• She Grew Up Trapped on a Boat And Became a Global CEO | Suzanne Heywood’s Untold Story // Ep 165 REPLAY
    Jul 9 2025
    What if your childhood was a prison disguised as adventure?In this gripping episode of Decidedly, Suzanne Heywood shares the shocking true story of growing up trapped on a sailboat for nearly a decade—with no friends, no school, and no way out. Her parents set off to “follow Captain Cook,” but what began as a three-year journey turned into a cult-like isolation across the oceans.At just 16, Suzanne made a bold escape, taught herself through mail-order courses, and earned a place at Oxford University. Today, she’s the COO of Exor—one of Europe’s most powerful holding companies.🎧 Suzanne reveals:The psychological toll of her unconventional upbringingWhat it took to escape and reinvent her lifeHow education became her lifelineHer philosophy on decision-making and leadershipWhy resilience—not privilege—is the ultimate advantageIf you’ve ever felt stuck in someone else’s story, this conversation will remind you: your life is yours to rewrite.CHAPTERS00:00 Intro: Defeating Bad Decision-Making in Life andBusiness 00:50 When Sanger Lived on Ramen 03:13 Introducing Suzanne Heywood 04:21 Suzanne’s Family’s Decision to Sail Around theWorld 06:37 Early Childhood Questions About the Voyage 09:00 Suzanne’s Father’s Motivation for the Voyage 11:25 Questionable Parental Decisions13:41 Dangers and Limited Food on the Boat 16:04 Life at Sea: Loneliness, Limited Friendships, andSchooling 18:28 Food Shortages20:46 Stuck on the Boat23:10 A Manipulated “Vote” to Keep Sailing32:55 Education as Suzanne’s Escape from the Boat 40:01 Limited Communication and CorrespondenceChallenges 47:08 Sacrifices Made to Pursue Education 49:33 Struggles of University Life and Financial Hardships 51:56 Suzanne’s Reflections on Parental Choices andFinancial Strain 57:26 Suzanne Heywood’s Decision-Making Tip for Business Owners 57:48 Key Takeaways 59:47 Message from the Producer CONNECT WITH US⁠⁠www.decidedlypodcast.com⁠⁠⁠Watch this episode on YouTube⁠Subscribe on ⁠⁠YouTube⁠Join us on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠: @decidedlypodcastJoin us on ⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠Shawn’s ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠: @shawn_d_smithSanger’s ⁠Instagram⁠⁠: @sangersmith Thank you to Shelby Peterson of Transcend Media for editing and post-production of the Decidedly podcast. SANGER’S BOOK: ⁠⁠A Life Rich with Significance: Transforming Your Wealth to Meaningful Impact⁠⁠ SHAWN’S BOOK: ⁠⁠Plateau Jumping: What to Change When Change Is What You Want⁠⁠ MAKING A FINANCIAL DECISION?At ⁠⁠Decidedly Wealth Management⁠⁠, we focus on decision-making as the foundational element of success, in our effort to empower families to purposefully apply their wealth to fulfill their values and build a thriving legacy. LEARN MORE: ⁠⁠www.decidedlywealth.com⁠⁠ SUBSCRIBE TO THE NEWSLETTER:⁠⁠ https://visitor.r20.constantcontact.com/manage/optin?v=001aeU_pPBHJPNJWJBdVbaci6bjGIuEJurH12xHBWDEVT_NxyCadMd7wLSZjcEZglkSjDjehuIbTHD8nABOIdV69ctfYpSzg24RCIytetBUrlIPPKgaGzjGZ8DkM0Wp1LMjbErcYUur7PbZGjeVo4gyXlz821AoJGZR⁠⁠ CONNECT WITH SUZANNE HEYWOODWebsite: ⁠www.suzanneheywood.com⁠LinkedIn:⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/suzanneheywood⁠Facebook: ⁠www.facebook.com/suzanne.heywood⁠Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/suzanneheywood1⁠Suzanne Heywood’s story is anything but typical. At just seven years old, she was pulled from her home and set adrift on a small yacht with her family, facing ten years of brutal storms, danger, and isolation on the world’s most unforgiving oceans. It’s a tale of grit and survival that shaped her into the powerhouse she is today. Now a respected business leader, Suzanne is here to share her wild, unfiltered journey, captured in her memoir, Wavewalker.
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    1 hr and 14 mins
  • Ep. 187: Deciding to Communicate Like a Leader: Coaching, Trust, and the Questions That Change Everything with Abigail Doust
    Jul 2 2025

    What if the key to better decisions, stronger relationships, and real leadership… isn’t having the right answers, but asking better questions?

