Rise and Thrive: Conversations For Greatness with John Merkus

31: Unveiling Greatness: Rewriting Your Story from the Subconscious Out

In this profound discussion, our host John Merkus is joined by the insightful Karim Boktor, a leader in the field of personal development, who delves deep into the power of reshaping our lives by addressing the subconscious narratives we carry.
Episode Highlights:
🔄 Breaking Free from Routine
📚 Karim discusses how habitual self-improvement rituals, meant to alleviate stress, ended up increasing it. He suggests an innovative approach to instill positive beliefs through hypnosis.
🧒 Childhood Impact on Adult Life
🔄 John shares a pivotal childhood moment and explores its profound effect on his adult behavior, setting the stage for Karim to explain how these deep-seated memories shape our life choices.
👓 The Power of Perception
🎭 Dive into the construction of reality through our limited perception. Karim uses the "catching confetti" metaphor to illustrate how we grasp only fragments of the available information, crafting our unique realities.
✍️ Rewriting Our Stories
🔄 Discussing the ability to change our life narratives, John and Karim talk about the power of reinterpreting past events from a matured perspective to empower current and future selves.
🎭 Emotional Drivers and Secondary Gains
❤️ Karim elucidates on five key emotions driving our decisions and introduces the concept of secondary gains—how certain behaviors, while seemingly detrimental, serve underlying needs.
Special Features:
🎁 Special Offer
🌟 Karim offers listeners a 30-minute, no-obligation breakthrough session to personally experience the transformational methods discussed.
🎤 Invitation to Action
🌱 Karim invites listeners to introspect their internal narratives and imagine the potential life changes if they discarded limiting beliefs.
Further Resources:
🔗 Visit Karim’s Website: Access more content, free resources, and book your session. https://www.karimboktor.com/
📘 Check Out the Book: "10 Things Your Staff Hate About You" – insights into effective leadership and team management. Available on Karim’s website.
🌐Connect with Karim on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/businesshypnotherapist/
 
🎧 Tune in to Rise and Thrive Conversations for Greatness for more episodes that inspire, uplift, and motivate you to embrace your path to greatness.
 
🌟 Leave a 5-star rating and review of the Rise & Thrive: Conversations for Greatness Podcast. Email a screenshot to john@johnmerkus.com to receive a free gift.
👥 Join our thriving community on Facebook: Facebook Group
📷 Stay connected:  Instagram
🌐 For more resources and information, visit: John Merkus
🎵 Check out the energizing Merko Motivation Spotify playlist: Listen here
 
📚 Legal Stuff: This podcast is for educational purposes only. Any liability, loss, or damage resulting from the use, application, or interpretation of the information presented herein is disclaimed. All content is protected under U.S. and international copyright and trademark laws. For permissions or inquiries, contact john@johnmerkus.com.
🎙️[Opening & Closing Music: "Winning Elevation" by Hot Music] 
 

30: Unsilenced: How Karim Boktor Turned His Past into a Platform for Change

Welcome to another inspiring episode of Rise and Thrive Conversations for Greatness. Today, your host John Merkus dives deep into the transformative journey of Karim Boktor, from a struggling immigrant child to a renowned TedX speaking leadership coach. This episode uncovers the power of the unconscious mind and the personal growth that leads to profound life changes.
📌 Episode Highlights:
👶 Karim's Early Life: Discover Karim's challenging beginnings, from escaping political unrest in Egypt to facing cultural and social challenges in Australia.
🛡 Overcoming Stigma: Learn how Karim dealt with bullying, social isolation, and the misunderstanding surrounding his stutter during his school years.
🌱 Personal and Professional Growth: Follow Karim's path from feeling underestimated and self-doubtful to gaining confidence and starting his journey in the medical devices industry, and eventually founding his own business.
🧠 The Power of the Unconscious Mind: Karim discusses how addressing deep-seated beliefs from childhood has been crucial to his personal and professional success.
🌀 The Boktor Method: A unique approach to self-improvement that Karim developed after years of studying various psychological modalities, focusing on accessing and reprogramming the subconscious mind.
📚 What You'll Learn:
Strategies for overcoming internal barriers that inhibit success.
Insights into neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) and hypnotherapy.
The importance of resilience and adaptability in personal growth and entrepreneurship.
🎁 Special Offer: Stay tuned till the end of part 2 for an exclusive offer from Karim on accessing the Boktor Method—a transformative coaching approach designed to help you achieve greatness.
🏁 Conclusion: Karim's journey is a powerful reminder that our past does not define our future. His story provides invaluable lessons on the importance of confronting our innermost fears and transforming them into stepping stones for success.
🤝 Connect with Karim:
🔗 LinkedIn
🔗 https://www.karimboktor.com/
📧 karim@karimboktor.com
 
