Age 28 was a defining year for both David and I. Our personal missions were born in that time. David was attending a training and had an emotional experience that helped him breakthrough and led him to become a coach. I lost my wife, my house, and money – and started a MBA. In getting the degree and meeting people from across the globe, I found my purpose through career coaching others. In any given moment, we have choice. Knowing the right path can be challenging, but taking proactive ownership and personal accountability can help align us with our missions.

In our conversation, David shares an awesome visualization he facilitates for his clients. Imagine being in meditation and having a conversation with your 6 year old self. What would you say to the younger version of yourself? David also talks about the volunteer work he does with Defy Ventures inside California’s correctional facilities. Defy teaches entrepreneurship to inmates (called entrepreneurs in training) and the impact it has on them and David is incredible. He also provided examples of how he helps clients achieve tangible business results while concurrently creating intangible personal, emotional, spiritual progress.

My favorite part of our dialogue was the patterns David finds across his clients. He mentioned how many resist taking the time to think, lack genuine curiosity, avoid getting clear on their destination, blame others for their own choices, and avoid becoming a master of conflict. We talked about lessons learned from taking risks, how empathetic people can be when telling stories, and one’s journey in developing confidence. Near the end, we discussed David’s unconventional journey in becoming an Ironman and how he overcame the mindset of being part of the “B Team”. Our capacity is always more, even if our ego or brain says something isn’t possible.

David Gerber is a partner, speaker, and coach with Novus Global, an executive coaching firm that works with Fortune 500 companies, professional athletes, and high-profile business leaders to develop lives, transform teams, and elevate companies to go beyond high performance. He is a long-term volunteer with Defy Ventures, serves in a leadership role with the Rotary Club of Oakland, and has done international volunteer work with impoverished children and families. David loves to run marathons, has completed a full Ironman, and has traveled to Africa, Central America, Asia, and Europe. To follow David, visit his website – www.davidagerber.com, www.novus.global; Twitter – https://twitter.com/DavidGerber; Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/davidgerber/; Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/davidgerber, https://www.facebook.com/davidandrewgerber/; LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidagerber/