove the assumptions that everyone agrees with what you’re doing.…

The Gyst Life

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103 - So I Married An Entrepreneur (E3) 39:40

5 years ago39:40

39:40

Today on E3 we share about: My last speaking gig at i4 and some of the elevated self-awareness that showed up. Zoom calls! Talking heads is now the new normal and how do we ensure we don’t get too comfortable in it. Multitasking vs focused effort. The building blocks that are helping us set stronger foundations for our businesses and our family The new relationship to finances and the process of taking back control of our money. Homeschooling! And our journey of going back to school, again! And the opportunity we’re seeing it’s creating to deepen our relationship with our kids in other areas, like SEX. Fuck me……

The Gyst Life

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102-So I Married An Entrepreneur (E2) 38:51

5 years ago38:51

38:51

In today's episode we talk about: Physical wellbeing The practice of doing nothing The process of going from good to great (and being ok with sucking during the process) When ego shows up as you work towards your aspirational goals for the future Doing what you love doing, and having it become a viable business Finding your tribe ___________ Maya and David have been in business together for as long as they’ve been married. They are into their 13th year, have been through 6 iterations of their businesses to date, are proud parents of twin 9-year-olds (which they’ve now homeschooling in our “new normal”). They share what it’s taken to keep their relationship just as much a priority as their family and business ventures. The strategies they’ve crafted and curated to manage the stress, the inevitable conflict, differences of opinions and facing their fears together...…

The Gyst Life

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101 - So I Married an Entrepreneur (E1) 32:43

5 years ago32:43

32:43

Maya and David have been in business together for as long as they’ve been married. They are into their 13th year, have been through 6 iterations of their businesses to date, are proud parents of twin 9 year olds (which they’ve now homeschooling in our “new normal”). They share what it’s taken to keep their relationship just as much a priority as their family and business ventures. The strategies they’ve crafted and curated to manage the stress,the inevitable conflict, differences of opinions and facing their fears together.... Join them on E1 of So I Married an Entrepreneur…

The Gyst Life

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100 - Are You Ready? 45:56

5 years ago45:56

45:56

What a shit show. Your life as you remember it is no longer as it was. And likely never will be. What are you doing to be ready for the next chapter of your story? How prepared are you? What are you doing to grow and expand yourself? How are you taking on the inner critic that is there, right on queue to tell you how much you suck, that what you’re doing won’t work, so why bother? Who do you want to be known as and know yourself to be? Therein lies the opportunity. Are you ready to meet the stranger that lives within? Are you ready to meet the strangers out there as you venture forth on your new path? It’s a process and it sure is fulfilling when I’m listening to understand myself.…

The Gyst Life

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99 - Honor Your Higher Creative Self 43:50

5 years ago43:50

43:50

On today's episode, Alison Masniuk, a Calgary based digital content strategist and I have dig into where she's at with her career. What's working and what's not. Your life is a game. The game is to become better than you of yesterday. In the beginning, you will not be extraordinary, and that is ok. Excellence, mastery, confidence, certainty are all by-products of playing the game The challenges you face are your biggest opportunities for growth, and doubt and uncertainty is inevitable. There is no shortcut, only focused committed attention to your craft.…

The Gyst Life

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98 -The Law Of Attraction: What Does That Actually Mean? 1:12:16

5 years ago1:12:16

1:12:16

You have a choice. Every day you encounter a myriad of choices, some that you are aware of, others that you are not. All of which take you down an inevitably predictable path. The actions you take outline the past, define your present, and determine your future. Everywhere you look you'll find exactly what you are looking for. Read that one more time. If you want to see the negativity and disaster in the world you can look and you WILL find it. But equally so if you want to experience a positive, happy, rewarding life you have to look for the opportunities around you to uncover those things. You get to make the decision. You have the power to take the actions. What kind of life do you want? Get more out of life by joining the GYST Life Community! Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thegyst/ Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegystlife/ Check out more episodes: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCofp...…

The Gyst Life

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97 - Overcoming Adversity: Building A Callus On Life 1:10:13

5 years ago1:10:13

1:10:13

Sometimes life gets hard. Bad things happen to good people. We all have our own version of something terrible that has happened to us or around us and whether we like it or not it shapes who we are. Overcoming the trials and tribulations in life isn't just something that happens, it's something that we need to drive us forward and push us to greater heights. You can look at the roadblocks and speed bumps along the way as something to be a victim of OR you can choose to see them as opportunities to build a callus on the pain of having do endure life itself. You get to decide to live life on your own terms! Get more out of life by joining the GYST Life Community! Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thegyst/ Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegystlife/ Check out more episodes: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCofp...…

