Jazz Dreams to Life Lessons: Michael Kay’s Says "Money Isn't Everything" Finding Meaning is

Living Boldly With Purpose

What shapes your relationship with money, and how does that influence every other aspect of your life?
Today's conversation with Michael reveals how our earliest experiences create financial beliefs that can either empower or limit us throughout our lives.
Michael's story begins with a powerful realization: growing up with a Depression-era father who hated spending money and a mother who loved it taught him that "money equals conflict." This money message followed him through multiple career transitions—from aspiring musician who set aside his trumpet after hearing a truly exceptional player, to accountant, to financial planner who discovered the transformative power of understanding clients' money history.
The heart of our discussion explores the concept of identity beyond job titles. Michael shares how selling his financial planning practice led to creating "Chapter X," a community supporting men transitioning to life after career. His approach centers on asking profound questions: What do you value? What's your mission on earth? What happens "in the dash" between your birth and death dates? These reflections help men navigate the challenging identity shift when professional titles no longer define their worth.
Most compelling is Michael's distinction between decisions made from the head versus the heart. While our brains excel at keeping us safe and comfortable, true fulfillment comes from listening to our bodies—feeling in our gut, chest, or throat what aligns with our authentic selves. This embodied wisdom guides us toward what matters most, whether that's helping others, creative expression, continuous learning, or meaningful connection.
Ready to create more alignment between your daily actions and core values? Join us for this deeply reflective conversation that might just change how you think about success, identity, and what truly constitutes a life well-lived. And remember Michael's powerful rule for authentic living: "If it's not joyful, I'm not doing it."Join us for an inspiring conversation with Michael Kay, a former jazz trumpeter turned financial planner and certified life coach, as he shares his incredible life journey on the Living Boldly With Purpose Podcast.
In this episode, Michael dives into:
- Why he quit music and how he rediscovered his love for it in retirement 🎺
- The surprising moment a jazz icon threatened to “kick his ass” for abandoning his horn
- How his parents’ fights over money shaped his financial planning philosophy
- The power of asking, “What’s your money story?” to unlock emotional breakthroughs
- Why titles and initials don’t define you, but your values do
- Living the “dash” between birth and death with purpose and joy
Whether you’re navigating a career change, seeking purpose in retirement, or reflecting on your own values, Michael’s story will inspire you to live authentically and fearlessly. Don’t miss his practical wisdom on overcoming fear, embracing new challenges, and making a difference in the lives of others.
Have you ever walked away from a passion or faced a life-changing moment? Share your story in the comments below! Hit the like button if Michael’s journey inspired you, and subscribe for more heartfelt conversations on life, purpose, and reinvention. 🔔 Don’t forget to ring the bell for notifications!
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