Take on life's court in this powerful conversation with Stephen Minix. The former educator and high school basketball coach leverages his skills in social work to foster collaboration and overcome obstacles to lift up lives. In this episode, Stephen discusses his journey from the Los Angeles public school system to his current role as Vice President of Community with UpMetrics where he fights for social change. After years of unbridled success, this grant-winning pro and optimist extraordinaire has a thing or two to say about taking on life's work. See more at: MarkSpencerCook.com/Podcast/.

Optimize your life with Stephen's fantastic advice...

"Connection over perfection..."

"Believe in the possible..."

"Perpetual positivity pays off..."

Questions Explored in this Discussion:

• How to overcome tragedy?

• How to write grants?

• How to find control in your life?

• How to find partners?

• When to start over?

Lessons Learned:

• Asset-map your life

• Learn about people you admire

• Do what you want

• Always stay positive

• Reflect in times of failure

• Become your own coach

• "Date" your business partners

• Create a steady team

Stephen's Links:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephenminix/

https://upmetrics.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/upmetrics/

Links for Mark S. Cook: MarkSpencerCook.com | WindfallPartners.com

LinkedIn for Mark S. Cook: LinkedIn.com/in/@MarkSpencerCook

Other Social Media: @MarkSpencerCook

0:00 Introduction

1:14 Origins

8:58 Pain to Progress

13:42 The Power of Optimism

20:00 Education

28:50 Coaching

35:15 New Beginnings

45:00 Rest & Recovery

49:34 Perpetual Positivity Pays off

52:58 Asset-Map Your Life

57:39 Do What you Want

Keywords:

Teaching, Coaching, Social Work, Grants, Optimism, Recovery, Fatherhood, Collaboration, Partners, Mentors, Education, Philanthropy, Non-Profit

Rejoin Richard Cook for his ten life-changing pieces of advice for anyone starting their career. Richard has 40 years of real estate experience, so he knows a thing or two about finding mentorship, living for yourself, and shooting for success!Take note of Richard's excellent tips for success...Link:linkedin.com/in/richard-cook-6797ba16ahttps://www.regalut.com/https://www.linkedin.com/company/regal-homes-utah/https://www.instagram.com/regalhomesutah/https://www.instagram.com/regalhomesutah/See more at: MarkSpencerCook.com/Podcast/Links for Mark S. Cook: MarkSpencerCook.com | WindfallPartners.comLinkedIn for Mark S. Cook: LinkedIn.com/in/MarkSpencerCookOther Social Media: @MarkSpencerCookQuestions Explored:¥ How does one best find mentors?¥ How does one best secure partners?¥ When should you pick your life's purpose?¥ How does one best build a valuable network?¥ What signal that youÕre doing too much?Lessons Learned:¥ Learn from people in charge.¥ Check your pride at the door.¥ Spin fewer plates.¥ Learn to write effectively.¥ Lean into your areas of focus.¥ Specialty over versatility.¥ Partners are like potatoes.Keywords:Partners, Mentors, Real-Estate, Brothers, Young, Potatoes, Skillsets, Greatness, Versatility, Synergy0:00 Introduction1:26 Potato Partnership 3:09 Areas of Focus5:20 Dream Big7:30 The Recipe for Success10:10 Finding Mentorship12:50 Key Figures16:15 Time Management20:40 Execution24:28 Adaptation30:20 Back to Basics

A dozen compelling career concepts and inspiring stories from Regal Homes' Principal Owner, Rich Cook. Just one of his incredible communities is being built right between Deer Valley's History's largest-ever expansion of skiing and a world-class water-ski reservoir, just across the street.Over 40 years, Rich has navigated his career to learn secrets, love people, work with mentors, engage them as partners, prioritize loyalty, not just prosperity, oh and play golf to near scratch scores. Regal Rich and partners now pivot properties into the highest and best use of Rich's superpower with incredible location, design, and return on investment. He's crafted and collected some of the most inspiring advice you'll ever hear about navigating your successful career and your first week doing even better. And, Rich happens to be host Mark Cook's older brother!Tune into this motivating conversation and set your life's work on a great path forward. Also, reach out to Rich for the best home you'll ever own and ask about what Regal Ready is, perhaps his biggest, well-kept secret he wouldn't share here...Link:linkedin.com/in/richard-cook-6797ba16ahttps://www.regalut.com/https://www.linkedin.com/company/regal-homes-utah/https://www.instagram.com/regalhomesutah/https://www.instagram.com/regalhomesutah/See more at: MarkSpencerCook.com/Podcast/Links for Mark S. Cook: MarkSpencerCook.com | WindfallPartners.comLinkedIn for Mark S. Cook: LinkedIn.com/in/MarkSpencerCookOther Social Media: @MarkSpencerCookQuestions Explored:¥ How does one best to find mentors?¥ How does one best secure partners?¥ When does one best pick your life's purpose?¥ How does one best build a valuable network?¥ What signal that youÕre doing too much?Lessons Learned:¥ Learn from people in charge.¥ Check your pride at the door.¥ Spin fewer plates.¥ Learn to write effectively.¥ Lean into your areas of focus.¥ Specialty over versatility.¥ Partners are like potatoes.Keywords:Partners, Mentors, Real-Estate, Brothers, Young, Potatoes, Skillsets, Greatness, Versatility, Synergy0:00 Introduction3:43 Overcoming Adversity7:25 Finding Mentorship12:38 Learn How to Write19:19 Mentorship as Apprenticeship27:18 Areas of Focus33:00 Creating a Network38:40 More on Mentorship46:38 Forging greatness49:21 Finding Partners55:44 Potato Partnership

