What's The Point? - Discover Your Purpose

Have you ever found yourself in something that works on paper… but doesn't really feel right anymore? That's the question at the center of this conversation with Julian Lighton, executive coach, strategist, and author of Navigating Your Next. Julian has spent decades helping leaders and organizations navigate change, but this conversation isn't just about career strategy — it's about identity, growth, and learning how to recognize when something no longer fits. Julian's own path has been anything but linear. Trained originally in law at Oxford, he realized early that he didn't want the life attached to the career he had prepared for. That decision began a journey across startups, consulting, Cisco, McKinsey, and executive leadership roles — each step driven less by title and more by what he calls "progress over progression." In other words, focusing on becoming better rather than simply climbing higher. One of the most compelling parts of our conversation centers around competency versus passion. Julian challenges the modern obsession with "following your passion," arguing instead that confidence and fulfillment are often built through becoming deeply competent at something meaningful. Passion can fuel us, but discipline, consistency, and learning are what sustain long-term growth. We also explore the emotional side of change: fear, identity, risk, and the uncomfortable realization that success doesn't always equal happiness. Julian shares stories of leaving environments that no longer aligned with who he was becoming, including a major move from London to San Francisco that completely reshaped his career and life. He talks openly about failure, why learning requires discomfort, and why some of the most successful people he knows are also deeply unhappy because they pursued progression without questioning what they actually wanted. Throughout the episode, Julian returns to three key questions: Am I learning? Am I in the right context? Am I surrounded by the right people? Those questions become a framework not just for career decisions, but for life itself. This episode is ultimately about responsibility — understanding that no one is coming to rescue you, and that meaningful change begins the moment you decide you're no longer willing to stay where you are. It's a conversation about growth, risk, purpose, and the realization that the point may not be the destination at all… but the journey itself. Connect with Bill: bill@billellis.com www.billellis.com www.brandingforresults.com IG - @wcellis Facebook - @CoachBillEllis Facebook - @bill.ellis LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/wcellis Book: Women Who Won Links for This Episode: https://www.julianlighton.com Navigating Your Next: https://amzn.to/4eV8CVU Quick Episode Summary: 00:00 – Introduction + "When It's Time to Change, Even If It's Working" 01:00 – Julian's background in law and choosing not to become a barrister 04:00 – Joining a startup before startups existed 08:30 – How early career experiences shaped everything that followed 09:30 – Progress vs. progression explained 13:00 – Why these ideas apply far beyond business careers 14:00 – "What discussion should never happen without you in the room?" 16:00 – Competency vs. passion: what actually creates success? 20:00 – Why expertise is more accessible today than ever before 22:00 – Discipline, identity, and "doing is being" 24:00 – Taking opportunities before feeling fully ready 27:00 – Recognizing when leadership or culture no longer fits 30:00 – Learning, context, and culture: Julian's framework for change 31:00 – Moving from London to San Francisco in the 1990s 37:00 – Fear, risk, and deciding what you're no longer willing to tolerate 40:00 – Why change begins with personal responsibility 42:00 – Choosing the right work, context, and people 45:00 – Career success vs. balanced life 49:00 – Failure, learning, and why growth requires discomfort 54:00 – "It's about the journey, not the destination" 56:00 – Closing reflections + final thoughts What's The Point? is a podcast hosted by Bill Ellis featuring real conversations with people who've figured out what matters — their purpose. Each episode explores what motivates them and how they find meaning in what they do.

How do you choose a career before you've really lived life? That's the question at the center of this conversation with Alex Dworsky and Gabriel DeSanti, co-founders of Staj. Most of us are asked to decide what we want to do at 18, 20, or 22 — long before we've had enough experience to truly understand what those choices mean. And while some people land in the right place, many others find themselves years into a path that no longer fits. Alex shares her experience inside corporate America, where careers often follow a predictable path shaped by expectations, environment, and stability. But as time goes on, many people begin to question whether what they chose actually aligns with who they are becoming. Gabriel's journey offers a different perspective — pivoting early from a technical trade into content creation, ultimately building a career around exploring what different jobs are really like from the inside. Together, they unpack why so many people stay in roles that don't fulfill them. Fear plays a major role — fear of losing stability, identity, or success. For many, it's not just about changing jobs, but about walking away from something that looks "successful" on paper. That tension — between comfort and fulfillment — is where people often feel stuck. A key theme throughout this episode is the lack of real exposure. Most career decisions are made with limited information, based on what we're told, what we see around us, or what seems safe. Even internships, which are supposed to offer insight, often fall short by showing only a narrow slice of the job rather than the full picture. This conversation challenges the idea that choosing once is enough. Instead, it invites a different approach: staying curious, experimenting, and being willing to reassess what success actually means at different stages of life. Because sometimes the real work isn't choosing the right path — it's recognizing when the one you chose no longer fits. What's The Point? is a podcast hosted by Bill Ellis featuring real conversations with people who've figured out what matters — their purpose. Each episode explores what motivates them and how they find meaning in what they do. Connect with Bill: bill@billellis.com www.billellis.com www.brandingforresults.com IG - @wcellis Facebook - @CoachBillEllis Facebook - @bill.ellis LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/wcellis Book: Women Who Won Links for This Episode: Name: Gabriel DeSanti Email: gabe@gabedesanti.com Name: Alex Dworsky Email: admin@gostaj.com SOCIAL MEDIA INFO: IG: https://www.instagram.com/gabriel.desanti LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabriel-desanti IG: https://www.instagram.com/go_staj Quick Episode Summary: 00:00 – Why choosing a career early is so difficult 01:30 – The idea behind Staj (try before you commit) 03:00 – Alex's corporate career and COVID shift 06:00 – Gabriel's early pivot and "world's longest resume" 08:30 – Why people outgrow their careers 10:00 – Why most people stay in jobs that don't fit 12:00 – How we actually choose careers at 18–22 14:00 – The problem with internships 16:00 – Fear, identity, and career changes 18:30 – The "golden handcuffs" problem 21:00 – Why people don't explore other paths 24:00 – Who understands Staj immediately (and who doesn't) 27:00 – Why small businesses get it faster 30:00 – Hiring, risk, and finding the right fit 33:00 – Why internships don't fully solve the problem 36:00 – Unexpected jobs and hidden career paths 40:00 – How to explore without quitting everything 45:00 – What to do if your career feels wrong 50:00 – Redefining success over time 53:00 – Final reflections on choice and fulfillment

