Rise and Thrive: Conversations For Greatness with John Merkus

10: Building Greatness: From Down Under to the Burj Khalifa

Would you propose to your partner in a job interview? Hear how Matt did exactly that which led him on an adventure of a life time.
🎙️ Unveiling the Man Behind the Smile: John Merkus: Matt, often described as someone who always delivers on promises, a reliable and genuine person. Why do you think people see you in this light? Matt Greening reflects on his commitment to service, daily interactions, and the joy he finds in helping others. He shares his mindset of making a positive impact and leading by example.
🌟 Unexpected Beginnings: Matt Greening recounts his unexpected journey into education, driven by his love for sports. His Bachelor of Education laid the foundation for his future greatness.
✈️ From Down Under to the UAE: A spontaneous decision to teach in Dubai, driven by love, leads to a transformative six years in the UAE. Matt reflects on the challenges, adventures, and the birth of his son against the backdrop of the Burj Khalifa's construction.
🌍 Cultivating Greatness Abroad: Matt Greening shares how the international mindset of Dubai's educational landscape, especially at Dubai International Academy, shaped his values. The International Baccalaureate (IB) principles became integral to his daily life.
🚀 Risk-Taking and Reflection: Reflecting on turning 50, Matt acknowledges a shift from a risk-averse mindset to embracing adventure. His time in the UAE challenged him to dream big and become a risk-taker.
❓ Inquiring Minds Want to Know: Matt explores unconventional questions in his conversations. John shares his school experience, unveiling unexpected turns and valuable life lessons.
I hope you love this episode as much as I love  making it for you!
And remember, your feedback matters! Leave a review of the Rise & Thrive: Conversations for Greatness Podcast and email a screenshot to john@johnmerkus.com to receive a free gift.
 
Stay connected with me, your dedicated supporter of greatness:
📷 Instagram
👥 Facebook
🐦 Twitter
 
For more resources and information, visit www.johnmerkus.com.
 
Don't forget to check out the energizing Merko Motivation Spotify playlist: Listen here.
 
Thank you for joining me on this incredible journey of self-discovery and personal growth. Together, we'll unlock your ultimate potential and share some laughter along the way.
 
[Opening & Closing Music: "Winning Elevation" by Hot Music]
 
📚 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.
 

09: Unleashing the Power of Self-Belief: Insights from Shane Williams

🌟Embark on a journey of technological evolution, career resilience, and personal growth as we explore the transformative power of education, adaptability, and self-belief in shaping a brighter future.
🚀 From the impact of automation on the workforce to the power of continuous learning, every moment is filled with insights that'll leave you feeling inspired and ready to conquer new heights!
In this episode:
🤖🎓 Adaptability is Key: Explore the impact of technology on our workforce and why continuous learning is the secret sauce to staying ahead.
🌍🔄 Evolve or Dissolve: Dive into the fascinating history of job transformations and discover how education shapes the careers of tomorrow.
🚗🛠️ Riding the Wave of Change: Hear personal stories about navigating shifts in industries, like the influence of electric cars on traditional mechanics.
🌟🔮 Future-Forward Mindset: Anticipate the excitement of jobs yet to be invented and gear up for the thrilling possibilities ahead.
🎓💪 Commit to Growth: Gain insights into the motivation behind pursuing education while balancing work, family, and personal development.
 
🔍 Personal Transformation: Shane's personal transformation from an introverted 19-year-old to someone who confidently engages in networking events serves as a testament to the transformative power of self-belief.
🌐 Practical Advice: If you're navigating challenges or uncertainties, Shane suggests finding mechanisms to boost your self-belief, citing Jordan Belford's approach from "The Wolf of Wall Street."
🌟 Key Reflection: The Power of Self-Belief
Shane emphasized the importance of self-belief, a realization that took time to solidify in his own journey. He shared that having confidence in yourself can be a game-changer, enabling you to initiate conversations, take positions in arguments, and fundamentally shape the outcomes of various situations.
Don't miss out on this enlightening conversation! Tune in now and discover how to unlock your inner leadership potential.
🌐 Connect with Shane Williams:
📧 Contact: shanewilliams.com.au/contact
🌐 Website: shanewilliams.com.au
📖 Shane's Book: Click for a free copy use promo code riseandthrive
🌐 Connect with John Merkus:
🌟 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] 

