Overcoming Obstacles and Helping Others with Surf Dreams Foundation Director, Phil Jackson

The Leader Mentality

This week on the show, we had a message of inner determination, triumph against obstacles and lifting

up people with Phil Jackson, founder of the Surf Dreams Foundation. He took us on the journey

through his younger years which included his first time surfing and the joy and inner peace he found

that surfing brought into his life. Phil candidly talked about his struggles in younger years but more

importantly, how he persevered through hard times by focusing on a goal, caring for his family and

tapping into his passion for helping others. We talked about everything from how Surf Dreams changes

lives through surfing to up and coming surfers to how he and a team of caring individuals work through

SC Needs Help to make a true difference for people having hard times.

Show highlights:

-Surf Dreams Foundation is a non-profit that introduces people (of all ages) to the world of surfing. It

brings people a chance to experience the joys and challenges of surfing.

-Rob and Phil first met in person at the Smoke Out at the Boathouse this year which is put on by SC

Needs Help. The Smokeout at the Boathouse IV was sponsored by Best Home and Property Services

and raised around $100k for people in need. The event had music, kids events, a beer garden and

championship barbecue. Circle your calendars for the event next year!

-#SCNeedsHelp is something that Phil, Andy Kemp and a team of caring individuals work together on

to bring real change. He mentioned the goal of the program and that it was originally founded to help

flood victims after hurricane rains destroyed many people’s homes.

-Phil talked about coming up as a DJ and rapper in Myrtle Beach, struggles with addiction and then the

life change that brought him to a better destiny

-What makes a great surfer? Phil says – love being in the water, control your fear and physical

endurance.

-Greatest surfer of all time? Kelly Slater is definitely up there. Phil talked about the phenomenal talent

Kelly has and that he recently surfed in his last full time surfing competition. A long, amazing career.

-All of this surfing talk got us to talking about up and coming surfers and Phil did not disappoint as he

named a number of people to keep an eye on. One hint – he said some of the new ladies on the surfing

scene are doing amazing things. Rob mentioned the comparison of how Caitlin Clark is bringing a new

generation of interest to women’s basketball.

-When looking to overcome obstacles, Phil gave some great tips including: 1) Find something that

brings you peace and commit to doing it, 2) Have a long term goal and “Stay Focused” on it, 3) Do

things to help others. One of the most refreshing things we’ve heard...when you’re having a hard day,

do something nice for someone and it might just change your day. (look up the Mother Teresa effect)

Thank you again Phil – keep inspiring!