The Gyst Life

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96 - Modern Racism: The New N***** 59:49

5 years ago59:49

59:49

Just like everything else on this beautiful planet we call earth, Racism has undergone an evolution of sorts. There is a lot to be said about the leaps and bounds we have taken as a collective species. Most of our spiritual enlightenment has occurred in the last 100 years so we are still young in the grand scheme of things. It's important to bear in mind the idea of encountering the world with a sense of wonder rather than coming from a place of judgment and persecution. We all just want to do the right thing in the end. But whose idea is the closest to right is another debate altogether. Remembering that each of our lenses we view the world through are slightly different shades will help you navigate the uncertainty of what our future holds. Get more out of life by joining the GYST Life Community! Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thegyst/ Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegystlife/ Check out more episodes: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCofp... Thanks for watching!…

The Gyst Life

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95. A Higher Level Of Consciousness: Elevating Your Perspective 44:10

5 years ago44:10

44:10

Have you ever felt like you didn't see something that other people could? We know what we know, and we know what we don't know. But how do you know what you don't know? There is more to life than meets the eye and being present to it can focus your self-development. Acknowledging that there is more out there than you can comprehend means you have a chance to learn and grow from experiences rather than sitting back judging life and making excuses for why you'll never achieve what you hope to. The gentlemen at the GYST life podcast talk about psychedelics and other drugs, expanding your mind by questioning everything, and opening a new paradigm to create a life worth living. Get more out of life by joining the GYST Life Community! Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thegyst/ Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegystlife/ Check out more episodes: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCofp...…

The Gyst Life

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94-In The Creative Industry? Stop Dressing the Pig and Start Solving Problems | Over Drinks with Erik Karj at Smash Lab 1:05:20

5 years ago1:05:20

1:05:20

Running a creative agency or studio? You may be full of crap. ----more---- Still with me? Great! You might be ready for real change then. Here’s the thing... Most of us are really frightened to say when things aren’t working. And this goes for any business owner. As creatives, we fool ourselves into thinking we just need to do a little more and create something new. Put that fresh coat of paint on, update that website, draw attention to those awards you won… Or maybe we’ll focus internally depending on our size. Upgrade our spaces tweaking the environment to give off just enough "we’ve got our shit together" so "you should be work with us" vibe without being pretentious. we're not saying don’t do that either, just pointing to the timing of when and why you do. I get that for most of us in the creative industries, this is not meant to be malicious. It usually comes from good intentions. We want to ensure that the impression perceived by others is one of being capable of supporting our clients (new and existing). But we’re not actually addressing the issues deep down, we’ve just given the pig some lipstick. Industry veterans will agree, there’s more to the successful agency or studio than meets the eye. You’re in an industry that’s riddled with superfluous fronts, unrealistic outcomes, exaggerated claims and more bullshit than you will have ever bargained for. But fear not fellow creatives. Your future can be bright and filled with everything you hoped for if you pay attention to the lessons of those who’ve come before you. ___________________________________________________ Chances are you might’ve forgotten why you got into this business in the first place. And that was to be creative. Perhaps now is the time to get reconnected to the roots of where you came from, to be honest with why got into this line of work. Get clear how you really should be presenting yourself with that in mind and skip all the bullshit... like RFP’s and well-crafted pitches. It’s just a bunch of well-crafted lies to wow a prospective client and win business. BE YOURSELF Keep it simple. Stop looking externally and focus internally. No one cares about all the hype. Elegantly solve problems again. Be with another human being and support them. This is your superpower after all. Follow What Eric is up to http://www.erickarjaluoto.com/me/ https://www.smashlab.com/ Some of the projects they built https://www.telgard.com/ https://campnab.com/ https://pixaver.com/ https://www.emetti.com/ Sponsor for today's episode Summer Love Vodka! https://www.summerlovevodka.com/…

The Gyst Life

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93-Live Stream E2: How are you managing your chaos? 55:27

5 years ago55:27

55:27

This weekends episode touches on 2 things 1. Your inaction in what you want in life 2. The chaos that is the COVID-19 and just how deeply it's impacting everyone and what the opportunity might actually be if you're open to it hearing.

The Gyst Life

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92-Live Stream E1: You're Never Ready 1:19:25

5 years ago1:19:25