Rise and Thrive: Conversations For Greatness with John Merkus

15: From Namaste to Greatness: Divesh Sareen's Journey of Resilience and Triumph

Our latest guest, Divesh Sareen, embodies the spirit of hard work, achievement, and greatness.
What's Inside the Episode:
🌏 Divesh's daring journey from India to Australia.
📚 Insights from his book series "The Indian Mate" – a heartwarming tale of cultural transitions.
🤔 Unpacking the complexities and triumphs of assimilating into a new culture.
💼 The intertwining of family, sacrifice, and ambition in Divesh's life.
🌈 His resilience in the face of life's challenges, including his fight against cancer.
🌟 Insights into how Divesh gives back and builds a legacy.
Why You Can't Miss This:
🔥 Get motivated by Divesh's relentless pursuit of his dreams.
🌍 Gain a deeper appreciation of the immigrant experience.
🎯 Learn how to face challenges and achieve your own greatness.
💡 Actionable Takeaway: After listening, reflect on your own journey. How can Divesh's story inspire you to push boundaries and achieve more?
Bonus:
📖 Learn more about "The Indian Mate" and where to grab your copy.
📚 Learn More about "The Indian Mate" Book Series:
Website
🤝 Connect with Divesh Sareen:
LinkedIn
d@afterthewhy.com
💬 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] 
 

14: Transforming Mindsets: Lena Ross’ Odyssey from the Skies to Agile Change Leadership

📌 Episode Highlights
✈️ Lena's Remarkable Journey
From a flight attendant to a leading change management expert.
🔄 Agile Change Leadership Insights
Dive into the modern practices in leadership and adaptability.
💡 The Power of Mindsets in Change
Understand how mindsets drive adaptability and growth.
🌱 Resilience and Overcoming Obstacles
Lena's strategies for thriving amidst challenges.
🤝 Team Dynamics and Effective Leadership
Explore Lena's approach to fostering collaboration.
🃏 Poker and Business Mindsets
Unique parallels between poker strategies and business tactics.
🔥 Why You Can't Miss This Episode
💭 Real-Life Wisdom: Practical, actionable, and insightful advice.
🚀 Inspirational Journey: A powerful narrative of resilience.
🌟 Professional Growth: Ideal for leaders and change-makers.
🗣️ Engaging & Relatable: Complex ideas in an accessible format.
🎁 Special Offer
🎴 Exclusive Giveaway: The first two emails to Lena at changehacks@lenaross.com.au will receive Lena's "Pondify" mindfulness cards. 
💬 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] 

13: The Pursuit of Greatness: Katie O’Keeffe’s Evolution from Triathlete to Inspirational Trailblazer

🌟 Special Guest: Katie O'Keeffe
From Triathlete to Trailblazer: Discover Katie's exhilarating journey from being a top-ranking triathlete in Rimini, Italy, to coaching others to their peak potential.
Corporate Maverick: Delve into her impactful 12-year tenure at Deloitte, culminating as the Director of Human Capital Consulting.
Educational Insights: Katie holds a Bachelor of Commerce, diving deep into HR, organizational development, and philosophy.
Innovative Entrepreneur: As co-founder of Structured Creative, Katie blends structured problem-solving, design thinking, and neuroscience for transformative business and personal solutions.
Pioneering the Body Brain Reset: Explore her groundbreaking program that merges physical wellness with cognitive prowess.
🚀 Episode Highlights
Achieving Greatness
Mindset Mastery: Unpack the role of a powerful mindset in transcending personal and professional boundaries.
Leadership and Teamwork: Gain invaluable insights into nurturing leadership qualities and fostering effective team dynamics.
Holistic Approach: Katie's philosophy intertwines physical health, mental agility, and emotional intelligence for a well-rounded path to success.
Transformative Strategies
Neuroscience in Action: Understand the science behind peak performance and cognitive function.
Organizational Dynamics: Learn how Katie's approach to personal growth is deeply rooted in understanding the intricacies of organizational behavior.
 
💡 Key Takeaways
Journey to Excellence: Embrace a multifaceted approach that balances physical, mental, and emotional growth.
Enhanced Leadership: Discover how understanding human behavior and organizational contexts can uplift your leadership style.
Continuous Learning: The path to personal and professional excellence is paved with ongoing adaptation and learning.
Creative Structured Solutions: Katie's unique blend of discipline and strategic creativity leads to innovative problem-solving.
 
🌈 Conclusion
Join us as we dive into Katie O'Keeffe's vibrant and varied life experiences, offering a treasure trove of wisdom on achieving personal greatness and dynamic team environments. Her unique blend of athletic discipline and strategic corporate thinking lights the way to innovative solutions in both personal and professional spheres.
 