🎧 Tune in to Rise and Thrive Conversations for Greatness for more episodes that inspire, uplift, and motivate you to embrace your path to greatness.
 
🌟 Leave a 5-star rating and review of the Rise & Thrive: Conversations for Greatness Podcast. Email a screenshot to john@johnmerkus.com to receive a free gift.
👥 Join our thriving community on Facebook: Facebook Group
📷 Stay connected:  Instagram
🌐 For more resources and information, visit: John Merkus
🎵 Check out the energizing Merko Motivation Spotify playlist: Listen here
 
📚 Legal Stuff: This podcast is for educational purposes only. Any liability, loss, or damage resulting from the use, application, or interpretation of the information presented herein is disclaimed. All content is protected under U.S. and international copyright and trademark laws. For permissions or inquiries, contact john@johnmerkus.com.
🎙️[Opening & Closing Music: "Winning Elevation" by Hot Music] 

29: Visionaries at Play: Crafting the Future with Empathy and Insight

🌟 Episode Show Notes: "Unleashing High Performance: Secrets from a Master Team Builder" 🌟
In this enlightening episode of Rise and Thrive Conversations for Greatness, we dive deep with the incredibly insightful Alan, a seasoned expert in team building and IT recruitment in Australia. Known for his leadership at Tri-Star, Alan has spent years mastering the art of bringing together top-tier talents to create unbeatable teams. Join us as we uncover the philosophies, strategies, and personal journeys that have led to his success.
🎯 Key Highlights:
🔑 The Foundation of High Performance: Alan shares his passionate belief that clarity in outcomes and a shared vision are the cornerstones of a high-performing team. Learn how setting clear expectations can align efforts and foster a sense of purpose among team members.
💪 Motivation and Empowerment: Discover the critical importance of motivation and empowerment in achieving team goals. Alan emphasizes the need for every team member to know what to do, how to do it, and most importantly, to have the desire to do it.
🌈 The Pull of Greatness: Alan discusses the magnetic pull of greatness and how creating an environment that is not just ordinary, but extraordinary, can attract and retain the right talent. He reveals how his experience with Phoenix, a leader in the OutSystems platform in the Southern Hemisphere, illustrates the power of an exciting journey to inspire and gather a dedicated team.
❤️ Empathy and Respect in Leadership: A fascinating part of the conversation reveals Alan's approach to leadership that values empathy, respect, and the ability to listen—even to a spam caller. This segment highlights the importance of treating people with kindness and respect, regardless of the situation.
🔄 Transformative Feedback and Personal Growth: Alan opens up about a pivotal moment in his career that involved receiving tough but transformative feedback. This story serves as a powerful lesson on the value of humility, openness to change, and the courage to embrace new ways of leading.
📈 The Role of Personal Development: Our discussion also delves into the significance of personal development courses, such as the Landmark Forum, in shaping leaders and enhancing their ability to lead with vision and empathy.
🔍 Insights on Insight: Alan recounts a memorable story that illustrates the power of observation and insight, drawing a parallel with the investigative skills of Sherlock Holmes.
🌟 Special Mention:
👥 Alan praises the work of Alan Parker, a mentor in negotiation and communication, highlighting the importance of critical thinking, especially in today's world filled with misinformation and AI-generated content.
🎶 Recommended Listening:
Alan shares his love for The Beatles, suggesting their music as a source of inspiration and motivation. Tracks like "She Loves You" and "I Want to Hold Your Hand" echo the timeless appeal of teamwork and connection.
💡 Final Thoughts:
Alan's journey is a testament to the power of leadership that is grounded in respect, vision, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. As we conclude this episode, we are reminded that greatness is not just about achieving goals but about inspiring those around us to rise and thrive together.
🎧 Tune in to Rise and Thrive Conversations for Greatness for more episodes that inspire, uplift, and motivate you to embrace your path to greatness.
 
