Thanks for listening to The Champion Forum Podcast with Jeff Hancher! Are you the most intelligent or most successful person in your circle? If so, you might need a new circle! In today’s episode, Jeff interviews successful businessman and entrepreneur Aaron Walker on the value of masterminds. They’ll explain what a mastermind is, why everyone needs one, and what can hold you back from getting the most out of your mastermind experience.
About Aaron Walker
Aaron’s mission is to help men transform their lives. Aaron has 43 years of experience as an entrepreneur. In 2013, with encouragement from his mastermind, he started the Iron Sharpens Iron Mastermind, a brotherhood of men focused on developing themselves, their businesses, relationships, and faith. Aaron enjoys giving back through his own experiences in The Mastermind Playbook - a program for helping others develop and build their mastermind, and his book View From The Top. Aaron lives in Nashville, Tennessee, with his wife Robin of 42 years. He has two amazing daughters and five beautiful grandchildren.
What is a mastermind?
A mastermind is a safe place to share the problems that you are having with a non-judgemental group that can give you feedback and advice based on their own opinions and experience. They will care about what is best for you and your success.
Isolation is the enemy of excellence.
The pandemic heightened our awareness of this. You don’t know what you don’t know. That’s why you have to rely on the experiences of other people. You were born in a particular area, into a specific socioeconomic background, and with certain ideals and principles. By getting around people whose life experiences are different, you can learn what it is that you don’t know and make better decisions as a result.
Q: Do you agree with the statement “Isolation is the enemy of excellence”? Why or why not? If you are in a mastermind or other development group, describe how it has helped or hindered your performance.
Fear of Vulnerability
Many people don’t want to be in mastermind groups because they are afraid to be vulnerable. The problem is, if you are making your decisions behind the curtain, they’re not going to last long term. Strength begins at the intersection of vulnerability and transparency. That’s where you will make meaningful relationships with people and get the feedback you need to make decisions that have a positive impact for years to come.
Q: Why do you think leaders resist being vulnerable? Describe a time you were vulnerable. How was it received?
What happens in a mastermind?
When you are a mastermind, other people can call out your superpower and call you out on your weakness. Subjecting yourself to that kind of feedback will help you grow and fulfill your potential. Being a mastermind helped both me and the others in the group. Dave Ramsey is currently on 700 radio stations. Back then, he was only on one. Ken Abraham has written over 105 books, but he hadn’t written many when we were in the mastermind.
Q: What was your definition of a mastermind before listening to this podcast. How has it changed?
Core Values
When looking for a mastermind group, you should find one where its people share your values. When they interview you, you should be interviewing them as well. I don’t want to take advice from someone who does not align with my core values.
Aaron Walker’s Core Values
Relationships matter most.
Make it amazing.
No excuses.
Everything is figureoutable.
Truth before opinion.
Application Activities:
Join a group. For some of you, the next step is joining a mastermind group. It could be small group coaching or even a small group at church for others. Find a community where you can share your experiences and challenges with people who care about you. You will see a difference in the way you live!
Do you have a fear of vulnerability? Many people do. If you want to overcome your fear of vulnerability, you will have to take action! You cannot be genuinely vulnerable with other people unless you are first vulnerable with yourself. Try spending time journaling and writing about your daily experiences. As you do, be honest about what hurt, frustrated, or challenged you. What complex emotions did you experience? Did someone trigger a memory of a negative experience that bothered you?
What are your core values? Take some time to think about it and make a list of 3-5 values that influence the way you make decisions. Don’t rush through this process! Talk it through with your parents, spouse, or another person close to you, and make sure they are standards you are willing to uphold.
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