🌐 Learn More about Katie O'Keeffe and Structured Creative
Contact Katie for 20% off Body Brain Reset:https://www.structuredcreative.com.au/katie@structuredcreative.com.au

12: Unveiling the Essence of Greatness and Positivity in 2024

🌟 Welcome to a Thrilling New Year with Host John Merkus
Dive into an exhilarating new year of endless possibilities with John Merkus, as he brings captivating stories of extraordinary individuals who have conquered challenges and achieved greatness.
🚀 2024: A Year Packed with Inspiration and Growth
Get ready for personalized meditations and motivational boosts to fuel your journey.
Stay stylish and uplifted with exclusive merchandise.
Don't miss the life-changing, free workshop with limited spots – sign up now! john@johnmerkus.com
Exciting book launches and giveaways on the horizon.
A heartfelt shout out to the supportive community, guests, and family for their unwavering support.
💡 Celebrating Our Journey so far: Memorable Episodes and Guests
Episode 1: Life as a conversation, featuring wisdom from John's mother.
Episode 2: Karina Murphy on unlocking inner greatness and the drama triangle.
Episode 3: Emily Perkins' journey in "Ignite Your Spirit."
Episode 4 & 5: Insights on positivity and resilience with Matt Coordner and James Maclay.
Episode 6 & 7: Victor Pertton's lessons on optimism and leadership.
Episode 8 & 9: Shane Williams' take on leadership, learning, and curiosity.
Episode 10: Matt Greening's adventurous spirit and educational insights.
Episode 11: A heartwarming father-daughter conversation with Matisse.
✨ The Desiderata: Timeless Wisdom
John shares the inspiring "Desiderata" by Max Ehrman, a testament to the importance of peace, self-acceptance, and resilience.
🌈 Embracing 2024: A Continuous Journey of Inspiration
Carry the wisdom of "Desiderata" into the new year, nurturing spirits and embracing happiness.
🔥 Join Our Inspirational Journey
Subscribe for weekly doses of inspiration every Tuesday.
Share the podcast to spread positivity and optimism.
Be part of our community striving for greatness in 2024!
 
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.

11: Unleashing Greatness: A Father-Daughter Journey of Wisdom and Success

📝 Episode Summary:
Join host John Merkus in this heartwarming and enlightening episode of "Rise and Thrive: Conversations for Greatness", where he engages in a profound discussion with his 10-year-old daughter, Matisse. This episode is a treasure trove of wisdom, touching upon life's essential aspects, from handling setbacks to the power of childlike insight.
🔑 Key Highlights:
👧 The Unexpected Teacher: Discover how a child's perspective can be a source of deep wisdom.
🔄 Plan B Strategies: Insights into adapting when life throws curveballs.
👨‍👧 Family First: The irreplaceable role of family in personal and professional success.
💬 Power Quotes: Motivational quotes that inspire action and resilience.
🚧 Navigating Life's Challenges: Real-life stories of overcoming adversity.
🧑‍🏫 The Coaching Difference: How guidance and mentorship can transform lives.
❤️ Empathy in Action: Learning from Matisse's view on homelessness.
🧠 Childlike Wisdom: The surprising depth of a child’s understanding of complex issues.
💸 Kids and Finance: How children view money and what adults can learn from it.
🦁 Boldness and Belief: Cultivating self-confidence and courage in the face of fear.
📖 Storytelling's Impact: Harnessing the power of stories in personal development.
🎬 Animated Wisdom: Lessons from the movie "Zootopia."
🧘 Mental Health Mastery: Effective strategies for mental well-being.
🎁 Listener Engagement:
🌟 Free Gift: Email a screenshot of your 5-star review to john@johnmerkus.com for an exclusive reward!
👥 Join Our Community: Connect with like-minded individuals in our Facebook group here.
🔗 Social Follow: Stay updated and inspired by following John on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
🌐 Additional Resources:
🔗 Website: Explore more at johnmerkus.com.
🎵 Spotify Playlist: Get motivated with the "Merko Motivation" playlist here.
🎶 Music Credits: Intro and Outro music "Winning Elevation" by Hot Music.
🌟 Episode Takeaways:
Embrace the wisdom offered by children; it's often unfiltered and pure.
The importance of having a 'Plan B' and being adaptable.
Nurturing family relationships for personal growth.
Using powerful quotes for daily motivation.
The benefits of storytelling in conveying meaningful life lessons.
⚖️ Legal Disclaimer:
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.

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