🌟 Leave a 5-star rating and review of the Rise & Thrive: Conversations for Greatness Podcast. Email a screenshot to john@johnmerkus.com to receive a free gift.
👥 Join our thriving community on Facebook: Facebook Group
📷 Stay connected:  Instagram
🌐 For more resources and information, visit: John Merkus
🎵 Check out the energizing Merko Motivation Spotify playlist: Listen here
 
📚 Legal Stuff: This podcast is for educational purposes only. Any liability, loss, or damage resulting from the use, application, or interpretation of the information presented herein is disclaimed. All content is protected under U.S. and international copyright and trademark laws. For permissions or inquiries, contact john@johnmerkus.com.
🎙️[Opening & Closing Music: "Winning Elevation" by Hot Music] 

28: Elevate Your Impact: The Alan Singer Story of Visionary Leadership and Personal Triumph

🌟 Show Notes for "Elevate Your Impact: The Alan Singer Story of Visionary Leadership and Personal Triumph"
Welcome to another inspiring episode of Rise and Thrive: Conversations for Greatness. In today’s journey, we delve into the realms of limitless potential and the transformative power of visionary leadership. Our distinguished guest, Alan Singer, embodies monumental achievements in personal development and stands as a living testament to the untapped potential within us all.
In This Episode:
🚀 Defining Greatness: Alan sheds light on how greatness is not only found in celebrated figures but in everyday heroes, highlighting that greatness is accessible to everyone.
💬 Building Rapport: Discover Alan's unique approach to creating genuine connections and the magic of curiosity.
📚 Early Influences: Alan shares captivating stories from his first job and the early experiences that shaped his remarkable journey.
🧠 Philosophical Influences: Explore the teachings that have inspired Alan, from the motivational wisdom of Zig Ziglar to Robert Fritz's principles on structural tension and vision.
🔍 Aligning Actions with Beliefs: Inspired by Simon Sinek’s Golden Circle, Alan discusses the transformative impact of aligning your actions with your core beliefs.
⚖️ Balancing Expectations: Learn about Alan's personal strategies for setting high expectations while maintaining empathy and understanding.
✅ Ethical Decision-Making: Alan introduces the Rotary Four-Way Test as a cornerstone for ethical decision-making in both personal and professional contexts.
Key Quotes:
“You will get all you want in life if you help enough other people get what they want.” - Zig Ziglar, as shared by Alan Singer.
“If you can dream it, you can achieve it.” - Another pearl of wisdom shared by Alan.
Recommended Resources:
📖 "The Path of Least Resistance" and "Creating" by Robert Fritz
🎤 Simon Sinek's "Start with Why" and the Golden Circle concept
🔄 The Rotary Four-Way Test for ethical decision-making
Alan's story is an invitation to anyone seeking to elevate their impact and embrace their own path to greatness. Let this episode of "Rise and Thrive" inspire you to chase your version of greatness, equipped with insights and stories that will not only inspire but also prepare you for the journey ahead.
Connect with Us:
🎧 Subscribe to "Rise and Thrive: Conversations for Greatness" for more inspiring episodes.
📱 Follow us on our social media channels to stay updated with our latest content and share your thoughts on this episode.
Thank you for tuning into this enlightening conversation with Alan Singer. Remember, your journey to greatness begins with a single step. Today might just be the day you take that step.
🌟 Leave a 5-star rating and review of the Rise & Thrive: Conversations for Greatness Podcast. Email a screenshot to john@johnmerkus.com to receive a free gift.
👥 Join our thriving community on Facebook: Facebook Group
📷 Stay connected:  Instagram
🌐 For more resources and information, visit: John Merkus
🎵 Check out the energizing Merko Motivation Spotify playlist: Listen here
 