In this episode of What's the Point?, Bill Ellis sits down with David Schnurman to explore a question many of us quietly carry: what do we think will happen when we change our lives? Change often begins with hope. A new job, a new city, a new path — we imagine it will give us clarity, fulfillment, or relief from whatever feels unresolved. But as David reflects throughout this conversation, change doesn't always deliver exactly what we think we're buying. Together, Bill and David explore the deeper motivations behind the choices we make. Family expectations, personal responsibility, ambition, and identity all shape the way we pursue change. Sometimes those choices bring us closer to what matters most. Other times they reveal that the answers we're searching for can't be found simply by changing circumstances. David shares reflections on how family influences the decisions we make, the stories we tell ourselves about success, and the quiet tension between the life we build and the life we imagined. It's an honest conversation about responsibility, perspective, and the complicated nature of personal reinvention. Ultimately, this episode invites listeners to step back and ask a deeper question: when we pursue change, are we chasing something external — or searching for something within ourselves? What's The Point? is a podcast hosted by Bill Ellis featuring real conversations with people who've figured out what matters — their purpose. Each episode explores what motivates them and how they find meaning in what they do. Connect with Bill: bill@billellis.com www.billellis.com www.brandingforresults.com IG - @wcellis Facebook - @CoachBillEllis Facebook - @bill.ellis LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/wcellis Book: Women Who Won Links for This Episode: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidschnurman/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidschnurman/ CURRENT PROJECTS / OFFERINGS Author of Eleven Suitcases – a memoir about family, identity, and reducing life to what matters most Author of The Fast Forward Mindset – focused on fear, focus, and intentional action CEO of Lawline – leading online CLE and professional development for attorneys Host of the Lawyers Who Learn podcast – interviews with legal and business leaders on lifelong learning and growth Speaker & Keynote Presenter – topics include leadership, navigating change, mindset, and living with intention\ Quick Episode Summary: 00:00 – Introduction to David Schnurman 01:20 – The idea behind life-changing decisions 03:45 – What we imagine change will give us 06:30 – How family shapes the choices we make 09:10 – The tension between ambition and responsibility 12:05 – When expectations don't match reality 15:20 – Identity, growth, and the stories we tell ourselves 18:40 – Why change alone doesn't always bring fulfillment 21:15 – Learning what truly matters 24:10 – How perspective evolves over time 27:30 – Navigating life transitions 30:10 – What keeps people moving forward 33:20 – The deeper meaning behind our choices 36:40 – David reflects on purpose and family 39:30 – David answers: "What's the Point?"

In this episode of What's the Point?, Bill Ellis sits down with Ron Kmetovicz—engineer, entrepreneur, investor, and author of Ghost Money: The Pathway to Financial Independence. This conversation isn't about getting rich quickly. It's about what quietly sustains a life. Ron reflects on growing up in an entrepreneurial farm family in Pennsylvania, working in early Silicon Valley labs during major technological shifts, and building a career grounded in confidence rather than accumulation. He shares the philosophy behind "ghost money"—multiple revenue streams paired with minimal debt—and explains why independence matters more than image. From navigating the dot-com crash to thinking carefully about what he will (and won't) leave behind for future generations, Ron explores how money, discipline, inheritance, and physical vitality all intersect. This episode invites listeners to consider: Are you chasing money—or freedom? And what are you really passing forward? What's The Point? is a podcast hosted by Bill Ellis featuring real conversations with people who've figured out what matters – their purpose. Each episode explores what motivates them and how they find meaning in what they do. Connect with Bill: bill@billellis.com www.billellis.com www.brandingforresults.com IG - @wcellis Facebook - @CoachBillEllis Facebook - @bill.ellis LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/wcellis Book: Women Who Won Links for This Episode: Email ron@ghostmoneythebook.com Website(s) http://www.ghostmoneythebook.com Quick Episode Summary: 00:00 – Introduction: Money as independence, not just income 02:00 – Early realization: personal responsibility in his twenties 03:00 – Growing up on a Pennsylvania farm with entrepreneurial roots 05:00 – From military service (father) to early cable television innovation 08:00 – Aerospace vs. collaborative lab culture 10:00 – Early investing and stock analysis in the 1970s 12:30 – "Enough is enough": redefining financial goals 14:00 – Debt as the true trap 16:00 – Witnessing early internet and GPS development 18:00 – Confidence from competence, not income 20:00 – Why he never subscribed to 16-hour grind culture 21:00 – Skill-building in the age of AI 24:00 – Defining "Ghost Money" 26:00 – A practical example: teaching a 16-year-old to build multiple revenue streams 30:00 – Advertising, comparison, and financial traps 34:00 – Three steps: enjoy your work, invest 20%, leave it alone 36:00 – Emergency resilience and the danger of credit dependence 38:00 – Physical independence and active aging 41:00 – Writing the book as legacy for great-grandchildren 44:00 – Surviving the dot-com crash 45:00 – Why he won't leave lump-sum inheritances 48:00 – Optimism with caution in relationships 49:00 – Final advice: identify skill gaps and correct them 50:00 – What's the point? "Work hard, play hard… and have a little ghost money."