08: Leadership Elevated: Unleashing Success Through Continuous Learning and Curiosity

🌟 In this episode, delve into unparalleled insights on leadership development with Shane Williams, exploring global leadership challenges, the essence of great leadership, building a culture of innovation, tune in to discover hear Shane's transformative journey.
In this episode:
🔍 Unparalleled Leadership Development Insights: Discover Shane's motto that "leadership comes from within" and how it can transform your perspective on leadership development.
🌐 Global Leadership Challenges: Explore the intricacies of managing change programs across geographies, cultures, and organizations. Shane's firsthand experience brings invaluable lessons to light.
💡 The Essence of Great Leadership: Shane shares his perspective on what makes a great leader, emphasizing the crucial difference between giving direction as a leader and merely managing tasks.
🌈 Building a Culture of Innovation: Learn how to foster psychological safety within your team, allowing for open communication, constructive challenges, and a collaborative environment.
🚀 Continuous Leadership Growth: Shane's journey and advice remind us that leadership is not a destination but a continuous journey of learning and improvement.
📌 Key Takeaway: "Always be learning. Leadership is not a title; it's a commitment to growth and excellence."
Don't miss out on this enlightening conversation! Tune in now and discover how to unlock your inner leadership potential.
🌐 Connect with Shane Williams:
📧 Contact: shanewilliams.com.au/contact
🌐 Website: shanewilliams.com.au
📖 Shane's Book: Click for a free copy use promo code riseandthrive
🌐 Connect with John Merkus:
🌟 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] 🎙️ #OptimismUnveiled #RiseAndThrive #PositiveVibes

07: The Power of Optimism: Insights from Victor Perton on Leadership, Charisma, and Transformative Exercises

Step into the world of boundless positivity with Victor Perton, the Chief Optimism Officer of the Center for Optimism, in this transformative episode.
Key Highlights:
Charisma of Political Leaders:
Victor Perton shares insights on meeting political figures like George Bush, Obama, and Bill Clinton.
Emphasizes the extraordinary charisma required to become the President of the United States.
Power of Eye Contact and Drishti:
Discusses the cultural value of looking someone in the eye, referencing the Indian concept of Drishti.
Highlights the profound impact of leaders who make individuals feel like the center of attention.
Leadership Exercise:
Encourages a practical exercise during speeches or events where individuals look into each other's eyes, repeating, "The leader looks like the person in your mirror."
Reflects on the transformative effect of this exercise, sharing anecdotes of marriages and affairs arising from it.
Optimism and Leadership:
Victor Perton emphasizes the importance of optimism in leadership, citing insights from leaders like Dominic Barton.
Talks about the role of infectious optimism and the need for leaders to unlock optimism within their teams.
Applied Optimism and Longevity:
Discusses the science behind optimism and its correlation with healthy longevity, citing its protective effects against heart disease, cancer, and dementia.
Shares experiences of working with hospitals to foster optimism in patients.
Book "Optimism, The How and Why":
Introduces his book, "Optimism, The How and Why," which originated from the Global Integrity Summit in 2017.
Discusses the book's focus on applied optimism in various aspects of life, including leadership, strategy, innovation, and resilience.
Closing Thoughts: Part 1 concludes with a gentle reminder to focus on joy, gratitude, and spreading optimism in our daily lives.
Don't miss this enlightening conversation with Victor Perton as we explore the profound impact of optimism and its potential to transform individuals and the world.
🌐 Connect with Victor Perton:
📧 Email: victor@victorperton.com
🌐 Website: Center for Optimism
📖 Victor's Book: Optimism: The How and Why
🌍 Global Research Survey on Optimism: Survey Link
🇦🇺 Australian Leadership Survey: Survey Link
🌟 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] 

06: Optimism Unveiled: A Journey through Leadership, Laughter, and the Power of Choice