📚 Legal Stuff: This podcast is for educational purposes only. Any liability, loss, or damage resulting from the use, application, or interpretation of the information presented herein is disclaimed. All content is protected under U.S. and international copyright and trademark laws. For permissions or inquiries, contact john@johnmerkus.com.
🎙️[Opening & Closing Music: "Winning Elevation" by Hot Music] 

27: Bridging Distances, Building Dreams: The Future of High-Performance Teams

🌟 Episode Overview
Welcome to a groundbreaking episode of Rise and Thrive Conversations for Greatness, titled "Bridging Distances, Building Dreams: The Future of High-Performance Teams". In this episode, host John Merkus engages with Katie O'Keeffe in a deep dive into the heart of remote and hybrid team dynamics, uncovering strategies for maximizing team performance in the evolving workplace landscape.
🎙️ What You'll Learn:
🤔 Understanding Team Proximity
Explore the crucial role of physical proximity in enhancing team performance.
Discover how teams physically located together often excel in creative problem-solving.
🚀 Navigating the Hybrid Work Model
Katie shares insights on how to make hybrid working models successful.
Learn about the importance of intentionality and purpose in hybrid setups.
🌍 The Emotional Impact of In-Person Collaboration
Discuss the unique value that in-person interaction brings to team dynamics.
Understand the emotional and psychological benefits of collaborating in the same physical space.
🔑 Key Takeaways for High-Performing Teams
Get actionable advice on leading and participating in teams effectively, irrespective of the working model.
Hear expert opinions on creating conditions that foster high performance in remote and hybrid settings.
🌟 Special Listener Offer
Katie O'Keeffe extends a special invitation to our listeners to participate in a comprehensive team assessment free of charge. This unique opportunity is designed to provide valuable insights into enhancing your team's performance and dynamics.
How to Participate:
Visit Structured Creative's website for more information.
Or directly reach out to Katie at katie@structuredcreative.com.au to set up your team's assessment.
📣 Join the Conversation
"Bridging Distances, Building Dreams" isn't just a discussion; it's a movement towards building more connected, effective, and high-performing teams across the globe. Tune in, gain invaluable insights, and start applying these lessons to bring out the best in your team today!
🌟 Leave a 5-star rating and review of the Rise & Thrive: Conversations for Greatness Podcast. Email a screenshot to john@johnmerkus.com to receive a free gift.
👥 Join our thriving community on Facebook: Facebook Group
📷 Stay connected:  Instagram
🌐 For more resources and information, visit: John Merkus
🎵 Check out the energizing Merko Motivation Spotify playlist: Listen here
 
📚 Legal Stuff: This podcast is for educational purposes only. Any liability, loss, or damage resulting from the use, application, or interpretation of the information presented herein is disclaimed. All content is protected under U.S. and international copyright and trademark laws. For permissions or inquiries, contact john@johnmerkus.com.
🎙️[Opening & Closing Music: "Winning Elevation" by Hot Music] 
 