In this episode of What's The Point?, I sit down with Loryn Nalic and Edo Nalic, partners in life and work and the force behind Balkan Treat Box, Telva, and the Ridge Room in St. Louis. Their story isn't just about building award-winning restaurants. It's about displacement, resilience, trust, and what happens when two people commit to solving problems together instead of letting adversity define them. Edo shares what it was like growing up in Bosnia during war, fleeing to Germany, living with uncertainty, and eventually coming to the United States alone. Loryn reflects on a very different upbringing—rooted in St. Louis, shaped by family, responsibility, and a lifelong relationship with food that began as a way to bring people together. Their paths couldn't have looked more different, yet they converged through shared struggle and mutual empathy. Their relationship began not with certainty, but with necessity and trust—formed during a period marked by financial stress, immigration challenges, and responsibility to family. Over time, that trust deepened into partnership. Together they navigated economic collapse, job changes, parenting, and the bold decision to build something of their own without guarantees. The idea for Balkan Treat Box came from honoring roots while creating something new—food that reflected the Balkan region's shared history rather than a single identity. What followed was anything but easy: a failed food-truck build, years of delay, advice from nearly everyone to give up, and the decision to keep going anyway. Through persistence, word-of-mouth, and genuine connection with customers, the truck slowly transformed into something people sought out—and talked about. From there came a brick-and-mortar restaurant, the challenge of the pandemic, the humility of learning from peers, and the commitment to quality and community over convenience. Their growth continued through collaboration—within the St. Louis restaurant community, with local partners, and eventually through opportunities like serving at CITYPARK for St. Louis City SC. Throughout the conversation, one theme keeps surfacing: belonging. Whether through food, family, or shared experience, Loryn and Edo have built places where people feel welcome, seen, and connected. Their story is a reminder that meaning often comes from consistency, partnership, and choosing to keep building—even when the outcome isn't guaranteed. What's The Point? is a podcast hosted by Bill Ellis featuring real conversations with people who've figured out what matters – their purpose. Each episode explores what motivates them and how they find meaning in what they do. Connect with Bill: bill@billellis.com www.billellis.com www.brandingforresults.com IG - @wcellis Facebook - @CoachBillEllis Facebook - @bill.ellis LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/wcellis Book: Women Who Won Links for This Episode: Website: balkantreatbox.com Email: Loryn Nalic - loryn@balkantreatbox.com Edo Nalic - edo@balkantreatbox.com Phone - Balkan Treat Box 314-733-5700 Address - 8103 Big Bend Blvd, Webster Groves, MO 63119 SOCIAL MEDIA: Instagram: @‌balkantreatbox @‌lorynnalic @‌telvastl @‌ridgeroom Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/balkantreatbox ORDER VIA GOLDBELLY: www.goldbelly.com/balkan-treat-box Quick Episode Summary: 00:00 – Welcome + Introducing Loryn and Edo Nalic 01:00 – Edo's childhood in Bosnia and displacement during war 02:50 – Deportation, uncertainty, and starting again 03:15 – Loryn's upbringing in St. Louis and early connection to food 05:10 – Cooking as care, connection, and identity 05:50 – Being a single parent and working through instability 06:40 – How Loryn and Edo first met 08:30 – Guarded trust and early impressions 10:30 – Empathy, shared struggle, and partnership 12:10 – Deportation notice and life-altering decisions 14:10 – Choosing to trust each other 16:30 – Building a relationship through adversity 18:40 – Economic collapse and job transitions 19:50 – The idea of building something of their own 21:30 – Choosing Balkan food as a shared identity 23:20 – Traveling to Bosnia for inspiration 26:00 – Understanding culture, food, and shared roots 29:00 – The food truck dream and devastating setbacks 30:45 – Almost giving up 33:20 – Community stepping in to help 34:20 – Learning how to sell, explain, and connect 36:30 – Word-of-mouth growth and pride in the work 38:10 – Opening a brick-and-mortar restaurant 42:50 – Navigating the pandemic together 47:30 – Collaboration within the restaurant community 49:20 – CITYPARK and being part of St. Louis history 52:00 – Telva and the evolution of their vision 55:20 – How they balance each other as partners 59:00 – What makes their partnership work 01:03:35 – Loryn answers: "What's the point?" 01:05:00 – Edo answers: "What's the point?" 01:06:40 – Closing reflections

In this episode of What's the Point?, host Bill Ellis sits down with Dr. Jaime Goff, founder of The Empathic Leader, LLC and author of The Secure Leader, for a powerful conversation on how our earliest emotional experiences quietly shape the way we lead. Drawing from her background in psychology, higher education leadership, and executive coaching, Dr. Goff explains how attachment patterns formed in childhood influence trust, control, communication, and emotional regulation in adulthood—especially in leadership roles. She shares personal stories from her own journey, including growing up in a restrictive emotional environment, navigating perfectionism and control early in her career, and learning how true leadership requires both empathy and accountability. The conversation explores why secure leaders create psychologically safe environments, how repair—not perfection—is the foundation of strong relationships, and why self-awareness and emotional regulation are essential skills for modern leaders. Dr. Goff also reflects on career transitions, resilience through setbacks, and the courage it takes to build a life aligned with purpose rather than pressure. This episode is an honest, grounded look at leadership from the inside out—and a reminder that lasting impact begins with secure connection. What's The Point? is a podcast hosted by Bill Ellis featuring real conversations with people who've figured out what matters – their purpose. Each episode