When Tragedy Transforms: Finding Purpose Through Family Challenges with Charles Manning

The Quarterback DadCast

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What does it mean to be the quarterback of your family? Charles Manning, founder of Face the World and lacrosse enthusiast, takes us on a deeply personal journey through his experiences as a father, grandfather, and leader in business and sport.
Growing up in Australia as one of five siblings, Charles shares how a childhood tragedy transformed his family when his younger brother was hit by a car at age five. Rather than breaking his family apart, this challenge taught Charles profound lessons about empathy, service, and unconditional love that would shape his approach to fatherhood and leadership. "From tragedy quite often comes blessings," Charles reflects, explaining how this pivotal moment ultimately led him to meet his wife and create the life he now cherishes.
The conversation dives into the core values that guide Charles as a father – service, abundance, and patience. With remarkable candor, he explores his struggle to overcome what he calls the "Italian fire up" – a tendency toward emotional reactions that he's worked to temper throughout his life. "The higher the emotions get, the lower the level of intelligence is put on the table," he explains, offering a powerful insight for parents everywhere.
Perhaps most valuable is Charles's framework for understanding the "drama triangle" and why many parents fall into the trap of rescuing rather than teaching their children. "Our job as a parent is not to rescue, it's to teach," he emphasizes, challenging listeners to become facilitators who help their children develop problem-solving skills. He also introduces the concept of energy givers versus energy takers, providing a lens through which we can evaluate our impact on others.
Whether you're early in your parenting journey or reflecting on a lifetime of fatherhood, Charles's wisdom about cultivating curiosity, practicing patience, and leaving a meaningful legacy will inspire you to become not just a better parent, but a better human. Listen now and discover how to lead your family with both strength and heart.

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Chapters

1. When Tragedy Transforms: Finding Purpose Through Family Challenges with Charles Manning (00:00:00)

2. Welcome to the Quarterback Dadcast (00:00:03)

3. Meet Charles Manning and His Family (00:01:43)

4. Growing Up in Australia and Family Tragedy (00:09:36)

5. Values of Service and Abundance (00:18:33)

6. Parenting with Patience and Curiosity (00:35:30)

7. The Lacrosse Connection with Mark (00:45:22)

8. Three Key Values for Dads (00:59:53)

9. Face the World and Retirement Philosophy (01:12:03)

10. The Lightning Round (01:16:35)