🌟 Step into the world of boundless positivity with Victor Perton, the Chief Optimism Officer of the Center for Optimism, in this transformative episode.
Key Highlights:
Radical Optimism: Victor, a radical optimist and dynamic speaker on positive leadership, shares his journey as the founder of the Australian Leadership Project.
The Birth of the Center for Optimism: Explore the origins of the Center for Optimism, inspired by Victor's encounters with the uplifting stereotype of Australians during his time in the United States.
The Power of Optimism: Discover how Victor's compelling speech on the case for optimism at the Global Integrity Summit shaped the creation of the Center for Optimism.
Optimism in Challenging Times: Uncover the importance of optimism in navigating global challenges and understand how it transcends a mere state of the world to become a state of mind.
Can Optimism Be Learned?: Victor delves into the genetic and learned aspects of optimism, emphasizing the role of personal decisions and life experiences in shaping optimistic perspectives.
Tips for Cultivating Optimism: Practical tips abound, from the "optimism superpower" exercise to seeking moments of joy and transforming the common "How are you?" into "What's been the best thing in your day?"
Gratitude Journals and Thank You Notes: Explore the positive impact of gratitude journals, with Victor sharing transformative stories from unexpected places, such as a prison, where gratitude and optimism made a profound difference.
Inspiration from Historical Figures: Draw inspiration from leaders like Nelson Mandela and Mahatma Gandhi, as Victor highlights the enduring power of optimism in the face of adversity.
Closing Thoughts: Part 1 concludes with a gentle reminder to focus on joy, gratitude, and spreading optimism in our daily lives.
Don't miss this enlightening conversation with Victor Perton as we explore the profound impact of optimism and its potential to transform individuals and the world.
🌐 Connect with Victor Perton:
📧 Email: victor@victorperton.com
🌐 Website: Center for Optimism
📖 Victor's Book: Optimism: The How and Why
🌍 Global Research Survey on Optimism: Survey Link
🇦🇺 Australian Leadership Survey: Survey Link
🌟 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] 🎙️ #OptimismUnveiled #RiseAndThrive #PositiveVibes

05: Elevate Your Mind: Unveiling Truth, Friendship, and Manifestation with James Maclay

In this engaging episode, we explore the enduring bond of our remarkable friendship that has withstood the test of time. Allow me to introduce you to a man I deeply respect – James. He's not only smart and funny but has been my friend for decades. We've stood side by side as groomsmen at each other's weddings, and every conversation with him leaves me feeling uplifted.
James Maclay: A Provocateur of Thought and Inspiration:
Prepare to have your mind expanded by James, a true provocateur of thought. He challenges you to embark on uncharted mental journeys, pushing the boundaries of your imagination and inspiring contemplation of ideas you've never ventured near. His easygoing approach to life is nothing short of inspiring. The way he navigates through life will ignite your confidence, reminding you that it's perfectly alright to be yourself and reassuring you that everything will indeed be alright.
Key Takeaways from the Podcast:
• The Impact of Lifelong Friendship: We celebrate the profound impact of our enduring friendship. This remarkable bond has not only fueled our love for music but has also played a pivotal role in shaping our personal development.
• The Power of Personal Growth: Tune in as we reflect on the pivotal moment when personal development became a cornerstone of our lives. Discover how this shift in perspective transformed not only our outlook but also our journey to realizing our dreams and shaping our values.
• Setting Intentions for Manifestation: James offers insights into the art of setting intentions and taking meaningful actions to manifest your deepest desires. You'll walk away with practical strategies to turn your dreams into reality.
• Unearthing the Concept of Truth: In an intellectually stimulating conversation, James and I delve deep into the profound concept of truth. Exploring how subjective truths and objective realities coexist in our lives, sparking new perspectives on your own truths.
And more! We are also reminded to embrace authentic connections, pursue personal growth, and navigate life with intention and positivity.
If you've ever felt that there's untapped greatness within you, bursting to break free, this episode is an absolute must-listen.
Your feedback matters! Leave a review of the Rise & Thrive: Conversations for Greatness Podcast and email a screenshot to john@johnmerkus.com to receive a free gift.
Join our thriving community of like-minded individuals in our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/288565440476587
Stay connected with me, your dedicated supporter of greatness:
📷 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/jmerkus/
For more resources and information, visit www.johnmerkus.com.
Don't forget to check out the energizing Merko Motivation Spotify playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1zOOEieBv2g1cZxIe7uFRV?si=d845e0f3296f43cf
Thank you for joining me on this incredible journey of self-discovery and personal growth. Together, we'll unlock your ultimate potential and share some laughter along the way.
[Opening & Closing Music: "Winning Elevation" by Hot Music]
📚 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.