26: Elevate Your Team: From Personal Peak to Collective Triumph

🌟 Episode Spotlight: Unlocking the Power of Teams with Katie O'Keeffe 
In our latest episode of Rise and Thrive Conversations for Greatness, we're honored to welcome back Katie O'Keefe, a visionary coach and entrepreneur whose journey from a top-ranking triathlete to a pioneering force in team and personal development has captivated many. Katie returns to dive deep into the transformative "Body Brain Reset" program, this time with a laser focus on teams.
What's Inside:
Katie's Inspiring Journey: From elite athletics to the boardroom, learn how Katie's unique experiences shaped her innovative approaches to coaching and leadership.
The Body Brain Reset for Teams: Discover the secrets to merging physical well-being with mental agility to unlock your team's full potential.
Strategies for Success: Get ready to explore practical, effective strategies for enhancing leadership, fostering effective team dynamics, and cultivating a powerful, holistic approach to success.
Why Listen? Whether you're leading a team, part of one, or on a personal quest for excellence, this episode is packed with insights, stories, and tactics that will inspire and equip you to achieve greatness.
Special Thanks: A heartfelt thank you to our global listening family. Your engagement and feedback continue to inspire us and fuel our mission to bring transformative conversations to light.
Invitation to Engage: We'd love to hear from you! Whether it's feedback, questions, or insights, your thoughts enrich our community and guide our journey. Reach out to us directly via email or through our show notes' contact details.
Looking Ahead: Stay tuned for more episodes where we explore the intricate dance of individual brilliance and team synergy, including a sneak peek into the realm of "Systems of Wellbeing" with Katie and her colleagues.
Listen Now: Don't let this opportunity to transform your approach to team excellence pass you by. Tune in, be inspired, and let's chart a path to greatness together.
🤝 Connect with Katie:
🔗 LinkedIn
🔗 https://www.structuredcreative.com.au/
📧 katie@structuredcreative.com.au
💬 Join the Conversation
🌟 Leave a 5-star rating and review of the Rise & Thrive: Conversations for Greatness Podcast. Email a screenshot to john@johnmerkus.com to receive a free gift.
👥 Join our thriving community on Facebook: Facebook Group
📷 Stay connected:  Instagram
🌐 For more resources and information, visit: John Merkus
🎵 Check out the energizing Merko Motivation Spotify playlist: Listen here
 
📚 Legal Stuff: This podcast is for educational purposes only. Any liability, loss, or damage resulting from the use, application, or interpretation of the information presented herein is disclaimed. All content is protected under U.S. and international copyright and trademark laws. For permissions or inquiries, contact john@johnmerkus.com.
🎙️[Opening & Closing Music: "Winning Elevation" by Hot Music] 

25: Inspiring Greatness: Cheryl Lacey's Journey of Passion and Impact

In this inspiring and uplifting episode of Rise and Thrive Conversations for Greatness, host John Merkus engages in a profound conversation with Cheryl Lacey, a visionary whose dedication to improving the lives of others shines through her work. From her significant contributions within the Board of Jewish Education in New York to her passionate advocacy for education reform, Cheryl’s journey is a testament to the power of dedication, discipline, and autonomy in creating meaningful change.
🌟 Key Highlights:
🔍 Cheryl's Visionary Work: Discover how Cheryl played a crucial role in restructuring the curriculum within the Board of Jewish Education in New York, ensuring the harmonious integration of faith and academic education without compromising either aspect.
💡 Discipline & Autonomy: Cheryl shares personal insights on the importance of discipline and having an autonomous approach to one's craft, inspired by her interaction with the late Jackie Collins. This segment is a masterclass on harnessing self-discipline to fuel your passion and achieve greatness.
📘 Principles for Life and Leadership: Cheryl delves into some of her guiding principles, such as "honor, discipline, and freedom follows," emphasizing the universal applicability of these values beyond the educational sphere into personal growth and leadership.
🌍 Equality and Opportunity: A thought-provoking discussion on the concept of equality and equal opportunity, drawing from historical contexts and Cheryl’s personal experiences. This conversation invites listeners to reflect on the foundational values that guide our decisions and actions.
🎵 Music and Motivation: Cheryl shares her unique approach to finding motivation and staying focused. Whether it’s the background hum of elevator music or a stern self-reminder to persevere, find out what keeps her moving forward.
💡 Final Thoughts: This episode is a rich exploration of the themes of discipline, autonomy, and the collective journey towards greatness. Cheryl Lacey’s story is a powerful reminder that with the right principles and determination, we can all lead extraordinary lives and make an indelible impact on the world around us.
👉 Tune in to this episode of Rise and Thrive Conversations for Greatness to embark on a journey of discovery, inspiration, and empowerment. Let Cheryl Lacey’s experiences and insights ignite your passion for personal growth, leadership, and the pursuit of greatness.
🤝 Connect with Cheryl Lacey:
🔗 LinkedIn
🔗 https://www.cheryllacey.com/
📧 cheryl@cheryllacey.com
🎥Order Cheryl's book 
💬 Join the Conversation
🌟 Leave a 5-star rating and review of the Rise & Thrive: Conversations for Greatness Podcast. Email a screenshot to john@johnmerkus.com to receive a free gift.
👥 Join our thriving community on Facebook: Facebook Group
📷 Stay connected:  Instagram
🌐 For more resources and information, visit: John Merkus
🎵 Check out the energizing Merko Motivation Spotify playlist: Listen here
 
