Loved his approach of making himself available for coffee meetings in new cities, it's a great example of taking it upon yourself to create those opportunities for connections
Never considered the concept of unlikely mentors before this talk. Life's challenges and how different people stepped in to guide him was genuinely heartwarming. It goes to show the importance of keeping an open mind and heart.
No matter what you think about the message, you gotta admit he has a truly inspiring personal story of never giving up and beating tough times. Big respect for that, seriously.
I appreciate the emphasis on engaging with mentors. It's not just about finding them; it's about being open enough within yourself that you're able to actively learning and growing.
After years of not being in touch, you somehow popped on my feed. I listened to your talk and am highly impressed - you even gave a shout out to Miguel … hope he has listened as well. Very inspiring, and I wish you the best. I think you’ve got many more talks headed your way. Love your message. Thank you for sharing it. Way to go Chris! Glad to have worked with ya at LPD.
I love how this video emphasizes the importance of giving back once you've found success. We all have the power to be unlikely mentors to someone else who's struggling.
He really highlighted something we often overlook-the value of mentors from unexpected places. It's a powerful reminder to be open to learning from everyone around us. Loved how he intertwined personal stories with practical advice.
That is a good point and observation. The opportunity to find a mentor isn't so ingrained in our society anymore so to be vigilant and seek out that guidance is well worth doing
Thank you Maylen I appreciate the compliment. We’re trying to fire up the world let’s keep spreading the word there are so many that are in need of unlikely mentors. I appreciate your kind words.
Glad you liked the hotdog cart story, there are so many more. The people just out side our circle can be the key to our success, we just have to be open to their influence.
My mentor was a dude I worked construction with. I worked with him for about 6 years before he hung himself, no warning. Made me get out of the industry and I'll always be thankful to him because it's not the best industry in terms of your mental health.
There is so much we can learn from others if we're open to it. Some are lucky enough to get a proper mentorship, others have to just find it where we can.
This makes sense to me... a mentor is someone you trust to push you more then you would push yourself, sometimes into uncomfortable places and that's where personal growth happens
I got kinda emotional when he talked about his wife helping him reconnect with the idea of family and relationships. It's a reminder that our "unlikely mentors" can be the people closest to us as well.
You’re so kind, thanks for your comment. Unlikely Mentors are all around us. I find it interesting how sometimes they can be right in front of us, but we are not open to their positive influence. I feel it’s important to constantly learn and reframe the way we see things so we can live our best life.
Thank you for your connect! The goal was to open people up to the influence of people around them they may not even notice or to seek out those who inspire them and transform into the kind of person they may gravitate toward so they can learn from them. Make it a great day.
Truth! My mentors inspired me to step out of my comfort zone and not be afraid to ask for help or ask questions. I was shocked how willing successful people were to schedule calls with me or meet up for coffee. I hope one day I can pass on the favor. Great speech!
This talk made me reflect on the 'Miguels' and 'Rons' in my own life. People who came from the periphery but had a significant impact on my growth. It's a beautiful reminder to cherish and seek out these connections.
The idea that mentorship doesn't have to come from traditional sources is so refreshing! It's like everyone has something valuable to offer, we just have to take the time to listen to them
Loved the story about Mauricio, the fact that his support led to such a life-changing opportunity is so powerful and also to me it speaks to the impact we can have on others by just being supportive and showing up for them, that's something really beautiful.
Thank you, Chris, for sharing your stories, your highs, and your lows. We touch so many people throughout our lives, in so many different ways and most of us will never know that we were a positive influence on family, friends, students we teach or colleagues we work with, until someone tells us "Thank you" and then shares how we impacted their lives. Continued Success!
His concept of "unlikely mentors" is awesome, a little unconventional but maybe that's why it's so good. I think we often have an idea of what a mentor should look like, and it makes sense how that can be so limiting
I think his experience speaks to the fact that mentorship can help individuals reconnect with values and skills they may have lost touch with but still place importance on... sometimes seeing someone embody things you think are important is all it takes to bring it out in you again
I think part of why mentorship is so valuable is because it allows us to see new perspectives. Sometimes all it takes is a different viewpoint to unlock our hidden potential.
The mix of personal and professional growth is pretty cool to hear about! Goes to show that when you start changing your life it's your _whole_ life that changes.
I like how much his experiences speak to the importance of being OPEN and AWARE so that you're able to make the most out of things as they are happening.
What a boost to my day! This is a refreshing and compelling bit of advocacy for productivity, proactivity, and prosperity overlapping with kindness. I love Chris’s attitude and outlook. Aspirational stuff!
Yes, mentors are paramount in helping to fulfill your potential. Not just because they guide you but because of the example they set as successful people, real and in reach. Once you see and know that greatness is achievable it allows you to strive for it in a tangible way.
mentorship coming from unexpected places is such a cool concept! I think mentally it makes us open to seeing the possibilities within people and experiences
That story about having to push the car to start it was crazy, haha! I can't even imagine dealing with that kind of struggle. Major respect to him for pushing through all that adversity.
Thank you for your comment. I was told only the Mazda RX7 could be started by pushing it backwards because of the rotary motor. I was the unfortunate one that owned a lemon. It happens, but it built character for sure. Nothing like pushing your car backward to get it to start. Talk about getting out of your comfort zone.
