Interview with an international keynote speaker, trainer and authority from Influence 100
Andy, our success in life is often tied to our origin story or where we come from. How did the place where you grew up help you become who you are?
I didn’t have a lot of self-confidence early in life. When I entered high school, at Bremerton High School in Bremerton, WA, instead of enrolling in a physical education class, they had an option for NJROTC (Navy Junior Reserve Officer Training Corp). I about NJROTC. It turned out to be one of the best things I could have done. In that structured, pseudo-military-type environment, I began to find my identity and self-confidence. I excelled in this environment and it helped shape who I am today.
Where you live now?
Broken Arrow, Oklahoma
I find that knowing the type of family you come from helps me form a more complete picture. Who do you consider family?
I am happy to have a wonderful wife, children on the way, furkids, nieces, nephews and crazy friends that I include as a family.
Your superpowers?
Be motivating and visionary.
What key events or memories changed the course of your life? Was there a determining factor that made you who you are today?
Several years ago, I had the opportunity to attend an Advanced Leadership Seminar in San Francisco, CA. Although he was working full time, he did not believe he had the resources to attend this training. However, I had a very good friend who believed in me and she prayed with me every day (literally, because I called her every day at lunch for a couple of weeks). Finally he gave me the advice to start asking people if they had any work that they needed to do that I could do. I went to see a mutual friend and he said he had a job. I gardened for him for two days, but he still didn’t have the full amount required for the seminar won and the deadline had come. I asked him to put the money in and he would return it to him with a next commission check. He and his wife discussed it and agreed that it was the right thing to do and helped me get to this seminar.
This experience taught me that my provision is not always one way. I did not have the monetary resources available, but had time and networking available, which resulted in the required provision.
Do you have or have you had a mentor? Who is / was and what do they bring to your life?
Yes, I have a mentor and have had several mentors throughout my life. My current mentor is Jack Zufelt (another Influence 100 authority). It gives me a different perspective and leads me to think better in many areas. Another mentor was Brian Klemmer. It taught me about my belief systems and the power of desire.
Do you consider yourself a mentor? If so, what is the most important thing you can share with someone seeking guidance?
Yes. I have been a mentor to many in the area of speech. Most people are terrified of talking. The only way to overcome the fear of speaking is to just do it. Find a place to practice speaking and just hone your speaking skills. You will never completely erase the adrenaline rush that occurs just before speaking. However, there are ways to manage it. There is a point of view to consider. If you consider the physical symptoms of fear / anxiety and excitement, you will notice that they are the same. Increased heart rate, sweaty palms, shortness of breath, etc. For me, fear and excitement are two sides of the same coin. It all depends on how you see the situation. Are you afraid to speak or are you excited to speak? It is simply your way of thinking in the moment. That is the short answer.
In 100 years, how would you like to be remembered?
As a loving man who has inspired those around him to bring out the best in them and to move forward in life through daily challenges so that they can be an example to those closest to them.
Favorite quote
Ephesians 2:10 “Because we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so that we can do the good things that he planned for us long ago.”
What do you consider to be some of the highlights of your career so far?
One, to be featured as an Influence 100 authority. I also ran for the United States Senate in Oklahoma in 2014. I also had the opportunity to travel across the United States and meet thousands of interesting people and influence hundreds of policy makers. decisions. I was recently invited to speak as far away as India and the UK.
What do you expect professionally? What excites you?
I am launching a new formation called the Academy of Superheroes. This is a multi-day event and will give each attendee a new perspective on who they really are and what they can achieve.
They will discover how they are a masterpiece created for a specific purpose. In other words, each person is a superhero who yearns to unleash their own superpowers in a very special and unique way.
What this means is that each person will be able to have better relationships, duplicate what they are doing now, reinvigorate their current job or career, or find a new one / business and find more happiness in life.
Tell me about your business.
I deliver an inspiring 90 minute speech for corporations and organizations.
I also provide a pack in which I guide a person through a process to find out what success is and what their strengths are in life.
Who do you work with?
Corporations, organizations and individuals who want to change the world for the better.
Who do you love to work with? What type of customer?
Those who have the desire to change the world for the better. Your world can be local, regional, national, or international.
What makes you and your company unique compared to your competitors?
My mission is to completely transform the human heart. Each person is in essence a caterpillar awaiting metamorphosis into a beautiful butterfly. In other words, each of us is a superhero, waiting to unleash our gifts or superpowers in a very special and unique way. I facilitate that transformation and unleashing of the superpowers.
Since we are so close to Independence Day here in the United States, I would also add that transformation also helps each person gain the freedom they seek.
The story behind his published writings:
Why did you write your chapter on “Change 3”? book? What did you want to share?
I wrote a chapter in which I shared what I learned when I ran for the United States Senate in 2014. My goal was to inspire people to achieve more in life.
What message are you sending people with your words?
They are capable of fulfilling the dream that they have in their heart. It was put there by design.
Who do you think your speaking engagements, your training and your writing help?
Anyone with big goals and dreams in their heart to achieve.
What character traits have been most important in getting you where you are today?
Faith, perseverance and learning from my failures.
What do you know for sure?
Jesus is the lord. He is the only constant in this world. Relationships fluctuate, businesses change, bodies change, life passes, but Jesus is the same. He is my rock.
What are you thankful for?
My salvation above all. After that, my wife, Michelle. She is my constant companion and always believes in me. From there, my family and friends and my mentor, Jack, as he is always available when I ask for his help.
The style behind the success, let’s find out more about what makes Andy tick. It’s a quick round!
Jeans or persimmons?
I brought when talking, jeans at any other time.
Watch or play sports?
I enjoy playing sports, but I actually see more than I play right now.
Coffee, beer or wine?
Coffee in the morning.
With your feet resting on the desk or resting on the floor?
Leaning on the ground.
Holidays close to home or around the world?
Both. It totally depends on what we decide. I would like to see Europe and Asia and especially Israel. And I’m happy to drive a few hours to Texas or another nearby state and stay there too.
Beach or ski resort?
I would enjoy both, however, we would probably go to the beach. We both prefer hot to cold.
Your weekend: do you plan every moment or improvise?
I improvise it. Michelle likes to plan things.
Andy, how can people connect with you to get more information?