You won't want to wait to hear the choices Adam Farr made in his career! Change your life with this thought-provoking conversation with business leader & philosopher, Adam Farr. Adam sits as Chair of Empanada.co and other companies, Utah's best and fastest growing empanada company. Not only does he know business, but he knows a thing or two about what stoicism really is and how to lead a better life!Use Adam's philosophy to become a better leader today..."Try anything and everything.""Symbiotic relationships fuel growth.""Become comfortable in ambiguity."Catch up with Adam's meditations and practices:https://m.youtube.com/@Virtue_and_Victoryhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-farr-3012874https://empanada.co/https://aretemotion.com/See more at: MarkSpencerCook.com/Podcast/Links for Mark S. Cook: MarkSpencerCook.com | WindfallPartners.comLinkedIn for Mark S. Cook: LinkedIn.com/in/@MarkSpencerCookOther Social Media: @MarkSpencerCookQuestions Explored in this Discussion:• How can one get out of bed in the morning?• When can one leave success behind?• How does one organize priorities?• How should one market a company?• Why do relationships matter?Lessons Learned:• Live to help others.• Be a warrior in the garden.• Never forget to reflect.• Showing up is half the battle.• What's good for the bee is good for the hive.• Differentiate what is and is not in your control.• The power of stoicism in the workplace.0:00 Introduction1:35 Early Choices 7:37 Stoicism12:30 Memento Mori19:40 Walking Away32:16 Starting a Start-Up44:05 Marcus Aurelius54:12 Marketing1:07:10 Power in Numbers1:09:39 Comfort in Ambiguity1:12:40 ConclusionKeywords:Leadership, relationship, customers, marketing, stoicism, Aurelius, excellence, arete, empanada, fatherhood, control, toughness, symbiosis

Prepare for part two of Jill Dempsey's harrowing journey after discovering the multi-million dollar fraud taking place in her company. Following a years-long trial, Jill continues to pivot her professional career, eventually becoming the Executive Director of the US Friends of AMAR. There, she oversees Middle-Eastern support for individuals affected by military conflict and displacement.Learn how to rebuild in the worst of times with Jill's inspiring story:"Don't scale what's toxic.""Integrity is expensive, but worth it.""Rebuild with aligned ecosystems.""Live in your legacy, not for it."Link:https://www.linkedin.com/in/jilld/See more at: MarkSpencerCook.com/Podcast/Links for Mark S. Cook: MarkSpencerCook.com | WindfallPartners.comLinkedIn for Mark S. Cook: LinkedIn.com/in/@MarkSpencerCookOther Social Media: @MarkSpencerCookQuestions Explored:• How to lead multiple different companies?• When to stand up against your superiors?• How to leverage your assets?• How to rebuild after a total loss?• Who to turn to when times are dim?Lessons Learned:• Be willing to adapt and compromise.• Snuff out toxicity before it grows.• Being grateful for obstacles.• Stand by your integrity no matter what.• Work for what you love.• Your legacy is how you live right now.• Don't be afraid to pivot.Keywords:CEO, CFO, COO, Non-profit, Entrepreneurship, Woman leaders, Resilience, Legacy, Rebuilding, Fraud, Whistleblower, Workplace toxicity, Middle-East, Integrity.

Prepare for part one of this nail-biting conversation with Jill Dempsey, C-suite positioner (CEO, CFO, and COO) of a half-a-dozen different non-profit and growth-stage companies. Witness her journey leading up to her shocking discovery of a multi-million-dollar fraud taking place within her company.Learn how to balance professional growth and personal values with Jill's powerful story:"Don't scale what's toxic.""Integrity is expensive, but worth it.""Rebuild with aligned ecosystems.""Live in your legacy, not for it."Link:https://www.linkedin.com/in/jilld/See more at: MarkSpencerCook.com/Podcast/Links for Mark S. Cook: MarkSpencerCook.com | WindfallPartners.comLinkedIn for Mark S. Cook: LinkedIn.com/in/@MarkSpencerCookOther Social Media: @MarkSpencerCookQuestions Explored:• How to lead multiple different companies?• When to stand up against your superiors?• How to leverage your assets?• How to rebuild after a total loss?• Who to turn to when times are dim?Lessons Learned:• Be willing to adapt to compromise.• Snuff out toxicity before it grows.• Being grateful for obstacles.• Stand by your integrity no matter what.• Work for what you love.• Your legacy is how you live right now.• Don't be afraid to pivot.Keywords:CEO, CFO, COO, Non-profit, Entrepreneurship, Woman leaders, Resilience, Legacy, Rebuilding, Fraud, Whistleblower, Workplace toxicity, Middle-East, Integrity.

