TYL #6: Finding Peace in the Chaos of Life with Brad Myers

The Nth Degree Podcast with Tracy Timm

This week, I'm interviewing peer and dear friend, Brad Myers.
Brad and I had the fortune of meeting at a mutual friend’s wedding (again, where all good things happen!) about two years ago. In the time since our serendipitous introduction, we've become so much more than friends. We challenge each other when things are going well, we console each other when they are not, and we celebrate the little moments in life in between.
I brought Brad onto the show, because he has a particular gift for accepting and embracing change. In fact, he even seeks it out from time to time! Brad is an incredible inspiration for all of us because of his ability to cultivate a growth mindset and take on the world with full steam ahead, regardless of his circumstances.
0:30 Welcome
4:45 Brad’s introduction and life story
5:45 Brad’s take on how to choose the right college for you
6:45 Following the career path after Lehman’s collapse
8:40 Brad’s transition from New York to Chicago and why he chose to leave
9:55 What you can learn from a job you absolutely hate
12:05 The draw to move back West comes in the form of entrepreneurship
13:50 The real difference between entrepreneurship and big business
15:10 Are you born an entrepreneur or can you learn to embrace that freedom over time?
16:40 Brad’s adventure as the best “beanie” salesman in the country
18:25 Why Brad no longer sells beanies even though his company grew to over $1mm in revenue
20:20 How to know the type of work you were created for
21:10 Brad’s vision for his life
22:20 Brad’s no-nonsense tactic for creating a plan for your career
23:55 What to do when fear is holding you back from your dreams
25:40 The major places that Brad draws from for support and mentorship
27:40 Brad’s father’s #1 piece of advice for a fulfilling career
28:45 How to connect with other people when you’re in your darkest moments
30:00 Why you have to give before you get
31:20 The power of coaching
32:00 Brad’s life changing story of coaching high school hockey
34:00 The difference between “role” in sports and “role” in work
35:00 How to be honest with yourself about your strengths and then leverage them
37:00 How to advocate for yourself in business
38:10 Getting over barriers and demons that keep you from chasing your dreams
39:25 Brad’s shocking personal story of struggling through business school
40:40 How to know if your dream is going to make you happy and feel worthwhile
41:10 How to deal with being busy and overwhelmed
42:25 Brad’s approach on cultivating a “change” mindset and redefining himself
43:55 Brad staring into the abyss of 2 months left in business school and no job to speak of
44:40 How to find peace within the chaos of life’s transitions
45:25 Brad’s #1 piece of advice for your life