explores what motivates them and how they find meaning in what they do. Connect with Bill: bill@billellis.com www.billellis.com www.brandingforresults.com IG - @wcellis Facebook - @CoachBillEllis Facebook - @bill.ellis LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/wcellis Book: Women Who Won Links for This Episode: Name Dr. Jaime Goff Email https://drjaimegoff.com/contact Website(s) https://drjaimegoff.com SOCIAL MEDIA INFO: LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjaimegoff Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dr_jaimegoff Other https://www.youtube.com/@drjaimegoff CURRENT PROJECTS New book - "The Secure Leader" Quick Episode Summary: 00:00 – Welcome + Introducing Dr. Jaime Goff 01:10 – Jaime's path into psychology and leadership work 03:10 – Why leadership starts long before adulthood 05:20 – Early emotional environments and attachment patterns 07:45 – How childhood patterns show up at work 10:30 – Control, perfectionism, and leadership identity 13:00 – What secure leadership actually looks like 15:40 – Psychological safety and trust in teams 18:10 – Repair vs. perfection in leadership relationships 21:00 – Self-awareness as a leadership skill 23:40 – Emotional regulation under pressure 26:10 – Empathy without losing accountability 29:00 – Career transitions and resilience 31:30 – Authenticity, courage, and purpose at work 34:10 – Lessons from executive coaching 36:40 – What insecure leadership environments create 39:00 – Building security in yourself first 41:30 – How leaders can start changing patterns today 44:00 – Defining success beyond performance 46:10 – Dr. Goff answers: "What's the point?"

In this episode of What's the Point?, I sit down with Gavin Lance Topp, a former professional boxer whose life has been shaped as much by the battles outside the ring as the ones inside it. Gavin's story is a powerful exploration of purpose, identity, and the fight within us all. Growing up in Australia and moving often as a child, Gavin found structure and validation in boxing. What began as an outlet for rage and energy became a disciplined pursuit that carried him from amateur fights to becoming the Australian Junior Middleweight Champion and eventually earning a world ranking. But as Gavin explains, the lessons that mattered most didn't come from winning—they came from getting punched, listening to mentors, and realizing that sometimes others can see what we can't. Outside the ring, Gavin's life unraveled. Alcohol became a substitute for identity, integrity slipped, and promises were broken. At just 22 years old, standing at the graveside of his sister's boyfriend who had taken his own life, Gavin reached a breaking point. That moment—followed by walking into his first recovery meeting—became the beginning of sobriety, self-honesty, and a second chance. From near homelessness and food vouchers, Gavin rebuilt his life. He returned to boxing with clarity and discipline, eventually living out his childhood dream of becoming a national champion. But success brought new questions. What do you do when the dreams you chased finally come true—and still something feels unfinished? That question became the doorway to Gavin's deeper purpose. Through mentors, faith, and years of inner work, Gavin began to understand the idea of rites of passage—the transformation from boyhood into mature, grounded manhood. That understanding led him to found Fight Like a Pro, The Man Alive Experience, and ultimately a global mentorship platform helping thousands of men find purpose, identity, and direction. Today, Gavin speaks openly about courage, humility, adventure, and living a life that inspires others. He challenges men to pursue dreams bigger than comfort, to stop living out of alignment, and to understand that purpose often reveals itself through struggle, honesty, and service. This is a human story of growth—one that reminds us that while every man will die, not every man will truly live. What's The Point? is a podcast hosted by Bill Ellis featuring real conversations with people who've figured out what matters – their purpose. Each episode explores what motivates them and how they find meaning in what they do. Connect with Bill: bill@billellis.com www.billellis.com www.brandingforresults.com IG - @wcellis Facebook - @CoachBillEllis Facebook - @bill.ellis LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/wcellis Book: Women Who Won Links for This Episode: https://gavin-topp.mykajabi.com/manchallengetickets https://www.youtube.com/@gavinlancetopp https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100076350442592 https://www.instagram.com/gavinlancetopp?igsh=MW1xanN6OTlsejMxbA== Quick Episode Summary: 00:00 – Welcome + Introducing Gavin Lance Topp 01:00 – Early life in Australia and entering the boxing gym 03:00 – What boxing gave Gavin as a teenager 04:00 – The lesson: a cornerman sees what you can't 06:00 – Learning to trust more and force less 08:00 – Traveling young and searching for manhood 09:30 – Alcohol, loss of integrity, and reaching a breaking point 12:00 – Standing at a graveside and asking for help 14:30 – Walking into his first recovery meeting 16:00 – Reclaiming integrity and creating personal oaths 18:00 – From food vouchers to national champion 19:30 – When dreams come true… now what? 21:00 – Rites of passage and the gaps men don't see 23:00 – Faith, calling, and being carried through the fight 25:00 – The mission behind Fight Like a Pro 26:30 – Every man longs for a battle, an adventure, and love 29:00 – Purpose vs mission and finding the fire 32:00 – Why men burn out when living someone else's purpose 34:00 – Personal oaths, fatherhood, and leading by example 37:00 – What a good day looks like now 39:00 – Living a life of adventure that inspires others 43:00 – Domestication, comfort, and shrinking our dreams 46:00 – What he hopes listeners take away 48:00 – "Every man will die, not every man will live"