📚 Legal Stuff: This podcast is for educational purposes only. Any liability, loss, or damage resulting from the use, application, or interpretation of the information presented herein is disclaimed. All content is protected under U.S. and international copyright and trademark laws. For permissions or inquiries, contact john@johnmerkus.com.

24: Shaping Futures: Cheryl Lacey on Cultivating Greatness in Education and Life

🎙 Welcome to Rise and Thrive Conversations for Greatness, where we delve into the realms of personal growth, motivation, and inspiration. In this captivating episode, our host, John Merkus, engages in a profound discussion with Cheryl Lacey, a visionary in educational leadership known for her family-focused, value-driven approach that transforms organizations and communities.
📚 Episode Highlights:
🌈 Cheryl Lacey's Visionary Journey: Discover the heart of educational innovation with Cheryl Lacey, who shares her inspiring journey of turning visions into realities. Her work not only inspires but fundamentally transforms the educational and community leadership landscape.
🧠 A Deep Dive into First Principles on Education: Cheryl takes us through her discovery and application of the first principles of education, a transformative strategy for breaking down complex problems and reconstructing them from the ground up.
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 The Role of Parenting in Professional Success: Cheryl opens up about how parenting plays an integral role in her professional identity and success, emphasizing the importance of viewing oneself through the lens of personal roles and responsibilities.
🌟 Inspiring Early Aspirations: Cheryl recounts an early experience at just five years old that set her on her path to becoming an educator, highlighting the lasting impact of educators and the importance of nurturing curiosity and a love for learning from a young age.
💪 Navigating Challenges and Embracing Autonomy: Cheryl discusses the challenges faced in her first year of teaching and her advocacy for educational autonomy, leading to the development of schools that empower educators to innovate within a core curriculum framework.
👫 Community and Family: The Foundation of Education: This episode emphasizes Cheryl's belief in schools as communities of families, advocating for collaborative relationships between educators and parents, rooted in clear communication and mutual respect.
🗽 Special Segment: A Moment of Crisis and Clarity
🏙️ The Twin Towers Experience: Cheryl shares a poignant and transformative moment in her life that coincided with the tragic events of 9/11. Facing a heart-wrenching decision as both an educator and a parent, she discusses the profound impact of this experience on her personal and professional philosophy.
🎧 Why You Should Listen: This episode is a treasure trove for educators, parents, and anyone interested in the transformative power of education. Cheryl Lacey's insights offer a roadmap for nurturing greatness in educational settings and beyond, highlighting the importance of a value-driven approach to leadership and community engagement.
🤝 Connect with Cheryl Lacey:
🔗 LinkedIn
🔗 https://www.cheryllacey.com/
📧 cheryl@cheryllacey.com
🎥Order Cheryl's book 
💬 Join the Conversation
🌟 Leave a 5-star rating and review of the Rise & Thrive: Conversations for Greatness Podcast. Email a screenshot to john@johnmerkus.com to receive a free gift.
👥 Join our thriving community on Facebook: Facebook Group
📷 Stay connected:  Instagram
🌐 For more resources and information, visit: John Merkus
🎵 Check out the energizing Merko Motivation Spotify playlist: Listen here
 
📚 Legal Stuff: This podcast is for educational purposes only. Any liability, loss, or damage resulting from the use, application, or interpretation of the information presented herein is disclaimed. All content is protected under U.S. and international copyright and trademark laws. For permissions or inquiries, contact john@johnmerkus.com.