04: Uncover the Power of Positivity & Resilience

From Scholar to Savvy Marketer: A Remarkable Conversation of Resilience and Greatness.
In this episode, we are joined by an extraordinary individual who has led a unique and fascinating life journey. This remarkable guest has dedicated a significant portion of their life to the world of academia and marketing, showcasing resilience and the pursuit of greatness at every turn.
Introduction to Our Remarkable Guest:
Our guest's journey began with a thirst for knowledge that led them through the halls of academia. After high school, they embarked on a quest to delay entering the so-called "real world" by pursuing not one, but an impressive total of six university degrees. But here's the twist – they managed to successfully avoid the conventional workforce by taking on roles as a university lecturer, ultimately rising to the esteemed position of head academic professor.
A Life Committed to Learning and Innovation:
This extraordinary individual dedicated a significant part of their life to intensive research, teaching, and the development of cutting-edge marketing strategies. They did so at esteemed academic institutions such as Monash, Kaplan, and Southern Cross Universities, making a profound impact on the educational landscape.
In a bold move nine years ago, our guest ventured into the world of marketing and training by founding their own company. Their expertise has played a pivotal role in assisting renowned organizations, including Energy Australia, Ferrari, Oliver Hume, Visa, and Cathay Pacific.
Notably, one of their current clients is a major global player in the field of research on LSD microdosing for the improvement of mental health conditions, showcasing the diversity of their contributions.
The Personality Beyond the Achievements:
Beyond their remarkable achievements, our guest is a truly cheerful and humorous individual. Their infectious positivity and laughter make them a joy to be around, and their knowledge is a treasure trove waiting to be explored.
Podcast Episode Highlights:
In this episode, we delve into various aspects of our guest's journey and expertise:
The Power of Storytelling: Our guest shares insights into the significance of storytelling.
From Sommelier to Resilience: Surprisingly, at the age of 14, they became a sommelier, a wine expert, without ever tasting wine.
Resilience and the Three Pillars: We explore what resilient individuals do and the three key traits that define resilience.
The "No Problem Unsolved" Mindset: Our guest shares how adopting a mindset of "There's no problem that can't be solved" has contributed to their journey of greatness.
The Power of Focus: We discuss the importance of focus in achieving success.
Marketing Insights: Our guest offers valuable questions to ask yourself to propel your marketing efforts.
Medicine or Vitamin: Are you a medicine or a vitamin in your field? Discover the difference.
Resilience X and LinkedIn Offer: Learn about Resilience X and the exclusive podcast-only offer for organizations undertaking the training.
Stay Connected:
To stay connected and receive a free gift, send a screenshot of your 5 star review of the Rise & Thrive: Conversations for Greatness Podcast to john@johnmerkus.com.
If you're searching for a diverse and nourishing community of like-minded individuals, consider joining our Facebook group for more inspiration. https://www.facebook.com/groups/288565440476587/
 
Follow John Merkus, supporter of your greatness, on a journey to unlock your ultimate potential and share some laughter along the way through the following social media channels:
Instagram: https://www.Instagram.com/jmerkus
Twitter: https://twitter.com/johnmerkus
For more information and resources, visit https://www.johnmerkus.com.
Merko Motivation Spotify Playlist: Enjoy the curated playlist to keep you motivated and inspired. https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1zOOEieBv2g1cZxIe7uFRV?si=7618a9b7596341cd
Intro + Outro Music: Groove to "Winning Elevation" by Hot Music.
Thank you for tuning in to another inspiring episode of the Rise & Thrive: Conversations for Greatness Podcast!
Intro + Outro Music: "Winning Elevation" by Hot Music
 