In this episode of What's the Point, I sit down with artist Cbabi Bayoc, a painter, muralist, illustrator, and author whose work is rooted in one powerful idea: painting the world he wants his children—and all of our children—to thrive in. Cbabi shares how his art has always been about people. Faces. Emotion. Community. From his early days studying at Grambling State University to drawing caricatures at Six Flags, he learned to observe humanity closely, to listen, and to let people teach him through their reactions. What could have been discouraging moments became lessons in humility, learning, and perseverance. A major part of our conversation centers on Cbabi's decision to move his studio to East St. Louis and his work with the Sunshine Cultural Arts Center. He challenges the narratives many of us have been handed about places and people, reminding us how quickly false perceptions can dissolve once we experience community firsthand. His work consistently invites us to look past stereotypes and toward shared humanity. We also talk about fatherhood and how becoming a dad reshaped his purpose. His 365 Days with Dad series—and the children's book When I Became Dad—grew out of a deep desire to reflect love, presence, and care. Hearing Cbabi describe parents crying in galleries as they connected with his work was a powerful reminder of how art can speak where words fall short. Cbabi reflects on the role of music in his creative process, the responsibility of creating public art, and the deeply meaningful experience of designing stained glass for the Episcopal Church of Holy Communion—an opportunity that allowed him to explore faith, justice, representation, and history through art. We also explore how he sees technology and AI intersecting with creativity, and why human experience, emotion, and perspective can never be replaced. For Cbabi, art remains a timeless tool for connection, empathy, and meaning. This episode is a human story of growth, purpose, and responsibility. It's a reminder that living with purpose doesn't require grand gestures—sometimes it starts with simply caring, paying attention, and creating something that helps others feel seen. What's The Point? is a podcast hosted by Bill Ellis featuring real conversations with people who've figured out what matters – their purpose. Each episode explores what motivates them and how they find meaning in what they do. Connect with Bill: bill@billellis.com www.billellis.com www.brandingforresults.com IG - @wcellis Facebook - @CoachBillEllis Facebook - @bill.ellis LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/wcellis Book: Women Who Won Links for This Episode: For inquiries about commissions, collaborations, or special projects, please contact his representation as follows: Name - Amber L. Howlett- Bayoc, PH,D strategist & change artist for CBAI Bayoc originals Email cb@cbabioriginals.com Phone 314-384-9642 Website(s) http://cbabibayoc.com , http://cbabiisgodstool.com (store) and http://leadwithdharma.com SOCIAL MEDIA INFO: LinkedIn @‌cbabibayoc Instagram @‌cbabi Quick Episode Summary: 00:00 – Welcome + Introducing Cbabi Bayoc 01:00 – What Cbabi hopes people feel when they see his art 02:00 – The meaning behind the name "Cbabi Bayoc" 03:30 – Grambling State University and breaking false narratives 05:00 – First art jobs and learning through observation 06:30 – Working at Six Flags and learning humility 07:45 – Moving the studio to East St. Louis 09:00 – Reframing perceptions of East St. Louis 10:30 – Music as a foundation of visual art 12:00 – Art, rhythm, and movement 13:15 – Children's books and becoming a father 15:00 – The 365 Days with Dad project 16:45 – How people emotionally respond to his work 18:30 – Community as the common thread 20:00 – Painting the world our children should grow up in

In this episode of What's the Point, I sit down with Tim Christophersen, one of the world's leading voices in nature restoration and conservation, to explore what really drives us as humans and how we find meaning in our relationship with the natural world. Tim's journey is a powerful human story of growth, purpose, and responsibility — and it's bigger than politics, bigger than hot-button climate debates, and deeper than soundbites. Tim shares how his love of nature began as a young boy walking through forests in Germany with his grandfather, quietly building the foundation for a life dedicated to restoring what we've lost. From living across three continents, to leading global environmental initiatives at the United Nations, to now restoring a former dairy farm in Denmark, Tim's life reflects a deep, lived commitment to purpose not as a concept — but as a way of being. We talk about what keeps him going, including his belief that we're living through a real relationship crisis with Mother Nature. Not as an abstract idea, but as a broken relationship — one where humans take, extract, and deplete instead of giving back. Tim walks us through powerful examples like the lost oyster beds of New York Harbor and the mysterious migration of the European silver eel, revealing how much richness we've lost — and how possible it is to restore it. This conversation also dives into how younger and older generations must work together, how people find meaning through restoration, and why rediscovering our connection with nature restores something inside of us too. Tim explains why this isn't just about saving forests or oceans — it's about rediscovering our life purpose, our role as stewards, and what it really means to be human. We also explore Tim's work with global movements like Generation Restoration and his current role at Salesforce, where he helps companies rethink nature as critical infrastructure instead of decoration. His message is clear: meaning isn't found in perfection — it's found in responsibility, reciprocity, and showing up differently. This episode isn't about fear. It's about hope. It's about what drives us forward. And it's a powerful reminder that restoring nature is inseparable from restoring ourselves. What's The Point? is a podcast hosted by Bill Ellis featuring real conversations with people who've figured out what matters - their purpose. Each episode explores what motivates them and how they find meaning in what they do. Connect with Bill: bill@billellis.com www.billellis.com www.brandingforresults.com IG - @wcellis Facebook - @CoachBillEllis Facebook - @bill.ellis LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/wcellis Book: Women Who Won Links for This Episode: Email tim.christophersen@gmail.com Website(s) timchristophersen.com Trello Board for visual assets: https://trello.com/b/atycizuD/generation-restoration-marketing-design-projects SOCIAL