    In this episode of Decidedly, we sit down with Abigail Doust—coach, trainer, speaker, and lifelong student of communication—to unpack the underrated power of listening, how to navigate hard conversations, and why most people are asking the wrong questions in business and in life.

    From her background in theater and pastoral care to coaching high-performing teams, Abigail reveals why great communication starts with self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and knowing what not to say.

    If you've ever found yourself fumbling through a conversation, giving too much advice, or wondering how to actually connect—this one’s for you.

    KEY TOPICS

    • What most people get wrong about “good communication”

    • How to ask open-ended questions that unlock real insight

    • Practical coaching tools for entrepreneurs, leaders, and parents

    • How to communicate with different personality types

    • Why “Tell me more” is the most underused phrase in business

    • How to create trust without saying much at all

    • The psychology behind reflective listening

    • Tips for navigating conflict with emotional intelligence

    • When to use coaching vs. consulting in a conversation

    CHAPTERS

    • 00:00 Introduction

    • 01:05 Embracing Uncertainty and Taking Risks

    • 04:10 The Art of Asking Better Questions

    • 04:56 The Power of Words and Communication

    • 17:45 Understanding Personality Types in Communication

    • 28:51 The Power of 'Tell Me More'

    • 29:43 Understanding Different Perspectives on Freedom

    • 31:22 Reflective Listening and Effective Communication

    • 32:19 The Importance of Open-Ended Questions

    • 35:36 Unpacking Intrinsic Motivation

    • 38:46 Building Trust Through Deep Questions

    • 50:37 The Value of Authenticity in Business

    • 51:47 Decision-Making Tips for Business Owners

    CONNECT WITH US

    • www.decidedlypodcast.com

    • Join us on Instagram: www.instagram.com/decidedlypodcast

    • Join us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/decidedlypodcast

    • Shawn’s Instagram: www.instagram.com/shawn_d_smith

    • Sanger’s Instagram: www.instagram.com/sangersmith

    MAKING A FINANCIAL DECISION?

    At Decidedly Wealth Management, we focus on decision-making as the foundational element

    of success, in our effort to empower families to purposefully apply their wealth to fulfill their

    values and build a thriving legacy.

    LEARN MORE

    www.decidedlywealth.com

    SUBSCRIBE TO OUR WEEKLY DECISION-MAKING TIP EMAIL

    Join us every Wednesday for more strategies to DEFEAT bad decision-making - one episode at a time!

    CONNECT WITH ABIGAIL

    • Website: https://equippingforimpact.com/

    • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EquippingforImpact/

    • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/equippingforimpact/?hl=en

    • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abigail-doust-impact/

    Abigail Doust is a certified coach, speaker, author, and trainer dedicated to equipping leaders to lead with impact. With a background in communication, theater, and pastoral care, she brings a unique blend of heart and strategy to her coaching and training. Abigail works with individuals, teams, and marriages to foster growth, deepen connection, and navigate meaningful change. She’s an ICF Associate Certified Coach, DISC Consultant, and passionate lifelong learner. When she’s not coaching, Abigail enjoys musicals, long walks, great coffee, and spending time with her husband and their four kids.

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    56 mins
  • Ep. 186: Deciding to Hike Your Own Hike: Lessons from the Trail About Business, Belonging, and Becoming
    Jun 23 2025

    What does a 500-mile trek through Spain, a rain-soaked trail in Scotland, and a solo summit in Colorado have to do with building a meaningful life or business?

    In this episode, we share the unexpected lessons learned from long-distance hikes, Ironman races, and conversations on the trail — and how they mirror the journey of entrepreneurship, leadership, and self-discovery.

    From the spiritual silence of the Camino de Santiago to the muddy mess of the West Highland Way, this isn’t just a story about hiking — it’s about purpose, progress, and the people who walk beside us (or don’t).