Legal Stuff: By accessing this Podcast, I acknowledge that the entire contents are the property of John Merkus or used by John Merkus with permission, and are protected under U.S. and international copyright and trademark laws. Except as otherwise provided herein, users of this Podcast may save and use information contained in the Podcast only for personal or other non-commercial, educational purposes. No other use, including, without limitation, reproduction, retransmission, or editing of this Podcast, may be made without the prior written permission of John Merkus, which may be requested by contacting john@johnmerkus.com. This podcast is for educational purposes only, and the host disclaims any responsibility to any person or entity for any liability, loss, or damage caused or alleged to be caused directly or indirectly as a result of the use, application, or interpretation of the information presented herein.

03: Ignite Your Spirit with the hidden language of the soul

Emily will ignite your spirit, lift your soul, and leave you buzzing with the energy of possibility. It was an absolute delight to have her grace our show, and her infectious charm effortlessly endears her to everyone she encounters, leaving behind an indelible mark of warmth and positivity.
 
Both inside and out, Emily embodies greatness. She's a multifaceted entrepreneur and a shrewd business owner, an accomplished educator who holds a university degree in education, and a loving mother to two exceptionally creative and beautiful children. Like all of us, she's faced her fair share of challenges, but what sets her apart is her unwavering ability to conquer them, emerging each time stronger and more resilient.
 
In this captivating episode, we delve into a plethora of fascinating topics, including:
 
🌟 The single piece of advice that forever altered the course of her life.
🌟 Her unshakeable mindset that helped her surmount setbacks and setbacks.
🌟 The serendipity and power of visualization that enabled her to achieve her wildest dreams.
🌟 The profound notion of "think it and ink it."
🌟 Her inspiring perspective that dance is for every "body."
🌟 And the exploration of the hidden language of the soul.
 
And that's just the tip of the iceberg. There's a treasure trove of wisdom waiting for you in this episode!
 
If you've ever sensed that there's more greatness within you yearning to break free, this episode is an absolute must-listen.
 
And here's an exciting bonus: Leave a 5-star review and a comment for the Rise & Thrive: Conversations for Greatness Podcast, and you'll receive a fantastic free gift. Just email us a screenshot of your review to john@johnmerkus.com, and we'll send it your way!
 
Connect with Emily Perkins:
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emily_laura_p/
🌐 Steppes School of Dance: http://steppesschoolofdance.com.au/
Tickets for the November 18th Dance Concert - The Wizard of Oz and Over the Rainbow
https://www.monash.edu/performing-arts-centres/event/steppes/
 
If you're on the lookout for a diverse and nurturing community of like-minded souls, consider joining our Facebook group - click here https://www.facebook.com/groups/288565440476587/
 
Follow me, a dedicated supporter of your greatness, on a journey to unlock your ultimate potential, and let's share some laughter along the way.
📸 Instagram: https://www.Instagram.com/jmerkus
 
For more exciting updates, visit my website at https://www.johnmerkus.com
 
And don't forget to check out the Merko Motivation Spotify playlist to keep those spirits soaring high on your personal growth journey: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1zOOEieBv2g1cZxIe7uFRV?si=7618a9b7596341cd
 
Intro + Outro Music: "Winning Elevation" by Hot Music
 
Legal Stuff:
By accessing this Podcast, I acknowledge that the entire contents are the property of John Merkus or used by John Merkus with permission, and are protected under U.S. and international copyright and trademark laws. Except as otherwise provided herein, users of this Podcast may save and use information contained in the Podcast only for personal or other non-commercial, educational purposes. No other use, including, without limitation, reproduction, retransmission, or editing of this Podcast, may be made without the prior written permission of John Merkus, which may be requested by contacting john@johnmerkus.com.
 
This podcast is for educational purposes only, and the host disclaims any responsibility to any person or entity for any liability, loss, or damage caused or alleged to be caused directly or indirectly as a result of the use, application, or interpretation of the information presented herein.