MEDIA INFO: LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-christophersen-a4876228/ Instagram tim.christophersen9 Twitter @‌TimChristo CURRENT PROJECTS Generation Restoration is my new book about repairing our broken relationship with nature. Learn how to enter into a new, rewarding and reciprocal relationship with nature that will make you happier, healthier, and wealthier. It's time to restore diversity and abundance to Planet Earth! #GenerationRestoration Quick Episode Summary: 00:00 – Welcome + Introducing Tim's mission and purpose 01:00 – Living in Denmark and restoring a farm 03:00 – Childhood in Germany and time with his grandfather 05:00 – First experiences sensing nature's interconnectedness 06:50 – Relationship vs. resource: how we misunderstand nature 09:00 – Returning to roots and finding life purpose 11:00 – Generation Restoration and the UN Decade 13:00 – Writing the book and removing polarization 15:00 – Why restoration is more powerful than conservation 17:00 – Nature as infrastructure, not decoration 19:00 – The oyster story and New York Harbor 22:00 – The European silver eel migration 25:00 – Learning from indigenous wisdom 28:00 – Relationship crisis with Mother Nature 31:00 – Biodiversity Jenga explained 33:00 – Biggest Little Farm and nature's intelligence 35:00 – Salesforce, corporations, and restoring systems 38:00 – Why collaboration is necessary for the future 41:00 – What individuals can actually do 44:00 – Listening to nature and rediscovering purpose 46:00 – Jane Goodall's influence and legacy 49:00 – Why ecology and economy are connected 52:00 – Tim answers "What's the point?"

On today's episode of What's the Point, we explore how meaning is created—slowly, intentionally, and lovingly—through the everyday work of craft, family, and purpose. Bill welcomes Shawn and Lawren Askinosie, the father–daughter team behind Askinosie Chocolate, one of America's most respected bean-to-bar chocolate companies. Their story is more than a business profile—it's a human story of growth, legacy, and discovering what truly matters. Shawn left a long and intense career as a criminal defense attorney to pursue chocolate making—a leap that few understood at the time. But that decision became a powerful turning point, both in his own life and for everyone who has touched the Askinosie mission. Today, he and his daughter Lawren co-lead the company with a shared commitment to community, craftsmanship, global relationships, and living with purpose. In this conversation, Shawn and Lawren open up about family, loss, calling, and the values that guide their work. They discuss how compassion, grief, service, and legacy shaped their path; how meaningful work is built on relationships; and why the "sweet work" of craft can become a vehicle for connection across the world—from Springfield, Missouri to Tanzania and the Philippines. You'll also hear the surprising and emotional story behind Chocolate University, a program that has touched more than 20,000 children through education, mentorship, meals, and empowerment opportunities. And you'll learn why the Askinosie approach to values is not something they add to their work—it's the very backbone of how they operate, hire, and serve. This is an episode about discovering what keeps you going, how people find meaning in their work, and how purpose is passed from one generation to the next. It's a conversation about what drives us—and why the most important work we do often has nothing to do with profit, but everything to do with people. What's The Point? is a podcast hosted by Bill Ellis, featuring real conversations with people who've figured out what matters—their purpose. Each episode explores what motivates them and how they find meaning in what they do. Connect with Bill: bill@brandingpillars.com www.brandingpillars.com www.brandingforresults.com IG - @wcellis Facebook - @CoachBillEllis LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/wcellis Book: Women Who Won Links for This Episode: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/askinosie-chocolate Facebook: http://facebook.com/askinosie.chocolate Instagram: http://instagram.com/askinosie Threads: http://threads.com/@askinosie TikTok: http://tiktok.com/@askinosie BOOK: Meaningful Work: A Quest to Do Great Business, Find Your Calling, and Feed Your Soul Quick Episode Summary: 00:00 – Welcome to What's the Point: A conversation about purpose, craft & family 01:00 – Introducing Shawn & Lawren: A father-daughter story years in the making 03:00 – What it feels like to record this episode together 04:00 – Shawn's shift from criminal defense to chocolate: following the path in front of you 07:00 – Lawren's view as a teenager watching her dad reinvent his life 09:00 – The story behind the Askinosie name (and why Shawn advises against it) 11:00 – How father and daughter grew the Askinosie brand together 12:00 – Co-authoring Meaningful Work: what they learned about each other 14:00 – Why writing someone else's voice is an act of trust 15:00 – The Lost & Found Grief Center and Shawn's early calling to service 17:00 – How grief shaped Shawn and how that legacy passed to Lawren 19:00 – Lawren on compassion, community, and becoming a parent 21:00 – The generational impact of grief and healing 23:00 – Legacy, values, and what it means to grow a business from the heart 25:00 – How the Askinosie team keeps values alive during the busiest seasons 28:00 – Father–daughter dynamics: strengths, differences, and real communication 32:00 – Why Shawn would fear Lawren if she were a prosecutor 34:00 – Lawren's passion for empowering female cocoa farmers 37:00 – What she's learned from women around the world 39:00 – What Chocolate University really is—and why it's transformative 42:00 – 11,000+ graduates: the long-term impact on students and communities 44:00 – The ripple effect of service and mentoring young leaders 45:00 – Bill's own experience with Askinosie's tasting kit 46:00 – Why every sale means something deeply personal to the Askinosie team 48:00 – How their chocolate becomes part of families' most meaningful moments 49:00 – Rapid-fire questions: favorite bars, coffee vs. tea, early mornings or late nights 50:00 – What's bringing them joy right now 51:00 – What they would tell their 14-year-old selves 52:00 – What's the point?

In this episode of What's the Point?, Bill Ellis welcomes John Golden—strategist, podcaster, martial arts practitioner, and Chief Strategy & Marketing Officer at Pipeliner CRM. John's story stretches from growing up in Ireland to building a career in the U.S. that blends sales leadership, publishing, and purpose-driven business. Through their conversation, John emphasizes why embracing the journey matters more than obsessing over the destination. He shares how self-awareness, core values, and non-negotiables can guide decisions, why comparison is a trap, and how authenticity is the only way to lead effectively. From his 1,600+ podcast interviews to his decades in sales, John also shares powerful lessons about preparation, humility, and what it means to leave a lasting legacy. This is a rich, thought-provoking dialogue about human nature, leadership, and living with intentionality. 🗝️ Key Takeaways Embrace the Journey: Success isn't about an overnight win—it's about learning from every step, even the missteps. Self-Awareness First: Before chasing goals, know your strengths, triggers, and true fit Non-Negotiables Matter: Having clear values helps avoid distractions and wasted effort Preparation Wins in Sales: Top performers always do their homework—it's the ultimate respect for the client Authentic Leadership: True leaders model values, act with humility, and elevate others without pretending leadership is just "being nice" Legacy Over Noise: The real point is the impact you leave on those closest to you, not chasing global applause . LINKS: Connect with Bill: bill@brandingpillars.com www.brandingpillars.com www.brandingforresults.com IG - @wcellis Facebook - @CoachBillEllis LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/wcellis Book: Women Who Won CONTACT INFO: Name: John Golden Email: john.golden@pipelinersales.com Website: https://www.pipelinersales.com/ SOCIAL MEDIA: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/SalesPOP X: https://twitter.com/RealSalesPOP X: @‌JohnGoldenFRR LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johngolden/ Sales POP! Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sales-pop-podcasts/id1455305326 Quick Episode Summary: 00:00 – Meet John Golden: strategist, podcaster, and sales leader 02:00 – From Ireland to San Diego: why embracing the journey matters 06:30 – Self-awareness and core values as the foundation of clarity 10:30 – Building your list of non-negotiables 14:00 – Podcasting lessons: consistency, purpose, and value over vanity 18:30 – Human nature insights: what the Maasai warriors can teach us about silence and observation 24:00 – Martial arts lessons: humility, competing with yourself, and long-term discipline 30:00 – Why comparison is destructive in life and sales 33:00 – The power of preparation: a cautionary sales story 38:00 – Debunking myths: salespeople are made, not born 40:00 – Purpose-driven leadership beyond metrics 46:00 – Flaws, scars, and the beauty of imperfection 48:00 – John's answer to "What's the Point?"

In this episode of What's the Point?, host Bill Ellis sits down with Derrick Girard—entrepreneur, Air Force veteran, and author of Put to the Test. Derrick shares how a series of business challenges—including three major lawsuits—pushed him to reevaluate everything he thought he knew about success, leadership, and resilience. From growing up in a military family to launching a tech company without a tech background, Derrick's story is one of grit, adaptability, and a relentless "figure it out" mindset. He opens up about the emotional and professional toll of building something from scratch, the cost of unchecked ambition, and how failure became the greatest teacher. This episode unpacks what it means to lead with integrity, step away from ego, and stay grounded in purpose—even when the pressure mounts. 🗝️ Key Takeaways Adversity as the ultimate test: Derrick's life shaped by lawsuits and business breakdowns—not personal loss. Mindset over platform: Success isn't about status—it's built through resilience, curiosity, and relentless problem-solving. Drive has a cost: Extraordinary ambition allowed achievement—but at the expense of relationships until awareness rebalanced perspective. Culture starts at the top: Corporate turnaround failed because the leader wouldn't acknowledge systemic issues—culture isn't declared, it's lived. Quitting is okay when you truly tried: Persistence matters—but so does knowing when you've done all you can and it's time to walk away. 💬 Final Thoughts Derrick emphasizes that success is not about avoiding failure, but about responding to it—with honesty, grit, and generosity. His Figure It Out mindset equips listeners to take accountability, embrace setbacks as fuel, and stay true to values amid chaos. Connect with Bill: bill@brandingpillars.com www.brandingpillars.com www.brandingforresults.com IG - @wcellis Facebook - @CoachBillEllis LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/wcellis Book: Women Who Won Links for This Episode: Name: Derrick Girard Email: dmgirar@gmail.com Phone: (612) 205-5280 Website(s): www.derrickgirard.com SOCIAL MEDIA INFO: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/derrickgirard/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/derrickgirardauthor Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/author.derrickgirard/ Twitter: https://x.com/DerrickGirard1 BOOK: https://a.co/d/3Wg6LMN Quick Episode Summary: 0:00 – Welcome and guest introduction: Meet Derrick Girard. 1:42 – The unexpected call that changed everything. 3:11 – Walking through crisis and asking, "What is God doing here?" 5:20 – Letting go of ego and career identity. 8:55 – Rediscovering purpose through faith and family. 12:43 – Why we often confuse busyness with purpose. 15:16 – What it means to obey even when it costs. 18:38 – Derrick's view on legacy, marriage, and spiritual leadership. 22:07 – Final reflections and encouragement to follow God's lead

What if you didn't need a college degree to create the life of your dreams? In this episode of What's the Point?, Bill Ellis sits down with bestselling author, entrepreneur, and blue collar advocate Ken Rusk to unpack what it really means to take control of your future—without following the traditional path. Ken shares his journey from ditch digging at age 15 to becoming a successful business owner, author, and mentor helping others pursue comfort, peace, and freedom on their terms. From practical tools to mindset shifts, this episode offers a blueprint for building a life by design, not by default. Ken Rusk is the author of the bestselling book Blue Collar Cash and the founder of the Comfort, Peace & Freedom Foundation. A former ditch digger turned successful entrepreneur, Ken is on a mission to help people—especially young adults and veterans—build meaningful, financially free lives through skilled trades, visualization, and practical goal setting. He's been featured on over 300 podcasts and continues to inspire others to reimagine success, one blueprint at a time. Episode Highlights & Key Takeaways: What "Blue Collar" Really Means: Ken redefines the term to include anyone who builds, creates, or makes things happen with their hands—and challenges outdated assumptions about skilled trades. The Myth of College = Success: He debunks misleading stats about higher education and shows how skilled workers often out-earn their white-collar peers—without student debt. Visualization = Power: Ken outlines his process for helping people map out their dream life in vivid detail, turning "someday" into "today." From Someday to Now: A real-world story of a team member who paid off her car loan, bought a house, and built her dream life—all by starting with a $48/week savings goal. Start Where You Are: Whether you're 19 or 59, Ken shares how to pivot into a meaningful, profitable path using side gigs, local insight, and simple planning tools. Giving Back: Proceeds from Blue Collar Cash and Ken's online programs support veterans, first responders, and Gold Star families through his nonprofit foundation. Ken Rusk's story is proof that you don't need permission, prestige, or a PhD to build the life you want. His message? Stop waiting for a lucky break and start building with what you've got. Whether you're at the beginning of your career or hitting reset midlife, this episode is a reminder that comfort, peace, and freedom are within reach—if you're willing to map it out and get your hands a little dirty. Connect with Bill: bill@brandingpillars.com www.brandingpillars.com www.brandingforresults.com IG - @wcellis Facebook - @CoachBillEllis LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/wcellis Book: Women Who Won CONTACT INFO: Name: Ken Rusk Email: ken@ruskind.com Website: kenrusk.com & veteransuccess.org SOCIAL MEDIA INFO: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ken-rusk-2656a7175 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KenRuskOfficial/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kenruskofficial/?hl=en Twitter: http://twitter.com/KenRuskOfficial TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kenrusk.official YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCobMStuxuarzLDFSMgX7u0A Quick Episode Summary: 0:00 – Bill introduces Ken Rusk and sets the stage for a conversation on building purpose through skilled work 1:08 – The real meaning behind "blue collar" and why it's time to reclaim the term 3:44 – Why higher education can mislead people—and how the trades offer an alternative path to wealth 6:10 – Ken explains the power of visualization and why we plan vacations better than our own lives 9:00 – "Comfort, peace, and freedom": Ken's definition of success 11:00 – Real-life examples of people who changed careers, found purpose, and built wealth without degrees 13:00 – The story of Tim, who went from ditch digger to VP—one visual goal at a time 16:00 – Ken shares how growing up in a modest home inspired his entrepreneurial mindset 19:00 – The "someday" story that transformed one employee's life—and how small steps lead to big change 22:00 – How Ken helps people make "unrealistic" dreams possible by turning them into when-goals, not if-goals 26:00 – The puzzle analogy: why your life needs a clear picture before you can put the pieces together 28:00 – The worst advice Ken ever got as a business owner—and what he learned about letting go of control 31:00 – His biggest regret: waiting too long to start a 401k program for his team 33:00 – Advice for older adults seeking purpose or pivoting into trades and entrepreneurship 36:00 – The three-step process Ken recommends before launching your own business 41:00 – Don't chase passion—build infrastructure, then plug in your dream 43:00 – Why Ken gives 100% of his book profits away to help veterans transition to civilian careers 45:00 – The letter to his daughter that became Blue Collar Cash 47:00 – Ken on staying hungry for growth—even after success 48:00 – What's the point? Ken's morning gratitude practice and the legacy he hopes to leave behind Subscribe & Share: Inspired by Ken's story? Share this episode with someone who's ready to break free from the rat race. Subscribe to What's the Point? for more inspiring conversations about purpose, potential, and the power of self-determined living.