Join Kevin Eikenberry, one of Inc.com's Top 100 Leadership and Management Experts in the World, as he shares his secrets to success. For thirty years, Kevin has been training leaders realize their potential and shoot for the stars!

Exclusive tips to be a better boss in a hyper-speed work-world:

"Think big, start small…"

"Practice with people, not data…"

"Never forget the fundamentals…"

Learn more from best-selling author and expert leader…

See more at: MarkSpencerCook.com/Podcast/

Links for Mark S. Cook: MarkSpencerCook.com | WindfallPartners.com

LinkedIn for Mark S. Cook: LinkedIn.com/in/@MarkSpencerCook

Other Social Media: @MarkSpencerCook

Questions Explored in this Discussion:

• How to close the "knowing/doing" gap?

• How to set long-lasting habits?

• How to balance consistency with flexibility?

• How fast to progress through life?

• What to do in transitionary periods?

Lessons Learned:

• Observe successful leaders to become one.

• You have to build habits to gain skills.

• Learn to balance conflicting skills.

• How and when to give helpful feedback.

• Be patiently persistent.

• Life moves one day at a time.

• It's never too late to return to the fundamentals.

Chapters

0:00 Introduction

3:40 Changing With the Times

11:00 Kevin's Background

14:06 Learning to Lead

17:05 Mindset/Skillset/Habitset

22:26 Flexibility vs Consistency

28:48 Intentionality

32:45 Giving Grace

38:11 Positive vs corrective feedback

45:24 Think Big, Start Small

47:12 Transitioning into Leadership

49:04 Return to Your Roots

Website: kevineikenberry.com

Flexible Leadership Book: kevineikenberry.com/flexible

Confidence Masterclass: kevineikenberry.com/gift

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevineikenberry/

Keywords:

bestselling author, leadership, flexibility, patience, constructive feedback, habits, consistency, intentionality

What if everything you’ve believed about marketing was based on a broken premise? Erik Wolf—former award-winning agency founder, speaker, and creator of the Unified Marketing System—reveals the shocking disconnect between what clients buy and what actually delivers results.

Erik takes us through his riveting career journey from fake jobs and false starts to real breakthroughs and a final reinvention as the behind-the-scenes “Coach X” for marketing teams nationwide. From watching a dream crumble in his twenties to building a multimillion-dollar agency—and then walking away—he now mentors executives and marketing managers to finally fix what’s broken inside.

Start treating marketing like a business problem—not a branding mystery.

Secret: The #1 reason marketing fails has nothing to do with the agency you hired… and everything to do with you:

"It's not enough just to do a job."

"I realized my job was made up."

"Become an expert in something."

You won’t believe Erik’s first stop in the professional world!

Links:

https://ewolf.live

https://www.linkedin.com/in/erikwolf

MarkSpencerCook.com/Podcast/ | WindfallPartners.com

YouTube.com/c/MarkSpencerCook/

LinkedIn.com/in/MarkSpencerCook

All Social Media: @MarkSpencerCook

Questions Explored:

What do you do when you discover your job isn’t real?

How can younger professionals find their footing without clarity?

Why do most companies fail at marketing before they even begin?

What’s the most effective way to make marketing profitable today?

What happens when a founder outgrows their own business?

Lessons Learned:

Real marketing starts with customer truth—not creative assets.

Talk to 7–10 actual clients before building strategy.

Your service’s real value isn’t what you think it is.

Don’t confuse inertia with commitment.

If your heart’s not in it anymore, step out before you sell out.

Leaders must be marketing literate, not just buyers of services.

Marketing managers need mentorship—not just instructions.

Treat marketing like a system, not a series of tricks.

Chapters:

00:00 The Evolution of Marketing: A Personal Journey

02:47 Navigating Early Career Challenges

06:06 Discovering Passion in Marketing

08:57 The Transition to Entrepreneurship

11:52 Building a Marketing Agency: Lessons Learned

15:06 The Changing Landscape of Marketing

18:05 Realizations and Shifts in Perspective

21:03 The Decision to Pivot: Ending the Agency

24:03 Looking Ahead: New Beginnings

35:40 The Turning Point: Choosing Yourself

41:29 Navigating Career Transitions

45:46 The Shift to Coaching and Consulting

51:56 Practical Career Advice for Growth

55:42 Keys to Profitable Marketing

Keywords:

marketing leadership, business growth, marketing coaching, Erik Wolf, strategic reinvention, agency founder, startup lessons, customer discovery, career pivot, internal marketing teams, profitable marketing, client strategy, expert positioning, broken marketing systems