    If you’ve ever felt like the finish line didn’t fulfill you… this one’s for you.

    KEY TOPICS

    • “Hike your own hike”: What this means for life, business, and ignoring the noise

    • Why the journey is the reward — not the goal or the finish line

    • What hiking in the rain teaches us about embracing discomfort

    • The real reason entrepreneurs hesitate to sell their businesses

    • How solitude reveals what you’re actually chasing

    • The power of walking with the right people, not just anyone

    • The Camino de Santiago’s secret economy, sacred history, and soul-deep meaning

    • How to follow the right signs — and know when someone else’s path isn’t yours

    CHAPTERS

    • 00:00 Introduction

    • 00:51 Hiking in Scotland: The West Highland Way

    • 02:18 Hiking Etiquette and Annoyances

    • 03:28 Conquering Colorado's Fourteeners

    • 07:51 The Spiritual Journey of the Camino de Santiago

    • 14:44 The History and Experience of the West Highland Way

    • 16:54 Group Hiking Dynamics

    • 20:35 The Pressure to Grow in Business

    • 21:07 Redefining Success: Progress Over Growth

    • 21:50 A Lesson from the Parish Priest

    • 22:56 Zappos' Unique Hiring Practice

    • 23:59 The Importance of Human Connection

    • 27:17 The Journey is the Reward

    • 33:53 Lessons from Hiking

    • 38:31 Embracing Hardship

    • 41:21 Final Thoughts on Hiking and Life

    CONNECT WITH US

    • www.decidedlypodcast.com

    • Join us on Instagram: www.instagram.com/decidedlypodcast

    • Join us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/decidedlypodcast

    • Shawn’s Instagram: www.instagram.com/shawn_d_smith

    • Sanger’s Instagram: www.instagram.com/sangersmith

    MAKING A FINANCIAL DECISION?

    At Decidedly Wealth Management, we focus on decision-making as the foundational element of success, in our effort to empower families to purposefully apply their wealth to fulfill their values and build a thriving legacy.

    LEARN MORE

    www.decidedlywealth.com
    SUBSCRIBE TO OUR WEEKLY DECISION-MAKING TIP EMAIL

    Join us every Wednesday for more strategies to DEFEAT bad decision-making - one episode at a time!

    Show More Show Less
    42 mins
  • Deciding to Make Tough Calls: Leading Well When Stakes are High with Matthew Confer | REPLAY Ep.170
    Jun 18 2025
    Are your business decisions driven by instinct, or by strategy? How often do you actually stop to tell the difference?Matthew Confer, the mind behind decision-making simulations used by leading companies, reveals why your gut might betray you, what most leaders get wrong under pressure, and how to sharpen your instincts for critical decisions. KEY TOPICSThe bold move leaders can make to avoid catastrophic mistakes before they happen.Why seeking consensus isn’t the best leadership strategy—and what to do instead.The real reason confident leaders fail under pressure.How keeping receipts on decisions can save your team from chaos. CHAPTERS00:00 Intro: Defeating Bad Decision-Making in Life and Business 00:49 Changing Wedding Language: Patriarchy or Progress?03:06 Can Simulations Make You a Better Leader?05:32 The Dangerous Default in Team Decisions06:50 Why Consensus Isn’t Always King08:01 How Leaders Sabotage Innovation Without Realizing It10:21 What Really Drives Your Team?12:40 Adapting Management Styles: The Secret to Better Teams15:05 Leadership Practice Without the Real-World Risk17:26 Breaking Through Superficial Motivations19:30 The Challenge of Scaling a Small Company Culture21:54 Why Diverse Motivations Strengthen Teams24:14 Spotting Failure Before It Happens26:36 The Viral Social Media Campaign Dilemma29:00 The Cobra Problem: When Solutions Make Things Worse31:16 The $5 Challenge That Changed Business Strategy33:33 The Power of Writing Down Decisions35:53 How Poor Note-Taking Derails Teams38:32 How Stress Wrecks Decision-Making—And How to Stop It40:51 Why Your Most Disagreeable Employee Makes the Hard Calls43:07 Why Failure Is the Best Leadership Teacher45:32 Building Leadership Confidence in Safe Environments47:51 When Bravado Backfires in Decision-Making50:08 Are You Missing Critical Team Feedback?52:32 What MBA Simulations Reveal About Leadership Gaps54:51 The Secret Ingredient to Engaging Training Programs56:53 Matthew Confer’s Decision-Making Tip for Business Owners 58:20 Key Takeaways 59:45 Message from the Producer CONNECT WITH US⁠⁠www.decidedlypodcast.com⁠⁠⁠WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE⁠Subscribe on ⁠⁠YouTube⁠Join us on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠: @decidedlypodcastJoin us on ⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠Shawn’s ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠: @shawn_d_smithSanger’s ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠: @sangersmith Thank you to Shelby Peterson of Transcend Media for editingand post-production of the Decidedly podcast. SANGER’S BOOK: ⁠⁠A Life Rich with Significance: Transforming Your Wealth to Meaningful Impact⁠⁠ SHAWN’S BOOK: ⁠⁠Plateau Jumping: What to Change When Change Is What You Want⁠⁠ MAKING A FINANCIAL DECISION?At ⁠⁠Decidedly Wealth Management⁠⁠, we focus on decision-making as the foundational element of success, in our effort to empower families to purposefully apply their wealth to fulfill their values and build a thriving legacy. LEARN MORE: ⁠⁠www.decidedlywealth.com⁠⁠ ⁠SUBSCRIBE TO THE NEWSLETTER⁠ CONNECT WITH MATT CONFERWebsite: ⁠https://www.abilitie.com/matthew-confer/⁠LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewconfer/⁠TEDx Talk: ⁠https://www.ted.com/talks/matthew_confer_before_you_decide_3_steps_to_better_decision_making?subtitle=en⁠Learn To Lead Podcast: ⁠https://www.abilitie.com/learn-to-lead-podcast/⁠Matt Confer is the VP of Strategy at Abilitie, a Leadership Development company based in Austin, Texas that provides immersive business simulations to a global client base that includes over 50 members of the Fortune 500. Abilitie’s leadership programs have been delivered to over 100,000 professionals in more than 30 countries around the world. Matthew has spoken on the topic of decision making at the TEDx Conference with a talk entitled "Before You Decide" that has been viewed over 500,000 times on the TED website.
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    1 hr
  • Deciding to be Surrounded by Idiots: Thomas Erikson on Personality Types, Self-Awareness, and Better Team Building // Ep. 151 REPLAY
    Jun 11 2025
    What if the real reason your team can’t get along... is you?In this mind-shifting episode, international best-selling author and human behavior expert Thomas Erikson (yes, the guy behind Surrounded by Idiots) joins Decidedly to decode how understanding personality types can transform your business, relationships, and leadership style.Using the DISC model—Red, Yellow, Green, and Blue—Thomas explains why some people drive you crazy, how to stop sabotaging your own leadership, and what it really takes to build a thriving, cohesive team.Whether you're scaling a company, leading a team, or navigating family dynamics, this conversation will help you understand yourself and others with clarity, compassion, and maybe a little humor.KEY TOPICSWhat the DISC personality model really means—and how to identify your typeWhy you might be the one creating conflict on your team (yep, even with good intentions)How impatience, perfectionism, or avoidance can sabotage decision-makingThe difference between personality traits and internal motivators—and why both matter in hiringHow to build a diverse team without sacrificing unity or performanceWhy “winning” isn’t always the goal—and what actually keeps people motivatedWhat happens when family and business collide (and how Thomas makes it work)How self-awareness becomes your secret weapon in leadership and lifeCHAPTERS00:00 Intro00:53 Understanding Different Motivations03:55 Guest Introduction: Thomas Erickson04:36 The DISC Assessment Explained11:38 Self-Awareness and Leadership17:56 Building Effective Teams21:14 Recruitment and Internal Drivers26:43 Personal Stories and Reflections31:04 Balancing Competing Ideas34:50 The Importance of Motivation in Business36:35 Constructive Competition43:21 Defining Success and Legacy49:10 Aligning Family Business Goals59:51 Decision Making Tips for Business Owners01:02:23 Final Thoughts and TakeawaysCONNECT WITH US⁠⁠www.decidedlypodcast.com⁠⁠Watch this episode on ⁠YouTube⁠!Subscribe on ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠Join us on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠: @decidedlypodcastJoin us on ⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠Shawn’s ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠: @shawn_d_smithSanger’s ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠: @sangersmithSANGER’S BOOK: ⁠⁠A Life Rich with Significance: Transforming Your Wealth to Meaningful Impact⁠⁠SHAWN’S BOOK: ⁠⁠Plateau Jumping: What to Change When Change Is What You Want⁠⁠ MAKING A FINANCIAL DECISION?At ⁠⁠Decidedly Wealth Management⁠⁠, we focus on decision-making as the foundational element of success, in our effort to empower families to purposefully apply their wealth to fulfill their values and build a thriving legacy. LEARN MORE: ⁠⁠www.decidedlywealth.com⁠⁠SUBSCRIBE TO THE NEWSLETTER:⁠⁠ https://visitor.r20.constantcontact.com/manage/optin?v=001aeU_pPBHJPNJWJBdVbaci6bjGIuEJurH12xHBWDEVT_NxyCadMd7wLSZjcEZglkSjDjehuIbTHD8nABOIdV69ctfYpSzg24RCIytetBUrlIPPKgaGzjGZ8DkM0Wp1LMjbErcYUur7PbZGjeVo4gyXlz821AoJGZR⁠⁠ CONNECT WITH THOMAS ERIKSONWebsite: ⁠https://www.surroundedbyidiots.com/en/⁠Books: ⁠https://www.surroundedbyidiots.com/en/books/⁠Instagram: @thomaseriksonwriter Thomas Erikson is a behaviorist and the bestselling author of the Surrounded By series about human behaviors. The series has been translated into close to 60 languages and has sold over 8 million copies. His mission is to make people’s lives easier by making them more aware of themselves and helping them better understand what it takes to achieve the best possible communication. He is a highly sought-after public speaker, giving 120 keynote speeches annually on topics such as human behaviors, self-awareness, narcissism, and leadership. Thomas is a mentor to top-level executives and entrepreneurs all over Europe. He lives by the simple quote: You can’t change somebody else, but you can change yourself.
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    1 hr and 4 mins
  • Deciding to Expose the Fine Print: Government Claims on Medical Products w/ @justtheinserts // Ep. 166 REPLAY
    Jun 4 2025

    What if the most important medical information was hiding in plain sight?

    In this eye-opening replay of Ep. 166, we sit down with Alexandra, the powerhouse behind @justtheinserts, to uncover what pharmaceutical companies and government agencies actually disclose—if you know where to look. From vaccine inserts and adverse reaction data to the legal loopholes that protect drug manufacturers, this conversation digs deep into the fine print most patients never read.

    Whether you’re a parent making decisions for your kids, a business owner evaluating health policies, or just tired of being in the dark, this episode will give you tools to ask better questions and make more informed choices.

    KEY TOPICS

    • What a “manufacturer insert” actually is—and why you should always read it

    • Why Alexandra started @justtheinserts (and how one personal experience changed everything)

    • What the FDA and CDC do and don’t tell you about side effects

    • The risks listed for common drugs like DTaP, Vitamin K, and RSV vaccines

    • Why informed consent matters more now than ever

    • How to advocate for yourself and your family in a rushed healthcare system

    • The surprising connection between pharmaceutical marketing and legal immunity

    • How to build the skill of decisional independence in health and business

    CHAPTERS

    • 00:00 Introduction

    • 06:23 Alexandra's Journey and Instagram Success

    • 11:14 Understanding Medical Inserts

    • 15:43 Personal Experiences with Pharmaceuticals

    • 22:21 Challenges and Criticisms in Medical Research

    • 31:10 Discussing the Book and Training Course

    • 32:10 Informed Consent and Doctor-Patient Dynamics

    • 34:32 Vaccine Shedding and Its Implications

    • 37:44 Breakthrough Infections and Vaccine Efficacy

    • 38:49 Shocking Discoveries in Vaccine Inserts

    • 40:18 Personal Stories and Pharmaceutical Industry Insights

    • 47:22 Navigating Doctor's Recommendations and Informed Consent

    • 54:01 Challenges in the Medical System

    • 01:01:24 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    CONNECT WITH US

    • www.decidedlypodcast.com

    • Join us on Instagram: www.instagram.com/decidedlypodcast

    • Join us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/decidedlypodcast

    • Shawn’s Instagram: www.instagram.com/shawn_d_smith

    • Sanger’s Instagram: www.instagram.com/sangersmith

    SANGER’S BOOK: ⁠A Life Rich with Significance: Transforming Your Wealth to Meaningful Impact⁠


    SHAWN’S BOOK: ⁠Plateau Jumping: What to Change When Change Is What You Want⁠


    MAKING A FINANCIAL DECISION?

    At Decidedly Wealth Management, we focus on decision-making as the foundational element of success, in our effort to empower families to purposefully apply their wealth to fulfill their values and build a thriving legacy.

    LEARN MORE

    www.decidedlywealth.com

    SUBSCRIBE TO OUR WEEKLY DECISION-MAKING TIP EMAIL

    Join us every Wednesday for more strategies to DEFEAT bad decision-making - one episode at a time!


    CONNECT WITH ALEXANDRA FROM @JUSTTHEINSERTS

    Website: https://www.justtheinserts.com

    Instagram: @justtheinserts

    Well Considered: A Handbook for Making Informed Medical Decisions: https://www.justtheinserts.com/shop/

    Alexandra, the founder of Just the Inserts, provides training and resources for patients and parents to make informed decisions about medical products. Sourced from .gov websites, her book, training course, and website help you make informed medical decisions rooted in knowledge and confidence.

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    1 hr and 4 mins
  • Deciding to Get Out of a Rut: Practical Strategies for Getting Unstuck // Ep. 136 REPLAY
    May 29 2025

    Ever feel like you're spinning your wheels, stuck in the same place despite your efforts? In this episode, hosts Shawn and Sanger delve into the practical strategies to help you break free from life's ruts and reignite your momentum.

    Drawing from their extensive experience in decision-making and personal development, they introduce the "5 Levers of Change": Systems, Goals, Habits, Relationships, and Beliefs. Through insightful discussions and real-life examples, you'll discover how to identify which lever to pull to catalyze meaningful change.

    Whether you're facing stagnation in your career, personal life, or mindset, this episode offers actionable steps to help you move forward with clarity and purpose.

    If you've ever asked yourself, "How do I get unstuck and make lasting changes?" — this is the episode to press play on.

    KEY TOPICS

    • Understanding the 5 Levers of Change: Systems, Goals, Habits, Relationships, and Beliefs

    • Recognizing when and how to adjust your goals effectively

    • Implementing the Double Vision Exercise to explore necessary changes

    • Overcoming resistance and embracing belief transformation

    • Leveraging relationships to support your growth journey

    • Practical tactics for goal setting and achieving transformation

    CHAPTERS

    • 00:00 Introduction

    • 00:53 A Hurried Morning

    • 02:15 Introduction to Plateau Jumping

    • 02:58 The Five Levers of Change

    • 05:08 The Importance of Relationships

    • 06:23 The Missing Lever: Beliefs

    • 08:10 Applying the Five Levers

    • 16:50 Challenging Traditional Goals

    • 25:52 Double Vision Exercise Explained

    • 27:04 Visualizing the Ideal Employee

    • 30:14 Identifying the Easiest Goal

    • 31:25 The Myth of the Harvard Study

    • 35:51 The Power of Belief and Visualization

    • 39:30 Challenging Established Beliefs

    • 47:17 The Importance of Visualization in Goal Setting

    • 48:46 Where to Find the Book

    • 49:04 Closing Remarks and Credits

    CONNECT WITH US

    • www.decidedlypodcast.com

    • Join us on Instagram: www.instagram.com/decidedlypodcast

    • Join us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/decidedlypodcast

    • Shawn’s Instagram: www.instagram.com/shawn_d_smith

    • Sanger’s Instagram: www.instagram.com/sangersmith

    SANGER’S BOOK: ⁠A Life Rich with Significance: Transforming Your Wealth to Meaningful Impact⁠


    SHAWN’S BOOK: ⁠Plateau Jumping: What to Change When Change Is What You Want⁠


    MAKING A FINANCIAL DECISION?