“If you are uncomfortable , you are on on the right track” is sage advice for those wanting to learn and grow. Chris is a model for so many of us looking for ways to make more meaning with the help of others. He shares his wisdom on how to doing this with intention can make all the difference in life and lead to making the impossible possible. Well worth the time to watch his TEDx video here. I am already thinking about who some of my unlikely mentors might be. Thank you Chris!
I agree, this made me think of so many people who have become my loved ones, and just having something to make me realize how special all of that is was really wonderful and worth the watch!
Love the reminder to stay open to unexpected influence... if we're open and curious we can learn lessons from pretty much anyone that guide us towards growth
Thanks for your comment Babs! It’s funny sometimes we just overthink how we will achieve our goals. Often someone else has done the same thing before you and it may just take a little effort to see them right in front of you. Unlikely Mentors are all around us changing lives everyday.
The key is to transform into the kind of person unlikely mentors may be drawn to so they can influence in a posative way. Sometime they are employers, sometimes people we indirectly engage with but never pay attention too. Sometimes they are right in front of us be we are not open to thier guidence yet. I hope you not only find or identify your unlikely menotrs, but that you may also become one as well to guide others. Good luck!
The emphasis on adopting behaviors before they feel natural is so helpful. I know personal growth means stepping outside our comfort zone but I never thought about how that can be applied to habits
I loved this! Chris has inspired me in many ways in the 15 year business relationship with him. He has taught me how to be a Professional and have a incredible work ethic. Loved hearing this!
Jeff I really appreciate your comments! You are a true professional and it’s been amazing to watch you grow! Spread the word.. unlikely mentors are changing the world…
Chris, this is amazing. So moving, inspiring and instructive. I’m feeling proud and lucky to call you a trusted colleague and friend. Thank you for the impact that you’re making.
Thank you for the comment. I appreciate the honest feedback. A lot of thought went into this talk with the goal of inspiring others to make positive change in their lives by being open to the concept of unlikely mentors. Make it a great day!
I love the story about writing the go-kart manual! I think it does a great job of demonstrating the value of being thrown into challenging situations and how we discover new capabilities through those experiences.
Great job Chris! I’ve known this guy for Probably about 15 years now he’s always trying to do better! And does every year that’s the thing the more you live like this the more you will achieve!
Love the points about how it's all an ongoing process. I agree the key to self-growth is continuously seeking inspiration and learning from those who excel is a great way to be inspired.
This is awesome. I always thought mentors were like distinguished older people with decades of experience in their field who maybe decide they want a protege and there are a few people lucky enough to be those proteges... but the way this framed that mentor/mentee relationship is a lot more realistic and hopeful
say what you want, but the simple fact that this guy went from being homeless as a kid to running successful businesses and feeding literal millions is pure inspiration!
Couldn't agree more. As important as it is to have a strong sense of self, we really learn so much about ourselves by what is reflected in other people and if you have someone you trust and respect to guide you through it makes such a difference.
Thank you for your comment. Just think of how we also make an impact as unlikely mentors to those who could use the guidance. We learn, we give and we encourage growth.
I love the story Chris! Great information and very up lifting. Too many people think there is no way they can improve but you are a prime example of what is possible when you are open to learning and to improve.
He is pretty inspiring, gotta admit. The way he recognized his own skills and potential, even when others didn't, is like a superpower. We could all benefit from having that level of self-belief.
Thank you for your comment. Unlikely Mentors guided me through some challenging times. We can all benefit from being open to the influence of others around us. I did have a good work thing and grind but it needed to be polished. Make it a great day!
At the end of the day, the core message of keeping an open mindset and learning from unexpected sources is just solid life advice, no notes. Talk was simple but impactful for sure
Chris … great talk and idea of unlikely mentors. Your success speaks to the power of mentor ship, both receiving and providing the hope and insight mentors inspire. I appreciate the talk and your mentorship of me on the business side of things. Keep it up and thanks for sharing your story. Ashley Rocks!
Thank you, Jeff. I have always admired your family's work ethic and personal touch during our interactions. I wish you all the success in the world and appreciate your comment and compliments.
I totally felt that point about picking up habits before your mindset catches up. Changing your lifestyle isn't a walk in the park, but that's some seriously practical advice.
Thank you for your comment! We are always evolving it’s my belief that sometime these unlikely mentors can show us how to identify strengths/skill in ourselves we may not see. Building good habits is life changing and following others that have already adopted this process can propel you in your personal and professional life, no doubt!
My first mentor was my English/Drama teacher. I was 13 when I first had her and I was in her class all the way to the end of high school. I adored her because she was so weird haha and got to see this different side of her in drama class. When I started outside of school I always showed her my stuff and asked her to critique it and when I was the only one who get full marks on the creative writing task in our final exams I could seriously feel the pride radiating from her. It was such an incredible experience that I will be eternally grateful for.
Loved hearing about his journey, and I think that kind of resilience is a testament to the power of staying open, curious and trusting even while facing adversity. Really wonderful stuff.
Thanks you. The goal of the talk was to inspire others to do the same. Draw in those people that can change your life. We do need to shop up with openness though. Please share the talk so we can change lives together. Make it a great day!
Great advice, such a positive and inspirational speech. Loved your advice and would love to see this showed in jr & high schools. Positive reinforcement for kids and young adults to always look for the positive in life and not to give up during adversity.
Chris, yours is a great story and potent message. Anyone who is skeptical and doesn’t follow your advice will miss out on measures of success and immensely meaningful relationships.
It probably feels really satisfying the mentor as well, to watch someone they've taken under their wing flourish and become more and more themselves. Sounds like a pretty great experience all in all!