    At Decidedly Wealth Management, we focus on decision-making as the foundational element of success, in our effort to empower families to purposefully apply their wealth to fulfill their values and build a thriving legacy.

    LEARN MORE

    www.decidedlywealth.com

    SUBSCRIBE TO OUR WEEKLY DECISION-MAKING TIP EMAIL

    Join us every Wednesday for more strategies to DEFEAT bad decision-making - one episode at a time!

    Show More Show Less
    50 mins
  • Deciding to Ask Bigger Questions: Spencer Klavan on Science, Faith & Building a Meaningful Business // REPLAY
    May 21 2025
    What’s the real point of your business — and your life?In this mind-opening conversation, scholar and cultural commentator Spencer Klavan joins host Sanger Smith to explore one of the most overlooked foundations in entrepreneurship: God.Spencer, associate editor of the Claremont Review of Books and host of Young Heretics, draws from ancient philosophy, Western civilization, and his own theological lens to examine what happens when faith, science, and leadership intersect.Whether you’re leading a company, raising a family, or just trying to figure out why the world feels so off lately — this conversation pulls back the curtain on the real questions we’re all wrestling with.This episode isn’t just philosophical — it’s deeply practical. It's a wake-up call for any leader building something on shaky ground.If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Is there more to this than money, metrics, and growth?” — this is the episode to press play on.KEY TOPICSWhy you can’t separate science from theology — and why that matters for leaders todayHow the Protestant Reformation and the Scientific Revolution were asking the same question: “What is truth?”Why the collapse of secularism is fueling a spiritual hunger in business, culture, and everyday lifeThe rise of AI, the myth of human replacement, and the eternal longing tech can’t fillWhat Russell Brand, Ion Hirsi Ali, and modern seekers reveal about the return to faithThe role of humility in leadership — and how to be the mentor people run to at 2AMWhy the telos (final cause) of your company may be the most important question you’re not askingCHAPTERS00:00 Introduction 01:20 The Role of Theology in Business03:31 Scientific Revolution and Religion07:21 Philosophy and Science Intertwined17:02 Modern Atheism and Its Decline21:02 Spirituality in Business Leadership30:01 Defining True Christianity32:09 Debating the Apostle Creed33:02 Historical Context of Christian Creeds34:39 Modern Converts and Cultural Christianity36:37 Stages of Faith Development38:56 Challenges in Faith and Personal Responsibility47:21 The Role of Technology in Faith53:00 Final Thoughts and Leadership InsightsCONNECT WITH USwww.decidedlypodcast.com Join us on Instagram: www.instagram.com/decidedlypodcast Join us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/decidedlypodcast Shawn’s Instagram: www.instagram.com/shawn_d_smith Sanger’s Instagram: www.instagram.com/sangersmith MAKING A FINANCIAL DECISION?At Decidedly Wealth Management, we focus on decision-making as the foundational element of success, in our effort to empower families to purposefully apply their wealth to fulfill their values and build a thriving legacy.LEARN MOREwww.decidedlywealth.com SUBSCRIBE TO OUR WEEKLY DECISION-MAKING TIP EMAILJoin us every Wednesday for more strategies to DEFEAT bad decision-making - one episode ata time!CONNECT WITH SPENCER KLAVANInstagram: @sklavan Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/SpencerAKlavan/⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/spencer-klavan-0a963631/⁠ ⁠How to Save the West: Ancient Wisdom for 5 Modern Crises⁠ ⁠Light of the Mind, Light of the World: How New Science is Illuminating Ancient Truths About God⁠ The New Jerusalem Substack: ⁠https://thenewjerusalem.substack.com/⁠ Rejoice Evermore Substack: ⁠https://rejoiceevermore.substack.com/⁠ Podcast: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/young-heretics/id1513602173⁠ Spencer Klavan is a scholar, associate editor of the Claremont Review of Books, and host of the Young Heretics podcast. A graduate of Yale, he earned his doctorate in ancient Greek literature from Oxford University. Spencer’s deep understanding of the roots of Western civilization makes him a trustworthy guide for navigating our evolving culture, and what we can do to help. His analysis: The situation is dire. But every crisis we face today we have faced—and surmounted—before.
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    1 hr